Chapter 10

I don't know anymore  - Aiden

January went by fast for Aiden and his friends, though, it wasn’t fun.

Every day there seemed to be something new to happen to him, first his uniform had gone missing for an entire week, then his backpack, and then his book and so on; and every time he would retrieve something, there was always something breaking and nearly causing him near death experiences. He was glad that he would think quick and save his own life…

And he clearly knew someone was after him…

He slams his locker close and leaned against it; he also had noticed the distance between him, his brother and band mates, but mostly Dongho. Ever since Aiden found out about CC, Dongho had been basically ditching him and going to see her; but he didn’t mind anymore. It is his business, and Aiden decided not to interfere; even at home they seemed distanced.

As for his brother and everyone else, they were always gone for the day but back in the evening; and he knew why. They had their two songs ‘A Shared Dream’ and ‘Forbidden Love’ coming out soon, and their MV’s.

February was here and everyone was excited, with the two new songs and MV’s coming out, the whole school—mostly the girls—were waiting for the MV’s to come out.

Aiden had been thinking a lot lately…and most of them revolved around how he was going to show ‘Black Star’ to the school, still no answer for that…

And here he was, still waiting to see when his chance will be given for the stage, which still hadn’t happened, “Yo Aiden!”

The said teen turned his head to find Donghae and Eunhyuk walking towards him

“Ah Donghae and Eunhyuk hyung” the teen bowed his head slightly Donghae ruffled the boys hair and smiled,

“Hey are you signing up for the Valentines talent show?”

“There is one?”

“Yea, Hyukkie and I are going to sing our new song ‘Oppa Oppa’ for everyone”

“That’s cool”

“I know right?!” Donghae was practically spazzing out about it. Eunhyuk just smiled, even though him and Aiden hung out a lot he was still silent; but he didn’t mind, as long as he has friends, he’ll be alright.

“So are we still up for Chemistry lessons?”

“Neh, also history too right?” Aiden pointed out

“Of course!” Donghae said.

Aiden did indeed pass his history test the first three days, but it wasn’t easy….

“Come on, we’ll be late for class” Eunhyuk said, Aiden stared at the boy, jaw dropping; Donghae closed Aiden mouth, “What?”

“Y-you’re talking!!!” Aiden said, smiling

“Well I am not mute”

“Around me you are…” Aiden pouted and Eunhyuk laughed, the teen found his voice pure, not like it wasn’t when he was singing. But having him talk to him he was happy. All three of them headed down to class, they told jokes and short stories on the way.

When Aiden stepped through the door he wanted to leave right away CC and Dongho were holding hands, chatting away, and Donghae noticed Aiden stiffness and pulled him to his seat, “Hyung…I think I am unnoticeable to him…at home and school; we never talk or make eye contact…”

“Don’t worry; it’s just your imagination”

“I really do hope so…” Aiden sighed, pulling out his books

“Donghae is right, don’t stress out about too much. Everything will be fine” Eunhyuk ruffled the teen hair and soon left the room to go to his next class, as Donghae sat next to Aiden.

Aiden looked up to see Dongho smile and leave the room after blowing a kiss to CC, Did he even look my way? Did he forget that I exist…? Aiden wondered; he felt his heart hurt slightly, but ignored it.

As classes breeze by Donghae and Aiden stayed because health was next. Aiden stared out the window, hoping his mind would leave this world, just for a while.

Donghae watched Aiden, sadly, he wanted to help the teen; but how?
Sungmin and Kyuhyun walked into the room and both sat in the lab table in front of the two teens, “Hey guys; how are you?”

“I’m okay” Donghae managed to smile, when Aiden didn’t reply, Sungmin sighed

“Dongho again” he said as a statement

“Bingo hyung…” Hae sighed, “There is nothing we can do. All we can do is stay by him….”

“Ne...” the bunny tapped Aiden’s arm and brought him back to reality, the teen looked at him and managed a smile

“Hi Sungmin hyung~” he said sweetly

“Hi Aiden, I was just talking to Hae and Kyu about switching seats today” Hae and Kyu gave him the ‘Are you crazy?!’ look, but soon did as they were told. Aiden watched as the two in front bickered for a while, causing him to laugh.

