Chapter 15 - Maybe I'm in Love With You...

Onew was puzzled when Wooyoung called him a while ago to see him. Wooyoung had told him that it was urgent and Onew just agreed straight away. Was it concerning his sister? It made Onew wondered none stop as he continued to drive towards the restaurant which Wooyoung had forced him to come to. Hara who was sitting at his side was giving him a curious look. He had no explanation on himself as well so he just shrugged.

Finally when Onew and Hara finally reached the restaurant, they were surprised to see Wooyoung seated at an empty table with a smiling Jieun at his side. Onew raised an eyebrow before pulling Hara towards the table. Hara gave a cheerful greeting when she saw Jieun and Wooyoung.

“What, are you two finally together?” Hara blurted out, causing Wooyoung to blush a deep red. It made Onew wondered even more.

***

‘Aish! This noona is embarrassing me to the core!’ Wooyoung thought.

“So, why did you ask me to meet you here?” Onew asked as he stared at Wooyoung in confusion. “And why is Jieun here with you?”

Wooyoung could not help but grinned helplessly. It was not easy for him to accept this dare from Jieun. Indeed she was not an easy girl. She had a few conditions before she could accept him to be her boyfriend. He groaned inwardly when he remembered what she had told him earlier…

***

*One hour earlier*

“Jieun-ah, I think I am falling in love with you.” Wooyoung finally said it.

Jieun on the other hand stared at him in disbelief and Wooyoung watched as she accidentally dropped her sandwich. Wooyoung acted quickly as he picked up the sandwich and placed it back into the plastic. Wooyoung looked up to see Jieun gaping at him still.

“I-I’m sorry to be so direct. I don’t really know how to give a proper confession.” Wooyoung mumbled.

“Uh, ani. I was kind of surprised myself.” Jieun replied blushing.

“It’s just that, after yesterday, I was very thankful to you.” Wooyoung said with a shrug. “And just that, without me knowing I think I started developing this weird feeling towards you.”

“Uh, really?” Jieun gave out a nervous chuckle. “I didn’t know that.”

“Um, to tell you the truth, I was here last night, watching you study in the library.” Wooyoung told her. Jieun looked straight at him and gave him a curious look.

“Sinchia-yo?” Jieun asked and Wooyoung nodded.

“I had Onew hyung’s car with me.” Wooyoung shrugged again. “He told me to take it from his workplace and well yeah, I drove it here and I thought of giving you a ride in it.”

“How come I didn’t see you in the library? Were you hiding somewhere?”

Wooyoung shot her a guilty smile. “Yeah, I did.”

“Eyy! Then why didn’t you approach me?” Jieun asked with a shy smile playing on her lips.

“I-I don’t know how to. I was nervous myself.” Wooyoung returned the smile. He was confident now that Jieun had the same feelings as him!

“Aigoo!” Jieun sighed.

“Seriously, I was actually unsure of what my feeling was for you at that time.” Wooyoung said, suddenly turning serious. “Until I saw that hug.”

“Hug? What hug?” Jieun frowned.

“Well, it was quite silly of me actually.” Wooyoung told her with a groan. He had his face buried in his hands.

“Yah! Oppa! Pali tell me!” Jieun said as she tried to pry his hands off his face.

“You are quite eager to know aren’t you?” Wooyoung asked as he brought his hands down before placing them around Jieun’s smaller ones. He gave a sly smile which caused Jieun to blush almost immediately.

“Aish! If you’re going to tease me again, then I’d better go.” Jieun said with a pout as she tried to pull her hands off.

“Aniya! I thought you wanted to know what happen…” Wooyoung whined, not wanting to let go of Jieun’s hands.

Jieun continued pouting, averting her eyes away from looking at Wooyoung. Wooyoung continued to smile.

“And I caught myself in a misunderstanding with your oppa.” Wooyoung continued with his story.

“Oppa? Onew oppa?” Jieun asked, finally looking back at Wooyoung. “But how?”

“You see, I actually saw you and hyung hugging from across the street.” Wooyoung told her with his head bent low. “I thought the two of you were lovers.”

“Ne?!” Jieun gasped. “Oppa! That’s so gross!”

“Mianhe. I know, I shouldn’t jump into conclusion.” Wooyoung sighed.

“We’re siblings for God’s sake!”

“Yeah, but I didn’t know it at that time!” Wooyoung exclaimed, squeezing onto Jieun’s hands tightly. “But what I know at that time was my feelings for you.”

“Ne?” Jieun gulped, suddenly turning quiet.

“Ne. The moment I saw Onew hyung and you hugging each other, I felt jealous. I could not help myself. In fact, I could feel my heart hurting very badly.” Wooyoung said and Jieun just bit her bottom lips. “I drove home and locked myself in my room and started thinking about everything that happened the past few days, the day we first met, when we bumped into each other, when I walked you home, when we met each other coincidentally at this corridor…” Wooyoung turned to look at the exact spot which he and Jieun had actually bumped into each other. Jieun looked at the spot fondly as well before smiling.

“I started to think about that afternoon when you had saved me from being framed. I was thankful, definitely. But when I started to think about the kiss I gave you, then I know I really, really like you. In fact, I think I may love you even. I can’t explain that feeling of jealousy which invaded me every time I thought of that hug. It made me lose sleep.” Wooyoung chuckled. “And I still can’t believe I stood up to Onew hyung this morning.”

“Y-You stood up to him? Meaning?” Jieun widened her eyes in shock.

Wooyoung laughed. “I allowed the jealousy in me to get the better of me. I even called him a pedophile. I was a crazy bastard this morning.”

Jieun smiled. “Well, I think you are.”

“Only for you.” Wooyoung whispered causing Jieun to blush again.

“Um, and when you found out the truth?” Jieun cleared her throat as she tried to brush away that shy feeling out of her system.

“I felt stupid indeed.” Wooyoung told her with a shrug.

“Hm, so, everything’s okay between you and oppa now?”

“I guess so.” Wooyoung nodded his head. “Hey, he even allowed me to use his car!” Wooyoung grinned as he dangled Onew’s car keys in front of Jieun.

“Yah! So you’re using me just to use oppa’s car?” Jieun pouted and Wooyoung laughed.

“Of course not!” Wooyoung said before grasping Jieun’s hands again. “I could even survive public buses and long walks as long as I’m with you.”

“Aigoo!” Jieun was blushing madly.

“You’re so cute like this!” Wooyoung tilted his head to observe Jieun who kept on trying to avoid his eyes. “Well, so are we a couple now?”

“Who said so?” Jieun mumbled and Wooyoung grinned.

“Well I say so. And Onew hyung said so too. Even Yonghwa hyung said so too. And even Tony hyung. And I bet even your unnies said so too!” Wooyoung winked.

“So I’m trapped in your scheme, I can’t believe it.” Jieun sighed.

“Hey, you should be proud to have me as a boyfriend you know. I’m the famous science lab oppa!” Wooyoung exclaimed and Jieun rolled her eyes.

“What’s so good in being famous.” Jieun pouted before suddenly smiling wide. Wooyoung could tell she was thinking of something really weird.

“What are you thinking about?” Wooyoung immediately asked Jieun who continued grinning crazily.

“You really want to date me?” Jieun asked with an innocent look. Wooyoung just nodded away. “Well then, I have a few conditions for you.”

“Conditions?” Wooyoung stared in disbelief.

“Ne.” Jieun nodded her head confidently.

Wooyoung pondered for a moment before finally making up his mind. “Ahrasso. Tell me what they are? I’m sure I’ll be able to do them.”

“Since you willingly agreed, I have no choice but to tell them to you now.” Jieun shrugged but still keeping that silly smile on her pretty face.

“Okay, what are the conditions?”

“I have two conditions for you to fulfill.” Jieun started. “Firstly, since you’re the hot science lab oppa in college, and from what I heard from my best friend, Soonkyu, you had never really acknowledged any of them before.”

“What? I do smile… Sometimes.”

“It’s not enough oppa. Do you know how fond they are of you?”

“I-I’m not sure.” Wooyoung shrugged. “I’m just not interested in them.”

“So now, my first condition actually kind of involved them in a way.” Jieun smirked and Wooyoung groaned.

“Yah! As long as the condition doesn’t involve me kissing them.” Wooyoung said jokingly causing Jieun to frown for a while.

“You’re gross oppa.” Jieun shook her head.

“Why? You’re jealous right? Admit it.” Wooyoung teased.

Jieun ignored Wooyoung and continued. “No kissing, but I want you to walk up to them and praise them, like ‘you’re pretty’ or ‘you’re cute’, things like that. Any girls you see along your way in Yonsei University.”

“Yah! That’s too much!”

“Oppa,” Jieun whined pleadingly. “Let them be happy for a moment.”

Wooyoung sighed. How could he say ‘no’ to Jieun when she was acting all cute like that?

“Ahrasso.” Wooyoung agreed with a pout himself.

“Great!” Jieun pulled her hands out of Wooyoung’s grasps and clapped her hands excitedly.

“So what’s the other condition?” Wooyoung asked lazily before placing his head on the table.

“The other one?” Jieun grinned. “But you must do it immediately after I tell you okay?”

“Ne, ne, ahrasso.” Wooyoung just nodded his head.

“Well, since you really want to date me right, and you really want me to be your girlfriend, I want you to ask my brother formally and asked him whether you could date me formally.” Jieun said. “But you have to kneel down in front of him and asked him!”

Hearing what Jieun just said, Wooyoung immediately sat up in shock. He could not possibly be doing what she had just asked him to do. He would make a fool of himself, and in front of Onew nonetheless! He was sure Onew would be making it a joke after the whole ordeal was over! And Jieun’s character was so similar like Onew’s character! No wonder they are siblings! Onew could be funny, in a weird way and Jieun was just a female clone of him!

“Are you game enough?” Jieun wiggled his eyebrows at him with that silly smirk still plastered on her face.

Wooyoung groaned. “Ahrasso. It’s only because I really, really, helplessly in love with you.”

Jieun clapped her hands once again. “Yeah! Let’s go meet him now!”

***

“So, why did you ask me to meet you here?” Wooyoung heard Onew asking and he just gulped in response. He could feel Jieun poking on his thigh and looked at her nervously before turning back to look at Onew.

“Um, should we order some food first hyung?” Wooyoung suddenly said earning a glare from Jieun but he ignored it. “I’m kind of hungry.”

“Ahrasso. Hara and I hadn’t had our lunch yet either.” Onew said before taking a look at the menu.

The four friends ordered some lunch and soon lunch was served. Hara and Onew ate their lunch with their occasional jokes and laughter. Jieun was having the time of her life, laughing together with her oppa and unnie, while at the same time reminding Wooyoung of the condition.

Once lunch was over, Onew looked over at Wooyoung and waited for him to say whatever he wanted to say.

***

“So what did you want to tell me earlier?” Onew asked as he eyed Wooyoung who was looking pale for no reason at all. He looked over at his sister, Jieun, who looked as if she was trying to hold back laughter.

Suddenly Onew gasped, pushing his chair back in the process when Wooyoung suddenly stood up and knelt on both knees in front of him. Hara was surprised as well and stood up to look at Wooyoung. She then looked at Jieun who was still trying her best to hold back from laughing out loud.

“Yah! What the hell are you doing?” Onew exclaimed, still in shock.

“Hyung! Listen to me first!” Wooyoung said out loud and clear causing Onew to turn silent. “I am really, really in love with your sister, Lee Jieun. Kneeling myself in front of you, I want to seek your permission to date Jieun officially. I promise you that I will care for her, love her and most importantly I will not hurt her!” Wooyoung cringed, unable to believe that he was doing this. “Please hyung, give me your permission to date her.”

Onew gaped. He was in total shock. He seriously did not expect something so scary coming out from Wooyoung. Then he heard laughter coming from behind him. He turned to see Hara laughing till tears streamed out of her eyes. Then he heard another laughter coming from Jieun herself. She was clapping her hands in the process before giving Wooyoung a fond look. Finally Onew got the hint, he knew Jieun well enough. He was now sure that Jieun had made Wooyoung pulled that kind of stunt. He smirked.

