Caramel Entertainment

Foreword;

Caramel Entertainment just recently open back in May 2010 but it wasn't open officially for trainees just yet. The CEOs and founder – better known nationally as the Park Sisters – decided it was too soon to invite the trainees since they barely have proper employees. After months they have hired professionals – even retired ones – to work for Caramel. Some say the Park Sisters has charm like no other that convinced the famous and retired trainers to get back to their feet. Of course, it's not every day that CEOs of the whole company are eighteen year old twins. It has been confirm that both sisters used to be trainees. Kim JongHyun of SHINee, an artist of SM Entertainment determined that Park RyeoNa did trained in SM for six months before quitting. No one knows why. Her sister, Park MiSoo also trained for over a year in JYP and had potential to be one of Korea's best dancer. Kim JunSu of 2PM, artist of JYP Entertainment confirmed this rumor. Even he doesn't know the reason why even though they started training in JYP at the same time.

But right now, in December. They are now a proper entertainment with proper trainers and actually trainees. Sorry to say that most reporters and citizens were so doubtful on Caramel. But now the Park Sister proved everyone wrong. They held auditions globally a couple of months back. And they even accepted ex-trainees from various entertainments. Such as Korea's Cutest Dancing Machine; Park HaNee. He had been training with YG Entertainment for over one year. Rumors as it he was seen carrying with his possessions to Caramel's building, which include dorms, language classes and other faculties. And China's very own Precious Flower with a voice, Victoria Chen had announced yesterday that she would be training in Caramel for now on. She had been with Cube for some years now. Even with her voice, Cube has not plans to debut her. Even though both Park HaNee and Victoria Chen are unconditionally talented but both CEOs from YG and Cube said they lacked in something that cause them to stay away from the debut list. They hope that the Park Sister could help them realized what that lacking element is and helped both of them to debut.

Caramel Entertainment's building could be call a college campus as it includes the usual dance studios, recording studios but also classes. Their trainees apparently need to learn basic English. And as reported earlier, Caramel have accepted various youngsters from all over the world. They need something to communicate with each other than hand gestures.

Now the citizens are excited over Caramel Entertainment hoping they would debut artists in the near future because of the reputation the Park Sisters built. And how many ex-trainees has come to train there.

Chapter One;

The Dance Class
“And one, two, three!” A young lady shouted as she popped her chest and locked the arms as she moved with the beat from the radio, booming DBSK's Rising Sun. A group of four imitated her perfectly. Well the prove was stuck in their hair and stained in their light clothing; heavy think sweat continue to fall on their smooth blemish free skin and hair. Their eyes showed perfect focus on their swift movements. “HaNee!” The instructor's alto voice shouted. The dancers behind her literally jumped from the loud roar. One of the reasons to fear her. “You have to turn your whole body!” She was in a green loose track suit, sweat stick to her tan skin. Even with her hair tied back in a bun, some loose hair stick to her wet neck. Her cheeks had a faint blush, her breathing was uneven as she went to the back of the room – a room with mirrors as walls – and passed the group, finally reaching a pouty young boy right at the back. His skin was too pale to belong to him. Too lady-like, too translucent. Well, his is named as Korea's Cutest Boy. Just everything about him scream 'cute' from his pink hair pin to his pink sneaker. “You have to really do the wave,” she said firmly as she hold on to the younger boy's waist, it seemed to be smaller than hers. “HaNee, you gotta eat. You're going to break if fans get a hold of you,”

“Don't you know the saying, noona? 'The smaller, the cuter? Besides, I quit YG before even have the time to teach me how to the wave.” The young boy blushed a slight crimson. But she cannot blame him, Park HaNee hold a powerful reputation to be one of the best dancers because he could learn just from watching. Unfortunately, a trainer from YG made it too difficult for HaNee to catch up, so now he's just like everyone else. The girl scoffs and the some of the group laughed. All of them had the tired eyes but the smiles hid it. They each are so different yet so similar. “Noona, can I go to RyeoNa-sshi? So I can have that individual thingy?” The pale boy pouted adorably.

“Please,” the girl sarcasticly exclaim, “she's a vocal trainer, not a dancer. Why do you think you're stuck with me? And she's busy with some paper works, she has no time to do the Individual Attention thing. And ou're a dancer HaNee. Now turn your body to the left while I hold your legs. Guys,” the girl called yout to the group, everyone turn to her, “I think this is going to take a while. You can take a break or continue dancing.”

“I don't think that's acceptable,”

A new amused voice suddenly; interrupted the excited and relief dancers. Just one look at her, everyone bowed; respecting her. Except for the young tan girl, who immediately ran and almost tackle one of Caramel Entertainment's CEO. The two laugh as they tried to gain balance. You could see the similarities between them. The same huge brown eyes, the same jet black hair, the same height and proportion. It was very obvious. “I just come down to see how things going,” the CEO said before the girl could ask. They looked at each other suspiciously. As they were conversing through their minds. As if they could. Maybe they could; after all they are twins, nationally known as the Park Sisters, the founder and CEO of Caramel Entertainment. “You should keep practicing, no matter how hard or tired you are. That's how you improve. I mean, look at me,” she said fluently, easily but formally. And her tone still had the amusement. It seems odd somehow, being in the same room as the twins. Heck, everyone in Caramel's building could sense the oddness. Even though they are twins and they have similar face and body but they are still different – not only between talents.

RyeoNa has a mature image. Her hair always falls over her shoulder to her waist, occasionally styled in a bun every time she's. . . well . . . pissed. It shows that she's serious. Every day she shows up to the building dressed formally, with her neat grey cardigan and black trousers. It suits her pale skin from the lack of sunlight. But she is an eighteen year old teenager. In odd days, she would show up in t-shirt and jeans. Well compared to MiSoo who usually be found wearing brightly coloured clothing who seems to be 5. Her skin was tan, everyone know she jogs in morning, lunch and evenings, just to maintain her small waist. She eats a lot, the cooks in the cafeteria had troubles sometimes just to keep her tummy full. Because of her sporty self, MiSoo wore her hair short, almost like a boy. It doesn't matter who she was in the company when she was dressed in shorts and shirts.

Even though they are the owner of the entertainment. Both sisters always find a way to mingle with everyone. RyeoNa, who used to be a trainee for SM Entertainment for six months, learned valuable vocal techniques and currently teaching, well teaching part time to new trainees because she's busy with paper works handling the whole Entertainment. MiSoo, who used to be trained in JYP for over a year and had the potential to be one of Korea's best dancer, now she occasionally teaches all of the dancing class if there was no other trainers available. RyeoNa likes to do the paper works alone which was fine by MiSoo, since she doesn't understand it all anyway. But no one actually know why they quit. And why they opened Caramel. They could have debuted and become famous.

“Can you please introduce me to this class?” RyeoNa smiled widely, trying to be friend. She painfully aware of her position and it might make some of the trainees nervous around her. “I heard that this is the best class so far,”
“Of course, I train them for almost every day now since one of the dance trainers quit last week,”
“I know, I'm sorry for that. I still can't find a replacement,”
“It's okay, now I know what to do in my spare time. At least I'm still keeping my dance training routines every day,”

The two sisters was deep in their conversation. Another strange thing in Caramel. These people were the CEO, yet they still converse like normal people, teenagers in front of their staffs and trainees. But it made staffs and trainees a lot easier to talk to them. Especially MiSoo, who seem never to be upset or serious. RyeoNa, on the other hand was much more anti social. She only comes out from her office when she has her regular vocal class training, or when MiSoo dragged her out.

“And because most of them are ex-trainees. I don't really have to train them. Just polishing their skills,” MiSoo's brown eyes scan the room. They were four trainees in total who were still drench in their sweat. Their shirts were practically glued to their skin. “Okay, Etta unnie,” MiSoo called out at random and made a girl choked, she was drinking water from a bottle. Her features made it so obvious that she wasn't Asian but oddly, when she smiles honestly you could see that she does have some Asian features. But her pale skin was so different from the rest because it was not pasty pale. “Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry. Henrietta unnie!” MiSoo patted the foreign girl. Henrietta's blond hair kept covering her face, it made so hard to tell if she was still choking or not. RyeoNa smiled apologeticly. She didn't want to come closer, Henrietta might be far nervous than she was.

“My expertise would be freestyle,” she declared in English after a few minutes, in a complete British accent. Both of the Park Sisters actually spoke English from their visits to overseas, which is why they made the language classes so they could understand each other. “Sorry, I only know basic Korean,” she had a funny accent when she spoke in Korean for her last sentence. Of course, Korean is her second language. But it only take her dance skills to translate. Henrietta was very small for her age but there was no denying that she was the one of the best dancers in Caramel. “I'm from Italy and currently 18, I do well in sexy style of dances,”
{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYTwsv3-rJ8}

“My name is Quinn, my expertise would be b-boy,” a muscular guy step up, once again in English, well in an American English accent. His smile was too boyish for him. “I'm from Beijing, China and I'm 18 as well,”
{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU0zQga0EVM&feature=related}

“I'm Hana from Hokkaido, Japan. I do best in popping and wave for 17 years of my life, I'll be performing with Quinn,” another girl smiled nervously, she spoke perfect in a Seoul accent.
{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmKG17DjeYA}

“Lastly is HaNee. He has a crush on you, sis,” MiSoo patted HaNee's back teasingly.
“NOONA!”
“What?”
“Whatever! I'm HaNee! I can do anything except for waving! I'll be performing a powerful dance!” HaNee blushed red as he practically shouted his words.
{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW5UGfXnLVs}

RyeoNa laughed at his behavior. She asked more about the class. Like how many hours they practice in a day. How many minutes are their break and how often. She asked Henrietta not to do any outrages dance moves like that. Even though she is legal but it's not appropriate. Finally, RyeoNa announced the reason she came down and asked them to introduce themselves.

