Jonghyun and Key was surprised to see their maknae were spacing out by the window once they entered the house and looks like the maknae wasn't even aware that his hyungs has been watching him from behind, not until, “ What are you guys doing ? “ That was Minho and he happened to broke the maknae's daze with his question which then he received glares from both Key and Jonghyun for startled them earlier.

 

“ It feels so serious in here. “ Minho utters while glancing at each of his friends.

The four of them were sat into a circle, facing each other due to the maknae's sudden request of needing their help.

“ Lately ... “

The boys attention was now on Taemin who's finally decided to speak.

“ I've become uneasy because of this matter. “

Their face turned more serious and intently listening to the maknae's worries.

“ I'm not sure when does it starts but lately, she keep on invading my minds. “

“ Did I hear it right ? Taemin was talking about a girl ? “

Jonghyun interrupted which makes Minho and Key to feel irritated.

“ Can't you just listen to him without interrupting ? “

Of course Key would take the honor to scold him. Jonghyun just stuck his tongue out before signaling Taemin to continue his story.

“ I wasn't sure at first but after a while, the feelings keep getting stronger and that's when I realized that I was indeed in love with her. “

 

Jonghyun wants to shriek due to the happiness of hearing his maknae has finally fall in love but stops his intention immediately when he caught the glare from Minho, as if saying ' Don't-you-think-about-it ' and another eye contact from Key of saying, ' Maknae-doesn't-look-so-good-with-his-love-thing. So-don't-get-happy-too-fast. '. That's when it struck on his head and finally realized the seriousness when he saw his maknae just keeping his head down.

 

“ Don't you feel happy Taem ? You are supposed to be happy when you're in love. “ Jonghyun at last has turned into his true hyung mode.

“ I'm happy, really happy. But I'm quite scared with this feelings. Was it right for me to fall for her ? “

“ Taem, there is no right or wrong in falling in love. You can't stop it even if you want to. So there's nothing you should be afraid of. Love is a beautiful thing. You should be happy when it comes to you. “

The rest of them was totally amazed with Jonghyun's words but it soon drop when suddenly Jonghyun utter, “ I took it from the movie, hehe. Cool isn't it ? “

He received a smack from Key, “ How dare you played around at times like this ? “

“ The point is, it was true. Think about the words carefully. It does makes sense. Taemin, you shouldn't be afraid of your feelings. Let me guess. You're still battling whether you should let her know about it or not right ? “

Taemin just nodded to Jonghyun.

“ I know it's hard but for me, you shouldn't wait longer. Just tell her how do you feel about her and leave the answer behind. What's important here is letting her know that you love her. “

“ I don't think I should say more because Jjong hyung had covered all. “ Minho said while patting at Jonghyun as if he's proud of him.

“ Yeah, Taem. Take all of us as example, we've once become a fool for almost losing the girl that we love, losing my Amber ... “

The boys raised a brow looking at Key who's seems like falling into his past memories for a while but soon enough to regain back his minds on the present.

“ For me, it makes me think whether afterwards I can be happy by just keeping the feelings with me ? No, I will regret it. I won't be with Amber right now if I decided to be a  fool back then. Same goes to Onew hyung and Jonghyun hyung and Min .. “

“ Woah, don't get me into your list because I was just fine with Krys even since before. “

“ You're not helping at all Minho. “

“ I was just stating the truth. Taemin might get confused later on if I was included because I confess to her right away when I know I was in love with her. It is so different with your situation. “

“ You should stop talking Min. “ Jonghyun took turn to threw out his glares.

“ Key got the point there Taem, you shouldn't let what had happened to us to fall on you. We were lucky to get the girls back, but not everyone is lucky Taem. “

Taemin took a moment to take everything before he gave out a light nod which cause the brothers to smiles at him.

“ You will do it ? “

“ Yeah, I will. I'll let her know how much I love her. Thanks for pursuing me hyung. I was hesitant at first since I'm not familiar with it but now, I had regain my courage. “

“ Very good. “

“ Owh, by the way, who's the girl ? “

Key asked with his mischievous smiles though deep inside he knew the person, well let say all them knew it as well.

“ Come on, you still need to ask ? “ Minho said as a joke while the rest just laughing at Key.

 

 

Days Afterwards

 

* Stop .. stop thinking of that ... *

* Why is this happening ? *

* How should I face this ? *

 

“ Sulli ... “

 

* Just ignore it ..  *

 

“ Psst .. Sulli .. “

She felt a nudge by her side and was completely surprised to see his face was only inches away from her.

