“Hurry up Sungmin-ah!” Eunhyuk hissed urgently as he tugged both of them to kneel down, hiding behind a thick, heavy bush.
Sungmin could barely keep up. With the way Eunhyuk was making a death grip around his wrist, pulling it with force every time he slows down to catch his breath. 

“Slow down,” Sungmin whispered as he lets himself fall on the ground with a soft thud. Chest heaving heavily as he tried to in as much air as possible. Even soccer wasn’t this draining. With his best friend dragging him through everywhere – alleys and pathways – he can barely recognize or never remember seeing in his whole life here in Fairview. He made himself a mental note to remind his best friend to teach him about these hidden routes. Giving the fact that they might save his life one day. 

Eunhyuk takes a peak over the bush, raising his head cautiously as he was afraid of being caught. “Can’t. My cousin’s wedding reception starts in 5 minutes. I’ve already missed the ceremony as bad as it is.” 

Sungmin’s heart softened at the sight of his best friend pouting like a five year old. It’s not their fault Eunhyuk’s cousin chose to live in Clintwood, which was the other side of town. 

But Sungmin couldn’t blame his Hyukkie anyway, down his best friend’s family tree line, he was the only one who could afford to live in Fairview as his dad owns a pretty impressive 5 star hotel in town. He wouldn’t want to move here anyway, Sungmin remembered him telling him once because of the distance with the rest of the family. 

It seems like only he and Eunhyuk were the only ones who think that Fairview was a place where people walk with their nose too high up in the air and were too busy to even say ‘hi’ to their neighbours. 

“The coast is clear,” Eunhyuk hissed excitedly, breaking Sungmin from his train of thoughts. 

“Lets go!” He gave Sungmin no time to rebuke as he latched his grip around his wrist again, pulling him forward as they stumbled carelessly over the bushes they were hiding just seconds ago. 

Sungmin sighed inwardly, since they were already here. Might as well make a run for it, even if he risks being beheaded if his dad ever found out. 

His wrists weren’t sore anymore as he caught up with his best friend, sharing a meaningful look with him as they made a mad dash across the street. 

The streets that separates Clintwood and Fairview. But will soon join two souls in a journey of hope, happiness and love. 

+++ 

“Lee Hyuk Jae!” Sungmin and Eunhyuk turned to the owner of the low voice. 

Eunhyuk grinned happily “Yah! How many times must I tell you to stop calling me that?” 

A man, with broad shoulders, with a masculine face and neatly styled hair which Sungmin assumed was the owner of the voice, chuckled. 

“It was your name before you changed it into a snobbier one and started living in snobby-land” 

Sungmin shifted uncomfortably. He did not have a clue on how people in Clintwood hated Fairview-ers. But not as much as how his dad hated Clintwood. He had had a fair warning of trespassing into Clintwood from his dad but chose to broke it today because of his best friend and mostly his curiosity. He wanted to know why his dad had hated Clintwood so much. 

“Congratulations hyung!” His best friend leaned in for a big bear hug with the man, which Sungmin assumed was the groom. 
They let go, “I’m glad you could make it Hyukkie” 

“I was just mad that I couldn’t make it for the ceremony. Did umma cried?” 

“It’s okay Hyukkie-ah. Its never too late,” His cousin chuckled, having guilty that his favourite cousin wasn’t able to make because he had extra classes after school. 

Sungmin’s heart tightened at the sight of his best friend affectionately exchanging hugs with his cousin. He wished he dad would do the same, even a pat on the shoulder or a smile whenever he succeeded in the things he does. But no, only ‘Why can’t you do better?’ Or ‘Hmm.. I expected better every time he brings home news’. 

Eunhyuk noticed the lost trance on his best friend’s face and decided to bring them in for dinner. 

“Hyung, this is Sungmin. And Sungmin, this is Eeteuk hyung. The lucky guy getting hitch today,” Eunhyuk grinned cheekily at his cousin. 
Sungmin smiled politely and they exchanged handshake. He could tell just how happy the older was by his smile and was really handsome, adorned in the classic black suit with a bow. 

“Are you gonna invite us in or let us starve to death out here? I‘ve ate my lunch hours ago and I ran all the way here after Bio,” he tugged at his blazer emphasizing that they were in a mad rush from here after school. 

Sungmin laughed at his best friend’s remark. 

“Aish, you little…” Eeteuk took his cousin by the neck, pulled him down and ruffled his well styled hair as they made their way towards the backyard. 

Eeteuk’s backyard was huge, Sungmin noted to himself. There was a stage set right at the end with a big tacky sign saying ‘Eeteuk & HyunJae Forever’. He could tell it was handmade; with paper cut hearts and a pair of lovebirds glued onto it. But he could also tell the love and bond the family had for each other. 

