All but one part in Onew's POV. Watch with English Translation

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{Stand By Me}

"Aish."

 

It was a beautiful morning but my day didn't start that good. It was only Tuesday but I was already short on budget.

 

I tipped the box where I hide my money over the bed, looking for some traces of bill I might have overlooked awhile ago but there was none. In my frustration, I threw the empty cardboard box across the room and it hit the floor with a thud.

 

"Money problem again?" asked Minho, who entered the room we shared without bothering to knock. "It has been your dilemma ever since you stepped in to this dormitory."

 

"Right, there you are!" I exclaimed. "You could lend me --"

 

"Lend you again?" he said, cutting across me. "No," he added firmly. "You never learned to save because you always rely on me. I'm not your father, you know. If you want money, go and find a job."

 

He took his iPod and face towel from his bedside table and headed out, perhaps to do some jogging.

 

Left alone in the room, I thought about his advice as I seized the handful of coins that was left of my allowance. Maybe he was right. Maybe I really needed a job.

 

Stand by me, look towards me

Even though I don’t know love yet

Stand by me, guard over me

Because I am still clumsy at love

 

"... Tear the receipt, give them the change, and thank them," said Manager Lee, explaining my task. "Got it all?"

 

"Yes, Manager," I answered smartly.

 

"Then you should be fine. If you need me, just knock, okay?" he said, tapping me on the back. He then went inside his office.

 

Following Minho's advice, I looked for a part-time job and here, I ended up as a cashier in this 24-hour open bakery, night shift.

 

"Who would buy bread in the middle of the night?" I thought to myself, chuckling quietly in case Manager Lee hears me. "He would have been a real fool ..."

 

I expected some wave of boredom so I sneaked in a book. I hid it cleverly under the table so that the Manager would not see it.

 

Absorbed in my book, I jumped on my seat as the chimes on the door tinkled unexpectedly, breaking the silence. A bespectacled girl stepped in. So this was the fool I had been talking about?

 

She went straight towards the shelf where the egg pies were, picked the piece at the very back of the row and approached the counter.

 

"Good evening," I said formally, hastily snapping my book shut.

 

Suddenly, I thought Okay, she was kind of pretty.

 

"Here," she mumbled. "I'll take this." She placed the egg pie on the table along with her payment.

 

I did my task as a cashier enthusiastically since she was my very first customer. Handing her the change, receipt and the wrapped egg pie, I thanked her, smiling as instructed ("be nice").

 

Her lips curled into a grin too, receiving her purchase. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she said “Thanks" then went out of the shop.

 

My feelings get better as I look at you

I find myself randomly singing

I even want to buy a single rose

The side of myself is so new

 

The following night, I was again absorbed in my book. I was beginning to think that my only duty here was to guard over the breads, cakes and pies. I didn't expect a customer at all just like last night.

 

Nevertheless, as I turned a page, the chimes sounded and the same girl in glasses came to buy another egg pie and our transaction went on as it was before.

 

Six nights later, she kept coming back always at the same time and buying the same thing. I began calling her "The Egg Pie Girl" for this reason. She was the only customer who enters the shop for the rest of my shift each night so it wasn't hard to remember her. As I watch her come and go, my curiosity about her grew.

 

I wasn't the type of person to think about girls; in fact, I never had a girlfriend in my life. This time, I don't know why, but the phrase 'in-love at first sight' kept popping into my mind whenever I see her. And it seemed that my night would not be complete unless I hear the chimes clink and see her figure behind the glass doors.

 

As my heart becomes closer to you

The world become more beautiful

If you feel my nervousness

Will you wait just a little bit?

 

"Stand by me, guard over me, even though I don't know love yet ..."I sang under my breath, forgetting all about my book as I waited for her to arrive tonight.

 

Sure enough, minutes later, she came and as usual, she went straight to the egg pies to pick the one at the very back of the row. She then walked towards me and handed me the item.

 

Suddenly, I had the urge to ask her name.

 

"G-good evening, Ma'am," I faltered.

 

"Here, I'll take this," she said quietly.

 

Punching in the item she bought, my mind was in the middle of a battle on how to ask her in the best way. You see, I was extremely lousy at girls.

 

I had already handed her the wrapped pie along with the change and the receipt. Still, I had not uttered a single word aside from my usual "Thank you."

 

"Thanks," she said then she turned her back on me.

