XI

FEMININE SIDE

 

 

 

“I want her to look cute~” Luhan had said as they looked for the appropriate wig and wear for Kyungsoo.

“Something to show off her femininity.” Tao suggested.

“Hmm... I think it should be casual then.” Kris decided. "Casual and cute. The theme is Pink."

“I see…” Baekhyun nodded.

“I’ll be sure to do your make up really well Kyung Eun. Don’t you worry about a thing.”

Kyungsoo beamed at them. “Thanks. I can’t wait to feel like a girl again.”

“But you do know there’s nothing we can do about your… chest size.”

“It’s alright. That’s what pads are for.”

“You’re seriously going to go in a lingerie shop? Looking like a guy?”

“So? I’ll just tell them my sister asked me to buy for her since she’s sick.”

“Oh… yeah. I guess that’ll work.”

 

 

 

 

 

“Jongdae hyung, what are you doing?” Sehun questioned, poking Jongdae on the shoulder.

“Looking for Kyungsoo’s girl version since I’m curious. From what I know, some fans made female versions of us by editing photos.”

Hearing that statement, the other members rushed over to check out what Jongdae was doing.

“Whoah Luhan! You’re a legit female with this picture.”

The members gasped.

Luhan blushed. “W-wow… that’s amazing. I look so pretty.”

 

“Check out Baekhyun.”

 

Baekhyun’s jaw dropped. “I think I have a crush on myself.”

Eventually, they’ve looked through everyone’s female versions and finally stumbled upon Kyungsoo’s.

“Hahaha! Kyung Eun comes to life!” Jongdae joked. “If Kyungsoo comes  back looking like any of this, I think I’ll forget he’s male.”

“Jong In, don’t blush” Yi Xing teasingly commented.

Jong In spluttered. “Blush? I did not!”

“Your type is the last one, right? Kyungsoo looks cute there.”

“Let’s just stoooooop talking about thiiiiiiiiis!”

Kris, Luhan and Tao return home without Kyungsoo and Baekhyun. They told the members Baekhyun wanted to date him first, and that they’ll be back in an hour. In the meantime, they decided on who was next. Their meeting resulted in this sequence: Kris, Yi Xing, Tao, Joonmyeon, Minseok, Luhan, Sehun, Jongdae, Chan Yeol, Jong In.

“You will totally fall for him, I swear—you’d think he was actually a girl. We chose the perfect outfit and wig by following Yi Fan’s suggestion of ‘casual and cute’. Then Kyungsoo even went to buy padding for his chest. ” Luhan excitedly told the others.

“Plus, while we were at the mall, someone was giving out free samples of some kind of drink.” Kris explained. “It’s supposed to make your voice lighter—like give it higher pitch. The product was made for pranking people.”

“Kyungsoo tried it, and he ended up sounding like a girl! His deep voice instantly turned high and soft. You’ll really forget he’s male. Baekhyun did such a good job on his makeup too.” Tao eagerly stated. “At the salon, he had his nails done nicely, and someone colored the wig. You’ll DIE when you see him!”

Jong In and Chan Yeol gulped. They both noticed.

“Why did you gulp?” The elder asked.

“Me? What about you?” Jong In replied.

“I didn’t gulp.”

“Yes you did.”

“Well, you did too!”

“I did not!”

“You think you’re going to fall for him!”

“No, I don’t! It’s you who thinks that way!”

 

“Shut up boys, everyone knows you’re both gay for Kyungsoo.”

“WE ARE NOT GAY!”

 

“Hey Luhan Hyung, did you guys take a picture?”

“Oh yeah! We should let you guys see—but I’m telling you, the impact is waaay bigger when you see him in person.”

Luhan took out his phone to show the pictures.

“Here's the outfit and shoes.”

 

“And here’s Kyungsoo”

 

Everyone fainted.

“Thanks for bringing me to this ice cream place,” Kyung Eun blushed as she thanked Baekhyun. “And for the great make up! I really feel like a girl again.”

“Does this come close to how you really look like?”

