♥ Strawberry Milk, Anyone? ♥

Chapter 8, FINALLY.

2011-01-18T05:28:00.000-08:00

Hello all, Happy 2011!

Yes, dear lovely followers of SMA, I have FINALLY resumed my fanfiction. After a one and a half year long hiatus. I have been busy with things in campus - assignments and exams - and now I'm doing my final year final semester.

Honestly, I have been pretty worried with this fanfic of mine due to the many different stories out there that has similar genre and somewhat similar storyline. My inspiration for this work actually existed before watching Korean dramas like Full House, Mary Stayed Out All Night; even Paradise Ranch. I actually changed my storyline several times because I spot similar storyline/situations in the above mentioned dramas or drama reviews. Nowadays, story ideas out there are somewhat similar and when you read or watch a lot, you eventually predict the ending even when you're only at the beginning.

So, everyone, I will do my best to breakthrough and come out with good artworks! Not much fan art to share for now because Photoshop is overdue (shit you fake version) Thank you all, sincerely from the bottom of my heart, for the kind messages you left on my trailer in Youtube and also in the chatterbox. Thanks for the support. Because of you guys, I will not abandon this project, ever!

Chapter 8

Half-heartedly I squeeze the tube and greenish slug-like toothpaste spread on my toothbrush. I chucked the toothpaste aside and started brushing my teeth. My mirrored reflection stared back at me.

I’m a good guy. I’m a nice guy. I’m a patient guy, a reasonable guy, a forgiving guy. I swear; I am so nice that there are only 3 things in this world that could piss the hell of me.

One, unsigned contracts. Two, one-word-responses.

I spat and turned on the tap, accidentally pushing off a set of retainers which rested near the tap. I guess I forgot to mention the third thing that irritates me? PEOPLE WHO LEAVES THEIR PERSONAL BELONGING LYING ABOUT IN MY BATHROOM.

I dragged Kwon Yuri, whom by the way, fulfilled all three of the conditions; and forced her into the car. I didn’t even let her wear the other side of her socks. I chucked her stuff into the trunk and sped off even before mom gets on with the nagging again. ‘Excuse me, do you have a problem?’ she demanded.

I stepped on the accelerator and the pointer touched 80kmh. These are first words she has spoken to me after a week of muteness – and that nearly blew our cover. ‘Scholarship, huh? Smart move,’ I said in muffled voice, thanks to my facemask. ‘But be warned, no one walks away from me alive.’

‘So, your problem is?’

The pointer soars to 110 kmh, and Yuri switches over to her mute mode again.

Shall I add on the list of things that irritates me?

Having to talk through facemasks, and wearing them every single time I’m outdoors.
Reasoning with an elf, who is thickly spectacled, short and used to be a janitor.
People who busy themselves with their cellphone during a serious conversation.
People who steal their confiscated cellphone back when you are unaware.
And ultimately, people who ruin my bloody holiday;

and BTW, FYI I’m only left with one more week.

I pulled the car to a brake when we reached campus grounds. I locked the car doors before she tries to get out.

‘Shim Changmin! Enough already!’ She was literally jumping on her seat when she screams: ‘I AM NOT SIGNING THAT GOD DAMN CONTRACT!’

‘Lady,’ I shout, loud enough to keep her shut for a second. ‘I am offering you money, a place to stay, AND a lifetime guarantee that millions of female can only dream of. All I need from you is just a signature.’ And all of these words are said through gritted teeth and fists clutching the wheel.

She paused in silence, and looked at me intently. ‘All I need from you is the truth, Shim Changmin. However great this offer may be, I need to know why I’m doing you this favour.’

Sick and tired and annoyed, I wanted to pull the wheel off the dashboard. However, she wasn’t entirely wrong about the favour part. She deserves an explanation, I guess.

A short one will do.

‘I was rejected alright?’ I replied quickly. Yuri stared at me as if she’s seen me poop through my mouth. ‘I can’t possibly tell my parents that, it’s reputation suicide. It’s too late to tell the truth now anyway.’

Yes, it is too late. I can imagine Ji Eun’s mocking and mom’s nagging and dad’s…okay, let’s not even get there.

‘So you thought it’d be a good idea to use me as your fiancée, and at the same time, torture me for being such a pain to you during your silly concert, right?’

‘Yeah,’ I replied without thinking, and she looked at me as if I ate all of the crap that I pooped through my mouth. I reasoned out, ‘Remember, you’ll get into trouble for lying too. Must as well just go with the flow.’

Yuri unlocked the door and got out. ‘Get my stuff out and move it to my room, asshole,’ she said, her eyes piercing through mine.

I got out of the car and went over to the boot. ‘Okay Yuri, time to set things straight. One, you think I’m totally intrigued by this idea, but I am NOT comfortable lying to my entire family.’ I carried her luggage out of the trunk and simply threw it on the ground. ‘Two, the lesser you know the better. Things are not as simple as you think.’

‘And three, I’m not as simple as you think I am,’ she replied, brushing dust off her luggage on the ground. ‘Everything you say doesn’t make sense.’

‘You don’t make much sense either,’ I snapped back. ‘Look at this,’ I said, pointing to the one week old strawberry milk stain on my windbreaker. ‘How the hell are you going to pay me back?’

‘I did try washing it okay? It’s not my fault it turned out that way,’ she answered, teeth chattering. ‘Look, can we talk about this indoors? It’s awfully cold out here-

‘We talk here,’ I said mercilessly, despite the cold biting fiercely on to every part of my exposed skin. ‘Have you forgotten the day when you bumped into me on the streets? My bag is broken, the MP3 player went a little crazy, and my PSP has PMS every freaking time I use it!’

‘Stop screaming at my face!’ She spat back. ‘ I will pay IN CASH for everything,’ she said, now jogging slightly to keep herself warm. ‘It couldn’t be as expensive as having to pay you with my lifelong happiness anyway. ’

My face feels so hot it can melt my facemask off anytime.

‘YAH, KWON YURI!’ I screamed, and a few of the passerby stop to look. At this point, I don’t give two damns. She doesn’t, either.

‘HEY! YOU CAN’T MAKE ME DO WHATEVER YOU WANT ALRIGHT?’ She screamed, with eyes wide and hand clutched, ready to attack. I will not hesitate to return the attack, but the intensity got toned down by someone standing between us suddenly.

‘Excuse me, I’m so sorry to interrupt,’ said this guy, whom I noticed is wrapped up as if he is in Siberia. ‘Are you Kwon Yuri? ’

The stranger's face is hidden behind a huge grey scarf and his pink cap. But he looks oddly familiar though. Yuri, her stare still fixed on me, answered. ‘Yes, I am.’ Then she turned over and faced him. ‘How do you know my name?’

‘Miss Kwon Yuri, how do you do? I’m Lee Sung Min.’

Lee Sung Min. Lee Sung Min. Why is this name so familiar? I search frantically through every corner of my brain. ‘Hey,’ I nudged Yuri, who stood frozen looking at Lee Sung Min. ‘Do you know this guy?’

Lee Sung Min extended his hand to me and I shook it. ‘Nice to meet you,’ he said politely. ‘I am sorry for being so sudden, Miss Yuri. I was informed by your mom that you are moving to the dorms today, so I thought I’d help. I actually tried contacting you, but for some reason my calls won’t get through.’

If this is the reason distracting her from our conversation in the car – not good enough. Thanks to the weather that is bound to kill, the three of us ended up sitting together in a quiet corner of the cafeteria. Yuri fidgeted the whole time, shifting about on her seat, drinking her tea too quickly and burning her tongue, burying her head in her hands again and again, etc.

Lee Sung Min, completely oblivious to Yuri’s antics, continues going on about how his and her mother were good friends back in high school, how they used to share a bowl of bibimbap because they were poor, how they this and that and yada yada. Lee Sung Min not only wears a pink cap, he also owns a pink bag and wears pink sneakers. He noticed me observing him, so I quickly shifted my gaze to my drink.

‘Allow me to introduce myself properly once again,’ said Lee Sung Min, as though he’s read my mind. He started removing his scarf and cap. ‘I’m Lee Sung Min, but you can just call me Sung Min. I’m 26 this year, and I’m currently pursuing my Arts degree here.’

Fighting the urge to hit my head, I quickly took off my beanie and facemask, bowing slightly. Damn, after working together for years, how could I have stared at a Super Junior member for so long and not recognize him right away? Crap!

‘I’m so sorry, hyung. I couldn’t recognize you earlier.’

‘Oh? Changmin?’ he said, face lightening up, and coming over to give me a hug. ‘No problem man! I didn’t notice it was you either!’

With his back facing her as he hugged me, Yuri mouthed, ‘You know him?’

I gave her my du-uh stare as Sung Min pulled away, and she immediately buried her head in her hands again.

‘Miss Yuri, are you alright?’ Sung Min asked. ‘You look uncomfortable since just now.’

‘I’m fine’ Yuri said, face still in hands. Then she looked up suddenly. ‘Forgive me for asking, but can you tell me everything my mom told you?’

‘Well, to be exact I got her message through my mother. She told me about you moving back here and she was worried if you can adapt to the situation,’ he said.

‘Anything else?’ she probed further.

‘Err, my mom did say that it’s very hard for a girl to study abroad, having to live alone and stuff like that. That’s why I’m here to take care of you, I guess.’

Yuri’s face turned pale instantly. She stood up suddenly and bowed quickly. ‘Mister Lee Sung Min, I sincerely apologize on behalf of my mother. This is all a misunderstanding. I understand that this may be an inconvenience to you, but I will not conform to my mother’s arrangement to date you. I’m doing perfectly fine on my own, so I don’t need you to take care of me. I apologize again.’

I nearly spat the tea I was drinking. Did I hear wrongly, because I do not recall anyone saying anything about dating? What, does she actually think Sung Min is interested in her?

Sung Min’s face spelled utmost confusion. He took a few seconds to ingest her words, and then said, ‘Miss Yuri, let me explain-

‘You don’t have to explain, let me,’ she said, as she made me stand up. ‘We are engaged,’ she announced, and I found my fingers interlocked with hers.

The following few seconds of silence is one of the most intense moments ever in my life. I quickly tried letting go, but her grip on my hand tightened even more. While Sung Min looked at us with surprise, Yuri leaned over quickly and whispered, ‘The deal is on’.

Hell yeah.

‘Wow!’ said Sung Min, looking surprised and impressed. ‘Seriously, wooww!’ He said again, looking at us both. I gave the best smile I could as a person who is about to get married. He came over and gave me a hug again. ‘Congratulations! Never thought you’d be the first among us!’

‘Hehehe’ was all I could say. I too, never thought I’d be the first among my crazy bunch of friends to do something so outrageously crazy, like getting some girl to stand-in as my fiancée.

‘Congratulations, Miss Yuri,’ said Sung Min, offering her a handshake. She held his hand briefly and let go as if poisonous. ‘You found yourself a good guy. Oh, by the way, allow me to clear the earlier misunderstanding.’

‘Excuse me?’ said Yuri, puzzled.

‘I’m sorry if you’ve misunderstood my intention. There must have been a miscommunication between you and your mom. I only promised her to watch over you, as a friend.’ I hear the emphasis on the ‘as a friend’ part VERY CLEARLY. I guess he wouldn’t want her even if her mom gives her away for free.

