Random Rambles: Merry Christmas guys! Hope you're having a wonderful time! There's a Christmas Special I wrote in honor of the holidays featuring our favorite maknae ;) Check it out when you've the time. Meanwhile, here's another chappie...I have to learn how to get straight to the point, but there's just too much I want to write D: I'm gonna try to keep it under 100 chapters- lord help me xD Enjoy and as usual; kamsahamnida lovelies! <3

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Casa Miyano. 

A tranquil, quiet and harmonious place. 

A place where the sweet, soft, melodious sound of gentle humming floated in the air, accompanied by the merry whistling of cheery birds. The house at the edge of the forest, where many woodland critters trot by, attracted by the warmth the house always emanated. 

Ah, yes. Casa Miyano...A little slice of serene heaven on earth's paradise-

"JAE-IN MIYANO! Get your downstairs or so help me God, I will slap the living daylights out of that booty, you hear me?!"

...which has transformed into the deepest pit of hell itself. Ruled by the once benevolent Queen Yoona, whose heart grew three sizes too small as her stress level rose and rose by the second in preparing what was sure to be the dinner party of the century (that no one wanted to be invited to).

Taking another deep breath, and checking my appearance in my full-length mirror, I had half a mind to change clothes again, but I was sure that that would only invoke the wrath of Queen Yoona, and loving life as I do, I decided against it. Instead, I tugged a little at the deep green dress I was wearing. I honestly have no idea where she got it, but the Queen came into my room, a shiny, short, deep green dress in her arms, and told me to wear it. The thing was swirly around my knees when I walked and it was snug around the waist and bodice, because it wasn't difficult enough to breathe with the dinner of hell coming up. I did not want to be here right now. 

Groaning, and pacing around in my room, I thought about the conversation I had with D.O. and with the others at the café. The plan was simple. Stay calm and try not to raise any suspicion. Meanwhile, those that weren't invited to dinner would keep an eye out for things, just in case. I heaved out a sigh. If tonight wasn't going to end up disastrous, I'm gonna count it as a genuine miracle. Should I try and hide a knife underneath this dress? Mom'd freak out...

I jumped when the Queen herself shrieked my name again. A second later, my poor father burst through the door of my room, a look of pure fear on his face. He closed the door firmly behind him and let out a breath, his hand clutching his chest. 

"Baby, I love you, you know that right?" he started, ing the top button of his blouse to wave himself some air. 

"Of course, Dad," I answered, still feeling a little awkward interacting with him after the whole ordeal two nights before. 

"Good. I just wanted you to know that, in case your mother kills me, you know," he shrugged jokingly, but he seemed sincerely nervous. "I really don't understand why she arranged this dinner if she's like that. Do you know why she invited that woman?" he then asked, and I knew that this was my father's way of blowing off some steam. If he couldn't talk to someone reasonable - which was Mom most of the time -, he'd come to chat with me. I would do the same as well, if I wanted to get something off my chest, but something felt different now. It wasn't that I loved my dad less, it was just that things had changed and I knew that I needed time to sort things out. But that didn't matter right now. Dad didn't even know that I knew what had happened. I don't know why. When I asked him if anything new happened, he had lied to me. Never mentioned that he shot a wolf. Then again, you never told him that the wolf he shot was part of your pack...

"Jade, baby? Are you okay?" he then asked, shaking me from my thoughts. I forced a twitchy smile on my face. 

"I'm good," I started, nodding my head. "A little scared to go downstairs, though. Feels like there's a dragon the size of a hobbit waiting there to devour me," I joked and this got a chuckle out of him as well. It relaxed me, even though I realized at the same time that there was an unspoken distance between me and my father now. And I didn't like that. 

"She might if you don't hurry up and get down there," he agreed and then fell silent as he observed me. 

I blinked at him. "What is it?" 

A gentle smile appeared on my father's face as he approached me and he carefully reached out to touch my wavy hair, which I styled that way to please the Queen. 

"You look beautiful, baby," he suddenly said, and I rolled my eyes, making a dismissive gesture. 

"Oh boy, you're not going all teary-eyed on me, are you?" I jested, but I froze a little at seeing the mixed look of regret and pride in his eyes. An expression that only fathers know how to make, I think.

