Author's Note

I'm not sure if this one shot is great or not.. I think it's a bit to long to be a one shot to tell you the truth >.< I tried my best to make Nicole sort of a mean but not too mean to make people dislike her. I hope you guys like it. Sorry if I fast forward a lot, I just didn't know what to write between the events. And I didn't put too much romantic scenes I'm extremely sorry about that! -TT , TT

 Requested by: babytigers

 Characters: Nicole (KARA) & Yongguk (BAP) 

           Opening his locker, he placed his books in them carefully, not wanting to ruin them. Lifting up his black rim glasses, he checked if he had everything he needed before going home. Swiftly pushing his blonde hair away from his eyes, he pulled his backpack over his shoulder.

The sound of high heels filled the hallway as her heels hit the clean floor as she passed by the staring eyes that were following her. Pushing her long blonde hair out her face, she ignored the stares as if they were just air.

“She sure is pretty as rumor has it.” “I can’t believe she isn’t afraid of the teachers.” “I heard she’s really rude.” “Nobody knows her well, that’s what makes her mysterious.”

The sound came closer towards him, making him groan silently to himself. Sweet perfume filled the air near him and the sound of the dial turning on the lockers ringed his ear. Taking a look from the corner of his eye, he saw her just placing her books in her locker. Wearing a pair of blue shorts and a red loose, long sleeve shirt, not like the perfectly fit shirts that she usually wears that showed her perfect curves. Even though they were locker mates for a few months already, they never looked at each other in the eye or talked.

            “Yongguk and Nicole Jung, please report to Mr. Kim’s classroom,” the speaker announced, catching the two’s attention.

The two closed their locker at the same time and for the first time, their eyes met each other. The two stared into each other’s cold black eyes before turning their heads to head to the classroom. Yongguk arrived first with Nicole following behind him. Mr. Kim was sitting in his desk, writing down something, totally unaware of him arriving.

            “Mr. Kim,” Yongguk tried to get his attention.

His head looked up as his eyes stared at Yongguk, who was patiently waiting. As soon as Nicole walked in, Mr. Kim got up from his seat and stood in front of his desk.

            “Firstly, I would like to thank you two for coming here,” he smiled that them, as he leaned against  his desk.

            Crossing her arms, Nicole rolled her eyes, “Just tell us what you want.”

            The teacher just chuckled, “I want you two to do a project for me.”

Nicole and Yongguk looked at each other, not believing what they just heard.

            “You mean independently, right?” Yongguk asked, wanting a yes in response.

But just his luck, Mr. Kim shook his head as he showed the biggest smile ever. The two could read their thoughts from each other’s facial expression and they were the same. You want me to work with this person? the same thought ran in their head. Mr. Kim took a thin folder and handed it to Yongguk, who by reflex took it swiftly.

            “You must do a project about love,” he explained more.

Their jaw dropped wide open, with eyes of disbelief. The two never loved anyone before, so how could they understand then.

            “But,” Yongguk pushed up his glasses, “why us?”

Walking over to his desk, he took a seat back down on his black chair before taking out a pencil.

            “Firstly, the project needs to have a female and male so it has different views rather than one,” Mr. Kim wrote something on a yellow Post It note. “Secondly,” he continued on, “I think it would be nice to see different views from a top student like Yongguk-shi, and a mysterious student like, Nicole-shi.”

            Putting her right hand on his waist, she gave a face, “What makes you expect I will agree to this?”

            Agreeing with Nicole, something Yongguk never thought of doing, he frowned, “Same here.”

            “Of course you guys are going to agree. Afterall this does count as a grade,” Mr. Kim evilly smiled.

            “WHAT?!” Nicole and Yongguk shouted as their hands slammed the table, making the teacher jump a little in his seat.

            Composing himself, he patted down his suit and nodded, “This project counts as a grade, so I really hope you two don’t think of it as nothing.”

Passing them the sticky note, the two started to read the neatly written handwriting.

Due (1/14/12) Place essay on my desk

Topic: What is love?

Mr. Kim quickly got up and started to push the two out of his classroom before they could say anything else. Nicole quickly turned to say something else but she was a bit too slow for the door slammed in front of her face. Yongguk sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck.

           “So what time do you want to meet up at the library?” he forcibly asked.

