Requested by: --- 

 Characters: Nicole (KARA) & Dongwoon (B2ST) 

           Her fingers pressing down the keys of the black grand piano as the beautiful melody filled the room. With her long black hair almost getting in the way, she swiftly pushed it back, already regretting for not tying up her hair. It was the usual practice in her empty mansion, the house her family locked her up at. The wind blew from her opened window, hitting her fair skin. Freezing her fingers on the keys, she got up and walked towards the window. It was just the beginning of fall but the weather was too cold for her. The sound of birds chirping filled the air, as if it was the song of fall. But to Nicole, today was like any other boring day since she’s been locked in this prison.

Any normal girl would most likely be grateful for being able to skip school and stay in this mansion with everything that is needed. An entertainment room, a walk in closet, a large in-door swimming pool, etc., any girl would think this would be heaven. For her it wasn’t. Growing up from a lawyer and doctor, her childhood was never how she wanted it to be. For her parents, the only think that mattered was to get good grades not music. Ever since she was little, music was her life. People may say she was a child prodigy and still is a prodigy at the age of 17. The piano was like a key to expressing her own emotions, the ones that couldn’t be told to her parents. At the age of 13, she was locked up in this prison. After years of putting up with the press, her parents couldn’t take it anymore and this was their only option. Her older brother couldn’t help her even. The only time she could get out is when her family wants her to go out but anything else was not permitted.

But she was always the odd one out in her family. Nicole was quiet and hardly says anything, afraid she might get in trouble for talking about her own opinions. You must respect and follow your parents her father always says. Her brother is a successful business man, a son that her parents are very proud of. Then there was her, a piano prodigy since she was little. Something her parents didn’t really look in for their daughter. Her parents always wanted her to be a lawyer or anything in the medical field just like they did.

Her stomach growled, telling her it was time for lunch. Closing her piano and window, she walked downstairs into the clean kitchen. Taking out all the things she needs, Nicole started to cook her lunch. 20 minutes later, the delicious smell of omelet filled the house. Placing the omelet on her white plate, she cleaned things up and washed her hands. Taking a fork and her meal, she sat on her large sofa and the TV. Eating her lunch as she watched, a few minutes passed and the plate soon became empty. Turing off the TV, she washed her plate. Turning around, she leaned on her counter and sighed. What to do now Nicole thought as she scanned the room.

Thud Thud

Almost making her to jump, Nicole saw a figure standing near one of her living room windows. Slowly inching closer to the window, she cautiously peeked at the figure, hoping she won’t be seen. If there is ever a stranger near the house call us pronto her father told her. Pulling up the window, she looked at the figure with a bewildered expression.

       “Is that really an expression to show to your childhood friend after 3 years of not seeing each other?” the tall blonde hair boy smiled.

       Sighing, Nicole forced a smile, “Ani. It’s just that Dongwoon-ah, why are you here? You know my parents are going to kill you if they know you’re here.”

Son Dongwoon, a son of two proud business owners. Behind that blonde hair and rebellious clothing, there was a genius in him. He was a prodigy just like her but in academic than music. He graduated high school at the age of 12, while graduating college at the age of 15. The two were different, even Nicole didn’t even know why he even wanted to be friends with her. His family loved him and wouldn’t judge him because he was everything his family wanted, while she wasn’t the slight bit close. The two met each other because their parents were close friends. Nicole never really tried to be friends with him, since she always thought the friendship would be the same relationship as she has with her parents But Dongwoon slowly broke down her wall with his persistent and strong willing personality that she couldn’t t help but accept him. He’s the only person that was able talk to her and getting a reply back or a loveable laugh in return.

       “I don’t care. Just come on, let’s go out,” Dongwoon reached his hand out with a sweet smile on his face.

At first, Nicole hesitated, unsure if she should go out. The last time she’s been outside was 2 years ago; when her brother decided have a family dinner with Dongwoon’s family. Even though she was outside, it still felt like she was trapped in a cage. She wasn’t able to talk to Dongwoon that much because there were many adults talking to him, especially women.

