2 years later, September 2014

Seoul, South Korea

SJ Dorm

Leeteuk’s POV

            “Jungsu-ah, have you seen that shirt I lent you last week? I couldn’t find it anywhere.” Heechul whined bursting into my room.

Everyone in the dorm are starting to pack for our trip to Canada in 3 days for SMTown.

            “I put it in the wash, have you checked the ironed clothes yet? Maybe the cleaning ahjumma put it there already.” I said not bothering to look up from my computer.

            “Heechul-ah!!! I found it!” a new but old voice rang out from the living room. I couldn’t help but put a wide smile on my face.

Not even answering Heechul went out of the door.

            “oh! Where’d you find this?” I heard Heechul exclaimed from the living room.

            “pabo, you put it under your suitcase.” The man with the heavily accented Korean replied.

            “thanks, Hankyung-ah.”

Yeah, Hankyung is back after so long. I didn’t know about the company having negotiations with him while I was still in the army. They wanted him to join in the 7^th album, Showdown, late last year and so they contacted him. He agreed only if they will only let him promote his solo albums in China and stay signed with his company there. After much talks it was finally finalized it was revealed to the members what the company wanted much to their surprise.

They were all called to the conference room with the intention of meeting them for the album. Lee Soo Man seonsaengnim said that there will be 10 members who will be joining the album they were all taken aback, I wasn’t discharged then and Yesung and Shindong already enlisted. All they knew was that they would be 9 with the inclusion of Kibum. That’s when Hankyung entered the room and it was then pure pandemonium.

Why do I know this? They recorded everything that happened and sent me the video. The tears I cried that day was probably the most that I’ve shed in my whole career, finally Super Junior is complete again.

Even if Hankyung spends 2-4 months in China to promote his solo albums there we don’t mind the least, as long as we have him back.

I may not be in the 7^th album but we will be releasing a new album at the end of the month before Sungmin will enlist either Donghae or Eunhyuk will probably go with him but we haven’t talked it over yet.

A knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts.

            “hyung? can I talk to you for a sec?” Henry spoke from the door.

            “sure, what’s it about?” I turned my chair to face him and gestured for him to sit down. He closed the door before he sat and sighed. He looked troubled.           

            “I heard Siwon hyung said some of the members are going ahead first for a photoshoot?”

            “yeah, a day before us. Why’d you ask?” I noticed Henry rubbing his hands together. A sign when he’s really nervous.

            “he told me they were going to have that shoot at a ranch.”

            “yeah, that’s what they said too. Why are you asking me all of this, Henry? And why do you look so nervous?” I asked slightly impatient but curious.

            “you see, hyung, I asked the company about which ranch they’re going. Hyung, it’s…our ranch.” That made me speechless.

            “you mean--?”

            “yeah, Zee will be there.” Henry said dropping his head.

I breathed out. Kyuhyun and I were the only ones who kept asking Henry for updates about Zee. He told us that Zee could already use both of her legs almost normally now, some days it gets really tired easily so she still uses a cane but her therapy sessions are now only once a week. She’s now working at the ranch along with Henry’s brother and the both of them manage the ranch.

            “does she know that the members will be there?” I asked.

            “I don’t think so, I asked my brothers not to tell her who’s coming but she does know that there will be a photoshoot and that SMTown will be having a concert in Toronto.” He said looking really worried. “I just hope she wont put two and two together.”

I can’t blame why he’s all worried about this. Zee never talked about or contacted any of us since she left 3 years ago, even Kyuhyun.

            “only Siwon, Hankyung, Kibum and Donghae will go first right?” I said after thinking for a bit.

            “yeah, along with Kris and Tao of EXO and Changmin and Yunho hyung.”

            “I think we can’t really do anything about this but just hope they won’t cross paths. Personally I don’t find anything wrong about this but those two might not be ready for this.”

            “I know. What I’m afraid is the effect this will have on Zee.”

            “was it really that bad when you left?” I asked.

            “yeah, it was that bad. She barely talked and kept going through a routine like a robot. It was like that for about 3 months then everything slowly changed and she started to join in conversations.”

