as promised, the first chapter of this story. Enjoy and don't forget to comment and vote!...if you want...

The moment JaeJoong stepped out of the large building, he knew he made the wrong decision when he told him self he didn't need his umbrella. The showers that everyone had warned JaeJoong about fell on deaf ears, he didn't bother to listen to the warnings and now he paid the price. To worsen his mood, he knew he had to walk to his apartment because his car had broken down yesterday, not only that but he had his essay to shield from the rain, he now hated himself for not bringing a backpack. Oh the joy of being him. He saw the flash of lightening light up the sky before a rumble of thunder boomed in the sky, normally he enjoyed this kind of weather but right now was not the time for showers. With a grumble, he looked around the area, spotting a bus station not too far away, he could make it without getting too soaked if he ran.

Stuffing the papers in his shirt, he took off in a sprint, towards the bus stop, trying to shield himself, and his papers, from the pouring rain that sprinkled down upon him. Finally, the rain ceased as he stepped underneath the bus stop. It was empty, no one else was waiting for the bus. Why would they? It was nearly 5 o'clock, he could already see the darkness creeping into the sky. The bus didn't get here for a while so it looked like he was going to have to wait here for awhile.

JaeJoong took out the papers from inside his shirt, they were a bit crumbled and wet but he could still read the writing. Sighing, he looked down at his feet,  silently cursing himself for not bringing an umbrella, or at least a heavy jacket. Due to a presentation he had in his English class, he had to look professional, coming to his college in a white dress shirt with a black vest over it and some black dress pants, complemented with a new pair of dress shoes that we're probably ruined thanks to the damn puddles he had stepped in while running. His black hair was soaked and clung to his forehead and cheeks.

His ears picked up the distant sound of footsteps, listening closely he confirmed they were getting closer with every second and he couldn't help but wonder what poor soul, besides himself, was out in the rain at this time.

With a turn of his head, he spotted a female running towards the bus stop, she was soaked and carried a binder in one hand while the other held a small cup. Poor girl, she was probably going to get sick from the rain.

She joined JaeJoong under the bus station, walking to the seats and dropping her wet binder on it, the plastic dripped from the rain it had collected but she didn't seem to care, then setting the cup on top of the binder, she sat next to her stuff, letting out a soft sigh, not even bothering to take off her backpack.

A sudden glance of hazel eyes in JaeJoong's direction made him turn away immediately, pretending like he was not just staring at her though he was pretty sure she saw him. JaeJoong wondered if she was waiting for the bus too? If she was, she would be waiting a while, not that it was JaeJoong's business but he figured he would try and be the good guy here. But right now, he just wanted to get home to his hot shower and warm bed.

"Didn't listen to the warnings either I suppose?" The voice threw JaeJoong off guard as he glanced over at the girl, she was watching him with warm hazel eyes, a slight smile on those thin lips of hers. Only then did he notice that she wasn't wearing a jacket, she had a black long sleeve shirt on but it was thin and already soaked. JaeJoong grunted in response turning to stare at the rain in front of him that seemed to be getting heavier. "Taking the bus?" 

"...yeah." JaeJoong shifted on his feet, turning his attention to the girl since it was obvious she wasn't going to shut up. "To make things worse, the rain ruined my new shoes."

"... New shoes?" JaeJoong nodded and lifted his left foot to show his shoe, shaking it a bit, his face cringing at the sound of water squishing inside them. Yup, they were ruined. "I'm sorry about that." Her eyes seemed to travel up his body, JaeJoong could feel the intense stare burning through him. He cleared his throat, deciding to sit down since it was clear the bus wouldn't get here anytime soon. He could've taken a cab but he didn't bring money for a cab.

"It's fine. I've had worse days." He sat back in the cold chair, relaxing a bit at the presence of someone else, stealing a glance at the girl, she was trying to put her hair up in a pony tail but it wasn't working out too well, she kept missing strands of her hair causing her to groan and start over, looks like the rain was bothering her as well.

"Here, let me..." setting the papers down beside him, he gave her a signal to come closer. Hazel eyes watched as he moved closer to her but she decided to follow along, turning her back to him to help him get better reach of her hair. Grabbing her hair band that she had in her hands, steady hands gathered the wet long brown locks, putting it in a ponytail. JaeJoong gave a slight smile as he pat her on the back, letting her know he was done.

"Thanks." Hazel eyes met brown eyes and for a split second they both felt the strong hold those eyes had on each other. One of brown and the other of hazel. But it was interrupted by the sound of JaeJoong's keys falling out of his pocket on to the cold granite. With a low grumble, JaeJoong reached down and fetched his keys, stuffing them back into his pocket.

