Haneul’s POV

We headed towards the playground near their school, but there was no one around.

“Is this the wrong place?” Junhyung asked. He looked so lost and confused.

“I don’t know.” I mumbled, looking around.

“.” He cursed.

I looked at him. He was frowning and looking as thou he would kill someone very soon. I looked around the area, trying to see if there were people lurking around or not.

“Junroro, is that… Ji Eun’s?” I asked, pointing at a scarf hanging on the tree branch.

“Yes, yes. She wore it today. I adjusted it for her before I let her into school. Does that mean they are here? Huh?” He asked as he tried to retrieve the scarf.

“Be careful!” I said as I watch him try to climb the tree.

“I’m going to… kill that… .” He grumbled as he held onto one of the branch, trying to reach for scarf.

“Agh! Damn!” He cursed when he jumped down, with the scarf in his hand.

“Seems like the BodyArt yoga did help in some way.” I said, patting his back.

“Well, I don’t really enjoy using those yoga tactics in such a way.” He said.

“Just saying.” I mumbled.

“Sorry. I… I am just anxious.” He smiled apologetically.

“I know. So am I. Whoever that is playing something like that on us, I’m so going to snap his/her neck.” I said.

“Count me in.” He said, holding Ji Eun’s scarf close to his chest.

His phone rang. It was another message.

It was a photo of CUBE. The words below were; ‘Seems like our little Junhyung is more flexible than he looks. Anyway, I am sure you know this place very well, don’t you? Go there, have a hot drink on this cold, cold day, and then we’ll continue ^^’

“He is definitely around here.” Junhyung said.

“Let’s go.” I said, running to the car as I texted the others the venue.

Our plan was that Junhyung and I will play the game with whoever this idiot is, while the others circle around the areas where the ‘clue’ is to see if they can find Tae Hyun and Ji Eun.

Since their school is near CUBE, we arrived pretty shortly.

“Do you see them?” He asked, looking around.

“No, but I see this.” I said, pointing to the steps.

On the steps were both Ji Eun and Tae Hyun’s water bottle.

“He asked us to have a drink. Are we supposed to drink?” I asked.

“Drink?” He looked at me, and then picked up one of the bottle, so did I.

It was full. I pushed open the cap. It was not water inside. It was coffee. Americano. And it was burning hot judging from the smoke and the warmness of the bottle despite it being insulated.

“I…” I looked at Junhyung.

I am not a coffee person. I sure enjoy frappes from Starbucks and all, but to drink hot coffee is a torture for me, let alone something like that.

“I’ll drink it.” He said, opening the cover.

“It’s very hot.” I said.

“What matters now?” He said, gulping down the bitter drink.

He winced as the drink burn him. I felt bad for having him drink my share as well, so I tried, but I failed terribly. It taste so bad.

“Don’t. Hand it to me.” He gestured. His cheeks and lips were red from the heat.

“I’ll just pinch my nose and finish it.” I said.

“No. It’s fine. I love coffee. I ing love scorching hot Americano.” He hissed as he snatched the bottle from me, drowning his throat with the hot bitter drink.

“Are you okay?” I asked worriedly.

“Feeling so damn warm I think I am going to die.” He grumbled as he panted.

I let out a slight chuckle.

“I love you.” I hugged him.

His phone rang. Another message.

It was a photo of Baskin Robbins. The message below was; ‘Are your stomachs warm enough? Or perhaps, too warm? Go eat ice cream! Aren’t I a nice person hmm?’

“Nice my .” Junhyung said.

“There’s one behind, let’s go.” I said, dragging him over.

“Don’t drag me like that. I am going to puke. I can feel the coffee swimming in my stomach. Ugh..” He frowned.

“Sorry.” I said as we power walked to Baskin Robbins.

“So, we just simply buy one and eat it?” I asked.

“I don’t think so.” He said, eyes not taking off a table.

I glanced over at what he was looking at and almost cursed. I would have been the happiest person alive if we were not rushing for time. But we were, and there was no way we could finish a half gallon in such a short period of time. To add to that, Junhyung looks too sick to even eat, so that means I got to finish it on my own.

There was a note under the two spoons; ‘This is expensive okay! Finish it, and then we’ll continue :)’

On the seats were Tae Hyun and Ji Eun’s jackets.

“Why does he keep taking off their clothes!? They’ll be so cold!” Junhyung raised his voice.

