An hour had passed since Jeonghan and Soo Min’s little meeting earlier at the back of the restaurant. Jeonghan still seemed to be a little bummed about the entire conversation but he was more worried about her than anything else right now since she made that last comment of hers. His friends decided not to pry when he returned to the counter, and gave him his space.

Soo Min was still pulling fakes smiles left and right. She thought her friends wouldn’t notice but they did. Though instead of saying something about it, they decided not to… knowing she didn’t like others worrying about her. She’d tell one of them eventually what was wrong, they hoped.

It wasn’t long until a returning customer from the other day entered the restaurant looking for someone.

“Soo Min!” Min Hee came straight over to Soo Min’s table.

“Min Hee?” Soo Min was surprised to see her but sighed. She remembered Jisoo mentioning she should call her sister before she came looking for her like this. Apparently a hundred years was far too long?

“Sorry, I need to talk to my sister for a few minutes.” Min Hee said to the four curious friends before taking Soo Min by the arm and lead her away from the table, towards the back of the restaurant where Soo Min had talked to Jeonghan.

“What is it?” Soo Min asked once her sister let her arm go.

“Why didn’t you call me?!”

“Sorry, I was busy.” She replied with a duh expression.

“Did you ever hear what was going on about your dorm?” Min Hee ignored her little sister’s rude behavior just now.

“They don’t have anything for me.”

“They don’t?”

“Nope.” Soo Min shook her head.

“So then you’ll be coming to stay with Ren and I, then?” Min Hee asked, tilting her head.

“Nope.” Soo Min shook her head again

“Why not?” Min Hee frowned.

“I already visited mom and dad this morning. It’s been decided, I’m going to continue staying with Jisoo.”

“You’re going to stay in an apartment with guys?!” Min Hee didn’t look too approving of that idea.

“Ren is a guy, right?” Soo Min crossed her arms. “But it’s okay?”

“I know he’d never do anything to you-”

“Neither will my friends, so just back off. I can take care of myself just fine.” Soo Min was starting to get irritated. But she couldn’t help but be more irritated with her own self. Her sister has no idea about her feelings for her boyfriend Ren… it was Soo Min’s fault for not being honest about it, she shouldn’t get mad at anyone but herself.

“Jeez, what’s with your attitude today?” Min Hee narrowed her eyes. “I was just worried about you.”

“Really, I didn’t think you were capable of that since… you know… you never once worried about me while I was back in Busan.” Soo Min bit out. “I have to be in a fifty mile radius for you to even acknowledge me?”

“Why are you saying this all of a sudden…?”

“Listen, Min Hee. I don’t want to stay with you and your boyfriend, so just forget it and leave me alone.”

“Why are you being so harsh?” Now her sister was getting upset, her eyes slightly watering.

“Sorry, I was being harsh? Ms. ‘I-changed-my-mind-I’m-going-back-to-Seoul-with-my-boyfriend-goodbye-Soo-Min-I’ll-stay-in contact!’ or wait… was it Ms. ‘Never-contacted-my-sister-for-an-entire-year-but-I-expect-everything-to-be-fine-and-okay!’. I can’t remember?”

“I’m sorry!” Min Hee apologized, a tear falling down her cheek.

“Yeah, everyone is always sorry.” Soo Min said bitterly.

Min Hee turned around and took off crying. Everyone that knew her watched her leave the building with looks of concern as they soon moved their attention to Soo Min standing in the back, looking irritated.

“What happened? Is everything okay?” Bo-Young asked Soo Min who passed their table and headed straight for the exit.

“Soo Min?” Ae-Cha asked, worried as they watched her leave without a word.

“She okay?” Jihoon asked, also concerned.

“She’ll be fine. Just need to give her some space.” Jisoo assured them. He knew the two must have argued, that or… Soo Min ended up saying some not so nice things to her dear older sister.

“What was that all about earlier?” Mingyu wondered aloud as Pledis Pizza was closing.

“Siblings fight? Maybe?” Junhui shrugged.

“Her sister was crying, though…” Won Woo pointed out. “Could that mean Soo Min said something harsh to make her sister cry like that?”

“Whatever it was, I hope they can come to an understanding and move on.” Mingyu gave his final thought as he put his bag over his shoulder.

Jeonghan had been quiet for most of the night. They figured it was because he was worried about the girl they were talking about.

As they were leaving the building, Jeonghan received a text.

Soo Min: I’m sorry…

There was a picture attached of Han River.

Soo Min: Is it okay if… I could see you again?

“Go ahead without me.” Jeonghan said to his roommates, putting his phone away and turning to head the opposite path of their shared apartment.

“Where are you going?!” Junhui asked, confused.

“I’ll be home later!” Jeonghan called back, his walk turning into a sprint.

