“It was you?” I asked him again.

            Jaejoong just looked at me. He wasn’t denying it.

            “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” I had a lot of questions at the moment. Why was it him? Why would he want to save me? How did it happen?

            He crept in closer, wrapping his arms around my neck. I was shocked at his sudden actions but it wasn’t like I could do anything about it. My ankle still hurt. I looked around and saw Sohee walking away, turning a corner, her cries were silent but her tears gleamed on her cheek.

            “She’s gone.” Jaejoong whispered and released me, giving me a confused expression. “What were talking about?”

            I was shocked. “It wasn’t you?”

            “What did I do?” Jaejoong gave me a playful smirk.

            It wasn’t him. “Don’t worry about it. I thought you were someone I knew.”

            Jaejoong chuckled. “How can you know someone but not know what they look like?”

            I thought about it for a while. “I don’t know.” I admitted after some time.

            “Strange.” Jaejoong muttered. I looked around at everything except him. I could feel myself blushing. I had almost spilled my thoughts to a cold hearted, well not entirely cold hearted, person like him. And then I realised that all the handout sheets were on the floor.

            Slightly disappointed, I got down and started picking them up. Jaejoong saw immediately what I was doing and gathered most of the sheets. “Thank you.” I said again as he handed them to me.

            “I d-“

            “I know you don’t want it.” I snapped at him. “But just take it.” I slowly stood up, this time refusing to let him help. “And if you don’t want my ‘thank you's’ then stop helping me.” I chose the wall over his warm body; one hand on the wall, the other grasping the sheets. There was no response from him so I turned to look at him again. He was nowhere to be found.

            He just left me here without even telling me. That hurt. I shrugged it off and continued on to the classroom. “Minni.” I looked up to see Changmin striding towards me. “Are you alright?”

            “Yeah,” I began and tried to take a normal step towards him. I still limped and had to hold the wall for support.

            Changmin frowned.

                        I was now in the infirmary resting well. Changmin declared that I had to go, looking at the state of things. The teacher’s lip thinned when she heard I had fell down and twisted my ankle. I didn’t mention anything about Jaejoong to Changmin or the teacher. But now that I was all alone, I couldn’t help thinking about him. Although he was so cold and his words were ice daggers, he had helped me today. I couldn’t help but feel happy – for him; he had a heart after all.

            The bell rang to end the day and I stood beside the bed rocking on my poor ankle. It felt better and I didn’t have to grab hold of anything anymore. I still had to limp though.

            “Don’t you dare move!”

            I turned around to see Yunho at the door giving me a firm expression. He quickly changed it into a smile, easing me. “How are you feeling?”

            “It feels better now.” I smiled at him. “I can walk on my own now.”

            “Minni, are you okay?” Junsu dashed in and following him were Changmin and Hana.

            “I’m fine.” I hugged myself and felt some bruises on my forearm.

            “How did you manage to fall so bad?” Hana asked skeptically.

            I trembled a little. Hana was always quick to get onto things. “I fell down a flight of stairs.”

            “That’s terrible.” Junsu cried.

            I laughed at Junsu’s cuteness. “I think we should quickly get home. Don’t want to be late and make mum worried again.” I placed a hand on his head.

            “I’ll help you.” Yunho offered. He wrapped my arm around his shoulder.

            “Thank you Yunho.”

            “I don’t want your ‘thank yous’.” I could almost imagine Jaejoong saying that right now.

            “Glad I could help.” Yunho beamed at me. Junsu enthusiastically opened the door but before we could exit, Kimmi stood before us, with a hot chocolate in her hand; behind her was Yoochun.

            “Hi guys.” Yoochun started. “Shocked to see a pretty person like me here?”

            I tried not to smile.

            “I made you smile.” Yoochun beamed. “I knew that my presence sends out happiness everywhere I go.”

            Kimmi shot him a look. “You and yourself should get a room.”

            “Hey, better than not liking yourself at all.” Yoochun commented. That hit me somewhere but I put on a pokerface.

            Kimmi turned to look at me. “I bought you hot chocolate to make you feel better. That stupid Jaejoong spilled the one Sohee gave you.”

            Kimmi’s remark made me feel uncomfortable. “I wouldn’t say he’s stupid.”