“It’s even better! I’ve never worn my hair short like this, or bought these kinds of clothes.” Kyung Eun blushed deeper. “D-do you think… Hyunsik would like it if I start to look like this more often?”

 

Baekhyun didn’t know why. Maybe it was because Kyungsoo looked so much like a girl today, or maybe his brain was malfunctioning, but he frowned at Kyung Eun’s query. Something inside of him became uncomfortable at the mention of Hyunsik’s name.

 

“Yah. You’re on a date with me right now, but you’re thinking of some other guy?” Baekhyun disappointedly questioned.

“O-Oh! S-sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. I’m sorry Baekhyun Oppa.”

Baekhyun sighed. “You owe me for that.”

“Sure! What can I do to make it up to you?”

 

“Feed me my ice cream.”

 

Now both of their faces were crimson red.

“A-all of it?”

“Yeah…”

“U-uh… Ok then.”

Kyung Eun took Baekhyun’s spoon and scooped up some ice cream. “S-Say ah~”

Baekhyun complied and opened his mouth; the spoon went it. A moment of silence was shared.

After that awkward quiet, Baekhyun and Kyung Eun both burst out laughing.

“Wow. That was embarrassing, huh?” Baekhyun started.

“Yeah. But I’m alright with it. It’s true that I was rude to think of someone else during our date.”

“Enough talk—next spoon.”

“Okay~”

 

Later on, Baekhyun had started feeding Kyung Eun too. They had a lot of fun—passing the time just talking to each other and enjoying the sweet treat. An hour flew by, and they had finished eating—about to get up from their seats.

“Oh, hold on. You’ve got a little something.” Baekhyun held a tissue and gently wiped some ice cream from the corner of Kyung Eun’s mouth. Kyung Eun’s face heated up as her eyes widened. Baekhyun soon realized what he was doing, and flushed as well.

“Oh sorry—did I invade your private space?”

“No, i-it’s alright.” She smiled sincerely at him. “Let’s go home?”

“Yeah.”

They went back to the apartment holding hands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kris took Kyung Eun to an art gallery.

“These paintings look so deep,” Kyung Eun had said in amazement. “How beautiful.”

“Yes. You are.” Kris cheesily stated.

Kyung Eun blushed and giggled; rolling her eyes as she hit Kris lightly on the arm.

“What have I done?” Kris chuckled to himself. “I think I’m falling for the very thing I created. I shouldn’t have made you look so pretty.”

“Why? Are you finding it hard to resist me?” Kyung Eun teased.

“The question is: do you want me to resist?” Kris wiggled his brows. “I know you want me just as much~”

Kyung Eun couldn’t stop laughing after that. They spent their time admiring the works of art, holding hands every step of the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yi Xing and Kyung Eun went to an ice skating rink.

“Hold on to me tightly, ok?” Yi Xing had said, wrapping his hand around Kyung Eun’s and lacing their fingers.

Kyung Eun couldn’t help but blush at his dashingly gentle appeal. “O-ok. I will.”

They glided slowly on the ice—with Yi Xing being Kyung Eun’s support. When Kyung Eun had gotten the hang of it, Yi Xing engaged her in a dance. He spun her around a few times, as they waltzed in the best way they could on the slippery surface. Yi Xing grew fond of her. Kyung Eun blushed.

“What? Why are you smiling at me?”

“Nothing. If it starts to get too chilly, you can hug me.”

Kyung Eun giggled. “What if I’m frozen on the spot?”

Yi Xing laughed. He pulled her into his arms, completely shocking her. He could feel her cheeks burn up.

“See? I told you hugging me would work.”

 

 

 

 

 

Tao and Kyung Eun went to the park. 

They wiled away their time, lying down on the grass and feeling the coolness of the breeze—just chatting in the peaceful setting, while trying to figure out who can spot the most interesting cloud shape. Tao had packed cookies with him, and they munched on it together.

“Oh! Kyung Eun look! That cloud reminds me of you.”

“Where?” Kyung Eun squinted as hard as she could. But the cloud did not resemble her in any way. “Tao, you’re so silly~ That cloud is shaped more like a flower.”

