I promised to protect you, and that's just what I'm going to do'...

 

Why has he suddenly changed? A few hours- no, minutes ago, we were insulting each other, trying to make the other look stupid. I don't understand why he would get so defensive about me. Before, he could care less if some guy touched me. I mean, I'm glad he was watching over me, but...

 

'I promised to protect you'..

 

Where did that come from? I wouldn't be so surprised if Jongup said those words. The guy always greets me with a hug. Even the others! I can easily expect those kinds of words from them, not Yongguk!

 

'I promised'...

 

SINCE WHEN!! Only one group said they would protect m- hold on. Let me think about this for a second...

 

NO EFFING WAY!!!

 

I snap my head to look at Yongguk, who's expression remains unchanged from the cold hard glare he had before. His body is stiff and hard, except the hand that's holding mine. It's barely touching, like he thinks of me as the thinnest piece of glass.

 

"Yongguk, say... Stupid woman." I ask and poke his shoulder.

 

"What? Why?" 

 

"Just say it."

 

".... Stupid woman."

 

I must be some really stupid idiot. I'm always told ignorance is bliss, but this is just ridiculous. I still can't believe it! And just to prove it, tears well up in my eyes as I enthusiastically throw my arms around the man beside me.

 

"H-He-Jin, what the-"

 

"I thought you guys left me forever!" I cry into his shoulder, my grip getting tighter.

 

"What are you talking about?!" Yongguk asks, not pushing me away.

 

I look at him, and furrow my eyebrows and stick out my bottom lip. "How could you guys be so mean to me? You turned into humans without telling me, and then just decided to leave me. Do you know how distraught I've been?" I let go and flick his forehead. "I'm always depressed, even people who don't know ask if I'm okay!"

 

"Well," Yongguk smirks and rubs the area on his forehead that I flicked, "that's your fault."

 

"No it isn't!" This time, I aim for his ear.

 

"Ow, WOMAN!!" He yells.

 

"Good, you feel pain." I slump back in my seat and cross my arms. "I should do that 100 times more, just so you know the pain I felt." I look out the window at the passing cars.

 

The night sky is so dark, but the billions of stars sprinkled across the midnight blue fabric make the sky a beautiful scene. Even though the city lights can get annoying, I appreciate their dimmed tone tonight, making the town look like the background of a movie. Cars zooming by beside the bus or in the opposite direction amplify the Doppler effect, their lights like lasers as they pass by.

 

My heart isn't as burdened, or as depressed, but now it feels betrayed, excluded. The constant beating reminding me of the waves of sadness that used to hit me one by one. My mind, slowly rotting from all my put-downs and blaming myself for the Matokis' leave, is being corrupted by confusion. I want to cry in their arms. I want to hug them, and jump for joy. I want to yell at them for doing that to me.

 

Then, something else crosses my mind. The Matokis are alien bunnies- now human- that don't have a proper home. They have a job, and six incomes, but where do they sleep, eat, live? Should I offer the empty rooms in my house? I can move to my parents' room and leave my room, the guest room, and the extra room in the basement for them; two people per room. Casey would be happy to see them again. She'll be surprised, but happy. I can call HyoJae over, and we can prepare the house. I think I'm liking this idea more and more.

 

"I'm... We're sorry."

 

Yongguk's voice cuts through my thoughts, bringing me back to the seat beside him.

 

"Huh?"

 

"We're sorry for leaving. It was hard, some of us more than the others, but when you saw me, slapped me, and yelled at me, we realized something." Yongguk's expression softens. He turns to look at me. "We haven't been protecting you, but causing you more trouble. You have to have two jobs because I happened to change into human form at the wrong time. And the fact that I kinda jumped out your window and blew up one of your rooms also added to it..." He scratches his temple and chuckles nervously.

 

"You guys did protect me, and you still are. Yes, occasionally, you did cause me misery, but the happiness you brought me pushed that aside."

 

"It took you a while to figure that out. That we're the Matokis."

 

"Oh shush!" I slap his arm. "My mind was too preoccupied to deal with the likes of you!"

 

"The likes of me?!" Yongguk throws his head back and laughs. "You truly are a stupid woman."

 

"You have an open mind, and a mouth to match." I retort.

 

"I enjoy talking to you, my mind needs a rest."

 

"I'm not going to get into a battle of wits with you; I never attack anyone who's unarmed."

 

I glare at him, and he sends it back. Suddenly, his lips curl into a smile, and mine do to. We're quiet for the rest of the bus ride home. Not an awkward silence, but the one you enjoy with friends.

•  •  •

 

"We're so sorry." Five blond guys are currently on the ground before me, bowing and begging for forgiveness.

 

"It's fine. Can you get up now please?" I glance behind me at the elderly couple walking by. Their eyes are glued on us, and their pace quickens. "People are staring!!" I whisper hoarsely.

 

The five stand up, dust themselves off, and smile. I roll my eyes and unlock my front door.

 

"Where have you guys been staying this past week?" I ask, taking off my shoes and throwing my bag onto the couch.

 

"Oh, Hangeng had us over for dinner a few times, but we spent most of out time sleeping in one of the downtown bars. The only reason the owner let us stay we because we attracted A LOT of female customers." Yongguk chuckles.