Soon the classroom was filled with horrified screams from the girls as they ran to the back, “what the hell?!” Kyuhyun yelled looking at them. The girls pointed to a bullfrog that had hopped into the room and towards them.

Sungmin hugged Aiden as the frog jumped near them, when the frog jumped Sungmin screamed, causing Aiden to roll his eyes, “Sit still hyung” he said and escaped from the bunnies grip and walked over to the frog and picked it up, “Hey there little guy”

“Omo Aiden you are gross!!!” a girl with strawberry blonde hair said cringing away

“What? He’s harmless! What is so scary about a frog?!” Aiden yelled, “In America there are thousands of them!” a small boy ran into the room and spotted the bullfrog,

“There you are!”

“Wookie keep it away!!” Sungmin yelled sitting on the lab table,

“Sorry hyung, we took him out because the teacher said…”

“It’s alright, just take it away~”

“Okay” Wookie took the frog from Aiden and thanked him before leaving the room. Everyone in the room stared at Aiden as he looked at his hands and shrugged, heading out to the restroom.

When the bell rings Aiden rushes back to the room and makes it, he looks to find the teacher still missing; he quickly sits down next to Sungmin, who looked worn out “Today is film day so the teacher might be getting the film…” Kyu said, sounding irritated.

As if on cue the teacher ran in and called the class to order, “Alright people, this will not be on the test next week, but I would like for you to watch this.” The class groaned, whereas Aiden’s mind left this world and to another again.

The teacher didn’t notice Aiden spacing out and played the film, dimming the lights and closing the blinds.

Almost the entire class fell asleep during the movie, and so did the teacher.

But Aiden stayed in his own world; he couldn’t help but think of the millions of reasons why Dongho is ignoring him so much, maybe Donghae was right; it was just his imagination.

When the bell rang everyone woke up, the teacher acted as if he never fell asleep and turned the lights on and opened the blinds Aiden, whom came back, grabbed his bag and walked out before everyone else. He wanted to be alone for a while.

He sat on the stairwell near the café, he felt sick, not just the feeling. But physically, he felt weak. As if on cue Dongho was walking to the café until he noticed Aiden against the wall. The small teen looked pale as Dongho faced him for the first time and nearly shouted

“A-Aiden??” the said boy turned his head slightly; he was the last person he wanted to see now. Dongho felt his forehead and his face grew worried, he picks him up and carries him to the nurse.

After a quick check up the nurse looked at Dongho, “He’s just dehydrated, he just needs to take this and drink lots of water”

“Thank you” the nurse nodded and left the room after giving Dongho the pill and ice cold water.

“Thanks…” Aiden said, taking his pill an downing the water,

“Feeling better?”

“Ne…” Dongho, nodded and patted the younger’s shoulder,

“I’m going to go now, will you be alright?” Aiden just nodded, Dongho smiled and left him alone.

Donghae soon entered and sat on the bed Aiden was on “You alright?”

“To tell the truth…I don’t know anymore…”

“You want to skip the rest of school?”

“Sure…”

“Alright, I’ll tell the head master and be back as soon as possible, okay?”

 “Arraso” Aiden sat there as Donghae left.

 Aiden laid on the bed and closed his eyes, his hyung finally talked to him; only because he was worried. Is that the only way they could talk to each other? Aiden sighed, “What am I to him?” he whispered opening his eyes again, staring at the white ceiling.

When Donghae came back he carried Aiden on his back all the way to his apartment, “Hyung”

“Hmm?”

“Why do you have your own apartment? Don’t all groups stay in a dorm?”

“We do, it’s just that we don’t have one right now, so we all have either our own or we share. I on the other hand have one to myself.” Aiden nodded slightly but Donghae didn’t see, “But once in a while Kyu, Sungmin, and Hyukkie stay a night or two”

“That’s cool” Hae set the teen down and opened his door, “Oh…that was fast”

“You must have been day dreaming most of the way”

“Sorry…”

“It’s okay, everyone does time to time” the two smiled and soon went to studying.

(Aiden’s POV)

I didn’t know what was wrong with me, it feel like I’m coming down with a cold…possibly worse, I felt weak.