He took his time to admire the stage and was startled that the bright colorful lights started to dim. 

“Oh... Sungmin-ah... Super Junior are about to play. They’re the best band in town!” His best friend explained with full enthusiasm and eyes sparkling with excitement. 

He wanted to ask more but was cut off when the guests started to cheer and a clap as a clear, manly voice filled the backyard because of the microphone and speakers. 

“Good evening folks. I’m Hankyung from Super Junior. We’re thankful that Eeteuk hyung gave us this chance to perform on his important night. And we would like to congratulate the newlyweds of Clintwood. May this night be a beginning for a beautiful marriage to come. Congratulations!” 

Sungmin saw Hankyung nodding at Eeteuk and smiled as he congratulated him while Eeteuk lifted his glass of wine, silently thanking the performer. 

With that, Hankyung retreated backwards from center stage as a prettier redhead took over. The redhead had large perfect eyes and a flawless face; his features were delicate and soft but with a touch of masculinity to it. Sungmin wondered if there were really such a perfect face in this world. Even his body was perfect; the redhead had a small waist. He had on a simple black t-shirt top with a matching cardigan with skinny jeans that simply hugged and all the more show off his muscular frame. 

The redhead began strumming his guitar as he sang the opening lines. 

Even his voice is flawless. As the strumming got more intense and heavier, Sungmin could hear the bass joining in as well, creating a unison of an enticing tune. 

The bassist, as Sungmin could tell was Hankyung. Even he had a handsome face like the redhead but his features were more chiseled and strong. He had an aura that claims authority and discipline. He looked stunning in just blazer and jeans, leaving his chest muscle exposed. 

Soon, a slow drum beat began echoing to the tune created by the guitar and bass. The drummer rocked his head and whole body in tune to the beat. Unlike the other two, the drummer was tall and skinny; his hair was long but not too long and neatly cropped and pointed at the end of his fringe. He wore a simply white t-shirt topped with a vest but his drums had blocked Sungmin’s view of his bottom half. 

And then, Sungmin heard the most beautiful melody in the world as it blends into to the tune created by the other instruments. He craned his neck to the source – the keyboardist. Sungmin felt his knees weakened as the keyboardist played effortlessly, his eyes closed as fingers glide across the keys as he takes in the feel of the song. 

He’s handsome, Sungmin concluded. His hair was medium length and curled softly at the end. He also had a skinny and lanky frame like the drummer, and in only a simple t-shirt and black hoodie. 

Sungmin didn’t know why, but he couldn’t keep his eyes off him. Then, towards the of the song, the keyboardist looked directly at him. Sungmin could feel his cheeks grow warm as he look into his soft brown eyes. His eyes were full of emotions that were hard to comprehend. 

They kept eye contact till the end of the song. Only when Sungmin felt the temperature around him began to rise did he stop and looked away, heart beating profusely and stomach fluttering nervously. He had tried to reasoned with himself, this was his first live gig. Maybe he was supposed to feel this way, shouldn’t he feel the same with the other band members? And not only with the keyboardist? 

“Hey... Earth to Sungmin?” Eunhyuk poked his friend’s head a couple of times to get his attention. The song had finished a few minutes ago but Sungmin still remained rooted to the ground. 

Sungmin pouted in annoyance but got a laugh from his friend instead. “What?” 

“Come on, I’ll introduce you the band,” Sungmin had no chance to protest as Eunhyuk gripped his wrist tightly and tugging him urgently again for the second time today. 

Eunhyuk dragged him mercilessly towards Eeteuk, who was as Sungmin could tel,l in a conversation with Hankyung as the rest of the band listened with polite smiles and a few nods here and there occasionally. 

Sungmin’s heart began pounding fiercely against his ribcage as he caught sight of the keyboardist. His hands in his pocket and slouching moodily. He looked even more handsome in person. 

“Guys!” Eunhyuk greeted them happily. 

Hankyung smiled as he took a break from his conversation with Eeteuk, “Hey Hyukjae!” Eeteuk took his cue and left the younger boys to their conversation as he left to mingle with the other guests. 

“Don’t call me that!” Eunhyuk scowled. 

Hankyung chuckled and draped his arm over his shoulder. Sungmin didn’t know that his best friend was that close to the band.

“Oh, I almost forgot. This is my best friend, actually the only friend that I have in Fairview. His name’s Lee Sungmin” 
Sungmin couldn’t help but blushed as he felt all eyes were on him now, especially the keyboardists. 

Hankyung was the first who extended his arm for a handshake “I’m Hankyung. Leader and bassist of Super Junior.” 
Sungmin liked Hankyung. He was polite, calm and friendly. 