 

"Jongup, Zelo, Himchan, Youngjae and Daehyun attracted a lot of female customers. You were just dead weight!"

 

As you can see, I'm not int the best of moods...

 

 Casey runs down the stairs and straight into me, almost knocking me back into the guys. She wags her tail and acts cute. She notices the guys behind me, and acts even cuter.

 

"We missed you too, Casey!" Zelo picks my beagle up, spins her around, and hugs her.

 

I walk into the kitchen, and notice my phone got a message.

 

-Hey, He-Jin. It's been a while! A friend of mine is moving, and I thought I would take this opportunity to come visit you! Is it okay if we show up on Saturday? Oh, and may my friend come too? Please call me back, thanks!-

 

I pick up the phone and dial.

 

Ring ring.

 

-Yeoboseyo?-

 

"Hey, Minji! What happened to the 'I'm the quiet guy nobody knows about'? You seemed so excited on the phone."

 

-He-Jin! Well, I dunno... I guess I made some friends and they helped me open up.-

 

"That's wonderful news! Now, about you visiting. I don't mind if you and you friend visit. The Matokis wouldn't mind seeing you either, and believe me, when you see them, you'll be surprised."

 

-I can't wait! Thanks for letting us come over! Oh, and He-Jin?-

 

"Yeah?"

 

-I'm sorry about that kiss... But you don't have to worry anymore. I have moved on.-

 

"So, basically, you found someone else to stalk."

 

-... It's not stalking if she knows I'm there!-

 

"Okay, okay. Just make sure she doesn't call the police on you!" I laugh. "Nice to hear your voice again. Goodnight!"

 

-goodnight!-

 

I put down the phone and then dial another number.

 

-Yello?-

 

"Are you busy this entire week?”

 

-.... FINE!! I'll come over...-

 

"Love you, HyoJae!"

 

-whatever...-

 

I put down the phone again, and go into the living room, where the six matokis- ah, sorry. Six guys sit around, getting accustomed to the house again.

 

"Two can sleep in my room, two in the guest room upstairs, and two in the guest room downstairs."

 

"Dibs on He-Jin's room!!" Jongup yells, jumping up from the couch and running up the stairs with incredible speed.

 

"Yah!! Your leader should get the best room!!" Yongguk yells, running after him.

 

"And so should the second in command!" Himchan yells, following after. "Listen to your hyungs!!"

 

"Anyone else feel the need to yell and run upstairs?" I ask the last three.

 

"Daehyun hyung and I can take the the guest room upstairs." Says Youngjae.

 

"And Zelo?"

 

"I already know Jongup hyung is going to loose, so we'll take the room downstairs." Zelo smiles and stands up.

 

"Good, so we've come to an agreement."

 

•  •  •

 

"Yah! YAH!!" I yell, running as fast as I can. "Slow down!!!"

 

"I still can't believe it!!" HyoJae mumbles in astonishment and excitement as she runs beside me.

 

"Well, believe it, 'cause it's real."

 

So, I was a lot happier at school today, like you guys care. When I came home, I was happy six pairs of arms were open, welcoming me home. Okay, not six arms exactly. Jongup and Zelo did their usual: run to see who can hug He-Jin first. Youngjae was reading a book, so he quickly gave me a nod and went along to his business. Daehyun was too busy stuffing his face with my last slice of cake Inhyung's parents gave me. He got a flick in the forehead, I can tell you that. Himchan ruffled my hair, and Yongguk... He returned to his normal self.

 

A cold hearted, dim witted, obnoxious bastard. Pardon my language.

 

HyoJae came not long after, and you wouldn't believe who threw his arms around her.

 

Youngjae.

 

Of course, HyoJae kicked him between the legs, and violently pushed him down, not knowing who he was, but when I explained it to her, she gladly returned his hug. Now that put a smile on his face!

 

Oh, did I also forget to mention that Hyo broke her 'I don't talk around other people'? Well, she did, and the four years of almost never talking exploded and came out of , babbling on about how the guys have changed. Ever since that moment, she's been so relaxed, and talks freely.

 

I'm just glad other people can finally hear her sweet voice.

 

So, yeah. Hyo convinced me to take them to the mall to buy proper clothes for them. But, as soon as we walked in, the six blonds dashed off into different directions.

 

And that's where we are now.

 

"Who knew they could run so fast!" Hyo bends over, clutching her knees and panting for breath.

 

"I think Himchan went over ther-"

 

As I turn around, I bump into someone, stumbling back and falling onto Hyo.

 

"He-Jin!" A hand reaches down, grabs mine, and lifts me up. "What a coincidence to find you here!"

 

"Hey, Minji!" I high five him. "What's up?"

 

"Nothing much," he bends down and helps HyoJae to her feet. "Just chillin' with my friend. Hey HyoJae!"

 

"Hey! Long time no see!" She replies, sending him a smile.

 

Minji blinks a few times, before turning his gaze to me.

 

"Yeah, she talks now." I nod my head.

 

"Oh..."

 

"You gonna forget I exist, or what?" Someone says from behind my old friend.

 

"Ah, sorry." Minji steps aside, revealing a small girl. "This is the friend I was talking about. Her name is Xian Jaexing."