“Yes, exactly. Flowers are pretty. You are pretty. Therefore flowers remind me of you, and you remind me of flowers. And I also happen to like flowers. So therefore, I like you.”

Kyung Eun blushed as she smiled shyly.

“See? Now you’re turning red—like a rose. Stop giving me more reasons to like you.”

In the end, they fall asleep together under the shade of tree—hands securely intertwined. 

Joonmyeon took Kyung Eun out for lunch in an Italian restaurant.

“W-wow. Are you sure you want to pay, Joonmyeon Oppa? Everything looks expensive.”

Joonmyeon just smiled at her. “Don’t worry about it a thing. Since this is our first date, why not make it memorable, right? So don’t hesitate to choose whatever you like. I just want to make you happy.”

Kyung Eun blushed and thanked him. Later their food was placed on the table, together with their utensils. They both reached out for the same fork—hands accidentally landing on each other’s. They both blushed and looked away. During their meal, Joonmyeon requested for the band to play romantic music. The sound was beautiful and soothing—the perfect background for a couple’s first date. 

Somewhere in their time together, Joonmyeon and Kyung Eun were just looking at each other. Staring into one another’s brown eyes, smiling at each other’s smile and blushing the way everything seemed to halt—except for the beating of their hearts. They intentionally reached out for the salt at the same time, just to touch each other’s hand. They giggled at how silly they were being.

 

 

 

 

 

Minseok and Kyung Eun went to watch a movie together.

They chose the popular one at the time; a rather dramatic love story where a long distance relationship proved to be challenging. As they sat in their seats, Minseok and Kyung Eun were fully concentrated on the movie as they got in by the talent of the actors. Reaching out to grab popcorn, the two ended up grabbing each other’s hand instead and they giggled, blushing in the darkness of the cinema.

The was reached, as the female antagonist took out all the money from her savings because she couldn’t take it anymore—couldn’t handle being away from her boyfriend. There were too many things she was missing— the way he smiled at her, the way he held her close, the way he would pinch her cheeks, the way his heartbeat was the constant serenade that lulled her to sleep, when they lied together inside their tree house during nights of star gazing.

She had packed up her belongings—ready to leave what she had always called home, in place of being with someone she found home in. But as she opened the door—tears welled in her eyes.There, in front of her, was the man she had loved. “I’m sorry.” He said with a sheepish grin. “I couldn’t stay away—I couldn’t take missing you any longer. So I got on a plane at dawn; having arrived just now. I missed you so much.” He embraced her tightly, as tears streamed down both of their cheeks. The audience swooned and applauded the romantic couple on screen, as they shared a sweet kiss. Minseok and Kyung Eun looked at each other. Minseok leaned in and pretended he would kiss her, just for fun. Because of his joke, he got popcorn thrown at his face.

The two later got out of the cinema, holding hands as they walked back to the apartment.

“Thank you for the movie Oppa. It was really nice.”

“It’s nothing. Thank you for watching it with me.” Minseok smiled at her sincerely. “But if you ask me, you were way cuter than the actress.”

Kyung Eun blushed. “Don’t lie oppa.”

Minseok pinched her cheeks. “Aigoo~ Look who’s getting all flustered.”

Kyung Eun giggled as Minseok really kissed her this time, on the forehead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luhan took Kyung Eun to the “House of the Aquarium”—a place for viewing underwater critters.

Inside, they saw a large variety of fishes of different shapes, colors and sizes. Fascinated, they roamed around as they shared their amazement.

A little boy and a little girl spotted them. The children noticed their linked hands.

“Hey Hyung! Noona!” The little boy called out.

Luhan and Kyung Eun took notice of the two kids.

“Are you two all lovey-dovey and stuff?” The boy curiously asked.

Luhan and Kyung Eun chuckled. “Well… maybe?” Luhan tried. “Unless I’m having a one-sided crush over here.”

Kyung Eun blushed.

“Ooooh! A lovey-dovey couple!” The little girl’s eyes lit up in amazement. “Oppa, please say something romantic to Onii!”