“Yah! You’re stupid you know that?” Onew said as he gave a nudge on Wooyoung’s shoulder.

“So do you give me permission or not?” Wooyoung looked up at Onew with a frown. He definitely looked angry, well embarrassed was more like it.

“Of course!” Onew grinned and finally Wooyoung stood up.

“Hyung, I didn’t know your sister is this scary.” Wooyoung said before sitting down on the chair again.

“That makes her special.” Onew winked. He then turned to look at Jieun who was still laughing. “Yah! Treat Wooyoung nicely will you. He’s a good guy.”

“Yeah!” Wooyoung looked at Jieun as well. “And we’re official now, ahrasso? So make sure you don’t look at other guys!”

“Yah!” Onew slapped a hand on top of Wooyoung’s head. “You dare give orders to my sister?”

Wooyoung cowered. This was one thing which made Onew a bit scary. He could get a little short-tempered at times. “Sorry hyung. I was just saying.” Wooyoung shrugged.

“Oppa, be kind will you?” Jieun glared at her brother. “Wooyoung’s my boyfriend now, so please do not be too harsh on him.”

“I’ll try.” Onew shrugged.

“You better be. I don’t want to see Jieun being hurt because of your attitude.” Hara said eyeing Onew through slit eyes.

“Okay, okay.” Onew cringed under Hara’s stare. Onew knew he was permanently wrapped around Hara’s little finger and he could do nothing about it. In fact he was more than willing!

***

Wooyoung on the other hand was glad that finally his ordeal was over! He looked over at Jieun and saw her smiling sweetly at him.

“I love you!” He mouthed at her and saw her blushing.

“I love you too.” Jieun mouthed back shyly.

Wooyoung thought he was in heaven!

******

Saturday morning was a really the most anticipated day for a few people. Down at Joori’s house, the girls were busy fighting over the toilet. Seohyun and Hara found themselves standing outside the bathroom with pouts on their faces.

“Yah! Jieun-ah! How long are you going to take in there!” Seohyun shouted, clearly annoyed with the maknae.

“You’ve been in there for almost twenty minutes!” Hara shouted as well. “You better hurry up before I break this door down!”

“Jieun-ah! Pali! We’re going to be late!” Seohyun started to whine.

The moment Jieun stepped opened the toilet door, both Seohyun and Hara started to enter the toilet. They started fighting on who should get in first. Jieun gave a slight grin before escaping towards her room to get ready. Finally Seohyun and Hara agreed to get in the toilet together quickly did their normal routines of washing up.

Joori on the other hand was already up even earlier than her housemates. She had all the time to get herself ready before entering the kitchen to start making breakfast. Of course it was still Saturday and there will surely be their normal Saturday morning jog before having their breakfast. But that morning would be different. There were others who were going to join them for their morning jog.

Joori grinned before continuing with making breakfast.

******

Tony groaned when he heard his alarm went off at six o’clock in the morning. He forced himself up before heading towards Yonghwa’s room. He peeked his head inside his brother’s room to see him seated down on his bed.

“You’re up?” Tony asked groggily as he walked over towards Yonghwa and sat himself on his bed.

“Ah, hyung. You’re up too?” Yonghwa asked as he rubbed his eyes.

“Aish! Do we have to go for the jog as well? Can’t we just join them for breakfast?” Tony asked.

“Of course we have to go for the jog as well!” Yonghwa exclaimed, perking up.

“Ahrasso, ahrasso.” Tony groaned. “Yah! Let’s go wake the rest up.”

Yonghwa grinned. “I like that idea!”

Soon, Tony and Yonghwa were creeping towards Onew’s room. They cracked the door opened and saw Onew who was still wrapped in his blankets, comfortably sleeping. Tony and Yonghwa grinned at each other mischievously before running towards Onew and landed themselves on top of him. Onew groaned as he tried to push his two friends off him.

“You bastards!” Onew shouted, half awake and half asleep.

“Yah! Wake up already!” Yonghwa said, kicking Onew on his back.

“That hurts!” Onew said, his voice muffled by the blankets.

“If you don’t want us to hurt you even more, then jolly well get up!” Tony threatened and soon Onew was sitting up on the bed with his eyes still closed.

“Get ready! We’re going jogging, don’t forget that!” Tony told him.

“But it’s always the rooftop for us every Saturday.” Onew said, still in his sleepy state.

Yonghwa gave another knock onto Onew’s head which finally woke him up. “There’s no need for anymore rooftops in future. Seo Joohyun and I are official, remember?”

“Ah! I forgot!” Onew grinned before standing up.

“Let’s go wake Wooyoung up now!” Yonghwa said excitedly.

“There’s no need to. I’m already up!” Wooyoung said as he entered Onew’s room.

“Why are you always so punctual?” Tony frowned with his hands on his hips.

“Because that’s just the way I am?” Wooyoung raised an eye brow.

“Whatever.” Onew said as he pushed Wooyoung to the side with a grin. “I do not need to ask your permission to enter the toilet do I?”

The moment Onew said that, Yonghwa and Tony started laughing hysterically. Wooyoung bit his lips, knowing fully well what Onew was referring to.

“Hyung, I am so telling Hara noona about you.” Wooyoung said as he folded his arms.

“Go on, tell her.” Onew said before hurrying towards the toilet to wash up.

“And I am so telling Joori noona and Seohyun noona about you two!” Wooyoung said again, facing Tony and Yonghwa this time.

“What did we do? Is laughing a crime now?” Yonghwa asked, with rounded eyes.

“Whatever hyung.” Wooyoung said before heading towards the kitchen.

Tony and Yonghwa just shrugged before grinning slyly. Then they hurried off to get ready for the morning jog.

Chapter 14 - Maybe I'm in Love With You...

The supposedly short drive to Yonsei University was suddenly turning into a long one. The awkward silence in the car was getting on Wooyoung's nerves. But the main thing was, he did not know how to start a conversation with the girl beside him. He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes. He noticed her staring out of the window. He frowned. He really did not what to do.

"Isn't it weird to know how you and my brother are friends? Even weirder, the two of you are living under the same roof!" Jieun voiced out suddenly causing Wooyoung to gave out a nervous cough.

"Eh? Are you okay?" Jieun was suddenly patting Wooyoung's back. She did not want Wooyoung to lose concentration in his driving.

"Ani, ani. I'm fine. Don't worry." Wooyoung smiled nervously.

"Weren't you surprised to know that I am actually Onew oppa's sister?" Jieun was getting warmed up with Wooyoung's company.

Wooyoung smiled, glancing at Jieun again. "You have no idea how surprised I was."

"Sinchia?" Jieun grinned. Wooyoung just nodded his head with a smile before turning quiet again.

Wooyoung cleared his throat. "Um, Jieun-ah, about yesterday, I want to thank you again.”

“Ani oppa, it’s nothing really. I was there at the right time.” Jieun shrug with a shy smile. “And you were really helpless at that time, so I had no choice but to help.”

Wooyoung laughed. He had no idea that his hyung’s sister had a good sense of humor. Then his laughter died down and he cleared his throat. “Um Jieun-ah, another thing…”

“Ne oppa?” Jieun blinked.

“Um, about the kiss…” Wooyoung gulped.

"Aigoo! Don't worry oppa, I understand. Everybody makes a mistake." Jieun said quickly, turning away from Wooyoung. She did not want him to see the disappointment in her face.

Wooyoung sighed. "No, you don't understand."

"What do you mean oppa?" Jieun turned her head to face Wooyoung in surprise.

"Uh, I can’t explain it to you now. But can you meet me later for lunch?" Wooyoung asked as he felt cold sweats appearing on his forehead.

Jieun titled her head as she tried to digest what Wooyoung was saying. “Lunch?”

“N-Ne. H-How about it?”

“Lunch is good.” Jieun shrugged with an uncertain smile.

When Wooyoung finally had Onew’s car parked, he immediately took in a deep breath before turning to look at Jieun.

“Ahrasso. Let’s meet at the corridor behind the library at one thirty pm today.” Wooyoung told her.

“The corridor?”

“Ne. We’ve met there before. Don’t you remember?” Wooyoung grinned.

“Ah! That time when you pretended to be a delivery guy! Of course I remember!” Jieun giggled while Wooyoung smiled.

“Yes, that place. I’ll see you there then, ahrasso?”

“Ne oppa!” Jieun said with a bright smile.

Soon the two of them headed off towards their own respective work stations. Wooyoung towards the science lab whereas Jieun towards the library. Each one of them could feel the familiar nervous feeling which was seeping through their hearts as they wait for lunch time to come.

******

Yonghwa and Seohyun finally exited the clinic after they had collected the medications. The doctor said that Yonghwa had been infected with the flu virus and that it was nothing serious. He had advised Yonghwa to have plenty of rest and not to strain himself with too much work.

They had taken a taxi back to Yonghwa’s house and the moment they reached the house, Seohyun had practically forced Yonghwa to eat his breakfast and medicines before getting him to rest in bed. Yonghwa was a little bit reluctant to stay in his room especially knowing that Seohyun will be around. But after a few minutes of debating with the said girl, finally he relented and forced himself to get some sleep.

Seohyun grinned as she entered the kitchen with the thought of preparing some healthy lunch for Yonghwa. She decided to cook some chicken porridge for him since he was feeling unwell and some vegetable soup. The dishes were quite simple to cook and Seohyun was done in no time at all.

After cooking, she decided to take a rest by watching television down in the living room. But after a few minutes of watching some documentary, she felt a little bored. So she thought of checking up on Yonghwa who was currently resting in his bedroom.

Seohyun tiptoed slowly into Yonghwa’s room, trying not to make any noise. She noticed Yonghwa was still sleeping and did not want to disturb him. So she looked around the room and noticed the balcony which he used to mention to her. She smiled and stepped out into the balcony. ‘So this is where he first noticed me…’ Seohyun grinned as she allowed herself to imagine being in Yonghwa’s shoes for a moment.

***

Yonghwa frowned as he turned in his bed. He felt slightly better. His headache seemed to fade away. Opening his eyes, he saw a silhouette of a girl walking past his bed towards the balcony. Suddenly, Yonghwa was in full alert. He quickly sat up in his bed, careful not to make any noise, and looked at the balcony.

The sight which greeted him made Yonghwa smiled suddenly. It was Seo Joohyun, his dream girl. He continued watching her; the way she smiled and the way the wind blowing through her hair, it was just like what he describe her, a goddess. He then decided to pretend sleeping and quickly lied down again. He closed his eyes but still allowed himself to take a peek at her between his lashes. He held back his smile and just continued watching her.

***

Seohyun turned around to see Yonghwa still sleeping. She smiled before entering his room once again. She looked around the room again and finally saw a guitar at the corner of the room. Seohyun gasped in awe as she walked towards the guitar. She allowed her fingers to run themselves delicately onto the guitar strings. She had always been interested to learn playing the guitar, but she had not gotten the chance yet. She sighed. ‘Maybe next time…’ Seohyun sighed.

Seohyun sat on the edge of Yonghwa’s bed. She turned to see Yonghwa still sleeping. Seohyun smiled before looking at her watch. She realized that Yonghwa had been asleep for four hours. Seohyun gave a sly grin before climbing on the bed. She crawled over to Yonghwa’s sleeping figure and kneeled beside him.

Seohyun tilted her head. She had never seen Yonghwa’s features up close, so indeed this was her first time. Seohyun blushed when her eyes travelled to Yonghwa’s puckered lips. She wondered how those lips were able to make her so addicted to kissing. She allowed her finger to lightly brush against his lips. She giggled. His lips felt warm to her touch.

***

Yonghwa managed to stop himself from groaning when he felt Seohyun brushing a finger against his lips. He noticed her giggling and he gave out a sigh. Seohyun froze for a moment but she let out a sigh of relief when she saw that Yonghwa was still sleeping.

‘Aigoo! This girl is going to be the death of me!’ Yonghwa thought with a gulp.