"What's your name kid?" JaeJoong found himself sounding more older than he wanted to be. He wasn't even that old, he was still young but he couldn't help but wonder if this girl was younger than him. She looked younger. 

"Kim EunJi." The girl said smiling at JaeJoong. He'd heard of her, she was an exchange student from the United States and was the talk of the school. Supposedly her family was rich over in the U.S, he'd never really paid much attention to the rumors because he was more focused on his college work. "Your JaeJoong right? So many people brag about you, it was impossible not for me to hear about you."

"Really?" He seemed genuinely surprised, he knew people talked about him for his looks and his impressive grades but he didn't think people actually bragged about him.

"That's right." EunJi answered while nodding her head. "I hear your a good student...and the girls seem to worship you." She looked away, choosing to divert her attention to the rain. Maybe it was his imagination but JaeJoong could see a tint of pink on her cheeks. She suddenly turned her attention back to JaeJoong, a smile on her lips. "Also, I hear your an awesome dancer." The look in her eyes showed nothing but respect, she seemed to look up to him. Admire him. Looks like he had another fan. 

JaeJoong looked away, laughing nervously while rubbing the back of his neck. "I wouldn't say I'm all that great..." he let his eyes travel to her hazel eyes. "I've heard a lot of talk about you, how your family is rich and that you came from the United States." The tint of pink on her cheeks seemed to get a hue darker and she tore her gaze from him, beginning to play with her fingers.

"It's not that great." She seemed shy about the whole thing. It was kind of cute to watch. "Are you waiting for the bus too?" 

JaeJoong sat back, letting out a puff of air as his hands went to fold in back of his head. "Yeah. I think I might just walk home though, I don't live too far besides I have to carry these papers back, try not to get them  wet." JaeJoong picked up the papers, standing up from his seat and looking around. The rain hadn't stopped nor had it slowed.

"If you want...I can help you." JaeJoong looked back at her with curiosity but she wouldn't look at him, feeling nervous about the idea. JaeJoong couldn't help but chuckle.

"How?"

EunJi took off her backpack placing it on her lap. "I can put your papers in here and just follow you to your house, that way your papers will be dry." It was a good idea but he couldn't help find it kind of creepy that she would know where he lived, she was still a stranger to him.

The look on JaeJoong's face must've discouraged her because she looked away from him, hugging her backpack close to her chest. "I'm sorry...it's a stupid idea." She begun to gather her stuff, wanting to leave already. Probably feeling really embarrassed. 

"No it's okay." JaeJoong couldn't stop himself from speaking. EunJi looked back at him, freezing in place. "I mean...it's a great idea, as long as you promise not to stalk me." He joked, wanting the mood to lighten around them.

"I won't. I promise." She answered and opened her back pack, JaeJoong handed her the papers and watched as she pulled out a black folder, she opened it and neatly placed it in the pocket, closing it with care then putting it in her bag. She slipped the backpack on and grabbed her drink and binder. JaeJoong couldn't help but smile at her, spotting the drink in her hands. Why would she have bubble tea at a time like this?

"Bubble tea? In this weather?" JaeJoong watched as her cheeks flushed a light pink. The cup was almost empty, she didn't want to drink it anyways. 

"I didn't think it would rain." She answered, tossing the drink in the trash can behind her. JaeJoong sighed and turned around, preparing himself for the rain. 

"Keep up okay kid?"

Then they both took off in the rain, running towards JaeJoong's house. Every once and a while JaeJoong would look behind him to see if she was still following, she always was. The more they ran, the more soaked they were getting but JaeJoong kept going, if anything, he wanted to get out of the rain as soon as possible. His white dress shirt was beginning to stick to his chest, it was uncomfortable. 

Upon arriving at the apartment building, he quickly reached in his pocket, fishing out his keys so when they got to his room, he could easily open the door. They stepped inside the apartment building lounge, receiving a few stares from some people, they ignored them and proceeded to the elevator. JaeJoong waited until she got in to Close the doors, when they did, he turned to her, frowning at how much she was shivering, her lips beginning to turn blue.

"EunJi?" The call of her name startled EunJi, she turned to him giving him a smile. JaeJoong sighed, feeling guilty all of a sudden but quickly remembering it was her idea, she knew what she was getting herself into.

The elevator made a soft ding noise as they got to the floor JaeJoong lived on, both of them exited and proceeded to the end of the hall where JaeJoong quickly unlocked his door, opening it wide so EunJi could go in. She stepped in then JaeJoong followed, tossing his shoes off not really caring where they landed. He locked his door and turned around, walking past EunJi, he leaned against his wall taking off his wet socks then walking towards his room, his wet feet hit the carpet.