       “I don’t know,” Nicole bit her lip, “I’m not even dressed either.”

She was wearing a white strap dress that stopped to her knee and a pair of bunny slippers.

       “Don’t worry, you look fine,” Dongwoon winked. “Just go get some shoes and we’ll be on our way.”

Thinking about it some more, Nicole finally agreed and ran to grab her black Converse. After putting them on, she grabbed her keys and placed it in in her bag. Walking back to Dongwoon, she carefully jumped out of the window and closed it.

       “So where are we going Oppa?” Nicole patted her dress down.

Dongwoon was wearing a pair of black jeans and a loose blue sweater. He didn’t change a bit Nicole thought.

       Lacing his hands with hers, Dongwoon pulled Nicole across her front lawn, “I need to go grocery shopping so the first destination is M-Mart.”

Surprised at his sudden action, Nicole couldn’t help but blush. Trying to hide it with her long black hair, they continued to walk down the side walk. Talking and catching up with each other, they finally arrived at the market after a few minutes of walking. Entering the market, the loud chatters of people filled the place. Dongwoon quickly grabbed a basket and they entered the aisles. He looked around and grabbed the things he needed, while Nicole examined the place called M-mart. It was of course embarrassing for her to say but this is her first time going in a market, since her mother always told her to stay at home because of the press always staying outside of the house. As soon as they entered the crowd, Nicole tightened her lock with Dongwoon, making him smirk but she didn’t see it. Going up to the counter, Dongwoon placed the basket on the table as the worker started to scan the products. The worker looked at them with a peculiar expression, as if the two of them were unreal. Dongwoon and Nicole ignored her since they always got the same look when they hanged out together.

With Nicole’s innocent appearance like an angel and Dongwoon’s cool delinquent like look, didn’t seem to fit well with each other especially if Nicole is linking hands with him. The image looked like Dongwoon is forcing Nicole to hang out with him, to strangers that pass by them. Hearing the occasional whispers and looks didn’t bother Nicole and Dongwoon anymore.

After checking out Dongwoon’s ingredients, the two walked out of the market hand in hand still, pushing through the crowd.

       “Cole,” Dongwoon nudged as he smiled, “let’s go get some ice cream ok?”

Nicole eye smiled and nodded. The two continued to walk to the ice cream parlor that was about 2 blocks down the M-Mart.

       Tucking her black hair behind her ear, she looked at Dongwoon and giggled, “You’re treating right?”

       “Oh course I am,” Dongwoon winked at her as the two crossed the street.

After a few minutes of walking, they stood in front of the Crown Ice Cream Parlor. The clear glass in the store was able to show the heavy amount of people inside the parlor, just waiting in line to get their order and food. Dongwoon gestured her to stay outside, while he went to get their ice cream. Hesitatingly, she agreed but still didn’t like the idea of staying alone outside. Leaning on the black railing, she stared at her feet like a child would when they got scolded. A light wind blew in the air, lifting Nicole’s long black hair in the breeze.  She looked up and saw a butterfly flying by, making her unconsciously reach out for it. Staring at it as it flies off, Nicole couldn’t help but wish she was a butterfly also. Having the feeling of freedom and life, oh, if only that wish could come true.

       “Hey,” a deep voice called out, “are you here alone?”

She snapped out of her train of thought and looked up to see two tall males standing around her. Nicole couldn’t help but feel frightened in this situation.

       Shaking her head, Nicole stared at the floor, “I’m with someone.”

       The other boy grinned and lifted her chin to have her eyes meet his, “You don’t have to lie to us, we aren’t bad guys.”

       His friend nodded and smiled, “Let’s just hang out with each other.”

       “No it’s ok. I’m really waiting for a friend,” Nicole rejected politely.

The sounds of steps were heard behind the two males, making them turn to see who it was.

       “Mianhae, but she’s with me,” Dongwoon glared as he held two ice cream cones in both hands.

The males gave each other quick glances and apologized before they could run away.

       Nicole couldn’t help but laugh, “So lucky, that you look like a delinquent.”