Yuri’s is back to burying her beetroot face in her hands again. I thought she was immune to humiliation. ‘But, you can call me,’ he said, offering her a consolation. ‘I’d be happy to help my bro’s gal, anytime.’

‘Oh, give me a second,’ said Sung Min, looking at his incoming call. He left our table briefly, leaving a very unstable, head-banging-table Yuri alone with me. Heck cares. My euphoric victory is all that matters.

Sung Min returns and started putting on his cap and scarf. ‘Youngwoong just called me over to his place, for some drinks. You guys going?’

Awesome timing, alcohol sounds great now that I have something to celebrate, and my fiancée does look like she needs some.

***

So, after the tedious process of Yuri unpacking her clothes into the pile that will be worn in the dorm, and packing the pile that will be worn at my place, we got back into the car and drove towards my place.

‘This is stupid,’ she said, reading the contract as I drive.

‘You don’t have to sign it if you don’t want to. But after your convincing act in front of Mr. Lee Sung Min-

‘I WILL SIGN IT,’ she snapped, ‘but know that I’m only doing this because I’m an idiot and I deserve this.’

Like I care. I turn at a junction and halted at a red light. Yuri holds the pen a few millimeters away from the paper.

‘Wait,’ she said, breaking the momentum as well as the budding anticipation.

‘What is it now?’

‘I would like to propose a few conditions…’

‘That option is not available.’

‘We both agree that I am not giving up my place in the dorm, right?’

‘The contract didn’t say you have to cancel the scholarship, you idiot.’

‘We both also agree that I get my money once we both sign the marriage papers, right?’

‘Whoa whoa whoa, slow down lady. You need not worry your pea brain about the papers.’

‘So when do I get my share?’

‘Once your signature is materialized on my contract and the papers, the money is all yours.’

‘Fine,’ she said, and finally signed the contract.

Oh, never knew how blissful the sound of pen dancing on paper could sound. Hell yeah!

Incoming call from Sung Min. I passed the phone to Yuri as I see a traffic police standing on guard two streets away.

‘Hello, this is Yuri. Changmin is driving now...yes, we are on the way…okay, we’ll be there as fast as we can.’

‘Mister Lee said CODE RED,’ she said, looking at me uneasily. I hit the pedal and raced at my fastest.

***

When I opened the door, I knew for sure that the guys (except for Junsu who is back home) have been drinking again. This time, not only they drank; they got almost half of Super Junior to join them.

Wasted on the couch lies Yunho, Shindong, Yoochun, Kangin and Heechul; while on the floor, Donghae and Jaejoong. Apparently, Kyuhyun, who is now sleeping next to his own pile of puke, is guilty of calling Sung Min over to join in the fun.

‘Both our managers are on their way,’ said Sung Min, running to and fro the washroom to prepare wet towel for his members. Yeah, awesome. Patrick better get his ass here, ‘cause holiday or not, he’s still our manager.

‘I’m so sorry for the mess,’ said Sung Min. ‘Don’t worry about it,’ I replied, placing my arm on Yuri’s shoulder. ‘My fiancée here will take care of the mess.’

Yuri shot me a look of disgust but immediately started her clean up session when I gave her the look. To be honest, I’m not a sadist to torture her straight away after her signing the contract. But, using her instead of the cleaners is indeed a safer option, since she has already an oath to secrecy. She couldn’t really be bothered with celebrities anyway.

Incoming call again, this time from mom.

‘Hello?’ I said.

‘Changmin ah, where are you all? Finished moving already?’

‘Yeah. Omma, you haven’t clean my room right?’

‘No, I’ve been out all day. Why?’

‘Nothing, but did you know,’ I said loudly so that Yuri hears me. ‘Yuri has decided to stay with us.’ Yuri gave me a dirty look and shot me her middle finger. Oh the sweet taste of victory.

‘Good job son! I was worried that you guys will never patch up in time for the ceremony.’

‘What?’ My palms start to sweat. ‘What ceremony?’

‘Your engagement ceremony, of course! I took the liberty to plan it, and it’s tonight.’

Oh my god. This must be a joke.

‘Omma, you don’t have to do this. We can do it on our own.’

‘And when will that be? 10 years from now? If I leave it to you, I know you'll never get it done! Besides, you’re off to work next week and God knows when you will be back. I will not let Yuri wait that long for you.’

‘Omma-

‘It took me the whole entire week to get this together so you better do as I say, young man. Pass the phone to Yuri now.’

And I did. ‘Hello, Mrs. Shim,’ said Yuri, in her fake sugar coated tone she always uses when talking to my parents. ‘We are in Changmin’s apartment now. Now? But I’ve got work in an hour…alright then, see you there. Bye.’

Yuri shoved my phone back. ‘Your mom says that the make up artist and stylists are waiting for us in the hotel now. We have to get there in an hour’s time.’

‘Right,’ I said, feeling totally cheated. This is NOT how I planned it. After a few minutes, Patrick and Ji Joong, one of SJ’s manager, arrives and started moving the drunk bodies out to their vehicles waiting downstairs. Sungmin and I both helped while Yuri stayed on to watch the apartment with the remaining drunk members.

I didn’t sign up for cleaning this mess. I didn’t sign up for the family making a hoo-ha out of this. And I definitely didn’t sign up for witnessing with my own naked pair of eyes Kyuhyun and Yuri having some mouth-to-mouth action.

How that happen, please don’t ask me. I’m currently too disgusted imagining how having your tongue down the throat of somebody who just puked his intestines out tastes like.

End of Chapter 8

2009-05-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, I would like to apologize for the delay in updating the fanfic. Sigh. I've been really busy and updating the fanfic just keep on slipping off my to-do list. Anyway, I'm back and I'll try to update as much as I could =]

By the way, to all Changmin/Yuri/Sica shippers, have you guys saw their latest pictures? I've gotta say my Changmin has grown so darn hot that I can't take it. Lolx. Was away from my K-world and now I'm like stuffing myself with as much K-stuff I could during my sem break. Uhha I'm having my sem break now so hopefully I can finish off this fanfic once and for all! (kinda impossible but worth giving a try! XD) Anyway where was I? Oh ya Changmin and his hotness. [fangirl squeel!] Go Changmin!

And there have been several Hollywood Bowl pics of Sica which are just LOVE! I used to dislike her a lot but she's actually a really cute girl with a unique personality. Anyhow, I'm still using her to be Yuri's rival! [Omo Spoiler!] Hehe! I'm sure you guys have been seeing this coming all along!

Oh oh I've spotted several crazy pics of Yuri, the funny and crazy SNSD-ian who we love! Aw this girl just spreads the happy virus around doesn't she hehe.

I've haven't really seen any Suju pics around but I'll try to look for some good ones to PS! XD

Anyway, here's the Chapter 7 ~~which took me 6 months to finish~~ =p Enjoy!

Chapter 7

When I woke up, only three things I saw registered into my brain.

One side of my wide neck PJ sliding off my shoulder, exposing a fairly large amount of skin; Changmin’s buttons undone revealing an interesting set of pecs underneath, which was coincidentally placed exactly where my exposed left shoulder rested.

My exposed skin + His bare abs = Skin contact.

‘Yuri, this is the first and last time I’m gonna say this to you,’ said Changmin, who was once again, above me with his hand literally plastered over my mouth. ‘SHUT IT. And don’t make me repeat.’

Picture this: You found yourself awake in the arms of a half nude male, in a steamy room too hot for a day in November, and your PJ’s are sliding off your shoulders. Of course, it’s totally normal to feel annoyed yet pleased at the same time because although you are in the embrace of the person you hate the most in the whole world; his body is quite an eye candy. Screaming is considered a restrained reaction in this situation…right?

‘Woman, I’m talking to you. Stop looking at my body.’

Geesuz, this guy is so freaking thick! It’s maddening that the person I hate the most; is hot, and he knows it. What’s worse is that the over exposure of skin is confusing me and leading me to think that the person I hate is hot. It is unhealthy because I just proclaimed his hotness twice in the same paragraph.

‘Ji Eun,’ he said suddenly, ‘how many times have I told you to knock before entering?’

Feeling slightly relieved, I tilted my head and realized someone peeking through the door gap. Good. This distraction is healthy. Anything would be better than looking at his freaking abdominal muscles.

‘Well…’ said the small voice behind the door, ‘I didn’t mean to interrupt but…Unnie’s stuff has just arrived and…omma sent me to ask if…’

My stuff has arrived! Finally! I attempted to push Changmin away from me but Changmin remained on top of me, his grip on me hardened a little.

‘Ji Eun,’ Changmin replied with a mocking tone. ‘Can’t you see that we’re busy?’

In a second, Ji Eun disappeared, so as my chance of escaping from Changmin’s evil snare. I struggled to break free from his grasp, but he only pressed on harder. He even laughed his stupid evil laugh. Clearly, he enjoys making life a living hell for me.

Maybe this living hell IS the life I’m supposed to lead. He’s offering me money and that makes him the boss. After all, my participation in his opening act last night actually somehow showed that I’m interested in his bargain although I lied out of desperation. If I talked to Mrs. Shim, would she believe that her eldest son barged in and demanded I play lead actress in his role-playing game?

On the other hand, I can choose not to bear the guilt of living a lie. I can always find another place to stay, defer my course, and earn money in other means. Getting sent back to Hawaii is not the end of the world. Since I haven’t sign anything, it’s not too late to back out now.

It was the slamming of the bathroom door that made me realize Changmin finally got off me. He probably got sick of mocking me since I wasn’t responding. But that’s the least of my worries right now. What concerns me is the reason behind all his schemes.

Outside the room stood three big brown boxes, my name and address written neatly on all sides. As I carried the boxes one by one into the room, my mind continued to ponder on Changmin’s intentions. What could have happened between him and his fiancée, so bad that I had to be the substitute? Why is he offering 30 thousand dollars to someone he barely knew?

Why is he even lying to his family?

A thud on the floor pulled me away my thoughts. I turned back and saw Changmin’s cellphone on the floor. I must have accidentally knocked it off the table as I moved the boxes over.

The phone was sleek and sophisticated, but that wasn’t the reason why I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Curiosity burned my insides as I saw its screensaver, a self taken picture of Changmin together with a beautiful girl, who I assume is his real fiancée.

I quickly put down the phone as the bathroom door creaked open. Changmin left the room as he dried his hair with a towel, paying no attention to me. I glanced at the cellphone again, the screensaver still hovering on the screen.

What exactly is he trying to hide from his family?

***

The 4 hours and 37 minutes that followed was Changmin-free and once again the long lost tranquility has found its way back to my room. Finally, after hours of unpacking and rearranging my stuff in the room, I placed my laptop on the study table. Halfheartedly, I logged on to my messenger only to find 236 unread emails in my inbox and a whole lot of offline messages from my mum.

Supermom says:
dot! wat’s up yo?
[U-Ree] says:
hey mom
Supermom says:
y didn’t u give me a holler?
[U-Ree] says:
im OK. dont yo me, it doesn’t suit ur age
Supermom says:
heh
Supermom says:
so hows korea?
[U-Ree] says:
its ok. just cant stand some of the people here
Supermom says:
r u ok?
[U-Ree] says:
im fine dont worry
Supermom says:
hv u made any frenz der yet?
[U-Ree] says:
…
[U-Ree] says:
no
Supermom says:
oh
Supermom says:
hey i can intro some 2 u!
[U-Ree] says:
no thx
Supermom says:
u’ll like them, trust me!