            “I can’t say only you had it bad. Heechul left for the army early and I had to push back mine coz of it and he wouldn’t come home early when he started being a public personnel.” I said shaking my head. But everything seemed back to normal now.

just then Ryeowook burst into the room looking helpless and annoyed.

            “hyung! please stop Kangin hyung from attacking Eunhyuk. He’s skinny enough to break! Plus they’re making too much mess for me to clean up.” He whined.

Henry and I laughed.

            “ok ok. We’ll be right out.” I said standing up and Ryeowook disappeared again.

            “thanks for listening, hyung.” Henry smiled looking a bit relieved that he got this out of his chest.

            “no problem. Let’s really do hope it’ll go well.”

2 days later

Toronto, Canada

Zee’s POV

            “Zee!” I turned around and saw Clinton running towards me panting hard.

            “you ok?” I asked slightly amused. He’s been haggard and frantic lately coz of the photoshoot in the ranch. I heard it’s for a big name clothing brand, which I don’t care to know about.

            “yeah…HOO!” he exhaled hard. “anyway, dad asked me to do an errand for him. The staffs and some of the female models are already there and the male models are arriving in 30 minutes. Can you please assist them for me? they needed the horses.”

            “do I really have to do it?” I grimaced. I don’t really like being anywhere near that kind of atmosphere for obvious reasons.

            “please? There’s no one else good enough to handle the horses with the ranch staff and—“ Clinton trailed.

            “and what?” I asked suspicious.

            “you know they checked out the horses yesterday right?”

            “yeah, and?”

            “and they want Priam as the main horse for the shoot.” He said quickly and my mouth dropped.

            “what!?”

            “I told them you wouldn’t agree but they insisted. Please, Zee? This could be a great opportunity for the ranch.” He pleaded looking a lot like his little brother with the puppy dog eyes.

            “why can you use the other horses?”

            “Annie and Arnold’s horses are in heat, Hanna’s is still too young, Henry’s, well, you know Cuzco is, he might end up making a mess at the set and mine doesn’t really like strangers. Please Zee? Priam’s the most mild natured among all of them.

            “ok fine…but you’ll owe me.” I warned.

            “yes! Thanks cuz! The other horses are already there; beware of the other models they can be a bit stuck up. Anyway, see you later!” he said before dashing off.

Why can’t he be a rebel for a day and refuse using the family horses? There’s a reason why they’re called family horses you know.

I walked over to Priam’s stall; hobbled would be a pretty good word to describe it though. My leg is acting up again, I wish it would just stop coz I hate using the cane. My brothers already tease me about it.

Priam’s expression when I got to his stall mirrored my mood. He obviously knew what was going to happen and he isn’t happy about it like I was.

            “c’mon it’s just for a day, you can do it right?” I said brushing his mane. He huffed as I put on his saddle.

I put my cane on the leather tie I had made before I mounted on Priam using my left leg and swung my right with much effort over. With a soft kick he galloped towards the exit and I directed him towards the set.

We slowed down as we neared the set and the shoot staff immediately told me where they want the horses to be and if Priam is ok enough to be ridden by the models. I got everything set and all the animals were now on standby. The staff got me a seat next to the waiting area of the female models.

Looking at their clothes they looked like a mix between a prom queen and a cowgirl, which was disturbing to me. I didn’t even feel insecure with my get up, just jeans, my black riding boots and a white tee. I hope the men look a whole lot better.

            “did you know we’re modeling with asians today?” one of the blonde models said in a tone I didn’t quite like, the patronizing tone irked me a lot.

            “ew! Really? What did we ever do to deserve this?” the other one short, platinum blonde hair spoke her face disgusted.

I rolled my eyes, oh great I’m dealing with racists.

            “not to mention the fact I’m posing with those smelly horses today now I have to do this with an asian? I’m gonna have to talk to my agent.” The first girl said brushing a stray hair away from her face.

            “I’m gonna eat your words if I were you.” I brunette model said sitting in front of the 2 blondes with a smirk. She looked like the youngest of the models there.