“In my hand are tickets for a competition. And I select all of you to participate.”

Chapter Two;

“I heard RyeoNa sunbaenim has chosen the dance crews who'll participate with us in the competition.”
“Please, why would she do something like that? I mean, we can sing better than them.”
“Yeah well, it's a full entertainment thing. We have to sing and dance.”

“Come on guys, they're not going to that bad,” Everyone looked at the voice who claimed the last sentence. The accent was a smooth Manhattan English. Only Matthew can declare the dance class people are as good as the vocal class. He's the nicest guy around. Only because he's the only Taiwanese guy in the whole of Korea. He tried his best to make more friends. But that smile of his, he probably can make friends with every girl in the whole world.

A rather annoyed girl scoffed at his sentence. Everyone else in the recording studio stood back, except for Matthew who seems to enjoy China's Precious Flower's reaction. She was Chen Victoria, Cube's most famous ex-trainee. And everyone was scared of her. She has always had a scary reputation, but not in public. Just between the CEO, trainers, trainees and staff members. It was almost impossible such a nice innocent girl like her had a deathly glare. Her voice and words linger in the chill studio when she spoke; “You have no idea what those barbarians are like,” she spoke in fluent Korean.

“Unnie, I think that's too harsh,” a looking pale girl commented, even though she was shyest and probably had the smallest voice when speaking but Im YuRim had a lot of potential to be a singer. But sometimes she has a hard time thinking of the consequences of her actions. But before Victoria could respond to YuRim, the double door of the studio opened. Revealing RyeoNa in her usual blazer, looking down at some papers. She looks up but her trainees were still stiff.

“What's wrong here?” She simply asked. All of them seems to have a faint blush on their cheeks. Even though Victoria is the scariest but no one messes with RyeoNa. Of course, she runs the company. “Okay guys, today is just going to be singing some songs that I have prepared because I have a meeting in one hour. . . “ she trailed off, looking at the papers. “Yuya, could you sing this?” She looks up at a tan tall guy who captured a paper RyeoNa had threw at him. He smiled. Saitou Yuya rarely join in conversations and gatherings but everyone wants to be with him. He has a certain charm that no one knows. He just came from Japan when he learn that Caramel accepted him. His parents always support him, no matter what. But hey, they could afford it.

“It's a duet, sunbaenim. . . “ he trailed, RyeoNa sat began the piano and took out her square black glasses. She examine the page.
“It's okay, it's in my note. Matthew, could you find the CD?”
“Yes, ma'am,”
“Remember, harmonized guys,”
{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAKPeqK9y1Q}

“That was very very good.” RyeoNa smiled, simply amazed. Even though it she did made the mistake so she could sing with him. Yuya had a good voice. It kinda reminded her of JongHyun's voice. Okay, stop that RyeoNa, she stopped her thoughts, JongHyun is dating SeKyung, he has nothing to do with you anymore. “Right, YuRim. Since you are very new to all of this classes,” YuRim sighed in relief, it was true. She was never a trainee and had any vocal lessons. She only wanted to audition because her friends dared her to. But now, YuRim was determine to be a successful singer because she never felt anything more worth taking. “I just want you to be more comfortable, to let out your full potential. Make your voice much much clearer, okay? Here.” YuRim nodded and took the paper RyeoNa was handing out.
{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RU8CyogH0o&feature=related}

“Very good, that was. . . amazing actually, YuRim,” RyeoNa compliment. She turned to Victoria who had been anxiously waiting to sing, “Now you wanted me to listen some of your old songs. They are great but it doesn't show your full potential Victoria,” RyeoNa hand Victoria a piece of paper, “I think this song will a start of something new? Matthew, here's the piano scripts. Yuya, start with your guitar.”
{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF5EIJSQu1s}

“Right, lastly. Matthew,” RyeoNa amusingly turn to Matthew, who just flashed his very friendly smile. “Now I know I have been pressuring you guys to sing ballads until now, but it is good practice. Because ballads can show off your emotion to the audiences, but most importantly the judges. And ballads can showcase your vocal cords. It can range to a very low bass to a very high soprano. Matthew, you have the most beautiful voice in ballad but I'm curious to what your voice sound like when you sing this,” RyeoNa handed him the papers and Matthew smiled. Standing up and walked to the radio, he began searching for a CD. He placed the CD in the radio and sang.
{ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWpTEmnAWSA&feature=related}

“Impressively cute, did you guys see how Matthew actually have to act cute in order to compliment his voice and the song together? sStarting next week, we'll be working on upbeat songs. To see if your voices can be harmonize with such beats. You can choose your own music, but,” she stopped, smiling. She loved the moments when she could tease them like these. It is only fair, they all are in the same age range. “You have to find the most perfect song that can compliment your voice, okay? I have to go now, I'm late!” RyeoNa picked up her belongings and rushed out. The trainees lay back casually on the provided sofas and began chatting casually. Suddenly RyeoNa emerged from the door and quickly said; “I forgot to tell you, I made an appointment with you guys with the dance class that will be on the same competition with you guys. Here's the address and time. Don't be late and please behave,” RyeoNa's puppy eyes shone. She knew how much her vocal class felt about the dance class. She hope it'll go well.

Lyrics of My Love Stories

Foreword;

To me, every song reminds me a tale. Each containing lyrics, telling the story; complete with melody and rhythm that flow within the story. Every beat counts to make it perfect.

And here I am writing those unwritten fairy-tales; depending on what song I am listening.

This is a collection of one-shots.

. . .

I like to work on my own pace, each story may take weeks/months to complete. But I'm hoping each song won't dissapoint you. I believe in quality than quantity on any ground.

No, I don't take requests. I have already chosen my songs and characters; which consist of mostly K-POP stars.

. . .

Credits to Han of Vanilla Sky for the gorgeous poster and background. I can't express how much I love it. Thank you once again. Request for her @ vs-vanilla-sky.blogspot.com

Chapter One;

Doushite kimi wa suki ni natte shimattandarou?
Forewords

The day was white…

Everyone was smiling…

Music filled the atmosphere…

… You walked down the aisle…

… Pure white and innocent as ever…

Walking toward the man at the end of the aisle…

… Unfortunately he wasn’t me…

Your smile always makes me happy…

Then …

… Why am I crying …?

An original story line under Park RyeoNa

Casting Kim JunSu of Dong Bang Shin Ki and Jang RiIn

. . .

Song: Doushite Kimi Wa Suki Ni Natte Shimattandarou?
Artist: Dong Bang Shin Ki
Characters: Kim JunSu and Jang RiIn

Doushite Kimi Wa Suki Ni Natte Shimattandarou? means Why Did I End Up Falling For You?

Kim JunSu’s perspective

“Come on JunSu, we’re going to be late.” YooChun pulled me up and dragged me out of the house. I followed him lifelessly as I heard the car engine starting. The pain in my heart was too much to bear. I think I have gone numb. I was holding back my tears as YooChun pulled me towards the rest of the Dong Bang members.

“YooChun ah,” I managed to say. My voice sounded flat and unemotional, even to me. “I don’t feel so good, I don’t want to go.” YooChun glared at me for saying those words. Today was a very special day for our little sister. It was her wedding anniversary.

“RiIn will kill me if you are not going.” YooChun tried to persuade me. Then I heard a honk. I saw an inpatient YunHo at the driver’s seat, glaring at us. YooChun immediately pulled me toward the car and threw me in, literally.

“What took you two so long?” ChangMin asked as he looked at both YooChun and I. JaeJoong sat in front with YunHo. The two of them were talking about something but the engine drowned their voices. YunHo once again made the engine snarled quietly before the car started moving. It would take us about an hour to arrive at her house.

“This man right here,” YooChun pointed at me “Doesn’t want to attend RiIn’s anniversary party.” He let out a sigh of annoyance. I could not blame him. It was true. I do not want to attend. RiIn was our ‘little sister’ during college. The six of us were very closed, like a family. Only I knew her when we were just babies. She was my childhood friend. We did almost everything together. She is funny, cute, talented, brave, smart and my ideal girl. Yes, I care for her, more than just a friend, more than a little sister. It really pained me when I saw her walking down the aisle in white. I remembered it all too clearly on the eve of her wedding day, the most agonizing time of my life.

