When he first saw her, she was just a little girl. She has her hair tied, wearing a red dress while her eyes were full of anxiety. She was cute yet her beauty was beyond what he could comprehend. He could foresee how she would grow up, ready to steal the hearts of many, if not all, men in the world. Secretly, he watched her from afar as she got into a room.

Outside, he prayed hard, for the first time in his life, he prayed earnestly for her to pass the audition. That time, he didn't even know her name, haven't heard her voice, and haven’t seen her skill in dancing or comedy. Yet he begged to the above so that she could get in, while she gave her best shot inside.

When she smiled broadly 30 minutes later, he broke into a foolish grin. He could tell that she made it. She would be the newest addition to the family.

She hopped a bit, jumping and squealing lowly at her success. He found her cute; too cute that it made him blush a bit.

But then he saw her profile and realized that she was way younger than him. And that he should not feel such admiration towards a little child like this. So he sighed, retreating.

Then she whipped her head towards him. She bowed politely with this adorable grin on her face. He coughed, suddenly feeling suffocated. When she finally turned her back on him, he let out the breath he's been holding. And his lips pull up into a smile. "Welcome to SM, kiddo" he said in his heart, fiddling his pen in his hands.

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He went on with his trainee life, working his off in order to sharpen his skills. He did everything he could; learning every bit his teacher taught him and preparing himself more each day. He nurtured his talents, never gave up as he wanted to make his parents proud and show them that he did make a good choice to stay in SM. No matter how tiring and frustrating it was to still be a trainee despite his long years joining the company.

In those tough times, he strangely got his own energy pills by watching over a little girl named Seo Joo Hyun. She's so hardworking, so positive and optimistic and so willing to learn. She's eager, passionate, yearning for more and more knowledge. He was like seeing his younger days; back when he's still a newbie in this trainee circle.

Seo Joo Hyun, the girl held so much endurance during harsh times. Proven by how her eyes lit up in determination whenever teacher scolded her. Like she's motivated to do better, more, bigger. And that, in a way, pushed his own will to the top. The urge to succeed got so much bigger after seeing how this little girl, whom he was sure still so innocent about how this world works, was so hyped up to master her homework given by the teachers in SM.

He secretly smiled to himself as he observe her from afar. How could a young girl be that strong and determined? The way she rushed from school to the company, practicing earlier dance routine before class started, or singing hard songs to challenge herself; everything was absurd yet touching for him.

So when he found her leaning against the wooden table placed near practice room, he wanted to praise her for once.

"Here" he smiled to her, handing her a mineral water.

"Ne? Oh... Ne. Ah... Kamsahamnida..." She stuttered cutely, finding it awkward to talk to a guy much older than her. She knew him, of course, thanks to his popularity amongst trainees. He's one of the top trainee who was prepared to excel in all areas.

"I'm Park Jung Soo"

"Ne, I know" she shyly bowed her head down, looking at her feet.

"You've worked hard"

"Ah... Ne" Jungsoo laughed at her short response and her reddened cheeks. The girl's shyness was beyond words.

"I should leave you to it then. Keep working hard. You're doing great, Joo Hyun" first, she's shocked that he knew her name. Second, it felt so good when one told her that she had worked hard. Being acknowledged once in a while did feel great. At least someone said she had worked hard and had done a pretty good job; now she could try to aim for more.

"Kamsahamnida" she bowed 90 degree, making him chuckle and patted her head softly. She looked so small, so young and so loveable. Her innocence blew him off. By that, he promised to help this girl in all way he could and protect her from any harm in the world.

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The first time they really talked was after she had a photoshoot with DBSK members. She was now in middle school, growing up beautifully each passing day. Her innocence got her a part as DBSK's partner for a uniform advertisement. She emitted the energy of cheerful, brilliant student surrounded by 5 Oppas. He smiled when he saw the photo though he couldn't help but to envy them.

How could he not?

