I stepped out of the school – and stopped dead in my tracks. I had to stay late inside the library since Mrs. Lee asked me a favor to teach another student in our class. She left few minutes before I did and I told Yoochun not to wait for me and so I was on my own. As I was walking to the bus stop, headlights pierced the darkness. Then a man wearing a black suit came out of the car. He went towards the back seat and opened the door. A girl with a long, black and straight hair, looking like those sleek figures I see on magazines wearing those expensive clothes, stepped out. She then lifted her face and smiled at me.

I didn’t know who she is and I’m pretty sure I haven’t seen her before but her stares and the way she smiles at me confirmed my gut feel that she was indeed waiting for me. As our eyes met, my phone suddenly rang. I took my eyes off her and hastily dug the phone onto one of my skirts’ pocket, still feeling the girl’s eyes on me.

“Yoboseyo…”

“Hyun-Ae~ah…Where are you?” My mom’s voice echoed from the other line. I tried my best not to sound scared cause I don’t want her to worry. I’m not even sure what that girl needs but I could sense she wants to have a decent conversation with me. My heart starts to thump faster though I’m not sure what the reasons were.

“Mom, I’m on my way home…” I sighed, as I steal glances at the girl standing before me who’s patiently waiting for the call to end. “How’s the trip?” I asked, still ignoring the girl’s presence.

“It was great! Come home…I have a big surprise for you!” She uttered in an excited tone. ‘How I wish I could tell her that I have a way bigger surprise for her and dad…I don’t know how to spill it to her about me being pregnant and getting married soon…and I’m not even sure if they will allow us to get married at this age…But no matter what the consequences are, I should be mature enough to face them and as long as Yoochun’s there…I know I can’t go wrong…’

“Yes mom…I’ll be there in an hour…” I sighed. “I just need to talk to someone first…”

“Alright dear…I’ll see you at dinner…I prepared your favorite food…you must’ve been eating a lot of instant ramen these past weeks…” Her voice sounds worried. “Oh and you can invite Yoochun over, so Dad can meet him…”

“Uh…uh…Y-Yoochun?” My voice trembled in fright. ‘Isn’t it too early for this? We’ve been preparing for this moment but why am I so anxious? My parents had just arrived and I feel I shouldn’t add up to the worries and headache they have by now.

“Hyun-Ae~ah, you still there?” Her voice brought me back to reality. “Uh…Yeah…uhm, I’ll try to contact him and invite him for dinner…see you later mom! Bye! I love you!”

“I love you too sweetie…Be home safe! Bye!” Then she hanged up. 

As soon as the call ended, I flipped the phone shut and gazed at the girl once more. “Hi!” She uttered softly, breaking the silence. The place was dark with only the headlights illuminating. But I could see her brown eyes smiling at me and by then I could feel she came with the nicest intention.

“Hello!” I replied, sheepishly. She walked over closing the distance between us and reached for my hand. “You must be Hyun-Ae, am I right?” I nodded and pulled my hand out to meet hers. “And you are?”

“Kwon Eun Mi…Yoochun’s fiancé…” I was too stunned to say another word. Here I am, face to face with Yoochun’s supposed to be fiancé. I wanted to yell at her and tell her to back off cause Yoochun already proposed marriage to me, but I couldn’t…because she seems like a nice girl. Her eyes were instantly drawn on the ring on my finger. “So he asked you to marry him?” I took my hand off her grasp and hid my hand on my back. Then there was dead air.  “I shouldn’t have asked cause the answer is right before me…” She lifted both her hands mid-air and said “I don’t have the ring so you’re the legal fiancé and not me…” She chuckled. Sadness crept her face. Those smiling eyes turned glum-filled and tears warned to escape any minute.

“Hyun-Ae~ah…I came here to ask you a favor…” She mumbled as she held her head down. “What is it?” I asked back. “Can you please let him go?” Tears start to trickle down her cheeks. She was about to beg on her knees but I held her arm and prevent her from doing so. “Eun Mi~ah, don’t do this please…” Both of my hands holding her shoulders and ready to catch her any minute she breaks down.

“Y-Yoochun…he’s my life!” She sobbed harder. “I was born for him…I’ve been raised to be a good wife for him…” She then held her tears soaked face up and I couldn’t help but feel pity on her. “At first, I couldn’t understand why such promise between friends should be taken so seriously…My Dad forced that thought in me that I shouldn’t love anyone else besides Yoochun. He sent me to different schools to learn different skills so someday I could be a perfect wife for him…I never understood what he meant and I even hated him for forcing me into something that’s against my will. When he sent me here to meet him, I obliged cause I know I don’t have other options but to give in to what my father wants. But everything changed when I met Yoochun…” She breathed deeply. “You might think I’m a fool but I’ve fallen for him the first time we met…and though he said frankly that he loves someone else…I still hold onto that hope that someday he’ll look my way and love me the same way he loves you…”

“You should let him know what you feel…” I gently her arms, trying to calm her down. “Why didn’t you confess to him that day?” She shook her head. “I don’t have the courage to do it…and he made himself clear that he doesn’t want to marry me…” She wiped her tears with the back of her hand. “Hyun Ae~ah, if he can’t stay away from you…then maybe you can leave him so he could start a new life with me…” She begged desperately as she held on my hand tight.