Still peeking at her, Yonghwa now saw that Seohyun was gently poking his nose. This time she giggled a bit louder and Yonghwa could not help himself and smiled.

“You enjoy watching me sleep do you?” Yonghwa said, still with his eyes closed. He watched Seohyun jumped a little before she lightly slapped his chest causing him to open his eyes wide finally.

“Oppa! You’re teasing me!” Seohyun whined with a slight pout.

Yonghwa sat up in his bed and grinned. “You’re the one who’s teasing me. I was just trying to enjoy my rest.”

“Aigoo! I’m sorry oppa.” Seohyun said with a sigh. “I was just bored and I have nothing to do.”

“That’s why I said you should go to work today and not to worry about me.”

“Andwae! If I work, then who’s going to look after you?” Seohyun exclaimed. “Even your housemates are working!”

“Hm, then I’ll take care of myself!” Yonghwa told her with a mischievous grin.

“No, that will never happen!” Seohyun said firmly. “Besides, I cooked lunch for you as well.”

“Sinchia? Aigoo! It must be hard for you.”

“Ani, I enjoy doing all these.” Seohyun said blushing. “Especially if it’s for you.”

Yonghwa grinned upon hearing Seohyun’s words. “Komawo Joohyun-ah. Sinchia komawo.”

“It’s something simple oppa, I can handle it.” Seohyun smiled. “How are you feeling oppa?” Seohyun held out a hand towards Yonghwa’s forehead before placing another hand on her own forehead. “Hm, it seems like your fever is gone.”

“Hm, it’s all thanks to my personal nurse here!” Yonghwa pinched Seohyun’s nose lightly, causing her to giggle.

“Aigoo! You’re going to tease me again!” Seohyun said as she tried to get off the bed. But Yonghwa was faster. He quickly pulled Seohyun by her waist and soon she found herself leaning back into Yonghwa’s chest.

“I’m not teasing you Joohyun-ah. But I’m really, really thankful.” Yonghwa whispered into Seohyun’s ear causing her to shiver slightly. She could feel Yonghwa tightening his hold onto her.

“I’m thankful too oppa. Being with you these past few days, made me the happiest girl on this planet!” Seohyun turned her face towards Yonghwa and gave a soft kiss on his cheek. “And I just want to say, I am really, really, really falling in love with you.”

Yonghwa gaped, really not expecting that brave confession from the girl of his dreams. She was serious about him and he felt like the luckiest man on Earth!

“Joohyun-ah, can you repeat that again?” Yonghwa asked, his voice full of eager.

Seohyun pouted before covering her face with her hands. “Shiro! You are making fun of me.”

“Ani. Please, I just needed to listen to it again.” Yonghwa pleaded as he tried to pull her hands off.

Seohyun turned to look into his face again. He had that sincere look on him and she relented before grinning slyly. “Which part do you want to hear again?”

Yonghwa raised an eye brow. “That part! You know which part!”

“That part? There’s a lot of parts you know. I can’t seem to remember which one.”

“Seo Joohyun! You are playing this game again!”

“Jung Yonghwa! What game?” Seohyun argued back, at the same time trying to hold back her laughter.

“Yah! You’re such a tease!” Yonghwa said before tickling Seohyun at her sides, causing her to scream in between giggles, begging for him to stop. Soon, she found herself lying down on the mattress once again with Yonghwa on top. He had pinned down her wrists on top of her head and Seohyun was sure that her chance of escape was really low.

“Hm, this position reminds me of this morning.” Yonghwa whispered, his voice low and husky. Seohyun closed her eyes when she felt Yonghwa’s breath tickling her lobes. “I remembered you asking me to kiss you this morning. So, do you still want me to fulfill your wish?”

Seohyun gulped and found herself nodding to his question.

Ignoring her nods, Yonghwa just grinned. “Then say it.”

Seohyun gasped when she opened her eyes to find Yonghwa’s eyes staring back into hers. His lips were just inches away from hers. “K-Kiss me.”

“I can’t hear you.”

“Kiss me!” Seohyun breathed before pushing her lips into his, leaving Yonghwa stunned for a moment.

******

Onew and Hara were on their way to the sports school which had just been built to cater to students who had the abilities to be trained to become sportsmen or sportswomen. Once they were trained fully, they would get a chance to represent Korea in any sports competition. It was their official opening day and both Onew and Hara were sent to do a report about it.

The moment they reached the school, Onew and Hara walked up towards the large space of field which had a few hundreds of stalls being opened up. It looked like a carnival in a glance and this made Hara excited.

“Wow! This is so cool!” Hara exclaimed excitedly as she held onto Onew’s arms tightly.

“You like this?” Onew asked and Hara nodded with a wide smile. “Ahrasso, I’ll bring you to a proper carnival next time.”

“Sinchia?! How about Lotte World? Or Everland Themepark?”

“Hm, how about we go to both?” Onew grinned.

“Both? Oh baby! You’re the best!” Hara leaned up to kiss Onew on the cheek.

“Of course, anything for you baby.” Onew said as he pulled Hara closer to him.

Soon, Onew and Hara found themselves interviewing the school’s dean, Mr Kwon, and a few of the teachers and professional trainers who had been hired to care and train the students in the sports school. While Onew was busy taking charge of the interviewing, Hara decided to take a look around the ‘carnival’. She also thought of interviewing some students whom had been chosen to attend the school

Suddenly, Hara came across a stall which actually gave visitors a chance to play softball. Hara grinned in excitement. She used to play lots of softball when she was in college.

“Excuse me.” Hara called out to a slightly younger boy than her who was standing behind the stand.

“Yes noona?” He replied with a smile.

“Um, is there any chance that I am able to play for a while?” Hara said as she pointed towards the softball game which was currently going behind the stand.

“Yes sure.” The boy replied as he took a glance at Hara’s attire that day. “But noona, your attire doesn’t seem quite appropriare.”

“Oh really? So I can’t play?” Hara pouted.

“Um, give me a moment.” The boy ran over towards a group of girls who were busy doing some warm-up exercises. He talked with them for a while before heading back towards Hara. A girl from the group followed him along with a wide smile.

“Hi! I am Hani!” The girl held out a hand and Hara accepted it with a smile. “I heard from Jungmin that you wanted to try out in the softball game.”

“Ne, I want to. I used to play during college you see.” Hara shrugged.

“No problem unnie. But you need to change first.” Hani told her. “I could borrow you my attire. It seems like we are of the same size.”

“Sinchia? Komawo Hani-ah!” Hara smiled wide before following Hani to the changing room. And within minutes, Hara found herself standing in the field with a bat in her hand. Hara smiled as she tried out a few moves which she remembered doing while she was in college and true enough the students were awed with her skills. Soon, the friendly game started and the students started cheering for their newly found unnie.

***

Once the interview with the teachers and trainers were over, Onew started searching for Hara. He was a little surprised to see Hara gone. He thought that maybe Hara would be around him somewhere but he was mistaken after all.

“Excuse me.” Onew stopped a boy who was holding some bats in his hand. “Do you by any chance see a woman wearing a blue denim skirt with a black shirt walking around in a pair of black heels?”

“Black heels?” The boy frowned before smiling wide. “Ah! Hara noona?”

“Ne?” Onew gaped before composing himself. “Ah, ne! Her name’s Hara! How do you know her?”

“Oh, she came by to out stall just now.” The boy replied. “Anyway, I am Jungmin. And you are?”

“I’m Onew, her boyfriend.” Onew replied, feeling a bit shy to admit he was Hara’s boyfriend.

“Hyung! You’re lucky to have a girlfriend who’s so pretty and cute and at the same time good in sports!” Jungmin said, his tone full of envy.

“Good in sports?” Onew tilted his head, confused. “Um, if you don’t mind, can you please tell me where is she at the moment?”

“Of course hyung! Come follow me!” Jungmin led Onew towards a softball field. He placed the bats he was carrying a moment ago at a corner and pulled Onew towards the seats. Onew followed him quietly, still feeling confused.

“Jungmin-ah!” Onew whispered.

“Ne, hyung?”

“What are we doing here in the stands?”

“You said you wanted to watch Hara noona. So here we are!”

“But, where is she?”

“Oh! She’s…. there!” Jungmin pointed out to the batter who was grasping onto a bat, getting ready to hit the ball.

“Jungmin-ah, I really have no time to watch any game right now.” Onew told him with a sigh.

“I’m serious hyung! That is Hara noona!” Jungmin said. “Just watch! It’s ending soon anyway.”

Onew sighed again and just continued to watch the game. It was not like he did not want to watch the game. He wanted to. He just enjoyed watching any kinds of sports, softball included. But he was feeling worried for Hara at that moment that he thought he was not able to concentrate on the game. He watched as the ball was thrown towards the batter. He held his breath as the batter swung the bat, hitting the ball in the process. The hit was a perfect move and allowed the batter to go for a home-run. Unconsciously, Onew stood up and started cheering for the batter until she finally reached the last base which concluded the end of the match.

“You see hyung, Hara noona is daebak!” Jungmin stood beside him as he clapped his hands.

“What do you mean?”

“I told you already hyung, the batter is Hara noona!”

“You’re kidding.” Onew raised an eyebrow.

“Aigoo! Watch this hyung.” Jungmin turned towards the cheering girls on the field and shouted, “HARA NOONA!”

Onew turned towards the cheering crowd too and to his surprise, he saw Hara waving back at him. She was wearing a uniform similar to the rest of the players and she had just taken off the helmet. Onew held his breath when he saw Hara flipping her long hair back while waving excitedly to him. He was awed. He had never noticed Hara looking so beautiful as she was at that moment.

“Hyung, let’s go down!” Jungmin pulled onto Onew’s arm and led him down to the field.

“Onew-ah!” Hara called out, running towards Onew’s opened arms. Onew embraced Hara tightly as he twirled her around. Hara giggled.

“You played softball?” Onew asked in disbelief when he finally put Hara down.

“Well, I did play softball during my college years.” Hara shrugged.

“Baby, you were awesome!” Onew pulled Hara by her waist and planted a soft kiss on her lips.

“OOOoooooohhhhh!” Hara pulled back from the kiss to see the students which she had made friends with cheering out loud. She blushed and let herself free from Onew’s clutch.

“Yah! Stop teasing!” Hara shouted with a grin.

“Unnie! Is that your boyfriend?”

“Unnie! Introduce him to us!”

“Aigoo! You two look so cute together!”

“Ahrasso, ahrasso! One at a time!” Hara said. Then she turned to pull the smiling Onew by her side. “This is my boyfriend. His name is Onew and I love him very much!”

“Ah sinchia?! Ommo!” The girls started squealing excitedly.

“Hi kids!” Onew held out a hand and waved at the younger girls in front of him. “I’m your Hara unnie’s boyfriend and guess what, I love her very much too!”

Louder squeals were heard from the girls and Hara just blushed in response. Then the girls started chanting softly, till it got louder.

“KISS! KISS! KISS! KISS!”

“Hyung, don’t be shy! Just keep the girls happy! Kiss noona!” Jungmin exclaimed.

“Ah sinchia!” Onew grinned before pulling Hara into his embrace once again and kissed her senseless.

And it did silent the crowd of squealing girls.

******

It was lunch time. Tony had promised Joori to take her out to lunch. Finally they entered a restaurant which was famous for it’s barbequed beef. They settled down in their seats before ordering their desired lunch set meals.

“I wonder if Yonghwa had eaten his lunch already.” Tony sighed as he placed his chin in his hands.

“Don’t worry oppa, Seohyun will take good care of him.” Joori told him calmly.

“Hm, I can’t help but be worried for him.”

“I understand oppa. But Seohyun is a health freak. She’ll make sure Yonghwa eats well and remain healthy after this.”

Tony smiled as he gazed into Joori’s face. “Joori-yah, you wait here for a while. I need to go get something.”

“Huh? Get what oppa?” Joori asked, tilting her head.

“Just wait for me, ahrasso?” Tony stood up with a grin. Joori just nodded her head and watched as Tony ran out of the restaurant.

