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chapter 5

story by misstalkytalk - 

People say once you get attached to something, you can't let go. It was like that for her. Not the romantic type but determination. While staying with my parents, she was excited to help and to learn. I never really expected that from someone like her, and I was being a hypocrite. I said with my own mouth not to judge a book by its cover but I did... For her. But the book finally had light shining on it once again. Not the light because of its cover or fame, but because of the pages on the inside and the love it was given. While she was learning things about the world, I was learning about her, but also more about myself.

The day was bright and it was early morning but the people were already up and working. As the four walked down the road, Kai let Krystal hold his hands as he looked around the place, remembering every bit of it. The memories rushed through his head, most of them were good and bits of it were bad but those didn't matter to him anymore.

Hearing his parents chat while walking, voices and sounds could be heard as a small crowd of people made their way towards the Kim's family. Seeing them come closer, Krystal quickly let go of Kai's hand, making him slightly taken aback as he saw her stop. He knew she wasn't okay, he knew this was a bad idea, he knew they shouldn't have had a party and just let her stay home. Talking could be heard and it all stopped when their eyes landed on Krystal as Mrs. Kim was speaking.

"Well who is this pretty young lady?"

"She must be Jongin's girlfriend."

"Jongin has a girlfriend~!"

"What a beauty!"

"Seoul girls are pretty."

"Jongin is so lucky."

"She's beautiful."

"Um." Kai spoke up shaking his head. "She's not my girlfriend. She's just a classmate." He explained, trying to put on a smile but failed to.

"That's what they all say." An elderly lady said as the small group laughed, making Kai slightly embarrassed. It was okay though. He grew up with these people and they knew him. They were all different ages from toddlers to the elderly. No matter what age they were their eyes were all on Krystal. She was a beauty after all and she was smart too. "Why don't you introduce yourself, darling?" The elderly woman asked.

"Krystal. Her name is Krystal." Kai said, as the people tried to pronounce the American name, wondering if she knew Korean or not. Questions were passed around and Kai couldn't even hear them to answer them. Before it got any louder, Krystal bowed to them shyly.

"Call me Soojung," Krystal introduced softly, the people nodding in satisfaction at the easier name and the soft voice she had. Kai on the other hand was slightly confused. There was nothing wrong with the name Soojung but he was surprised at the fact that she would let them call her that. No one, Kai knew of, called her by that name. It was always Krystal.

Letting his parents brag about him with the adults, Kai started greeting the teenagers and kids. Out of the place, Kai was pretty much the oldest, the older ones getting married and moving off or going to school far away. The kids all poked Kai in the cheek and played with him, telling him stories all at once as he chuckled and laughed with them. It was the first time Krystal ever seen him laugh so happily and honestly, she liked it. Her thoughts got interrupted when she felt a pair of small hands holding hers. Slightly shock, Krystal gasped slightly only to find a little girl holding her hand. Krystal smiled, bending down as she played with the girl's hair. It was her first time playing with kids and it made her nervous. Once the other kids saw, they all came running towards Krystal as they started talking to her all once, making her confused. Kai let out a laugh as he bent down next to Krystal.

"She won't understand if you all speak out at once." Kai laughed, watching Krystal let the kids play with her hair and hand. Reaching for her, he pulled her up. "She needs to rest. You will see her later." He told the kids as they nodded, promising Krystal they would bring their toys for her to play with before running off towards the park. "Kids." Kai chuckled.

"They're adorable." Krystal replied, her eyes not leaving them and having the urge to follow them but she couldn't, not without Kai. Sensing that Krystal wanted to go with them, Kai tapped her shoulder slightly.

"We will explore the village later. I'll take you to town if we have time too." He added as Krystal nodded happily. "Want to go ride my bike? Maybe we can go pick flowers or fruits. Do you want to do that?" Kai asked, as Krystal looked at him excitedly as she nodded. "Come on." He motioned, grabbing her hand as he snuck away from his parents who were too busy talking to the elders. Leading her towards his house, Kai watched as she closed her eyes, feeling the slight wind blow against her.

