Taemin’s POV

Once I pushed back to the food court, I saw Key umma talking with a police officer. Jonghyun was

patting him on the back, trying to comfort the worried Umma. I mentally laughed realizing how freaked

everyone was. Minho was the first to see me. He rushed over and gave me a huge hug.

“Taemin-ah! We were so worried! What happened to you? We all thought you had been kidnapped or

something!”

 

“Minho-hyung! I’m nineteen! I’m old enough to do whatever I want!”

 

“…Taemin-ah…you are Key’s child! Do NOT scare him like that! At least text us to tell us where you are

going!”

 

Key’s voice cut through Minho’s.

 

“TAEMINNIE!!! MY BABY!” He was squeezing my guts out not a moment later.

 

“U-umma! I’m okay! Promise!”

 

“Where were you?! We got back and you were gone! I thought you’d been murdered…or worse! !”

He leaned in for another embrace. He my hair while soft sobs could be heard.

 

“Gosh umma, everything’s okay. I am a big boy now! Besides, I met someone so I decided to talk with

them for a bit…umm….Umma? Did you call the police?!” I said as I looked around. There were more

police officers than us.

 

“Well of course! They were going to put up a sketch and notify everyone that you were kidnapped! Only

they said we were crazy when I told them that you were nineteen….ugh. Americans. They are so much

nicer in California. But anyway! YOU WALKED OFF WITH A STRANGER?! MINNIE! YOU KNOW BETTER!”

 

Over Key’s shoulder I saw Onew and Becca. I was surprised to see she looked just as worried as the rest.

Aish! She is younger than me! As they walked towards me I got an idea. What if she knew Carolyn? I

mean, they are both from the same area and close to the same age…maybe they go to school together! I

pulled away from a Key to face Becca.

 

“Hey, Becca-yah! I have a question for you.”

 

She looked confused. “What about, Oppa?”

 

“I met someone today…and I was wondering if you knew her.”

 

“Well, how should I know? What’s her name?”

 

“Carolyn.”

 

“Carolyn?”

 

“Ne.”

 

“Anything else? I know a few ‘Carolyns’ and I doubt they are the only ones on the planet with that name.”

 

“Um…I have her phone number!”

 

Becca took out her phone.

 

“Ah okay, Here I’ll look It up. What is it?”

 

I gave her the number then waited patiently for her to look it up. I had my fingers crossed that she did.

Because then I’d be able to hang out with Carorlyn more often since she’d probably trust me faster if we

had a mutual friend. Also, then…maybe if we end up going out together, we could go on double dates

with Becca and Onew, or with Key and Brianna! Aigoo, this was exciting!

 

“Uh…Taemin?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Is this her?”

She showed me a picture of herself and Carolyn holding adorable puppies.

 

“OMO! That’s her!” I grinned widely.

 

“Taemin, that’s my best friend.”

 

“Are you serious?! That’s awesome! Can we get together sometime?”

 

“Sure, but how’d you meet her? She had her Brother’s Confirmation today…” Becca looked up at me

confused.

 

“She was at Hallmark buying a card…”

 

She just laughed, “She must’ve lost the one she had made….oh unni!”

 

“Wait. She’s older than you?”

 

“By three months!” I smiled thanking the Lord she wasn’t too young! Four years away isn’t that bad,

right? Besides, Onew and Becca are seven years apart!

 

When we were about to leave I decided I should try texting Carolyn. I spelled her name the best I could,

and when she responded she informed me that I was way off…she didn’t take too hard. Thank goodness.

After a few messages she stopped responding. That’s when I remember that Becca said she was going

 somewhere. She did look pretty dressed up. I smiled on the drive home thinking about how exciting this

all was. Who knew America carried such great people? Maybe all five of us will find the girl of our

dreams here…I mean Onew and Key had, and I think I just found mine.