"No, no," he shook his head, looked to the ground and sniffed exaggeratingly. "My baby Jade is all grown up!" he exclaimed before squeezing me into a hug. My eyes went wide before I laughed at my ridiculous dork of a father. 

"Dad!" I warned through my laughter and he chuckled. 

"Just kidding. We both know that you'll be my baby girl forever. Even on your wedding day I'll tell people that you're still two years old and afraid of the dark- hey! I bet that would make a fun story to tell your date, huh?" he then said, a devilish twinkle in his eyes. He then opened his mouth as though he wanted to say something, but he reconsidered and said nothing. 

"What," I started, shuffling a bit with my feet, though I couldn't stop the words from coming, "no gun jokes?" 

He startled. I made my father flinch and startle, and in response, I felt like crap doing that to him. I couldn't look at him. But when I did look up, Dad glanced at me with a sober expression, almost as though he suspected that I knew something, but then that gentle smile reappeared and he cupped my cheek. 

"No, baby. No more gun jokes. They weren't that funny to begin with," he said, his voice tender. In that very moment, I wanted to ask him what I've been avoiding, I wanted to ask him what he was doing in the forest that night. I wanted to ask him who the woman was that my mother invited for dinner. Most of all, I wanted to just tell him that I knew what happened and that it was going to take some time for me to digest all of it, but that I had forgiven him, and my friends had, too. 

 "Um, Dad-," I had barely started, or the both of us jumped at the sound of my door being slammed open, my mother standing there, a little red-faced and furious, but still looking gorgeous and classy in a simple silver dress. 

"Oh Lord, give me strength! Like father, like daughter! I send the one to fetch the other and you're both hiding here!" Mom complained, her hands on her hips. 

"Sorry," we both uttered in unison, looking absolutely apologetic. Mom sighed deeply before resuming her command. Honestly, do not mess with this tiny woman when she's angered. She wasn't just a queen, she was a freaking general. 

"Ryo, go check on the drinks and make sure the wine is breathing," she instructed firmly, raising an eyebrow when Dad saluted her. 

"Jae, make sure the table is properly set and get ready to receive the guests. They should be arriving soon. Did you tell your date what time to be here?"

I immediately nodded, checking the clock. 

"Good! Now, this shouldn't be all too hard. Let's make a good impression, everyone. Jae, straighten up, don't slouch, I'll not have my gorgeous daughter standing like a hunchback with a limp," she continued her drilling before turning to my father, who was still standing at attention. "And you, tell me I look amazing," she demanded, making me bite my lip to hold back laughter. 

"Ma'am! 'Amazing' wouldn't do you justice, ma'am!" Dad shouted like a proper, obedient soldier before Mom's harsh expression melted away and my room was filled with warmth and chuckling. We've all been tense and this managed to lighten the mood just a little, until my mom told me to go downstairs to check on the settings. I nodded and left my parents be, hurrying downstairs. 

I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't a bundle of nerves right now. I had to remind myself that nothing bad could happen with so many witnesses around and that there is still a possibility that this Kumiho woman had no idea who I was - other than the daughter of her boss. Nothing bad could happen. Nothing bad should happen. It knowing that I don't have much control over that- well, not really. 

I told my so-called date to be here about five minutes before six and it was almost time. I carefully looked out the window for movements, thinking to the plan the boys came up with last night. I bit my lip nervously when I saw vague movements in the woods. Only a few moments later, I watched a swirl of black mist twirl in the air before dissipating. Kai's face appeared, watching me. He smoothed over his hair, his red eyes gleaming at me, before he gave the slightest of nods. More silhouettes appeared behind him, shape shifting from man to wolf in a blink of an eye.

I caught sight of a wolf with doe-eyes, watching me attentively. When I nodded, Luhan's voice sounded in my mind. 

No worries, Jae. We're here. If that woman so much as thinks of making a move, we'll make sure to prevent it. 

Right, I replied. And how, exactly? You guys are out there, we're inside. I smiled in amusement when it was silent for a moment. I'm kidding. Thank you. I just hope we won't need anyone to prevent things from happening, you know?

We're not expecting something bad to happen. It's just better to be safe than sorry. Besides, remember who you'll have in there with you. 