***

Tony rushed out of the restaurant and ran along the streets towards a flower shop he had seen earlier. He entered the shop and looked around for a moment. He knew what to get the moment his eyes landed on the roses.

“Excuse me, I need to get some roses for my girlfriend.” Tony called out to the florist who was standing behind the counter.

“Ne.” The florist gave a bright smile. “How many roses do you need?”

“Um, I am not sure. What do you suggest?”

“Hm, how long have you been with her?”

“Actually we’ve known each other a long time ago. But there were some misunderstandings and I broke her heart.” Tony said, feeling a bit embarrassed. “But now, I found her again, she willingly accepted me back into her life. But I know, she’s a bit cautious of me this time. She is afraid that I may leave her again. So, I want to give something as a symbol to let her know of my sincerity.”

“Ah! I understand.” The florist nodded. “Hm, I suggest you get twenty red roses for her. It gives a meaning, ‘Believe me, I am sincere towards you.’”

“Ah! It sounds good!” Tony smiled.

“Ne, I will have them wrapped in a bouquet nicely for you.” The florist said.

“Gamsahamnida.” Tony grinned before calling the florist back again. “Excuse me, how many roses do I need to get for the symbol, ‘I will love you for as long as I live’?”

“Ah, that you need quite a few more.” The florist said with an even brighter smile. “You really love her don’t you?”

Tony blushed. “With all my heart.”

***

Joori started to feel bored after a few minutes of waiting. She had no idea where Tony went and she was getting a bit angry with him for leaving her in the restaurant all alone. The food they ordered finally arrived and Joori started to eat without waiting for Tony.

“Aish! He left me to eat lunch alone!” Joori grumbled as she scooped the rice into her mouth.

A few minutes later, Joori heard a commotion coming from the restaurant’s entrance. Joori frowned as she tried to see what the commotion was all about but her view was blocked by a few passer-bys. Joori shrugged as she continued to eat her lunch.

“Kim Joori, saranghae.”

Joori frowned. Did she hear it right? It was her name that was mentioned. Joori looked up and turned around. She gasped when she saw three cute young girls around the age of three to five years old walking towards her and handed her bouquets of roses. Joori was stunned. She really had no idea why she was receiving bouquets of roses in a barbequed beef restaurant.

Finally she saw Tony coming in with a huge smile. He was also holding onto a small bouquet of roses and this made Joori tear up. She really had not expected for this to happen. It was really a huge surprise for her.

“Joori-yah, if you noticed, the bouquets you received earlier symbolize my love for you.” Tony started saying as he kneeled down in front of her. He slowly took hold of the bouquets of roses she held in her hands and placed them on the chair next to him. Then he held one bouquet out towards her. “This bouquet has twenty roses, symbolizing, ‘Believe me, I am sincere towards you’.”

Tony handed Joori the bouquet which she gladly accepted. Then he held out another bouquet. “This bouquet has thirty-six roses, symbolizing, ‘I will always remember our romantic moments, now, then and forever.’.”

Again Tony handed her the roses. Then he held out another bouquet. “This bouquet has forty roses, symbolizing, ‘My love for you is genuine’. Please don’t ever doubt my love for you.”

Joori accepted the roses and hugged all three bouquets tightly. Then Tony handed her the last bouquet. The first three bouquets were quite huge but this last one was a little too small. “I don’t want it, it’s too small.” Joori grinned.

“Yah! Even though it’s small, it’s the most important one.” Tony told her.

“Ah sinchia?”

“There’s three roses here.”

“And what does that mean?” Joori asked with amusement in her eyes.

“It gives out a great meaning actually.” Tony said with a blush. “I love you.”

Tony pushed the small bouquet into her embrace as well. “Oppa…” Joori cooed as she eyed the roses she had just received.

“All these roses here, there are ninety-nine of them, symbolizing; ‘I will love you forever for as long as I live.’.”

“Oppa! I love you too.” Joori said with a wide smile.

“I know.” Tony nodded.

******

Lunch time finally arrived and Jieun soon found herself seated down on a wooden bench facing Wooyoung. He had this troubled look on his face and kept fidgeting with his fingers. Jieun tried to read his eyes but his confused expression was not helping at all.

“Oppa, why are you suddenly quiet?” Jieun asked as she continued eyeing Wooyoung.

“Ah ne? Do you want some sandwiches?” Wooyoung asked as he placed a bag of sandwiches on the table in front of them.

“Thanks.” Jieun mumbled before going through the plastic bag to see what sandwiches were there.

“Let’s eat first shall we?” Wooyoung suggested and Jieun agreed.

The two of them started eating the sandwiches Wooyoung had bought. Jieun was eating while at the same time reading her science notes which was sprawled out on the table. Wooyoung on the other hand suddenly lost his appetite. He kept on stealing glances at Jieun who seemed oblivious about it.

“Jieun-ah, I actually have something to tell you.” Wooyoung said.

Jieun looked up from her notes and smiled. “Ne oppa. What is it?”

Wooyoung gulped as he gathered all the courage he had within him. “Jieun-ah, I think I am falling in love with you.”

Jieun dropped her sandwich on the table while staring at Wooyoung in disbelief.

Chapter 13 - Maybe I'm in Love With You...

Seohyun entered the kitchen with a slightly bitter mood to see Hara and Jieun happily preparing breakfast together. Joori was nowhere to been so Seohyun guessed that she might still be in her room getting ready for work. Seohyun frowned to see Hara and Jieun chatting and laughing over a certain private joke which made her feel a bit left out. Seohyun bit her lips and decided to let her presence known to her two housemates. So she cleared her throat, and that immediately caused both girls to look up.

"Seohyun unnie! Good morning!" Jieun squealed as she grabbed Seohyun into a hug before giving her a swift kiss on the cheek. Seohyun raised an eyebrow, clearly unsure why Jieun was a bit too cheerful that morning.

"Um yeah, good morning." Seohyun replied before leaning against the kitchen counter. She peered over Hara's shoulder to see what her friend was doing.

"Is tuna sandwich okay with you? I have no idea what to make this morning." Hara told her with a shrug.

"Aniya, it's fine with me." Seohyun replied with a smile. "Anyway, what time did the two of you came home last night?"

"Hm, around one thirty. Why?" Jieun answered as she helped Hara to place the tuna into the bread.

"Yah! Why so late? Do you know how worried Joori unnie and I was?"

"I'm sorry Seohyun-ah, there were some things which we need to settle yesterday." Hara said with an apologetic smile.

"Yeah, like kissing my brother." Jieun murmured with a grin. Hara heard that and gave the maknae a slight pinch on her hips.

"Bo? Kissing who?" Seohyun asked shocked. She had a curious look on her face.

"No one." Hara muttered quickly.

"Don't lie to me Goo Hara! You are blushing right now!" Seohyun accused.

"Go on unnie, tell her, don't be shy!" Jieun cheered while patting Hara on her back.

"Absolutely not!" Hara stuck out her tongue.

"Then let me be the one to say it." Jieun grinned as she glanced at Hara. "Well, Hara unnie is officially dating my brother! Isn’t that great?!"

"Huh? Brother? I didn't know you had a brother?" Seohyun tilted her head in confusion. "Then what about Yonghwa's friend? That Onew guy? I thought Yonghwa said something about you two might be so into each other?"

Hearing this, Jieun laughed out loud causing Seohyun to shoot her an annoyed look. Hara joined in the laughter as well. This makes Seohyun even madder.

"Sorry unnie." Jieun said as her laughter died down to a soft chuckle.

"Ah sinchia! You two are going to be the death of me!" Seohyun groaned, shaking her head.

"Okay unnie, just let me briefly explain to you." Jieun started to tell her story to Seohyun which alas left the older girl speechless. "And for your info unnie, my brother is the Onew you mentioned earlier. And in conclusion, Hara unnie is dating my brother, Onew. Right unnie?" Jieun gave a light jab into Hara's hips.

"Ah like seriously?" Seohyun gaped looking at Hara who just nodded, blushing. "Ommo! How can fate be so perfect!"

"I thought so too!" Hara squealed and soon the three girls were hugging each other and jumping around in circles, that was until Joori suddenly appeared at the kitchen entrance, just observing her dongsaengs with a weird expression.

"What are you three doing?" Joori finally asked, tilting her head.

"Unnie!" Jieun squealed in response and hurried over to Joori to give her a big hug as well.

"You look happy." Joori pointed out.

"Ne unnie. I finally found my long lost brother." Jieun told her.

"Huh?" Joori raised an eyebrow and soon, Jieun had to repeat the same story again just like she had told Seohyun earlier. "Wow! Isn't that surprising?" Joori said, shaking her head.

"Yeah it is. And they are all living in Tony oppa's house!" Seohyun smiled. "What a beautiful coincident!"

"Oh Seohyun-ah, Tony oppa just called, he said that Yonghwa is having a fever." Joori said. “According to him, it’s quite bad.”

"Aigoo! Poor Yonghwa oppa!" Seohyun said worriedly. "I need to call my boss."

"Why do you need to call your boss?" Hara asked as she stuffed a tuna sandwich into her mouth. Jieun did the same as she continued to observe Seohyun.

"I am going to take urgent leave today and take care of Yonghwa oppa."

"You are willing to sacrifice your time for him? I mean, you two just started to see each other right?" Hara asked.

"Well yeah." Seohyun nodded shyly. "But it's a bit funny in a way. I felt as if I've known him all my life."

Hara nodded in understanding. "Hm, surprisingly, I kind of feel the same way too." Hara blushed crimson causing Jieun to squeal louder.

"Unnie, trust me, Onew oppa is the right man for you!" Jieun grinned.

"It looks like all of us finally found someone to love." Joori sighed happily before turning to look at Jieun. "What about you dear? Found anybody to love yet?" Hara and Seohyun smirked at their maknae who was busy observing her fingernails.

"I think it'll be quite easy for us to find a boyfriend for her." Seohyun grinned. Jieun looked at her, knowing fully well who Seohyun was referring to. She started to panic.

"Ommo! Look at the time! My class starting soon!" Jieun said quickly before hurrying out of the kitchen and straight up to her room. Seohyun, Hara and Joori just stared at her retreating back before grinning slyly.

"She won't get away that easily!" Seohyun said.

"Indeed. Anyway, do you have anyone in mind?" Hara asked.

"Of course I do!" Seohyun exclaimed. "And I am pretty sure Jieun likes him too."

"Ommo! And who will that be?" Joori was getting rather excited.

"Well, he is also one of Tony oppa’s tenants! And he's working at Yonsei University, that is how the two of them met each other!"

"Ah! I remember now! Onew did mention about his friend working at Yonsei University as well! So he's the one!"

"Okay, let's now all get ready to go to their house." Joori said. "We'll just drag Jieun along with us!"

"Ne. Onew’s going to be happy to see her there." Hara smiled mischievously.

"Alright! Let's move!"

******

Tony opened the door to his house with a bright smile as he welcomed the four girls. One of them walked up to him to give him a swift peck on his cheek. Tony grinned before pulling her into a hug.

“Urgh, maybe you could do it later, when you’re alone?” A girl with wavy black hair smelling of honeydew said with a grin. She was wearing a short denim skirt with a plain black shirt, which was a little too tight. Whatever it is, she managed to look gorgeous with a pair of black stilettos.

Tony gaped. “You are the driver of that red car that day!”

“You bet!” Hara gave a sexy smile before turning her face into serious mode. “I’m Hara. And you’re dating my unnie. You make her cry, you’ll get it.”

“Ouch! That’s harsh!” Tony held a hand to his heart feigning hurt. Hara just waived him off and entered the house.

“Annyonghaesaeyo! Tony oppa, we meet again!” Seohyun greeted Tony with much enthusiasm.

“Seohyun! Nice to see you again!” Tony smiled.

“Ne, may I know where’s Yonghwa oppa?”

“He’s in his room, resting.” Tony told her. “Go on up. It’s the first room to the right.”

“Ne, I’ll be going then.” Seohyun gave another sweet smile before heading towards Yonghwa’s room.