Flash Back

She called me that night to gather at our secret meeting place. It was just a bridge connecting our two houses. We used to play here when we were children. The other boys do not know this place. It was our secret place, just for the two of us. We promised if there was something we needed to tell each other, we would confessed it on this bridge. The soft crackle of the slow moving river was soothing to hear, the moon was shining brightly that evening accompany by the glittering stars. I saw her walking toward the bridge, looking absolutely elegant in her pale pink dress. The moonlight made her skin glow, her face was as beautiful as ever. My heart seemed to ache watching her. She was going to marry someone else tomorrow. Just as long as she is happy, I’ll be happy for her. I tried to smile as she stood beside me, her usual cheerful face looked serious. I dropped my smile immediately. It must be something serious she wanted to talk to me. We stood there in silent for what seem like eternity until I spoke.

“Why did you call me here?” I questioned her. Her eyes never left the flowing river beneath us. Her expression seemed to tell me that she was deep in thoughts. She looked like she was searching for the suitable words to tell me. Then she closed her eyes for one moment and took a deep breath before exhaling slowly.

“You know what day tomorrow is?” she spoke in a soft voice, almost as if she was whispering, I could barely hear her with the wind rustling through the grass. Her eyes were still close. I watched her pretty face glow as I answered her.

“Your wedding day with HanKyung. How could I forget?” I brushed my fingers through her wavy long hair. My voice was low, as if I was being hurt. Her eyes suddenly open and her gaze met mine. My hand stayed on her smooth cheek. We stared at each other and none of us uttered a word. I do not know how many minutes as passed but I wished time would stop so I never have to let her go. I do not want to see her with another man. I want her to be beside me, till the end of time.

“JunSu…” Her soft sweet voice called me. Her eyes were trying to say something, something important. Her small arms embraced me and she pulled me to a hug. I responded to her hug. A few minutes later, I heard her sobbing and I felt something wet on my chest where she had buried her head. Was she crying? Must be tears of joy for her wedding tomorrow. HanKyung was perfect for her. He would always love her. Though not like how I always love RiIn. I tried comforting her by humming her favorite song, which the Dong Bang boys and I wrote for her. “JunSu, are you happy for me?” I heard her said. My heart aches more than ever. Should I lie to her? Like I have lied to her ever since she announced her wedding? If it made her happy then I will but before I could say another word I heard her whispered the three simple words.

“I know, I know.” I felt my tears forming in my eyes. She must have meant she loved me only as a big brother, not more than that. This time, I could not help but say the truth to her. “RiIn, I love you too.”

She abruptly pushed me away after I admitted to her. Her pretty face was confused. Her tears kept on falling. Her expression showed mixed emotions. “If you loved me then why didn’t you stop HanKyung? Why didn’t you fight back? Why did you agree to sing at my wedding? Why are you just standing here doing nothing?” her voice cracked when she shouted her last sentences. She buried her face in her hands as she began to weep harder. I embraced her as she cried on my chest again. I patted her head as I was trying to hold back my own tears. “I love you. I really do. I love you.” She chanted between sobbed.

“Sorry, I’m truly sorry.” I cried out. Now there was nothing I could do to stop her wedding, absolutely nothing at all.

End of Flash Back

“JunSu, JunSu.” YooChun shook me back to reality. I looked at him with a blank face after I looked at my surroundings. We finally arrived at RiIn’s house. It looked like we arrived too early or too late for the party. Her house looked deserted except for a few cars. I scanned the house through the car’s window for any sign of her. My hands hesitated to open the passenger’s door. Yet I managed to get out and stood on the concrete path of her house. This was where I last saw her, after her wedding ended successfully. Though my heart began to ach again. This is also where I betrayed her. Her house was white with ribbons and roses that day. The atmosphere was filled with music and laughter for the married couple.

Flash Back

“Congratulation.” I wished her luck. We were all alone in her room before the wedding started. She was in her white laced wedding dress looking absolutely stunning, like an angel. She had her black hair down to her waist and it was curled to give a matured look. Her shining hair was also covered with white sparkles, making her the Queen of the day. The wedding dress showed her feminine side because it was like a short dress instead of the usual big puffy gown. I can tell it was made of silk by the way it swayed gracefully at her ever movement. Her lace-covered shoulders were pale like the roses she was carrying. The heels have ribbons that climbed up her smooth legs like a ballerina’s. She only wore light makeup since she is not use to it but she was still an enchanting beauty. Her eyes were glaring at me as I said those words.

“You’re not trying to stop me?” her voice sounded pierced, her expression was scary. She stood up and faced me, her hands turned into fists by her side, almost crushing her white bouquet. Her face gradually showed her true emotions. She was going to cry again however she bit her bottom lip to suppress it. “Why? You love me right?”

I walked toward her and embraced her for the last time. “I do love you. More than words can expressed.” I tried not to hug her too tightly as I did last night because I do not want to ruin her wedding dress. It looked so beautiful on her.

“Then stop me, stop me from doing all of this!” she cried out. I could tell her tears were forming by the soft cracks of her voice. I gently let her go and admired her for a few seconds. Her eyes have gone slightly pink, as it turned glossy. I shook my head in disapproval and cupped her small face with my hands, carefully not to ruin her makeup. “Please.” She whispered, almost breaking.

My gaze was locked to hers as we stared for minutes. Her glossy eyes were mesmerizing along with her long curl eyelashes. I slowly leaned closer as I whispered the three words again and my lips captured hers. I bit her upper lip first, letting my lower lip between hers. I felt her hands reached my head and clutched my hair, pulling me into her. She responded to me then and it made my heart soared high. Her lips were soft against mine as I embraced her tighter. I’m happy now, more than I ever had in my entire life. I was really blissful with her still in my arms, within my reach. I wish time would stay still. Truthfully I do not want to let her go. My heart was destined to be hers, eternally.

“Is the bride ready?” a female voice knocked the door, which made us broke our kiss. We glanced at the door before gazing at each other’s expressions. Her eyes were telling me not to let her go. Her smudged shiny lips were trembling, wanting to voice out. The door continued to knock as my hands were shaking around her. I have two choices now. All I ever wanted was to see her smile for the rest of my life. She has chosen her path to marry HanKyung and only I could change her course. Her eyes were begging to me, calling out to me do to choose the right path for the future, our future. I closed my eyes and little by little…

I finally let her go.

She softly called out my name as I did so. It was almost like a whisper of shock. The first image I saw was her eyes piercing at me. Like daggers threatening to kill me. Inside I could already feel my own soul dying. For now I could only smile and stepped away.

“Yes the bride is ready.” I said loud and clear yet it almost sounded like I was forced to say it. RiIn continued to stare in disbelieve at me as the door opened. YeonHee stepped in and rushed to her side. She told RiIn that the wedding was starting and the bride was needed downstairs immediately. However she stayed still as she continued to stare at me. I feel so guilty watching her. I know I’ve betrayed her. I just want her to be happy with the man she loves. HanKyung would always love her and take good care of her. I’ve made my decision.

End of flash back

“Look there’s the happy couple! Nuna!” ChangMin happily shouted at the married couple’s direction. The rest waved at them while I could only stare. I could feel my spirit dying once again. All of a sudden I felt something wet dripping down on my cheeks. I did not realize my tears were forming. She looked so happy…

Copyright © Park RyeoNa 2009

carameltouch.blogspot.com

Chapter Two;

Love Is. . .
Song: Love Is…
Artist: Dong Bang Shin Ki
Characters: Park YooChun and Kwon BoA

Kwon BoA’s perspective

“No, no I can’t lose it!” I searched harder in my school bag but it was another failure attempt. My phone was still missing. My parents are going to punish me. This is the seventh time I lost my cell phone. I checked under my desk for the fifth time however there was no sign of my blue phone anywhere. Where is that thing? It was four in the afternoon when I realized it was lost. School was over at that time. Silent devoured the room as I stopped to think. The classroom was deserted except for my best friend, YeonHee and me. She was sitting on her chair amused seeing me panicked. She may be evil but truly she cares about me. I continued to destroy my school bag as I took every single object out.

“BoA, enough before your bag is torn apart,” YeonHee shook her head. She was smirking too. “I’ll call your phone and you try to find the ring tone.” She took out her cell phone and started dialing. We waited in silent. “It’s ringing, where was the last time you had it?” I thought about her question and I remembered I was in computer room earlier.

My legs immediately rushed out to the abandoned hallway. In the desolated computer room, I saw the lights were still on and some computers were not shut down. Strange, was someone still here? I scanned the room and confirmed that not a soul was here except for me. This is wasting electricity. I walked to one of the still running computer and shut it down. I did the same to the others. As I was walking to the last working computer, I heard my cheerful ring tone. My mobile phone was here. I turned around to find the source and it was coming from the cabinet. The cabinet was full of CDs and records. My blue phone was between a CD and a book, perfectly arranged. Funny, I don’t remembered going near the cabinet. Anyway I grabbed my still ringing phone and answered it.

“Thanks YeonHee, I’ve found it~.” I cheerfully said just to annoy her. I was waiting to hear her voice of irritation as a replied but the voice that responded to me was completely different. It was a male’s voice, deep and full of amusement.

“Glad you found it. I was worried you never going to come.” At first I was confused. Questions started to fill my head within seconds. Continued with shock, my hands were shaking. “Next time try not to lost it again. Bye BoA.” The line went dead after that. He knows my name too? I checked my phone if he did anything to it. Fortunately, all of my contacts and messages are still in it. He did not do anything to it. When I saw it was almost five, my legs sprinted again. My parents are going to kill me if I do not get home. The hallway that used to be busy with students was vacant and dimmed. I could only hear the sound of my own footsteps walking alone, gradually slowing. It was creepy as the sun settled down bit by bit. I tried to control my breathing as I walked. Out of the blue, my phone rang. Without thinking, I answered it. I need to hear a voice. I do not want to feel unaccompanied.