He's been an avid fan of the girl since long ago. Probably before everyone else noticed her. Imagine his disappointment when he heard her calling the DBSK members as Oppa, along with that joyful tone.

At times, he would shake himself at his own silliness. The girl names Seo Joo Hyun was obviously unreachable, at least in affectionate more than brother-sister way. Then he shifted his feelings with all his might, to transfer that into brotherly love, genuinely watching the girl as she was working to realize her dream.

Convincing and bracing himself that he could love her the way an older brother would, he approached her that evening. She's sweating profusely due to the dance practice she just had.

"Hey"

"Oh! Sunbaenim, annyeonghaseyo"

He smiled kindly at her. "Annyeong... Congratulations for your first photoshoot"

"Ah! You saw? Kamsahamnida"

"Of course I did..." Ha paused, observing her once again flushed cheeks. "Joohyun, just call me Oppa. You don't have to be so formal with me..."

"Ne...?"

"해봐 (try it)"

"Ne?"

"Try, Joohyun..."

"Ah Ne... Oppa... Jungsoo Oppa" she whispered perfectly and he grinned at her.

"If you have anything you want to ask, or you need a favor of, just ask me. I'll do my best to help, Joo dongsaeng"

Flashing him a smile, she nodded her head vigorously. He chuckled then, patting her had again before dashing off.

As he walked away, he made a promise, yet again, to never let this girl fall. Park Jung Soo would be there to give her the support she needed. He'd be there, every step of the way so that she won't be lost. Even if it's just as a brother.

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From that day on, they grew closer and closer. She's gotten so much more comfortable around him. She called him, asked him questions, texted him several times for some matters. Sometimes it's work-related, sometimes it's just a friendly banter between the two.

During those years he had watched her grow. From her debut to her Genie days, she had bloomed so much that it made him dizzy. He felt like she's slipping out of his hand to protect, because her fans were growing in numbers and he just couldn't keep up anymore who were listed. And that didn't include the 'invisible' ones, the ones that never claimed her as their ideal type but secretly harbored deep admiration for her.

His mind nearly blew off when she suddenly appeared in WGM. With every ounce of energy he got, he tries to prevent it. Not that he's jealous. Okay, maybe a bit. But the reason was more because of he's afraid. Scared that she might got hurt and learned it the hard way. As a brother, he would never want to see her in pain, in whatever for it was.

Yes, after trying for a long time, he finally could see her as sister only. A little sister whom he loved dearly.

Thus, he did everything he could to keep her safe. He checked on her through her sisters, sometimes even her friends, just to make sure that she's alright.

When it ended and she cried on camera, he felt his heart shattered. A reality dawned on him that she's no longer the 13 year old girl. She's 20, she's a young lady now and that he should take a step back, keeping an eye of her instead of blocking her way. That he needed to let his little sister go and experience the world no matter how reluctant he felt. He shouldn't be preventing boys from falling for her, because honestly, who could resist the charm of Seo Joo Hyun? If one could say, she's the complete set of a woman whom guys seek for.

She had finally fallen for a guy. And strangely, he's worries yet happy at the same time.

When she met him in the hallway with a confused look, he pried her to tell him what's wrong.

She spoke then, saying how her own feelings confused her and that she was hurt when it all ended. She missed the good times and the guy but she knew they should be just friends for now.

Leeteuk laughed upon hearing it, but her hair gently and said that she should be open with all opportunities. Embracing the feeling was what he told her, surprising both Seo Joo Hyun and Park Jung Soo himself. He had learned to let her walk on her own, unlike the past.

Though he couldn't help but to blurt out his real feeling much later when they guested on a show together, about her having a boyfriend, she knew that he's just trying to say that he'll be there for her, still embracing her in his safe brotherly arms. She beamed at him that night after they wrapped up the show.

"Thank you" whispered her as they climbed in their car.

"What for?"

"Being so attentive as you always are, Oppa. I feel so comfortable filming this with you and the other Oppas and Tiffany Unnie"

"I'll always look out for you, dongsaeng!"