Drawing in a deep breath, I held her chin with my free hand and said, “Have you ever been in love before?” She shook her head and I smiled back. “Eun Mi…this isn’t as simple as what you thought…love hurts and I’m saying this because I know…you love him, I love him and he loves me…if you can’t lose him, so am I…if you can’t live a day without him, I feel the same way…”

“But if you really love him, why did you let him take the responsibility of someone else?” She retorted back. “I know you’re pregnant with another man…you cheated on him, Hyun-Ae…so how can you say it’s true love if you didn’t even give your first to Yoochun?” I held my breath for a few seconds thinking of what to say or how to say it. But I didn’t find the answers to it.

“How did you--?” She cut me off quickly. “At first I couldn’t believe it was true, but seeing your face now is more than enough to confirm that it’s true…” She stared at my face, examining my features digging deeper for the meaning of each expressions I make.

“Soon, Yoochun oppa, will realize that you’re not the right girl for him…forgive me, but I won’t let him go! You’re not yet married so I still have that chance to change his mind! Not until you exchange your vows inside the church, I will still cling to that tiny dot of hope that he will love me back…” She said firmly and ran towards the car. Then the car drove off.

****

“Mom, I’m home!” I stood at the doorstep while slipping my tired feet on my bedroom slippers. Mom came out of the kitchen then she walked over, giving me the tightest hug. “I missed you so much…how’s school?” She asked as she pulled away, wearing that brightest, comforting smile. “I’m doing great! Where’s Dad?” My eyes roamed around, searching for him. “At the garden…” She answered briefly. “You change your clothes first…dinner’s set in fifteen minutes…” She went behind me and gave me a slight push. “Go! I have a surprise for you…better hurry up!” She whispered to my ear. “What is it, mom?” My brow twitched in suspicion. “Mom! You know I hate surprises!” I sighed and walked upstairs.

15 minutes later…

“Hyun-Ae~ah, dinner’s ready!” Mom shouted from downstairs. “I’ll be there in a minute…” I pulled myself up from the bed and checked myself in front of the mirror. My tummy starts to get noticeable as day passes by. Soon enough I know I couldn’t hide this from everyone. Or maybe I should just quit school before they find out? I took one deep breath and held the knob and find my way to the dining area.

Dad was there with a newspaper on his hand while Mom was sitting right next to him with her apron still on. I peeked a little on the gracious foods laid on the table and my mouth watered as soon as I had a glimpse on all my favorite food on it. But I noticed something strange… so I asked…

“Mom, why do we have seven plates set on the table?” I lifted my eyebrows in confusion. “There’s just Dad, Mom, Me, Yoochun and Moonbin…oh by the way where’s that kid?” Suddenly, I felt arms wrapped around my waist. “Noona! I missed you!” I spun around and gave him a kiss on the forehead.  “I missed you too! How’s Japan? Have you been to Hello Kitty Castle or Tokyo Disneyland?” I . “YAH! Noona! I’m all grown up! Can’t you see my muscles here?” He then flexed his arms to show off his biceps which were barely noticeable. “Yeah right! But you’ll always be my baby brother!” I chuckled and messed his hair.

“AHHH! I’m hungry! Yoochun’s 30 minutes late!” I groaned then paced back and forth while looking at the wall clock.

“Sweetie, calm down! Maybe he’s just caught up in a middle of a traffic jam…” She uttered. “Mom, he doesn’t have a car, remember? And besides, his house is just within the subdivision…”

“Oh, is that so? Just sit here…for sure he’ll be here in no time…” She patted the seat next to her and I gladly took it.

Another thirty minutes passed…

“GROWL----” Moonbin’s stomach churned. “Baby, are you hungry? You can eat first if you want to…” I said.

“No! I’m fine! And noona please refrain from calling me ‘baby’ from now on…I said I’m old enough!” I chuckled. “You’ve only been gone for two weeks and now you’re saying that you are old enough?” He crossed his arms around his chest and looked away.

Suddenly, the door bell rang…

“I’ll go get it…” I stood up and pinched Moonbin’s cheeks before I headed to the door. “NOONA! You come back here!” He yelled.