“Where do you think she went?” Hansol asked with a frown as he, Jisoo and Minghao all sat on the couch, the TV was off as they were waiting for their roommate to come home.

“I’m not sure…” Jisoo looked down at his phone. Soo Min hadn’t replied to any of his texts or returned any of his calls. He was completely worried, but then realized she could have just gone somewhere to cool off. But it was late… and she was most likely by herself.

Bo-Young: Any news on Soo Min? :(

His phone buzzed with her friend’s text. He didn’t imagine this would be the way he’d get her number, over their friend disappearing.

Jisoo: No, but I’ll let you know ASAP. Try to relax, she’s probably just cooling off somewhere… ^^

Bo-Young: I hope so!

Bo-Young: No matter what time it is, text me when she get back!

Jisoo: I will, don’t worry :)

“What if she doesn’t come back tonight?” Minghao spoke up, the sad look on his face would pull at anyone’s heartstrings, it was clear the boy was super worried.

“Don’t worry. If she doesn’t, she’d most likely be at her parents place or somewhere safe.” Jisoo tried to reassure him.

“What’s going on? Why is it like this all of a sudden?” Hansol asked with the same expression as Minghao.

“Sorry kids… I know the last thing she ever wanted is to worry you both.” Jisoo frowned. “She has some family issues she’s going through right now. It’ll be okay, though. She’s working on it.”

“Is there anything we can do to help?” The two looked at him, hopeful.

“Just be there for her when she comes home. Make her feel missed and loved. I’m sure that will help.” Jisoo smiled.

The two younger roommates weren’t entirely sure about it, but wondered if that was a hint at one of the issues Soo Min was going through. Make her feel missed and loved.

They nodded, smiles coming back to their gloomy faces.

Soo Min sat by herself, watching the water of Han River glistening in the moonlight. She had boldly texted Jeonghan a little while ago… but he never responded. He’s probably mad… I was so harsh to him earlier. I don’t blame him. She thought to herself, feeling completely stupid for all her actions tonight. She was convinced things wouldn’t be the same after all of this.

As she continued to stare out to the river, she heard someone sit a few feet away to her right. It was Jeonghan!

“You… came.” She said quietly. Upon seeing him, she felt a wave of happiness sweep over her. Is that how he feels every time he sees me? Is that why he’s always smiling? She thought, watching him. But he wasn’t smiling right now. And I ruined it by my harsh words earlier… didn’t I?

They sat there in silence for a short while before Soo Min decided to speak up again.

“I’m sorry, Jeonghan.” She kept her eyes on the river. He too kept his gaze forward while listening. “I’m sorry for the things I said to you earlier. Even if they were true… I didn’t mean to upset you with my words. There’s no one I can blame for my actions, it’s all me. I’ve said it before. I’m a mess!” She sighed, feeling a small sting in the back of her eyes. Don’t start crying! After a few seconds, she continued.

“I keep things to myself a lot, because I don’t like to worry anyone… not even Jisoo. By doing that, I’ve only been hurting myself, letting everything affect the things I do and say… My sister has no idea about my love for her boyfriend… yet I get mad at her for inviting me to stay with her and Ren. I don’t know where the logic is there… I really don’t. I don’t ever want to admit it to them, I don’t want things to become awkward…” She sighed once more, blinking back the tears that were trying to fall.

“Is that all of it?” Jeonghan asked quietly. She looked his way for a second to see his worried eyes staring at the ground before him. “If you want to vent… please do. You’ll feel better afterwards.”

She faced the river again, the emotions finally spilling over with her tears. He was giving her the choice to let it all out. She was hesitant, but soon found herself speaking again...

“Growing up… I thought my family… loved me.” She started off. “I’m sure they do… but to me… I don’t see it. We moved around a lot because of our parents jobs… and I always understood that. But up until a year ago when they let me stay in Busan… I started to realize… maybe they didn’t? During my stay with my grandma, we never got calls or letters… or visits from them. I tried to believe it was due to being busy with work and school… but even on the holidays… they never showed. They were no where to be found at my graduation, either.” The memories she should have had with them were seriously lacking and it made her feel horrible.

“Maybe I’m misunderstanding, but I can’t help but feel this way. To have my sister try to get me to live with her and speak as if everything was okay really bothered me! And I let it get to me and lashed out at her…” She spoke, clear irritation was heard in her words. “Does It even help that I was always compared to her, too…?” Soo Min asked, wiping a few tears here and there. “I was good at everything, but my sister was better. All the time. Even when it came to Ren… my sister was obviously 10x better than me, I never stood a chance…”

Jeonghan listened to everything she said, watching her vent out, watching her cry… was hard for him. Once she started talking about Ren, he decided it was time to comfort her.

He got up from his spot and knelt down behind her, slowly wrapping his arms around her as he gave her a tight back hug. He rested his chin on her shoulder, his mouth close by her ear when he softly said. “But Pikachu is awesome.”