She nodded then, murmuring another thank you before she settled inside and slumber took her.

*************************************************************************************

Leeteuk sighs as he remembers everything. From his career, Super Junior, his shows, his MC-ing stunts, his love life, his label mates and the little girl.

Going to the army isn't as easy as he thought it would be. He's scared, of so many things. But he knows that he cannot prolong this any further. And that this is his obligation no matter how hard it is for him.

He doesn't want to dwell on it. Yet, it's not easy. To leave everything behind for 2 years is easier said than done. His heart still feels heavy, though he knows this will happen anyway. Having it in front of his face is different. It feels so real, so near, so terrifying.

"Oppa" he snaps out of it and turns around. There, Seo Joo Hyun is standing a few feet away from him.

"What are you doing here, Joohyun?"

"I was looking for you?"

"Me?"

She nods weakly, biting her lips so hard.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

"Nothing... I just want to give you this" a bottle is handed. He chuckles.

"Vitamin?"

"Emm... So that you will have lots of strength"

They fall into silence, busy with their own thoughts.

"It's okay, Oppa, you won't lose anything"

Again, Leeteuk is surprised by her words. The girl knows him too well, it seems. He can only let out a bitter laugh, and a nod.

"I'll make sure of that"

By this, he cracks up heartily. "How do you think you can do that, Hyunnie?"

"I don't know. But I will... If I could..." She shrugs, pouting her lips. She can feel her eyes start to get teary at the thought of her brother going to the army. Inside, she feels sad; very sad in fact. To have her older brother, who is always there for her, gone, is painful. She couldn't really imagine how SMTown would be if Park Jung Soo is not there. It'll be so much different. She won't be hearing his weird, crazy laughs while trying to keep their spirits up. He's a very good man, a good leader, a great friend and definitely an amazing brother. She sniffles.

"Joohyun?" Her tears betray her. She didn't want to cry yet the warm liquid streams down her face unstoppably.

"Hey..." Leeteuk wraps his arms around her shoulders, pulling her into a hug as he pats her head, her hair.

"I am scared"

"Of what?"

"You not being here... How empty it will be..."

"Oh, Joohyun... They'll be fine, you'll be fine..." Funny how he's the one pretending to be the stronger one here. He's not that tough, actually. But for the sake of calming the crying girl in his arms, he will act like one.

"I will miss you, Joohyun"

"I will miss you too, Oppa. Come back safely"

"I will. Don't forget to write me?"

"I will write to you often, as often as I can..."

"And do inform me when you have a boyfriend. Be it Changmin or Kyuhyun, and I want the detail"

"Oppa!"

"What? I'm just saying the truth" they half-laughing, half-crying, with her inches away from him. He grabs her hand and drags her towards the river.

They squat down and their reflections are on the water. "You can always tell this guy when you are sad. Or hurt. Or frustrated. You don't have to bottle everything inside, Joohyun. It's okay to feel helpless at times, that's what we do"

She laughs and nods at the same time. "This girl will always be a sister who supports you, Oppa. And will make sure you're going to be okay too"

He looks at her with a wide grin on his face. Again, he pats her head and caresses her cheek. "I like that, dongsaeng"

And they break into a fit of laughter, both wanting to just keep this moment.

Be safe, Jungsoo Oppa. I'll always cheer on you.

When I'm away, you can turn to a guy and share with him your problems and tell him everything without he asks you to. Then, you'll find it, the one you can share everything with. More than a sister to a brother. More than us.

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AN: HEYYY~

this chapter was written as a tribute for Leeteuk who's going to the army very, very soon~

SMTOWN will be very different without this leader T.T

He's a great guy, and I can see how he protects his dongsaengs well...

as for Seohyun, I am sure he has a special place for her in his heart as he always says,,,

He cares for her, sincerely, and one can see that... it's kind of obvious if you see closer ^^

Anyways, I hope you like this :)