            “and why would we do that?”

            “that’s because we are only for the background. The main models here aren’t us. it’s them.” She said pointing at a group of men who were prepped for make up. I didn’t get to see their faces since there were a lot of people gathering around them.

The 2 blondes’ mouth dropped.

            “you’ve got to be joking.” The short-haired one said in shock.

            “no, I’m not. The designer is gushing over them now and one of those models even had a shoot with Karl Lagerfeld and was featured in his magazine. Those guys are pretty much stars, known all over the world.” The brunette caught my eye and smirked before she left.

            “can you believe that!?” the long-haired blonde said in disbelief.

            “I don’t want to believe it but it looks like she’s telling the truth. Look at the designer.” She pointed at someone who I couldn’t see.

            “we better get close to those men so we’ll have better modeling chances in the future!” the two gushed and hurriedly ran towards the other models.

Tsh! A minute ago they were insulting asians now they want them to boost their careers. Pathetic social climbers.

I was called a few minutes later to get the horses ready. The 2 guys who modeled first were definitely good looking and tall. The one with dirty blonde hair knew his angles well and the other one could obviously know how to move his body but the main points I think would be his eyes; scary and very intimidating. Looking at the first 2 I got the theme of the whole shoot. They were warriors of some sort off to war to save a damsel who was shot in the background.

I can’t help but notice how familiar the one with the scary eyes looked though, like I’ve seen him before from somewhere. And I don’t know if it’s just my imagination but the two of them kept glancing at my direction.

After their shoot, I had the horse rest and used the white one as they wanted. The models couldn’t get out yet as they were still “harassed” by the models.

            “can you please tell them to hurry up? The horses are stressed enough already.” I said to no one in particular.

But one of the female models heard me and glared.

            “shut up, shorty! And move your smelly, crippled over there. I’m already getting enough headache from the horses thank you very much.” She spat and I raised an eyebrow. I seriously wanted to say something back but I just shut my mouth and gripped my cane tightly and walked away.

I heard noises of squeaks of protests from the girls but I ignored them.

            “Zee?” a familiar voice sounded from behind me. I froze; I thought I had already forgotten about that voice.

I slowly turned and saw the figure of Siwon oppa, his expression shocked and surprised.

            “oppa!” I blurted out without even thinking about it.

            “it’s really you, Zee!” Siwon oppa laughed and engulfed me in a bear hug. “guys! Zee is here!!!”

More squealing of protests from behind oppa and Donghae oppa, Yunho oppa and Changmin all flooded out of the tent. Two more guys came out and even though I don’t know them well, I knew who they were.

            “oppa! Cant…breathe!” I managed to choke out.

            “oh sorry.” He let go laughing but before I could even catch my breath Yunho oppa came charging and now he was bear-hugging me.

            “yah! Why didn’t you call us!?” he said sounding annoyed but still giving me a hug. I could almost feel a bruise coming. When he let me go I felt the tight but short hugs from Donghae oppa and Changmin. The glares and protesting looks I got were a lot. If looks could kill, I’d probably already be dead.

Siwon oppa called over the other 4 boys over and introduced me. No wonder the 2 boys looked familiar, I saw them during the SM showcase before they even debuted. And of course the 2 missing SJ members when I was still in Korea, Hankyung and Kibum.

            “so you’re Heechul’s—“ Hankyung oppa started but got an elbow from Donghae oppa instead. “yah! Apo!” he yelled at the fishy oppa I missed.

            “it’s been 3 years oppa, how are you all?” I said smiling at all of them.

            “good but we’re pretty disappointed at you for not calling.” Yunho oppa said crossing his arms.

            “oh, sorry about that oppa.” I really meant it. It’s just that back then I just wanted to forget everything and try to at least start over.

            “it’s all right we understand.” Siwon oppa said ruffling my hair.

            “but we really missed you, Zee! I missed your food!” Donghae oppa pouted. He’s 28 years old but still very childish.

            “yah, I thought I was the cook in the dorm.” Hankyung oppa protested.