“Do you have a phobia about being alone?” the deep voice spoke. My feet froze the moment I heard it. I scanned the deserted hallway and saw no one. “It’s no use in trying to find me.”

“Okay, who are you and what do you want from me?” I was frustrated when I asked that. Reason because he can read me like a book! He just knew me and he knows what I’m thinking while I only could guess who he is. He just laughed as an answer. His laugh was sweet with his unusual deep voice. His voice was uniquely deep and compelling.

“I just want to be friends, that’s all. What’s the harm in that?” I was getting sick hearing his voice full of optimism. “I like you BoA.” I heard him muttered, though it was low and almost whispering that I could barely hear it. His statement made my cheeks hot. There was a short pause before he spoke yet again. “You better go home before your parents get worry.” the moment he mentioned my parents, I dashed to my classroom. While I was packing my books, the stalker was mumbling about how forgetful I am sometimes. Why does he know so much about me? It was getting on my nerves.

“Yah, at least give me a nickname to call you. If you refuse, I’ll call you stalker.” in fact I already call him a stalker. The other line was quiet for some time before I heard some movements, maybe he was thinking. As I set my last book in, I found a note from YeonHee. It was on my desk beneath my entire books. She was tired of waiting for me so she went home ahead. I should have called her or something, I felt bad. When I was about to hang up my phone, the stalker voiced out.

“How about Micky? As in the mouse only without an e.” I was on my way out from the classroom when I started to laugh. “What’s so funny?” I told him nothing. Does he know I like Mickey Mouse? After that, I ended up talking to him all the way back home. I found out that he likes to joke and he too, likes Mickey Mouse. Though he still refuses to tell me who he really was.

Ever since that incident, Micky started to call me everyday. At first I was annoyed, however I got used to it and he was a great listener. YeonHee and I always bicker plus I feel somewhat relief whenever I told my story to Micky. He would listen quietly as I babble on and on. After each story I told him, he would give me advice or joke about it. His jokes managed to make me laugh every time. His laugh also made my heart smile; it was always pure and childlike. It made me believe he would never lie to me. I also learned that he played the piano; I once heard him play over the phone. He sang me a song, which I never heard before. He told me he likes to write songs. The funny thing is he is like my ideal man. Someone who would talk or listen to me, make me laugh, sing me a song and give me happiness. I just needed to hear his deep voice and already my lips formed a smile.

“Micky, who are you?” I was gazing at the clouds in my bedroom. It has been approximately three months since Micky found my phone. I’ve grown attached to him and nowadays I’m the one who calls him. I heard some soft muffles in the background. It was mixed voices of males and also an engine purred quietly. Where was he?

“I’m Micky and you’re BoA.” He simply answered. I really want to strangle him right now. He still has not told me who he really is. In the background again the muffles went softer and softer until it was silence. There was still an engine sound though. After a few seconds I heard a bang sound. I asked him about that. “It was the door.” His tone was soft and lifeless. It made me worried. He would never talk to me in that tone. His voice was usually cheerful and full of life.

“Micky, are you okay?” he did not answered me. I called out him name but there was no replied. I shouted his name but it was still responded with silent. I listened intently on the background. I heard a faint breathing and the engine purring quietly. I was getting anxious. Why isn’t he answering me? I called him name over and over again. When there was still answer, I felt my tears forming and my heart accelerating. Micky, please answer me.

“Micky can’t answer you right now,” a tenor voice suddenly spoke. It shocked me. It was not the voice that I wanted to hear. Where was the voice that always comforted me? “I’m Xiah, Micky’s friend.” His voice has a hint of squeakiness in it. It was also colored with concern. It made me feel unease more then ever.

“Where’s Micky?” my voice shook as I breathe. My breathing got shorter and shorter as my mind focus on Xiah’s voice. I bit my bottom lip to suppress my sobs. My heart was still racing as I managed to stop my tears.

“Can you come to the Seoul Airport?” he didn’t answered me directly but I have a feeling he wanted to tell me something else, something important. I replied yes to his question and he ordered me to go there now. I hung up as soon as I rushed out. Seoul Airport was just a few kilometers away from my house. It’ll take me approximately fifteen minutes if I took the taxi. My mind focused on my memories of Micky when I sat in the taxi. The days when we talked to each other, how I miss his voice if he didn’t call, the jokes that made me laughed and the first song he sang to me. I placed my hand over my chest and I could feel my heart beating. Why do I feel so worried? Why do I never want to let Micky go? Why all of a sudden?

The Airport was busy as ever when I arrived. My eyes look around as soon as I stepped into the entrance hall. I’ve always had an imaginative image of Micky. I remembered one night when I asked him to describe himself. He answered he had white smooth skin, mushroom hairstyle and baby like cheeks. I tried to picture it in my head and find anyone who had those characteristics. My heart felt so uneasy as I searched.

“BoA?” my eyes stopped scanning and my body froze when I heard that deep voice. It was the voice that made my day so much happiness. I was afraid somehow and I was also tensed. My whole body was shaking as I slowly turned to see my mysterious friend. My heart pounded faster at every centimeter I moved. At first he smiled at me, his smile was like an angel’s. He had the pale smooth skin, mushroom hair and baby like cheeks. He was my Micky. “BoA, what are you doing here?”

I couldn’t answer him. I couldn’t say a word. My vision was getting blurry as my tears accumulated. “Micky? Are you really Micky?” my voice cracked as I took little steps towards him. My tears slowly flowed across my face. My hand reached for him, wanting to hold him. He nodded in responded and at the same time, he took my hand. His hand was bigger than mine and warmer. I held it tight as I tried to memorize him.

“Are you disappointed in seeing me?” he looked at me directly. His low voice was full of fear. I shook my head as I bit on my lips. “Then why are you crying?” his right hand caressed my face. I closed my eyes and placed my hand on top of his. This is like a classic drama. I finally met him…but in an Airport? It’s not fair. I could my tears flow on my hand. I couldn’t stop it. I couldn’t stop him.

“Are you leaving me?” I subconsciously asked. I hold his hand tighter as I gradually opened my eyes. My sight was blurry but his face was perfectly clear. He looked at me with a mixed expression before placing both of his hands to cup my face and rested his forehead on mine. He closed his eyes after doing so. I suddenly felt my cheeks blazing. I tried to control my breathing. Our faces were so close now. I could feel his warm mint breath on my lips. I could hear my own heart beating faster and harder. “Well?” I whispered. He didn’t answer me right away. The pause seemed like without end to me. I don’t mind though. This way I could treasure his existence more.

“I’m not going anywhere silly,” he teased me. I pushed him away and he laughed at my face. I wonder what was my expression because he couldn’t stop chuckling. “My friend is the one who’s leaving,” he pointed at a group of boys across the airport, all four of them were grinning at us. I felt blood rushed to my face, have they been spying on us? This is embarrassing. One was really very tall and had short black hair. The other one next to him was shorter but more feminine looking with his clear pale face. Another one has a muscular body and dark brown hair. The last person also had a muscular body but smaller and he had the hugest grin among all of them. He also had a suitcase with him. Soon the four boys walked to our direction.

“Glad you could make it BoA. I always wanted to see you before I depart,” his squeaky voice sounded like Xiah’s. He was the one holding the suitcase. “Now I can leave Micky safe in your care,” he laughed. His laughed was unique and it sounded high, almost like a dolphin’s. I could feel my cheeks burning once again as I stared at Micky. He had his head down and smiled at me. His cheeks were flushed and his smile was a shy one. I gave him a smile too as I reached for his hand.

“I love you BoA” was the last statement he said before his lips engulfed mine.

Without realizing it, I have fallen in love…

carameltouch.blogspot.com

Chapter Three;

Love After Love
I wonder, does love only happen once? No, it is not a trick question. Love is special, something that not quite can be describe in more than one word, no vocabulary exist to describe that extraordinary feeling. So, if the answer is yes, then it is not fair. I have lost my love. She wanted me to find another. In my heart, there is only her. As she said her last words,

‘Love can come and go, JaeJoong.’

An original story line by Park RyeoNa.

Featuring JaeJoong Kim of Dong Bang Shin Ki, YuRi Kwon and YoonA Im of Girls' Generation.

. . .

Song: Love After Love
Artist: Dong Bang Shin Ki
Characters: Kim JaeJoong and Im YoonA

Kim JaeJoong’s perspective

“That’s pretty, JaeJoong!” YoonA pointed at a shop’s window, displaying various types of dolls. Her voice was light, lingering near my ear among the warm summer air. I smiled as I noticed her innocent face light up the instance she saw something she likes, just like that person would. It was so obvious. Her vanilla ice cream was still in her hand as she rushed to the store to have a better look. My smile widen watching her admiring the nine dolls. They looked like they are having a tea party. Each was beautiful in their own ways. Oddly. my fingers were cold due to the ice cream but somehow my heart was warm. A feeling I thought I could never experience again. My smile was still in place as I walked to stand by her side, trying to identify which doll caught her attention.