Luhan straightened himself up and held Kyung Eun’s hands tightly. He smiled at her flushed stated, and gently rested his forehead on hers.

"You must be really good at fishing,

Because you've got me hooked."

 

That was probably the lamest line in the history of fish pick-up lines, but at least the children were amused.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sehun and Kyung Eun went to the arcade.

It would be a little weird to be playing games surrounded by a bunch of midgets, but they were enjoying themselves so it didn’t matter that they were the oldest of the lot. 

When they played the basketball game, it was pretty obvious who had the most points.

“That’s not fair~” Kyung Eun whined. “You’re as tall as a lamp post! Of course I won’t win.”

Sehun took a look at her score—a very round zero. He cackled at Kyung Eun’s lack of athletic ability. Kyung Eun pouted and stomped away. Sehun caught up with her and tried to appease her.

“Noona, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to laugh.”

“Yes, you did.”

“Well… yeah, maybe I did. But you scored a freaking zero! It’s adorable! You’re so cute, Noona~ My noona is so cute.”

“Don’t think the Noona card is going to work on me.”

Sehun just chuckled at her stubbornness. If anything, that just made him more amused with her. He took her by the hand and led her to the crane machine.

“Do you see something you like? I’ll get it for you.”

Kyung Eun would have resisted—she really would have. But the stuffed animals were begging for her to claim one of them. Plus she saw a Pororo in there. So she decided to be nice and give in to Sehun.

“Can you get me the Pororo one?” She questioned.

Seeing that Kyung Eun fell for it, Sehun began to tease. “First you have to admit that I’m way better at games than you. Second you have to beg me to get Pororo. And third, you have to use aegyo.”

“NO! YOU BRAT!”

“What’s that Pororo? You want Kyung Eun Noona to take you home?” Sehun mockingly joked as he inclined his ear towards the crane machine. “Sorry, but if she doesn’t follow my requests, I’m afraid you’re just going to have to wait for someone else. Some else to cuddle you and take you home.”

Kyung Eun was shooting lasers at Sehun. Sehun was enjoying himself.

 

Pretty soon, the kids started taking an interest in the crane machine and asked if Sehun and Kyung Eun were done playing. Sehun raised a brow at her. Kyung Eun begrudgingly admitted defeat. She had to get that Pororo.

“Ok, fine! Oh Sehun, you are way better than me at games—all hail the mighty Sehun. Please, oh please, oh pleeeeaaassseee get me Pororo!”

She hugged Sehun tightly, pouting at him with her wide sparkly eyes and protruding lower lip. Sehun laughed to his heart’s content.

In the end, they bring Pororo back home with them.

“Noona, you were really cute today.”

“Shut up, you brat.”

“I like you when you’re mad. I like you even more when you’re happy. I just like you. A lot.”

Sehun holds one of Kyung Eun’s hands, and she lets him. Sehun doesn’t miss the dust of red on her cheeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jongdae brought Kyung Eun to a Karaoke place.

They sing new songs, old songs, pop songs, rock songs and even English Rap songs that neither of them could pronounce, let alone understand. They sing properly, madly, messily, drunkenly and ultimately start shouting out of tune just for fun. Eventually, the Karaoke users in the next room knocked on their door—asking them to please tune it down a bit. Jongdae and Kyung Eun bashfully apologized. As soon as they were left alone again, they burst out in laughter.

“I’m having so much fun!” Kyung Eun eagerly declared.

Maybe it was the way her eyes formed crescents, or how her lips molded into a heart. Maybe it was the way her smile was the very definition of happiness, or how her voice was sweet like honey. Being with Kyung Eun sent electricity down Jongdae’s being. Singing with her just made him feel so animated—so alive. He couldn’t help the blush that crept up when he realized this buzzing feeling.

“I’m having fun too.” Jongdae had said, in probably the gentlest voice he’s used in a while. It actually seemed charming. “I’ve got a song for you, so why don’t you take a seat?”

Kyung Eun giggled and complied.

Jongdae chose “Best Luck”—the song he sang for the drama “It’s Ok, It’s Love.”