I fixed my skirt and smoothen some of the creases as I walked closer to the front door. Then I heaved a sigh and held the knob. Shock of all shocks, I saw my brother, whom I haven’t seen for 3 years, standing before me. “OPPA??” I blinked twice, making sure that I wasn’t hallucinating.

“YAH! You look like you’ve seen a ghost! Can I get a hug?” He widened his arms and I squeezed him tight. “OPPA!!! Why didn’t you tell me you’re coming home? I should’ve prepared something special to welcome you…” I snuggled on his chest.

“Did you miss me?” He asked. I nodded. “So much…” He pulled away and pinched my cheeks hard. “OUCH! YUNHO~YAH! STOP!! IT HURTS!!” He chuckled.  

“Did you bring your girlfriend with you?” I glanced behind him without knowing that I was about to face another surprise. “Jaejoong?” My mouth agape and my eyes went wide open as I saw him standing behind my brother with box of cake on his hands. “Hi!”

“Oh…you both know each other?” Yunho moved to his side and Jaejoong stepped in. “Yunho, you’re home…” Mom came from behind and gave him a hug. Jaejoong kept staring at the floor as I looked at him with my mind still confused. Mom tugged Yunho’s arm and pulled him towards the kitchen, completely forgetting that we have one guest standing stationary at the doorstep.

“What are you doing here?” My eyes narrowed. “He invited me over…” He said briefly. “I didn’t know he’s your brother…Yunho’s my friend way back when I stayed in America for months…”

Still not convinced, I asked…”Are you sure you don’t know me? He didn’t even mention me, not even once?” My eyes turned into slits as I eyed at him suspiciously.

“He did…” He answered briefly. “We talked about you all the time but I never saw your picture…so I didn’t know it was you…” He chuckled. “Small world, huh? So how’s Bae?” He asked out of the blue.

“I’m fine…the baby’s fine…and Yoochun’s coming here any minute! So I think it’s best for us if you just leave…” I ran my fingers through my hair and heaved a sigh.  “Please…”

He nodded and was about to leave when the doorbell rang again. Yunho went out of the dining area and stared awkwardly at me and Jaejoong. “What are you two still doing there? Jaejoong, come this way…” He nodded and followed Yunho silently.

I bit my lip hard and reluctantly open the door. There I saw Yoochun holding a bouquet of purple tulips on his hands. “Hi Babe, sorry I’m late!” He planted a soft kiss on my forehead.

“Oh, Yoochun! Hyun-Ae couldn’t sit still while waiting for you…”Mom greeted him warmly. Yoochun handed the flowers to my mom. “Welcome back…” A smile crept mom’s face. She sniffed the scent of the fresh flowers and thanked Yoochun for it. “You’re so sweet…I thought these flowers are for Hyun-Ae…”

“She told me you adore purple tulips so I bought them for you…” He uttered shyly. “Such a sweet boy…no wonder why my daughter fell deeply in love with you…” Yoochun’s cheeks flushed tint red. “You should meet Hyun-Ae’s dad…and her older brother too…”

“When did he come back?” Yoochun asked. “Today…” Mom simply answered. “He wants me to keep this from Hyun-Ae…and so I did…” She chuckled. “She must still be in shock upon seeing his brother…I know she missed him so much…”

Yoochun nudged me when he noticed I was spacing out. *What should I do? Yoochun and Jaejoong are both here…Why do these things have to happen? I’m in big trouble now…* I was drowning in deep thoughts while unconsciously biting my lower lip hard due to anxiety. Unknowingly, blood starts to appear. “Babe, you okay?” He took his hanky and wiped the blood off my lips.

“Yeah…” I nodded weakly. “Chunnie, I have to tell you something…”

“What? Babe, just relax…I’ll never leave you…and if begging is the only way for your parents to accept me…then I’ll do it without thinking twice…” He said, seriously.

“Chunnie…J-Jae---“

“Hyun-Ae….Yoochun….dinner’s ready, everyone’s waiting…” Mom called.

Yoochun swung an arm across my shoulders and lovingly caressed it as we walked towards the dining area. His grip tightened when he saw Jaejoong sitting beside Yunho. I looked down and held his hand, placing my fingers in between his.

“Dad, Yunho oppa…I want you to meet my boyfriend Yoochun…” I introduced him, still avoiding Jaejoong’s eyes.

“Nice to meet you…”Yunho said. “I’ve heard so much about you…she never runs out of stories to tell when it’s about you…we always end up sleeping late because she can’t stop talking about you…and what’s worse is that she never help me to pay for my phone bills…” He chuckled.

“OPPA!” My cheeks blushed in embarrassment. “Baby girl, why are you glaring at me? I’m just telling the truth…” He couldn’t contain his teasing smile.