 

Aish, just do it!I thought. "Wait!" I called after her.

 

Her hand at the door handle, she glanced and looked at me inquiringly. "Yes?"

 

"Uh ..." I began nervously. "I ..." Heavens, Onew, speak up! "Whashyorname?" I managed, the words coming out of my mouth uncontrollably.

 

"Sorry?" she asked curiously. "I didn't catch that ..."

 

"I -- I mean --" I felt myself blushing violently. "I -- what is your name?" I repeated with forced calmness. My knees were already shaking.

 

"Oh," she said. "Jiyoo."

 

"Ah. Well ... I'm Onew, just so you know. Thanks for buying, Ma'am J-jiyoo," I stammered, bowing deeply. "G-good night."

 

She continued to look curious but she smiled kindly, before stepping out of the shop.

 

"So lame, Onew," I told myself disappointedly. "It doesn't matter, though. I already know her name ... Jiyoo ..."

 

Together make it, love

Forever making you smile

Filled with your bright smile

Together make it, love

Forever making you smile

Now hold my hands

 

I never thought my job would be this exciting until I met Jiyoo. I realized how her every trip to this bakery made my nights beautiful, filling it with her bright smiles. It was very fortunate that I chose to work here, and that she liked egg pies so much. Thanks to Minho too, who advised me to seek a job in the first place that I landed here.

 

Stand by me, look towards me

Even though I don't know love yet

Stand by me, guard over me

Because I am still clumsy at love

 

"Minho," I called out one day in our dorm.

 

"Hm?"

 

"Uh, can I ask you something?"

 

"Ask away ..."

 

Nah, he'd just laugh. "I -- no, never mind," I said, suddenly having my second thoughts.

 

"What is it?" he urged.

 

"Nothing. I -- I already know the answer --"

 

"What?" he said stubbornly. "Come on, tell me!"

 

"It's nothing!"

 

"You're making me more curious, Hyung. What is it?"

 

"I told you, it's nothing!"

 

"There's something, though," he said, narrowing his usually big eyes. "Is it ..."

 

I swallowed.

 

"... about girls?" he said gleefully.

 

"Oh -- well -- no --" I was already caught. "Okay, then," I said, giving up. "Indeed. About girls."

 

Minho rolled over his bed, laughing. "I knew it! You're intelligent and everything but you're dreadful when it comes to girls!"

 

"Go on. Laugh."

 

"Sorry," he said, fighting to keep his face straight. "What is your problem about girls?" he asked, trying hard to be serious.

 

I told her all about Jiyoo.

 

"Is that all? Ha!" he said haughtily. "Easy. You came for help from the right person. Listen closely ..."

 

The more I get to know you, my heart quivers

All I can do is smile

Shall I try to kiss you?

Will it get me a little closer to your heart?

 

When she next came by, I mustered every ounce of courage in me to start a lengthier conversation with her.

 

"Be friends with her, talk to her always, make her laugh," was Minho's advice.

 

Okay, so here goes. I just hope I would not mess up. My heart was already pounding traitorously.

 

"Good evening," I said cheerfully. "It's kind of chilly outside, isn't it?"

 

She looked at me, her hand dangling over the egg pie at the back of the row. "Uh, yeah."

 

Aish. Why suddenly talk about the weather?!

 

"So, um, you like egg pie so much, don't you?" I smiled shakily, covering up.

 

Clasping her hand around the slice, she replied. "Yes, well, your egg pies here are -- uh, delicious."

 

"They are?" I asked stupidly.

 

"Yeah, you don't even know?" She chuckled. "How could you sell here without knowing?"

 

Right. I should not have said that. "Oh, of course they are!" I amended hastily. I would just have to have a taste later to lessen the intensity of the white lie. I wouldn't have any interest in egg pies at all if not for her.

 

"Last time you were too nervous to ask my name. Now, you're all in good spirits," she observed. "Here, I'll take this."

 

"Er, since I've asked your name, perhaps we're friends now?" I said tentatively, punching in the item.

 

"Hmm," she thought for awhile. "I think so," she replied, shrugging.

 

From there, we started having conversations every time she drops by. Little by little, we get to know each other. Soon, I abandoned my attempts to sneak in a book. Waiting for her left me occupied enough not to be bored. I began spending the first half of my shift anticipating for her arrival and the next half day-dreaming about our encounter. Each night, she appeared more and more beautiful that I wanted to reach out to her face and touch her. She was very kind too, friendly, funny, and -- well -- all the positive adjectives you could think of.