Image89.jpg (712kb)
Waiting for [U-Ree] to accept
Cancel(Alt+Q)

[U-Ree] says:
…
Supermom says:
accept accept! :D

Transfer of Image89.jpg is complete.

[U-Ree] says:
omg
Supermom says:
isn’t he cute?
Supermom says:
his name is sungmin and my old classmate’s son
[U-Ree] says:
speechless.
Supermom says:
y? too cute for u?
[U-Ree] says:
no
[U-Ree] says:
he’s gross
Supermom says:
dot, be nice
Supermom says:
anyway, i gave him ur contacts
Supermom says:
u guys shud hang one of these days
Supermom says:
dot?
[U-Ree] says:
MOM, NOBODY GIVES THEIR DAUGHTER’S DETAILS TO A STRANGER
[U-Ree] says:
N CAPS ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH TO ILLUSTRATE HOW FURIOUS I FEEL
Supermom says:
hey relax! whats wrong?? he’s not a stranger…
[U-Ree] says:
i cant believe it! u askin me whats wrong?!

I got disconnected before I could even reply. Just as I turned to check the cable, Changmin was already leaning on the door with an unplugged internet cable in his hand. Mum, thank Changmin for he just saved you from getting an earful by yours truly.

I thought I could relax a little on my off day. But here I am now, carrying forty over boxes of Changmin’s rubbish into the room, all by myself, while Changmin had a gala time exploiting my laptop.

Inside the brown boxes were Changmin’s expensive presents from his fans. They weren’t just Gucci expensive, they were Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton combined together kind of expensive. Designer clothes, bags, colognes, wallet; gadgets such as MP4 players and cellphones; and thousands of self help books and novels. Yes, there were MP4 players and cellphones with the S. Did I mention there was a Apple MacBook Air lying somewhere beneath the piles of presents? Blind underage fangirls with overflowing amount of estrogen. Spending cash buying a pile of shit is better than spending it on an arrogant Freak.

After an hour of unpacking, I reached the last box which contained the weirdest costumes I could never imagine anyone wearing. Some of it kind of looks like the sick tights DBSK wore last night for their concert. Ew. Didn’t know Changmin had a fetish for kinky outfits. In the midst of stuffing the costumes back in, a small glittery ornament caught my eye.

Holy macaroni, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Isn’t this the charm bracelet I dropped when I was doing the bloody ballet stunt in the concert?

‘Yah!’ I yelled, as Changmin snatched the bracelet away even before I could even thank God that I’ve got it back.

‘Taking something that doesn’t belong to you without asking the permission of the owner equals to stealing,’ he said, as he examined the bracelet.

‘It IS mine! Give it back!’

‘These costumes belong to my company, and they are in my possession, I have every right to claim ownership.’

‘But I really did dropped it the other day-

‘In life, things doesn’t always go your way, darling,’ and flashed his annoying smirk. Keeping the charm bracelet in his pocket, he continued, ‘you should know where to keep all these stuff,’ he continued, as he made his way out of the room. Then he paused at the door, ‘when I get back, I expect to see my study table clear off your stuff.’

I glanced at the study table, where my laptop was buzzing and blinking away. Wasn't he the one who was using my laptop?! And what about the bracelet! IT IS MINE! This is ridiculous! Argh! ARRGGHH!! Sigh. Whatever. Ignoring him saves me my time of going through mental turmoil and physical exhaustion anyway. I opened the wardrobe and starting chucking his stupid designer clothes in. I wasn’t surprised a single bit when I looked into the mirror on the wardrobe door and see Kwon Yuri who have aged ten years overnight.

My phone buzzed. It was mum.

Guess she wouldn’t give up until I agree to meet that Sang Min guy or whatever his name is. As if I haven’t have enough on my plate.

‘Yes mum?’ I said, keeping the phone to my ear with my shoulder.
‘Yuri, what happen? Why didn’t you reply on MSN?’ said mom.
‘Oh, nothing. I was AFK ‘cause I had to…clear up my room. Anything?’
‘Um…yeah…actually, it’s okay if you don’t feel like meeting up with Sungmin you know…’

I knew it, she’s gonna try make me feel guilty so that I’ll date him.

‘To be honest with you, mum, I would love to meet him,’ I said as I loaded the remaining presents into the next wardrobe.
‘Really?’
‘Yeah, totally. I mean like, being kidnapped, then dissected alive and my organs trafficked to places I never heard of sounds pretty enjoyable huh,’ I replied sarcastically.
‘Yuri, what are you talking about?’
‘Mum, stop pairing me up with strangers, OKAY? Don’t you know that it’s dangerous?
‘I’ve met him, dear, he’s my classmate’s son-
‘If this is what you’re calling for, I’m hanging up. I’m really busy now.’
‘No, wait!’
I let out a huge sigh. ‘What now?’

Mum paused and there was an awkward silence between us, which made me feel slightly guilty for venting my frustration at her. Honestly, as much as I appreciate my mum being concerned over my non-existent love life, I do wish that she stop pairing me up with her friends’ sons, ‘cause it’s starting to get a tad irritating.

‘Well, it’s about your tuition fees…we have talked about this and agreed on your plan, but your dad…your dad says that he wants to sponsor you.’

I let out a fake laugh. ‘Sponsor me? Why now and not before when we were having a hard time trying to make ends meet? What does he want from us now?’

‘He is your father. Isn’t it normal for parents to do this for their kids? Besides, life there wouldn’t be so hard for you if-

‘Mom!’ I said, this time a little too loud that it made her winced, ‘I’m not complaining about anything here alright? We have already agreed to do things my way. Alright?’

‘Alright…’ she said quietly, and at the moment it felt as if my heart was pulled six feet under by the overwhelming sense of guilt inside me. I just screamed at her twice today, through a long distance phonecall.

‘I’m sorry, mum. There’s just too much to attend to and it’s suffocating me.’

‘It’s okay dear,’ she said softly, ‘I’ll call you another time then.’

Throwing my phone aside, I let myself fall face down onto the bed as I felt my eyes stinging and my vision blurring.

***

Today I left pizza shop early, with Mr. Kim’s permission, to settle my university registration stuff. Although the journey there was tiring and troublesome, the student affairs department confirmed my application and everything was settled in no time.

I was making my way out of the office when I saw ‘Student Hostel’ and ‘Scholarships Available’ posters pasted along the corridor.

Scholarships! Student dormitories! OF COURSE! Why haven’t I ever thought about this?! Am I blinded by some stupid 30K offered to me or what? Why should I be afraid of losing a place to stay or my tuition fees? I don’t even need that stupid contract to make life easier!

Wooohooo, I’m haven’t feel so happy ever since I set foot in Korea. Banging into people along the way, I ran back to the Student Affairs Department with as fast as my legs allow me to. Guess Shim Changmin will have to find another substitute to participate in his marriage role-playing game. Heh.

-End of Chapter 7-

I'm back! With the 6th Chapter :D

2008-11-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

Alright people, I'll leave all the explaining of my hiatus later on, I've been trying to upload this damn chapter for like AGES and I'm sacrificing my sweet sleep here trying to get this damn blogger thing right. Sorry for the procrastination, will be back with the explanation, so for now please enjoy first! =p

-Edit-

Hello again readers!

Sorry for making you guys miss me. Here I am, presenting to you the long awaited Chapter 6 :D

Alright people, since I've been MIA for so long, I owe you guys an explanation.

It took me so long to update because I have writer's block (I'm hopeless, I'm having this in the beginning already T_T) and I'm just plain lazy, lazy lazy lazy. So here I am, facing my sentence for being such a bum; I fell ill last week and this freaking flu just wouldn't recover. Oh well. That must been a sign of you guys missing me =p Haha.

Anyway, I'm having my 3 month break now, so fret not because your nice fanfiction generator here will do her job :D

So here comes Chapter 6, hope it can compensate the lateness in submission of fanfic. After all, good thing goes to those who waits, so those whom are patient has a long way to go =p

Enjoy :)

Please click image for a clearer view :)

Chapter 6

To kill two birds with one stone simply means to do two things at the same time using the effort needed to do only one, as stated in Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms.

To kill two birds with one stone also means avenging oneself AND enjoying every single moment of it knowing that victory is definitely yours. The target of my vengeance? The smart fart whom made me nearly shat my pants walking to the other washroom 100 meters away.

***

‘If there is anything, anything at all, just remember that we are here for you, alright Yuri?’

I rubbed my head gently, the part where the alarm clock hit. I swear that I’m gonna make her pay for the physical and material damage she caused on me; besides the unnecessary home chaos, explaining, and lectures that I have to go through when I’m supposed to be sleeping.

My mother, whom was shocked yet overwhelmed, consoled Yuri on her social, financial and environmental ‘problems’, although more emphasis were put on the worries of trying to please her in-laws and the internal turmoil faced during the absence of her fiancé which led to today’s ‘disagreement’. Dad and Ji Eun had retreated to bed as soon as they found out about the false alarm, leaving Mom and a very busybody Ji Yeon interrogating us on our undisclosed relationship.

‘Really, Yuri,’ mom continued, ‘you should have just told us right in the beginning.’

‘Yeah,’ Ji Yeon interrupted, ‘so much for trying to surprise us.’

Although my head hurt more than anything else, pride filled my chest as I watch my brilliant plan falling into place. I knew that this girl would do anything for money. 30K in exchange for the fun I will be having for my long awaited vacation? Nice.

‘Anyway, I’m sure you both are really exhausted after such a hectic day,’ said mom, giving Yuri a hug. ‘Just patch up and go to sleep alright?’

‘Yeaaaaah,’ I yawned, and I swear I could have LOL-ed on the spot when I saw Kwon Yuri’s petrified reaction as mom added, ‘I’ll go get some clean pillowcases and bedsheets for both of you to sleep on together.’

***

‘I like my bath water to be 57 degrees Celsius,’ I said, stepping into my bathroom, ‘and I expect to see my PJ’s laid the bed when I’m done.’

Then, removing my top and placing a bath towel on my shoulder, I continued, ‘It is also tradition that I have a light midnight snack, preferably something with some meat, egg, veggie, kimchi…I suggest Kimchi noodles?’

Yuri looked as if she would have strangled me, but she made a wise choice of restraining herself. Under her breath, she muttered, ‘I don’t remember our contract saying that I have to be your slave.’

‘Slave,’ I replied, ‘is a person whom works for his master without wages. But since you suggested it, I shall take it into consideration.’

I smirked. Again she shot me that stare, that very same indignant stare she gave me earlier when she ruined my prized windbreaker. Without another word, she went straight the bathroom and turned the tap on.

‘There’s a thermometer in the cup inside the cupboard near the sink, dear,’ I said. With satisfaction almost bursting off my chest, I strongly concur that vengeance is very sweet indeed.

***

‘What,’ she exclaimed in disgust, holding the contract in front of my face, ‘the hell is this piece of thing doing on the bed?’