Turning her head, Nicole’s soft blonde hair almost whipped his face, causing a slight shock for Yongguk. Looking at him, she narrowed her eyes as she crossed her arms.

            She scoffed at him, “You really expect me to do this project with you? I have more important plans this week so you could do it yourself.”

Pulling her black leather bag over her shoulder, she walked down the hallway, which was filled with the sound of her red high heels. Looking down at the Post It note, Yongguk sighed again as he ruffled his hair. Crumbling it, he placed it inside his front pocket. I might as well do it myself then Yongguk told himself she probably wouldn’t have helped either way. He zipped up his black and red jacket and started down the hallway, exiting the school building. Practically just forgetting about the event that just happened; he unlocked his bike and jumped on it, rushing out of the school property. He thought today would be crazy but he didn’t think it would happen so early in the afternoon. Yongguk had just got a new job at an animal shelter, which he still needs to learn the basics from someone. His blonde hair pulled back, away from his eyes as the wind blew on him while he rode down the clean streets.

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            “Wear this and come out after your down alright?” the male worker instructed him as he guided him to the staff restroom that was at the back of the shelter.

With his uniform in one hand, Yongguk nodded before shutting the restroom door in front of him. ing his school uniform, he pulled it off and placed an orange shirt that said Lovely Shelter over his body. Stuffing his uniform in his backpack, he unlocked the door and slowly turned the knob. Stepping out, he walked down the dark hallway, following the bright light and the increasingly loud barks every step he took. He kept walking towards the front of the store, passing the tall cages with dogs of all kinds. Pushing the front door open, he walked over the counter and tapped the boss, Mr. Jung.

           Turning his attention to Yongguk, Mr. Jung smiled, “You look great.”

           Yongguk thanked him with a polite smile, “Is there anything I could do today?”

           “Oh don’t worry,” his boss chuckled, “my daughter will teach you everything once she gets here.”

Nodding his head, he thought I wonder what his daughter is like. He leaned on the counter, as he imagined how she would look like. Mr. Jung had an approachable face that gave off a kind and friendly vibe by just standing next to him.

Ring Ring 

The door alarm sound filled the store, catching his attention towards the door. He couldn’t believe his eyes at all.

           “Cole-ah,” Mr. Jung cutely called, “you’re finally here.”

Please don’t be his daughter, please Yongguk constantly prayed in his head as he watched her put down her backpack and placed it behind the counter shelf. Nicole, who was completely oblivious of Yongguk’s presence, pulled out a black hair band and tied her blonder hair up into a high pony tail.

            “I’ll only be staying till 6 this time since I have to do something else alright?” she swiftly said, taking off her black jacket, revealing her orange Lovely Shelter uniform.

            “Yongguk-shi,” Mr. Jung called him.

           Snapping him back into reality, he stood straight up and gave him his full attention, “Neh?”

           “I would like to introduce to you, my daughter,” Mr. Jung patted Nicole’s back to turn, “Nicole.”

She quickly turned like a dog reacting to something it heard, and had no expression. Just my luck Yongguk pushed his black rim glasses up awkwardly. The store suddenly became silent and an awkward atmosphere crept up.

            Covering up the awkward atmosphere, Mr. Jung pulled Nicole’s arm and said firmly, “I want you to show and teach him around a bit ok.”

Nicole just nodded with a scorn face, as she continued to stare at Yongguk. Blowing his blonde hair out of his eyes, he stared at the floor. Mr. Jung went to the back of the store, where his office was located at. The sound of his footsteps became fainter and fainter with every second passing by.  Leaning on the counter, she pursed her lips in a thin line.

            “So are you going to show me around?” Yongguk broke the horrible silence.

            Sighing, “Fine, let’s just get this over with.”

Nicole walked into the back where the cages were while he followed behind, observing what she was doing. Unlocking one cage, she opened it slightly and gestured him to go in. He looked at her surprised and pointed to himself for confirmation. Nodding, she gestured him to hurry up before the dogs go out. Taking a deep breath, he hesitatingly walked inside the cage. Here goes nothing he thought to himself. As soon as he walked in, 5 dogs gathered and jumped on him, making him to fall on the floor. Watching, Nicole just face palmed herself. This is going to be a long day she sighed to herself as she decided to take a step in to help him out.

