“You’re such a baby! Warcrafts are so last year! Just let me use the internet already!”

“Aisshh… just one more hour noona!” The poor dongsaeng accepted the pain when his noona whacked him on the forehead. “Come on, I just really need to see the new photos of the Music couple. My friends texted me that they’re so cute and oh, did you know they were in the mall yesterday? Did you know I have an autograph of them, even mama and papa can’t believe it…”

Blah… blah…blah… the dongsaeng blocked his ears with his hands. He always receives this rambling from his noona every day. How Key is a diva, how Minho is so hot, how Jonghyun won’t get out of her mind, how Onew’s smile is melting her, how Kim Hyu Me is her new found unnie; she doesn’t even bother if her dongsaeng is listening, she would just talk and talk and… talk.

The older girl saw the smug face of her brother and so she whacks his head again. “Aishh noona!”

“Just give me the damn laptop already!” The poor dongsaeng gave up knowing that when his noona starts to curse, she’s really serious.

The noona pounced on the laptop and typed the URL so fast even the superhero ‘The Flash’ can’t win over her. She giggled excitingly when she pressed enter knowing that any moment now she can finally see the Music couple.

“Hey daughter! My Sweet Ordinary Girlfriend is up and Minho’s just wearing he’s swimming trunks!”

“KYAAAAH!”

The little boy sighed; not understanding why his mom and sister are crazy about that show. But then again, as his sister rushes downstairs, he thought this was a blessing given from up above now that the computer was all to himself. HAH! Before shutting the site his noona has opened,  he decided to give justice to it by scanning a little.

“What the-?” The dongsaeng muttered at the recent video posted on the site. “A message from Kim Hyu Me’s bestfriend?” He said reading the title of a video out loud. He was too curious of the title that before he can stop it, his finger has already clicked the play button.

“Hey lil’ bro it’s commercial time! Let me use the--” The older sister, who just came back stopped when she saw the video.

(I’m not giving up, you can do whatever you want to me! I’m destroying them, I’m destroying that show!)

The girl pushed her dongsaeng aside; her eyes all focused on the screen. It was obviously a hidden camera that took the video. Based on what can be seen, it must’ve been inside a cloak and the girl being filmed obviously has no idea what’s going on.

The girl on the screen was sweating and panting. She clenches a soaked envelope in one shaking hand and faces her enemies with angry and quite ‘crazy’ eyes.

(I thought you were bestfriends with Miss Hyu Me?)

(I never said I’m her bestfriend. I hate her, I hate Kim Hyu Me! She doesn’t fit for Key!)

“WHO ON EARTH IS THIS GIRL?” the little boy patted his sister’s back.

(No one can stop me! I’m telling SHINEE anout this! Hyu Me’s just a pile of dirt!)

“How dare her talk to Hyu Me like that!” The angry noona stromed away grabbing her phone along the way.

“Noona where are you going?” her brother called out.

“I’m telling my friends about this.” She replied back. “Especially my Shawol friends.”

This scenario can be witnessed throughout the whole Korea. Higher percentage of the nation has taken the video negatively. All were taken aback at what they have scene and just like what that noona has done, the news spread like wild fire; poisoning almost everyone with rage. Now they share the same goal with MBnet:

Stop Aisaka Yui, no matter what

“Leeteuk-ssi! What have you done! This is reckless!”

Leeteuk sighed and faced his uncle, Won Bin grinning. “It is reckless, but it’ll be worth it ajhussi. You shall see.’’

“People who support this show will surely confront Yui or worse hurt her! You of all should know about this!” Mr Won Bin said furiously.

“I do know my dear uncle that’s why there’s more reason for you to trust me.” Leeteuk left his stammering uncle after that. I know what I’m doing, he thought to himself.

Now the real drama starts here

---&---

“Uhm how are we going to do this again?”

The three young people find themselves staring at the numerous staircases of the hospital with their mouths open.

“You guys can go. I’ll stay in my room.” The girl on a wheelchair offered.

“Are you crazy? That’s why we’re going to the rooftop so that we can get you some fresh air and now you are not coming with us?” The red-haired girl said incredulously.

“That’s why Jihun-ah, let me just carry you upstairs.” The only boy among them finally whined.

“No way! I’m heavy, you know” Jihun exclaimed.

“Believe me Jihun, I’d prefer the heavy you then the heavy you WITH the wheelchair. Just accept Taemin’s offer, I know you badly want to accept it.”

“HYU ME!!!”

Hyu Me shrugged and tried to hold back her laughter at her friend’s blushing face.