She gulped nervously, “ Wh-What is it ? “

“ You are in trouble .. “

There is a horror shows on his face and that only made Sulli to be in confused.

“ Huh ? Why ? “

“ Because .. err .. behind you ... “

* Behind me ? Owh .. *

She had a really bad feeling with the way he is looking at her, as if telling her that the hungry lion was just right behind her and she was right on that part because right now, she was facing with that certain person who looks like ready to eat her at anytime.

“ Mrs Jo .. “

“ See me after class. “

Her body shivered due to the fierce gaze that had been thrown to her just now.

* I am a dead meat ! *

 

 

“ Explain ... “

“ I'm so sorry for not paying much attention to your class .. “

“ I'm waiting for your explanation not your apology. “

She almost flip the cane that she's been holding onto to the table but she held it back for good.

“ I'm so sorry. I don't have a reason to give. I'm so sorry Mrs Jo. I deserve your punishment. “

She talked but not even once she look at the teacher's face, and keeping her head hung low.

She hears the teacher sighed out of frustration, “ Instead of one, you will need to do one more literature essay. “

She wrote down the tittle on a piece of paper before handed it to Sulli.

With a trembled hand, she took the paper and read it before nodded her head, signed that she was understand with her words.

“ You may go now. “

“ Thank you Mrs Jo. “

 

 

Library

 

She heaved a sigh, a one big loud sighed that cause echoes inside the library. Of course it could when nobody else was there aside from her, alone.

“ Now I felt cleaning the class was much more easier than this. “

Her face frowned when her eyes fixed on the books that was scattered all over the table. At least five thick books was there.

“ How am I supposed to finish this by tomorrow ? I didn't even write half of the page for the first essay ... “

Her head started to felt the throbbing a little bit, “ A short nap will do .. “

“ And you'll end up sleeping until night. “

She was jolted by the voice until her pen was thrown away to the floor.

Quickly she turned to her back and only to find, “ You .. “

“ Yes, me. “

He walked closer before took the pen that was once rested on the floor before gave it back to her.

She just watched him and she could feel the nervousness all over her body. “ T-thanks. “

 

She was restless, and she don't like this kind of feelings and it was all because of him.

* Can't my day become any worse than this ?? *

She kept on flipping the pages but none of the words inside the books stays in her brain.

“ Do you need a help ? What are you looking for ? “

She shook her head as if telling him that she was fine.

“ You keep on flipping that book since then .. look at your paper .. it's .. empty .. “

Well, not really since she already filled half of the pages with her writing but that doesn't makes any differences to him.

“ I-I think .. it's better for you to leave me alone. I can do this by myself. “ Said Sulli, with her eyes still fixed on the book.

“ I can't .. not when you're in this condition. “

She didn't say a word and just keep on flipping the pages but little that she know, she already made the person in front of her to get irritated.

She could feel the creep out of her with what just she heard. 

* How to get rid of this guy  ? I .. huh ?! *

 

She was startled once again, but this time because she felt his hand was already on top of her', stopping her from flipping the pages and eventually cause her eyes to looked at him.

“ Let me help you, you need me Ssul. “

Her head went blank by the time she felt he is squeezing her hand gently, as if for an assurance for her.

“ T-thanks .. but .. “

He ignored her and just took the book from her hand, taking turn to flip through the book.

“ Let's finish this fast so that we can hang out. “

“ H-hang out ? “ She was stuttered and he noticed that.

“ What's wrong with you ? “

There's a glimpse of concerns shown on his face and only made Sulli to feel even more uneasy.

“ You're .. sweating ? “ He leaned forward before swiftly wipe a little drop of sweats from her forehead.

“ I-I'm .. fine. “

Gently, she swatted his hands off her before hastily took her pen and the book next to it.

* I can't concentrate when he is here .. His words didn't left my minds ... *

 

 

[ Flashback ]

Recess

 

“ Krystal .. Suzy .. have you seen Taemin ? “

Both of them just shrugged their shoulder of clueless.

“ I have an extra banana milk .. Just wanna give it to him. “

Both Suzy and Krystal decided to just ignored Sulli and continued with their talking while Sulli, she still have her eyes traveled around the cafeteria to search for her best friend.

“ Sungjong .. “ She spotted him and decided to just ask him.

“ Ssul .. Ssul .. Sulli .. what's up. “ He chanted happily while walking towards her.

“ Did you see Taemin anywhere ? “

“ Taemin ? Yeah .. I saw him nearby the dance studio with Kai, Niel and Chunji. “

“ Really ? Great. Thanks Sungjong. “

She bid a goodbye before headed her way towards the dance studio and of course after letting Suzy and Krystal know about it first.