“Oppa, this is Jieun, our dongsaeng.” Joori pulled Jieun to her side to introduce the young girl to her boyfriend.

“Annyohaesaeyo oppa.” Jieun greeted shyly.

“Ah! Jieun! I heard so much about you!” Tony grinned. “You do look a lot like Onew! But of course, you’re still prettier than you dorky brother!”

“Gamsahaminida.” Jieun answered, still feeling shy.

“Come in, come in. please make yourself at home.” Tony ushered the two girls towards the living room where they found Hara already seated on one of the sofas. She was browsing through a few selections of magazines. Tony noticed her eyes sparkled with amusement before he realized what magazines she was reading. FHM.

“ANDWAE!” Tony quickly took big steps towards Hara and grabbed the magazine out of her hands. Hara leaned back against the sofa laughing.

“Oppa, you read those magazines?” Jieun asked, her eyes wide.

“Ani, well, it belongs to, I mean, it belongs to us. Well, you see, we um, take turns to buy it every month.” Tony admitted.

“Aigoo!” Joori sighed before sitting down on another sofa opposite Hara.

“It’s not a big deal oppa. I know how a man’s mind works.” Hara pointed out.

“Sinchia?” Tony turned to look at Hara with a smirk. “Then I believe you already know how Onew’s mind works?”

This time, it was Hara’s turn to remain quiet. She was blushing a serious tinge of red which made Tony laughed even harder. Jieun joined the laughter too and said, “I believe so too oppa! Even worse, I witnessed it myself!”

“Witness what?” Onew suddenly asked as he came down the stairs looking very handsome.

“Oppa!” Jieun squealed before running towards him. Onew caught her and twirled her around with a huge smile on his face.

“How’s my little sister doing?” Onew asked as he put her down before ruffling her hair.

“I’m fine oppa!” Jieun replied with a grin. Then she headed back towards her seat beside Joori.

Onew followed and at the same time his eyes ventured towards Hara. He smiled and headed towards her. The moment he reached in front of her, he frowned. “What are you wearing?” He asked.

“This? Um, clothes?” Hara replied.

“Yah! Your skirt’s too short!” Onew exclaimed with a pout.

“This is the only thing I have decent to wear for today.” Hara said, pulling a cute pout on her lips. “I do have pants but most of it is for jogging or too casual for work.”

“Jeans?”

“The only jeans I have was the one I wore yesterday.” Hara replied with her head bent low. She felt guilty all of a sudden.

“Aigoo! We are so going shopping today.” Onew sighed before allowing himself to settle down beside Hara. Then he shot up again when he realized that Joori was there smirking at him. “Noona! Sorry, I didn’t realize you were there the whole time.”

“It’s okay. I understand.” Joori said. “When you’re in love, you tend to see only the one you love, but never the others around you.”

Upon hearing this, Onew and Hara looked down and blushed whereas Jieun and Tony just laughed it off, never forgetting to tease the couple.

******

Seohyun climbed up the stairs slowly. As instructed by Tony, she was finally standing in front of the first door to the right. Seohyun took a deep breath. It was indeed the first time for her to enter a man’s room. She took a deep breath before giving a light knock on the door. She waited.

No response.

Seohyun sighed as she gave another knock, harder this time. Leaning her ears against the door, she finally heard a muffled groan telling her to come in. Seohyun smiled before turning the door knob and entered the room.

“Oppa?” Seohyun called out towards a rolled up blanket on the bed. She was sure Yonghwa was wrapped around it and furthermore, it was too big to be a bolster.

“HM?!” The rolled-up-blanket-figure suddenly shot up upon hearing her voice. It finally unrolled itself and true enough Yonghwa appeared from underneath the sheet.

“Oppa?” Seohyun called out again with raised eyebrows.

“Ne, ne. It’s me.” Yonghwa said sitting up on his bed. He looked at Seohyun with droopy eyes and smiled lazily. Then he let out a loud cough.

“Oppa!” Seohyun scrambled onto the bed, patting Yonghwa’s back gently. Her hand immediately ran up to his forehead to feel his temperature. She gasped. “Oppa! Your fever’s high!”

“Ani. It’s not that high.” Yonghwa answered with closed eyes as he continued to enjoy Seohyun’s soothing touches on his back and forehead.

“We need to bring you to the doctor.” Seohyun said and soon she was out of the bed to head towards Yonghwa’s closet. “Let’s get you something to wear.”

Yonghwa groaned when Seohyun left him alone on the bed. Her touches were gone and he sighed, before lying down on his mattress again, ignoring whatever Seohyun was saying. His quietness made Seohyun turned to look at him. She sighed herself before climbing onto the bed once again.

“Oppa! You need to force yourself to get up!” Seohyun shook his body gently.

“Shiro. I want to stay here!” Yonghwa replied stubbornly, burying his face into his pillow.

“Okay, if you are still going to act this way, I’m going to force you then!” Seohyun exclaimed, slapping Yonghwa’s back.

“You won’t dare!” Yonghwa managed a reply.

“Huh! You think!” Seohyun said before digging her hands onto Yonghwa’s side and started tickling him. Yonghwa on the other hand was a little surprised with Seohyun’s sudden tickling attack that he had difficulty in trying to stop her.

“Joohyun-ah! Joohyun-ah! Seo Joohyun!” Yonghwa cried as he quickly turned himself around before grabbing onto Seohyun’s wrists and used all of his remaining strength to pin her onto the mattress with him hovering on top of her. He panted slightly before looking down at Seohyun who was biting her lips. That image of her suddenly drove him crazy.

“Stop that.” Yonghwa said, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them again.

“Huh?” Seohyun tilted her head, feeling confused for a moment.

“Just stop biting your lips.” Yonghwa told her.

“Ah wae?”

Yonghwa groaned. “The more I see you biting your lips, the more I feel like kissing you!”

“Then, kiss me!” Seohyun dared him.

“Andwae! I won’t allow myself to share my germs with you.” Yonghwa said as he closed his eyes again.

“Do it.” Seohyun urged.

“Shiro!”

“Do it!

“No! I can’t!”

“Then don’t.” Seohyun pouted as she tried to break free from Yonghwa’s grasp.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Yonghwa asked as he watched Seohyun struggling beneath him.

“I need to protect myself from your germs.” Seohyun answered, glaring at him.

“Why are you angry suddenly?”

“Ani, I’m not angry. I am never angry.” Seohyun frowned, finally giving up in her struggle.

“You are angry.” Yonghwa accused her with a weak smile.

“No.”

“You’re angry because I don’t want to kiss you right?” Yonghwa grinned.

“No.”

“Joohyun-ah, I can’t have you being sick too you know.” Yonghwa sighed before unconsciously burying his face into Seohyun’s neck, inhaling her scent.

“If I were to get sick, I’m not worried.” Seohyun replied, sighing.

“Wae?” Yonghwa asked as he placed tiny kisses down her throat.

“Because I know you’ll be there to care for me.” Seohyun whispered between heavy breaths.

“Of course I will.” Yonghwa smiled before pulling himself back and got out of bed, leaving Seohyun even breathless.

“You’re such a teaser Jung Yonghwa.” Seohyun said as she sat up in his bed. She watched as Yonghwa struggled to put on a jacket.

“Only for you Joohyun.” Yonghwa smiled. “I’ve never been like this to any other girls.”

Seohyun beamed as she stood out of bed, holding onto Yonghwa’s hands. “You made me feel better already.” Seohyun said. “Come on, let’s get you to the clinic. And I’ll be your personal nurse today.”

“Ah wae? Don’t you have to work?” Yonghwa asked in shock.

“Don’t worry. I informed my boss already.” Seohyun told him.

“Aigoo! You shouldn’t have. I’ll be fine by myself.” Yonghwa pouted as he allowed Seohyun to lead him out of his room.

“Andwae. I am going to look after you, so please, no more complaints!” Seohyun said firmly.

“Ne, ahrasso.” Yonghwa nodded in defeat.

“Just look forward to later, we’ll be the only ones in the house.” Seohyun winked.

“Yeah, and I’ll be sleeping most of the time and you’ll be bored.”

“Don’t worry, I know how to entertain myself.”

“There’s no point in arguing with you right?” Yonghwa groaned.

“I’m glad you found that out already.” Seohyun chuckled as she gave a light pinch on Yonghwa’s cheek causing him to groan even louder.

******

Jieun gulped nervously the moment she saw Wooyoung entering the living room. She had her eyes fixed on him for a while before forcing herself to turn away. She knew he realized her presence there as he too was keeping a close eye on her.

“Ah! Hara, Jieun, this is Wooyoung, the maknae in the house.” Tony said as he pulled Wooyoung to his side.

“Ah! Annyonghaesaeyo!” Hara stood up and greeted Wooyoung with a wide smile on her lips. Onew pulled her down immediately when he saw that she was a little too excited to see his dongsaeng.

“Ne, annyonghaesaeyo.” Wooyoung returned the greeting with a nervous smile. He then turned towards Jieun and gave a slight nod as well. She smiled and returned the gesture.

“That is my sister Wooyoung-ah.” Onew said, emphasizing on the word sister. Wooyoung nodded with a small chuckle as he remembered the event that happened that morning.

“Now I know hyung.” Wooyoung replied.

“I guess the two of you know each other?” Joori asked, pointing towards Wooyoung and Jieun.

“Ah, ne. I’ve met him a few times at the bus stop.” Jieun explained.

“We get along well.” Wooyoung added, earning a glare from Onew.

“That’s good to know!” Hara squealed. “From what I heard from Seohyun, you are a perfect gentleman, seeing Jieun home a few times already!”

“Ah sinchia? When was this?” Onew asked.

“Aigoo! It was late, so he decided to send her home first. You want her to go walk down the dark road by herself?” Hara asked Onew with a frown. Onew shook his head and remained quiet. Hara beamed. “I knew you would understand baby.” Hara whispered into Onew’s ear, causing him to grin silly.

“Great then!” Tony exclaimed with a grin. “I suggest the two of you go ahead to the campus first.” Tony gestured to Wooyoung and Jieun.

“Ah, w-wait. I thought Onew oppa’s going to send me to school?” Jieun asked.

“Sorry I.U., I am kind of late to work myself.” Onew said shrugging.

“Ah? Ne…” Jieun pouted.

“Go on you two or you’ll be late as well!” Joori said, ushering Jieun out the door. Tony did the same to Wooyoung who just smiled in understanding.

“Wooyoung-ah!” Onew called out. Wooyoung turned to look at him. Then Onew threw something towards him and Wooyoung managed to catch it. It was Onew’s car keys. “Take my car. I don’t want my sister to ride a public bus.”

Wooyoung smiled wide. He just loved driving Onew’s car! “Ahrasso hyung!”

“Yah! Take care of my sister and my baby as well!” Onew reminded him. He did not notice Hara giving him a weird stare.

“Ne!” Wooyoung replied.

Within seconds, Joori, Tony, Onew and Hara were all gathered at the door to wave off Wooyoung and Jieun. They were all hoping for some miracle to happen between the pair.

“Did we just miss something fun?” Yonghwa suddenly asked as he descended down the stairs with Seohyun in tow.

“Well, we had just send Wooyoung off with my sister.” Onew told him with a sigh.

“Ah sinchia? I hope he does well.” Yonghwa said with a smile.

“He’ll do great.” Seohyun smiled confidently. The rest of her friends nodded in agreement.

“Yonghwa-ssi, how are you feeling now?” Hara spoke up, smiling.

“Still a bit drowsy but thankfully Joohyun is here.” Yonghwa replied shyly.

“Well then, since there’s someone taking care of you, I’ll be off then.” Tony said, gesturing to Joori to leave the house. “Make sure you eat your medicine.”

“Ahrasso hyung. I’ll remember.” Yonghwa nodded his head.

“Then, we’ll be going too.” Onew said looking at Hara who just nodded her head with a smile.

It was a great start for a very busy day indeed.

Chapter 12 - Maybe I'm in Love With You...