            Hana erupted behind me. “You guys are stupid!” She yelled at the top of her lungs.

            “Don’t say that about my sister.” Changmin stared at her. I could see his hurt expression.

            Hana trembled a little but her confidence was back before you could say ‘hot chocolate’. “She is stupid.”

            “Hana! Don’t say that!” Junsu lectured his sister. Hana glared at everyone in the room then stormed off. Junsu turned to Kimmi apologetically. “I’m sorry.”

            “It’s not your fault.” Kimmi relaxed a little.

            Junsu shook his head in disappointment. “Normally Hana is very reasonable.”

            “Yeah yeah, but when it comes to Jaejoong, she turns wild.” Kimmi inserted. “We know.”

            “I’m sure Hana has a reason for this as well.” I walked up to Kimmi forgetting that my leg was still injured. I almost stumbled but Yunho caught me before I lost my balance and fell.

            Kimmi gave the cardboard cup to me. “I should be leaving now. I have to help mum with something at home.”

            “Sure.” I beamed at her and watched as she turned her back to me and walk away.

            “See you.” Yoochun chimed and followed her putting a hand on her shoulder. She nudged it off.

            Changmin sighed behind me. “I guess I better catch up. Bye guys.”

            “Bye bye.” Junsu, Yunho and I chimed together.

            “Let’s get going.” Yunho suggested. “I’ll drop you off.”

            “What?” Junsu gasped.

            “I just got my license yesterday.” Yunho looked at us proudly. “And this time, I’m dropping you off at your front door.” He tapped my nose. I flushed a little. Junsu glowed at the idea and smiled sheepishly when he looked at us.

            “Hey, it’s Jaejoong.” Yunho commented.

            I turned to see him in a small corridor with his headphones on, fast asleep. He was leaning against a wall in a comfortable sitting position. I couldn’t help but notice the frown on his face. Even when he was sleeping he didn’t look like he was at peace.

            “Should we wake him?” Junsu suggested.

            “No, let him be.” I told him. Somehow I didn’t want to look at his eyes.

            Yunho pulled me closer to him. “Let’s go then.”

            I nodded and looked at Jaejoong one last time before walking off. His eyes suddenly opened and he stared at me wondrously. The look in his eyes; I still couldn’t decipher what they meant.

                        “Enjoy your afternoon.” Yunho shouted from the car as Junsu helped me into the house.

            “Bye Yunho!” Junsu waved like crazy. As predicted Hana was already home. She gave me a glare then walked upstairs. I heard the slam of a door and immediately knew that she was in her room.

            “Did someone drop you off?” The mistress asked, smiling warmly at her son.

            “Yes.” Junsu explained. “My friend offered to drop us off because Minni hurt her leg.”

            The mistress turned my way. Her glare was deadlier than Hana’s. “I see she knows how to use people.” She chose her words carefully.

            “Yunho offered.” Junsu grabbed an apple from the bench and took a bite. “Who wouldn’t want to help Minni, anyways? She’s so nice.”

            “Some people act nice so they can get the things they want.” The mistress told her son.

            I bowed low in respect then headed to me room. It wasn’t long before I saw that someone was sitting on my bed, smiling just like my father. I immediately dived into his arms. “Uncle! I’ve missed you.”

            He looked at me. “I’ve missed you too. You’ve grown prettier, Minji.” He examined me. “You look a lot like your mother.”

            It was sad to mention any one of my parents but I wasn’t going to show it. “I’ll take that as a compliment. My mum is so beautiful.”

            “Yes she was.” Uncle agreed.

            “Is it time to go back?” I asked.

            Uncle turned serious. “It’s been eight years Minji and yes, it’s almost time to go home.”

            “Really?” I gave him a hug filled with happiness.

            “I had a brand new house built on the same land. It’s almost complete.” He explained. “At the end of the year, we’re going to move back in.”

            “That’s great.” I beamed at him.

            “Just wait a little longer, okay?”

            I nodded.

            “Now time for the bad news.” Uncle started. I frowned. “Next week is your birthday and although it’s the eighth birthday we haven’t spent together, I still won’t be seeing you.” Now I really felt sad. His smile widened. “But I did bring you an early present.” I curiously wondered what it might be. He lifted his fist in front of me and opened it. A silver chain dangled from his fingers and at the end of the chain was a sparkling snowflake pendant.