 

______________

 

 

She almost reached the studio when suddenly some voices caught her attention and abruptly made her stops her track. She hided nearby the corner, and took a peek from where she had stood.

* Owh .. there they are. *

She spotted Taemin along with Kai, Niel and Chunji whose been cornering him.

* Looks like a serious talk .. Guys talk maybe ? Hehe. *

She had never seen this kind of situation, means, it looks too secretive in her eyes and that's made her to become even more curious of what might they talking about though she knew eavesdropping was wrong. She kept shut, while keeping her eyes and ears opened all the time.

 

“ Speak up Taem .. you had promised us. “

That was Kai and he's been grinning like a little child at Taemin who's at the moment just had his head hung low.

“ Fine. I think .. I really did fall for her. “

 

Sulli's eyes widened as she heard that coming from his mouth. She knew that something was up and she even suspected this but she didn't ready to hear it coming from his own mouth, not like this.

 

“ Wait, who are we talking about anyway ? “

Niel looks clueless while Chunji and Kai already chuckled looking at him.

“ We'll answer that later Niel, but now, back to you Taem. Are you sure about this ? “

“ I don't know .. I think so. I couldn't stop thinking and missing her though we often met. That's weird right ... and my heart, it's beating crazily now days whenever I'm with her. “

“ Dude. You're definitely in love with her. “

“ You should tell her. “ Chunji suggested which only made Taemin to shook his head.

“ I can't .. I don't know why but I'm afraid that she might rejected me .. Even my hyungs had said the same things, I still can't. She's my friend and I'm afraid she only sees me like that .. “

“ Taem, you don't even know what's in her heart. Maybe she did felt the same but she tried to hide it ? Who knows right ? Just .. give a try .. “

“ Yeah, Taem .. worse, someone else might took her away if you're not hurry. You know who. “

“ Things might become awkward if .. “

“ Come on .. stop being so negative. Are you going to keep on stealing glances at her until forever and do nothing ? We are tired by just looking at it you know. Haven't you feel the same ? “

“ Fortunately, no.. hehe. “

“ Kai, no doubt that this dude has fall for her deeply. “

 

* Who is this girl that they've been talking ? Friend ? Who is this friend of him ? Did I know her ? *

* Stealing glances ? Well, he often did that recently but I didn't notice he did that with other girl beside me .. *

 

“ Hold on guys, you were talking about this girl .. did I know her ? “

“ Of course Niel, she is our friend. “

“ And you were stealing glances at her the whole time ? “

Taemin nodded in a wide smiles.

It's fun to watched Niel with his furrowed brows, trying his best to figured out who's the girl is.

“ No way !!! The only girl that I've caught Taemin steals glances at was ... “

The four of them including Sulli who's been hiding since then, waiting in anticipation for Niel's answer.

“ That Giant Baby ??! “

 

Sulli's eyes widened once again as she heard that comes from him.

*  Giant Baby ? It's .. *

 

“ It was her right Taemin ? It was that Giant Baby right ? Choi Sulli .. she's the one am I right ? “

 

Eventually, her hand made it's way to cupped , trying not to let out any forms of gasp or whatsoever upon hearing those. * It's me .. *

* Oh My .. Taemin loves me ??! *

She couldn't think of anything at the moment. Her minds went blank and she was indeed surprised by the time her name being mentioned.

* No .. It can't .. Taemin .. *

 

Quickly, she walked away from there. She couldn't take it anymore. She cannot bear any of their talking. It was only gonna made her heart felt just uneasy. She doesn't like what had she heard. It just felt like a burden. How can she take it calmly when she know that her own best friend had fall for her, as more than just a friend ?

 

Sulli didn't speak a word once she sat on her place, leaving Krystal and Luna felt worried over her.

“ Taem ... did something happened ? “ Luna asked once she spotted Taemin entered the class.

“ Huh ? What ? “

“ Did you guys fought ? She been like that after she's coming back from meeting you. “

Taemin turned to looked at Sulli and back to Luna and Krystal.

“ I didn't meet her just now. “

“ Eh ? I thought I heard she says that. “

“ Nope. I was with Kai, Chunji and Niel. “

“ Really ? Then, what's up with that look on her face ? “

“ Don't worry. I'm here. I'll ask her. “

He headed his way towards his place, next to Sulli.

“ Hey Ssul .. I heard you were looking for me. “

He tap on her shoulder but didn't received any responds, instead he can only see her body gets stiffen by that.