The moment Onew finally parked the car in front of the house which Hara resided in, he immediately leaned forward towards Hara and hugged her tight, his head burying into her shoulder. Hara understood that he needed her comfort as she soothingly started running her fingers through his hair. She could feel Onew’s tears soaking her shirt, but she was not bothered. In fact, she felt blessed that he turned to her for comfort. She felt glad that he trusted her.

Jieun on the other hand was soundly asleep at the back of the car, but trails of tears were still visible on her cheeks. Hara turned to look at the younger girl before looking at the boy in her arms. She smiled. She felt happy that the two siblings were able to meet again after being separated for a while. Then she leaned forward to place a kiss on Onew’s untamed hair. He had stopped crying then.

“You should go home first.” Hara whispered softly into Onew’s hair. “We’ll talk more tomorrow morning.”

Onew sat up with a small smile. He turned to look at his sister. “I guess I have to leave her with you for now?”

Hara chuckled lightly and pat Onew’s arm. “Of course baby. Don’t worry, she’ll be safe.”

“You were serious when you said that she just started staying with all of you a few days ago?” Onew asked.

“Ne. It’s true.” Hara replied.

“And you are this close?”

“Yes! We all loved her the moment she stepped into the house!” Hara said with wide eyes.

Onew bowed his head. “Thank you so much for taking care of her. I am really thankful that she meets nice unnies like you, Seohyun and Joori noona.”

“It’s our duties to care for her.” Hara beamed.

“Well, I think Jieun’s lucky to have a very caring future sister-in-law like you.” Onew gave a gentle pinch on Hara’s nose causing her to pout in response. Then she smiled to see that the playful Onew was back.

“Well I’m glad that Jieun has a thoughtful and loving oppa like you.” Hara returned the pinch on Onew’s cheek causing him to grin.

“You make me love you even more.” Onew breathed into Hara’s face before pulling her yet into another passionate kiss. Hara smiled and willingly indulged herself into the romance that made up of Onew and her.

“Ehem! Ehem!”

Onew and Hara jumped before pulling away suddenly when they heard a forced cough coming from the back of the car. Onew automatically concerned himself with the steering wheel whereas Hara was suddenly fascinated with the windshield. Jieun who was now wide awake, smirked.

“Oh! We’re home already?” Jieun asked with a slightly chirpy tone.

“Ah, ne!” Hara replied with a weird smile.

“Let’s go then unnie! It’s late you know.” Jieun said as she leaned forward towards the front of the car and placed a kiss onto Onew’s cheek. “Bye oppa! I’ll see you tomorrow, ahrasso?”

“Ah, ne. I’ll be here.” Onew replied, gulping.

Jieun continued giving both Onew and Hara a teasing smile. “Oppa, are you and Hara unnie dating?”

“Ne.” Onew said.

“Ani.” Hara said.

Onew immediately turned to glare and Hara. “Yah! You don’t want to date me already?”

“Well, you never ask me officially to date you.” Hara shrugged.

“Ommo! You didn’t ask her oppa?” Jieun gasped, feigning shock.

“Oh now you’re on her side?” Onew threw a glare at Jieun as well causing both her and Hara to burst out laughing.

“Jieun-ah, indeed I am dating him.” Hara said as she turned to face Jieun. “Is it okay with you?”

“Is it okay with me? I am absolutely thrilled to have you as my brother’s girlfriend!” Jieun exclaimed with a proud grin. “Now I really feel as if I have a sister! Thank you unnie!”

“No, thank you Jieun-ah.” Hara ruffled her dongsaeng’s hair.

“Thank you oppa, for choosing Hara unnie as your girlfriend!” Jieun exclaimed.

“You bet I.U.!” Onew grinned as he too ruffled his sister’s hair.

“I.U.?” Hara tilted her head curiously.

“Oh, it’s my nickname for her.” Onew explained. “I’m Onew and she’s Ayew a.k.a. I.U.”

“Oh! It sounds unique in a way.” Hara shrugged.

“And you’re my baby!” Onew said causing Hara to blush a deep red.

“Argh! I guess we better go now unnie.” Jieun finally said as she opened the car door. She was not going to allow herself to witness the romantic exchange between her brother and her housemate.

“I guess you’re right.” Hara nodded as she turned to exit the car as well. But Onew was fast enough to grab her arm, turning her to face him, before planting another kiss onto her lips. Hara blushed.

“That’s my goodnight kiss for you.” Onew told her with a wink as he too got off the car.

Onew sent off his two favourite girls through the house gate. He waited until Hara and Jieun went into the house safely before walking off home.

******

In the morning, Yonghwa walked towards the living room in a groggy state. He felt as if his head was about to explode. Yonghwa headed towards the sofa before allowing his body to fall onto the soft cushions. But instead of hitting the soft material, he actually fell onto something, more accurately, someone.

“Urgh! Get off!” Yonghwa felt someone kicking him on his side causing him to fall on the fall.

“Aish! Damn it!” Yonghwa cursed before turning to see who had kicked him and it was none other than his own bestfriend, Onew. Yonghwa gritted his teeth. “Yah! What the hell are you doing on the sofa?”

“Hmphhhhhhhhhhh.” Onew replied with his eyes still closed while stretching his limbs.

“AISH! This headache is KILLING me!” Yonghwa groaned as he positioned himself in a lying down position on the floor.

Onew sat up when he heard Yonghwa’s complaints. He tried to open his eyes, fighting the brightness of the morning light. He looked down towards Yonghwa and gave a very wide smile. Yonghwa groaned even louder when he saw the stupid smile on Onew’s face.

“Good morning!” Onew greeted Yonghwa with most enthusiasm.

“Bad morning more likely!” Yonghwa snapped causing Onew to perk up instantly. “Yah! You slept in yesterday’s clothes! What time did you reach home last night?”

“Urgh! I don’t know, one thirty? two in the morning?” Onew shrugged.

“Aish! Crazy bastard!” Yonghwa mumbled, turning away from Onew.

“Yah! Guess what!” Onew shook Yonghwa’s body excitedly.

“WHAT?” Yonghwa was getting a little bit too irritated with Onew’s behaviour that morning. “You and Hara had a one night stand?”

Before Yonghwa knew what was happening, he felt Onew giving him another hard kick on his leg. “Yah! She’s not some kind of a toy okay!”

“Aish! You kicked me!”

“Well, you deserve it!” Onew said as he threw a pillow down towards Yonghwa. “I just wanted to tell you, I found my sister. I found Jieun!”

Yonghwa immediately sat up, ignoring the pain in his head. “Bo?! You found her? Where?”

“You won’t believe it.” Onew grinned in happiness. “She’s residing in the same house with Hara, Seohyun and Joori noona!”

“Bo? How come? Joohyun had never told me about her!” Yonghwa exclaimed. “No, wait! Jieun! Aish! How could I be so stupid!”

“What? What?”

“I think I met your sister before! Joohyun introduced me to her a few days ago!” Yonghwa said as he tried to remember that day when they accidentally met in front of the house a few days ago. “She told me her name was Jieun, but I had no idea that was your sister!”

“I guess it’s the right person then!” Onew nodded his head.

“Aigoo! How long was it? Five months? Six months?”

“Six.” Onew pointed out.

“That long!”

“Yes.” Onew smiled as he slipped down to the floor to sit beside Yonghwa. “It’s all thanks to her that I got to meet my sister.”

“And who will that be?” Yonghwa raised an eyebrow.

“Hara.” Onew answered with a smirk.

“Hara? As in your sports column partner? Joohyun’s housemate?”

“The very one.” Onew grinned.

“What’s up with you two anyway? Yesterday you told me you’re not sure what is your relationship with her and suddenly she helped you find your dongsaeng! What is this?”

“Yonghwa, my dear friend,” Onew placed his arm over Yonghwa’s shoulder and continued, “Me and Hara are officially dating! Isn’t that great?!”

“Ah sinchia?” Yonghwa grinned before pulling Onew into a friendly hug. Then he gave a sly smirk towards Onew. “Ah, so you were with her when Joohyun called Hara last night.”

“Yeah so?”

“What’s with the panting and jogging huh?” Yonghwa wiggled his eye brows excitedly.

“Yah! You and your dirty mind!” Onew pushed Yonghwa away from him, laughing as he did that.

“Well, did you?”

“Yah! You crazy? You know I’m not that kind of man!” Onew exclaimed.

“Hey chill! I know!” Yonghwa pats his friend’s shoulder assuringly.

“But I think my kiss was mind-blowing till she had to pant hard!” Onew said and soon the two of them laughed again.

“Aigoo my head!” Yonghwa groaned. This time, the pain decided to stay permanently.

“Yah! What’s wrong with you?” Onew quickly placed a hand on top of Yonghwa’s forehead causing him to gasp out loud. “Yah! You’re having a fever!”

“I am?” Yonghwa chuckled before lying back down on the floor.

“You wait here, let me get a cold towel.” Onew stood up and hurried towards the kitchen, bumping into Wooyoung along the way.

Wooyoung glared at Onew’s retreating back before joining Yonghwa in the living room. He looked over at Yonghwa and gave a slight shake on his warm body.

“Hyung? You sick?” Wooyoung asked, concern in his voice.

“I guess so.” Yonghwa replied with his eyes still closed.

Just then, Onew arrived with a small basin of water and a towel. He pushed Wooyoung aside and seated himself beside Yonghwa. He immediately got into work sponging Yonghwa’s forehead to get rid of the fever that his friend was having. Unknown to Onew, Wooyoung was still throwing dagger stares at him.

“Onew hyung,” Wooyoung started, trying to attract Onew’s attention for a moment.

“Yeah?” Onew answered, his eyes still fixed on the wet cloth which was covering half of Yonghwa’s face.

“I saw you with her last night.” Wooyoung told him as a matter of fact. Onew just froze.

“You saw?”

Wooyoung shrugged, an irritation filling his face. “Ne.”

“I thought you left already after I gave you the car keys!” Onew exclaimed.

“Huh? I did.” Wooyoung tilted his head frowning as he wondered why this conversation suddenly turned weird.

“Then you saw me um, hugging and all that?” Onew asked, a bit unsure of himself.

“You bet I did! And I’m seriously disgusted by it!’ Wooyoung spat causing Yonghwa to blink an eye open. Onew was looking at his dongsaeng with his mouth slightly gaping.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Onew asked a little confused.

“You jolly well know what I’m trying to say!” Wooyoung said in a raised tone. “She’s still schooling for God’s sake!”

This time Onew was really getting drowned into a much deeper confusion. He could not help but stare at Wooyoung who was still rambling about him being a pedophile.

“Yah!” Yonghwa exclaimed, finally sitting up and that quieted Wooyoung down for a moment. However Yonghwa noticed that his face still had that tinge of anger towards Onew.

“Wooyoung-ah, I think, matters regarding me and your Hara noona, should be concealed and it should remain my secret and not for you to make a big fuss out of it.” Onew said calmly, his eyes washing over Wooyoung’s face.

“Huh? Hara noona? Who is that anyway?” Wooyoung raised an eyebrow. “And I wasn’t even talking about you and Hara whatever noona.”

“Yah! Wooyoung-ah! Don’t be rude!” Yonghwa hissed causing the younger man to cower a bit.

“Then who the hell are you talking about?” Onew asked, his voice rising as well.

“Her name’s Jieun! It’s Jieun!” Wooyoung snapped.

“Jieun?” Onew looked at Wooyoung, puzzled.

“Yah! He’s with Hara now! Not Jieun! And which Jieun are you talking about?” Yonghwa asked, rubbing his forehead which was still throbbing with ache.

“Hyung, I saw you hugging her outside the campus yesterday! That girl is Lee Jieun! What were you thinking hyung?” Wooyoung told his hyungs.

“So you were talking about that Lee Jieun? Aigoo!” Yonghwa grinned, shaking his head.

“So what if you saw me hugging her. Why are you so concerned anyway?” Onew asked as he felt his own anger rising.

“I-I…” Wooyoung stammered. He was unable to explain suddenly.

“You like that Jieun don’t you?” Yonghwa asked with a sly smile. Now it was Onew’s turn to glare at Wooyoung.