            “you are, but Zee’s cooking is different with yours, hyung. You two cook different things.” Donghae laughed.

The staff called them again for the shoot.

            “hey can we talk over dinner? There’s a lot to catch up.” Siwon oppa asked with nods form the others.

I honestly didn’t think this to be a good idea but I think I owe them that much for not calling.

            “ok.” I smiled slightly and they all smiled happily.

            “got it. see you later ok?” Yunho waved as they all sauntered towards the set.

I walked back to have the white horse out when I was yanked back by a snooty looking girl, her nails digging into my arm.

            “hey that hurts!” I yelled yanking my arm back.

            “how is it that those guys know you?! You better give me a good explanation!” she said with a snarl. She might be taller than me but I don’t get intimidated by height that easily.

            “and why would I tell you that?” I raised an eyebrow.

            “why you-!” she raised her hand to obviously slap me. I didn’t dodge but before it could land on my face a hand stopped her. It was the brunette from a while ago. She looked at me then to the girl.

            “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” She warned.

            “and why is that!?” she snapped back.

            “hurt her and your career will be over.” She said and the other girl looked shocked and outraged.

            “she’s nothing but a ranch girl! What could she do?”

            “you have a point but it’s not her that’s going to do anything. It’s their fans.” She pointed at the boys.

            “what do you mean?” the other girls were now inching closer to listen.

            “of course you should’ve known by now that those guys are from very popular kpop groups. This girl right here is very close to TVXQ and Super Junior.” She pointed at the members when she said their group names. “and a cousin to a member of SJM. She’s also well known to SJ’s fandom, who may I mention beat Bieber as the world’s biggest fandom to date. In short, she’s like a sister to all of them. Now the most important part is that the fandom likes her and if anything happens her…” she trailed her sentence teasingly and smirked.

            “you’re and ELF, aren’t you?” my question came out as I pieced everything together. She knew too much about the boys and me and how could she have known that if she wasn’t an ELF.

            “I am.” she said smiling at me.

the girls who were listening were whispering to themselves including the one who insulted me a while ago. The girl in front of us, however, was seething with rage before she stalked off.

            “should I say thanks?” I said a bit doubtfully.

            “no need.” She smiled and walked over with a hand out. “the name’s Lisa.”

            “nice to meet you. I’m Zee.” I said shaking her hand.

            “I know.” She smiled and turned to walk away. “I’m not sure if I should tell you this but there was a bit of noise when news of you coming back here broke out plus when you-know-who enlisted. And he still wears it.” she said in a low voice glancing at my wrist where the gift from Void was. I instinctively covered it. She smiled and walked away.

I wouldn’t wonder how they found out, they’re ELFs after all; the fandom that would probably put the CIA to shame.

            “why are you doing this?” I asked confused. She sighed and her expression changed and she looked…sad? Regretful?

            “you will know when you talk to them.” It was all she said before she walked away.

Looking at her then to the boys who were already into their shoot, I can’t help but think if I even want to know.

Siwon’s POV

Meeting Zee today after 3 years was definitely a surprise. I knew that they owned a ranch in Canada but I didn’t expect it to be the location for our shoot, which seemed to be too coincidental.

            “Siwon-ah, is this a good idea?” Hankyung hyung asked. “I mean, we haven’t even told Heechul yet.”

Only the two of us were left in the dressing room as the others have already gone to the van.

We filled in Hankyung hyung about the whole Heechul and Zee love story when we met during SJM’s promotion for the 3^rd mini album, Daybreak, and he kind of worried about Heechul hyung then.

            “I’m not sure myself, hyung, but I think before we tell Heechul hyung we need to talk to her first. At the very least ask how she’s been and all.” I sighed and swung my bag over my shoulder.

            “you’re probably right. I don’t know even know how that idiot will react if he finds out about this.” He shook his head and we both head out the tent.

We walked towards the van where Zee was already waiting with the others. They were laughing about something but I’m happy that she’s smiling. When I saw that she was holding a cane I almost felt depressed. After all these years she still hasn’t fully recovered yet.