I was surprised at myself. My smile was always unreal before. A fake one to masked my true bitter feeling. As if there was no reason - in my mind - to smile truly without that someone’s existence. Now, thinking about it. It seemed so silly. That person must have felt unhappy by my behavior after she left. I licked my vanilla ice cream as I continued to watch the girl next to me. YoonA really look like her, act like her, laugh like her, even fidget like her. Just everything she does remind me of that person. I sigh quietly, not wanting to distract her, I guess that person still exist in my heart. Yet my smile never left my face. “That one is nice.” I said, trying to look which doll that YoonA was staring. But I gave up and stared at her eyes instead. Somehow her bright eyes vanished. A pair of soft brown eyes of longing, gazing a doll at the back of the display, replaced them. My lips curved upward again. And I took her hand in mine, leading her inside the shop.

“I want the doll at the back of the of your display. The one on the right, sitting down, wearing a red dress.” I smiled at YoonA, who looked at me with her natural big round shock eyes. The shopkeeper gladly walked to the exhibit for the requested doll and placed in a pink box fill with pale pink tissues to keep it safe. The whole time YoonA tried to reason with me that she does not really want the doll. I do not care though. I want to buy it for her. The way she was watching it made me want to get. Beside, the doll reminded me of that person as well, with its long jet black hair that neatly flow across its back and its tan smooth complexion. After a quick thank to the shopkeeper, YoonA and I exited the doll shop. She was pouting at the fact I bought her a doll. Saying I do not have to purchase it. But I was happy that I guessed the right doll. It was the exact type of doll that that person love. “I want you to have the doll. As a reminder of me.” I replied and I noticed her cheeks were red. Must be the heat.

Today was sunnier than normal. We better stop at somewhere. YoonA was sensitive to heat; oddly, just like that person. At first, I thought it was crazy how the similarities never end. As if YoonA is the re-carnation of that person. They were just so similar, the only difference were their names, their skin tone and the image they have. That person always had the air of sexiness and childish, even she was trying to act cute, she still emitting this sensual aura to everyone around her. YoonA, however, carry the opposite image; pure innocence and a hint of force. Her smile, her movement, her eyes all says innocent. Yet, they are so similar. I thought YoonA was that person. But I realized YoonA is her own person. It's hard though, thinking both were two different people.

“Want to go to that cafe?’ I asked, pointing at a sweet looking cake house. The place seem to be a lot cuter every time I visit. Every day, there's new lights, new wallpaper, just new everything, except for the furniture of course. Yes I used to come here every day with that person, but after she left, I come here maybe once a week, this place reminded me a lot of her. So I never stray too far. I saw the owner as I walked to my usual table right at the back; holding YoonA's hand. I waved at him and he somewhat looked taken back. Onew was hesitated at first but gradually he waved back. I chuckled under my breath as I sit down on the matching white chair and table. He mist have recognized YoonA.

“You know that person?” YoonA asked, as she placed the doll beside her feet while eying Onew suspiciously. I glanced at him and saw him staring at me, with the same worried look he always had every time I come here ever since that person. left. I feel bad somehow. Not only I displease that person; Onew must have been worried sick about me too. I nodded, explaining to her that I always come here. Always because this was where that person and I met. We used to celebrate here or just talk and enjoy each others' existence over a cup of coffee. That thought made me stop in my tracks, each others' existence? I almost laughed at the thought again. When YoonA asked why I laughed, I shook my head gently and asked her if she wants a cake. She cheerfully nodded, looking around the cafe for a waiter. I spotted JongHyun coming out of the kitchen's door. I called him over.

He looked as shocked as Onew did as he hand over the cafe's dark purple menu. He kept glancing at YoonA, surprised. I smiled, I was surprised as well when I saw her. My eyes somehow left the cakes' names and focused on her. For a moment I thought I saw that person right where YoonA sat. But YoonA stared back at me and smiled, for a while I thought my heart skipped a beat. I didn't know how that happened. But soon I heard JongHyun's voice explaining the types of cake on the menu to, I was somehow pulled back to reality. JongHyun didn't asked me what I wanted. I come here often enough for him to remember; a strong cup of black coffee. But I don't feel like drinking coffee. I wanted something sweeter because the angel in front of me, exist. I called over TaeMin, who just finished taking orders from another table.

“Sorry, I want to change my usual. Tell JongHyun to bring me a cup of sweet tea with cream. Tell Key to make YoonA's cake extra special. And. . . I want MinHo to make the tea,” I smiled, hoping he won't question my request. It's odd to ask MinHo to make the drinks because he's the baker of the cake shop and Key's the main chef. TaeMin beamed back brightly. His eyes twinkle in a secret way, as if he knew exactly what I'm talking about. Asking Key to make the cake extra special was a code for; 'we're celebrating today,' because the day that person and I wanted to celebrate, MinHo was sick, Key had to bake it for us. So we only celebrate for important things to make it really special.

And asking MinHo to make the drinks was another code for; I'm really happy,” because JongHyun who was usually in charge of making drinks was out; it was his and Onew's turn to run errands; Key already had a lot of orders, he couldn't handle it; TaeMin was hopeless in the kitchen; so MinHo had to make it. That day our 100th day together, I never felt happier than that day. TaeMin was joyful. Unlike the others. I guessed at least one person was glad I'm back. Back. . . saying the word itself sounded weird on my tongue, as if it was impossible.

“You come here so often that you know all of the staffs,” a voice stated. I knew it well enough that it was amused. The tone was definitely teasing. I turned to face YoonA. She was smiling from ear to ear; she found a chance to tease me. I emphasized that I really do come here every day, but not as frequent when that person left . . . me months ago. Months ago, I thought I was as dead as her. I did not do anything and stayed in bed, crying. I did not have a life, I thought, without her beside me. But now, I have this person. YoonA could make me a live again and actually be happy. “JaeJoong?” I felt her hand holding mine, she has this worried expression when I looked up. She must has noticed my bitter face. I smiled, trying to calm her down.

“I just remembered someone,” I flashed a smile easily but YoonA won't let it easily. Typical, just like that person. I should have known. I chuckled under my breath. “I remembered someone really special here,” I took her hand and hold them tight, I don't want her to disappeared like that person, “She was Kwon YuRi,” I smiled lightly, trying to ignore the bitter taste of saying her name. Even after months, I still couldn't say her name properly. As if I was mad at her. Well. . . . I really was mad at her; I was so angry that I tried to ignore her existence. I think this the first time. . . I finally acknowledge her. . . disappearance. I saw YoonA's expression; worried yet curious at the same time. Just like YuRi. “She's really special to me,” I keep explaining, hoping she would understand why. “Right here, on this exact place was the first time I saw her,”

She was reading a book, alone when I came to the cafe. She just stood out among the crowd that filled the cafe; her hair helped because it looked silky and natural but it was her skin that caught my eyes as soon as my sweep the whole room. Most Koreans are pale but her skin was unique, almost a foreigner. And I had this feeling in my tummy that made me walked up right at her. But I don't think she'll treat it as courage; you see, the cafe was really crowed, I had no choice but to asked her if I could sit right in front of her. Her eyes were mesmerizing, dark molten chocolate mixed with honey, she smiled sweetly and nodded.

“Every day since that day, I visited the cafe without fail, hoping to see or even have a quick glance at her,” I smoothly spoke, holding my white cup firmly with my hand. Look at me YuRi, sharing your stories with another girl. “And finally, on the 100th day, she finally noticed me,” I smiled, remember the day so vividly. I came into the cafe and sat at her usual table, on purpose. The cafe was empty. She came with another new book under her arm and her face brighten as soon as her eyes landed on me.

She finally noticed me, it was the day MinHo made my sweet tea.

We began talking, sometimes we talk about the weather, the world's current situation, our opinions on things. Soon we talked about her books, slowly about her and eventually about me. I noted, after a few weeks, she stopped bringing her books and just talked to me. “It may seem silly but I never felt more happy in my life than talking to her,” I still could hear her voice in my head, her tenor alto voice, her laughter, her tremble voices, the way her silky hair always slipped from her ears, the way her eyes always look at the sky, the way the corners of her mouth always curl up every time I talk about myself, everything.

But things began to change when she stopped coming to the cafe. I waited for hours, days and even weeks but she never came. I tried to remember if I did something wrong, but it was in vain. I would have visit her apartment but she never told me. “I waited until she came. On June 19th, she did,” the words started to taste bitter. I saw her running to the cafe through the glass window. But I knew something was wrong; her eyes no longer had their sparkle, they were tired, I could see the purple bruise under them. Her face was thinner than the last time I saw her. Even her skin seems lighter. She looked. . . so sick. Yet it was her expression that I could recall clearly, they were a mixture of panic, sadness and worried. I wonder what happened but she collapsed before she could even step inside the cafe.

“I didn't know what was wrong with her. She didn't told me anything. She even got other doctors not to tell me.” But when I finally had the permission to enter her room, I didn't have the strength to ask her. She looked so weak but her smile was still bright as soon as she saw me. Just everything didn't matter because of her smile, as if the only existence in the world was only in that room. We talked endlessly, as if trying to make up the times we lost. And I remember her last word, before some huge gangster guys in black suits dragged me out of her room. “Love can come and go, JaeJoong.”