‘You do know how to read, don’t you?’ I said, as my every single taste bud savours the luscious tasting Kimchi noodles. ‘By the way,’ I continued, ‘I don’t remember myself ordering Kimchi INSTANT noodles.’

‘Your Master,’ she read, her voice dripping acid, ‘man, you’re sick.’

A flashback of her ogling at my flawless body in the changing room earlier on replayed at the back of my head.

‘Look who’s talking,’ I said.

‘And why on earth should I heed your every command which would probably last for a lifetime?’ Yuri stared at me hard. ‘You’re irrational.’

I put down my chopsticks and stared back. ‘Alright,’ I said, reaching out to the letter on her hand. ‘Forget about it.’

As expected, Yuri flung her hand away, keeping the letter out of my reach. Guess she finally realizes where she stands, and the place she is standing is definitely not on a bed of roses. I smirked.

‘Is smirking the only thing you’re capable of doing with your mouth, besides throwing really sarcastic remarks?’

I chuckled. ‘I can’t help it. Lady Luck has been smiling at me quite often recently.’

Bizarrely, a small voice appeared at the back of my head. ‘Lady Luck has been smiling at me,’ it said, ‘ever since I met you, Shim Chang Min.’

‘Excuse me?’ Yuri said as she waved her hand centimeters away from my eyes, distracting me from my thoughts. ‘You there?’

Damn, this letting-my-mind-wander-in-the-midst-of-no-where should stop. Pushing my supper away, I got up. ‘When you are done signing the letter, clean up. I don’t want my room to smell of your cheap instant noodles.’

‘Hey! What cheap instant noodles? For your info, that’s my last cup noodle! And I only gave it up because you made me!’ she nagged as I made my way to the bathroom.

‘Why everything in my life has to be about you?’ she continued. ‘Not only I have to deal with your fans at work, I have to deal with their YOU off work!!’

I stared at her hard, and slammed the bathroom door hard behind me. Turning the tap furiously, I then splashed my face wet with the running water. I looked up into my own reflection in the mirror.

My chest hurts so badly it suffocates me, and the scar grows deeper with every breath I take. I hate feeling so helpless when I think of her, yet I can’t bring myself to erase her.

Why has it ended even before it began?

***

Lying on the bed, I look up at the ceiling. The room is dark and quiet. And cold.

The door creaked open and a petite silhouette entered. Fumbling with her pillow and comforter (I assume), she tip-toed all the way to the bed side and dumped her things on the floor.

In a second, all was quiet again. Until a string of soft snoring noises was heard.

Man, to think that this girl could sleep in this kind of shit temperature. I shiver as I feel the chill biting on to my skin. This damn room hasn’t changed a single bit ever since before.

I got up and turn on the heater, just as the door creaked open again.

‘Son? Everything okay?’ mom whispered, as she looked around searching for her ‘daughter-in-law’. ‘Good Lord,’ she exclaimed as she spotted Yuri snoring away on one corner, ‘why on earth is she sleeping there?’

I let out a huge breath. ‘She just rolled off and landed herself there,’ I lied. ‘Let her sleep, omma.’

Mom gave me a hard stare. Or at least it felt hard, since it too dark to see her face.

Letting out a huge sigh intentionally, I carried the Sleeping Ogre and placed her on the bed. The Ogre fidgeted a little.

‘See, isn’t that much better,’ she said, walking towards me. ‘You need to show her your love, especially during times when she’s not aware of it.’

‘Yes ma,’ I said, covering my head underneath my comforter. ‘Good night.’

‘Good night son,’ I heard her say, followed by the sound of the door being shut.

I pulled the comforter down from my face. Flashbacks replayed on the hind of my brain as I drift into slumber. Drunk in thoughts of her last words heard over the telephone…that she’s sorry…that we’re over…

Then a hand hit on my chest.

Damn that small-short-thickly-spectacled-schoolgirl-janitor-diabetic-elf.

I pushed the hand away and turned the other side.

3.26 a.m. Good. I’ve had enough for the day. I shut my eyes and forced myself to sleep.

***

I woke up on a rainy November afternoon with an intense heat choking me. Pushing an incredibly long flock of hair plastered on my face, I slowly opened my eyes.

There I was, in my room, the buttons of my PJ’s undone, a hand rested upon my chest, and my entire right hand squashed underneath Ogre’s neck.

The last thing I remembered was me, sleeping right here, with my PJ’s buttoned nicely and my body positioned 30 over centimeters away from Ogre.

And I thought she had her PJ’s worn properly and not with its collar hanging over her shoulder showing a whole lot of skin. And what’s with the compromising position we’re having here? Not that it’s uncomfortable; but it definitely beats me of how we actually ended up tangled up in each others’ embrace. Or cuddle, hug, arms, whatever word that’s appropriate in this situation.

And what’s with this extreme temperature change? Isn’t it supposed to be freezing on a rainy November afternoon? Cause’ all I feel is hot air surrounding every inch of my bedroom.

A soft moan came from Yuri. She fidgeted as her eyelids twitched. Clearly, the hotness of this room, and probably mine, has awakened the Ogre from its slumber.

The Ogre lifted its heavy eyelids and its sleepy eyes blinked several times. Then it stopped. The eyes were than opened and it speculated its surroundings.

Then it opened its smelly mouth and let out an ear-deafening roar.

-End of Chapter 6-

Temporarily on Hiatus

2008-06-10T01:38:00.000-07:00

Dearest readers,

Yours truly is now officially a *drums roll* ... University student! Yay! XD

But please forgive me - I'm going to abandon this project temporarily; until I get everything sorted out. Hopefully, HOPEFULLY, I will be able to update the new chapters ASAP (while I break my back washing dishes and cleaning up after crazy fans at Junsu's dad's restaurant =p LOL) so please wait for me ok! OK?! XD

If you wish to contact me...you can always leave a message here and I'll try to get back at you whenever I could. E-mails would do just fine =)

I will miss you guys. Really.

Bye.

xoxo
Paper<3

Chapter 5

2008-05-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

I'm back! Yeeeeeeeha!

I guess everyone deserves an explanation regarding my 53-day-disappearance. In case you didn't know, it's a norm for me to update once every month. I missed my chance of updating on early May as I was away on a holiday in KL. That's why the update dragged on till today. I'm sorry for not informing earlier! T_T Sumimasen~

I've quit my job at the Clinic, so now I've got more time to concentrate on this project. I don't know when will I start attending school again though, still waiting for my offer from the university I applied for. Even if I will have to always be on hiatus in the future, I won't abandon this project! I won't give up! XD Because of you guys! My readers!

Thanks for the constant affirmation and support. It really means a lot to me. So here's a big muacks to you for waiting so patiently! *Chuuuuuu*

Enjoy!

Chapter 5

Holding my breath, I immersed my head into the bath. As the warmth of the water seeps into my cold bitten skin, I reminisced on the series of unfortunate events today.

Five times. Five times I bumped into Mr. Freak; of all places – in the changing room, in the gents, in the bus and outside the convenience store.

Coincidental? I doubt so. Stalk? Probably.

I shot up as I feel my lungs screaming for oxygen. Hyperventilating; I glanced around, just to make sure Mr. Freak wasn’t leaning at one corner, flashing his annoying smirk.

Oh my god. Did I just pictured him, in my bathroom? I must be suffering from extreme mental exhaustion to hallucinate about some whatever guy.

Besides, I’ve got tons of other stuff to worry about. Like monthly expenses and university fees. Monthly expenses shouldn’t be a problem as long as I keep to my work shifts and pray for a raise; but university fees…I’ll settle that tomorrow. Yes, a trip to the university first thing in the morning. Make enquiries about scholarships or loans, or whatever that’s available. Sigh.

Get a grip on yourself, Kwon Yuri!

As soon I reached my room, I didn’t bother turning the lights on; instead I collapsed immediately into the embrace of my fluffy comforter. Talk to the hand, M.I.A. boy, no way I’m giving up this room for you and your darling fiancée tonight.

A soft noise on the end of the room broke the silence. I sat up instantly, wondering if it was another hallucination.

Maybe it was just me. I lay back once more.

Wrong move.

The moment I lay back, a broad hand with bony fingers covered my mouth, pushing me down to stop me from resisting. Thinking fast, I slapped the silhouette hard.

Instead of blowing the wind out of him, I made him even more aggressive. His grip round my mouth hardened and he got on top of me. I felt as if I was caught underneath a huge rock, barely able to move, yet alone breathe.

‘Okay, Kwon Yuri,’ he said, ‘let’s talk.’

All my life, I’ve always thought robbers break in, get valuables, and then get out. I’m surprised that this one is actually initiating a negotiation, on such compromising position.

‘On one condition,’ he continued, ‘you do not scream when I let go,’

He did not let go, so I started struggling to get him off me – in vain.

‘Bad idea, it seems,’ he continued, in a deadlier tone, ‘to try negotiating with you. So, I talk, you listen’

I continued struggling and screaming with all the strength left in me. The silhouette stayed still on top of me, and finally spoke again when all my energy is drained.

‘I don’t wish to waste each other’s time, so I’ll get straight to the point.’

I felt his weigh on me increasing as he leaned forward. As it was dark, all I could see was the outline of a broad shoulder-ed male. The dim light from the balcony reflected part of his chin, down to his neck with its veins protruding.

‘I will give you 30 thousand dollars if you agree to be my fiancée.’

I widened my eyes. Am I dreaming? Did an intruder just barge in without the alarms alerted, sneaked into my room, attacked me, and then offered me money so that I can be his fiancée?

Fiancée?

‘You’re taking too long to consider,’ his grip loosening a little, ‘any girl would die for such offer.’

You’ve got the wrong lady, dude. Disgusted with his arrogance, I turned to look somewhere else.

He let out an irritated sigh, saying, ‘I am Shim Chang Min, in case your bird-brain has not got everything figured out by now.’

Shim Chang Min? I turned to face the silhouette on top of me. Why does it sound so familiar?

Could he be…Mrs. Shim’s eldest son?!

As if I was possessed, I pushed him away from me. So what if he’s Shim Chang Min; what the hell is he doing on top of me?! Grabbing the nearby alarm clock firmly, I strike at him continuously until I hear a loud exclamation of pain.

I switched on the lights – and dropped the alarm clock in surprise.

Loud ringing filled the room.

Shim Chang Min, eldest son and also the one who’s said to inherit the best genes of the Shim family equals to Mr. Freak?

That brainless Mr. Freak – whom has jinxed me throughout the day – has just claimed himself as Shim Chang Min?

Mr. Freak, is Shim Chang Min?

For the love of God, my head hurts. Please end this nightmare.

Shim Chang Min picked the ringing alarm up and shut it off. ‘Watch it, bird-brain,’ he thrust the alarm clock to me, ‘it’s a present from my fans.’

I noticed DBSK on the clock and barfed. Even Shim Chang Min is into DBSK.

Then I paused; and looked into the picture once again. I looked at Shim Chang Min, and looked at the picture once more.

Oh my god.

Shim Chang Min is in DBSK?

SHIM CHANG MIN – MRS. SHIM’S SON – MR. FREAK – IN DBSK?!

I screamed at the top of my lungs. Shim Chang Min lunged at me as I dashed towards the door.