            “there you are, slowpokes!” Kibum jeered.

            “yah we’re your hyungs!” Hankyung shouted back halfheartedly. Kibum chuckled and went in the van followed by Kris and Tao.

            “Yunho and Changmin couldn’t join us, they’re needed for a live video feed for some event in Japan.

            “oh, that’s too bad.” Hankyung hyung said.

            “oh well, ready to leave?” I asked Zee.

            “yep!” she nodded with a smile.

We all got in the van and asked Zee a place she could suggest. We decided on a simple diner just near the hotel.

After ordering a couple of burgers, fries and some chicken we all went down to talking. Although I felt bad about Tao and Kris not being able to join much of the conversation but Zee talks to them in Mandarin much to their delight and Hankyung hyung.

            “Zee, do you know how furious Kyuhyun is with you?” Donghae teased laughing. She was squished between Hankyung hyung and Donghae and I was sitting in front of her between Kris and Kibum while Tao was too busy with his food to bother joining in the talk.

            “I suppose he is. I bet he’ll be even more furious with me when he finds out Angela came to visit me early this year.” Zee chuckled and bit in a fry.

            “Angela came here?”I asked.

well, shortly after Zee left things got rocky with Kyuhyun and Angela, with her family looking for her and all. she decided to go back to the Philippines as well and the maknae wasn’t really happy with that. We couldn’t really ask him anything if Angela called him or not coz every time her name is mentioned he sulks like a kid for days at a time. Maybe she did, maybe she didn’t.

            “for the record, this is Kyuhyun’s girl right?” Kibum asked.

            “right.” I said and he nodded off to eat again.

            “Zee, I’m sorry for what I’m about to ask but, you do know why we’re here right?” Donghae started. “I mean besides the shoot.”

The smile from Zee’s face faded slightly.

            “yeah, I know.”

            “you know he’ll arrive tomorrow, right?” I asked. Zee looked down and nodded with a sigh.

            “do you want to meet him?” I asked again.

            “no, half of me wants to but I think it’s better for us not to see each other.” she said quietly.

            “we know it’s not our position to get involved but…are you sure? what if he wants to see you?” Hankyung hyung asked.

            “yeah, and I’m sure he already knows you guys met me.”

            “no he doesn’t, no one here told him yet. Not before we talk to you.” I said. And the others nodded.

            “oh, well then it’s better this way,” she said and ate her fries again.

We all looked at each other and just went back to eating. we talked about how we’ve been for the past 3 years, the group’s achievements, new drama projects, and other offers. It was a fun night all in all and Heechul hyung was never talked about again.

We drove Zee back to her home earlier than we wanted but we needed to get back to the hotel.

            “see you soon?” Donghae pouted.

            “maybe. It was fun you guys, I really missed you.” She said when she got off the car. “it was really nice meeting you Kris and Tao…and of course Kibum and Hankyung oppa.

            “you still know how to contact us right? if you change your mind?” I smiled hopefully. Zee smiled and nodded.

            “by the way, can I ask you something?”

            “sure.” I answered a bit perplexed. It really sounded like she’s been holding this question back.

            “what changed?” I knew what she meant, I glanced at the others at the back and the members looked uncomfortable.

            “uhmm…when he got discharged and got back to work. He really wasn’t the Kim Heechul that people knew and loved. He was…a bit more reserved? We all thought he was just adjusting but it didn’t change, he’s more into dramas now than variety shows.” I said doubting if I should’ve really said it.

            “oh, ok then…uhmmm…thanks for telling me. take care on our way back.” She waved and started to walk away. We all waved at her and drove out.

none of us talked all the way to the hotel.

Next Day, 9am

Heechul’s POV

            “why did you have to be my seatmate in a 14-hour flight? I couldn’t sleep with all your snoring!” I said hitting Kangin’s arm.

we just got into the bus from the airport after going through the hoard of fans who greeted us and with all the other artists the bus was full of noisy chatter.

            “you’re one to talk! You’re as noisy as I am!” Kangin shot back.