As Kyung Eun listened to Jongdae’s voice, she couldn’t help but be in awe. He was lost in his passion—eyes closed, lips left to express every emotion of the song.

When the chorus arrived, Jongdae opened his eyes,

and looked straight at Kyung Eun.

 

“My Love,

I miss you

It’s destiny,

you can’t avoid it

 

Everyday I’m so lucky

 

I want to confess my hidden heart,

 

I love you.”

 

 

The rest of the song never continued, as Kyung Eun and Jongdae settled for listening to each other’s heart beats.

Chan Yeol and Kyung Eun went out for dinner in his family’s restaurant, Viva Polo.

They ordered their meals and chatted away—Chan Yeol’s sense of humor enough for the both of them. When the food arrived, they dug in. Kyung Eun couldn’t help but tell Chan Yeol it tasted good. Chan Yeol smiled at that.

“I hope to cook for you sometime,” he said, rather shyly. “I’m not as good as my mother, but I’m close. I have my own style of course.”

Kyung Eun’s heart was warmed by Chan Yeol’s offer. “I’d love to eat your cooking.”

Just then, Chan Yeol’s sister Yura passed by the restaurant on her way to somewhere else. She spotted Chan Yeol and immediately gave him a hug.

 

“GAAAAAAAAAAAHHH! Get off me Yura!” He shouted, rather embarrassed.

Yura just chuckled, but relented anyway. Only then did she notice Kyung Eun. She didn’t notice Kyung Eun before because Chan Yeol’s tall figure was blocking her. She broke out into a grin. Almost as creepy looking as Chan Yeol’s.

“Wow! So my baby brother’s busting out the moves, huh? He’s a really good kid. A bit crazy, but manageable.”

“Yuuuraaaa! Leave us alooooone!”

Kyung Eun just giggled. “I’m sure he’s a wonderful person. A bit crazy, but nothing I can’t handle.” She winked at Chan Yeol.

Chan Yeol blushed profusely. “Ok, Yura, please be on your waaaaaaay.”

Yura giggled and gave her brother one last hug. She patted Kyung Eun on the head, and left them to their meal.

Chan Yeol kissed Kyung Eun on the cheek.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, it was Jong In’s turn to take Kyung Eun out.

He took her to a new place he recently discovered while strolling around town. It appeared to be a growing hotspot for couples. Paying the entrance fee, they entered what seemed like a little garden. Running around everywhere were fireflies. The little insects illuminated the place in a way that only seemed possible in movies. Kyung Eun couldn’t help but let her eyes roam around all over—widening as they did so. Jong In brought a fist to cover his laughter because that’s so Kyungsoo. He took her by the hand as they continued to walk into the illuminated garden.

On their way, they spied other couples who were enjoying themselves. They saw one kissing, and both immediately blushed and looked away. Soon, they reached the back of the garden—where tiny boats laid on top of a lake. Couples in those boats were happily rowing around under the pale moonlight—whispering sweet nothings to each other as the fireflies continued to hover over them.

“D-do you want to?” Jong In asked—the tremble in his voice obvious.

Kyung Eun smiled at him. “Yeah.”

 

The two rowed around on the lake, talking about anything and everything. They got along so well—which wasn’t a surprise since this was really Do Kyungsoo he was talking to. They laughed about the same things, and thought of the same topics. The night couldn’t have been more perfect. Jong In stood up once to encase a firefly in his hands, and showed it to Kyung Eun. After a good cooing and picture-taking, Jong In released the firefly. As he turned back to look at Kyung Eun, something tugged at his heart strings.

The way the moonlight shined on her gentle face. The way her petite figure looked so small on the boat they shared. And the way her eyes seemed to hold a certain glint, brighter than the stars.

Jong In was positive his heart skipped a beat.

 

The fireflies began to make formations in the sky. Everyone watched in amazement. Everyone but Jong In and Kyung Eun. Kyung Eun was too busy blushing, while Jong In was too busy kissing her cheek. They didn’t even notice that some fireflies had formed a heart shape over their heads.