“Shhh! Sit down.” I pushed him to sit down.

I stared at the ice cream in front of me.

“Let’s… eat.” I said.

He was forcing the ice cream down his throat. He ate so quickly that his chin and neck were dripping ice cream. I kept wiping it for him but each time I clean him, he will be dirtied again.

“I’ll finish the rest.” I said, unable to stand looking at him force himself.

“It’s fine.” He said, shoving another spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.

“You’ll vomit at this rate.” I said.

“Two mouths are better than one.” He said.

“Stop eating. Wait.” I said, standing up.

“Where are you going?” He asked, ice cream all over his mouth.

Despite the situation, I couldn’t not laugh at how cute he looked.

“Wipe your mouth.” I handed him a handful of tissue.

I went to the counter and came back with a larger spoon.

“What are you doing?” He asked.

“Ice cream soup.” I said, stirring the ice cream to melt it.

“You hated stuff like that. You said it looks like sewage.” He said.

“Of course I still hate it.” I said, staring at the multi coloured liquid in front of me.

“But it’s faster this way.” I said, gulping the liquid down.

It still tasted like ice cream, but I absolutely hated things like that. Then again, if he can gulp down two bottles of scorching hot bitter Americano, why can’t I drink something cold and sweet?

“Ugh..” I gulped down the water he handed me.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

“I think I may get diabetes.” I said seriously.

He laughed and shook his head. But the laughter faded away when his phone rang.

It was another photo. Our school. We headed over without even bothering to curse. When we arrived, we knew the rules. We glanced around and spotted Tae Hyun’s beanie hanging on the gates. Junhyung climbed up to retrieve it.

His phone rang again. Another photo. The playground near the bookstore. This time it was a little different. Their stuff were scattered all over the place, as thou leading us to somewhere. We picked up their books, stationary, socks, Ji Eun’s hair band and so on.

“Is this person mad? Even their socks!?” Junhyung asked as he picked up Ji Eun’s socks.

“Poor kids must be so damn cold without all these.” He said with a slight pout.

We were led back to the bookstore. Our bookstore.

On the door of our bookstore stuck a note; ‘Now, last place. Go to where it all begin. Time is ticking ^^’

“Where it all begin? What? Does he mean us? Or the kids?” Junhyung asked.

“I don’t think he meant us. If it’s us, then it has to be school. But we’ve been there already.” I said.

“Is it the orphanage?” He asked.

“No. I think it’s the airport.” I said.

“Airport? Why the airport?” He asked.

“Jace and I found the kids there. And the airport is also where me and you started again, sort of. No?” I asked.

“Alright, airport.” He said as we hurried to the car.

Time was really ticking. It was 8.50PM already. I can’t believe we spent Shin Il’s birthday chasing some lunatic.

“I feel so sorry towards Loki.” I said.

“We’ll make it up to him. I’m sure that boy wants his hyung and noona back too.” He said.

We headed towards the airport. It was as crowded as ever.

“Now what? Where do we start?” He asked.

“Turn right. We’ll go to the place Jace and I found the kids.” I said, directing the way.

True enough, when we were there, at the corner, near the bin, there was a paper bag. Inside the paper bag were Tae Hyun and Ji Eun’s nametag.

“Where the hell are they? What did he do to them?” Junhyung asked. He sank into the bench, burying his face in his palms. As time passed, we were feeling lost, confused and worried. Who would do something like that? What does he want from the kids? He did not ask for a ransom or anything of that sort. Just… why?

“Damn it! Really! Damn it!” He cursed aloud, earning a few stares from the passersby.

I pulled him back to the car. He kept banging his head against the steering wheel. I stared at the nametags on my palms. Junhyung’s phone rang. This time, it wasn’t a message. It was a call.

“Was it fun?” The voice asked.

“ you! Where are you!? What do you want!? Return my babies to me! I don’t want to play any more games with you! I just want my kids back! Please!! I’ll give you anything! Why are you doing this!?” Junhyung shouted, almost pleading.

 “Because it’s fun to play with you, Junhyung ah~” The voice laughed.

“Please, stop it.” I said.

“Oh! You’ve spoken finally.” The voice said.

“Whoever you are, it’s not funny anymore. Stop it before we phone the police.” I said.

“Is this a threat?” The voice asked.

“It’s a warning.” I said.

“Very well.” The voice said.

