CHAPTER 11 ~

*At Seunghyun’s House*

         “Sunye ah, you look so pale. Are you sick?” Seunghyun’s mom asked.

*achoo* “I’m fine. My eyes are just burning and my nose is a little runny.”

“Ew. That’s why you shouldn’t sleep with the window open when it’s so cold. Or at least cover yourself up with a blanket. You sleep like a pig. Be a girl!” Oppa’s so mean!

“Seunghyun! Be nice.” She hit him on the head and touched my forehead to check my temperature. 

“Umma!” he pouted to his mom. “When I walked in this morning, she was sleeping in small clothes with the window open. And she even kicked the blanket off the bed. It’s no wonder she’s getting sick.” We both shook our heads at him.

“Did you tell her?” O_o Hmmmn? What are they talking about?

“Not everything,” he replied before walking upstairs to his room.

“How’s grandma?” I asked, trying to ease into the conversation.

“She’s fine. I decided that it would be best if she stayed over here so I can keep an eye on her 24/7. But I don’t want you staying alone in the house so Seunghyun will be staying with you…One more thing, Danny and Teddy are coming back to stay for two weeks.”

“What?! Taebin oppa and Hongjun [Lol, laughing as I type Teddy’s Korean name] oppa are coming back?”

For those of you that are confused, Taebin oppa is my older brother. Actually, he’s my step brother so we’re not blood related but we’re pretty close. And Teddy oppa is Seunghyun’s older brother. I grew up around them and their friends, that’s why I think I turned out like them. They left about 7 years ago to pursue their career in music. I heard from Taebin oppa that they were highly successful in the States. I forgot what they were called though, not that it’s important. What matters is that they’re finally coming back. I stopped emailing Taebin oppa last year because he told me to stop bugging him to come back. He didn’t even call to ask if I was mad at him but one time I heard Grandma on the phone with him. I think it was a couple of months ago. I couldn’t hear what they were talking about but I’m sure it was something serious because halmeoni* was talking in a hushed tone. [*grandma]

“Are all of them coming?”

“I believe so but I’m not sure. They’re on break but the others might go on vacation or go straight to their families. You don’t mind staying with them do you?”

“No, of course not. We have so much catching up to do.”

         “Okay then. Seunghyun is going to pick them up at the airport tomorrow. He’ll be taking the car. Do you want to accompany him?”

         “I’d love to! I can’t wait to see them.” I smiled at her as she fixed my bangs before disappearing into the kitchen.

          Seunghyun walked down the stairs with his backpack and another big bag. “Yah! Why are you still here? Palli kaja*!” he dragged me out the door as I heard his mom yell something. [*Hurry, let’s go]

          “Call if you need anything and Choi Seunghyun, be good!”

          “Yes mother!” he said sarcastically while rolling his eyes.

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We reached my doorstep and I unlocked the door, running in like a little kid.

          “Ahhh! Taebin oppa’s coming back!” I turned to look at Seunghyun and then remembered halmeoni. He slightly arched his eyebrow. I guess I was staring too long. “Halmeoni!” I started to run out the door but Seunghyun caught me by the arm.

                “Where are you going?”

                “To see halmeoni.”

                “No you’re not.”

                “I’m not?”

                “Nope. You’re going to cook dinner.”

                “Why can’t we just go over to your house later?”

                “Because…”

                “…because what?” Because is not a valid answer to any question.

                “Cause I said so.” That’s not a valid answer either! “Cook some pasta.”

                “I don’t feel like it.”

                “Should I order pizza then?”

                “No! Why waste money? Just cook it yourself.”

                “I can’t. I don’t know how to…”

                “Suit yourself.”

                “Come on Sunye…please.” 

                “Fine. Go put your stuff away!” He ran up the stairs with his bag.

*time skip* [TOP’s POV]

                “Mmmmn, smells good.” After taking a shower, I came downstairs. “Sunye ah, is my pasta ready?” I strolled into the kitchen. Sunye was standing in front of the stove with her hair tied up and a blue apron over her red top. I towered over her to see how the pasta was coming along. The aroma of basil, tomato, and ground chicken filled my nostrils. Then my stomach grumbled behind Sunye and she let out a laugh.