“Jihun-ah, we’re wasting time. I have a schedule to catch up and I really want to try the swing on the rooftop. Just let me carry you please?” Taemin pleaded with those big goggling eyes that Jihun has always loved. At once, the stubborn Jihun grunted her yes.

“Yay big swing here I come!” Taemin took Jihun’s hands and made them wrap around his neck. “Hang on.” He heaved and then went on carrying her, bridal style. “Noona wait here, I’ll carry the wheelchair.”

Hyu Me rolled her eyes when her big baby said this, “I’m not that weak Taem. Just make sure you hold Jihun tight.” Taemin wrinkled his nose. He has expected his noona to be hard headed but he really wanted to help her. In the end he just gave up and proceeded to the staircase.

Hyu Me watched them go and found her friend looking back at her. Kyaaaah Taemin’s carrying me! Jihun silently and secretly expressed to Hyu Me with widely open. The former couldn’t help but laugh at seeing Jihun’s face. “Ugh, I can’t believe being carried by a Shinee member can bring this much happiness. Now, about this wheel chair…”

Hyu Me started to carry it and realized that it was very heavy. I bet Jihun is lighter than this, she thought grudgingly; when she finished the first set of stairs she was profusely sweating and panting. She looked up, ready to complain but then she found an amused Taemin studying her. “Hey help me here!” She called out.

The handsome guy cocked his head and gave a one-sided smile. “Not until you say the magic word noona. Say…‘Please’”

Hyu Me blinked her eyes and started to carry the wheelchair on her own again.

She heard the other chuckle and approaches her. “Aigoo… a ‘please’ wouldn’t really hurt.” The heavy weight was lifted away from her and found Taemin carrying it with ease.

“It won’t hurt, but I really don’t want to depend on you. I might get used to it. Mhiane, big baby…” She mutters to herself.

When all three of them were all complete, they stood there for one moment and admired the beautiful scene. They have just reached the sun rising up above and the fresh morning air. The whole quiet Seoul can be seen up here. It was a breath-taking sight. “Its sooo beautiful, I can just die right now!”

Hyu Me flashed her eyes at Jihun when she said that.

Taemin saw the pain on Hyu Me’s expression

While Jihun noticed how concerned Taemin is to Hyu Me.

The three froze, all wrapped with their own thoughts. Just then, Hyu Me made a fake cough to break the awkward solemnity. “I’ll stroll with you Jihun, I know you like it when you’re on a wheelchair.”

“Noona let’s play a game!” At once, the three masked their disturbed feelings by playing with each other. Each of them didn’t want to destroy the atmosphere of being happy and so they make sure they occupy themselves. Hyu Me and Taemin decided to have a race. Whoever wheels Jihun from one corner of the rooftop to the other end with the shortest time wins.

It was fun and they played for too long, taking turns of who would hold Jihun. There was even at one point that Hyu Me and Taemin pleaded to borrow the wheelchair because it looked so much fun to be riding on it.

“Taemin faster!!!” Hyu Me squealed in delight. Both Taemin and Jihun were surprised at this because both of them know her and for one thing: Kim Hyu Me DOES NOT squeal. They found each other’s eyes and then smiled knowingly.

It was a hint that their friend’s smile is real. That Hyu Me is happy.

Minutes later, Jihun finally had her wheelchair back and she sat their facing the smirking Hyu Me who was on the swing and the grumpy Taemin behind her, pushing her back. “Aaah! This swing feels so good!” Hyu Me said, obviously taunting the person behind her. “Taem, do you want to try it?”

The boy’s eyes lit up but then—

“Too bad I still have ten more minutes to use it.” She laughed evilly at Taemin who is grumpier than ever.

“It’s okay, I’ll endure it. You might take me as a baby again if I complain.” Hyu Me looked up to Taemin who just harrumphed. She felt his hand pushing her back urging her to swing forward, accept her when she swings back and then push her forward again.

Somehow this scene felt so familiar to her. It was during that night right after when she drowned in the pool and received that piece of memory. When she tried to hurt herself those hands took hold of her and assured her she’ll be fine. I’ll help you bring your memories back, he said. Those hands were always there supporting her, comforting her, and taking care of her.

Kim Hyu Me realized she’s starting to depend on Taemin again. I don’t think I can ever think of him as a big baby again. “Noona, something wrong with my face? You’ve been staring at it for a long time.”

“I-I think you look pitiful enough. You can have the swing now.” She stood up and was replaced with a giddy Taemin. “I’ll buy us something to drink. You guys stay here.” She said nonchalantly as she headed for the door.

“Noona I’ll buy it myself, you stay here--”

“It’ll take more time for you Taem, besides people will see you without your disguise. I’ll do it.” Before Taemin can even protest Hyu Me left the rooftop quickly.