“This is Kim Heechul, guitarist and lead singer. You can call him Heechul” Hankyung’s voice trailed as the redhead winked at him. 
“Hey there cutie,” Heechul also had a nice personality in contrast to his cold and cool appearance. 

The drummer, who was even taller in person offered Sungmin a knuckle punch greeting “Kyuhyun, best drummer in Clintwood. Kyu for short” 

“Lee Donghae; keyboardist and composer of Super Junior,” Sungmin’s heart skipped a beat as Donghae smiled at him. 

“Donghae will be fine, Sungmin,” his voice was low and throaty, Sungmin had never heard his name uttered so perfectly before as he blushed. 

Heechul grinned “I like him. He’s so cute” 

Sungmin was taken aback when Heechul made a grab for his cheeks and pinched it for emphasis. “It’s like its always pink!” 
Hankyung chuckled, “Don’t scare Sungmin away Chullie” 

Eunhyuk laughed. “You should hear him sing guys. He has the most unique voice ever” 

“Don’t!” Sungmin urgently covered his best friend’s mouth before more was revealed. 

“Oh…,” This time Donghae raised his eyebrows, obviously interested in Sungmin’s secret. 

“I just sing for fun. Nothing interesting. Err... I’m horrible... I mean, I can‘t sing... Not as gracefully as you guys… Really I...,” he stuttered uncontrollably. 

As if on cue, they all burst out laughing which confuse Sungmin to no end. 

“I’m sorry guys. His dad is a language freak. He’s not allowed to use word which does not exist in the dictionary,” Eunhyuk explained gently.

If Sungmin would have gone any redder, he would probably explode from embarrassment. In his whole life, he’s been taught of proper speaking. No slang or curses what so ever. A slight mistake and he would have to repeat the proper word by spelling it for a week. This was Sungmin’s life, he had never known music, other than church choir or freedom. He was brought up in a home that taught him rock music means worshipping Satan, homouality means a one way ticket to hell, dating is to be after he works and with the opposite after marriage. 

Donghae smiled softly at him. “It’s okay Sungmin. Welcome to Clintwood then” 

“Wait a minute. , or does exist in the dictionary as a matter of fact. Even damn and hell,” Kyuhyun butted in wisely. He’s the only one in Super Junior that took the dictionary seriously. 

“It is…” 

“Kyuhyun-ah, let’s just listen to Sungmin sing, we might need an extra singer as Heechul always complains that he needs someone to pair off with,” Hankyung cut Kyuhyun off before the latter could say anything that would ruin their appetite. 

“I really can’t,” Sungmin protested weakly. 

He had made a mistake by looking up and had caught hold of Donghae’s gaze on him. Warm and encouraging. Its like he never wants to look away. 

“Come on, I’ll play you something while you sing. You’ll feel more comfortable that way.” 

Unlike Eunhyuk’s grip on his wrist, Donghae’s was gentle and reassuring. Sungmin felt his stomach did flips as Donghae pulled him away from the backyard towards the front lawn of Eeteuk’s house. 

Heechul and Hankyung exchanged meaningful glances, while Kyuhyun scoffed. Donghae was being too obvious already. 

“What song do you usually listen to? I mean, is there any favourite?” Donghae asked politely as they settled on the base of an oak tree right across Eeteuk’s house. Away from the noise of the party. 

Sungmin was acting really nervous. He couldn’t bring himself to look at the older boy as he sat himself down away from Donghae maintaining his distance. At the corner of his eye, he could see Donghae tuning his guitar before hanging the strap over his shoulders. 
It didn’t help that the strap was tugging at Donghae’s already body fitting t-shirt, making his lean chest even more obvious. He was in panic. He had never felt this way about someone before. Especially since Donghae was a guy. 

“Sungmin?” 

He didn’t know why, but his name had sound so right and beautiful when it came out of Donghae’s lips. 

“Huh?” 

“Song? Is there any?” Donghae asked again, this time leaning nearer so that he wouldn’t miss a word from the smaller boy. 

“I...uh... I don’t really have any song I listen to... I mean...,” Sungmin was blabbering, he knew and hated himself for it. 

Donghae chuckled “You are cute. Are you always this shy?” 

“My dad doesn’t allow music at home. He thinks they are a waste of time,” Sungmin sighs as he looks away in embarrassment from his confession. 

Donghae raises his brows in confusion and surprise. “Not even one song?” 

Sungmin tried to ignore the heat creeping up his cheeks again as he tugged and played with his school blazer. “I...um... I only sing church choir and my dad likes classical music” 

For the first time that night, Donghae laughed. And Sungmin had like the sound of it. It was like a melody he didn’t want to stop hearing.

“I’m sorry Sungmin. Its my first time meeting someone like you. Someone as cute as you” 

“How about this? I’ll teach you a song I know. I sing first and you follow and we’ll sing together. Is that okay?” Donghae had sound so caring when he looked at Sungmin. 