Yeah, about that, I caught Kai leaning from behind a tree, looking around. Between you and me, are we sure about this arrangement? I fidgeted with my fingers. 

Luhan's laugh rang like a clear bell. I'd be there with you instead in a heartbeat, but fate has decided, he sounded dramatically and I rolled my eyes at the young wolf. 

I wouldn't exactly call a game of rock, paper, scissors the equivalent of fate, Luhan.

It is what it is, Jae, Luhan smirked. It's almost time. Keep the channel open, okay? He'll be there in a minute.

Okay. You guys be careful, I told him and he gave a slight bow before he disappeared into the woods. Kai gave me another nod after the others had taken their positions and was gone in a cloud of smoke. 

"Whew," I breathed, walking towards the door to check on my appearance. It was silly to do so considering all the more important stuff I should worry about, but I couldn't help it. I had to keep up appearances for one thing, and I - we - had to make everyone else believe that this was an actual date, so I had to take everything seriously as of now. There was no need to be nervous, that would just make the whole ordeal worse. I nodded to myself, calming myself down. Besides, Luhan was right. Of all the people that I could've asked for the dinner, I eventually ended up with the one whom I thought was rational, composed, and kept a level head. 

The doorbell rang, and my heart nearly jumped out of my chest. 

"Jae! Can you get that, sweetie?" Mom ran down the stairs and hurried over to the kitchen, Dad trailing not too far behind her. 

I hoped that Dad's co-worker didn't decide to show up early, but I wasn't necessarily relieved once I opened the door. 

"J-Jae! Uh, hi!" 

I flinched a little when I saw a well-dressed Suho, fumbling with a bouquet of roses and looking - well, kind of not like himself. He trembled a bit and his smile was genuine but nervous.

"Um, ah! T-these are for you," he extended the bouquet towards me, but I was still trying to process who I was staring at here. 

I woke up from the daze when I heard my father asking me who was at the door and I jumped into action. I pushed Suho back and joined him on the front porch, closing the door behind me so my parents couldn't hear us.

"Okay, let's get something straight. You do not get to be nervous, you hear me? You're supposed to be the leader, right? What happened to the cool, composed Suho that didn't let me rattle him when I first got here?" I asked him, though my little tirade probably didn't help much. Suho looked lost as he stared at me, and I just now noticed that he was holding the bouquet nervously in one hand, while the other was clinging onto an expensive bottle of wine. I could tell from the bottle that his hands were clammy. "And, why did you comb your hair into a middle part?" I asked, biting my lip so I wouldn't chuckle.

"What? Is it too much?" Suho immediately asked, putting down the bottle to touch his hair. "I've been a nervous wreck all day. I still couldn't believe I won from Kai, and I know that there's a lot riding on this dinner, I mean- I have to keep you safe, first of all, and we have to keep a close watch on this woman that's coming, and then we have to have dinner and I have to make an impression so I went to buy you roses and my father told me to bring a bottle of wine for your parents, and then my hair was a mess, and-,"

Words streamed from Suho's mouth like a waterfall and the only thing I could think of doing at that moment was to place my hand over his mouth to shut him up. His eyes widened and the soft muffled sounds eventually quieted down. I gave him a small, reassuring smile until I saw him visibly relax, taking a deep breath to calm himself down. 

"Better?" I asked, removing my hand from his smiling lips as he looked at me. 

"Much," he said quietly, blushing a little. "Sorry, I'm a little nervous," he tried coolly but this had me laughing. 

"Really? I had no idea," I replied and Suho chuckled sheepishly. 

"Let's take things one step at a time, okay? Just like you said, leader," I nudged him. "You're here to morally support me, remember? I need to know that I can count on you," I told him with just a tinge of reluctance, considering that Suho and I didn't necessarily get along that well just as much as I could with other members. But, the statement seemed to bring him back to his senses and he straightened up. 

"You're right. I got this, Jae," he nodded, a lot more confident now. He looked behind him where Kai was peering at us in wolf-mode. Suho directed himself to me. "Kris is in command out there, but I trusted Kai to scout the area. He has the best instincts so if there is anything remotely wrong, he'll let us know," he whispered conspiringly. I nodded, but there was a part of me that just couldn't take him seriously. Not with that haircut looking as though it was bringing hommage to the story of the Red Sea being gloriously parted, smack in the middle.  