            I gaped at it, remembering it. “That’s my mother’s.”

            “And I think that it’s time that you have it.”

            “But how did it survive? I thought the house was completely ruined.” I stammered and had a lost for words.

            Uncle shook his head. “Diamonds are very strong. It was a little dirty when I discovered it within the ashes but I had a jeweler patch it up.”

            He wore it around my neck and I felt the cold heavy pendant on my chest. “Thank you.” I muttered. At last I had a piece of my parents with me; something 

                        “How do I look, Minni?” Junsu ran down the stairs two steps at a time. He wore a warm beige trench and a dark grey beanie.

            I chuckled and fixed his hat. “Handsome as always.”

            Hana gracefully walked down the steps with a long deep green coat that went well with her brown wavy hair. A cream beanie and thick scarf was all around her head. I had to say that she was one of the prettiest people I had ever seen. “Here.” She said when she approached me, handing me a felt red coat. “You’re not going out there with a sweater and jeans, no way.”

            I found it so cute how Hana was such a fashionista. I quickly slipped the jacket on and we headed outside. Yunho was already here leaning against the passenger door of his white gleaming car. He smiled and waved us over. I spied his navy thick V-neck sweater accompanied with beige pants and a brown coat. I had to admit that he looked stunning in casual. As polite as he was, he opened the doors for his passengers.

            “Minni, do you mind sitting at the front?” Junsu asked.

            I don’t know why but I just nodded in agreement and Junsu winked at me. Hana had a frown on her face again and entered the car following Junsu. Yunho opened the front door for me and I smiled appreciatively and sat down.

            We arrived at the mall in no time and I had to say that it was breathtakingly beautiful; just by looking at the waters I could no longer feel the cold. “Yunho! Over here!” I could hear Yoochun’s voice above the sound of the crowd. 

            Yoochun strangely had Kimmi’s arm linked in his when we approached them. Kimmi struggled to pull it away and successfully did after some time, rewarding her neighbor with a hard punch. Yoochun rubbed his arm but quickly recovered and slung an arm around me. “It’s great to see you, Minni.” He chimed with a smile plastered on his face. “You look great today.”

            “I think she looks just like any other day.” Hana inserted.

            “Well, we’re not wearing our uniform.” Changmin told Hana logically. “That’s something different.”

            “And anything is greater than wearing just your uniform.” Kimmi stated eyeing Hana with distaste.

            Hana glared at them. “Does your family have something against me?”

            “No.” Kimmi rebutted blankly. “We’re just worried about your stupidity, especially when it comes to choosing a guy.”

            Hana gasped and trotted off. I caught up and matched her pace. “Hana, please don’t walk off.” I pleaded.

            She stopped abruptly and I had to walk a few steps back to stay within a distance for communication. The look she gave me was scarier than the one before. “You’re the one who’s stupid!” She sneered at me quietly. “I’ll tell you something to knock some sense into you. The hot chocolate that Sohee gave you was a mixture of hot chocolate and soya sauce.”

            I was silenced. I didn’t know what to say. That day, Hana said that I didn’t like hot chocolate and Jaejoong threw it away after taking one sip. It all made sense now. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” I croaked inaudibly.

            “And why should I tell you?” Hana said icily. “I thought you were smart enough to figure it out and not let your friend trample on someone who is trying to help you.” She turned away in disappointment and stormed off, and I was too shocked to say anything.

            “Where is Hana going?” Yunho asked when I walked back to them.

            I shrugged sullenly. “I don’t know.”

            “Are you okay, Minni?” Junsu questioned me with concern.

            I faked a perfect smile. “I’m fine. What are we going to do today?”

            “I know a place.” Yoochun suggested.

                        “I got him straight in the head!” Yoochun punched his fist in the air while his other hand steadied a bright blue gun.

            Kimmi stood by him with a pink gun, entirely focused on the screen. “You know there’s more to kill.”

            “Yeah, but I got first kill.” Yoochun emphasized on his words. “That shows that I am superior to you.”