I heard YoonA's chair slide noisily against the cafe's pale wood floor, my mind was dragged back to reality, I saw her white heels walking to me. I could feel her warmth as she hugged me, I could smell her sweet shampoo as I buried myself against her silk hair, “don't force yourself,” she whisper softly to me, as if I would break, as if I was the most fragile thing in the world. It was this moment that I finally realized YuRi's disappearance and YoonA's arrival to my life. They were both different people. Her voice was different from YuRi's; they were soprano alto. “JaeJoong,” she released me, I could see her face clearly. YoonA's expression, not YuRi's. Her eyes were glistering; she was crying. “You're so strong, I don't think I have the courage if I was in your place,” she looked down, her silky hair rushed downwards, hiding YoonA from me. I lifted her face with my trembling hands. YoonA's face, not YuRi. Her lips were quivering as she spoke: “How could you remember all of those moments?”

I hugged her back, trying to carefully choose my words. I don't want to lose her. “If I erase everything about her, I won’t have anything to remember her by. She was really special to me,” I think it's time now. I gently pushed YoonA away so I could see her clearly. How amazing it was that; I finally see her as YoonA, not YuRi. “YoonA-ah,” her expression was puzzled, but anticipating. Perhaps love will continued from where she left it.

“Im YoonA, are you ready to take that responsibility to protect my heart and carry on that special love?”

“Yes. . . “

Chapter Four;

Romeo + Juliette

Foreword;

Note: the following story do not represent nor the re-creation of the Shakespearean love story. It is to emphasized the unrealistic, undying love between two character, but most importantly is the fairy tale of the very story.

“Yah,” a rather soft honey like voice, had been calling, yelling and annoyed by me for the past half hour. It was now threatening to burn my bed, “wake up YooIn noona!” Should I or not? He does not usually talk to me this much, or even have the time to notice me. Even with his constant bitter words trying to provoke me, I was in bliss. You may say I am weird but it was the truth. I groaned, a sign I'm awake, he sighed in relief. It was too light, too pure in my room, or should I say my world, right here, it does not matter class or power, right here in my world, everyone's equal. “YooIn,” he whined again, “I'm hungry! Niel said the car is ready and school starts in half an hour!” he complained on and on. I sighed quietly, showing I do not care but he managed to pull me out of bed carried me, bridal style. Somehow, I managed not to blush. And splashed my face with freezing cold water from my bathroom sink.

“Yah!” I shouted, as soon as the he laughed.

“Good, you're awake,” he wiped his wet hands with my towel and threw it at me, “make me breakfast.” With that, he walked out confidently as his mother trained him to be, he even used the superiority tone. I groaned again before getting ready for school. As soon as I walk out, I smelled eggs and toasts, puzzled, I ran up to the vast marble kitchen. He was in his uniform with an apron on. He was humming to himself again, I stood and listen, actually closing my eyes. I love his humming, that's cause I never heard him sing. People said he has a wonderful soft voice. I never had a chance to listen. His witch of a mother kept me busy.

“Hey YooIn,” I shot open my eyes and saw him sulking. “I wanna eat,” he handed me the spatula and sat down, still in my pink flower print apron. Niel walked in, all set in his uniform and sat down as well. Niel has always been a quiet; he's mysterious one. He was just employed weeks ago and I never manage to hold a conversation with him. And he's always disappearing. “YooIn, come on eat, we're late.” He informed me, I blushed and ate quickly so I could clean the mess he made. I made a mental note not to let him use the kitchen ever again, “Niel, you could start the car now,” they were talking right near the door now as I wipe the dishes clean, their stable load voices turned into whispers and hushes as I drain the soapy water away. I could hear footsteps fading away. I turned to find him, glancing at his watch. I quickly reach out for his school bag but he stopped me. “How many times do I have to tell you?” His tone was annoyed but I still took his bag away and walked to the car. It is my job after all.

“Let us go, master,” he is Lee JinKi, preferably Onew, the prince of SM Enterprise and I am his personal maid.

Oh, by the way. My name is Park YooIn and I'm twenty third years old. I lost my parents when I was a baby, or so what that witch told me. I would rather believe that she bought me. The witch that I have been talking about is no other the 'young' - thanks to several plastic surgeries - 'fifty' - she won't tell me her real age - year old lady, Onew's mom, or like I have to call her: mistress. I know, I know I should be grateful to her, as she took me in when I was helpless and blah blah blah, I heard it all before. Trust me, she is not the real woman she let people believe, Deep inside, she's a devil that only cares for money. Not that I told master about this but some things are best kept secret.

Well this is my life and I'm gonna say I'm proud of it.

Chapter One;

Most fairy tales has a Prince Charming. Every Prince Charming notice his princess. Every princess chosen by the Prince Charming was able to live happily ever after. So who exactly is my Prince? Please come quickly; I'm tired of living like this.

“Onew oppa~” HyunA whined once again; along with her other 'people' talking among themselves in our homeroom classroom. There was still another fifteen minutes before the teacher com and took our registration. People said it's lucky that we have Mr Lee as our homeroom teacher because he's always late. But I think it's pitiful and he should be told to retire from this college. Mr Lee is like in his early 90s, he even forget he has kids; let alone a class with students waiting around for him. I just wish he would retire and the head principle could assign a new teacher who's never late because I can't take anymore of HyunA's attempt to seduce Master. Kim HyunA is the heiress, or as she prefer it: princess of Cube Entertainment. Apparently her dad is the most highly music producer. Onew's mom never did approve of her because her image and Onew's really contrast. Master Onew's company, SM Enterprise is one of the successful company around the world. I'm not sure what they do since I was not allow to serve teas and coffees during meetings at the house. I sighed as I watched what is being unfold in front of me. Apparently, as a personal maid of the prince, I have to be with him 24/7; not that he needed to be taken care of that bad. His mother is just over worried.

She even hired Niel as a bodyguard! Am I not enough? Well Niel does speak Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish, English, Cantonese, German, Italian and French. Not to mention he is a black belt in Karate, mastered all different types of Kung Fu, champion of boxing in Spain and other unknown methods of fighting. So he could basically beat you up without breaking a sweat and curse in nine different languages you wish you don't understand.

Sure he could protect Onew more than I could. But ever since I met him, I never see him struggling. Not once having trouble in handling things, not carrying an enormous weight heavier than himself. Well, anything is heavier than him since he 's so skinny, literally a stick. But I do notice his pale muscular well define abdomen.

Okay, I'm not a pervert! I just happened to notice him practicing his sword skills without a shirt on. I was innocently doing the laundry! Beside, he's my dongsaeng for goodness' sake. I saw his resume on Onew's desk one morning. I was not peeping, it was. . . just there on his desk, so. . . tempting. Anyway he just turned seventeen this year, far too young to work. Well I don't actually have the right to criticized since I was forced to work since I was ten. And the only thing that caught my eyes was the fact he's an orphan just like me.

I sighed and peep at what Niel was doing and saw yesterday's calculus homework. The white paper was no longer clean; various pencil has tainted it. He sighed and ran his fingers through his black, bushy yet perfectly soft curled hair. He looked so stress. . . I decided helping him will be much useful than watching HyunA trying to get Onew once again. I personally think Niel should be put in the first year rather in this third year. He's so struggling with the subjects. The only teacher he could impress was Mr Jason McCartney, our English teacher. And Mr Albert Polita, our music teacher. I pull my chair out from the table and sat near Niel. He looked up because my chair was making a lot of ruckus and he stared blankly at me. I took a look at the homework and steal his pencil. Gosh, I could no longer see the question, he has circle, underline, highlighted and every other ways of marking the question. I took out my book to refer. Thank goodness Calculus is my favorite subject, I could help him and he could help me with my English homework. I was getting stress out that I might flunked it.

“You're suppose to put this one here, so you could the value of x and move it back like so,” I demonstrate it to him, hoping to God he understand. Occasionally I glanced at him, he looks so young, so innocent. And his skin, it was as smooth and as pure as a baby's, not to mention pale, and this is the boy who always train under the sun. It's really impossible to think someone like him have master various martial arts. No wonder Onew's mom hired him. No one would expect someone like Niel is protecting Onew. Niel nodded at the right times when I finished explaining. I wonder if he really does understand. I looked up for a while because my neck was hurting and saw Onew staring at me. The way his eyes just looked straight at me was. . . breathe-taking. I know that sounded so much like a hyperbole but it's true. That gaze made my heart skipped. HyunA was desperately trying to gain back his attention. Now that I think about it, Onew doesn't really have a problem in anything. Not his academic or sports or even performing. He always does it perfectly. Maybe it was because of his mother.

I would be lying if Onew is obedience towards his mom now. But when I was a kid, I remember he was this skinny stick kid, dressed too well like an adult, who always tail behind his mother, too shy, too polite to do anything but only I knew that he was actually afraid of doing anything without that witch's consent. Even my childish mind hated her back then. Because it was me who had to comfort a crying Onew every night before he goes to sleep. But when he hit early teens, his mom started to gain offers from overseas. She had no choice but to go and save whatever was left of the company.