I my lips, focusing my attention on something else. "So, roses, huh?" I gestured, unable to hide my sadistic side when I saw Suho's cheeks turn a brighter shade of red. "Why do you think you have to make an impression, anyways?" I continued. 

Suho seemed lost for a moment, and it looked like he was going to have another panic attack, but then he calmed down and a gentle smile appeared on his face. "Because, Jae," he started, handing me the roses. "I'm your date," he answered proudly, and dang it, my face betrayed me when I flushed, mumbling a 'thank you' as I accepted the bouquet. He looked like such a goofball with that childlike, excited smile of his and ridiculous hairdo. I shook my head.

"Come here, I can't have you looking like that all night," I told him and Suho confusedly, but compliantly, leaned forward, bending down a bit so I could restyle his hair. I tried not to notice that he was staring at my face and focused hard on his hair. I combed my fingers through the thick locks, getting rid of that middle parting and styled it wolf-style. "There. Much better. It's better if you put your hair up like this, you look handsome that way," I nodded, taking a step back to appraise him. It was then that I winced when I looked at his neck. "And please lose the grandpa-bowtie," I chuckled when Suho's fingers moved quickly to remove it. 

"How's this?" he asked and I stuck up my thumb. 

Only Suho would think of wearing a bowtie with a blue blouse and dark grey waistcoat. At least now he looked his age, and not that of his grandfather. He picked up the bottle of wine and nodded at me. "Ready?"

"Yep, I think so," I confirmed. 

"Oh wait," Suho called when I moved to open the door. 

"What is it?" 

He scratched his cheek and briefly pointed at me. "You look beautiful," he mumbled shyly and I looked down at my dress, tucking a lock of my hair behind my ear. 

"Thanks." We exchanged glances until I heard the faint sound of someone growling in my mind and we both turned our heads to the same direction. "We should probably head inside," I said, pointing at the door.

"Yeah, lead the way," Suho agreed and we walked in. It was strange having Suho over. I was so used to this house being filled with the presence of my parents and myself, that it seemed like that energy shifted as soon as Suho entered the door. 

"Hey, I'm the first one to get to see your house, right?" he asked quietly while we were still alone and standing in the foyer. 

"Eh, yeah. Why?" 

Suho smiled brightly. "No reason," he dismissed, looking around. "It's nice here. Pleasant." 

"Ha, wait till you meet my mom. I should probably warn you that she's a bit on edge because that woman is going to come soon, bringing a date as well. And Dad- well, you've met him," I trailed off. Suho put his hand on my shoulder. 

"None of us bear ill will towards your father, Jae," he said quietly, his voice a whisper. 

"I know, and you're awesome for that, but, he's not looking forward to this dinner either. He doesn't like the woman my mom invited so I'm apologizing in advance for any tension, awkwardness or random embarrassing parental stuff," I warned and he pondered my words, counting his fingers as though he was memorizing what I just said. 

"Right, got it," he said seriously. "What time will that woman be arriving?" 

"Soon, I think," I answered quickly since I caught the silhouette of my father from the corner of my eye and turned towards him just in time to greet him. 

"Aha! Here you are, I was worried that you'd bail with your date," Dad smirked at first before he eyed Suho, who was standing stiff with tension under my father's gaze. "You are not the dimpled fellow," he mused and I facepalmed myself. 

Suho cleared his throat and chuckled, standing perfectly straight when he extended his hand. "My name is Kim Suho, sir. I'm in the same year as Jae. It's nice to meet you." 

I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't impressed at how smoothly he just introduced himself. I stole a glance his way, no sign of any nervousness whatsoever. 

See? Suho works best under pressure, Luhan's voice suddenly sounded. 

I sure hope so, I replied without raising any suspicion while watching my father welcome Suho in a friendly, though intimidating manner. Also, don't scare me like that, Luhan! No eavesdropping, unless Suho or me give you permission. I told him and he chuckled. 

Yes, my lady. 

"You're kidding! You're Yong Ha-nim's son? I've had the pleasure of meeting him once. He's a prominent businessman on the island, isn't he?" Dad asked a delighted Suho and I blinked. They- they're getting along? 