“It feels nice here. I like it.” Krystal whispered, turning to him as she saw his house and let go of his hand. Looking at him, she started running. “Race you!” she said as she turned to look at him. A soft chuckle escaped Kai’s mouth at her childish act. Who knew she was like this? So playful, walking for a bit before running so she could win, Kai stopped when she reached the house.

“You’re pretty fast,” Kai said as Krystal nodded, explaining to him how she liked sports. She loved it to be exact but she was never able to do it, she didn’t have the chance to and it made Kai pity her once again. Yeah her talents showed at school but she was probably doing things she didn’t love, only things that made her fit in. Leading her to the shed house, Kai let her stay outside as he came out with two bikes a few second later. Handing her one, Krystal shook her head slightly.

“Can we ride together?” Krystal asked as Kai raised his eyebrow before nodding, knowing she was a beginner. The roads weren’t as smooth as the ones in Seoul anyways. Pushing the bike to the road, Kai got on, making sure she sat comfortably on the bike before he started riding down the road. Her arms made its way around his waist as she hummed a song softly, while looking around. Even in a simple t-shirt and pair of jeans, people called her beautiful. Glancing back at her, he could see the elders and children not too far as he rode in circles around the children.

“Isn’t Jongin wonderful? He studies well and has a nice and beautiful girl as a friend,” the old woman laughed before the group of people started making their way back home to get back to work or get ready for work.

“Don’t forget to come over for dinner,” Mrs. Kim smiled before looking at Kai who was still riding in circles around his parents with Krystal hugging him tighter each time he went faster.

“Why don’t you two ride to town and we will meet you over there with the truck to buy things for tonight?” Mr. Kim suggested as Kai saluted, making the bike tip a bit. Feeling Krystal tightened her arms, he let out a soft chuckle before heading towards town and riding in a more relaxed manner.

“Do you like it here?” Kai asked suddenly, not wanting the ride to be quiet and boring. Krystal was about to nod until she realized Kai wasn't looking at her.

"I love it. It's nice and everyone here is too." Krystal replied as Kai nodded in agreement, laughing softly as he explained to her about the dinner party tonight. She was replying happily, telling him how she was looking forward to the party but like before he was afraid. He didn't want her to get scared. It's not like she never been with people but after all the recent events, he could only imagine how much fear she was holding inside. But he was there for her and so were his parents and he was sure the neighbors would be nice, he knew them. Soon she will also.

After the fun ride, Kai showed her around town, while greeting the people he haven't seen in a while. Like always he got that question that made Krystal slightly jumpy inside and only bother him. "Is she your girlfriend?" He wasn't irritated about it. He just felt... Uncomfortable. For both him and her.

Showing Krystal around, he stopped the bike before placing it near the supermarket. Walking inside to wait for his parents, he didn't stand still for long before seeing Krystal walk towards the ice cream area. Her eyes seemed like it was twinkling as she smiled at it before she started digging in pocket. Just before she could take out money, Kai stopped her, opening the fridge before letting her choose one. Even though she insisted that she would pay, Kai ended up doing so for the both of them. He was a gentleman and she was someone he had to take care of, he couldn't possibly let her pay. A pout formed on her lips but once he started eating his ice cream, she copied him, eating it happily. She sure loved food, who would've know.

While the two sat outside of the store on the bench, eating and conversating, Kai's parents arrived. Looking at them, Krystal stood up and greeted them but before she could say anything else, her attention landed on his ice cream. Eating his ice cream, Kai quickly pulled away glaring at her as his parents laughed at them. Before Kai could even start complaining, Mrs. Kim had already started dragging Krystal away as she followed her comfortably.

Following them while finishing his ice cream, a chuckle escaped Kai's lips seeing Krystal smile. She was so unique to him. The way she opened up to his parents made him feel happy for her. They accepted her just like he did.