‘LET GO!’ I screamed as he pushed me on the wall, covering my mouth once more. Even if all our encounters were coincidental, it’s scaring the freak out of me.

‘Kwon Yuri!’ he said with raised voice, ‘I have overestimated you. Stop being a lunatic, or you’ll get us both in trouble.’

I took in deep breaths to calm myself down. Maybe my shock was over exaggerated and over reacted. Maybe I should let him justify himself before jumping into conclusions. Maybe I should cooperate, despite the fact that he’s the last person I want to see right now.

Seeing that I’ve managed to calm down, he let out a ‘tsk’.

‘Listen Kwon Yuri,’ he said, ‘I won’t take no as an answer. ’

I looked into his eyes. I can even see his contact lens. We were that close.

‘Who knows what a rejected person will resort to,’ he said, ‘you might end up jobless, account frozen, blacklisted among anti-fans, get thrown out of school, and get sent back to Hawaii.’

My eyes narrowed at him. That wasn’t just blackmail, its terrorization. What a sick sadist.

‘Okay,’ I answered, ‘give me a minute. I need to get this situation right.’

Now, this guy I barely know is asking me to be his fiancée. In exchange, I get 30 thousand dollars. Not that 30K is a large sum; but it isn’t a small sum either. With this money I would have more time to come up with the remaining university tuition fees. Or get my studying materials. Or whichever comes first.

But it’s Shim Chang Min from DBSK we’re talking about here, and that alone is a big deal. Their fans sure did look bloodthirsty especially during the concert. The idea of being slaughtered, barbequed and divided amongst the Cassiopeians, lovely.

The worst part is, he’s Shim Chang Min, son of Mr. and Mrs. Shim, brother of Ji Yeon and Ji Eun. I cannot imagine myself a fraud, living off them like a friggin freeloader.

But if I refuse, I might lose this roof to cover my tiny head; my allowances, my freedom, everything.

Shit.

‘Don’t you already have a fiancé?’ I blurted suddenly.

‘Bang bang!! Bang bang!!’

I jumped at the abrupt knocking from outside.

‘Yuri? Yuri? Are you alright?’

Mrs. Shim must have been startled by my screams.

Shim Chang Min and I exchanged stares. ‘Leave the questions for later,’ he said, ‘I want your answer now.’

‘Yuri! Open up the door!’

It was uncommon to hear Mr. Shim shouting. Even the sound of the sisters scurrying around trying to look for the key could be heard. Mrs. Shim sounded like she was on the verge of breaking through the door. Great, now the whole family is awake. Thanks to Shim Chang Min.

‘Dear,’ said Mr. Shim, ‘call the police. Yuri might be in danger.’

I stared hard at Shim Chang Min. This better be good. Or I will personally slaughter, barbecue and divide him amongst his darling fans

-End of Chapter 5-

Chapter 4

2008-04-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,
I shall stop making excuses for not updating earlier. However, I can't help but expressing my apologies for the super late update! I'm so so so so so sorry for that.

Just to let you guys know, I've finally got my hands on the Photoshop CD; but alas, I only how to use certain features. Please be kind to your poor author here who has only started exploring the wonders of Photoshop. Anyway, here's my first attempt; hope its not too bad.

Hahahaha. Do enjoy Chapter 4, while I improve my skills in Photoshopping. Lolx.

Chapter 4

‘Changmin, you sure you won’t be joining us tonight?’

The concert has finally come to an end. It was a successful one; but the sense of satisfaction could not cease the feeling of woe building inside me.

I guess it’s been made clear that she has decided to leave.

‘Yup,’ I said to my teammates, pretending not to be bothered by her departure, ‘you guys go ahead and have fun.’

It was nearing eleven, and I did not want to linger any longer. I put on my beanie and hauled up my sling bag.

‘See you guys in another two weeks,’ I said, heading towards the door.

As I was stepping out, a hand grabbed me by the arm – it was Yunho. He gave me a punch on the shoulder followed by a tight hug; and the rest of the members did the same. I’m sure they were already aware about her disappearance. It’s a good thing they’ve chosen not to mention about her.

‘Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me,’ said Yoochun, obviously trying to cheer me up with his killer smile which never works on me. Actually, it does, but in a comical way.

‘Beep you. ‘Beep’ you. That sounds so wrong,’ I replied with slight enthusiasm. The four TVXQ members laughed hysterically.

‘Hyung,’ I said to Yunho, ‘please make them stop, its not funny.’

‘Changmin,’ Yunho said, patting my shoulder, ‘you need to relax. Cool it. Have fun during your vacation alright?’

‘Yeah,’ said Jaejoong, budging in between me and Yunho, ‘call us when you need us; you don’t have to beep us though,’ he said, and the hysterical laugh starts all over again. And It's not even funny to start with.

At this moment I grabbed the golden opportunity to leave, before I get infected with this insanity.

Not even a single soul recognized me as I walked out of the stadium, clad in a windbreaker, the jeans I wore earlier during the concert, and my face covered behind a facemask. You see, I’m really just an ordinary guy. I’m a normal person. Maybe that’s why I don’t deserve a girl like her.

As I approached the bus stop, a bus rode along. Sharing transportation with thirty over strangers to get home used to be something I did everyday in the past. Now it’s something I could only do when I get my vacations.

Abruptly, my cellphone rang, pulling me away from my sea of thoughts. I was only a centimeter away from reaching for it from my pocket when I felt someone leaning on my back.

I’ve always had a high threshold towards the many fanatical doings of our fans but today, my tolerance level seems to have subsided a lot. I turned behind, and was not at all surprised to see that thickly spectacled short schoolgirl janitor for the forth time today.

As I shot a stern glance at her I saw an old guy tagging closely behind her.

That would be her dad, I assume.

Both physically and emotionally exhausted to respond, I turned back and pulled my beanie a little lower. Today is supposed to be a day of celebration; it’s the first day of my long awaited vacation after all. Instead, I got dumped, my digestive system went haywire, and I had a total of four bizarre encounters with this thickly spectacled short schoolgirl janitor who just couldn’t get enough of me.

To my distress - instead of leaving me alone, she tapped me on my shoulder, demanding me to face her.

She is so gonna get from me. Not.

A teary-eyed girl should never be ticked off – lucky thing I was fast enough to shut up before giving her a piece of my mind. There she was, looking at me as if I’ve made her life miserable. So I assume she's crying because she had an argument with her dad; but then again, why is her dad standing at such close proximity if that is so?

Nearing a bus stop the vehicle came to a halt, the inertia forcing her to fall onto me. It was a confusing moment – people were gushing out of the bus, but there I was, trying to balance myself while holding on to that girl, which just puzzles me even more – the fact that there was even physical contact with a stranger I just met.

She pulled away. She got off the bus. She left me dumbfounded. For a second I forgot that I have reached my destination too.

Luckily I looked out and hopped off in time before the bus continued its’ routine. Before I left, I noticed the old man relocating himself next to another schoolgirl.

Even from afar I can see her hurrying off to God-knows-where, bumping into others and apologizing along the way. What a weird person. But one's thing for sure, I will not see her ever again. Good riddance to you.

It’s a ten minute walk from the bus stop to my house. I strolled along the nearly empty street, recollecting the fond memories of my childhood.

As I was approaching the 24-hour convenience store, my cellphone rang again.

‘Oppa, get me choco-pies along the way,’ Ji Eun bellowed over the phone.
‘Have you finished your dinner?’
‘Du-uh, look at the time. I’ve even taken my supper,’ she said proudly.
‘Since you have taken supper, I see no need in buying choco-pies. I’m sure omma has bought tons of other stuff for you,’ I said. ‘Get omma on the line.’
‘Oppa, why don’t you ever use the word ‘please’?’ said Ji Eun.
‘I don’t hear you saying ‘please’ when you want food,’ I answered.

‘Changmin ah,’ said my mom, taking over the line, ‘are you on the way home?’
‘Uh, yes, omma,’ I gulped. I regret asking for her, because this would be when she asks-
‘Is she with you?’

She, refers to my ‘fiancé’. Ex-fiancé, to be exact.

‘Erm, not at the moment…’ I stammered.

How am I supposed to explain this to her?

‘So, she will be joining us later? What time will she come?’ mom asked enthusiastically.

‘Erm…’

Impossible as it seems, since the street was almost empty, I accidentally bang into someone. It was a bad collision, my sling bang slid off my shoulders and my belongings scattered everywhere. And guess who I've bang into?

It was Elf; the thickly spectacled short schoolgirl janitor.

I would have just shrugged, collect my stuff and walk away if Elf hadn’t spilled her strawberry milk on my favourite pair of outfit – it’s an eight hundred thousand won windbreaker we’re talking about here.

‘I’m really sorry, sir!’ Elf said, bowing 90 degrees repeatedly. Apparently she still hasn’t realized that it was me, Shim Chang Min; whom she has inflicted many troubles upon. Bet she hasn’t a single idea about who she is messing with.

Terrified to look up, she quickly got down and started clearing up the mess, apologizing non-stop.

I knelt to do the same.

‘Are you always this careless?’

And that wasn’t a just a casual question. It was a statement.

Elf stopped her sorry-chant and finally took a look at me. Her expression spells H-O-R-R-O-R.

Quickly, she gathered her stuff and stood up. Looking indignant, she poured her remaining strawberry milk on me and walked off. The strawberry milk smelled so sweet that you could get diabetics just by inhaling its scent.

‘Changmin? Changmin??’ my mom yelled over the phone.

Damn, mom’s still on the line.

‘Yes, omma, I’m here,’ I said, stabilizing the phone near to my ear with my shoulders, collecting my scattered properties at the same time. ‘Sorry.’

‘Who was that? I hear a girl apologizing to you,’ she said.

‘Erm…well…’ I stammered for a moment as I noticed an unfamiliar white cellphone lying in the midst of my belongings. Filled with curiousity, I explored its’ contents. This clearly belongs to Elf; the one with major narcissism. Who would set such a hideous picture as wallpaper?

‘Changmin! What happen?’ mom continued nagging on the phone, demanding clarification.

‘Omma, can you hold on for a second?’ I said, browsing through her contacts.

I saw a contact titled ‘Mrs. Shim-landlady’; followed by a very familiar number. Then came other familiar names like ‘Ji Yeon’, ‘Ji Eun’, ‘Mr. Kim-pizza boss’ and so on.

‘I don’t understand you, Shim Chang Min, why are you treating your mother like this? Here I am asking you a question but you keep on waving me off, I just don’t-

‘Omma,’ I interrupted, ‘is that girl, who rents room from us, called Yuri?’

‘That’s right. I thought I mentioned to you regarding this before?’ she responded with surprise.

An extremely risky but yet out-of-the-world idea came to my head.

‘Anyway omma, you were wondering about the girl apologizing to me earlier?’

‘Must be a fan of yours,’ mom replied monotonously.

‘She’s not just a fan, omma; she’s my fiancé.’

-End of Chapter 4-

Chapter 3

2008-02-17T06:35:00.000-08:00

Dearest readers...
Once again, your useless author here would like to express her apologies for not updating earlier! Sorry, please forgive me!

The above line was written yesterday when I was half-asleep. =p
Anyway, I am indeed truly sorry for the procrastination in updating. However, here I am now, sacrificing my sweet sleep just to bring to you guys the best! ^^ Keke. Naah Its nothing, compared to all the feedbacks and comments from all of you. It is an honour to be nagged at to update! =) Thank you many Gamsa! Heehee!