 

Could this feeling be love?

I'm still shy

I haven’t even taken a single step to you

So please wait for my love

 

"Onew," Manager Lee called one night, emerging from his office. "Here's your salary," he said, handing me a small envelop.

 

I received it with both hands, bowing deeply. "Thanks so much, sir!" I almost cried in gratitude. Heavens, this was the thing I've been waiting for after a month of working, my first earnings.

 

"You earned it well," he said, smiling slightly. "Right. Just knock if you need anything. I'll get inside my office now. Work hard."

 

"Yes, sir!" I spoke enthusiastically.

 

The door swung shut behind him and immediately, my mind was filled with ideas on where I would spend my wages. Chicken buckets? New CD? New set of outfit? New phone? New book?

 

NO.

 

I haven't done anything for Jiyoo yet aside from talk to her as she buys her egg pie. Minho said that it was very dry, when I told him all about it. "Too slow," he had mentioned. "Do something more. Something new and better."

 

Not even chicken buckets. I had to take a step closer to her.

 

"Yes. I'll ask her out," I decided.

 

Together make it, love

Forever making you smile

Filled with your bright smile

Together make it, love

Forever making you smile

I will slowly head towards you step by step

 

The chimes sounded, making my heart beat fast again, and Jiyoo stepped in, bringing with her a very light mood.

 

"Good evening!" I greeted her.

 

She smiled, and I almost float out of so much joy. As usual, she selected the last egg pie of the row and approached me behind the cash register. "Here, Onew. As always," she said coolly and the way she said my name made me glow with happiness.

 

But I was growing nervous again. I don't have any idea yet how to ask someone to a date. Much more someone as special as her.

 

"Er --"

 

"Hm?"

 

"Uh, so what have you been up to today?" I asked.

 

"Well, the normal ... homeworks ... projects ... reviews ... Our finals are coming up, as I've told you before," she said, referring to our conversation the previous night. "You?"

 

"Same ... Any plans tomorrow?" I tried. It was my day-off, perfect timing to go out with her.

 

"Oh. Let's see ..." she pondered, adjusting her glasses. "Nothing much."

 

YES!

 

"But -- I think I'll have to read for our report and bring my cat to the vet –“

 

"Right. So I'll see you tomorrow night at six," I said, without exactly thinking about it. It just sort of came out.

 

"Okay ..." she said, nodding, then abruptly her eyes widened with shock. "What?!"

 

"J-just a f-friendly d-date ... you know ..." I clarified, putting an emphasis to the word 'friendly.'

 

She raised her brows. “Oh, you’re asking for a date?”

 

“Y-yeah, kinda –“ I said. “So, could you make it?”

 

I held my breath.

 

"Sure."

 

Stand by me, look at me

Somehow I want to be closer to you

Stand by me, guard over me

I want to seem a bit cooler to you

 

By six o'clock the next evening, I was anxiously standing outside the bakery (our rendezvous), waiting for her. My mind was filled with worries: Do I look fine? Am I dressed well? How would the night turn out? What if she might just get bored? Where should we go? What if --

 

Looking around, I saw her walking towards me, simply dashing. Suddenly, my head was blank for a split second. She removed her glasses in honor of the occasion and she looked ten times prettier.

 

"Hi," she said shyly.

 

I ran my fingers through my hair nervously. "Hello. For you," I said, handing her a slice of her beloved egg pie.

 

She put it in her bag, thanking me.

 

"So ... let's go?"

 

Side by side, we walked; I did so, awkwardly. Our arms brushed against each other from time to time and I had the urge to hold her hand but she might not like it and leave me unceremoniously without even getting to our first destination. I reminded myself that this was supposed to be a friendly date. Friendly. Friendly.

 

"Shall we eat first?"

 

"Okay."

 

We went to a noodle house and ate ramen. We talked a bit but at times, we were lost for topics. She smiled frequently, nevertheless, lessening some of my uneasiness at my lack of tact.

 

Then, we went to a shopping center, looking around for trinkets and stuffs to buy.

 

"Yay! A teddy bear! So cute!" she exclaimed, pointing it out.

 

"Oh --  yes, it is," I said, looking at it. "Let's go this way," I said, steering her on the opposite the direction.