            “yah! I don’t snore as loud as you! I even recorded your voice as proof of how loud you were!” I waved my phone and yanked it back when he tried to grab it.

a few minutes of bickering we finally got to the hotel and the manager was distributing our key cards.

            “you’re rooming with Kyuhyun.” Manager hyung said handing me the card.

            “great! The sulky maknae.” I took my case and told Kyuhyun that I’ll be going up ahead of him since he has his own key card. I just want to get to the room and sleep.

I was glad the room was spacious enough for the both of us; it was a junior suite so it’s good enough.

I didn’t even bother to change and just flopped down onto the nearest bed I got to before I heard the door opening and Kyuhyun walking in with his luggage.

            “hyung, you asleep?” he asked. I just groaned letting him know I wanted to sleep but was still a bit awake.

            “Changmin told me something before we boarded the plane yesterday.” He paused but I didn’t mind him. I just wanted to sleep. “ they met Zee.”

My eyes snapped open. I was facing the wall away from Kyuhyun so he wouldn’t know if I was still awake or not.

            “they had a photoshoot at her family’s ranch, they didn’t know it was theirs until they saw her.” Still I didn’t move. “anyway, I just thought you should know.”

I heard the door close. I stayed there unmoving. My mind was totally racing that I didn’t know what to do for 3 years I tried getting her out of my head. But I realized it was all useless, my thoughts keeps wandering to her. I hate this!

I sat up sleepiness totally left me. What do they expect me to do now? go to her? Knowing her she probably said not to tell me or something or maybe said it’s better that we don’t meet.

I better talk to someone about this at least. Hankyung’s probably in his room right now.

I stood up and walked towards the door. His room was only 2 doors down from mine and the hallway was empty, probably people are sleeping off their tiredness.

I froze as I passed by Siwon and Leeteuk’s room as loud arguing voices can be heard from the outside.

            “I still can’t get over the fact why you’d tell him that, Kyuhyun-ah.” Leeteuk’s pissed off tone was on the verge of erupting into a shout.

            “why can’t I? he’s been like that for 3 years I’m getting sick of it, hyung. he may not be sulking anymore but he’s also not the cheery and crazy Kim Heechul that we all knew.” Kyuhyun argued back.

I was literally leaning as close to the slightly open door as possible. Did I really change that much?

            “hyung, I might agree on Kyuhyun on this one.” Siwon started. “I mean I couldn’t tell him that we met Zee coz she doesn’t want us to tell him but I think this is God’s will. Why don’t we just let it happen?”

            “yeah, if hyung decides to go see her, then good and if not then it’s really not meant to be.” Kyuhyun piped in.

I heard Leeteuk let out a deep sigh.

            “I don’t know what’ll happen, it took us a pretty long time to at least get him going.” He said doubtfully. “but we’ll see how it goes, but let’s just not talk about this around him ok?”

they both agreed and started talking about something else.

I didn’t move yet I just stood there thinking. Masking everything with a laugh doesn’t really work especially with the brothers you’ve been with together for more than 10 years now.

            “you’re really slow aren’t you?” I looked up and saw Hankyung standing there with his arms crossed leaning on the other wall in front of me.

            “what?” I straightened up and frowned.

            “don’t you ‘what’ me, “ he said mimicking my expression. “I may have been gone for almost 4 years but I still know you.”

            “I really don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said innocently and started to walk away.

He was right he does know me a lot, Hankyung’s been my closest friend out of anyone in the group and the both of us just mix well. and I wouldn’t be surprised if he already knows what’s going through my head right now.

            “I met her and with that few hours I immediately figured out why you liked her.” He said when he pulled be back after a few steps. I was speechless. “look, I won’t force you to do anything but think about this, Heechul-ah. You’ve been given this chance to get your girl back. Are you really going to just throw this aside because you can’t decide?” even with his unstable Korean accent I still could understand every word that he said.

I sighed.

            “it’s not that I’m undecided. I’m afraid if she might reject me.”

he flicked me so hard in the forehead that I shouted in pain, my voice echoing through the hallway.