"So Joonmyeon must be your older brother then? He mentioned having two sons."

"Actually, Joonmyeon is my name, but I go by Suho, sir," he explained. "My older brother is Joonki." 

"Aha, I see," Dad mused, before looking at me. "Heh, he's not so bad," he told me teasingly, turning an oblique eye towards Suho. "But the night is young," he added ominously, causing me to roll my eyes. 

"Don't pay my father any attention, he's mentally five," I said to keep the mood up, Suho chuckling. 

"Excuse you, I'm mentally eight, in the least," Dad continued, winking at Suho. "Don't hold it against me though."

"Wouldn't dream of it, sir," Suho answered, still smiling. 

"Good man. Come on inside, meet the missus." Dad took the lead, the two of us trailing behind. 

"Congratulations, you cleared stage one," I told Suho, who beamed with pride. "Now get ready for stage two." 

I winced at seeing my mom walk into the room, giving a delighted gasp when she saw Suho. "Oh my goodness, you're new! And handsome! Hello!" Mom sang shaking Suho's hand in enthusiasm while winking at me. "I'm Yoona Miyano, Jae's mother." 

"Lovely to meet you, ma'am. I'm Suho," he introduced politely, seemingly unfazed by my mother's hyperactiveness. "I see now where Jae gets her beauty from," he complimented with ease, though all I could think of was whether he wanted some fries with that cheese. My mother, on the other hand, was squealing happily. 

"Oh? And what am I? Stir-fried kimchi?" Dad interjected on purpose to see the look of panic on Suho's face. 

"Not at all, sir. I'm only saying that Mrs. Miyano is slightly more beautiful than you, I'm sure you agree."

If I wasn't still holding onto the bouquet of roses, I think I would've genuinely applauded Suho's wit right on the spot. Especially when it made both my parents laugh. He was charming and wrapping them around his finger. This was the Suho everyone else on the island knew about, but whom I did not have the pleasure of meeting yet. 

"I see you brought Jae a beautiful bouquet of flowers, how gentlemanly of you," Mom then piped up. "And Ryo said you even brought wine for us! So considerate! I think you've a keeper here, Jae," she teased, grabbing the roses from my hand. "I'll go put these in a vase, why don't you two get comfortable on the couch, dinner will be ready when the other guests arrive. Can I get you something to drink, Suho?" 

"Some water will be just fine, ma'am," he answered. Mom nodded, mouthing her lips at me before she left; good job, he's hot! I only sighed softly. 

"Water?" I turned to him when we were alone in the living room. 

He shrugged. "Just in case," he whispered conspiringly, looking out the window. 

"Something up?" I asked, immediately standing by on alert. I startled at seeing Kai, his dark fur spiking up, red eyes aglow in the growing darkness of the forest. 

"Can you smell that?" Suho asked, taking a deep breath before cringing his nose. 

"Burned wood?" I guessed, my muscles tensing up. Suho must've sensed it and carefully placed his hand subtly over mine. 

Guys, she's here, Luhan nearly growled. She's with someone, but I can't see who it is. Anyone have a visual? Kai?

Nope. Sehun?

I felt like I had a walkietalkie embedded in my head and I was playing war with the neighborhood boys. Except this wasn't pretend. They really saw her as a dangerous threat and treated all of this with utmost care and seriousness. 

He has a familiar smell, Sehun noted. 

Guys... D.O. started as Suho and I looked at each other. 

What is it, D.O.? Suho pressed. I could almost hear D.O. gulping. 

No way, he said. Guys, you're not going to believe-!

"Uwah!" I startled when the doorbell rang, my hand on my chest. 

"Jae, baby, could you get the door?" Dad called from the kitchen, while I was staring at Suho, eyes wide. 

"Yeah, I'll get it!" I called back, but every fibre of my body refused to move. 

"Calm down, I'm here, Jae," Suho told me reassuringly. "And the others are right outside. Stick to the plan, right?" 

I nodded, fidgeted with my fingers again, tugging a bit on the dress and feeling uncomfortable in it. "Okay, um..." I took a deep breath. "Come with me?" I asked, resenting how vulnerable my voice sounded, but I could not smile and pretend like nothing was going on by myself. 