Her quiet sobbing turned into a small giggle. She really wasn’t expecting him to say something like that! She was expecting the cliché, ‘it’s alright’ or ‘it’s okay’.

“What?!” She asked, wiping her tears.

“I said…” he turned her a little, wiping a tear from her cheek after her, “Pikachu is awesome.” A smile spread across his face. “Maybe Ren didn’t see it… but I do.”

“Jeonghan…”

“It’s okay.” He assured her. “I understand.”

His words caused another fit of tears as she leaned into him, crying onto his shoulder.

Tonight, she swore she fell for Jeonghan just a little.

“Now?” Soo Min asked Jeonghan, looking over to him.

He shook his head slightly, answering no.

“How much longer?!” She frowned, covering her face.

“It’s fine!” He chuckled. “I’m sure everyone understands you’re having a rough night… and besides, you look cute.” He grinned. She had been asking if her appearance had calmed down at all due to the crying she just did.

“Of course you would say that.” She mumbled, looking back out to the river. She wasn’t smiling on the outside but she was on the inside.

“Your friends are always going to worry regardless.” Jeonghan pointed out. “Even if you try to hide your crying face… they’ll know.”

She sighed, looking at him. He was telling the truth.

“You still like me after all of this?” She curiously asked.

“I do… maybe even more!” He beamed at her.

“So frank.” She chuckled.

“What about you?” He asked. “Do you like me even in the slightest, now?”

“Pfft!” She rolled her eyes with a small laugh before quickly lowering her head. “Next question, please!”

Jeonghan laughed. He was taking that as a total yes.

“One day.” He said while looking up to the beautiful night sky. “One day I’ll successfully catch you.”

“G-Good luck…” She stuttered out, her voice slightly higher than normal. She was nervous!

“Thanks!” He chuckled.

More time passed as they sat there together, watching the night sky. Small conversation was brought up when she started pointing out constellations in the stars. It was like this for a short while, talking with each other about random things. It was something she really needed at the moment, so she could stop stressing out about everything. She found Jeonghan’s company to be super helpful.

“Now?” Soo Min asked once again.

“Yes.” He nodded this time.

It was really late now, 12:36am late.

“Finally!” She exclaimed, getting up from her spot. Jeonghan stood up as well before she faced him. “Thanks… for listening to me. I really appreciate it. And you were right… I do feel better after venting.”

“No problem.” He smiled, patting her on the head.

“I feel like… Pikachu should give Jeonghan a hug?” She looked up at him, a bit shy.

“Go right ahead!” He grinned, holding his arms open.

For a brief second, she became shy, but it passed as she stepped over and wrapped her arms around him. When he closed his arms around her and felt his embrace, she felt her heart skip a beat. Being in his arms felt so right just now. Was she falling for him even more?!

“Gosh! I’m so sorry I said all those harsh things to you earlier!” She frowned, tightening her hold. “I don’t know what came over me, I was harsh to you and then my sister…”

“You were stressed. It’s okay.” He assured her.

“To make it up to you, you can hug me for as long as you want!” She offered.

“Then I suppose we’re never going home.” He chuckled, hugging her tighter. He was given this chance, he might as well get the most out of it.

“So much has happened in the span of four days…” She said, her words muffled into his chest, he was holding her too close. He couldn’t help but laugh before letting her go, figuring he was happy with this much at least.

“Sorry, what did you say?” He asked, smiling down at her.

“I said… so much has happened in the span of four days.” She repeated. “I’m surprised. We’re strangers, but at the same time we’re not.”

“Yeah, a lot did happen the past few days.” He had to agree.

“I feel like…” She said quietly. He nodded, hoping she’d finish what she was about to say. “In time… something could really happen for us.”

Jeonghan stilled for a brief second… his heart had began racing and his face was getting warm.

“Are you blushing?!” She looked surprised when she took note of his cheeks that were tinted pink.

He only laughed, covering his mouth a bit shy. He was really happy right now!

She giggled along to his laughter… I’m glad things seem to be better between us now…

“Let’s…” he spoke softly, “let’s start over.”

She stared at him for a few seconds before smiling. “Sure.”

“Hi… I’m Jeonghan.” He waved.

“Hi, Jeonghan, I’m Pikachu.” She grinned. “But you can call me Soo Min if you want.” She added with a cute smile.

“Soo Min.” He smiled.

She felt heart heart skip a beat again. I’m totally falling for this guy now, aren’t I? She thought, feeling the heat rush to her face. But… this is good, right?!

“I’m not sure if you’re blushing or it’s just your sunburn.” Jeonghan chuckled, looking confused. He could have sworn her sunburn had faded a bit from earlier since Junhui treated it… but her cheeks were so red right now!

“Sunburn… it’s always the sunburn!” She turned away, embarrassed.