“Why is she so stubborn?” Taemin muttered and rocked himself on the swing, a bit irritated. He almost forgot that Jihun was still there silently observing her two new friends.

“You take care of Hyu Me well, don’t you Taemin?” Jihun started. Taemin looked at her with a sullen face. “Not really, in fact I think I’m giving her more inconvenience than help.”

Hmmm Jihun narrowed her eyes at Taemin’s disappointed expression. Did the idea of not being useful for Hyu Me bother him that much? “You know, right when I saw you with Hyu Me, the first question in my mind was that, ‘why are you helping her?’ Of all people that knew the concept of the show, I honestly thought you’d be the angriest. I thought you’d hate Hyu Me.”

Taemin stares faraway at hearing Jihun. Suddenly, both of their masks have been taken away and the real feelings and worries have finally opened. “I was angry at her… but I guess—no, I’m sure I NEVER hated Hyu Me. Right before the whole show started, I’ve already met Hyu Me and even though we only talked for a few minutes, I knew she was different. I realized she’s just another victim of the whole entertainment. As much as I love my hyungs Jihun-ah, I realized I want to protect Hyu Me as well. I know the consequences once this show ends and most of the people will hate her.”

“Then just tell them everything already! Why wait… why wait for her to get hurt?” Jihun exclaimed. It was a horrible thought but it’s true. People love Hyu Me right now but when all Shinee members would get hurt, they will all blame her and bash her for that outcome.

“Because I don’t know how to protect her yet when I’ll spill the truth right now. It’s too risky.” For once, the giddy, clueless and problem-free Maknae everyone has known vanished. Even Jihun was surprised at seeing him like this. “Once I’ll find away to keep her away from harm, then I’ll end this show. Even if that means I’ll face Leeteuk Sunbae, even if I have to see my hyungs fight, I’ll do it.”

“I thought, keeping your hyungs from fighting was your first priority?” Jihun asked.

Taemin leaned his head on the steel metal of the swing and sighed. “That’s inevitable Jihun, I mean look at Minho hyung and Jonghyun hyung AND Key umma, Hyu Me has become a very special person for them. I was hoping this wouldn’t happen. I was actually hoping that they’d come to dislike Hyu Me but--”

“It’s impossible.” Jihun said, continuing his sentence. “Because Hyu Me is one of those few people who has been real to them; who has been overly honest and unusally caring.”

Taemin smiled at that, “My noona is amazing right? Sometimes I think it’s more of a blessing than bad luck that she was chosen. With or without her, the show would still go on; my brothers would still be fooled. I can’t imagine my hyungs being dated with someone other than her.”

“Taemin… you like Hyu Me don’t you?”

“Yes I do.”

“Taemin?” The boy finally found his focus and looked up to see the concerned face of Jihun. “Why do you like her?”

Taemin blinked his cute eyes in confusion, “because she’s my noona. Isn’t that normal?”

Oh man! Jihun slapped her head. She should’ve known that Taemin has the same stupidity with Hyu Me when it comes to ‘romantic’ topic. “I mean… do you like her not as a noona but as girl? What I’m trying to say is, do you feel the same way your brothers feel for her? Are you falling for her?”

“HAH??? OF-OF-OF COURSE NOT!!!” Taemin stood up; shocked at her question. Suddenly flashes of Hyu Me’s face were running on his mind; when she cried, when she got angry, when she laughed, when she smiled. Taemin gripped his hair with both of his hands to control the confusion growing in his gut. “That’s not possible! Besides, I promised her… that I’ll never fall in love with her.”

Jihun saw how his smile never reached his eyes. She heaved a heavy breath and hung her head. I was hoping to die peacefully, but this is way more complicated than I expected. See Lord, you still can’t have me!

“Yah, Jihun-ah, I really like you! I never felt so comfortable to talk to a shawol before. See I like you too, it’s completely normal!”

Jihun rolled her eyes, “Sometimes I wonder why you’re my favorite in Shinee?” She knew this was a signal that it was time to wear their masks again and hide the worries they have because they know that any moment now, Hyu Me would comeback. “Now, I kind of understand why Hyu Me calls you big baby.”

Taemin made a duck face at this; clearly hiding his worries behind his mask too. “Yah, stop that. I’m not a baby. Can you teach me how to become a mature man then, someone that can be really reliable?”

“No.”

“Come one Jihun teach me how to--”

Just then Hyu Me arrived with three various drinks on her hand. She was trying her best not to spill any of it but as soon as she arrived at the door she outbalanced herself and end up spilling herself with a bit of the hot coffee. “Aah!” she bit her lip; determined not to let go of the drinks.