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            5 days has passed and there were only 2 more days till the project was due. Nicole didn’t seem to be worry about it, while Yongguk was the complete opposite of her. Being a nerd in school, he couldn’t help but be worried about losing his first place spot. Peeking at her behind the door, Nicole was petting a small golden retriever that was having a problem with getting adopted because of its shyness. He couldn’t help but feel like a peeper; I mean who would secretly spy on their own co-worker.

           “Come here little guy,” she spoke softly with a sweet tone and smile.

The puppy slowly walked towards her as she wrapped it in her arms, soothing it by petting its fur. She had a smile of a caring mother; something Yongguk would never had thought he would’ve seen on Nicole. After a few days of working with Nicole, the two got a bit friendlier with each other but she still had some kind of wall between them. His heart skipped a beat unknowingly as he stared at Nicole. Touching his chest, he bit his lip What the heck is wrong with me? His eyes were still on Nicole, who was looking at the puppy with cute innocent eyes as the puppy stared at her. Why doesn’t she show this side at school? he asked himself. Her sweet personality and cute smiling face, it was as if it was pulling him towards her.

Thud

            “Ouch,” Yongguk rubbed his arm.

He leaned too far in, making him fall into the room. Surprised, Nicole placed the dog down on the floor gently before getting out of the cage to stare at Yongguk. He was still rubbing his arm and dusting off his clothes, to remember Nicole was in the room and he was technically spying on her.

            Narrowing her eyes, Nicole crossed her arms, “What are you doing?”

           Looking up at her, Yongguk quickly got up and rubbed the back of head, “Nothing, I just fell when I was walking.”

Rolling her eyes, Nicole of course didn’t buy it, I mean who would? She took a step closer, leaving only a few inches between them.

            “You saw everything just now didn’t you?” she interrogated him.

            His face started to burn as his eyes were on her, “Sort of.”

Frowning, she took a few steps back, letting Yongguk have more personal space.

            “Go ahead,” she said in disgust before turning around to walk to the back. “Go tell everyone in school that I’m actually someone with a soft heart, I don’t care.”

           Surprised by what she said, Yongguk quickly grabbed her arm, “Is that the reason why you don’t show this side to anyone? You don’t want others to see the soft side of you?”

           Pulling his arm off of hers, Nicole glared at him, “So what if I am. A long time ago, I’ve been bullied and teased because of my stupid personality, it’s not like you would understand my position.”

           Yongguk grabbed her arm again, not wanting her to try leaving again, “I bet I do.”

            Smirking, Nicole looked at him, “Oh really, prove it.”

            “I will, but you have to follow me after we both get off, alright,” Yongguk accepted her challenge.

Nicole just nodded and pulled Yongguk’s grip off of her arm before walking to the back, leaving him alone.

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           “Where are we going?” Nicole asked for the 5^th time.

The two have been walking in the deserted streets in a part of Seoul and Nicole has been anxious just stepping on the sidewalks. Yongguk walked in front of her, while she followed him.

            Slightly annoyed by her constant questioning, Yongguk said once again, “Just wait, we are almost there.”

Nicole bit her lip, already regretting following him. Examining the streets, there was no one in site and all the stores in the area were closed. Making a sharp right turn in a dark alley, they dodged a couple of trash cans before coming in front of a stair case that was going down to, what looked like, an underground hang out. Stopping in front of her, Yongguk turned around and faced towards Nicole.

           Confused, Nicole looked at him weirdly, “Bwoh?”

           Just smiling, Yongguk took off his thick black rimmed glasses and hand it to Nicole, “Wear it for now.”

Taking the glasses out of hand, Nicole observed his clear facial features now that he wasn’t wearing his glasses anymore. His face was actually quite handsome, with sharp facial features he definitely would’ve stood out from the crowd. Who knew a nerd could be so handsome Nicole thought to herself as she wore his glasses.  She thought the glasses would be too strong for her eyes, since she’s 20/20, but surprisingly it wasn’t. That’s when it hit her.

            “You don’t really need glasses do you!” Nicole pointed at Yongguk.

            He smiled coolly, a smile that would attract any girl, “What are you talking about?”

            “Yah y-” Nicole began to say, but was interrupted by Yongguk, who laced his hand with hers and pulled her down the stairs.

Going down the stairs, they stood in front of a black door which was guarded by a man, who could pass for a delinquent. Yongguk acted causally, while Nicole hid behind him already having fear hit her body. She never had a good relationship with delinquents, even though many people say she is one. The male that was guarding the door looked up and waved at Yongguk.

