Lee Taemin smiled down at the sleeping figure, hair falling and covering the figure’s delicate features. “Soojung,” Taemin called, shaking her shoulder in an attempt to wake her up. She stirred in her sleep, groaning as she did so. “Soojung, you’re 18 today.” And just like that, her eyes snapped open.

“It’s Soomin. Lee Soomin.” Soojung deadpanned with a threatening look that couldn’t even scare a mere fly considering she had just woke up from sleep. “Alright, Soomin.” Taemin said teasingly.

Soojung groaned again, firmly laying a hand on Taemin’s shoulder for support. She was never a morning person, even as a child although once she’s woken up she can’t go back to sleep until she runs out of all her energy. Taemin chuckled as he followed Soojung out of the room and into the kitchen.

“Soojung, you’re up!” Mrs. Lee exclaimed gleefully, greeting the youngest person of present company in a friendly manner. “Umma, please, it’s Soomin!” Soojung corrected for the second time that morning. “Right,” Mrs. Lee chuckled, stirring the soup she was making. “Soomin.”

“So,” Mrs. Lee finally said again, pouring the soup she had stirred into a bowl before placing it down on the table. “Happy birthday Soomin.” A thankful smile graced Soojung’s lips as their eyes met. Soojung would have no idea what she would do let alone how she would survive without the two that had taken such good care of her, even taking her in for the past 5 years.

“Thank you, I’m very grateful for the both of you.” Soojung nodded before Mrs. Lee could tell them to quickly finish breakfast while it's warm.

o O o

Soojung trailed down the streets, looking over the grass fields of the small village where familiar faces here and there pass her wordlessly as if she was nothing but greeted the male who trailed her with affection and fondness.

“Taemin oppa! Good morning!”

“Taemin, you look well!”

“Thank you for the other day Taemin!”

Endless numbers of compliments fly from their mouths only to compliment him in any possible way whilst unpleasant whispers on the street greet her effortlessly.

“Why does he look so happy?”

“He’s 18 isn’t he?”

“How would you know?”

Soojung rolled her eyes, already used to the insults and unwanted whispers. To her, those things are her usual routine.

A sigh escaped her lips as she dragged her feet to walk around the village where she was kept hidden for 5 years. “Oh my gosh, Jinri, you’re going to the city?” Soojung couldn’t help but overhead those words as she walked by the snack house where a group of girls were gathered, and those words made her legs freeze.

o O o

Looking ahead, Taemin could see the hardened expression on Soojung’s face. Picking up his pace, he took Soojung’s arm and flashed her an assuring smile.

“Jinri!” Taemin grinned, waving his hand at the group of girls while towing Soojung around with the other. Jinri’s pale face visibly lit up at Taemin’s presence though it very quickly dimmed down when Soojung came in sight. “Taemin oppa!  And—” Jinri held her breath, reluctant to acknowladge the other. “Soomin.” She practically spat as if the name itself was cursed.

Soojung scoffed mentally though nodded her head anyway to acknowledge the other girl.

Taemin took a seat next to Jinri while Soojung stood. “Jinri, is it true that you’re going to the city?” Taemin asked, amusement in his voice. Nodding her head gingerly, she replied with the most sugarcoated voice she could muster, “I’m 18, oppa!” “That’s great!” Taemin exclaimed, grinning as he did so. “So is Soomin!” he gestured to the only one standing up. “Hyung.” Soojung hissed under her breath, only loud enough for Taemin’s ears to catch. “We’re going to the city too!”

Soojung glared at the older male for spreading that news though he just waved it off, not even caring. “Really? We could go together oppa!” Soojung’s eyes widened by instinct as she silently prayed that Taemin would turn down the offer.

“Of course not Jinri!” Taemin scoffed and Soojung thanked her stars. “We’re heading by foot to see the world!” Taemin lied innocently through his teeth. Jinri frowned, knowing her parents would never let her go to the city on foot, not even in a million years. Luckily, there’s a carriage that goes to the city and back every once a month.

“Maybe I’ll see you in the city then?” the shed of hope in Jinri’s voice was too obvious to miss. Taemin gave her an assuring smile but the lack of words made Jinri fidgety.

Finally decided it was about time the silence ended Soojung spoke, “Hyung, I’m hungry.” Soojung nearly strangled herself for saying something so pathetic and embarrassing. Jinri’s friends let out muffled snickers at Soojung who chose to fully ignore it.

Taemin stood next to her, obviously taller. “Me too actually, how does bimbimbap sound?” Soojung nodded in approval at the choice, not actually caring what to eat. Taemin waved the group of girls goodbye and followed Soojung home, the only place where someone would willingly feed her.

“Hyung, I need to get out of here.” Soojung mumbled for Taemin to hear over the sound of their small village. Taemin hummed in response, still waving and greeting other villagers with a smile that could easily beat the sun’s rays.

And Soojung couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the next peson who gushed at Taemin.