"Take your shoes off." He called to her from the other room. He was busy looking for the spare towels he kept, he looked in the hallway closet, spotting them on the top shelf. He grabbed two towels, using one to wipe down his hair then he head to where EunJi was and tossed her the other towel. She seemed grateful for it and quickly took down her hair, beginning to dry it.

JaeJoong saw her shoes next to the door, her wet socks inside the soaked shoes, her backpack had been set against the wall. He turned towards his room, still drying his hair.

"How far do you live from here?" He asked from his room, he was looking for an extra pair of clothes, the ones he wore now were soaked and brought him discomfort.

"All the way across town."

JaeJoong froze in place when he heard the answer, she would freeze in the rain, especially since she had to walk. Damn, he couldn't just let her walk out into that rain storm, she helped him out and he felt he needed to return the favor. This was the perfect way.

"Can I ask you a question?" JaeJoong made his way to where she was, she was beginning to shiver but trying not to show it. She nodded, trying hard not to let her teeth chatter. "Do you mind smelling like a guy?" The question sounded weird even to JaeJoong's ears, She gave him a skeptic look before shaking her head, she honestly didn't mind. Some guys smelt really good.

"No. Why?"

JaeJoong signaled her to follow, walking towards his bedroom. He didn't care if she went inside his room, it's not like he was a pig, he kept his apartment clean. She stepped in his room shyly, trying not to look around but she couldn't help it. His room was plain, no posters or awards hung up on the walls. His sheets were black and he had cherry wood drawers along with a large flat screen tv hanging against the wall. There were two lamps in his room, one located at a desk he had in his room and the other located next to his bed by a drawer.

"Take a hot shower. It'll help you feel better." He reached in his closet pulling out a black shirt with some grey sweats then he tossed them to her. EunJi caught them with both hands, she put the black shirt on her shoulder and held up the grey sweats in front of her then held them up to see if they would fit her, they dragged on the ground a bit.

"Are you sure this will-"

"You can always tighten it." JaeJoong interrupted pulling out a white tank top and some black sweats from his closet. He turned to his guest, frowning when she didn't move. "Go on, its down the hall on your left." He said pointing to the door but she didn't move, she only put the clothes down on his bed. Some thing told him she wasn't going to accept his generous offer.

"I have to be leaving, I'm sorry." She answered regretfully but JaeJoong wouldn't allow it. He offered his hospitality to her, she was going to take it whether she wanted to or not. JaeJoong scoffed, snatching the clothes from the bed and giving them back to her.

"No. Your gonna go take a nice hot shower so you won't get sick. If you get sick, I'll feel guilty and that's the last thing I want to worry about." His voice held no room for arguments, EunJi awkwardly scooted her way out of the room, never leaving eye contact with JaeJoong until she was out of the room. JaeJoong sighed and quickly took off his black vest, he heard the sound of the bathroom door close then lock. At least she listened. Next came his shirt, with ease, he ed the white dress shirt then peeled it off of himself, revealing a black necklace he wore. Folding his clothes and placing it on his drawer, he leaning against the wall beside him. He would have to remember to wash that later. 

JaeJoong stretched his arms, shivering slightly when the cold air hit his bare chest, sending goosebumps along his skin that he rubbed away quickly. The sound of the shower turning on reminded him of something. EunJi's clothes would be wet, he might as well wash them for her when she got out. With that thought, he made his way out of his bedroom, stopping to turn on the heater, it was beginning to get cold. Then going to the laundry room, as expected there were still clothes in the dryer from when he was washing his clothes this morning, but they were dried already. Quick hands scooped them out and put them in a basket, bringing them to his room, JaeJoong put the clothes where they belonged, folding them as he did, it only helped to waste more time anyways, then put his own wet clothes in the basket.

Looking around his room, He decided he needed some rest. After all, he had just got back from running in the rain, on top of that, he had a guest he would probably end up cooking for her. Maybe he should get some Chinese take out. Orange chicken sounded good right now. The thought of food made JaeJoong's stomach growl, his hands went to his stomach, tapping on his growling stomach. 

"I need food."

Food wasn't the only thing he needed, he wanted to sleep as well. Had it not been for his guest he probably would've slept in bed, but he had a guest, a female guest. Sleeping wouldn't help anything. JaeJoong made his way to his kitchen, looking in his fridge he grabbed an apple. When he closed the fridge he heard the sound of his bathroom door opening and he knew EunJi was done. That was quick.

"Hey kid?!"

His voice bellowed and he was sure EunJi had heard him. A moment later, EunJi came into view. It was just how he expected, the clothes were a bit baggy on her, she had tightened the pants and the shirt was hanging off one shoulder. Her cheeks were tainted with a light pink and her hair was wet, hanging on her shoulders. She looked kind of adorable. 