“ Something wrong ? “ He asked with full of concerns.

“ N-No .. I'm fine. Just tired. “ Says Sulli without even take any glance at him.

“ Owh .. banana milk. For me ? “

She nodded hesitantly before handed it to him.

“ Thanks. You just made me love you more .. hehe. “

She gulped upon hearing that.

 

She doesn't like how it sounds though she had hear it for countless of times, it just sounds so awkward  now especially when she already knew the real meaning behind those words.

* Love ? I can faint at anytime if he speak like this again ... *

 

She was startled when suddenly Taemin's hand reaching out towards her face.

“ You looked messy. “

He then tucked the strand of her hairs behind her ears, “ Now, you look better. “

Only God know how uneasy she is with the contact that was right now felt so foreign to her.

“ T-Thanks. “

She swatted his hand that was caressing her hair gently, “ I can do it myself. “

“ O-K. “

Though Taemin could feel something was off with Sulli, he just decides to let it slide for this time. He's not trying to bothered her even more because she looks kinda tensed by that time. 

 

[ End Of Flashback ]

 

 

“ Thanks to me ? “

She turned her gaze towards him where she found a wide grin was already plastered on his face while his hands motion down to her paper works.

“ Owh, thanks Taemin. “ Said Sulli in embarrassment.

“ Just pack your things. I'll put these books back to it's place. “

“ Taemin .. you don't have to ... “

He just ignored her words and made his steps towards the shelf while holding onto the books.

 

Along the walk, Taemin had tried his best to make the atmosphere alive but it seems like a failure to him. Sulli were still in her silent mode though at one time she did let out a chuckle for Taemin's joke but that doesn't made the boy to feel at relieve. He doesn't like his Sulliver today. She wasn't herself and he easily noticed that.

 

“ It's your time of the month right ? “

She took a side glance, bewildered with his question.

“ You were slightly off today .. something went wrong ? “

“ A-Aniyo .. I'm fine. Just tired and not because of what you said just now. “

He knows that was a lie but he didn't want to push it any further because he knew she will eventually tells him what's been bothering her if she's ready.

She just not .. yet.

“ That's bad .. I thought of asking you for an ice cream today .. “

She didn't replied and just listen to him.

“ But seems like you are so tired for that ... “

There's a guilt in her heart once he muttered those.

* I shouldn't act this way .. He knew nothing ... *

“ We can .. if you want to. “

“ It's ok. I'll pass. “

He smiled of assurance but was surprised when suddenly she take a hold of his hand.

“ Hmm ? “

“ Let's get an ice cream for you .. “

Said Sulli, smiling cutely though deep inside she was dead uncomfortable with her sudden action to held his hand. Not that they never get so intimate before, but, it felt so different now with the fact that she's now holding onto someone that was in love with her.

Someone that she thought will never be.

 

 

As been planed both Taemin and Sulli did have their ice cream, one each, and right now were enjoying their cold snack at the playground nearby their neighborhood. Sulli was against it at first  since the thought of spending much more time with Taemin will only made her heart to be a lot suffocated but of course she can't say no to Taemin's infamous aegyo and ended up given in to his idea.

 

“ Make it fast. I don't want Vic unnie to get worry over me for coming back home late. “ Liar. She just making excuses.

“ Since when did you care about others when you're with me ? “ He muttered while still enjoying his ice cream.

“ Since .. err .. just finish your ice cream fast. “ Said Sulli after her last bite of her ice cream, leaving Taemin in amazed looking at her.

“ That was fast. I thought you love taking time while enjoying the ice cream ? “

She just shrugged her shoulder while her eyes wandering around the park, trying her best not to look at Taemin.

“ Actually, I have something to talk about ... “

Said Taemin which then caught Sulli's attention.

“ But .. seems like I have to pass it for today .. You doesn't look alright yourself .. “

“ I told you ... I'm fine .. “

“ Sure you are .. like I didn't noticed that you were restless the whole time ... “

He shot her a glare which made her to look away, trying to hided her nervousness that was obviously shown on her expression. There's a moment of silence which Taemin took to finish up his last bite of the ice cream before he continue to speak again.

“ Tell me what's wrong Ssul ... “

“ I'm .. I'm .. “

* How can I tell you this ... ? *

“ Please don't keep it by yourself .. you have me .. “

She heaved a sighed, “ I'm just frustrated with Mrs Jo .. “

She have to think of something and that's all that she can give at the moment.

“ Huh ? That's all ? “

“ Yeah .. what do you expect ? “

“ Geez ... Ssul .. I thought it was something serious .. haha .. “

* Thank God that he is buying it ... *

“ She scold me badly .. “ She pouted trying to make it more realistic.