I remember those times, which both Onew and his mother always avoid to talk about. I know little, since my position is basically worthless. And worst of all, she left Onew. True, his mom worked hard at those hard times and she still took me in. I always believe, trying to convince myself that she used to be kind. Now she's a power greed. Onew learned to be independent without her help and right now, he has the rebellious air whenever he face his mother. He has turned into a leader. A 'suitable' one to inherit the family business, as his trainers would always say. And that has always been the only future of this heir of SM Enterprise. He is the only son she had.

Oh by performing I mean singing or dancing, on stage. Master Onew really loves singing. You should really hear him sing. It's hard to describe it actually. And I'm not really the one who should talk because I never actually hear it. Just a word or two or a humming. Even that was just amazing. Onew never really sing in front of his mother freely; he only sings if she asked him to. It's really a shame that way. It's when he really feels like singing is the best. And when he played the piano, just amazing! He taught me how to play sometimes but my fingers were too rough to touch something so delicate and wonderful. Master Onew even made a group with the other classes. Now that I think about it. They should be here right now.

“Hyung~!” Yup, there they were. Everyone know that happy little whine. TaeMin Lee, the youngest one in the group burst in, literally. I'm pretty sure it's not ONLY my hormones or something because whenever I see him, it's just a ray of bright happy sunlight always glow around him. I know for a fact everybody felt the same – at least the girls does -. He's really adorable and even though he's in the first year, he could really beat everyone in the dance floor. He spotted me and smiled, “noona! Good morning!” God, he's really cute. It's not fair that this boy is already engaged to one of the most successful heiress in Japan. I think her name is Shin. Shin Kinomoto.

I met her once during some CEO party last year (Yes, yes I forced to attend since the mistress does not want Onew to go alone, you should have seen it, all the available heiress kept harassing Onew to marry them). I think they make a good couple since both of them are so shy and cute. I was a bit startle to see TaeMin dyed his hair yet again. He used to have this light brown hair and he usually styled it curl, but now it's straight and. . . blonde. He still has that innocent look he tried to get off.

“Yah, how come you didn't hear me calling you??” KiBum, known as Key, also apparently the 'mom' in the group. But believe me, he is as charismatic as any celebrity when he's on stage and still be able to act cute off it. I was glad to see he covered his... one side bald scalp. I have no idea why he ever shaved his hair like that in the first place. Maybe because he's tired to being called adorable. He's one of the best dancer I've ever seen as well. Even though he's in the second year with a guy name MinHo. Both of them are so talented in rapping and singing.

Ah, there's MinHo now. As tall as ever, or has he grown taller again? I'm really scared of this boy because he keeps growing all the time! He changed his hairstyle too, but thank goodness it still has the same colour as the last time, just shorter. Even with MinHo charismatic and quiet image, you could never guess his love for drama. Like drama for acting, not drama for television. Both of their dads are actually working for Onew's mom.

One of the reason they could afford going to this school. This school, is only design for people like them. Rich, powerful, some are dumb though because all they could think about is party or shoes. Which is why the college is trying very hard to accept students with stable and high results, because most of the students are. . . I'm sorry to say but they are just dumb blondes. Occasionally, I feel sorry for the college, they are trying very hard to maintain the school's high academic percentage. But hey, their parents could afford it. The students could do anything they want basically, because their parents were paying the fees and tuition and even the school's fund. Therefore rules do not apply to them. They could dye their hair in different colours; use spare rooms for clubs; and as for the girls, they could shorten their skirts, wear make-up, loosen the first button on their white blouse, you know stuffs that would attract the guys.

But I'm sorry but that's just disgusting, why would you want to show your bra colour through your plain school blouse, or not wearing a bra at all? But they are good people here, like the seniors I know. They also formed a group called Girls' Generation. It's a shame that they're being called plastic. But trust me, they competing with each other for the top students. And this other group of girl, they called themselves Lucifer. I think. They were very close with me until their dads and moms had to work overseas. Yes, all four of them left me here in this academy. But they were good friends.

Then they are people like Niel and I. The ones who studied hard to gain scholarship here or just being sent to protect or serve. You may find it odd that Neil who is seventeen is accepted to a college. Trust me, he is every bit stress with the subjects, which is why he let out all of his negative energy in his training. Worst of all, we were forced to take subjects that Onew took. I seriously do not know what to do with these guys, TaeMin, Key and MinHo I mean. Don't they know that dyeing could cause serious damage to their hair? Gosh, it's like I'm their babysitter or something and I have to keep track of them in case they go into the 'dark' side and have this crazy idea of not inheriting the business; which is the parents' worst nightmare in this world. Well, at least they pay me.

Together they form SHINee. Not that their parents now about it. But hey, they could still afford it.

Then something, or rather someone made me gasped.

He walked in swiftly, sliding smoothly towards us. I swear, every girls' gasp could be heard in the now silence room. He could make the entire female student body quiet just by stepping in. Sorry to say, but I too fell into his spell. I mean, how could you not? His perfectly smooth tan skin was like marble, sculptured by Michelangelo himself. And the soft black hair that keep falling to his deep sweet chocolate eyes. But most importantly, was the smile. The sweet childish crooked smile could make girls faint, literally. Kim JongHyun, the heir of SM Entertainment. My master's trial company.

You do notice the same company name right? Well, I, myself do not like to discuss it. They are the biggest rival in this academy. But even with JongHyun's reputation, Onew still asked him to join his group. Kim JongHyun has the most amazing voice – we were walking passed one of the music room when we heard him singing Nothing Better – but he refused. JongHyun also has always been the player, not wanting to mix easily but still willing to ask every girl out. Today I noticed his black eyes were darker, menacing. Like they always do when he and master are in the same room. Only, there was this red mark on his right cheek, almost like a hand print. Unbelievable, Kim JongHyun had been slapped. I wonder by who.
...

“Master, I get the car ready,” Niel's stone hard voice stated, I had always hated that tone. As if there is no happiness left in this world for Niel to be grateful for. School just finished, we were walking (well with Niel and I walking behind Onew, side by side) right out of English Class. Onew nodded and began walking to the music room. I sighed, I really just want to go home right now but since I'm the personal maid, I have to follow his everywhere; except bathrooms, that would be Niel's turn. Onew has this habit of checking 'his' personal music room.

You know, making sure the instruments were in their places - TaeMin like to take things random instruments from it's place and never bother to put it back -; To see if anyone take the CD out of the shelves - MinHo has a passion for music and he had the same habit as TaeMin-; And see if anyone throw away Key's collection of hand-made mics - he even asked the janitor not to touch them - but everyone especially hate the hand-made mic with the torn poking out, you stuffs like that. I swear they act more like a children in kindergarten than the actually kids. But even before Onew unlock the door, someone caught our attention.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” The two of us turned to face the voice. Only to see the school's most popular playboy – before JongHyun cause he is not as active – ; HyunSeung, heir of Cube's Entertainment. HyunA's step brother.

Chapter Two;

Rapunzel was noticed by her Prince Charming in the woods. He heard her voice, he found her and he fell in love. Yet the Witch stopped Rapunzel from marrying the Prince. She stole her beauty and nearly kill him. I wonder by she did that.

I noticed HyunSeung is supporting yet another new hair style. Seriously, what is wrong with rich people and their hairs? He had dyed it; typically it's dark blonde. And longer, making him have that girlish pretty look but he still has this muscular air around him; which most girls would fall for including me. He had this air around him, making it impossible not to fall. It feels so odd though, that this. . . creature used to be this cute innocent boy who always played with anyone; because he was afraid no one fits in. Now to think of it, HyunSeung has changed ever since he came back from visiting in Japan. I never see him around for the last couple of months – again. Because he always make trips to travel. Like I said, these kids just don't bother with their studies. Their parents don't care if they got pregnant, got somebody else pregnant, do drugs, steal – not that they need to steal -; just as long as they take over the company. What a splendid future, NOT!

“Well Onew, what do we have here?” He grinned at me, I could feel chills running down my back, only it slithers back up and down. That's how much he could control girls just with his words and eyes. No wonder Master Onew always made me stayed away from him. As if HyunSeung was the bad evil vampire. He does have a reputation. And his dad's reputation. This school does just only accept wealthy CEO or successful business owner's kids but also gangsters' trouble maker kids. The school did not want to fight back, but since they do pay the fees and tuition; the school had nothing against them. HyunSeung's real father is a successful full mob boss in Japan.

His mom remarried HyunA's dad a few years back. He was this naive kid before he learned the real adult world. I stared at his eyes; they seems sly at first glance but then I could detect a soft hurt shade. But his masculine voice interrupted me before I could analyze them.“My name is HyunSeung. Heir of Cube's Entertainment,” he declare smoothly. How odd he has claim the title of 'heir' of Cube's Entertainment. He would usually introduced himself as only HyunSeung. I could see the fight between him and HyunA already. HyunSeung crept closer to me, almost trapping me between the wall and him. I noticed the first three buttons of his shirt was untie, exposing the soft skin of his. Why do these kind of people has to be perfect?

