*Re-edited version 10/24/12*

So sorry for the late update. AFF had some service problems and cut me off. This chapter is slightly messy at the end because I rushed. Okay, so I told you Taena (TaeminxAlaina) has a song, which is Kiss Kiss Kiss, but I also think the Japanese version of Replay and SHINee's other song The Reason also fits well with them. What do you think? The translation goes well for them literature wise. Anyways, sorry for mistakes or confusion. Please leave a comment or subscribe.

Disclaimer: I don't own pics.

(Alaina's POV)

When the next Sunday came by, I was 'officially' Onew's cousin and I lived within the SHINee household. I had a room that satisfied more than what I needed and was within a sanctuary with people I cared about.

The dark bruising I received from playing an extreme game of ultimate football earlier in the week was finally fading, from an ugly purple-red to a splotchy yellow-gray. I could finally do some physical exercise in gym without wincing or groaning in pain.

Work at Little Town was bearable, and since my employment, I had attracted more customers, mostly the school crowd I hung around with from school. My bosses, Chungcha and Chunhei adored me more for my hardwork - commenting I was their 'blessing'.

I learned more about my supposed culture bit by bit, either by asking questions randomly or when one of the SHINee guardians would just spout out a fact. It would've been easier to learn by reading, but most books about the Reversed World and its aspects was in the Reversed World. Jonghyun told me its because they didn't want to carelessly ship over secrets about their existence.

And living with SHINee was never boring. I wasn't that interactive because I was more observant.

Key-umma definitely lived up to the title 'umma'. He cooked, cleaned, was the tidiest one, naggiest one, and very responsible and caring while looking theatrically fashionable. Key's other hobbies would include dancing, shopping, and surprisingly, rapping. And since he was soulmates with the 'umma', Jonghyun was the 'appa'. Jonghyun was full of emotions and life, always active or talking. He was very proud while being very friendly and had this reputation of skinship, especially with his soulmate. He and Onew loved singing, their vocals very unique and melodious.

Onew had explained a bit about himself when I had first met him. He was clumsy, always thinking, was the oldest, and was the attentive dubu leader. But he had his funny moments, was a chicken fanatic - proclaiming chicken was his life - and was very smart.

Minho was the more calmer, polite, but friendly person in the family. He loved sports and was competitive and very determined. When he was close to someone, he protected them and would treat them amiably. He had his times with jokes and had hobbies like rapping, playing sports, and being an outdoor person.

And lastly, there was my soulmate - Taemin. The youngest of SHINee and the one I had met first. To me, he was my shining star, my light, and the person who changed my perspective in life. He loved and admired dancing...but he said he loved me more than anything else in the world. I'd say the same thing to him without hesitation...as long as there wasn't an audience.

SHINee may be rich, popular, talented, and all good-looking in their own ways, but they weren't exactly human. They were guardians with a purpose being on Earth, but they wouldn't tell me the reason, assuring me it was nothing too dangerous and wouldn't want to reveal it to me so early.

My life wasn't that adventurous or exciting, but everyday with SHINee made my heart beat blissfully, my life fixated with theirs now.

My journey had only just begun.

...

I was at my shift in Little Town, wiping down the counter and keeping an eye out for entering customers. A local man and his daughter entered and sat at the counter. The man ordered some coffee and some treats while his daughter seemed temperamental, a huge grumpy mask on her big-cheeked face. A tantrum? She fidgeted and kicked at her appa's chair sulkily.

"Sit still," ordered her appa firmly but exasperatedly.

"I wanna go to the playground!" she screamed back, losing it. But her father only scolded her lightly and ignored her afterwards.

A frown formed on my lips. What kind of parenting was that? I wiped the frown off my face. Smiling politely, I passed the man his order.

The father handed his daughter a cookie which she munched on and spread crumbs everywhere. Her father sighed loudly and wiped her face with a napkin roughly.

"Ow!" she screeched at him.

A bigger frown replaced my smile. I reached over the counter to clean up the mess.

"Mianhaeyo," the man told me in a low, worn voice. "My daughter gets tantrums easily. And I can't control her that well."

I could sense something from him. I spoke up softly, "Are you a..single parent?"

He nodded, frowning. "It's a hard life. Coming here helps ease some tension but my daughter is too picky."

Kids will be kids, I thought fondly, thinking of the orphanage. I decided to help the man. I glanced at the girl with a kind smile and said, "Annyeong."

"Who are you?" she griped at me, her cheeks puffed out.

"My name is Alaina, what's yours?" I asked her, not minding her rude manners.

"Hana," she told me, eying me strangely. She saw some napkins and began tearing some in pieces and throwing them in the air. I saw a sparkle of amusement in her eyes. Kids just wanted to be entertained.

"Hana!" snapped her appa irritably. "Its not nice to do that!" He cleaned up the litter again.

I stopped him reassuringly. "It's fine. That's my job." I turned back my attention to the pouting girl. "Do you know what you can do with napkins?"

"Ani," mumbled the girl.

"What me to show you?" I asked her.

"Show me what?" I saw that curious look, begging me for an answer.