“I-I…”

“Just admit it.” Yonghwa wiggled his eyebrows again.

“S-So w-what if I like her. Onew hyung got her first already!” Wooyoung folded his arms and looked away.

“What? You think me and Jieun had some kind of a special relationship?” Onew asked, smirking. “Yah! If you want to know, that Lee Jieun is my sister!”

Wooyoung turned to look at Onew in shock. He could hardly believe what he was hearing at that moment. Then he turned to look at Yonghwa who was nodding his head while smirking at the same time.

“S-She’s your sister?” Wooyoung asked in a hushed whisper.

“Yes and I’ll make sure you won’t get close to her!” Onew said with a threatening note in his voice. “Besides, my girlfriend was in the car. And the last time I checked, she never got jealous in me hugging my own sis.”

“Aish! Onew-ah, you’re too harsh.” Yonghwa said, patting his friend’s knee to calm him down.

“Mianhe hyung. I wasn’t thinking correctly when I said all those things earlier.” Wooyoung said, bowing his head in shame.

Onew grinned. He was just teasing Wooyoung but it seemed that Wooyoung took it the wrong way. “Aigoo! You’re so naïve Wooyoung-ah.”

“Yah! Were you jealous when you saw Onew hugging Jieun?” Yonghwa questioned, his eyes dancing with curiosity.

“Yah! Tell me, you like my sister?” Onew asked, still grinning.

Wooyoung looked up, finally understanding the situation. “Hyung, how can you ask me these questions directly!” Wooyoung whined as he leaned back into the sofa.

“Ah wae? We just wanted to know.” Yonghwa said.

“Just answer me! But I can’t promise that I won’t hit you.” Onew smirked. Wooyoung frowned for a moment as he thought is he should admit.

“Okay, okay. I think I like her okay!” Wooyoung finally confessed with a slight blush.

“I knew it!” Yonghwa exclaimed, punching the air. Then he groaned in pain before lying back down on the floor. Onew dumped the wet cloth on his face once again.

“So, does my sister know about your feelings?” Onew asked.

“A-Ani. I haven’t got a chance to tell her.” Wooyoung shrugged, hugging a cushion.

“Bo? You mean she’s not aware yet? Then when are you going to tell her?”

“Um, soon, I guess.”

“Yah! The longer you take to confess to her, the more annoyed I will get.” Onew said.

“Ahrasso. Ahrasso.” Wooyoung nodded his head. “But why are you forcing me to confess to her? Aren’t you angry?”

“Aish! This boy! Why must I be angry? I know you well enough inside-out. And I’m practically satisfied with you.” Onew told him. “You’re the best candidate to be my sister’s boyfriend. Besides, I do need someone to take care of her when she’s in at school.”

“Ah, sinchia hyung?”

“Sinchia.” Onew grinned. “But just remember, if you ever hurt her, you’ll have me to face next, ahrasso?”

“Not only him, me too.” Yonghwa sat up as he stared at Wooyoung with droopy eyes.

“I bet her unnies will be haunting you as well.” Onew laughed upon remembering how fierce Hara was the night before towards his own sister.

“Yes, I know that.” Wooyoung sighed. “But I still need to do the confession. It’s going to be a hard work.”

“Do you need me to help you?” Onew volunteered.

“Ani.” Wooyoung shook his head. “I’ll think of something.”

The three men pondered on ways on how Wooyoung could use to confess to Jieun. Yonghwa gave a couple of silly ideas whereas Onew came out with none. His love confession towards Hara was also an unplanned situation but he still managed to claim her as his property in a quite short period of time. And in the midst of the bachelor meeting, Tony suddenly appeared, fresh from the shower, and sat down in the living room with them.

“You three look busy.” Tony said as he glanced at his three dongsaengs.

“We’re thinking of ways on how Wooyoung can make his love confession.” Onew told him.

“Ah, sinchia? With that Jieun girl?” Tony grinned.

“She’s my sister hyung.” Onew said proudly.

“Bo? Did I miss anything?”

“Not much. Only that part on Jieun being my sister and that I am officially in a relationship with Hara.”

“Hara?”

“Ne, she’s my partner at work and also housemates with Joori noona and Seohyun.”
“Wow!” Tony shook his head in amazement. Whatever he and Yonghwa had talked about the night before was slowly taking place slowly.

“I didn’t know a confession can be so hard.” Yonghwa suddenly moaned causing Tony to turn his attention to him.

“What is wrong with you?” Tony stared at his brother who was looking pale.

“Onew says I’m having a fever.”

“Onew says? What is he? A doctor?” Tony smirked.

“A love-doctor?” Wooyoung suggested with a grin.

“Yah! I’m really having a fever!” Yonghwa pouted with a slight cough. “Touch my forehead.”

Tony did as what his brother told him. He gasped. “Ne, you are really hot!”

“I told you.”

“I think you’re just shock because of yesterday.” Tony teased.

“What happened yesterday?” Onew and Wooyoung asked simultaneously.

Tony laughed and shared with them the story on how he and Joori had played a prank on Yonghwa and Seohyun. At first Yonghwa just scowled in embarrassment but then, he thought it was quite funny as well and he started to laugh together with the rest. One by one they started to tell something funny and the laughter continued for a while longer before Yonghwa's cough brought them back to reality. Tony looked over towards Yonghwa's direction with a worried expression. Onew and Wooyoung did the same and sighed.

"You need to go to the doctor Yonghwa-yah." Tony said, patting Yonghwa on the shoulder.

Yonghwa nodded. "I know, don't worry about me. You guys should go get ready for work or you'll be late."

"I think I have an idea." Onew smirked. "Let's call Seohyun-ssi and ask her to take care of you!"

Yonghwa shook his head quickly with an even louder cough. "No! Don't even think about that! I don't want to make her worrry over a small thing!"

"Too late." Tony said, ignoring most of Yonghwa's whinings as he put his phone to his ear, waiting for the other person to answer his call. "Yeobosaeyo?"

Onew and Wooyoung grinned whereas Yonghwa continued with his groans of both annoyment and pain.

Chapter 11 - Maybe I'm in Love With You...

Onew watched as Hara put down the phone with a guilty expression. He chuckled as he remembered what Hara had said earlier in the phone. Hara turned to look at him with a frown.

“Why are you laughing?” Hara asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Do you know that you look so cute when you were trying to come up with a lie?” Onew gave a light pinch on Hara’s cheek causing her to pout.

“Yah! Seohyun asked why I was panting earlier!” Hara replied with wide eyes.

“Sinchia? And the best lie you could come out with was ‘I was jogging’?” Onew laughed. “It’s in the middle of the night! Pabo!”

“Then what do you expect me to answer at that moment? I was tonguing a guy?” Hara rolled her eyes.

“Hm, that sounds better than ‘I was jogging’.” Onew teased.

“I’m not talking to you anymore.” Hara frowned as she folded her arms across her chest. Her eyes staring straight at the road ahead. “Drive.”

Onew grinned. He realized he had just triggered Hara’s anger. He sighed. Our first couple fight. He thought, chuckling.

“Yah!” Onew leaned towards Hara and poked her cheek.

“What? I’m your Yah now?” Hara turned to face Onew with a sour expression.

“Then what do you want me to call you then?”

“Aigoo!” Hara sighed as she slapped her forehead. “You were so romantic earlier, and now you’re turning into a bully. I shouldn’t have trusted your sweet words and honey-like voice and that mind-blowing kiss!”

Then the atmosphere turned silent. Hara felt like something went wrong. She thought maybe her words might have hurt Onew unknowingly and so she looked up. But she was caught off-guard when suddenly her lips were claimed by him, again. The only thing Hara could do was grin into the kiss they were sharing.

“I’ll call you baby then?” Onew whispered in between the kiss.

“Too cheesy!” Hara replied giggling.

“Too bad, I want too.” Onew smiled as he pulled back from the kiss with a silly smile plastered on his lips.

“Hm, it’s up to you then.” Hara shrugged.

“Well then, it’s settled!” Onew exclaimed. “So what did Seohyun call you about, baby?”

“Ommo! It sounds so wrong!” Hara giggled continuously.

“I’ll call you baby all I want!” Onew said with a smirk. “So what did she want?”

“She told me to fetch our dongsaeng from the university later.” Hara said. “She is staying late at the campus studying for her exam.”

“Ah sinchia? Then no dinner for us?” Onew pouted which Hara found it cute. She pinched his cheek lightly.

“Come over to my place and I’ll cook for you ramen.” Hara winked.

“Aigoo! My baby is so sweet!” Onew grinned as he ignited the engine. “So where’s the school?”

“Just a few blocks away from our neighbourhood.” Hara said. “Yonsei University.”

“Ah! I know it very well. In fact one of my house mates is working there.”

“Ah, sinchia? I think Jieun might know him then.”

“Jieun? Such a common name.” Onew smiled as he exited the multi-storey carpark.

“Why did you say that?” Hara raised an eyebrow.

“I know someone by the name Jieun as well.”

“Who?”

“My sister.” Onew grinned before grasping onto Hara’s hand and gave it a light squeeze.

******

The moment Onew told Wooyoung to drive his car home for him, Wooyoung felt esthetic. He had always wanted to drive Onew’s car and finally he got the chance! But he remembered the warning though.

“If I see a single scratch on my baby, then I’ll have you beheaded!”

Wooyoung shivered at the thought on how fierce Onew had looked earlier on. Even though most of the time Onew could be friendly and kind, but when it comes to his car, he could be a bit like an over-protective boyfriend.

But now was not the time to be too worried about Onew’s words. In fact, Onew had actually given him the permission to drive the car for his own leisure, of course as long as he drove that Kia Forte back home safely and with no scratches involved. Wooyoung grinned as he knew where to drive the car to; Yonsei University.

The moment he reached his work place, he parked the car properly and headed up to his favourite place on Earth, his science lab. It was already ten thirty at night. But Wooyoung had a good enough reason to return to Yonsei University even though he was already off from work.

He entered the science lab with a shiver as he remembered the events that had happened in the lab earlier. But he soon smiled when he remembered how Jieun had come in just in time to save him. She had actually saved him! He was not able to explain his feelings at that moment. How relieved he was and at the same time how fond he was suddenly of Jieun. She was like his guardian angel, his fairy-godmother, his blessings in disguise, his super-heroine, his…

Wooyoung sighed as he plopped himself down on a science lab stool. How nice it would be for him if he could just say that Jieun was his. His girl, his woman, his everything…

“Mr Jang?”

Wooyoung quickly stood up when he saw Mr Lee stepping into the science lab. He gave a low bow while shuffling his feet nervously. “Are you going to arrest me again?” Wooyoung asked timidly.

Mr Lee laughed. “Ani. You did nothing wrong Mr Jang.” Mr Lee clapped a hand on Wooyoung’s shoulder. “You should know this, Miss Kim Minsoo’s parents withdraw her from this campus. They were too ashamed with their daughter’s behaviour.”

“Ah? Jeongmal?” Wooyoung looked down in guilt. “I wasn’t going to press any charges. How is her education then?”

“Mr Jang, you are such a good man.” Mr Lee nodded. “Not too worry, Mr and Mrs Kim are sending their daughter overseas to continue with her studies. This is a matter of pride, there is nothing to do with you.”

Wooyoung nodded in understanding. Then he looked up at the professor with a curious expression. “Um, Mr Lee, what are you still doing up in the campus?”

“Oh right, I stayed back to help my students with some revision. It’s almost time for exams Mr Jang.” Mr Lee told Wooyoung with a laugh. “If only my daughter wasn’t engaged to her boyfriend, I would have introduced her to you.”

“Ah? A-Ani, I’m-I’m…” Wooyoung was stunned, totally lost for words.

“Not to worry Mr Jang, I’m just kidding.” Mr Lee laughed again. “I understand, you have a girlfriend already?”

“Aniyo. I’m still single.” Wooyoung told the older man with a slight blush.

“Hm, from what I observed this afternoon, that student, Miss Lee, who stood up for you, it looks like she likes you.” Mr Lee wiggled his eyebrows. “Do you know her by any chance?”