Donghae hyung and I were studying for the next few chapters so that way we didn’t feel dumb. I helped him with his chemistry and he returned the favor and helped me in history and math.

When I checked the time it was around 3, so I pulled out my cell and sent a quick text to Eli hyung, ‘I am at a friend’s house, I’ll walk home and be there around 5’ and hit send.

I noticed that Donghae was day dreaming about something, crumbling up a piece of paper I throw it at his head and laugh slightly then he looked around, “Donghae hyu-”

“You can call me Hae, you don’t need to be so formal” ….but I am used to it!!!

I just nodded slightly, “Okay, Hae; what is up?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re day dreaming; what’s on your mind”

“…Promise you won’t freak?”

“I promise”

“You swear?”

“I swear…” I laid my hand over my heart, “A star may seem cold but the star is kind, it belongs in the night sky. I promise on the star I was born on that I shall not freak out to whatever you say”

“Whoa…what was all that?”

“It’s my oath; I always say that first phrase, and then I swear or promise whatever it is. I’ve been doing it ever since I was eleven….”

“That’s pretty good, broken any yet?”

“Nope, never. I am a star, and I shine” Hae smiled, “So what is it?”

“Oh right!” he cleared his throat before speaking again, “It’s about Valentine’s day….” I just looked at him “I want to give and confess to my crush; but I don’t know how…”

“Who is this person?”

“Well, we’ve known each other for many years….” I couldn’t help but smile, I already knew who it was, “And his name is Eunhyuk”

And bingo

He looked at me to see no reaction, “You’re….not grossed out?”

“Not really, I noticed that you had something for him”

“…That oblivious…?”

“In my eyes, do you want me to help?”

“Would you?!”

“Neh, your always here for me; plus you two would make a very cute couple” he lightly hit my head but blushed.

“So what are his favorite things to do or eat?”

“Sing and dance…and strawberries”

“Let’s see…” I lay back on the ground and stared at the ocean blue colored ceiling and thought for a while.

In one hand I had a pencil, twirling it between my fingers, whereas the other hand was behind my head “You can write him a song and sing it to him….and give him a mini up-side down strawberry cake. Or make him a few strawberries shaped as hearts” I looked at Hae, whom was smiling at the thoughts.

“Yo, don’t day dream now” I tapped his head with my pencil and we laughed
“Sorry, but problem is; I can’t cook”

“Then I’ll teach you”

“Really…?”

“Yeah, in America I would always make my parent’s dinner and dessert for their anniversary” I said, frowning a bit, “But I won’t ever again”

“Why? Can’t you and your brother visit them?”

“No…maybe my dad but not the both of them…”

“Are they…” he looked like he was trying to figure it out, seeing which was right

“They are divorced…”

“Oh, I see…I’m sorry”

“It’s okay…” I said, smiling a bit “I have my brother, great friends, and my father who is always supporting me; and that’s all I need to survive this crazy world” Hae nodded slightly, looking at the ground.

Silence surrounded us, it wasn’t awkward, and neither of us broke it.

Just when I opened my mouth Hae’s stomach growled and he blushed madly, I laughed and rolled on the ground a bit while he threw pillows at me. When I finally calmed down I looked at him “Wanna make something to eat?”

“Sure!” he literally jumped out of his bed, ran out of the room and stood in the kitchen.

(End of POV)

Aiden laughed again while walking to the kitchen, “So what do you want?”

“Curry?”

“Do you have ingredient’s?”

“Yeah” after that Aiden had made the food and they ate in silence, Donghae cleaned up the dishes while Aiden began to pack up, it was half an hour till five, and he promised to be back by then.

He looks at his phone and saw nothing from Eli; he sighed and placed it in his pocket, “Hey Aiden”

The teen turned to the other

“Ne hyung”

“Who is your valentine?”

“I...don’t have one”

“Do you want me or sun-”

“Ani, it’s alright; I need to be alone this one year”

“If you insist…”

“Thank you again for helping me with math and history”

“Thank you for the chemistry lesson” the two smiled, Donghae hugged the small teen, and a “Will you be alright walking home?”