Please bear with the low quality images for the time being - it will be all over when I get my hands on my friend's Photoshop CD.

So here comes Chapter 3!
Enjoy~

Chapter 3

It’s sad enough that I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning; but earning extra allowance during my off day couldn’t be that bad. Sadly, it is written on the stars that the easy breezy type of work will never be for me. There I was, staring at TVXQ’s gigantic poster outside the stadium like a retard, in the midst of faithful cheering fans waiting outside. I didn’t need to be told that my next fourteen hours of work will require high physical ability and noise tolerance. I should have guessed – Mrs. Shim knows my boss whom has a TVXQ son.

Damn.

The job here is ten times more burdensome than in the restaurant though the concert only lasts for the day; still the constant deafening scream of the faithful fan girls are the best thing – to ignore. Thank heavens that I’m not arranged to work anywhere near the stage.

Basically, my work includes cleaning and assisting the TVXQ crew; and yes, I will be working for TVXQ themselves this time, tough luck. My fate is so bleak I didn’t even feel like talking to anyone, so I kept to myself most of the time, hiding myself in a beanie, a mask, and an XL sized staff tee; and communicate only when necessary.

So now, here I am, alone in the TVXQ headquarters, doing my work without any disruption. The high physical ability that I was referring to earlier simply means I will have to move heavy objects, and my stature was not at all helpful in this situation. However, I loved the fact that I have the whole room to myself, doing my best in making the room more comfortable for TVXQ in my own pace.

Everything was smooth sailing till the storm came, which was when the big shots entered while I was nearly finishing the changing rooms. Along of them were their faithful manager, tour manager, make-up artist, costume manager, hairstylists and another few staffs whom are in charge of the nitty-gritty. In a blink of an eye, the tranquility was polluted with various noises. Annoyed, I put on my headphones and started the vacuum machine.

The temperature rose almost instantly the moment the room was occupied with more than fifteen people; and the yellow lightings in the changing room area only makes the whole room looks like a sauna. It felt so warm; I took off my beanie, my jacket and my facemask and continue feeding my vacuum cleaner with dust.

I was halfway through cleaning the full length mirror in one of the empty cubicles when suddenly I felt a cold shiver running up my spine. I looked into the mirror I was cleaning, and on it reflected my image, behind me a tall tanned guy looking on. When our eyes met, I died and my soul went straight up to heaven; leaving my body standing right there like an empty shell. He’s not exactly handsome, but there was this mysterious charm about his eyes. However, this pair eyes is so strangely similar to the pair of mismatched eyes belonging to my landlady’s M.I.A. son, as shown on their family portrait in his room.

Could he be the M.I.A. guy? I turned around to get a clearer view of him. He appeared really tall and tanned, with unruly long hair and distinct facial features; similar yet different to the geeky boy in the Shim family portrait. Before I could say anything, the corner of his unusually dry lips curled up, and away he went.

My god, did he just smirked?

Puh-Leeez! I’d rather kiss the buttocks of a baboon than to go out with you! How arrogant could that guy be! I’m taking back those things I said about me dying and my soul going up to heaven. Why okay, I did die - died when I looked at the face of such a hideous egoistical, bigheaded, overconfident, haughty and conceited guy with cracking dry lips! Mysteriously charming, my foot!

I rubbed the mirror with extra force, jumping with extra might, desperate to get this frustration off me. Wait a minute. Why am I even bothered with such a nobody? I recomposed myself; looking into the mirror I smiled, adjusted my spectacles, flattened my hair a bit and assured myself that I won’t see him again. Taking in a deep breath and then letting it out, I made my finishing touches, kept my props in the janitor’s trolley and proceeded to the next cubicle.

I opened the door only to find the same revolting dude that irritated me so much earlier, only this time, he looked so much different with his top off. Who would have known underneath those garments was an impressive physique, inclusive of the broad muscular shoulders, interesting looking moobs, and proportionately toned chocolate abs. Did I just praise him? Well you know, his body is not all that flattering, you eventually get sick after looking at it for a while.

‘Hey!’ I shouted, trying to think of what to say next. ‘Why…why are you in here?’

Okay, I admit that it was a stupid question to ask, I’m giving myself away here. I should’ve said something like ‘Do you need a tutorial on how to lock the door?’ or something witty rather than ‘Why are you in here?’

Shit, now he’s looking at me thinking that I’m the pervert and that I’m so excited that he’s half-naked, while in fact he’s the attention craving one, not even bothered to lock the door while changing so that girls may barge in halfway and see him in his undressed state.

‘Of course I’m changing, this is a changing room isn’t it?

Yeah, like duh I know it’s a changing room. The problem lies with you, Mr. Freak, not me.

‘Why didn’t you lock the door?’

Okay, that didn’t come out right. I’m supposed to sound demanding, but it sounded a bit, weak? I admit, it is extremely distracting to talk to a guy whom is looking straight into your eyes when he’s half nude. What’s more infuriating is that he’s making it seem as if I’m one of his lunatic fan girls whom couldn’t get enough of seeing him on TV programs and radio shows. God. This is just…God.

Suddenly, I noticed him walking towards me, with eyes that shield me from reading his mind. My heart thumped wildly against my chest as he gets closer, and I took a few steps back, when finally, he shut the door on my face.

Christ! I’m taking back all the positive things I said about him! And what’s with his constant smirking huh? Even if he’s the only guy left on earth, I’d NEVER, EVER go out with him. He can save his nonsensical playboy tactics on another naive fan girl instead of wasting it on me, someone whom is not even bothered if TVXQ exists. He can have that dirty cubicle to himself; I refuse to clean it for him.

I returned the janitor’s trolley to the storeroom and emptied the rubbish bin before reporting to my supervisor.

‘You, go to Room 4 and stay there. Do whatever the staff there tells you to do.’

Room 4 equals the room that I cleaned earlier, equals Chamber of Torture.

The TVXQ staffs aren’t exactly the nicest people when they are in their working mode, not that they are rude or inconsiderate; I guess they are just overstressed and overworked. Everything has to be done fast and right, with no questions asked. From repairing faulty hairdryers, to untangling unruly microphone wires, I had to cover it all, one-leg-kicking. The worst chore that I had to do was to get this specific gastric pill which only God knows what it is, as ordered by the manager, and if I fail to obtain it by 10 minutes, I can forget about my wages.

If running out of a stadium to the nearest pharmacy with your hair plastered on your face looks stupid, try falling face down in the middle of the zebra crossing on the road. Still, I had no time to care about the scratches on my face or my swollen knee, it’s my blood and sweat earned allowances we are talking about here. With much turmoil I ran back to the backstage with the drugs, passing the manager the pills while catching my breath.

The manager screened me from head to toe, obviously disgusted with my unsightly appearance. ‘We don’t need it anymore. He’s fine.’ He said, still holding the pills, and walked away.

I leaned on the wall, still trying to catch my breath. On the alleyway, people were rushing in and out, one of them screaming, ‘Fifteen minutes!’ I guess this is it – the concert is about to begin. Putting on my beanie and facemask, I removed myself from the wall and made my way to Room 4 for more gruesome instructions.

‘Hey! You! Where’d you think you’re going?’

A hand grabbed my arm and I turned around, surprised that the tour manager was holding on to me.

‘I’m going back to Room 4, Sir,’ I said.

‘You stick to what you are paid to do, and not lingering around, okay?’

I thought I’m paid to assist in Room 4, but it seems like the tour manager has other plans for me. Submissively, I followed a crew member to another room which was filled with even more people, busying with their costumes and make-up.

Ha! Backup dancers!

In no time, I was pushed into a changing room with a pink dress. I scrutinized the dress, wondering the last time I allowed myself to wear one. A loud bang came from the other side of the door, ‘3 minutes, you there! Hurry!’, and I quickly stripped and squeeze into the dress, which, to my surprise, fitted me perfectly. Wow. It definitely has been some time since I last looked at myself in the mirror…did I just…lose weight?

‘You! Get out now!!’

I didn’t need them to shout for me twice; after keeping my clothes and belongings in the locker provided at the side, I ran back to where I was supposed to get my make-up done. As I sat in front of the mirror, I squinted, trying to get a clearer view of how I look without spectacles and with make-up on. Of course, these are all superficial; I wouldn’t look good without these enhancements, would I?

The costume manager appeared behind me. ‘Alright, she’s it.’

What you mean I’m it?

A basket filled with fake cash was handed to me. I couldn’t help but turn to the guy whom passed it to me, even though my hair was being styled halfway.

‘What- ’ I tried to say, but I was interrupted by the guy.

‘I’m as clueless just as you are, but that girl isn’t showing up. We had to find someone else to do it. Apparently the costume manager thinks you are the right one as a replacement.’

‘But what am I supposed to with these?’ My head was adjusted back to face the mirror as I pushed the basket away.

‘You will be attached to a string, and lifted around 4 to 5 feet above the ground, probably higher, and all you have to do is be graceful, dance your ballet or whatever, and throw the paper money on the stage when you see the red light signal from the end of the stadium.’ The guy was whispering all the way, looking around, making sure that the tour manager, or TVXQ’s manager is out of sight. I must be mistaken by the tour manager as the girl involved in the opening act of the concert. I wonder if we would be in hot soup if the manager finds out.

I pulled the crew staff next to me as the hairstylist turned my chair to face her.

‘What makes you all think I’m going to agree to take her place?’

Loud cheers could be heard from outside and the situation in the room became tense. Backup dancers ran out, getting ready for the opening act; supervisors were screaming, and the remaining staffs quicken their pace in their respective chores. In no time, the opening music is played, marking the beginning of the concert.

‘Please, Miss, you are the only one we have here. We know it would be dangerous to do such a stunt but it has been tested and we ensure your safety throughout your stunt. The allowance can be discussed.’

If I were to say no, I should have said no till the end, but in the end, I’m standing alone up here, with another stage props crew member holding on to my waist, ready to let me go when its time to fly. Or rather fall to my death.

Ah, touch wood. Not in a TVXQ concert. Dying here would be such an insult to my dignity.

But have you any idea how scary it would be flying a few feet off the ground with only a string attached behind? It’s not that I have a phobia towards heights; but all these came to sudden to me. Doing ballet stuff up there? Yeah, like I’m so well known for my elegance back in Hawaii. Besides, dancing in this dress…hopefully no one looks up from down there.

In the midst of contemplating, I felt a soft nudge by the crew member behind. Sure enough, the red light came one, telling me that my time of backing out from doing this is up. It’s time to fly and throw money over TVXQ. Sounds easy, but you won’t know how nervous I felt when the crew member finally let go off me while I stepped off the edge.

At first, I attempted to pose gracefully, but the swinging motion of the string and me as its pendulum gave me no time to think about poise or ballet. I started to drop the fake cash as I was swung back and forth, wishing hard that it will work well, and that no one from the stage, or the audience would notice me.

Just as I was getting the hang of it, the crew member pulled me back, as I realized my prized bracelet was slipping off my wrist. I tried to reach out to get it back, but the crew member, thinking I was making a suicide attempt held on to me even tighter, and I watched my bracelet fell on one of the black figure dancing below.