"I'll show you," I told her and grabbed a napkin. I began folding and creasing it in front of her as she watched intently, amazed.

She gasped at the creation. "A bear! Look appa, a paper bear!"

Her father smiled wearily. "Ne, I see that."

I slide the origami bear to her which she took eagerly, peering at the cute face. She grinned in delight. "Can I have it?"

I nodded. "Would you like to color it?"

"Ne!" she cheered. I gave her a box of crayons from my bag and she gleefully added color to the bear's face, animating it with big googly eyes and pink lips.

"Kamsamnida," her father whispered to me, the lines of exhaustion lessening.

"Enjoy your coffee," I told him and went back to work.

In the kitchen, I paused to myself and clutched at my chest.

I miss the orphans, I thought, feeling homesick. I missed their pure fantasies and guarded innocence. I was always happy and content around them because they weren't burden with the harsh reality of life.

"Annyeong, Ahleena!" Hana waved at me as her father took her hand - her other hand griping the paper bear - and led her out.

I chuckled at her cute pronunciation at my name. "Bye bye. Come again!"

I was wiping down the counter again when a cool, bored voice mused, "How heartwarming."

I froze, a cold current shooting up my spine. Then I forced myself to relax just in case the person saw my unease. I looked up to see a young, handsome face, his hair dyed, with some small tattoos visible under his rugged, stylish wear. He looked as collected as his voice.

How come I didn't sense him enter the cafe, or more importantly, how did he sneak up to me so stealthily?

I stopped assessing him and forced a smile. "Ne, kids are so silly. They just need to be entertained."

He tilted his head. "I see," he responded simply. His eyes were so dark and calculating with eyeliner.

"Do you want to order anything?" I asked promptly.

"Hmm...just some black coffee to go," he requested loftily. He kept those impenetrable eyes fixated on me. I stared back levelly, but I was scared.

"Wait one moment, please," I told him, trying not to lose my verb, and went off to fix his order.

Was he...a demon? The feeling he emanated...it was silent and ominous, but he didn't advance threateningly. I shivered despite the warmth of the kitchen.

Somehow, it was like the first impression of Taemin again, the boy so young - maybe younger than me - and so beautiful with his pale, milky skin and lovely, collected voice.

But this time, the beauty was dangerous and foreboding.

I returned back with the steaming coffee. I handed it to him passively. "Here you go."

He slipped money in my hand so swiftly that I flinched. He eyed me solemnly again. I didn't meet his gaze.

"Thanks," he said plainly and turned to exit the cafe, bringing the aura of uneasiness with him.

As he walked out, Taemin came in, they passed each other.

I would've been exaggerating when it seemed like time stopped and the world shaded into a gray scene as they ambled passed each other.

I didn't see their eyes snap to each other in suspicion then away like the moment never happened. The world returned back to normal.

I breathed less difficultly when Taemin hurried over to the counter where I stood woodenly.

"You okay, yeobo?" he asked me gently, seeing me breath in and out.

I swallowed thickly. "Yeah, yeah, I just felt a little...off."

"Is your shift done, yet?"

I nodded. "Let me tell Chungcha-ah and get my bag."

...

(Taemin's POV)

When Alaina disappeared in the back of the cafe, the warm face he appeared before her vanished. It was replaced with apprehension. Taemin felt something ominous cling to the air, but very faint.

It was the same feeling he sensed from that boy he passed on the way in. The boy seemed alert of him, too, having shot a glance at him with those dark, lightless eyes.

Who was that boy? Was he a local? He didn't attend at SM Academy for all Taemin knew. Nothing bad seemed to have happened when he wasn't around. Taemin didn't even have a forecast.

Why couldn't he shake off this uneasiness?
 

...

(Youngjae's POV)

He watched them get into a car and drive off. Only until they were out of sight, he released the ES he surrounded himself with to hide his presence.

Another figure emerged forward quietly, sipping his coffee leisurely.

"She's pretty," the younger boy commented languidly. "Very good with kids, too. Makes a good barista."

He rolled his eyes. "That's not helpful information, Zelo."

Zelo smirked. "I can think of some scenarios, hyung."

Youngjae looked at the maknae dryly. "Don't make me angry, Zelo. Let's just go back, there's nothing interesting today." Then he sighed. "Why did you even buy coffee...?"

"What? Being a demon doesn't mean I can't eat human food. I miss drinking coffee."

...
 

(Taemin's POV)

"Er...Taemin, we're going in the opposite direction," spoke up his soulmate uncertainly in the car, "the house is the other way."

Taemin chuckled. "I know. We're taking a detour."

Alaina's brows knitted together. "What do you mean by 'detour'?"

Taemin grinned. "We're going on...a date."

...

(Alaina's POV)

Taemin gave me a heart attack, saying that one blasted word.

Date.

I finally found my willpower to protest, "Taemin...it's almost eight. And I'm tired from working, can't we go on a...date another time?"

"You say the word 'date' like it's a curse," remarked Taemin, continuing to drive leisurely.

It is to me, I thought glumly. First being trapped into a relationship because of an unbreakable bond, then being kissed (even though we both wanted it), and then moving in to the same house as him...now a date?!