There was silence for a while.

“The of the game now.” The voice said.

I clenched my fists.

“If you can catch me, I’ll return the kids to you.” The voice said.

“STOP IT! PLEASE! JUST RETURN THEM TO ME!” Junhyung yelled.

“I don’t understand why you’re so scared. They’re not even your blood and flesh.” The voice said.

Junhyung’s jaw clenched in anger.

“Don’t. You. Ever. Say. Something. Like. That.” He hissed.

“Am I wrong to say? They are just adopted.” The voice continued to anger Junhyung.

I shook Junhyung’s arm, trying to calm him down.

‘Don’t fall for it.’ I mouthed to him.

“So are we playing or not?” The voice asked.

“You have to let us know where you are before we can start, no?” I asked, trying hard to stay calm.

“Of course.” The voice said.

We heard a loud horn. Our attention diverted to a black van across us. The window of the driver’s seat wind down slightly. We could not see the driver’s face, only his hands. He gestured us forward, as thou asking us to chase him. We were not sure as to what to do. Should we really go around chasing this lunatic? Or should we just phone the police?

We made a decision when we saw him slip out what seems like Tae Hyun’s uniform blouse.

“I’ll kill him.” Junhyung hissed as he stepped hard on the engine, speeding towards the van.

We chased the van aimlessly from behind. Honestly, aren’t we mad too? We are apparently chasing after something we don’t know. What if the kids are not with him after all? What if it was all a trap to divert our attention to something else? But what can we do apart from chasing blindly?

“Isn’t this… home?” Junhyung asked.

We looked around the place. He is right. This place is where our home where.

“Where is he?” Junhyung asked, looking around.

We lost him.

“AISH!!!!” Junhyung punched the steering wheel hard.

“Don’t do that.” I held onto his hand, rubbing his redden knuckles.

“Now what!? ing what!?” He shouted.

Our eyes were blinded by strong lights, and then we heard what sounded like an engine. The black van appeared before us again, and it seem like it was speeding towards us, wanting to knock us down or something.

“Oh no. Reverse, Junroro! Reverse the ing car!” I slapped his arm wildly.

He stepped on reverse, but we could not really see properly with the van’s headlights shining in our faces. We were doing everything blindly. We stopped when we banged into something. I turned back and then back to Junhyung.

“Dead end.” I said.

The van did not seem to want to stop, instead it was picking up speed. Was he out to kill us? We could not get out of the car, because that would mean getting knocked down as well.

I stared blankly at Junhyung as he removed his seat belt.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

He did not say anything. Instead, he leaned over to my side, pulling me into his embrace, shielding me with his body.

“I love you.” He whispered.

I tried to push him away but he would not move. We squeezed our eyes shut as we hear the car speeding nearer towards us. We were both prepared for the impact when the headlights turned off. The angry engine sound of the van were gone too.

Junhyung and I looked at each other, confused. What just happened? We were snapped out of our thoughts by the knocking on the windscreen. There was a man in front of us. We stared at him as he removed his hood, smiling at us. Jace!?

He waved to us and sent us a flying kiss.

We understood everything immediately. It was him who was fooling around with us all along. We were both lost for words. I glanced at Junhyung. His face spelt anger, confusion and betrayal. I got scared when he stepped onto the engine hard, but not moving the car yet.

“What are you doing?” I asked worriedly.

“He wants to play.” He said dangerously.

“Don’t be crazy, Junroro! That’s Jace! You can punch him or what, he deserves it! But he don’t deserve to die because of this! Come on!” I shook his arm.

Junhyung wind down his side of the window.

“You want to play? Running man? Let’s play another game. It’s called running from angry Junhyung. If you can escape my car, I’ll spare your life.” Junhyung pointed at Jace.

Jace paled as Junhyung stepped on the engine, moving the car towards him.

“JUNHYUNG! YONG JUNHYUNG!! STOP!!” I kept smacking Junhyung’s arm, but he did not even bother about me.

I guess he was really angry this time. I am angry too. How could Jace play such tricks on us? But… maybe because halfway through his so called game, I kind of thought it would be Jace. Therefore I was not so surprised.

I watch in horror as Junhyung chase Jace. Jace was on foot. I don’t know why he did not drive. Perhaps because he did not want to cause an accident. But angry Junhyung can do anything.

“Stop, Junhyung! Please! Damn it!” I yelled.