“Noona!” Taemin rushed towards her with full anxiety painted on his face. “Can’t you be a little careful next time?”

“I’m fine---”

“No you’re not.” Taemin sternly said. “Let me see your hand.”

Jihun rested her head on her hand and dreamily smiles at the scene in front of her. Now THAT is exactly how a mature and reliable man acts. It’s not taught, it just comes out naturally.

“WHAAT? You’re giving me the black coffee?” Taemin exclaimed right when he made sure Hyu Me was okay. “Then… then… who owns that banana milk you’re holding?”

“Mine.” Hyu Me simply said oblivious to the fact that Taemin’s first love is banana milk. “What’s wrong with you? You’re suddenly teary-eyed?”

“Well I don’t drink coffee and actually,” Taemin put down the coffee and the juice for Yui on the floor, readying himself. “Remember how much you love pizza? That’s the same way I feel for banana milk.”

Hyu Me gasped, understanding Taemin’s feelings, “Then I better run now. AAAAAHHHH!”

Jihun couldn’t help but laugh. I can’t believe I’m friends with these idiots! She observes the both of them who are happily fighting for a sinlge banana milk, especially Hyu Me who looks naturally having fun right now. Hmmm? Jihun narrowed her eyes again as another observation struck her. I think I was wrong. Maybe Hyu Me doesn’t really have a crush on Key. Maybe…she’s…

She looked at Taemin who was grabbing the banana milk and back to Hyu Me who is laughing like crazy.

Jihun sighed, indeed. This is harder than I thought. Oh well, no worries soon enough these two kids will eventually realize their feelings. I just wish that when that time comes…

It won’t be too late.

­---&---

Kim Hyu Me’s point of view

I don’t think this is really my day.

I looked at my reflection on the window outside ajhussi’s restaurant for awhile and sighed. Taemin and Jihun forcefully fixed my hair in some kind of loose braid with the pink hair pin on the right side of my head. It wasn’t bad in fact, without my ugly face I think it actually looks nice. But I feel very uncomfortable. I don’t usually put my hair down especially when I work at the restaurant.

I want to tie it in a tight bun but then I remember Jihun’s super-convincing-super-cute-pleading aegyo and I see the pink band aid that Taemin had wrapped around my finger and I find myself not able to destroy their work.

I sighed and just entered the back door of the restaurant with slumped shoulders. I found Soolpik ajhussi sitting in a corner with his arms crossed over her chest, and his foot tapping impatiently. “Annyeo--”

“YOU”RE LATE!!!!”

I covered my ears when he shouted. I apologized a hundred times before he calmed down entirely. “Exchange positions with Chun Yo, you’re going to do the waitress duty today.”

I nodded my head and grabbed for an apron.

“Wait Hyu Me. You’re not in uniform yet.” I frowned in confusion. Uniform? When did we ever have a uniform?

“Wear this,” he tossed the uniform to me and I gasped. It was a maid’s uniform that has those girly frills and short skirt. Totally the opposite of me! I bit my lip, there was no use in arguing to ajhussi but why did he suddenly came up with this idea? Why is the world doing this to me?

I grudgingly went to comfort room and dressed. When I opened the door, Chun Yo passed by; he was surprised that the door suddenly opened and so he paused and saw me. His widened and he actually looked at me from head to toe. I looked away, I know after criticizing me with those eyes, he’ll continue ignoring me again.

Well that’s what I thought

“You look good.”

I gasped, and trailed my eyes after Chun Yo has walked out after he said that to me. I realized I how much I miss him. Well, if he complimented me then maybe soon enough, maybe we can be friends again. Slightly a bit cheerful of the idea, I went to the main room of the restaurant and was received with multiple gasps. Not to be arrogant or anything but it feels different today. People don’t shout excitedly at me in fact they were whispering to each other and stare at me with… I don’t know… sympathy in their eyes? I just shrugged it off and went on with my job; besides I don’t really need news that might depress me.

Instead of going table to table, I decided to wait at the door and greet the new guests. This way, I can avoid the autographs and picture requests since they’d be blocking the entrance if they’d do so. When the first guest opened the door, I bowed even before seeing his or her face. “Welcome dear guest.”

“Oh, so this is where my bunny works. I was hoping you’d be in some acoustic guitar or something. Oh well, maybe you work there at night”

I stood up straight, flabbergasted. In front of me is Shinee’s almighty Key wearing normal clothes. “O-oppa?” I went around him in circles as I look for the cameramen. I didn’t know they’d be filming today. What is this, another surprise taping?