            “yah!” I shouted at him my hand on my throbbing forehead. This idiot could still flick as hard as Onew’s ttakbam.

            “did that clear your head, stupid? Stop focusing on the ‘what ifs’ or you’ll end up with thoughts of what could’ve been if you don’t get your moving.” He said with a matching slap to the back of the head. Seriously if any of the other members did this to me, I could’ve flayed them alive.

            “will you stop hitting me!?”

            “stop complaining and go get your girl!” he shouted and pushed me hard towards the direction of the elevators. I stumbled a little but I knew why he did it. I grinned back at him and gave a small wave.

            “cover up for me!” I said and ran towards the elevators.

            “don’t I always?” he yelled back with a laugh.

Whatever happens today will be the deciding moment.

Lau Ranch

Zee’s POV

There’s seriously nothing like a long ride around the ranch to get my mind completely blank and refreshed especially with yesterday’s surprise. I honestly was happy to see them after a very long time but it also reminded me of past scars. If I was seriously honest to my bones I would say I wanted to see Heechul again but I doubt it would be a happy reunion for him after how I left all those years ago. It’s really better this way.

            “hey I heard there were quite some surprises for you yesterday.” Clinton said grinning from beside me. a part of me suspects that he actually knew who would be coming to the ranch.

            “yeah, who would’ve known right?” I said with a tad bit of sarcasm mixed in it.

            “you know you should really go and be happy, Zee. You deserve it.” Clinton said smiling kindly.

I knew what he meant but I didn’t know what to respond.

We were at a top of a hill now overlooking the river and everything was just peaceful to me. but I felt like the place also wants me to do the same thing as the others suggest.

            “I really don’t think I can face him, cuz.” I said yanking Priam’s reins slightly for him to turn around.

            “why not?” he asked following from behind me.

            “it’s been so long, 3 years of nothing. How can you expect me to face and talk to him? What if it goes horribly wrong and I end up making him feel bad?” I argued but I knew deep inside I was just making excuses for my obvious cowardice.

            “how will you know if you don’t at least try? I’ll give you that extra VIP ticket Henry gave me. I think he kinda prepared for this kind of situation.” He grinned.

            “you two are devious.” I glared jokingly at him. “I’ll make you a deal, I’ll go if you can beat to a race.”

            “no fair! No one can beat you when it comes to races!” Clinton protested but it just widened my grin.

            “too bad.” I laughed. “ready? Set. GO!!!” I kicked Priam’s side almost at the same time Clinton did with Dala.

We raced through the wide plains of the ranch, wind blowing through our faces and hearing nothing but the thunder of the horses’ hooves but with the occasional laughter and teasing. The only one who can get close enough to beat me in a horse race was only Clinton.

            “I won!!!” I shouted punching my fist through the air and giving Priam a good pat.

            “of course you won, no surprises there.” He panted and rolled his eyes, it kinda reminded me of Hanna.

            “don’t feel bad.” I said dismounting from my horse. “c’mon give me Dala and I’ll take of her saddle for you.”

            “fine, but you’re preparing snacks for me too.” He said before leaving. I just laughed at him. He and Henry are brothers after all.

I took off the saddle of both horses and hanged them up in place. I brushed both of them after I got them into their stalls and after I took out the oats for their meal.

            “have I told you, you and your horse are starting to look creepily alike?” I straightened up. That was no English, that was Korean. Plus I knew that voice too well that it almost felt surreal to hear it again.

I knew he was the one that was behind me.

            “like I’ve told you you’re looking like your cat?” I replied my voice a bit shaky but it could be unnoticeable.

I turned around and saw him standing awkwardly there. He seriously was still the same albeit hair a bit longer and it was dark brown, but liked it. He smiled when he finally saw me and I smiled back.

            “hi.” He said.

            “hi.” I said smiling nervously back.

But his smile slightly faded; before I knew it he was stalking towards me and hugged me so tight that tears just burst from my eyes.

            “I missed you…so much.” Hearing those words from him made all those 3 years of hurting vanish just like that.

            “I missed you too.” I felt his hug tighten around me and it’s just surreal.