I did not want to wrestle for the steering wheel with him. It might end up killing the both of us, Jace and other innocent people.

Junhyung stopped the car abruptly. He got out of the car and stomped towards a shocked Jace. He swung his fist across Jace’s cheek.

“Of all things to play with!” Junhyung yelled, kicking Jace in his stomach.

“Stop! Stop!” I hugged Junhyung from behind.

“HOW COULD YOU!?” Junhyung yelled, shaking in anger.

“Thank you for your welcome gift.” Jace smiled.

I frowned at him, but he winked at me.

“Baby boy, I’m sorry.” Jace said.

“HOW COULD YOU USE THEM LIKE THAT!? DO YOU KNOW HOW FREAKING WORRIED WE WERE!!?” Junhyung shouted, tears spilling all over his cheeks.

“Awww~ You’re still my baby boy.” Jace said, pulling Junhyung into his embrace.

“Go away!” Junhyung tried to push Jace away, but Jace held onto him tighter.

“Where are they?” I asked, looking inside the van. They were not there.

“Home.” Jace said, pulling away from Junhyung.

“Huh?” I looked at him.

“I sent them back already. Would I really chase you around with them in the car?” He laughed.

“You think it’s funny, Jace?” I asked.

Before he could speak, I kicked him in his stomach.

“This is for worrying us like that.” I said.

I kicked his knee before he could stand up.

“This is for making Junhyung cry.” I said.

I slapped him across his cheek.

“And this, welcome back.” I smiled.

“That’s… really violent.” He whined.

Junhyung was giggling at his state.

“Let’s go. Shin Il’s waiting.” I said, heading over to the car.

When we got back home, it seemed like the party had already started.

“Hey, are you guys still angry?” Jace asked, appearing behind us.

“Of course.” We said in unison.

But then again, of course we were not. We were glad that Tae Hyun and Ji Eun are safe. And Jace is back.

“Oh! You guys are back!?” Yoseob smiled.

“You… you guys.. knew?” Junhyung asked.

“Well, I sort of got caught by them. Hee~” Jace said, looking down.

“So, you guys knew, and let us go crazy?” Junhyung asked again.

“Sorry.” The boys pouted.

Junhyung looked like he was going to punch them when Ji Eun saved them.

“Appa!” Ji Eun smiled, appearing from behind.

She did not seem to realize anything.

“My girl. You’re okay. Gosh.” Junhyung hugged her tightly.

“Appa, wae?” Ji Eun asked.

“Nothing. Nothing. Just...” He kissed Ji Eun on her forehead.

Tae Hyun walked out too and got pulled into the hug as well. He seemed so shocked by the sudden hug.

“Where’s the birthday boy?” Jace asked.

“Wrestling with Mir or something.” I said.

“Shin Il!!!!!!!!” I shouted for him.

“WAEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!” The boy shouted back, running out of the room with something that seems like an iPad in his hand.

“Baby! Stop!” Junhyung caught him.

“Whose iPad is this?” Junhyung asked.

“Mine.” Seungho said, munching on the food.

He did not seem concerned about the safety of his iPad at all. Why?

“Return it to Seungho ahjusshi.” Junhyung said.

“No! Mine!” Shin Il pouted, hugging the iPad tight.

“Yea, yea. Yours. Don’t drop it huh.” Seungho said.

I took the iPad from Shin Il anyway. He pouted at me but I ignored him.

“So, you’re the legendary Loki?” Jace asked, looking at the boy.

“Do you remember who is this?” Junhyung asked.

“How would he know?” Jace laughed.

“Jace ahjusshi!” Shin Il said cheerfully.

Of course we would tell him about Jace. But we were as surprised as Jace is when Shin il actually remembered.

“You… know me?” Jace asked.

Shin Il just smiled.

“It’s Jace appa now! My godson!” Jace took Shin Il’s from Junhyung’s arms, throwing him in the arm, entertaining the boy.

We had no time to go ask Jace why was he back, when did he come back, how long would he be staying and why the hell did he play such a stupid prank on us. But I made a mental note to torture him later on.

While the boys played with the kids, I prepared the food and the cake in the kitchen.

“Baby girl~” Jace called out as he stepped in.

“Don’t talk to me. You’re not forgiven.” I said.

“Aww.. You’re not so mean~” He poked my arm, pouting.

“Oh my goodness, you’re even showing aegyo now?” I asked.