       Dongwoon pouted, “Yah, is that really something you should say to someone who just rescued you and got you ice cream?”

       “Hehe gomawo,” Nicole giggled as she grabbed her ice cream cone.

He still remembers my favorite ice cream Nicole thought to herself as she her chocolate ice cream. Dongwoon leaned on the railing with her as he started to eat his ice cream while he examined Nicole’s side profile.

            “Bwoh?” Nicole noticed him studying her. “Do I have some ice cream on my face?”

Dongwoon couldn’t help but blush, but tried to hide it by giving a sweet smile.

       “Ani,” he smirked. “Now you do!”

He took some of his vanilla ice cream and placed it on Nicole’s nose with his index finger. Nicole’s eyes widened and gave him an evil glare.

       “Oh it’s on!” Nicole said as she took some of her chocolate ice cream.

Dongwoon quickly ran as fast as he could, while Nicole chased him. He laughed as she continued to chase him, passing all the pedestrians that were staring at them. But they didn’t care.

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Stepping out of the shower, Nicole grabbed her white towel and started to dry herself off. Her black hair dripped on her bare shoulders, as she stared at herself at the bathroom mirror. Dongwoon brought her back to the house, entering in the window that she kept unlock. As soon as they went inside, he told her to take a shower so he could prepare food for her. Truthfully, Nicole was quite shocked and scared at the same time. One, she didn’t know he could cook and two, she’s scared he might burn down the kitchen. Placing a baggy, grey shirt and white shorts over her body, she tried to dry her hair a bit. After a few minutes of drying her hair, it was a little bit wet but not too wet to bother her. Opening the door, a breeze of cold air hit her skin, making her to shiver a little.

Walking out of the bathroom, she walked down stairs already smelling the delicious scent of her favorite food, curry. Her eyes gleamed in excitement, as her feet went down each step. After not eating curry for 3 years, her stomach couldn’t wait to eat it. Sticking her head in the doorway to the kitchen, she saw Dongwoon pouring the curry sauce of white rice. Her tongue the top of her lips uncontrollably, as she continued to observe him. Sensing someone watching him, he turned his head around and saw Nicole.

       “Oh you’re finished already,” Dongwoon smiled. “Just wait at the dinner table alright?”

Nodding obediently, Nicole walked to the dining room and saw down. Two minutes of waiting, Dongwon came out with a plate of her favorite curry and a glass of water. Placing it in front of her, she couldn’t help but admire it. Sitting down next her, he rested his elbow on the table and chin on his palm.

       “Are you going to eat it or not?” he chuckled.

Picking up a spoon, she took a spoonful and placed it in . It melted in , and the flavored blasted her like water being splashed at her face.

       “It’s reamly gomd,” Nicole said as she continued to eat her curry.

       Dongwoon laughed, “Can you say that in Korean please?”

       Swallowing her food, she blushed, “It’s really good.”

       Ruffling her hair, he smiled, “Good, I really hoped you like it.”

Nicole smiled sweetly as she continued to eat the delicious curry. That’s when she noticed that Dongwoon wasn’t eating anything, but just staring at her with a sparkle in his eyes.

       “You aren’t eating?” she questioned.

       Shaking his head, “Ani, I’m not hungry.”

Nicole didn’t buy it. She took a scoop of her curry and placed it in front of Dongwoon’s mouth.

       “Eat it,” Nicole demanded.

       Bewildered, Dongwoon shook his head, “I’m alright.”

       Shaking her head, she pouted, “Eat it or else I won’t let you stay.”

       Dongwoon bit his lip, “Fine.”

Opening his mouth, Nicole feed him the curry. They took turns eating the curry, Nicole would eat some then she would feed Dongwoon some. If people were watching them, they would’ve probably thought they were a couple. After a few minutes later, the two were finished with the dish, leaving the plate spotless.

       “Thanks for the food,” Nicole patted her stomach.

       “You’re welcome,” Dongwoon said as he reached forward to wipe a tiny bit of sauce in the corner of her lip.

Nicole touched her lip and cracked a smile.