Walking around the store, it was actually Krystal’s first time buying food. Biting on her bottom lip nervously as she looked at the list she received from Mrs. Kim, Krystal walked around the supermarket like a lost child. Laughing, Kai walked up to her before taking the paper out of her hand softly. Looking up at him, she smiled embarrassingly before Kai started leading her around. Running up to him with a basket, she held it out as Kai started putting stuff in, seeing Krystal’s height get lower and lower.

“You know you can always ask for help.” Kai chuckled, taking the basket from her.

“I always ask for help. I feel like I’m bothering you.” Krystal explained before Kai shook his head, letting Krystal pick out snacks she wanted before meeting up with his parents once again.

Once they arrived home, Mrs. Kim went to the kitchen immediately with Krystal following right after. Kai couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. Hearing how his mom was excited to teach a girl. Before he could go and help them, a pat on his back made him turn around as he met eyes with his dad who motioned him to the back.

"Come on. It's been a while since we've had a one on one talk and it seems like your mother is very happy right now." Mr. Kim laughed as Kai nodded, following his dad, not letting his eyes leave Krystal until she was out of his sight.

Krystal continued to follow Mrs. Kim back and forth in the kitchen, trying to learn how to cook. She always wanted to learn how to cool but no one ever taught her, all she knew how to do was buy food or starve.

Watching Mrs. Kim quietly while listening to her instructions, Krystal ended up smiling. The way Mrs. Kim taught and complimented Krystal made her feel like the times her own mother did the same. All the bad thoughts drifted away and every time Krystal messed up, she didn't get in trouble like she expected, instead, Mrs. Kim would hug her and help her with the mess.

"Why her?" Mr. Kim spoke up as he watched Kai's eyes glue to Krystal who was inside. Hearing his question, Kai's eyes ripped away from Krystal as his eyebrows furrowed, confused at the question. What was his father talking about? What did he even mean? "Why out of all people did you help her?" He repeated the question, making it clearer.

Kai's eyes moved to his feet as he bit his bottom lip. Why did he help her? It couldn't be just because of pity and because he was the only one. Out of all people, why her? Hearing his dad chuckle, Kai looked up, even more confused than before. Watching his dad get up as he started walking back into the house, Kai chased after him. “It’s because you’re a good person.” Mr. Kim smiled before walking into the house, leaving Kai there, confused.

"Jongin!" Mrs. Kim called as he walked downstairs after taking a nap. Seeing all the food on the table, Kai's mouth started to water before he heard his mom laughing. Looking around, Krystal was nowhere to be seen. "She's probably taking a nap or getting ready. She didn't want to wake you up." Mrs. Kim said, taking off her apron.

"So where is this party going to be at?" Kai asked, reaching for the food but only ended up getting in trouble by his mom.

"Where all the parties are held, but outdoors of course, it's so beautiful outside," Mrs. Kim smiled while packing the food. Rushing over to help his mom, Kai sighed softly. He didn't understand why his mother was making such a big deal about him coming back home. It was true that Kai hadn't been home in a long time but at the same time, he felt like he didn't accomplish anything yet. But seeing how happy his parents were, Kai couldn’t just say no. “Alright, Eomma and Appa are going to go there and set up first. Come when you and Soojung are ready, alright?” She smiled, patting him on the cheek. When Kai ran after her, asking her if they needed help, Mrs. Kim shook her head and proceeded to move things into their truck before Mr. Kim helped her and drove off.

Checking his watch, they had about an hour before the sun would start setting. Kai made his way upstairs hesitantly before opening Krystal’s door slowly. The sight in front of him made his lips curve into a small smile. Krystal was sitting on her bed, her clothes spread all over it as she tried to find an outfit to wear for the night. Turning around, Krystal’s eyes widened at the sight of Kai before Kai took a step back and apologized.

Krystal’s eye landed on his outfit, her eyes examining it slowly before a small pout was formed on her lips. Kai was dressed in a nice light blue dress shirt, the first button ed, tucked into his white shorts, just above his knees. His black hair was combed back and the outfit was completed with a black belt and a pair of black shoes. Although it was casual, at the same time, it looked nice on Kai, since most of the time he liked to wear t-shirts and sweats.