Both of his hands stopped me by the shoulders “The cameras are not here Hyu Me. I came here alone.” I was shocked at what he said. Coming here alone? Is that even possible for an idol? “But yeah, 5 minutes ago they scolded me saying they’d come after us, I guess fans has informed them about my escape.”

I couldn’t help but smile, I have to take credit of his efforts of escaping them. “That’s very risky oppa.”

“It’s worth it. At least it’s worth it. Oh did I already say it?” He gently held few strands of my hair and brought it to his lips, “You look stunning today.”

“Aissh, corny! Cheesy! Name it!” I pulled back and glared at him who was laughing softly at me again.

“Corny? Cheesy? Name it? And yet you’re blushing. I don’t get it keke.” Key pinched my cheeks right when I my frown deepen. Honestly, it was my way of hiding how nervous I was. “I’ve been irritating you too much these days huh? Sorry, but I’m just actually hiding how nervous I am when I saw you, neomu… yeppo.”

“Kyaaah!”

For once I was glad that the costumers were observing us. Key got distracted and so he didn’t saw me blush harder.

“We love Music couple!”

“Don’t worry Key oppa and, Hyu Me-ssi, we will protect you!”

“Yes! We won’t let you fall apart!”

Key and I looked at each other in confusion. “Uhm do you have any idea what they’re talking about oppa?”

“N-no, but they do give me the creeps.” Key smiled awkwardly at his fans and thanked them. “Say Hyu Me, wanna have a date with me while the cameras aren’t here yet?”

Before I can even reply to him he took hold of my hand and pulled me through the open door. “Sorry, I can’t wait. I don’t like the way other guys are looking at you here even how cute you are right now.”

We shot through the national road. Key brought me to different shops and changed my clothes in just that short span of time. We then strolled around checking probable gifts for his grandma who would be celebrating her birthday two weeks from now. People still acted weird around us but we didn’t mind, I honestly had fun. It was no use hiding it anyway. Even if the cameras finally caught us after some time, it didn’t cut the enjoyment we felt. Key… a problem-free date… staff not interfering…

Everything is too perfect.

­---&---

Or maybe not…

Kim Hyu Me is now alone, walking back towards her shabby house. A smile, surprisingly plastered on that smug face. She hums along the way, thinking of what would be a nice gift for Key’s grandma. She’s not really good at these things but remembering Key’s face when he talks about his grandma makes Hyu Me want to help him. She can see how he loves her so much.

Hmmm, should I give another shot at talking to Yui? Hyu Me paused when she was in the middle of a crossover. The other side leads to her home while the other one goes to the music room. Hyu Me bit her lip as her feet dragged her to the Music store.

Just when she turned to a corner, a whip of air crossed over her face and then—

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

“What the--”

Hyu Me was confused at the sight, for some reason, people are holding placards and are continuously throwing eggs harshly on one corner. She took a step closer and dread enveloped her at once. The placards were all about fighting for the ‘Music couple’ and that they are actually throwing eggs to a person.

And that… that person being thrown at… in front of the music store is…

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING? STAY AWAY FROM HER!!!” Hyu Me covered the person, accepting the eggs being thrown at… the eggs that were for Aisaka Yui.

“Hyu Me-ssi…?” The fans stopped, surprised at their idol’s sudden appearance.

“GO AWAY!!! ALL OF YOU!!!!!” Hyu Me screamed at them. The all cowered in fright; never have they seen Hyu Me this angry. It’s as if she’s even crazy with those infuriurated green eyes. “HOW DARE YOU HURT HER!!!! HOW DARE YOU!!!”

“Hyu Me, we’re just protecting you from her… we didn’t want to--”

“PROTECT ME, BY WHAT? HURTING MY BESTFRIEND? GO AWAY! GO AWAY!” Hyu Me could feel Yui’s shivering body and at that she felt crazier than ever.

The fans backed off slowly never being left with those green eyes’ loathsome glare. They realized they have disappointed the girl they idolized so much.

When Hyu Me felt it was safe, she cupped Yui face and found her eyes crying. There were even scratches around her face. Hyu Me’s heart shattered at the sight. She can’t bear to witness her bestfriend hurting like this. “Yui--”

“LET GO OF MEEE!” Yui thrashed her arms and crawled pathetically away from Hyu Me. “THIS ALL YOUR FAULT!!! THIS ALL YOU’RE FAULT!!! Are you happy now? This is what people around you get when you’re at that damn show!”

“Yui--” Hyu Me weakly approach her again but Yui inched away, dirtying herself on the damp ground even more “GET AWAY FROM ME!”

She looked at her ex-bestfriend with pure loathe and hatred in her heavy black eyes before saying…

“I HATE YOU KIM HYU ME!”

END!