           “Hyung,” the male greeted cheerfully.

The two high fived each other and caught up each other while Nicole watched awkwardly as if she was in another country. During the conversation, Nicole found out that the guy’s name is Jongup who is actually the same age as her and Yongguk.

            “You brought a girl this time too,” Jongup looked at Nicole with a teasing voice.

            Lightly punching his chest, Yongguk smiled, “Yeah so hands off alright, she isn’t like the other girls that come here.”

            Raising his hands high like he surrendered, Jongup smirked, “Ok, the other guys are inside already.”

Jongup opened the door and the loud sound of music boomed in their ears. Nicole looked through the door and saw people dancing in the center and a few people on the sides hanging out with friends. Yongguk couldn’t help but chuckle at Nicole’s shock expression. Pulling her inside the place with him, he gripped onto her hand tighter so she wouldn’t get lost in the crowd. Finally finding an empty table, the two sat down.

            Yelling through the music, Nicole pointed to the group of people on the dance floor, “So is this your proof or something?”

            Shaking his head, Yongguk smiled, “Ani, don’t worry this is just the beginning.”

Furrowing her eye brows, Nicole looked at him with confusion written across her face. Then suddenly a group of males circled around the two greeting Yongguk.

            “Yongguk,” the handsome male, who was named Himchan, bumped Yongguk’s shoulder, “I see you have finally brought a girl here.”

           Agreeing, the tallest male, who was named Zelo, examined her, “But I would never have expected you to bring someone like her here.”

For some reason, Nicole couldn’t help but feel shy and look down at her hands. For the first time after 4 years, she was actually shy but why? She told herself to just show her made up appearance, the strong and confident Nicole, but why doesn’t it show now?

            Yongguk laughed, “Actually she doesn’t really act like this. She’s usually acts very confident and fierce.”

            The guy with the mouth mask, Daehyun, pulled down his mask so he could talk more cleared, “Chincha? So she’s just like us but the opposite?!”

            Nodding, Yongguk reached over to lift Nicole’s chin up, “Yep, but she didn’t believe me so I brought her here.”

            “What are you guys talking about?” Nicole looked at the males around her.

            The male with the cute but fierce appearance, Yongjae, started to explain, “All of us here are the same. We hide our appearance which is what we showing now from others in the day. To other’s outside, we are just nerds while at night we are our usual self.”

            Further explaining it, Himchan rested his arms on the table, “We do this because when we are our usual self, no one would approach us because they thought we were delinquents but in truth we are just regular guys. Soon we got into fights with guys and we all decided to go with a mask to protect our true selves from others.”

            Nicole nodded, finally realizing that they really were similar with her but opposite. She was bullied because she was easy. To prevent that from happening again, she pulled a mask over herself to protect herself from others.

            “Anyways,” Zelo placed his arm over Yongguk’s shoulder, “Hyung we are going up in a minute.”

            “Going up?” Nicole looked at Yongguk, who just smiled innocently at her.

           Jumping off of his seat, Yongguk whispered in her ear, “Just wait.”

Her ears turned red as chills went down her spine. The boys quickly left her alone at the table, in her bewildered state of mind. Suddenly someone announced “B.A.P” was going to go up. Facing her head, towards the stage, she saw the familiar boys on the center of the stage, making her jaw drop. Cheers in the crowd could be heard, especially the females in the room. And the music started.

[B.A.P. – Power]

The 6 members began to dance to the music, making her eyes glue onto them in awe. Her black pearly eyes were especially glued onto Yongguk, making her heart race at every second she stared at him. Soon his rap part came up. 

You block out your eyes and lips, you're too busy filling your stomach up, role of stealing everything. Like a decalcomanie, role where money, status, and honor doesn't change. It's time to move and the anthem of the strong and weak will breath that fight. This is a revolution, a Guernica flow so everybody keep your head up.

He then winked, capturing many girls attention, especially Nicole's. Who knew a nerd is actually a cool rapper. Placing two hands on her burning cheeks, she mentally yelled at herself Control yourself Nicole.

           “Annyeong!” Nicole and Yongguk waved goodbye to the others as they left the underground club.

The two walked out of the dark alley and onto the quiet streets, walking side by side.

           “So does that prove everything to you?” Yongguk looked at Nicole, shoving his hands in his front pockets.