            “Man, if this was a real gun, I would put a bullet in your head right now.” Kimmi said through clenched teeth, still focusing on massacring the bad guys on the large TV screen. Yoochun chuckled nervously and began to concentrate on the game again.

            “Where’s Changmin?” I overheard Junsu asking Yunho.

            “He went to buy some waffles, I think.” Yunho answered.

            “Yeah, he did.” Kimmi clarified while shooting furiously. “Heard he was hungry.”

            “Well he’s been gone for a while.” Junsu pouted missing his new friend already.

            I ruffled his hair and laughed lightly. “I’ll go check on him.” I insisted. I preferred being outdoors than being in an arcade. I didn’t think that being in an arcade was reasonable when your (foster) sister was wandering the streets alone either.

            “We’ll catch up.” Yunho said with a smile. “Just waiting for those two to finish their game first.”

            I nodded and walked out into the cold air. The waffle stall was right in front of the arcade but Changmin was nowhere in sight. I scrutinized my surroundings and saw a small quiet alleyway nearby. Maybe he was looking for a peaceful place to enjoy his waffles. I wandered into the alleyway but quickly darted out when I heard voices.

            A girl was crying as quietly as possible and a tall man had a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t cry.” He said and I instantly knew that it was Changmin.

            “I am not crying.” Hana sobbed.

            “Whatever.” Changmin said, definitely not believing her. I peeked at them and saw him rip a bit of his waffle and stuff it in when she was about to talk again. Hana glared at him but he took no notice. “Yummy?” He asked.

            I could tell that Hana was choosing whether to swallow or spit it out. She decided to eat it. “Are you trying to make me fat like your sister?” Hana stated. “I’m not a binge eater like her.”

            “She’s not a binge eater.” Changmin said blankly. “She’s a bit chubbier than you but she isn’t fat either.”

            “Whatever. Keep standing up for her.” Hana said. “And stay away from me.”

            “That’s what families do. I look out for Kimmi just like how Minni and Junsu look out for you.” Changmin took a seat next to her. “But I’ll stay here with you until you feel better.”

            “I don’t need you. You’re not my family, you’re not even my friend.” Hana scorned. “Go!”

            “No I’m neither, but I don’t want to be on bad terms with you either.” Changmin added. “I’m your partner after all.”

            I swear I could feel Hana blushing. I turned away from the scene and smiled happily. Changmin knew exactly how to comfort Hana and I was happy to let them be.

            I spied a jetty nearby and decided to check it out. The thick wooden boards creaked under my feet making me feel a little insecure. The sea spray was a beautiful distraction and the boats rocking on the water surface gave the place a cosy atmosphere.

            After a while, I spotted a bench on the pier. I intended to sit there but there was already someone there, a hobo probably, lying on the bench. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a black jumper with a hood slung over his head. Around his body, he had a newspaper placed on him as if it was a blanket. Pitying the stranger, I took the floor beside the bench and closed my eyes taking in the fresh scent of salty water. Not long did a harsh cold wind blow, chilling me to the bone, and before I could open my eyes I felt paper hit my face.

            I pulled the paper away and looked at it. It was the newspaper on the hobo. On the page before me was an article about Song hospital and its rising in reputation after the death of my parents, the original owners. I smiled when I saw my uncle’s face on the image pasted beside the words. After reading the article I decided to blanket it on the man on the bench again but before I could place it on, I saw something wet but grainy on his sleeve. I slowly pulled the sleeve up and paled when I saw a deep grazing on his arm.

            I gasped and the man stirred in his sleep withdrawing his head from his hood. My shock accumulated as I stared at the familiar sleeping face, the pale white skin with the long straight nose and black messy hair. “Jaejoong?” I stammered a little too loud because his eyes sprung open.

            His eyes widened when he looked into mine and I almost pulled away from him but I realised that he was also backing away from me and dangerously off the bench towards the edge of the jetty. I immediately reached for his hand and managed to grab it tightly in mine. But that didn’t stop him from falling and me falling with him.

A/N: i am so sorry for taking so long to update. i am honestly a very slow person.

but i would really like to thank all the subscribers i've had so far. i feel privileged to have subscribers already.

and finally... i hope that everyone who reads this story enjoys it.

i look forward to updating again. ^^           

whitedreamm