 

"That couple shirt looks nice," she commented at a display.

 

"Right," I agreed, walking on. "Uh, you have curfew?" I said, trying to find something to talk about.

 

"What? You want to send me home now?" she asked, pouting.

 

"N-no! I want to stay with you longer, in fact." Stupid Onew!

 

She sighed. "Can we sit somewhere first?"

 

"Oh, sure."

 

We sat at a park bench quietly. I was starting to panic as we grew more and more awkward each passing moment. I was really very tactless!

 

"So ..."

 

"Hm?"

 

"Well ..."

 

"What?"

 

"Um ... f-for you, Jiyoo."

 

I wore around her neck a thin silver chain with butterfly pendant dangling from it.

 

I don’t know at first

How to begin to love

I still don’t know my heart

But I love you

 

We went home not long afterwards in total silence but she was grinning as if she had the time of her life with our ultra-boring date.

 

"Sorry if I was such a -- you know -- loser date," I mumbled bashfully, breaking the stillness.

 

"It's alright. You kind of made up for it by giving me this necklace. Thank you so much," she beamed.

 

She was rubbing her hands vigorously because of the cold night air. Giving in to the urge, I took her hands into mine. She didn't relinquish. Instead, she accepted it gratefully. We walked hand in hand until we reached her house.

 

"Thanks for tonight. I will always remember my first date," she said. "Good night, Onew."

 

It was the first time I felt like this towards someone and I didn't realize how I became aware of it but I know that this is what you call love.

 

Together make it, love

Forever making you smile

Filled with your bright smile

Together make it, love

Forever making you smile

Now hold my hands

 

***

 

As soon as I got home, I took out the egg pie Onew gave me.

 

"Eunsook!" I called out. "Eunsook! Come here!"

 

She came right away.

 

"For you," I said, giving her the egg pie. She meowed appreciatively and attacked the pie.

 

I never had any liking for egg pie. I only bought it that night because I was too lazy to cook. Looking for something instant to eat, I came by the 24-hour open bakery and saw that it was the cheapest item there. When I went to pay for it, the new guy behind the cash register caught my eyes and my heart as well that I couldn't put him out of my mind anymore. And then, I kept coming back, wanting to see him every night before I go to sleep. All the pies became Eunsook's dinner, of course. Later on, the guy called Onew and I became friends that I had more reasons to come back night after night. He was very funny, friendly, nice, and – well – all the good things, although somewhat awkward, but I fell for him even more.

 

"You know what, Eunsook?" I whispered to my gray tabby cat. "It was a very boring date but just being with him tonight made me very happy and my night complete ..."

 

***

 

Stand by me, look towards me

Even though I don't know love yet

Stand by me, guard over me

Because I am still clumsy at love

 

“Eunsook!” I called out to the gray tabby cat. “Come here! I have something for you!”

 

At the smell of the egg pie, she came around, rushing. She sniffed excitedly and brushed against my legs over and over again.

 

“Okay!” I chuckled. “Here you go, I know you love this.”

 

I set down the pie in front of her and she bit at it enthusiastically as if she had not eaten for years.

 

“Oh, you’re home, sweetie,” Jiyoo said, appearing around the corner.

 

A silver butterfly pendant gleamed on her chest, matching perfectly with the wedding ring around her finger.

 

She went beside me and I kissed her on each cheeks. We were married for two years already but I was still a bit clumsy and awkward. She smiled and touched my face warmly. “Ah, here,” she said, showing me a pregnancy test kit.

 

I looked down at it and felt like my heart wanted to swell and burst. She had shown me pregnancy test kits a lot of times during the past two years but this time made a huge difference as two clear red lines ran across it. For the first time.

 

I stared at her in disbelief.

 

She nodded at me as if to confirm what I was thinking at the moment.

 

“Onew-appa and Jiyoo-eomma ... How does that sound?” she asked.

 

“Daebak,” I answered, hugging her.

 

 

EmanneArdeeSy imnida! XD

 

Yipee! *Victory Dance* I updated faster now! It's because I want to make up for my very late update last time and because it's all about ONEW! *blush*

 

So, what do you think of this one? Kinda lame? *.*

 

-- EASy ♥

 

By the way, aside from being a Shawol and an MVP, I'm also a Potterite! So I wanted to know who among you are Harry Potter fans too? Raise your wands! 8-)

 

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