                “Oppa, just give five minutes. It’s almost done. Can you set the table while you’re waiting? I’ll bring out the food.” I walked over to the cupboards to take out the plates before getting out the utensils. After setting the table, I sat down, waiting for Sunye. It wasn’t long before I saw her bringing out the steaming pot. I got up in my seat and reached for it since it looked like it was weighing her down.

                “Thanks. Let’s dig in,” she looked at the food proudly. As I took my first bite, I saw her looking at me intently. I chewed slowly to savor the taste and to curiosity. Sunye was always like that. She wanted criticism so that she could improve but she loved to hear people praise her work.

                “Mmmmn. Daebak!” 

                She smiled back at me before trying it for herself. We talked in between bites. Sunye and I could go on forever without running out of topics. “Oppa…” I looked at her and for the first time, and for the first time I felt like I couldn’t recognize her. Her expression was blank so I couldn’t read her eyes. All I knew was that something was bothering her. “Oppa, Taebin oppa is coming back tomorrow.” For some reason, she didn’t look too happy. She loves her brother; that I know. Something is really wrong and I don’t know if it has anything to do with Danny hyung coming back. 

                “Sunye…” I reached across the table to grab her hand. “Is something bothering you? You’ve been looking glum for a long time.”

                “Oppa. What if you and I were in a relationship?”

                “What?” O_O “What do you mean?”

                “Oh no, I didn’t mean-sorry-I shouldn’t have said-I’m losing my mind.” She looked really frustrated. I wasn’t mad at her or anything but she got up left without finishing the food on her plate. 

                “Sunye ah! At least finish your food.” Ugh. What’s going through her head? I finished eating and cleaned up. Sunye never came back down. I decided to take her food up to her. After knocking, I entered to find her sprawled on the bed with the sheets over her head. “Sunye…You didn’t finish your food. I placed her food on the side table and tried to take the blanket off of her but she turned over to face the pillow, making muffled sounds. “Can you please just tell me what’s bothering you? I won’t judge you, promise.” 

                “mmph rmph hmm,” she mumbled into the pillow.

                “What? I can’t understand!” She turned over.

                “I’m really sorry about what I said earlier. I’m sorry I made it awkward. I’m sorry I’m stupid. “I noticed she had the same blank stare.

                “Stop. You’re not stupid. And you didn’t make it awkward. I’m sorry I reacted that way. It’s just that I didn’t understand what you were asking and why.” 

                “No. I was being stupid and talking rubbish.”

                “What are you talking about? Sunye, why were you so curious about what it would’ve been like if we were a couple? Is that what’s bothering you?” 

                “Ani. I’m just going crazy. I don’t even know what’s going through my head.” I saw her eyes tearing up. On impulse, I grabbed hold of her face, quite unsure of my own thoughts. 

                “Sunye, listen to what I’m about to tell you. And before you misunderstand me, let me make it clear that I love Yoobin.”

                “Oppa. I said it was a stupid question. I love Yoobin unnie too and I think you two are perfect for each other. Just forget what I said.”

                “No. Sunye, listen. Something is bothering you and you’re not telling me so let me do what I can without making you do something you don’t want to.” 

                “I don-“ 

                “I love you.” She gasped and it looked like her eyes were about to fall out of their sockets. “In fact, you’re the perfect girl for me. The only thing standing in between us is Yoobin and our friendship. I love Yoobin; she’s my life, but if I hadn’t met her, I probably would’ve spent the rest of my life with you. Do you understand what I’m saying?” She shook her head, still wide-eyed. “If we were together, do you know how happy mom would be? Now, of course I wouldn’t hear the end of it from your brother…or mine, for that matter. You’re such a lovable girl, I don’t know why you’re always insecure. If we had gotten together a long time ago, I would’ve never let you go through the heartbreak of your first relationship.”

                “Oppa stop.” She pushed me away. Her cheeks were flushed. Yeah, I noticed. “Now I feel awkward, because over time you have become more of a brotherly figure for me and I just can’t imagine it any other way.” She looked over at the plate of food on the side table. “I’ll eat. I’m sorry for worrying you. Is it okay if we talk about this tomorrow? I promise to tell you what’s really on my mind. I just need some time alone.” I patted her head gently and just walked out of the room. Time…that’s right. Mom always says, “Time will heal everything.”

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