            Nodding her head slowly, Nicole smiled, “Yeah it does. Sorry for doubting you.”

Patting her back, Yongguk assured her, “It’s fine, it’s not like everyone would believe that someone like us could have such a opposite side of themselves right?”

Nicole smiled to herself and nodded in agreement, she then pulled a holt. Yongguk stopped also and started at her curiously, wondering why she stopped walking.

            “What’s wrong?” he looked at her.

            Nicole turned to face towards him, “Let’s finish that project that’s due tomorrow.”

           His eyes widened, “Are you serious? I don’t think we could finish it on time. It’s 10 pm already and you have to go home.”

           Shaking her head violently, “I want to do the project. We will just do an allnighter at your house till we finish the project.”

           “What about your parents?” Yongguk asked.

           “I’ll just tell them I’m finishing homework at a friend’s house,” Nicole gleamed happily, proud of her smart idea.

           Unsure, Yongguk looked at her, who was giving her best puppy dog face at him, “F-fine.”

           Nicole cheered and laced her arms with his, “Well what are we waiting for? Let’s go to your house.”

The two dashed off, without a single regret in their mind.

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Yongguk slowly opened his heavy eyes and saw Nicole in front of him, sleeping like a baby. A normal boy would’ve probably been surprised and yell but he didn’t for some reason. The two passed out at 4 A.M. after they finished their project and decided to sleep on his bed. He cracked a gummy smile on his face and observed the innocent looking Nicole, something not everyone would see. Pulling a strand of hair out of her perfect face, he traced her pink lips with his thumb.

            “Would you act differently if I protect you for now on?” Yongguk whispered to himself.

Getting up from bed, he looked at his clock that was beside his bed, which said 7:05, exactly 10 minutes till school starts. His eyes widened as he grabbed the clock to make sure his eyes weren’t fooling him. Yongguk shook Nicole’s shoulder, causing her to stir around not wanting to get up.

            “Nicole, we are going to be late for school!” Yongguk yelled.

She quickly got up and looked at him shocked. He showed her the clock and the two quickly to the bathroom to prepare for school. Quickly cooking two toast, Yongguk grabbed one toast in one hand and one in his mouth. He placed it in front of , she grabbed the toast in while in her hands were there report. In 5 minutes they rushed out Yongguk’s house and hopped on his bike. Quickly biking with full speed, Nicole wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. In 4 minutes, they arrived in front of their school just a moment earlier till they shut the gates. Locking the bike on the bike racks, the two ran hand in hand with each other into the school building and in the hallways. Ignoring all the stares and whispers, the two quickly ran to Mr. Kim’s class. Slamming the door open, Mr. Kim himself was actually quite surprised also. Nicole handed him the report as she was gasping for breath. Yongguk was doing the same but rested his hands on his knees.

            “Gomawo, you two may now get to class before the bell rings. I’ll tell you the results of the project after school,” Mr. Kim smiled.

Yongguk and Nicole nodded and walked out of the classroom, exhausted.

           “Well we did it,” Yongguk cracked a smile.

           “Yeah we did,” Nicole eye smiled. “Also Yongguk I have to tell you something.”

            He looked at her questionably, “Bwoh?”

            Gesturing him to come closer, “I won’t tell you if you don’t come closer.”

Doing as he was told, Yongguk was now just centimeters away from her with his eyes on her. Nicole smiled and tiptoed so they could be the same height. She pressed her soft lips on his, making Yongguk shocked at first but kissed back. Breaking away from the kiss the two hugged each other.

            “You now have to protect me,” she whispered in his ear with a wide smile on her face.

Yongguk’s face turned bright red, he couldn’t believe she actually heard him. But he showed the gummiest smile on his face and hugged her tightly.

            “Already on it,” Yongguk whispered in her ear.

Mr. Kim has already finished most of the report and liked it so far. Reading the last few sentence of Nicole’s part of the report, he couldn’t help but smile like a proud father.

Anyone could wear a mask to protect themselves from everything around them. But that doesn’t mean that the two that looked like complete opposite won’t have a chance to be together. One could break the mask down slowly to actually reach out to the lonely person and love them for what they are; not caring for others that might say there wouldn’t fit for each other. Love isn’t something that can be made up but felt by the couple. That’s how I experienced it with the one who is completely ‘opposite’ of me.