“Is something wrong?” Kai asked, breaking the silence between him.

“I don’t have anything formal to wear,” Krystal said, looking down as Kai stared at the clothes on her bed. She was right. All Kai bought her were casual clothes, he never thought that she would need a dress or anything. Scratching the back of his head, Kai looked at her.

“Just go get ready, we will find something,” Kai told her before she nodded slowly, grabbing a random outfit and heading for the restroom. Biting his bottom lip, Kai made sure he heard the shower run before running quickly downstairs and out of the house towards the town’s boutique. He couldn’t leave Krystal at home by herself too long.

After getting out the shower and drying her hair, Krystal sighed softly looking at her outfit in the mirror. She was wearing shorts and a nice shirt, but something told her it wasn’t pretty enough. Opening the door, Krystal stepped out before feeling her foot kick something. Looking down, there was a white box with a purple bow tied around it. Picking it up, Krystal opened it, before a small gasp escape her lips and a small smile formed.

Kai waited patiently downstairs while fixing up his hair once again. He didn’t know why he had the urge to look so nice. It only made Krystal feel like she had to make herself look nice as well. Then again, the party was for him and he wouldn’t want to embarrass his parents, showing up in something too casual. Just when Kai was about to take off his shoes to relax, he heard footsteps coming down the stairs quickly.

Letting his eyes follow the sound, Kai saw Krystal appear, even tripping on the last step of the stairs. Before he was going to run to her and check if she was okay, a small laugh of embarrassment escape her lips, making him chuckle softly as well. Finally seeing her stand properly, Kai’s eyes stayed on her. He had to admit, people were right when they said she was beautiful. Krystal stood there shyly, her fingers fiddling as she looked down at her feet.

Kai had bought her a simple, sleeveless, light blue dress with pink flowers on it. The dress reached above her knees, covering just enough for her comfort. Kai could tell that Krystal had did her hair. Her brown hair was wavy, completed with a white bow on the side.

“How does it look?” Krystal asked softly.

“It looks nice.” Kai complimented. “I was afraid you wouldn’t like it. If you don’t, you can wear something else, I don’t mind.” He told her.

“No! I love it,” Krystal smiled before Kai nodded, checking his watch and heading for the door. Glancing back at Krystal, he saw her reach for her white converse before Kai stopped her. Looking around he grabbed the bag next to the door.

“I didn’t know if you wanted heels or flats so I went with flats. I thought they were more comfortable and that’s what the lady said,” Kai told her, pulling out a pair of light blue flats with a bow on it. Krystal smiled at him, to let him know she love it before putting it on and following him out the house.

The sun was still out, and the wind was blowing softly against their bodies. The two were walking in silence, with Kai glancing at Krystal every once in a while. She looked so peaceful, and he was afraid that it might go away once she sees the people at the party. The town was quiet and Kai could have guessed that they would be the last ones to arrive.

Hearing the loud voices of the townspeople, Kai couldn’t help but smile, remembering his childhood memories. Getting closer, Kai could already see the kids running around in the field while the ladies got ready and the men were sitting and talking. Before making his entrance, Kai stopped, turning to Krystal. Seeing her stare blankly at the crowd, Kai touched her arm softly.

“Are you okay?” Kai asked softly as Krystal nodded slowly. He could tell a few people had already seen them, but he wanted to make sure she was okay before anything. Looking at her once more, Kai fixed the bow in her hair, straightening out as she looked up at him. “You will be fine, I’ll be here and my parents.” Kai assured her as she nodded. Taking a step forward, Kai stopped feeling Krystal grab his arm. Getting on her tippy toes, Krystal fixed his collar before Kai looked down in embarrassment and muttered a thanks. Before Kai could walk in himself, he heard a bunch of squeals and saw a crowd of children running towards him.

“You’re finally here!”

“We’ve been waiting for you!”

“Come play with us, please!” the kids begged before Kai chuckled and followed them as he got dragged to the yard where the party was held. The adults gathered around, patting him, congratulating him, and complimenting him while his parents stood there and smiled.