“ Whose fault at the first place .. haha .. “

“ Fine. I'm at fault but still ... two essays for the punishment was too much don't you think ? I rather clean up the class than that. “

“ Can you just get over it ? It's all done right ? What to worry about anyway ? “

“ You're right ! Wait till she read my essays .. I'm sure her jaw will dropped until it touch the floor ... “

“ Aigoo .. you're so unbelievable. “ Taemin were giggling while ruffled Sulli's hair.

 

He glad that his Sulliver is back to herself. At least, that's what he thought. Little that he knew, the girl next to him were battling with herself at that moment, pulling a great act so that she didn't upset her best friend much.

 

“ So, what the thing that you wanna talk about ? “

“ Eh ? I thought you want to go back ? “

“ I did .. after I listen to you of course ... “

Taemin just chuckle at her before decided to talk again.

“ Alright but .. you can't laugh at me .. “

“ Just tell me first and I'll see what's coming next ... “

“ Ssul ... not fair .. “

“ Fine. I won't laugh. “

“ Great .. so .. err .. just want to let you know, it's kinda embarrassing for me to talk about this ..  “

“ What ? Are you trying to confess about something ... hehe “

It was a joke but he didn't take it lightly and just pulled off his serious face which immediately made her to stop laughing.

“ Are you ? “ She asked and he replied with a light nod.

Sulli gasped at it. * C-Confess ? *

 

The only thing that came into her minds was his confession about his feelings towards her. The thing that she was afraid to accept the most. The thing that she was scared to hear and listen. The thing that made her to be in this kind of situation at the first place. The thing that cause her heart and minds to be in a complication.

 

“ I don't know how will you take this .. but I really want to let you know about this ... “

“ W-What .. what is it ? You seems serious ? “

Though her stutters was clearly heard, she still tried her best to appears calm in front of him.

“ I'm .. I'm in love. “

 

Her heart felt like stop a beat when the word ' love ' coming out from his mouth. She was indeed uncomfortable with their conversation. She don't want to hear the rest of the words that might be coming out from him, she don't want him to continue but felt as if it was glued to even say a word.

 

“ I'm fall for that one friend. “

He took a glance and as been expected she was in surprised and even looks restless and he thought it was because of her first time hearing him confess such thing, but it was only half of that.

Only God know how Sulli felt at the moment, she felt as if there's no escape in front of her. Her feet was stiffen in fact her whole was frozen.

“ I know you will surprise by this ... but .. please, hear me out ok. “

She didn't nod nor even look at him, so he thought that was a cue for him to continue.

“ It was sudden Ssul and I had never thought this girl will be the one but I'm sure she is .. I kept on thinking of her and I'll easily become nervous lately whenever she's around. My heart will felt really warm whenever I caught her smiles. “

His chuckles had caught her attention but still she didn't dare to turn to look at him.

“ Worse, I've done many stupid things lately because of her .. I can't help but to secretly steals glances at her. That's .. silly right ? But I guess, that's how we act when we are in love. “

When he noticed she didn't say a word, he stops. He turned his gaze towards her before gently took her hand in his.

“ Why didn't you say a word ? “

He squeezed her hand to get her attention but still she choose to ignore him.

“ Are you not fine with this ? “

Quickly she shook her head when she realized she had made him worried.

“ Can we not talk about this ? “

He looked at her in bewildered.

“ Why can't we ? “

He demanded an answer, a reasonable answer from her.

“ I just .. my mind can't accept this at the moment .. “

“ But ... don't you want to know who's the girl ? “

“ I .. “

She's not able to finish her words when he interrupted.

“ She is .. “

“ Stop. I said I'm not ready Taemin ! “

She was surprised but he was more surprised than her.

She couldn't believe that she just yelled at him in fact both of them didn't expected this to came.

“ T-Taemin .. I'm .. “

“ You lied. You are not fine with this. “

“ I'm sorry .. I didn't mean to yelled at you. “

“ And I'm so stupid enough to think that you will take this easily. “

“ Taemin .. I didn't mean to offended you .. I'm just ... “

“ Not ready. I get it. I shouldn't have mentioned this at the first place. “

He looked sad and that easily made the guilt in her heart to grows.

“ Let's just go back. “

He didn't say a word after that and just walked away, leaving Sulli in dumbfounded.

“ Taemin ... I'm sorry. “

 

* I have to do this Taem, I have to make you given up on me. * * We can't .. we just can't be like what you want. *