“Um, well, she’s my neighbour.” Wooyoung confessed with a shrug.

“Ah, and I’m guessing from your reaction, you like her too?”

“A-Aniyo. W-We’re just friends.”

“Ne, ne, I understand.” Mr Lee grinned as he clapped Wooyoung’s shoulder again. Then he leaned forwards towards Wooyoung’s ears. “Just to let you know, I think I saw her in the library earlier. She’s studying and she’s still there I believe.”

“Huh?” Wooyoung raised both his eyebrows as he pulled himself back to look at the professor. The older man had a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Well, I’m just letting you know.” Mr Lee shrugged before heading towards the door. “I’ll be leaving first then. Good night Mr Jang.”

“Ah, ne. Good night to you too Mr Lee.” Wooyoung waved as he watched the professor walked off, leaving him to the science lab all to himself once again.

Wooyoung stared into a distant while thinking hard to himself. A few minutes into staring into thin air, Wooyoung quickly headed out of the science lab before turning off the lights. He knew well enough where he wanted to go to; the only place she would be in right now, the library.

***

Jieun walked towards the vending machine to purchase another cup of hot coffee. Then she headed back to the table which was sprawled with all different kinds of books of different thicknesses, her company for her night-time study. Jieun sighed as she took a look at her notes. She had already gone through three-quarter of it but she felt as if none of it were sticking to her mind.

Jieun pouted as she brought the cup of coffee closer to her lips. Slowly she allowed the taste of the coffee to hit her tongue and down her throat. She smiled. Coffee and caffeine definitely perked her up. And she soon found herself flipping through her lecture notes to start with her studying again with the energy she had just regained.

***

Wooyoung smiled when he saw her burying her face into the pile of notes on the table. It was not his nature to be observing a girl from afar but this girl just made him do it. He thought she looked so cute while she was frowning as she was reading the notes. He found it simply mesmerizing when she unconsciously twitched her nose. He could not help but felt his heart quickened when she pouted her lips before giving that pink lips a slight lick while she was writing something down on the paper. In fact, Wooyoung thought he felt breathless when he saw her flipping her hair to the side when those long tresses suddenly blocked her line of vision.

Wooyoung knew he was totally gone. He closed his eyes shut as he tried to get rid of Jieun’s studying image from his mind.

“It’s the science lab oppa!” Wooyoung turned around to see a few female students whispering behind him. When they realized that he had seen them, they quickly giggled in embarrassment before quickly leaving.

Wooyoung sighed wondering why Jieun was not as affected as the fangirls, especially towards him, the Yonsei University heart throb!

***

“Yeobosaeyo?” Jieun answered her phone when she suddenly felt it vibrating in her jeans pocket.

“Jieun-ah? Where are you?” Hara, who was on the other line, asked.

“Oh unnie! I’m still in the library, studying.” Jieun said. “Wae?”

“I’m on my way to pick you up.” Hara told her. Jieun frowned.

“Why are you picking me up?” Jieun asked again.

“Yah! It’s almost midnight! You want to camp out in school is it?” Hara was shouting at the other end causing Jieun to cringe in respond.

“Ahrasso unnie.” Jieun nodded her head.

“Ah, good girl!” Hara said sweetly. “Get ready near the entrance. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

“Ne.” Jieun pouted before putting down the phone. Then she quickly packed her things up, her notes, her books and her stationeries before heading out of the library. What she did not know was, a pair of eyes was cautiously following her every movement.

***

Wooyoung noticed Jieun answering her phone. He noticed the disappointed expression which etched across her face before placing her phone back into her jeans pocket and started packing her things. Wooyoung smiled knowing that she was finally going home. He took a glance at his watch and realized that it was almost midnight.

It’s about time she goes home too. Wooyoung thought with a slight grin. Now he knew what to do with Onew’s Kia Forte.

He watched as Jieun hurriedly exited the library first. A few minutes later, he left the library as well before heading towards the carpark to retrieve the car. Igniting the engine, Wooyoung quickly made a drive out towards the main road. His aim was going towards the bus stop.

She’ll be there right? Wooyoung asked himself.

***

Jieun nodded at the security guard who was seated comfortably in his security booth before exiting the campus. Instead of heading towards her usual way towards the bus stop, Jieun turned the corner and leaned against the wall just beside the main entrance. While waiting, she noticed a black Kia Forte exiting the campus. She thought the driver looked a bit familiar but she decided to shrug it off.

A few minutes later, she saw Hara’s red car approaching the side road where she was casually waiting. Jieun smiled as she skipped forward towards the car. Her steps came to a halt when she saw a man who was indeed very familiar at the driver’s seat. He was talking animatedly with Hara who was sitting beside him. Then, as if on cue, the two of them turned to look at her. Her unnie smiled widely at her whereas the man seemed speechless. He had a surprised expression on his face. He turned to Hara to ask something which she replied at once. Hara gasped, both hands covering her mouth, as she turned to look at Jieun again before pushing the man out of the car.

Jieun gulped. She surely did not expect to meet him there. Was it the reason why her father insisted her to rent a room in that neighbourhood? Because he was there? She missed him. It had been months since she contacted him. And now, he was here in front of her. She felt the tears in her eyes threatening to come out.

“Jieun-ah!” Jieun heard him calling.

“O-Oppa!” Jieun cried as she flew herself into his arms.

******

“Ah, good girl!” Hara said with a gentle smile. “Get ready near the entrance. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

“I didn’t know you could be that fierce to your dongsaeng.” Onew grinned.

“Of course I have to be fierce to her. I care about her.” Hara told him. “It’s night time already, anything can happen!”

“True. If it was my sister, I would be that strict as well.” Onew said with a tinge of hurt in his voice. Hara noticed this. So she stretched her arms out and caressed his cheek. Onew looked at her for a moment and smiled.

“Wae? Did something happen with you and your sister?” Hara asked, her voice soothing.

“Ani. My sister and I, we’re okay.” Onew replied.

“Then, why the sad voice?”

“I lost contact with her.” Onew shrugged. “I was busy and I overlooked it.”

“How come you can lose contact with your own sibling?” Hara frowned.

Onew smiled as he grabbed hold of Hara’s hand before bringing it towards his lips and kissed her fingers lightly. “I was a rebellious son before. I left home and lived on my own. My dad and I had a conflict you see, so we were not on good terms.”

Hara nodded in understanding. “Then?”

“I love my sister a lot. She is the only dongsaeng I have and I felt bad leaving her.” Onew continued. “But I did try to make it up to her by contacting her secretly without my dad’s knowledge and meet her up every month, you know, bringing her to a fancy restaurants, giving her pocket money. I love watching that smile on her face everytime.”

“Aww, you are such a darling baby.” Hara cooed.

“Baby?” Onew grinned. “I like the way you call me baby.”

“It feels quite nice calling you that actually.” Hara shrugged. “Then what happen?”

Onew sighed. “Like I said, I lost contact with her. I lost my phone about six months ago. And so I lost my ways on how to contact her. I did go to her school to see her though but then I got to know she has ended her education there. So after then on, I actually had no idea which college she goes to now.”

“Why not visit your um, parents’ house? She might still be, you know, there?” Hara said, timidly. Onew noticed this and squeezed Hara’s hand in assurance, as a sign to tell her that he was not angry.

“You know what, I was thinking of that too.” Onew smiled. “With you around, I have the strength to meet my parents again. Especially my dad, he might be a bit soft-hearted when he sees you.”

“Aigoo!” Hara blushed.

“Wae? I want you to meet my parents!” Onew insisted.

“Hm, okay.” Hara quickly decided to change the topic. She did not want to linger to long on the 'meet-the-parents' topic too long. “So, what’s your sister’s name again?”

“Jieun. Lee Jieun.” Onew said ginning.

“Hm, it is a common name.” Hara nodded in agreement.

A few minutes later they arrived just in front of Yonsei University’s main entrance. Onew was still teasing Hara about meeting his parents that they did not realize Jieun standing just somewhere near the car. Finally Hara saw her and smiled wide. Onew turned too to look at the person whom had caught Hara’s attention. Onew’s jaw dropped. He was not able to believe what he was seeing at that moment.

“Hara, baby,” Onew stuttered on his words as he turned to look at Hara. He gulped

“Ne, what’s wrong?”

“That’s my sister!” Onew finally said it.

“Ommo!” Hara gasped, bringing both her hands towards her mouth. “W-What are you waiting for? Go to her!” Hara pushed Onew slightly until he exited the car.

Onew stood still as he looked at the girl.

“Jieun-ah!” Onew called out to her. He could feel his tears threatening to come out.

“O-Oppa!”

The next thing Onew knew was that Jieun was in his arms. His sister was finally in his arms! His sister whom he had missed so much!

******

Wooyoung was making another turn and was now heading towards the main entrance of Yonsei University when he was not able to see Jieun at the normal bus stop. He decided to stop across the road from the main entrance. He thought that he might have a better view from there. When he looked closely, he could see Jieun leaning against the wall just beside the big gate. Wooyoung grinned. Finally he found her!

He exited the car and was waiting to cross the road when he suddenly saw a red car stopping in front of her. What made him stop his walk suddenly was when he saw his own housemate, Onew, stepping out of the red car. Wooyoung watched the exchange between Onew and Jieun.

“O-Oppa!” Wooyoung heard Jieun calling Onew and his heart stopped. They hugged.

The next thing Wooyoung realized was that he was speeding down the road home. He could not care less about the condition of Onew’s car, especially when his heart was just pierced through with a steely knife.

******

Yonghwa and Tony stretched themselves on the sofa with huge smiles on their faces. They had just returned home and it was already past midnight.

“I’m happy that you and Seohyun are together.” Tony said suddenly with a chuckle.

“It’s Joohyun hyung-ah. Seo Joohyun!” Yonghwa corrected his brother.

“Yah! Joori calls her Seohyun, so I’ll be calling her the same thing!” Tony argued back.

“Fine! Then I’ll be the only one to call her Joohyun! It’s more romantic that way!” Yonghwa replied back a little childishly causing Tony to laugh out loud.

“You are definitely crazy Yonghwa-yah!”

“Yah! Jung Seongho! You are the crazy one!” Yonghwa exclaimed, laughing as well.

“Yeah! I’m crazy for Kim Joori!”

“And me, Seo Joohyun!”

“Wow! I still can’t believe that we are currently dating.” Tony shook his head. “It’s like a dream!”

“And I don’t think it’s only us hyung.” Yonghwa said with a mischievous glint in his eye. “I have a strong feeling that Onew is dating one of their housemates as well. I met her this morning. Her name is Hara, the one who coincidentally became his partner in the sports column!”

“BO?” Tony gaped. “Like seriously?”

“Yeah hyung! It’s funny how fate works right?”

“Oh my god! It’s hard to believe anything!” Tony slapped his forehead.

“Believe it hyung. It’s the truth.” Yonghwa nodded his head with a smirk.

“Ah! Now only left Wooyoung without a girlfriend. Should we find one for him as well?”

“I don’t think there’s a need to.” Yonghwa shook his head as a sly smile crept across his face. “Remember Jieun they were talking about earlier?”

“Jieun? The maknae of the house? Yonsei student?” Tony raised an his eyebrow.

“Ne. I think there’s something fishy going on between her and Wooyoung.” Yonghwa said.

“Sinchia?”

“Ne hyung. They came back home from campus together a few times already!” Yonghwa said.

“How do you know all this?”

“I know hyung. Jieun will usually tell Joohyun, and Joohyun will definitely update me on this!”

“Ah…” Tony nodded his head in understanding. “Fate is really funny I tell you.”

Yonghwa chuckled as he shook his head. Tony did the same and leaned his head back onto the sofa.

Just then, they heard the gate to their house opened and Wooyoung stepped inside. He had a stiff expression on his face. He briskly walked towards the coffee table and threw Onew’s car keys there. Then, he straight away headed up the stairs towards his room, without even greeting Tony and Yonghwa.

Tony and Yonghwa looked at each other and shrugged.