He can only nod in response as his mind was in a daze. 

Then, Donghae had began strumming his guitar. It had sounded less intense compared to what Heechul had played tonight. 
It was more sentimental and it was assuring. Just like how he felt about Donghae. 

//Take time to realize// 

The first sound of Donghae’s voice singing was breath taking. It was low and soothing. Sungmin couldn’t help but smile. 

//That your warmth is
Crashing down on in.
Take time to realize,
That I am on your si-i-i-de
Didn't I, didn't I tell you...// 

Donghae had opened his eyes and were now staring into Sungmin’s like they had a while ago during their performance. He could feel his heart thumping and hope that Sungmin couldn’t hear it. 

//But I can't spell it out for you,
No, it's never gonna be that simple
No, I can't spell it out to you// 

Donghae was going slow and staying in tune. “Listen carefully Sungmin. We’ll repeat this again” 

//If you just realize what I just realized// 

Sungmin was choking internally. Donghae’s gaze were to intense to bear. 

//Then we'd be perfect for each other// 

He was listening carefully to every word Donghae was breathing. 

//And we'd never find another
Just realize what I just realized
We'd never have to wonder if we missed out on each other now// 

And he was back to strumming the chorus again. Sungmin took his cue and began singing; trying to remember as much of the lyrics as he could. 

//If you just realize what I just realized
Then we'd be perfect for each other
And we'd never find another
Just realize what I just realized
We'd never have to wonder if we missed out on each other now// 

Donghae smiled to himself. Sungmin was an angel, and for his dad to forbid him of music was just sad. He wished he could do more, Sungmin’s voice was like drug to him. Addicting yet sweet. Sungmin’s voice was high, soft and melodious at the same time, just like Eunhyuk had said. 

To Donghae, it was a voice he never want to stop hearing. 

They repeated the chorus once again, voice blending which each other’s. Creating a melody that belong only to both of them. Both of them would never want it to stop. 

Ever. 

//Just realize what I just realized// 

//If you just realize what I just realized// 

//Oh...// 

Donghae ended to last line so perfectly. 

“You sound beautiful Sungmin-ah.” He set his guitar down and looked at Sungmin again. 

Sungmin looked away and blushed heavily. This was the first time anyone had ever heard him singing, apart from Eunhyuk of course. 
And Donghae said he was beautiful. 

Beautiful. 

Sungmin was happy. Happy and shy. He was feeling so many things tonight. 

He was broken from his daze when he felt Sungmin leaning in closer to him. His fingers were cold on Sungmin’s skin as Donghae held his chin, urging for Sungmin to look at him. 

Their faces were barely inches apart as Sungmin could feel his breath, warm and slow against his skin. 

“So beautiful…” 

He had his eyes shut. Waiting for Donghae to lean in closer, to brush their lips together. 

“Yah! Lee Sungmin!” 

They both startled by Eunhyuk’s high pitch yell. Donghae pulled back immediately as Donghae opened his eyes, his whole face red from embarrassment. 

Donghae stood up and brushed his pants from any dead leaves sticking to it. “Hyukie-ah, he’s here” 

Eunhyuk jogged heavily towards Sungmin on the opposite side of the tree. “Your dad’s looking for you. He just rang my cell. I think you should be home, he sounds kinda upset”

Sungmin’s embarrassment changed to shock and fear. 

How could he forget about his parents?!! 

He shot up quickly. “Oh gosh! Appa’s going to kill me!” 

In the midst of fear, Sungmin could still manage to turn to Donghae. “Thanks for teaching me Donghae. Goodnight” 

“Night Sungmin. Take care. You need a ride home?” 

Eunhyuk butted in urgently, he was almost yelling “No. No. No. No cars fetching Sungmin home. His dad would flip.”

“Gotta go! Night Donghae! I’ll see you the next time I visit Clintwood or Liquid!” 

They dash off faster than the speed of lightning, Donghae concluded. With Eunhyuk tugging at Sungmin to run faster. 
He sighed, he forgot to ask Eunhyuk the next time he visits, he should drag Sungmin along. 

Donghae went back calmly to collect his guitar lying at the beneath the oak tree. 

“So... How did Sungmin sound?” He heard Heechul’s voice as he joined Donghae for a seat on the protruding root of the tree. 

Donghae smiled at the memory. “Like an angel.” 

“You should know what you’re getting yourself into Donghae.” Heechul pulled out a packet of cigarettes from his pocket. 
He offered Donghae one and fetch his lighter from the other. 

“You two are from different worlds.” 

Donghae took in most of the smoke and blew it out slowly again. “I know.” 

“I’ll protect him Heechul-ah. Even if I have to kill.” 

===