His hand moved up and touched my face and we just both looked at each other. Those 3 years really seemed like it didn’t happen at all.

He leaned in closer and when our lips touched my heart just leapt with joy. I kissed him back, so happy that all the ‘what ifs’ in my head disintegrated. I felt his face with my hand and I felt even happier that everything seemed so familiar and perfect.

            “so does this mean we’re together again?” he mused when we broke apart, knowing the answer.

            “what do you think?” I smiled and he laughed heartily and hugged me. I still wasn’t used to this formal and serious Heechul but maybe it’s just my nerves.

He took out a long chain from his neck and from the end of it were our rings.

            “you kept it?” I said shocked.

            “of course. Well, I honestly wanted to throw it away at the beach…but I kept it. I’ve been wearing it since I got out of the army and found it in one of the boxes.”

            “you dumped it in a box?” I glared at him.

            “that’s not the point. Here.” He took my hand and put it on my finger where it had rested before.

            “it looks perfect.” I whispered to myself.

            “as where it will always be.”

Leeteuk’s POV

We ran around the huge ranch when we found out from Hankyung that our plan actually worked. Yeah we staged it all, we hoped for this result but if it didn’t we could’ve thought of something else, like kidnapping both of them and make them talk or something but this was great.

            “how big is this place?” Kyuhyun complained as he panted.

            “that’s what you get for not working out.” Siwon chuckled while leading the way.

            “shut up!, or I’ll lock you in one of the stables with your cousins.” Kyuhyun spat irritably back.

            “I think that’s it. Henry said Zee would probably at the private stables where the family horses are.” Hankyung said pointing at a red barn-like stable. We hurriedly jogged our way to the horse stables.

When we got there we peeked from the sides and saw Heechul giving their couple rings back to Zee. They said something but we couldn’t hear it. they hugged and I could see Zee smiling.

            “I really missed you.” It was finally loud enough that we could hear.

            “yah, and you don’t miss us?” Kyuhyun said loudly form beside me.

the 2 couples broke apart and Zee looked at us her face brightened even more when she saw us.

            “Kyu!!!” she almost screamed. I think her face brightened only because she saw Kyu. Great.

Kyuhyun laughed and went to hug Zee.

            “I hate you for not even contacting me.” he sulked.

            “sorry Kyu!” Zee said pinching his cheeks. “Leeteuk oppa!” Zee exclaimed when she saw me and I hugged her as well.

            “everything fine here?” I asked.

            “yeah it was until you people showed up.” Heechul said irritably.

            “oh what a way to thank us after we got you two back together.” Hankyung said sarcastically.

            “yah, I know you guys set it all up, I’m not an idiot.” Heechul snap back. For some reason we believed him. He is that sharp after all.

            “will we see you tomorrow night, Zee?” Siwon asked while Hankyung and Heechul was arguing.

            “no, unfortunately, there will be an event here tomorrow and I gotta help out.”

            “what? you’re not going? You’re definitely not allowed to not attend the concert!” Heechul yelled. Zee put her hands on her hips.

            “on whose authority?”

            “mine!” Heechul shouted.

            “here they go again.” Kyuhyun and Siwon groaned.

            “are they always like this?” Hankyung inched closer to me as he whispered his question.

            “trust me, they can be worse. this is a good sign that they’re already getting back to normal.” I said chuckling. It’s really fun watching these two arguing.

            “If this is the normal them, I think I got lucky I was with them 3 years ago.” Hankyung joked.

            “probably, it’ll get pretty noisy again with these two back together.” I said looking at Zee and Heechul who were still arguing about the concert attendance.

I heard Hankyung, Siwon and Kyuhyun groan even louder and I couldn’t help but just laugh.

But hey at least their love story is a happy ending right?

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we've finally reached the final chapter!!! i really hoped you guys liked my story and thank you for your support for more than a year!..:D there will be an epilogue and a special chap from the poll i posted..:D thank you thank you! pls dont forget to comment and share your thoughts about the ending..:D

ps chap still unedited and credits to Newsen for the photo..:D