"That's better." It felt a bit weird to see a girl in his clothes, the only person who tried on his clothes was his best friend and he didn't even fit his clothes properly.

EunJi was a bright red, not daring to look at JaeJoong because the man was shirtless. JaeJoong didn't seem to mind, in fact, it seemed more like he was showing off.

A smirk made its way to JaeJoong's lips, the girl wouldn't dare look at him, He could see that. Maybe he should put on a shirt, and his sweats.

"I'll be back." JaeJoong mumbled, putting his apple on the counter then walking past her, accidentally bruahing shoulders with her, he laughed to himself when he saw her visibly stiffen. After JaeJoong had quickly changed into the white tank top and the grey sweats he had gotten from his closet, he went back to the kitchen and continued to eat his apple. EunJi, still flushed from seeing his bare chest, glanced to the couch, her hand coming up to rub the back of her neck nervously. She wasn't sure on what to do next, a stranger had invited her in his house, allowed her to take a shower, and was now letting her borrow his clothes. It was worse because he was a guy and the clothes didn't fit too well like she wanted them to. Now that she was here, she might as well try to enjoy herself right?

"You live alone?" The question just came out without her really thinking about it. Depending on the look JaeJoong gave her, she knew she asked a stupid question. "Sorry...that's none of my business." But JaeJoong found himself chuckling, this girl was awkward and apparently didn't think to much on what she asked. Oh well, he was the same way sometimes so he didn't mind the weird and kind of personal question.

He took a bite of his apple. "I live alone, though my friends like to pull surprise visits on me."

A nod then EunJi began to walk to the couch, taking a seat on the far end. His living room was like his room; plain. There were a couple of paintings on the walls and two black leather couches parallel from each other and a coffee table in between. A small vase was on the coffee table, fake flowers inside along with a couple of picture frames around it. Hazel eyes wandered the rest of the room and spotted her backpack against the wall where she had last left it. "I put my clothes in the laundry room...I hope you don't mind."

JaeJoong shook his head, though she didn't see because she wasn't looking at him. "I don't. In fact, I was about to ask you to put your clothes in the dryer so I can dry them."

EunJi nodded and stood up, going to her shoes and fetching her socks then walking to the kitchen where her host still was, munching on an apple, apparently watching her as he ate it. She pointed in the direction of the laundry room, JaeJoong nodded, waving his apple as a sign that it was okay to go put her socks in the dryer.

It was funny, JaeJoong felt strangely calm around her. Like they were friends already, long lost friends. Taking another chomp out of his apple, JaeJoong leaned against the counter listening to the sound of the dryer turning on. Looks like she was feeling more comfortable as well. JaeJoong quickly finished his apple, throwing away the core, then he slide over his counter and practically jumped on his couch.

When EunJi joined JaeJoong in the living room, there was an eerie silence between them. EunJi sitting in the parallel couch to JaeJoong. Even through she felt less awkward around JaeJoong, she was still stiff. JaeJoong decided to watch her, wanting to see what her reaction was. Not only did he hear the rumors of her being rich but he heard she was a nice and down to earth kind of gal. So far, he believed the rumors about her but she didn't seem rich, she dressed normal, acted normal. She was like him.

"Wanna watch some TV?" he offered hoping to drown out the awkward silence between them. He frowned slightly when she shook her head.

"I don't watch television. You can if you want but..." here, she trailed off, her voice becoming softer as if she were embarrassed of something. 

"But...?" JaeJoong questioned, grabbing a pillow and pulling it close to his chest. 

"Is it okay if I just...lay down?"

"Oh.." he wasn't expecting that response but he didn't mind, if she laid on his couch. He nodded and watched her begin to fluff one of the pillows then lay her head on it, curling on herself.

JaeJoong reached for the remote and hurriedly switched on the television, flipping through the channels he concluded there was nothing on. There was barely anything good anyways, he left it on a drama and let it play, not really watching it himself. Maybe he would join EunJi in taking a nap. Her eyes were already closed and some of her brown hair was covering her face, her cheek buried in the fluffy pillow she lay on. For the remainder of the time, JaeJoong watched her sleep wondering why how they got in this situation. Oh yeah, the rain. With a final sigh, JaeJoong closed his eyes, maybe the rain wasn't so bad. At least he wouldn't be too lonely now.

Oh my goodness this was a really long chapter. I hope no one got bored. Lolz. Thank you for those that read, I'd like to thank the people who subscribed as well. I was a bit shocked honestly but excited, at least I know there are some people who find my story interesting. :) until next time! I'll try and have the next update by Friday, if not then Saturday. See ya!

Jong_Outof_Hope~