I must never lose that bracelet. Determined to get it back, I ran all the way down to the stage. I know I will be crucified if I were to barge in in the middle of the show so I waited at the side till they are done with their dance. However, before I could pursue my missing bracelet, I was pulled back once again.

‘Alright,’ said the same crew member earlier, ‘the girl is here. You job here is done. Go get changed.’

I smiled. ‘You’re forgetting something?’

The crew guy reached out into his pocket and out came a brown paper envelope.

***

Back in the torture chamber, I was once again made the odd-job worker, cleaning up after the TVXQ members and the other staff. During intervals, TVXQ would enter the room and change into their consecutive costumes, have a drink, chew on a snack or two, and then out they go again, cheering on their way, leaving me to clean up their peeled banana skin or bread plastic wrapper.

Even here in the Gents, I could hear the mad cheers coming from the fans. My watch alarm rings, informing me that my fourteen hours will soon come to an end. Feeling slightly cheered, I continued unclogging the stuffed toilet bowl; when suddenly an urgent bang on the door distracted me. I ignored it but eventually the banging became more violent.

‘The washroom is under maintenance.’ I yelled. ‘Come back later.’

The fellow’s brain must have been badly affected by his heavy bladder. I got up and opened the door.

‘Oh, you, anything?’ I said, disbelief of my misfortune of having to face Mr. Freak for the third time today.

‘Sorry, I need the toilet urgently,’ he said, his eyes aiming at the toilet bowl.

‘No,’ I said, standing in his way, ‘you can either wait till I’m done washing, or you may use the Ladies.’

‘You don’t understand, I’m having a major digestion dysfunction here,’ he said frowning, obviously trying to bear with his stomachache.

‘And I’m having a major problem trying to make this person here understand that the Gents is out of bounds!’ With that, I slammed the door on his face, just as how he did to me earlier.

Ha! Serve you right. Why don’t you just poop in your pants? I continued my business, scrubbing my darling toilet bowl away until it sparkled and shine.

***

It was nearly 11 p.m., when I was finally allowed to go home. After I bowed and took my leave, a staff crew smiled and handed me a TVXQ keychain. I smiled back at his kind gesture, though I’m not a fan of theirs, I wouldn’t be earning some money if it weren’t for their concert.

I sat at the bus stop, pleased that I could finally enjoy a moment of peace and serenity on my own. Nearby was a couple being mushy to each other; opposite me stood a few fan girls reenacting their glorious idol concert, and some random people around. A bus rode along, and it seems like the bus is extra full today, hence I had no choice but to stand along the middle aisle with other extra passengers.

There was this tall guy next to me, whom was also wearing a facemask, heavily framed glassed and a beanie. When we happened to look at each other, I nearly screamed. He’s got the exact same eyes as Mr. Freak. However, he could never be Mr. Freak, that guy thinks he’s such a V.I.P. he’s probably sipping champagne in his private limousine, accompanied by at least three hot chics, heading to some high profile club around town. I shuddered at the thought of bumping into for the forth time in a day.

More passengers boarded the bus at consecutive stops and eventually my personal space becomes limited as I had to squeeze along with the other passengers, like a sardine squashed in a tin. The worst thing was that I had to bear with the drunk man’s ordour opposite me and the body contact with strangers.

As the bus came to a halt, I felt the inertia pushing me towards the tall Mr. Freak look-a-like. He looked slightly annoyed as he turned his back on me, when suddenly I felt a hand groping my left buttock.

I panicked, frantically searching around for someone who can rescue me. The groping becomes worse as seconds passed by, but I dare not shout. It was too embaressing; besides I know that no one would believe me unless I have valid proof. Trying to get myself further away from the pervert, I leaned towards Mr. Freak look-a-like.

In no time, Mr. Freak look-a-like turned around looking upset, and that was the time I looked at him with pleading eyes, sending out my SOS stare. Mr. Freak look-a-like somehow got my signal and looked at the person behind me; and at me again. It was then I hear a soft ‘hmph’ coming from behind his facemask, and he turned away again, pulling his beanie even lower.

In life, you do not need to be taught how to tell if that guy is a jerk. You'd just know it.

-End of Chapter 3-

2008-01-25T02:11:00.000-08:00

Hi readers! Thanks so much for the comments! I will continue working hard to improve on my writing skills!

On the other hand, I'm so sorry for the super late update; I've been busy with work I wished I could clone myself to do several things at a time, since I suck at multitasking. But you guys are a bunch of very considerate readers right? =)

Alrighty then, please look forward to the upcoming chapters. =) Once again, thanks for the replies. Though not many, I still appreciate every single views and comments given. Thanks!

-Purplish-pink Paperhearts <3

p/s: I've made a little amendment some where in this chapter. I was in a hurry while posting this chapter. =) Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Chapter 2

‘Hello everyone…
it’s me, Choikang Changmin here…
How are all of you today?
Hopefully all are healthy.
^^

The practice session today took away 80% of my energy!
I ate almost 5 bowls of ramen
to make up for the energy I lost to
5 straight hours of rehearsing.
1 bowl of ramen for 1 hour?
Kekeke.
Even so, fatigue is not going to stop us
from giving our best in the concert tomorrow.
Thanks to your neverending love and constant support,
we are always motivated to work harder
just for you, our fans!
Let’s have fun together in the concert tomorrow yeah!

Thanks to all of you for supporting me by listening/reading!
The weather is rather chilly nowadays
so do wear a few more layers of garments…
Please take good care of yourselves and don’t fall sick ok?
Good night everyone!
See you in the concert tomorrow…
TVXQ hwaiting~!!
^^’

Mission accomplished at 1.25 a.m. At last. I stretched and yawned, finally willing to give in to the fatigue that has been taking its toll on me.

I kept my laptop and headed to the bedroom. I was expecting to see four of my roommates sleeping, but there was only one bed occupied. Without a doubt, Yunho and Yoochun must be serenading the street on their posh coupé. I walked away from the bedroom towards the dimly lit living room, only to find a figure sitting right in front of the TV. That would definitely be Junsu, catching up on the soccer matches that he’d missed. In the room slept a heavily drugged Jaejoong, resting serenely on his bed. In fact, it’s unusual for Jaejoong to be asleep at this hour; he would never miss any joyride, drinks, or TV shows. I guess this time he’s really down with flu.

I leaped to my bed, positioned right underneath the air conditioner. I hastily hid myself in my comforter and tossed around to find the most comfortable position to hibernate.

In case you are wondering about me, or the other four people I have mentioned earlier; Google ‘TVXQ’ or ‘DBSK’ and you will get the answers to your questions. I don’t mean to boast but apparently, the Netizens understands us better than we do. For example, they have got a complete bio data of yours truly: my name - Shim Chang Min and my D.O.B - the 18th of February, 1988; my height - 186 centimeters and my weigh - 61 kilograms; my blood type – B, and my interests - food, music, sports, and books; Bingo, they’ve got it all correct. My four-one-one is easily accessible, thanks to our company, SM Entertainment, that went all out to publicize our group, Tong Vfang Xien Qi (you pronounce it as Dong Bang Shin Ki). My career as a singer started at the age of sixteen, when I debuted with the other four TVXQ members of the similar age range.

In case you’re lazy to Google us, I don’t mind sharing a little about our group. Just a brief introduction though. Yunho, widely known as U-know, is our Dancing Machine leader whom eats his member’s food but refuses to share his with others. Subsequently, Xiah Junsu, the ‘sculpture-handsome’ one, is our self-acclaimed charismatic tenor. Our bass singer, ‘Dandy Boy’ Micky Yoochun, never fails to drives the fans to go wild with his…dandy-ness. And of course, TVXQ will never be complete without the troublemaker Youngwoong Jaejoong, whom has an eternal craving for attention from his fans.

‘Chang Min-nie ah, are you asleep?’

I pushed away the comforter from my face, only to find a groggy, sleep-talking Jaejoong lying next to me. FYI, all our beds are arranged side by side.

‘Hyung! You’re too close to me!’ I lightly pushed Jaejoong away, whom was looking like a California Roll in his thick comforters. ‘We do not need another sick person for tomorrow’s concert.’ How stupid of me to respond to him, knowing that he wouldn't understand a single thing I'm saying. I turned away from him and shut my eyes.

Despite the sniffing and nose-blowing next to me, I managed to get forty winks. As five minutes passed by and I felt myself slowly falling into deep sleep, my cellphone rang.

I reached underneath my pillow.

‘Hello?’

There was no immediate response. For a moment, I thought it was another prank call from the fans. Unexpectedly, on the verge of shutting my phone, a sweet voice emerged at the other end of the line.

‘Oppa, it’s me…’

My slight irritation disappeared into thin air upon hearing the sound of her voice. Yet, I was too exhausted to talk, yet alone to listen.

‘Still awake?’ I replied, attempting to hide my weariness.

I heard distinct sniffs and a shaky voice replied.

‘Oppa, I…’
‘Mmm…?’
‘I’m sorry. I can’t follow you back tomorrow.’
‘Mmm…’
‘Let’s not meet up anymore.’

Whether the conversation was reverie or reality, I can’t be sure. She hung up without another word. I threw my cellphone aside, unable to fight against the weariness that has been haunting me these few days.

***

I punched the redial button again, getting nothing but the same response I got on my earlier attempts. It’s unusual for her to deactivate her cellphone at this hour, but I couldn’t get the dream I had last night out of my mind.

‘What on earth are you doing?!’

I turned behind, facing a very irritated looking TVXQ manager. I quickly kept my cellphone and took a few steps away from him, preparing myself to avoid his ever so infamous saliva shower.

‘Uhh…nothing?’ I faked out a chuckle.

Instantaneously, Patrick, our manager, flung his arm on my shoulder and led me into our resting room. As we walked across the spacious room, he never ceased showering saliva, not at me, but at the staff around, ordering them to finish their job.

‘You are late, Chang Min. This is so unusual of you,’ Patrick said, as three female staff joined us on the way. ‘The rest have already changed.’ I gave an awkward smile and apologized.

I could see Yunho and Junsu coming out from the cubicles as I approached the changing rooms. More female staff surrounded them, touching, I mean adjusting their costumes and fixing their accessories.

‘Err…just leave the stuff there,’ I said to my helpers, as I see no necessity in arranging my costumes on the table; I’m gonna wear them anyway. The three staffs giggled and stepped back, exchanging glances and whispers amongst themselves. Well, I don’t mind the company recruiting our fans as volunteers, as long as they behave themselves. In a second, Patrick left; he must have finally realized that his walkie-talkie was ringing.

I gave signal to the three female staff stand guard as I walked towards a corner while scrutinizing the room, my hand in my pocket, ready to call her again. The SM team is scattered around, busy preparing for the concert. A few feet away, Junsu and Jaejoong were warming up their voices while Yunho was doing some streaching exercises. Yoochun was no where to be seen; he must be admiring his own reflection in his cubicle.

I looked out for Patrick, taking out my cellphone when he’s clearly out of sight. A janitor entered to the empty cubicle next to me with a vacuum cleaner, looking ready to clean up the unused cubicles next to the spot I’m standing.

After randomly screening the room once more, I punched the redial button.