“That’s enough…” Dad firmly uttered.

“Take a sit…” Mom said. Yoochun smiled and bowed his head in respect to my parents but when his eyes caught Jaejoong’s he couldn’t help but throw piercing stares at him. The latter unexpectedly do the same thing. When I felt the tension’s building up, I breathe in deeply and said, “Maybe we should start eating! My tummy’s churning cause I haven’t eaten any since I left the school!” I forced a laugh, a nervous one.

“YOU SHOULDN’T STARVE YOURSELF!” Jaejoong and Yoochun yelled in unison. And I gave them a ‘What-is-wrong-with-you-guys?’ My mouth agape and mom suddenly stood up and let out her trademark laugh that got everyone’s attention.

****

We had a decent dinner though I couldn’t sit still knowing that the tension was still there. I caressed Yoochun’s thigh whenever I feel like he wants to grab Jaejoong’s collar and hit him hard on the face again. Then Yoochun held my hand and placed it on top of the table for everyone to see.

“Noona! Where did you get that ring?” Moonbin gasped, with his eyes fixed on my hand. “Uh…uhm…the ring…” I stuttered, not knowing where I should start or how should I start it.

“Mr. and Mrs. Jung, I came here to formally ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage...” Yoochun, bluntly confessed. I sighed, resigning myself to the fate that everything will turn out right after this. “I know this is too sudden and we’re too young for it but I promise I will take good care of her…” Only the sound emitting from Moonbin’s PSP can be heard as soon as Yoochun finished talking. Everyone stared at us awkwardly and Jaejoong kept on eyeing at me, seemed reading every movement I make.

“APPA…” I mumbled. He shook his head and gave me a disappointed look. “Are you pregnant?” Dad asked straightforwardly.

“Dad, I’m sorry…” I held my head down and tears begin to escape. Yunho got to his feet and start to pace back and forth. “Am I being punk? Guys if this is a prank go ahead and spill it out now!” Yunho’s having a hard time accepting what we have just admitted.

“Oppa…there’s no hidden camera here…I’m pregnant…” I sobbed harder, keeping my face down in shame.

“What have you done to my sister? I thought you’re trustworthy but apparently I was wrong…I shouldn’t have let my sister love you…I should’ve been here then maybe I could prevent this from happening…” Yunho muttered while pinching the skin between his brows.

Yoochun bowed his head and said, “I may not be able to explain in words what I feel for your daughter but one thing that I can assure you is that I’ll take good care of her and will make her happy for the rest of her life…I’m still a high school student but I can quit school and find work just to support her needs and OUR baby’s needs…”

“How confident are you that you can make her happy for the rest of her life?” Dad asked.

“Sir, I may not be confident enough…I may not be perfect and not wealthy enough to give her anything she wishes to have but I can promise you that when good times turn bad…I will always be there for her…” I cried harder seeing him begging for their blessings.

“Please let me marry your daughter…” Yoochun bowed again in desperation.

Mom was speechless upon hearing all the revelations that night. Just as she thought that I would be surprise from Yunho’s unexpected visit, I gave her and dad a more shocking surprise.

Dad stood up and starts to walk away. “This is all for tonight…we should take some rest and talk about this some other time…” Dad said coldly.

Mom got on her feet and followed Dad. But just before they left the dining room, Jaejoong slammed his fists hard on the table. He stood up with his clenched fists and said, “Sir! I’m the father of Hyun-Ae’s baby…and I would also want to ask for her hand in marriage!” Jaejoong blurted shamelessly.

“JAEJOONG!” I exclaimed and then I held my breath and cover my mouth with my free hand.  

“YOU TWO GET OUT OF MY HOUSE! AND HYUN-AE, GO TO YOUR ROOM!” Dad yelled in anger as he pointed his index finger at me.

“But Dad…” I pleaded.

“NO BUTS YOUNG LADY YOU’RE GROUNDED FOR 1 WEEK! AND I DON’T WANT TO SEE YOU HANGING OUT WITH ANY OF THEM! ARASO?”

“Yes Dad…” I said, almost inaudible and peeled my hand off Yoochun’s grasp. “I’m sorry…” I mumbled and hauled myself upstairs with tears streaming down my face incessantly.

Yunho stretched his arms and neck and escorted both of them towards the front door. “I don’t know what to say…this is by far the longest night I’ve had in my life…” He sighed. “You guys need some explaining to do…but please let my sister rest for tonight…” He said calmly. “We’re going to have men’s talk next time! Be prepared cause whoever attempts to fool me, will surely be dead in my own hands!” He threatened then two stepped out of the house.

*End of Chapter*

A/N: Am I making more dilemmas here? *pokes head*  Thanks for reading!^^