       “By the way Woonie,” Nicole swirled her black hair, “why are you here?”

There was a slight silence in the room, making the atmosphere a little bit awkward.

       “Because today is a special day,” Dongwoon answered.

       Her eye brows furrowed as she looked at him confused, “Special?”

He smiled and nodded. Getting up from his seat, she took out a handkerchief and placed it over her eyes.

       “Deal with this for a moment alright,” he whispered in her right ear, sending chills down her spine.

Guiding her through the house, they walked down the hallway into a dark room. Placing in the center of the room, Dongwoon untied the blind fold, revealing the surprise he had in store for her.

       “Happy Birthday,” he wrapped his arms around her petite body.

In front of her was a chocolate cake that said Happy 18^th Birthday and 5 candles lightened up already for her. It was placed on top of her grand piano with rose petals around it. She totally forgot it was her birthday. Her parents stopped celebrating with her since she was 8, thinking she was too old for a birthday party. But Dongwoon would still give her small gifts back then. But after she was locked in this place, he never sent her a card or a gift when it was her birthday. Thinking that he forgot like everyone else, she slowly started to forget also.

Tears started to come out of her eyes, as she looked at the place in astonishment.

       “Well what are you waiting for, blow out the candle silly,” Dongwoon told her, still hugging her.

She closed her eyes and blew out the candles, leaving the room in complete darkness.

       “Congratulations,” he cheered, unwrapping his arms and walked over to the door to turn the lights back on.

Nicole stared at the cake and examined the decorations in the room. She was speechless; a word couldn’t even explain how she felt right now. Dongwoon walked back towards her, with a wide smile across his face. By the expression on her face, Dongwoon’s surprise was a success.

       “Was this the reason why you came to my house?” Nicole asked.

       Nodding his head, “Partly, there is another reason.”

       “What other reason?”

       “I’ll tell you the other reason after you play the piano for me,” Dongwoon smirked.

       Nicole pouted, “Fine, but you better tell me later.”

       “Of course. A true man always keeps their promises,” he winked.

Nicole sat down on the stool while Dongwoon sat next to her.

       Dongwoon lightly pressed a key on the piano, “Do you still remember the duet we did together when we were little?”

       Nicole laughed and nodded, “Of course, it’s the song I kept nagging at you about the mistakes you kept on making.”

       “Then let’s play it then,” Dongwon placed his hands on the keys, and Nicole followed in.

On the count of three, they started to play. Pushing the keys with their fingers, the melody they were making was soft and sweet. It was perfect. The flow of the notes played, making their body fill with joy. After a few minutes of playing the song, they finished and stared at each other, as if they were getting into each other’s eyes.

       Snapping out of it, Nicole quickly said, “So what was the other reason.”

Smiling, Dongwoon reached inside of his pocket, taking out a small box. Nicole watched as she waited for him to explain. Slowly opening the box in front of her, in the middle was a diamond ring.

Her hand covered that was dropped wide open as tears once again threatened her eyes. That’s when it hit her.

       “As soon as we are adults, I will propose to you,” the fifteen year old Dongwoon yelled back at her, before she was taken away into the black car.

       “Then it’s a promise,” she screamed before the guy in the black suit closed the door in front of her.

Her face turned bright red, she quickly covered her cheeks that were burning.

       “So will you, Jung Nicole, marry me?” Dongwoon pushed the stool to make room for him to kneel on one knee.

She stood there, tongue-tied. Not knowing what to say, all she did was a small gesture that explained everything. Nodding, she took the ring and placed it on her 4^th finger. Dongwoon got up and had the gummiest smile on his face, before giving a tight hug in response. Hugging him back, Nicole smiled.

       “I love you,” Dongwoon whispered in her ear, lovingly, before kissing her.

Her eyes slowly closed as she let him kiss her. At the same time, in their head was the sound of the same melody that they played on the piano before. The sweet and harmonic sensation filled their body.

       “I love you too,” Nicole smiled between the kisses.

This is probably the happiest moment in their lives is what they are most likely thinking. But they don’t know that this moment is just the beginning.