Suho extended his hand and I gratefully took it. "I'm right here." 

We walked together into the foyer and it was extremely comforting to have Suho stand behind me. It gave me some courage to just open the freaking door. 

Alright. Here we go...

"Good evening," a silken voice sounded that nearly made my skin ripple with goosebumps. "Oh my, you must be Jae! The picture on your father's desk doesn't do you any justice, darling. You're so beautiful!" the woman stated in a tone as though we were long lost friends meeting at a reunion and this had me on edge the entire time. I don't know if I can handle the stress and pressure, especially when I felt my entire body freeze up when she shook my limp hand and gave me a kiss on each cheek as a greeting. 

Her hazel green eyes then directed themselves towards Suho, whose smile was not nearly as warm as it had been when he was speaking to my parents. "And who is this? Your boyfriend?" she beamed, extending a perfectly slender, manicured hand towards him. 

"My date, Suho," I answered as Suho shook hands with her, sensing the growing tension in the air. 

"Wonderful to meet you both," she purred and I noticed the thick, black fur coat she was wearing. It reached her waist only, revealing her long legs and short pencil dress. 

"Did you come alone, Miss...?" I asked, playing my part. 

"Kumiho," she finished, her ruby lips shining a smile my way. "And I see my date is still trailing behind. He's such a straggler," she said. "You can close the door, darling, he'll ring the doorbell once he gets here," she told me and I complied. Just as I was about to close the door, a hand stopped it and pushed it back open. 

"Whoops, don't forget about me now," a deep voice chuckled lightheartedly and I blinked in bewilderment, my eyes wide. "Whew, glad I'm on time. Sorry, about that, I realized I forgot to lock my car so I went back and then of course, it turned out it was locked all along so, yeah," he chatted as I was still staring at him, mouth agape. I wasn't looking at Suho, but I'm pretty sure he had a similar expression on his face. 

"Wow, can you believe the weather outside, by the way? Talk about chilly- which is weird since the island never gets this cold, you can even tell by the flora and fauna that they're all confused," he continued, still wiping his shoes on the doormat, unaware that we were staring at him. Miss Kumiho, however noticed. 

"Don't mind him and his gibberish, he's a part-time school teacher, tends to blab," the woman whispered into my ear as though she was sharing a secret with her girlfriend. 

"Mister...Tabi?" 

It was Suho that found his voice before I did and this finally got the man's attention. His eyes went wide when he saw us before he broke out a broad smile of surprise. 

"Suho? And Jae! Well, this is a pleasant surprise," he chuckled in that low-timbre voice of his, closing the door and shaking our hands cheerfully. "Or not," he continued  with a grin when neither of us really reacted. 

"Jae, is everything alright?" 

Dad was my bell and he just saved the day when he entered the foyer. The adults' attention went to each other, giving Suho and me the time to process what just happened. 

Mr. Tabi?! I squealed in my mind. How does he even know that woman?

Oh man, great. So, what the hell is going on now? Mr. Tabi's girlfriend wants to kill Jae? Kris grumbled in annoyance. 

What even is this situation? Baekhyun added in confusion. 

Now I'm sure I've seen this in a Korean drama before... Lay murmured quietly in the background. 

Everyone relax. This is nothing to worry about. Mr. Tabi most likely doesn't know what's going on, my guess is that this woman is putting up a front for him too. You know how he has a weakness for beautiful women, Suho tried to reason, but I didn't feel at ease at all. Let's just see where this is going. Let's save panicking for when we actually have to panic. 

Suho held my hand when we walked back to the living room, almost as if he could sense that I was a flight risk and would rather run away right now. None of this felt right to me. Everything was out of wonk. I squeezed into Suho's hand when I felt a throbbing pain in my chest. Oh man, not now... 

Jae? What's wrong? Suho asked, trying not to draw too much attention. 

That energy, I winced trying to mask the pain. Can you sense it, too? 

It's her, isn't it? Suho said, hissing. I won't let her near you, don't worry. We'll figure this out. 

I nodded, feeling one of my infamous and oh-so-convenient panic attacks coming up. This is going just great! It's going to be a long night...