“Ye, I’ll be alright”

“Okay…” Aiden patted Hae’s shoulder and soon left the apartment, Aiden truly didn’t know if he would be alright walking home, but he didn’t want Donghae to worry that much...

Just before Aiden arrives at the dorm, rain began to pour down on him, “Oh god….really?!” he yelled to the sky, but only got a reply from the thunder and he sighed, a fine time for the rain to come he thought before continuing his walking.

He reaches the door soaking wet, he could feel his hair stick to his face and part of his neck, he could feel his arm bruising from the fall on the way here; he was tired.

Panting, he knocks on the door and waits for an answer, but got nothing “Oh come on…” Aiden said in English and pulled out his phone and called his brother. But his call went to voice mail, the wind started to pick up and the rain started hitting him again, “Why is this day getting worse???” he practically yelled.

He bangs his fist against the door, but no one answers; trying again but this time calling Dongho, the last resource he had. Two rings and he answers,

“Hello?”

“Hyung, thank god you answered” the teen said through clenched teeth, “Where are you?”

“Inside the dorm, why?” Aiden couldn’t believe it; he was out here, in the rain knocking on the door while his hyung was inside, ing inside!!

“I’m outside, freezing!” Aiden yelled, “I’ve been out here for at least ten minutes!”

“That was you? I thought it was the tree banging against the dorm!” Dongho exclaimed,

“Oppa, who is that?” Aiden froze in one spot,

“Hyung, who else is with you?”

“CC, she and I are hanging ou-”

“You can tell me after you let me in the dorm!!!” Aiden snaps the phone shut and waited for Dongho to open the door. Within seconds the door is open and Aiden pushes his way through, dropping his wet bag on the ground, he prayed that is was water proof, Dongho reached out to help Aiden but the teen slapped his hand away “Don’t touch me…” he said, shaking his head, drying his hair slightly.

“Aiden, are you okay?”

“Perfect” Aiden sighed and took his shoes off,

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive, I think you should go, don’t let CC wait…”

“Actually, my dad should be coming to pick me up right now…”

“Really?” Dongho asked, “I guess you should go, it’s almost eight…your curfew is nine…”

“Neh…” she pats her pockets and sighs, “I left my phone upstairs…” she pouted and Dongho walked up to her

“I’ll go get it, wait here”

“Thank you~” Aiden glared at the two, taking his suit shirt off and folds it and places it on his school bag “Aww~ Did poor Aiden get wet from the rain?” CC asked, sarcasm lingering in her voice

“Why don’t you go out and see for yourself” Aiden snapped back, standing there, glaring at the girl

“Love too, but I won’t”

“I’m starting to believe that you caused it to rain…like how you caused everything else that has happened to me” Aiden said with a hint of annoyance and sarcasm

“Took you long enough” the girl crosses her arms over her chest and looked at Aiden

“Wait, so I was right?!” Aiden looked at CC, who’s eyes widened, “I didn’t think what I said was true, well now I know~ Well I know you didn’t cause the rain, cause that would be plain out creepy…”

A phone started ringing softly, Aiden looked at the small light coming from CC’s bag; grabbing it and answering CC smiles and answers “Hi there, Hongki~ I’ve missed you”

“Two timer say what?” Aiden stared at the girl,

“CC I can’t find your phone! Did you check your bag?”

“Hyung come down now!”

“Ah, just my mom and dad, I’ll talk to you later” right as she closed her phone Dongho came down and looked at the two, “Found my phone hun, it was hiding in my bag”

“I’m glad you found it~” Dongho cooed smiling like an idiot, Aiden’s jaw dropped; unbelievable

“Okay I give” he turns and walks away from the couple and stands in the kitchen.

Dongho and CC soon say their goodbyes and depart the boy comes back and looks at the soaked teen in the kitchen, “Aiden?”

The said boy took a sip from his drink and kept his gaze out the window, “Neh hyung…”

“You should change”

“Later…”

“No, now” when the latter didn’t reply he walks over to him and looks out the same window before looking at the teen; after for what seemed like hours Aiden finally spoke,

“Hyung…”

“Yes Aiden?”

“How well do you know your girlfriend...."