“I have to~” He smiled.

“I’ll deal with you later. Now, bring the cake out. Look at the freaking time!” I yelled.

“YES, MDM!” He took the cake from me with a smile.

“Birthday boy! Come here!” Junhyung yelled.

Shin Il was going crazy chasing Mir and Dongwoon all over the house. It seemed like he was the only one having fun while the two look like they were dying.

“Don’t you want your cake? Hmm?” Junhyung asked, catching the boy in his arms.

“Hyung! Really! You shouldn’t have named him Loki. Goodness.. He is.. out to kill us!” Dongwoon panted.

“Really? You’re so naughty? Hmm?” Junhyung snuggled his face into Shin Il’s stomach, causing the boy to laugh hysterically.

“He is so cheerful.” Jace commented.

“Too cheerful.” I said.

When Junhyung finally settled the boy in front of his cake, he was still laughing. It was still his birthday, thankfully. We sang him the song quickly before he could punch his fist into the cake. Junhyung was holding onto him tightly but the tighter he held onto the boy, the more the boy wanted to move.

After blowing off the candles, Junhyung let him go.

“Go on, smash your face into the cake for all I care.” He said.

“Whose birthday?” Shin Il asked suddenly.

We looked at each other, and then back at him.

“It’s your birthday, darling.” Junhyung said.

Shin Il nodded and stared at the cake.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!” Shin Il yelled suddenly, clapping and smiling to himself.

We laughed at his sudden reaction. I have to admit, no matter how naughty he is, he is no doubt extremely cute.

Shin Il was climbing all over those presents, tearing off the wrapper randomly and laughing his head off at I don’t know what. Of course, Tae Hyun and Ji Eun had presents too. The boys got them things like bicycles, roller blades, scooters and stuff like that. Jace got them a whole playground, swing included. He also gave us our belated house warming gift. A duo massage chair or something. He said something about it being custom made and that it would only be strong if two of us sits on it together. What kind of a weird chair is that?

We fed the kids and let them play around for awhile. I sat on the couch, watching the whole group of them on all fours, playing with the babies. Even Seungho was rolling about, letting the kids jump on him, rip his shirt and all. Ji Eun was demonstrating her Judo skills on her ahjusshis who willingly let her kick and flip. We signed her up for the course because Junhyung said it is self-defense. He became her practice partner then. Tae Hyun and Shin Il enjoyed being flipped and thrown around by the boys. Their personal theme park.

We let them play till it was way pass their bed time, but I guess we could afford it since they had no school the next day. When they were obviously tired already, the boys took them to shower. I stood at the doorway, watching twelve grown man try to shower three kids. Junhyung was obviously more experienced but despite three years, he always came out of the toilet wet.

I laughed when Shin Il ‘accidentally’ sprayed the hose in their direction, drenching all of them in an instance.

“You don’t exactly have to live up to your name as the god of mischief, you know.” Doojoon said, wiping the water from his face.

Shin Il just grinned, as usual.

After a hard time of showering, putting on clothes for them was a much easier job, with the exception of Shin Il.

The boy had Yoseob, Mir and Joon chasing him around the house with his clothes in their hands while he ran around the house . I watch them struggle for awhile before stepping out to help.

“STOP! You little exhibitionist! What do you think you’re doing running around the house huh? Making those ahjusshis chase you? Is bullying daddy not enough?” I caught him in my arms.

He was sprouting gibberish and moving a lot in my arms. I handed him to Mir who pinned him onto the bed.

“No moving.” I said.

Shin Il made weird faces at me but stopped moving.

“Good boy.” Yoseob smiled.

While they were changing the kids’ clothes, Junhyung was downstairs preparing milk for them.

“Change your shirt too.” I said, looking at his dripping wet top.

“Are they done changing?” He asked, testing the hotness of the milk on his hand.

“Should be coming down soon.” I said.

Jace, Seungho, Kikwang, G.O and Doojoon were busy making a fort in the living room for the kids. Since they were all sleeping over tonight, only the living room was big enough to fill all of us. The kids had their special little corner.

Shin Il dived into the blankets the moment he got down. Tae Hyun and Ji Eun joined in the fun when they saw it too. The boys made the blanket on the floor thick enough to let them jump on it without hurting themselves.

We watch them play for awhile before Junhyung called them for milk. Even when drinking, they were having a foot fight among themselves.