I was never ever meant for relationships, much less dating. I don't even socialize unless it was inevitable.

"Where are we going?" I asked in a small voice.

"Lotte World."

My eyes flashed open. "Y-you mean with rollercoasters?"

Taemin glanced at me in concern. "Are you afraid of heights?"

I gulped. "In a way...but riding something that looks dangerous is more worrisome."

Taemin reached over to grasp my hand. Our Essence glued together and I felt his protective, but fun side.

"Don't worry," he consoled me, "I'll always be here to protect you, yeobo. And think about it, we do need our first date."

When we arrived at Lotte World, I gaped at the amusements and liveliness the place emanated.

Since it was dark out, the streetlamps and other utility of light blazed. Mixed in the atmosphere was joy, fear, and animation, sinking into my skin. I felt jumpy and impatient because of others, their feelings uncontainable. In my head, I could imagine a song playing as my date began.

Taemin held onto my hand, seeing how I would move around uncomprehendingly.

"Let's ride a rollercoaster, eh?" He winked at me and my face paled. I couldn't escape his grasp as we lined up for a ride. I saw some other people but mainly couples or group of friends since it an evening on a weekend.

"Oh no," I said horrifically as Taemin and I were buckled into the seats. Taemin still had my hand comfortingly.

Taemin laughed at my dread. "Just relax, it's better that way!"

"We're gonna plummet to our deaths. If not, then I'll die of a !" I shouted at him.

Then the rollercoaster began treading forward, rising and reaching its peak.

"Ani, ani, ani, ani, ani, ani, ani," I kept muttering incessantly. Then we dropped.

"EEEEEK!"

My stomach kept rocking and rolling as we rose and dove and jerked on the tracks. My hand tightened convulsively around Taemin's.

"What do you think?" Taemin asked me with a silly grin as we unboarded the ride.

I gasped, "Th-that w-was amazing!" I beamed at him.

Taemin laughed. "See? I told you! Let's go ride some more."

In all we rode about three more rollercoasters until we got dizzy and lightheaded. We took a bunch of pictures and ate some snacks. Then Taemin dragged me over to the stalls with all the games and prizes.

Taemin saw me staring intently on a stuffed bear. It looked so huggable!

Before I could react, Taemin paid for a game and he had to shoot for enough points. He had really good aim!

"Here you go, kid," said the man monitoring the stall. He grinned. "You look like a good couple," he complimented, glancing between me and Taemin. "She's a keeper. I would stay with her."

I blushed happily as Taemin handed me the stuffed bear. I hugged it close to my chest.

"Don't think that you can't stop hugging me because I gave that to you," Taemin teased as we walked around. I never lessened my hold on my plushy prize.

"Hmm...I'll think I'll name it...Taemmie," I decided with a joking smile.

Taemin laughed out loud.

Our last ride was the obvious for all couples: the ferris wheel. It was on its last revolution of the day.

"Wah...so pretty," I murmured when I saw the full view of the amusement park. At night, it was the best. The colorful, bright lights that looked like fireflies and lightsabers. You could see the people who looked like little ants. The sky was a dark void of a purple-black hue dotted with twinkling stars.

"Shouldn't you be paying attention to me?" voiced Taemin beside me. He sounded disapproving and childish.

"Oh, hush, you're holding onto me. Don't complain," I said without facing him. I was too fascinated by the view.

"You're right about that."

Then Taemin pulled me closer to him abruptly, eliciting a giggle from me. He nuzzled his face in the crook of my neck as I laughed, trying to slip out of his arms.

"Let me go!" I squealed, giddish as if I inhaled laughing gas.

"Not until you look at me~" he sang blithely, enjoying the moment.

I looked away purposely. "Aniyo~"

"Please?" Taemin whispered in my ear softly. "Yeobo~"

"What's the magic word?" I hummed, my eyes closed so I wouldn't cave into his aegyo.

Taemin thought about it seriously. He was staring at my face, searching for the answer that would be like a magic word. Then, I felt him lean in to press our foreheads together.

"Saranghae."

My eyes flashed open only to be dazed by the loving, bright gaze he was giving me. Our noses were touching, our lips so close...

"Aieru mo."

We had our second kiss, the second week we've been together.

As we filed out from the ferris wheel, content from our tender moment, my cell phone (gift from Onew) buzzed in my pocket. At this time, Taemin had was quiet as he saw something. I took my phone out and read the message in puzzlement. It was from Key.

WHERE ARE YOU?! TAEMIN TURNED OFF HIS PHONE! Aish, that babo, just when I give him his phone back, he abuses his privileges. COME HOME, NOW!

I shot a sour look at Taemin who looked innocent.

"Key-umma?" he inquired simply.

"You bet. I think he's gonna confiscate your phone again if you won't leave it on."

"I really don't care because a date with you was worth it!"

"Let's just hurry home. We have school tomorrow."

Taemin and I finally headed home, knowing we would be reprimanded by Key.

Ever since the game stalls, we didn't see a pair of angry eyes watching us from a distance.

...