Soo Min entered the front door of Jisoo’s apartment quietly. She didn’t know if they guys had already gone to sleep as she carefully tip toed from the front door to Jisoo’s room.

“You’re home!” She heard both Hansol and Minghao exclaim with relief. She jumped, startled when they quickly rushed up to her from the couch, enveloping her in a big hug. “We missed you!”

“Yes, I’m home.” She smiled. “Sorry if I worried you two…”

“It’s okay!” Hansol assured her, parting from the hug. “You must be tired?!”

“Well it is 1am.” She frowned when she found out it was much later than she had thought it was. “I’m sorry… you two should have been asleep by now but you were here waiting for me to come home…”

“It’s okay! We weren’t tired and watched some movies.” Minghao gave her a sweet smile, letting her go.

She sighed with a small smile. “Well, I’m here now. We should all get to bed.”

“Right.” The two nodded in agreement.

“Where’s Jisoo, by the way?” She asked as she looked around the room.

“He left to lie down for a bit… he might be asleep by now.” Hansol informed her while they walked to his room.

Upon entering, they could already see the fast asleep Jisoo on Minghao’s bed. His phone was clutched in his hand, probably from falling asleep while using it. She felt bad for him, he was probably the only one who worried the most out of everyone else.

“Should we wake him?” Hansol asked in a whisper.

“No, just let him sleep.” She shook her head. “He’ll know when he wakes up in the morning.”

She carefully took his phone out of his hand and placed it on its charger before lightly patting him on his shoulder, as if it’d let him know she returned in some way or form during his dreams.

“Good night, kids.” Soo Min waved at the door.

“Good night!” They waved back. “Sleep tight, don’t let the Caterpies bite!”

“Awww, you two.” She smiled. “I think it’s about time you get your Pokémon names.”

The two were seated on Hansol’s bed. Minghao looked excited whereas…

“You don’t have to…” Hansol muttered, a forced smile on his face.

“You are Fennekin.” She pushed his head back with her finger in a teasing manner. “Temperamental at times but you do your best, just for me.” She cooed, smiling brightly. “Plus Fennekin is cute just like you!”

“Fine, I’ll take it.” Hansol chuckled.

“And for you!” She turned to Minghao…”I think you shall be… Buneary! Because you’re so cute!” She gushed, pinching the boy’s cheek.

“Buneary is a bunny-like Pokemon, right?” Hansol asked. “I can see it now.” He eyed his roommate.

“Yes!” She nodded. “Fennekin and Buneary! Such a cute duo…” She sighed, looking at them in awe. They both smiled back at her, glad to see her in a better mood.

“Okay, Pikachu, time for bed.” Hansol laughed, pushing her to the door.

“Awww, alright… Pikachu is turning off the light now!” She smiled, flipping the switch off before leaving and shutting the door.

She headed over to Jisoo’s lonely room. Lying down on the bed, she thought about everything that occurred from the moment she got there and up until now. Looking back on her several encounters with Jeonghan… she realized something. She had been falling for him since day one. She wondered how she could be so blind to notice!

“Goodness, I’m not a Pikachu, I’m a Zubat.” She mumbled out loud in the quiet room.

When Jeonghan returned home, everyone wasn’t in the living room waiting for him. He didn’t really expect them to and rather they didn’t. By now they knew to just give him his space whenever something was bothering him and he liked that.

Entering his shared room with Junhui, he was surprised to see his roommate still up, watching something on his phone in the dark.

“Oh, you’re home.” Junhui pulled his headphones out and gave his friend his full attention.

“Yeah, sorry for running off like that earlier.”

“It’s fine. We figured it was something important.” Junhui assured him with a wave of his hand.

“Thanks.” Jeonghan smiled his way before putting his bag away. “I’m gonna change.” He said grabbing his change of clothes that consisted of a random white t-shirt and gym shorts since it was summer after all.

“Be sure to go to sleep when you come back, you’re shift at Pledis Cafe resumes today, right?”

“Right.” He nodded. “I’ll be sure to go straight to bed!” He wanted to make sure he at least got his eight hours of sleep before returning to Pledis Cafe. If he showed up tired, his manager might send him home again!

He returned to his shared room after changing and washing up and then fell onto his bed, letting out an exhausted sigh. Today, or more like yesterday was a long day, but it was the start of today that made him forget all the drama from before. It was a new day with new adventures waiting for him later in the morning.

He soon fell asleep with a smile on his angelic face.   

Chapter eleven!

More Pokémons!

Fennekin and Buneary!

I wasn’t really going to try to give everyone a Pokémon… but I just might if I can figure out which ones fit each Seventeen member ^^

Wish me luck! LOL

Oh yeah… I bet you’re happy now, right, Jeonghan?

Jeonghan: YES!

Lol talking to the character in the A/N…

/facepalm