“They get along well.” Jace said.

“Yea, the two love the young one.” Junhyung said.

After milk was story telling. They were no doubt celebrities. They pretty much made the ‘Three Little Pigs’ come alive. Mir, Yoseob and Joon were the pigs while Seungho was the wolf.

“And here comes Little Red Riding Hood!” Doojoon announced suddenly, pushing Kikwang out.

“What?” I looked at Junhyung.

“Yah! Don’t teach my kids the wrong stuff!” Junhyung laughed.

“It’s the new never heard before version.” Doojoon smiled.

“You’re not red!” Ji Eun pouted.

 “I…” Kikwang mumbled.

“Here!” Yoseob pulled our table cloth, which happened to be red, and wrapped it around Kikwang’s body like a tube dress.

“Why am I always the female!?” Kikwang protested.

“Yah! You’re not supposed to sound so manly!” Hyunseung laughed.

And so the story went on. In their version, the three little pigs were friends with little red riding hood. Little red riding hood was passing by the forest when she saw the wolf dressed up as her grandmother trying to blow the pigs’ house down. At first when she thought it was her grandmother, she wanted to help because her ‘grandmother’ told her that the pigs stole her corn. She even plotted to might as well just burn down the house instead of blowing it down. But when her ‘grandmother’ lose her disguise and little red riding hood finally realize it was a wolf all along, she turned into Hulk and fought the wolf, saving the pigs.

It was damn funny with their acting, but the contents were not exactly pleasant. Burning people’s houses down and fighting? What sort of a children bedtime story is this?

“This is the most violent and children unfriendly version I’ve ever heard.” Junhyung said, but still giggling.

“Well, they enjoyed it.” Seungho laughed, pulling away his ‘dress’, which is actually another cloth I have no idea where they got from.

After the laughter died down, they seriously pat the children to sleep because it was close to 2AM already. Making the children sleep was the easiest today out of the years. They were asleep faster than we expected them to. We left them to sleep and headed outside for our own little gathering. With beer and some finger food, we sat around in the garden, looking at each other.

“Jace!” Junhyung got up suddenly, tackling Jace into the ground.

“When did you come back huh!? And what kind of a stupid prank was that!?” Junhyung glared hard at Jace.

“I came back yesterday night.” Jace said.

“And I did not plan to scare you guys like that. I mean, I wanted to show myself to you at their school and then come back together, but you were late and they were scared, so I took them and decided to you know, punish you a little.” Jace explained.

“But how could you say all those? What adopted kids? What not important? Huh?” Junhyung asked, still pinning Jace to the ground.

“And all of you! You guys knew but did not call us? We were going around like lunatics!” Junhyung scolded the others.

“We were keeping your kids entertained, you know.” Hyunseung said.

“Let me off, baby boy.” Jace said, pushing Junhyung away lightly.

“I didn’t mean to say those. I just wanted to agitate you. Sorry.” He said, offering beer to Junhyung.

“But then again, baby girl, why weren’t you like.. surprised, or what?” Jace asked me.

“Because I kind of thought that it might be you. But I wasn’t sure. I thought you’ve become mature in three years and would not do something like that. But you proved me wrong. You’re still as immature and ridiculous.” I said.

He laughed and shook his head.

“Sorry.” He apologized again.

“But it was nice seeing you guys worry about the two, especially you.” Jace poked Junhyung’s cheek.

“Tsk!” Junhyung smacked his hand away.

"I was indirectly teaching you guys a lesson on life, you know." Jace said.

"What?" We looked at him.

"I was indirectly trying to tell you that despite chasing blindly, if you go on, you might just get that surprise in the end. Just like in life, sometimes we don't know where we are going or what we're doing, if we keep going on and don't give up, we'll be surprised as to what we can get. For this case, the surprise is me!" Jace smiled.

He made sense, but still deserve to be beaten and glared at. 

“Why did you disappear?” Junhyung asked suddenly.

“Disappear?” Jace looked at him.

“You stopped contacting us out of a sudden. Why?” He asked.

“I was busy with some stuff. Sorry.” Jace said.

“How long are you back for?” I asked, although I did not really want to know. What if he says he will be leaving in three days or something?

“Erm…” Jace bit his lower lip.

“If you’re leaving like tomorrow, you can leave now.” Junhyung said, pouting like a child.

“I’ll be here for…. about… ever?” Jace said.