“Where’s Soojung?” Mrs. Kim asked, looking around before seeing her stand outside by herself. Before Mrs. Kim could go get her, Kai ran towards Krystal, reaching for her hand.

“They’re nice, I promise,” Kai told her as she nodded and followed him inside, looking own because she felt the stares of people.

“She’s so beautiful.”

“Well isn’t that cute, you two are matching.” the older lady said as Kai looked and scratched his head.

“It was unintentional.” Kai told her honestly before the elders started teasing them.

“Soojung helped me cook this food. She’s wonderful, isn’t she?” Mrs. Kim complimented as the ladies started to gossip and everyone was preparing to sit down and eat, waiting to see if anyone else was going to arrive. Krystal sat on the bench quietly, watching Kai play soccer with the kids. Just when Krystal was going to take a walk, she felt a small hand touch hers, making her flinch a bit, her eyes meeting a small girl around the age of five.

“Would you like to play with us?” the little girl asked with a smile. Krystal stood up and let the girl pull her towards the field. The little girl started playing with bubbles as her friends gathered around, blowing it as the bubbles surrounded Krystal. "Wow! You look like an angel!" The kids cheered.

Hearing them, Kai looked away from the soccer game. A smile formed on his lips as he watched Krystal play with the bubbles. Her eyes forming crescent shapes, her hands touching the bubbles softly. Making his way over, Kai watched her quietly from the side. He could hear the townspeople complimenting her natural beauty.

"Alright children, time to eat!" The adults called as they ran off, leaving the bubbles on the ground. Krystal bent down, picking the bottles up and blowing a few bubbles by herself. Making his way towards her, Kai helped her clean up. He couldn't help but chuckle softly when she failed to blow a bubble.

"Come on you two, it's time to eat," Mrs. Kim called as they nodded and followed her to the table. Since Kai was older now, he sat at the men's table, while Krystal was led to the lady's table, and not too far were the kid's table.

Kai kept his eyes on Krystal as the men conversed and asked him about school. As much as he wanted to eat all the food on the table, he was afraid Krystal wasn't eating. But when he saw the other ladies began to place food on Krystal's plate, Kai was satisfied.

Questions and compliments were thrown at Krystal and all she could do was smile and nod. Kai was right when he said his mother was a great cook. Krystal couldn't help but eat and enjoy the food, forgetting the presence of others.

"What's your relationship with Jongin? His girlfriend?" The ladies would ask but all Krystal could do was shake her head and answer, "We're classmate."

"But classmates wouldn't travel like this together." The would reply. It only made Krystal go quiet, not knowing if she should let them know. But to her luck they weren't mean and didn't pressure her to answer. They were nice and caring towards her, and it had been so long since she felt comfortable with such a big group of people.

Dinner was coming to an end. Before Krystal could start cleaning up, she started hearing happy voices. Her eyes followed where the crowd was heading. There stood a girl around their age, with a camera in her hand, a smile on her face. She was dressed in a casual white dress shirt and black skinny jeans, finished with a pair of black converse. Krystal thought she was beautiful, long black hair tied in a ponytail.

"Seulgi!" The kids cheered, running towards her.

"You're back! Why didn't you tell me?" A lady, who seemed to be her mother said.

Krystal could have guessed that Seulgi was like Kai. Someone who went to the city for her education and came home to visit. Krystal moved away towards the bench, letting the people direct Seulgi to the table.

"I couldn't have announced that I was coming home. I didn't want to take away Jongin's spotlight," Seulgi laughed before placing her camera down and looking around. "Where is he by the way?"

As if they had some sort of connection, Kai came out of the building, as he brushed his hands against each other. Hearing a familiar voice scream out his name, Kai looked towards the person before a smile appeared on his face. For the first time, Krystal saw excitement in Kai's eyes. This made Krystal realized that maybe, Seulgi was important to him.

"Kang Seulgi!" He chuckled, running towards her as the two hugged each other. Just as quick as turning on a light switch, the tw