The distinct sound of the vacuum cleaner could be heard, a clear indication of the janitor getting down to her business.

‘Tooooooooot…toooooooooooooot…’

When I finally managed to get her on the line, the sound of the vacuum cleaner started to get louder.

‘Hello?’
‘Hey, it’s me… Did you call?’

The sound of the vacuum cleaner was getting from deafening to ear-splitting. I could barely hear myself talking.

‘Why-broom-Oppa-I-can’t-brooom-sorry-brooooom-’

The line dropped. I tried redialing, but failed to get her on the line. I know the line wasn’t cut off due to bad reception; it’s obvious that she hung up on me; and I need to know why.

The annoying noise finally stopped when I stopped redialing. Nevertheless, I'm not going to stop right here. I need to find out if anything had happened to her.

The janitor was halfway through wiping the full length mirror as I passed by the neighbouring cubicle. A thickly spectacled short schoolgirl was reflected on the mirror, her hair pulled back in a pony tail. In attempt of cleaning the top part of the mirror, she hopped; but to me she looked more like she was swimming in her XL-sized SM Staff shirt with an apron on top and worn-out jeans.

Her attention diverted to me as she realized my presence. She turned around to face me, and our eyes met for a few seconds. I then gave a swift smile, looked away and went into the next cubicle. Gazing at my own reflection I thanked my parents; I wouldn’t be born so good-looking if it weren’t for their genes, or their ancestors’.

I pulled off my top and started rummaging through the costumes hung on the door. When I said 'just leave the stuff there' I didn't mean 'just simply hang it there'. It took me quite some time to find my top, thanks to my ever so helpful helpers. Finally, when I turned to face the mirror again, the door to my cubicle opened, behind it stood the short girl.

For a moment I was surprised; but the short girl seemed even more
stunned.

‘Hey!’ She shouted, breaking the brief silence. ‘why…why are you in here?’

I paused to churn out a witty answer but I guess it wasn’t necessary; she was already stammering.

‘Of course I’m changing, this is a changing room isn’t it?’
‘Why didn’t you lock the door?’

I smirked, noticing the quaver in her voice and the blood that’s rushing upwards to her cheeks. I walked towards the door, and she took a step back every time I took a step forward. Finally, when she stood far enough out of my cubicle, I smirked again, shutting the door.

For a minute, I realized how crude I reacted towards that stranger and what a lousy impression she would have of me. All these because of a faulty door lock. I took a deep breath, reassuring myself that I won’t see her ever again, I put on my coat, feeling totally pumped and hyped for our big day, until I felt an excruciating pain on my abdomen.

Oh no. Not again?

-End of Chapter 2-

***

Chapter 1

2008-01-09T04:22:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1

I lifted my heavy head and glanced at the clock on the wall. It is already 10.55 p.m. Right now, I should be having my strawberry milk instead of washing these dirty dishes. I should be Youtube-ing instead of washing these dirty dishes. I should be snoring in my comforter back in the apartment now instead of washing these dirty dishes. I should be doing something else and NOT washing these dirty dishes.

Oh goodness. My shoulders weigh two tons I could feel myself collapsing anytime soon. Are my arms still intact? I couldn’t feel them any longer. Neither could I feel my remaining limbs. Twelve straight hours of work is like an anaesthetic jab from head to toe.

Did you have any idea about my workload? The number of things I do per day drives me to The Land of the Insane. Currently, I’m working in a pizza restaurant as a waitress cum ‘sanitary manager’. I serve, scrub and clean for up to twelve hours a day, five days a week. I don’t mind the long hours as the pay is quite reasonable and my colleagues are nice; but the only thing I can’t stand are the customers. They are so different compared to the customers back in my mom’s restaurant.

Reasons of why I say the customers here are mad:

Reason #1 – They never stop flooding in. They come in many types of patterns too -Patterns of trouble. Before I could settle the bill for Table No.1, Table No. 2 calls for the menu. At Table No. 3, a kid spills her soda on the floor and at the very moment, the customer at Table No. 4 requests for extra cheese. Gosh, give me a break!

Reason #2 – 99.99% of the customers here have the exact same interest – they are nuts about this boyband called TVXQ. Did I mention that the owner of the restaurant has a son who is in TVXQ? His son has the weirdest name I’ve ever heard…it goes something like…Xiah? Honestly speaking, I haven’t got a single clue about these TVXQ people. They seem to be pretty hot here in Korea though. I see them everywhere; TV, tabloids, billboards…even the restaurant itself is full of pictures of this Xiah guy.

And the top reason of why I strongly feel that the customers here are cuckoo…

Reason #3 – They adore cardboards. Cardboards! F.Y.I., there is a life-sized cardboard figure of Xiah in the restaurant. Everyday, at least twenty people will get me to snap not only one, but dozens of pictures of them posing with the cardboard. Then they go berserk when they see the picture they had taken and get all excited over nothing. Once, a crazy schoolgirl fan tried to run away with the cardboard, which was a failed attempt by the way. You can never remove anything from the shop that has TVXQ on it under the customers’ watchful eyes.

Unfortunately, the insanity does not just end right there and then. It continues even after all the customers are gone; when the doors are shut and when the ‘close’ sign is put up. You wouldn’t even want to look at the amount of crockery and cutlery royally waiting to be scrubbed and rinsed.

Maybe I shouldn’t be the Little Miss Complain Queen. Things are not as bad as it sounds. On the contrary, I’ve got a very considerate employer who is very concerned about the welfare of his employees. Mr. Kim, my boss, was the one who found me a place to stay and I will forever feel indebted to him for that. Besides, he’s always thankful as his son’s fans are very supportive towards his family. To show his gratitude, he would personally attend to their home deliveries. What a great boss I’ve got here.

It is now twelve sharp; my colleagues and I finally managed to finish everything. It’s a wonder how I was able to drag myself all the way back to the apartment.

Actually, that apartment does not belong to me. As you know, I could only afford to rent a room with this humble salary of mine. F.Y.I., I currently reside with the Shim family which consists of 5 members altogether; one of them M.I.A at the moment.

I moved in one week ago. Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Shim happen to be friends and…the rest are history. At first, Mrs. Shim had no intentions of letting her son’s room out but changed her mind after getting to know about my pitiful situation. I’m not that pathetic but I was running low on cash after a week of stay upon my arrival in Korea. I have to admit that I’m really lucky as I no longer need to worry about my lodging and food. However, I still have to worry about my university tuition fees. The first semester has been paid by mom but I’ve got to do some fundraising for the remaining semesters. Sigh. Why is it that everything in life has something to do with money?!

I tried to be as quiet as possible upon entering the apartment. Leaving my shoes outside, I turned the doorknob slowly - only to find Mrs. Shim on the other side of the door, wearing an apron and smelling of ginseng chicken soup.

Ginseng chicken soup! One of my favourites after strawberry milk! Suddenly, all the fatigue left me and soon, I find myself gulping down the scrumptious bowl of piping hot soup.

‘Tomorrow is your off day?’ Mrs. Shim asked as I gulped down my last mouthful of soup. I nodded. ‘Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow,’ I answered.

‘I was wondering,’ she started, ‘if you are interested in earning extra allowance. The company my son works for is holding a major event tomorrow and they are in urgent need of manpower. Since tomorrow is your off day-’

‘YES!’ I stood up immediately but quickly got down when it suddenly hit me that it was already past midnight. ‘Sorry Mrs. Shim, I mean, yes, I would love to work at your son’s company.’

‘Good! Now, go get some rest, watch the TV or something, and I will handle everything here,’ she said as she started taking the bowl away for washing.

I’ve always thought Mrs. Shim had the same shoulders as my mom. They both have a mother’s shoulder…small and slender yet able to carry the burdens of the world…tears filled my eyes.

‘My son called me just now,’ said Mrs. Shim suddenly, and I quickly wiped away the tears. ‘He’s returning the day after tomorrow with his fiancé.’

Oh. The M.I.A. Boy - The guy whom inherited the best genes in the family. As quoted by Ji Yeon, by the way. If you didn’t know, Ji Yeon is the second child in the family, and I must say that her height is waaay tall for a girl. She is really witty but I guess her brother is a genius as she always says that she has only one tenth of her brother’s intelligence.

The youngest, Ji Eun is a petite girl whom has an appetite that knows no limit. Despite her lanky figure, Ji Eun consumes six bowls of rice during dinner and you will never see her without any food in her hands. Everytime I look at her munching away in front of the TV, she would go, ‘What? My brother has a stomach as big as the universe okay.’ Umm…okay then.

‘Omma,’ Ji Eun called out from her room. ‘Oppa called just now to remind you to clean up his room.’

‘Don’t worry Ji Eun,’ I said, ‘I’ve got everything under control.’

Mrs. Shim smiled at me. ‘If you don’t mind, you will have to squeeze with the girls.’

‘I don’t mind a single bit. Do you mind, Ji Eun?’ I called towards her room.

‘Whatever, I want to sleep already.’

So do I. Yawnn.

‘Good night Mrs. Shim.’

Good night mom.

-End of Chapter 1-

Prologue

2008-01-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

Prologue

Name – Kwon Yuri. Age - eighteen.

I stand at a height of five feet two and I weigh…let’s not get there. The truth is; I know I’m FAT, as in the BIG-ASS-FAT kind of fat, though people assure me that I’m far from it. Liars, liars, all are liars. I know my body better than anyone else does. Anyway, enough said, my weigh issue is definitely not something to boast about.

I’m pure Korean, lacking porcelain fair skin, rosy red cheeks and pink juicy luscious lips - all the must-haves of an Ulzzang. Honestly, I think I lack a lot of things. I’m nothing but a below average plain Jane, your typical girl-next-door who is currently facing a pimple invasion crisis. The fact that I’m still struggling in a war against zits approaching the age of nineteen makes me want to dig a whole on the ground and bury my head in it.

Long story cut short – I’m a total failure at the looks department.

Okay, enough of pity parties already. Let me share something else about myself.

I live in a place called Paradise. At least it is a paradise for surfers and sun-lovers. Hawaii! The place where I truly feel belong! I would jog along the beach every morning without fail, all just to feel the morning breeze mess my hair up and hear the sound of the waves crashing on the sand. In the noontime, I would challenge myself to conquer the raging waves of the sea by surfing and after that; I usually would enjoy a peaceful short nap under the sun with mom. That is my perfect lifestyle with no one else but me, my mom, and my chilled strawberry milk.

There is this thing people like to say about attachment to certain things in life. They say that emotional attachment to things may become a burden to you when its time for you to detach from it. I never gave much thought about it as I thought I would never have to detach myself from my friends here, the memories, and mom.

I made a mistake for making such assumptions.

A letter all the way from Korea changed my life. Along with it came good news and bad news.

The good news is; the letter was from Kyung Hee University, one of the best academies in South Korea. I was accepted to pursue my studies in Arts, alongside the crème de la crèmes. For once I felt so proud of myself.

However, I would have to leave Hawaii. That’s the bad news.

I don’t want to say goodbye to the eternal sunshine, or the crashing waves, or the white sand. I don’t want to say goodbye to mom. But I do want to know how it feels like living back in my hometown, and how it feels like living an independent life.

God, why can’t I just have the best out of both worlds?

Someone get me my strawberry milk now.

-End of Prologue-