“What?” We looked at him.

“For…. ever?” He smiled.

“Forever? You’re not leaving? Really?” I asked.

“If that's what forever means, then yes.” He smiled.

“Why!? I mean! How?!” Junhyung exclaimed, his unhappiness and anger all disappeared in that mere sentence.

“Well.. there’s something in the world called applying for citizenship.” Jace said.

“And I applied… And I got it.” He smiled.

“Seriously!?” Junhyung threw himself onto Jace, hugging him tight.

We were all laughing at their bromance.

“But, your parents?” I asked.

“They are here too.” Jace smiled.

“Really?” I asked.

“Yeap. For good.” He said.

“Oh my god!” I hugged Jace tight too.

We all ended up throwing ourselves over Jace, squashing him with our joint weight.

The night went on with random games and chatting. They suddenly wanted to play it like ‘2 Days 1 Night’. Losing group would have to sleep outside tonight. They were split up according to ages. Jace, Junhyung, Doojoon, Hyunseung, Seungho and G,O were in a group while Joon, Yoseob, Kikwang, Cheondong, Mir and Dongwoon were in a group.

They played stupid games but it was damn funny to watch them stumble and fall. The funniest one was the spinning elephant nose game that almost caused Junhyung to fall into the pool if not for the boys who pulled him back.

The maknae group were winning and the hyung group obviously did not want to give up.

“Yah~ It’s almost 5AM. Not tired?” I asked, yawning.

“Alright, last game!” Doojoon said.

“What?” Yoseob asked.

“Just do a flexibility contest or something since you guys are like yoga masters recently.” I blabbered.

“YAH!!!!” I got a shock when the hyung group shouted and glared at me.

“Opps. Sorry.” I stuck out my tongue, forgetting the fact the maknae group had Joon with them and that the hyung group is really not that flexible after all, especially Seungho and Junhyung.

“OKAY! FLEXIBILITY THEN!” Joon smiled.

“No no no!!!” Seungho protested.

“Yes!! Why not!?” The maknae group argued back.

They argued among themselves while I just watch quietly. I pretty much landed them in this state, how would I dare to even say anything?

“Okay, to make it fair, Haneul, you’ll tell us what to do.” Joon said.

“Huh? Why me?” I asked.

The hyung group gave me the ‘you better do something like fingers touching nose kind of flexibility game’.

“Erm… I… Okay…” I mumbled.

They were all staring at me, waiting for me to demonstrate.

“Then, just try this. I kind of.. learned it on TV.” I said.

“No! Not that!” Junhyung protested, already knowing what I wanted to do.

“Why? That’s easy!” I said.

“It’s easy for you! You almost broke my bone trying to make me try it! No!” He said.

“Aiee hyung!” Dongwoon whined.

Junhyung was sulking.

“Just show it.” Doojoon said.

I held my hands behind my back to form something like a slanted vertical and pushed my head into the gap in between my arms and my head. I saw GD do it on a variety show once. I tried and realize I could do it. I tried to get Junhyung to do it too, which ended up in him almost snapping his rib.

“Okay let’s do that!” Joon said excitedly.

The game was over very quickly. The maknae group won, obviously. They went to shower and separated for sleep.

“Sorry.” I apologized to the hyung group.

“It’s fine.” Doojoon smiled.

“I’ll sleep with you.” I said.

“Don’t. It’s cold here. Go sleep inside.” Junhyung kissed me on my forehead.

“But…” I pouted.

“Go on. You look like you’re going to pass out. This sleeping bag is comfy. Good night.” Seungho smiled.

“I’ll go get you guys more blankets.” I said.

“Don’t worry, Lionny. Just go and sleep. Good night. Love you.” Junhyung smiled.

The boys behind made ‘puking’ sound when Junhyung and I hugged.

“Alright, good night.” I whispered to him as I headed back inside.

When I got back in, the other boys were around asleep around the kids. I went to clear stuff up before taking a shower on my own. I went outside to check on the group outside. They were curled up close to each other, asleep.

The temperature was dropping. I woke them up and helped them back into the house. I don’t think they actually knew what was going on because they were all walking with their eyes closed.

“Lie down. Here.” I said, helping Junhyung to lie down.

“Mmm~” He mumbled, hugging the table leg, perhaps thinking it was the bolster.

“Don’t hug that, silly.” I tried to pull his hands off.

Yoseob opened his eyes a little, perhaps awaken from the sound.

“Sorry, did I wake you? I got them in, it is freezing outside.” I said.

“Mmm..” He mumbled, throwing half his blanket over Junhyung.

When I made sure they were all sleeping nicely, I went to get change. When I came back down, I saw the whole group of them cuddling against each other. Even in their sleep, the maknae group somehow was able to make space for the hyung group to fit in. The children were asleep in the middle, well protected by them.

I stood at the stairs, staring at them sleep. Now that Jace is back, this picture seems complete. I snapped a photo of them sleeping before sliding in beside Junhyung. He turned over, hugging me as thou I was his bolster.

“Mmmmurhgjsdjbsdjs” He mumbled gibberish.

“What?” I asked, giggling.

“Coke…” He grumbled.

“Coke again?” I asked.

“Coke… My coke..” He mumbled.

“I’m going to put a password lock in your roomful of Coke.” I .

“No~~~” He frowned.

“Yes. I’m not going to tell you the password. The Coke inside are mine.” I said.

“Hur… No… My Coke…” He mumbled.

“Not your Coke. My Coke, your Evians.” I teased.

“Hur.. Hur.. Hur..” He pouted in his sleep.

I pinched his lips lightly.

“Lionny…” He called out.

“Hmm?” I admired his sleeping face.

“Someone… stealing my Coke..” He mumbled.

“Who?” I asked.

“Some…one..” He mumbled, looking so frustrated even in his sleep.

“Let them take it.” I said.

“Nooooooooo~” He whined like Shin Il.

“Alright, alright. I’ll get it back.” I said.

His face soften and then I think he fell back into sleep because he started snoring.

“How old are you to be dreaming of Coke still? Father of three.” I poked the tip of his nose, tucking the Donald and Daisy Duck under his arms. He hugged them tightly like how Ji Eun would hug her soft toy. How is it that he is a father of three? I have no idea. He is as cute as his children are.

I was apparently awake the whole night. The bunch of them were noisy even when sleeping. Some sleep talk like Junhyung about bizarre things, something started kicking wildly as thou they were dancing or something, a few, I believe it was Seungho and Doojoon, cursed in their sleep.

While the adults do weird stuff in their sleep, the kids were no better. They were giggling in their sleep, especially Shin Il. He was chuckling like as thou someone was tickling him in his sleep. Ji Eun was sleeping on Kikwang’s arm like her pillow, drooling all over. Tae Hyun was mumbling things about family, as usual.

What an adorable bunch. I sat up and from my view, I could see them all clearly. From Junhyung who was beside me, still mumbling about Coke, to Mir who was at the far end, apparently kissing the wall or something, I realized they were all kids.

I cannot help but wonder if that very day not because of that cat that decide to appear out of a sudden, scaring the hell out of me, causing me to run back to Junhyung and agreeing to his sort of forced on friendship, and if we did not give each other another chance after the incident, what would our today be like?

Maybe I would marry someone else, maybe he would too. But we would miss out such a huge meaningful and important chunk in our lives. Like Jace said, if all these did not happened, we would still be happy with someone else perhapes, but deep down, we will know that something is missing.

I hated Korea when I first came, I would do anything to be able to leave. But now, I dare say even if you offer me all the goodness in the world, I would not even move, because Junhyung, the kids, the boys, and the memories we all share, they are more precious than anything else, it is not something you can put a price tag on. I would guard and love them all with my life.

“I love you, and always would. If there’s a next life, I’ll love you then. And in our next, next, next life until forever, I’ll love you and I want to be yours. I don’t care if by then you still have your period or if you’re still addicted to coke, I don’t give a damn even if you’re so poor we have to stay under the bridge, because without you, I am nothing. I’ll love and always love you, Yong Junhyung, my husband, my best friend, my soulmate, my parabatai, my knight, my prince charming, my man.” I whispered into his ear, kissing him on his forehead.

I rested my head on his chest, legs intertwining with his, arm hugging his waist, listening to the sound of his steady heartbeat as I drift off into dreamland to join them. Goodnight.

- 끝 -

***

When Junhyung realized it was Jace fooling around with them all along.

When Haneul took away the iPad from Shin Il

Shin Il: Whose birthday?

Shin Il: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Shin Il fooling around with the MBLEAST ahjusshis

Haneul: No moving!