“She knows you,” I could hear Onew's poisonous voice said, almost growling, “and your sister,” his hand broke HyunSeung's arms free from me. As if on instinct, I hid behind my master; tightly holding his blazer. “What do you want HyunSeung?” Even though I could not see his face but I knew my master was glaring. HyunSeung scoff, still staring at me with intense eyes. Eventually he stood back, pulling out a soft creamy envelope from his trouser's pocket. Explaining he was going to invite Onew to Cube's Annual Party tonight.

“But since you don't seem too interested,” HyunSeung stared hard at Onew, sending poison through his voice and glare. Yet his eyes changed as soon as he looked at me. The crooked grin of his started to appear again, it always does every time he face a girl. HyunSeung held out the invitation card at me. It looked so soft and tempting. “I'm inviting her,” his smirked emerged, maybe at my stunned expression. His next words were barely above whisper but Onew and I could hear it as loud and clear. “I'll wait for you tonight, princess.” And he just walked away. My brain told me how cool it was but my heart kept reminding me that I'm Onew's maid. I have to ask him first. And if I could faint, I would but I have to set a good example for Onew. Minutes later, Niel came searching for us with a worried expression, saying we were gone for far too long.

The car ride was silence. Niel was driving – he got his license early because of his occupation – Onew and I were at the back with him in front of me. He still had not said a word about the party. I was afraid to move as he casually read today's newspaper. I noticed Niel kept looking back. Even he knew after only a month of working for Onew, that the two of us never shut up whenever we're alone. I was getting anxious, I think Onew noticed because I kept shifting one leg and the other then casually slide to the car's window and slide back again. He sighed, it was too light. I looked up. He had his hand on his forehead, as if annoyed. “Fine, you can go,” I noticed his tone was reluctant. But the thought vanished as he looked up and stared at me, his eyes were smiling again. I noted how smooth his lips were while he talked, “but you have to ask my mother too.” I was so excited! My first party! I finally took out the invitation and opened it.

“HyunSeung of Cube's Entertainment is inviting Lee JinKi of SM Enterprise to Cube's Annual Party on June 19th at Cube's Ball Room. The Party start at 8 PM.” I was not surprise that HyunSeung forgot to change the name. Beside, I always tag along with Onew in these kinds of parties. And I was so amazed by the perfectly, swirly writing against the creamy colour that I could barely think. And there was this sweet scent coming from the card. Chocolate. I heard a faint voice calling me, I reluctantly stopped gazing at the card and grumpily looked up to see Onew sipping a cup of hot steam coffee. He asked;

“What is the theme this time?”
“What theme?”
“Isn't it there right at the end of the invitation?”
“Oh...” I trailed off, scanning the invitation again. And it was, right at the bottom right hand corner. The card proudly stated, Fairy Tale.
“Good luck in finding a dress,” Onew laughed.

A dress! I completely forgot! During parties with Onew, mistress usually prepared a team to make me look nice. You know, like a hairdresser, manicurist, pedicurist, tailor, professional makeup group. Apparently I am not suited to wear yellow, as the French tailor kept saying, 'yell, yell, not your col,' he does not speak English so he could only say one syllabus of a word. What am I going to do? I do not even have the money. I sighed involuntary. I guessed Onew noticed my expression that he asked if he could help. I was debating in my head if I should. I could faintly saw Niel kept looking back at us. I immediately refused Master Onew's help. I don't need his money. I'm pretty sure I could find something at the costume shop. Fairy Tale, easy. A huge puffy floor length skirt with tight corset embroidered lace bodice and a tiara. How hard can it be to find those items?
...

Oh God. Did you know that the most unflattering clothing on me is a huge puffy floor length skirt with tight corset embroidered lace bodice. I feel like a circus tent when I looked myself with the skirt. The tight embroidered lace bodice was choking me. Apparently because my upper body is longer than the dresses were design. And the only available princess dresses are the ones with huge puff sleeves. No wonder the French tailor said yellow is not my colour; my skin looked like puke against yellow. And the very reason the dresses he made for me are all silk and sleeveless. I threw away the thoughts of the tiara, I am not a big fan of jewelry anyway. Onew came shopping with me; which mean Niel had to come too.

We gave up looking for dresses in the costume shops, so Onew went straight to boutiques. Only, he went to expensive kind of boutiques. You know, the ones with the minimum thousand for a pair of shoes. I couldn't bare to see the dresses. I glanced around 'Juliette's boutique' with it's champagne coloured carpet, light brown wood walls, I spotted Niel right at the entrance; Onew ordered him to give bad looks at everyone entering and exiting the place so we could be the only customers. I sighed and sweep the shop for Onew; he was right between the accessories and evening dresses section. I sighed once again as he pulled out a dark brown silk dress and frowned at it, I glared at him but he gave me a blank look, as if he was so innocent. I slowly hissed to him, making sure he understand each letter; “Onew, I can't afford any of these dress!”

He sighed, “We can't find anything good at the costume shops. I figure we might have better luck in these kind of shops,” he explained as he look around again. His eyes brighten as soon as he saw something right in front. I followed his gaze and gasped.

It was the most beautiful creation I ever laid eyes on. It was snowy white, as if snow was still falling, covered with whiter translucent fabric covering the snow, hiding it's beauty. There were tiny pearls shining with the lights on the slightly puff shirt, not too puffy like the ones in the costume shop, but just perfect. The texture was so surreal as if it was a soft stream during winter. It was sleeveless, typical but the bodice resembled a corset covered with white lace and the tiny white ribbons trail down to the skirt. It was the most beautiful dress I seen. The mannequin displaying the dress was complete with the shoes. Oh the shoes were the strap kind, it resembled a ballerina's only the flats were transform into glistening heels. It even has a huge ribbon with a baby blue diamond in the middle. And wait for it, a small cute tiara. This was it. I found my dress.

Before I could even walk towards the doll, Onew was already circling the mannequin approvingly. “YooIn, I think I have found your dress,” he smiled, calling me over. I slowly walk, trying to confirm the reality. It might be a mirage, after seeing endless dresses. But it's there, it's really there. It took me a minute to realized that it was a wedding dress. I did not noticed the long frozen lake train. “I think we might have to cut off the train. . . and maybe make more layers of the skirt,” Onew said, not bothering the odd looks from the shop assistant. I ignored him and tried to look for the prized tag. I almost fainted when I saw the fourth zero. I didn't see the exact amount though, too scared to. I cannot afford this dress. This beautiful, princess dress. I reached from the fabric, it's so soft.. . But I can even afford it. Well, I guess I can just wear my black dress, the one I bought myself to Lucifer's party. It's simple but maybe it's enough to show up at a ball. Maybe I could steal some of those black curtains in the library and make a full skirt, no one bothers to come there anyway.

I told Onew I had enough and we went home in disappointment. At least I was. But we were greeted by a monster as soon as we stepped into the mansion. In the form of blue black dress, which really compliment her perfect figure. “Where have you been, Onew? You know you have your extra lessons after school, Mr Polita is waiting for you in the kitchen.”
“Sorry mother,” Onew bowed. Niel and I followed. “I was helping YooIn to find a dress,” I bit her lip, I should have told Onew not to mention that. She glared at me.
“A dress? For what?”
“For the Cube's Annual Ball, of course,” Onew casually explain as he loosen his school's tie. Oh my gosh, just shut up Onew! I yelled in my mind. “HyunSeung personally invited her today,” Now the monster soften. That was. . . weird. . . Her eyes brighten up and she walked excitingly towards me and started to lift up my hands. . . patting them. . .

“Oh, YooIn's first ball!” Her excited tone sounded so fake. . . What is this women up to? “Did HyunSeung really personally invite her? Oh he must have like you very much! Very well, I'll let you go for one night. Alone, as Onew didn't receive an invitation. It'll be rude to show up. Did you find a suitable dress?” She was still in her fake excited self. I glance at Onew, who was walking towards the kitchen. Niel had a slight shock expression but he hid it very well. I caught my face in the mirror down the hall and saw my eyes were almost out of their sockets. My cheeks were so flush that I look like a tomato. But I could only nodded at her, smiling to match her excited atmosphere. But I won't fall into her traps. She most definitely planning something. “Well then,” she gently patted my cheeks, smiling warmly, “I hope you have a great time,” and walked away to her study.

Niel and I were in silence. Neither of us muttered a word. Finally, I broke it, after my mind made numerous conclusion to why the mistress's behavior. “Check on her, Neil. Then report back to me. I'll make your favorite snack before dinner.” And I left to fix my dress.

. . .

After hours of working in my small room, I stood tall in front of the floor length mirror, in my new handmade dress. The original dress was simple, sleeveless, without patterns, it made it so easy to be turn into a dress. The library's black curtains were light and soft. It could be easily mistaken as fabric; I just needed to sew the waistline of the dress and the curtain together. I must say, it look perfect. Well, perfect enough for the theme. A knock came. I turned around quickly, the dress followed, like a wave, I wanted to make it a floor length dress with a slight poof with the multiple layers of the curtain underneath. The door open to reveal Niel. He still had that grave look on his miserable face. Still, I smiled at him. Showing him the dress. He nodded approvingly and proceed to took out a recorder.

“I placed this in the mistress's study room and I overheard this conversation with her and Mr Cho,” Mr Cho. . . he was the company's treasurer. I took the cold silver box from him and pressed play. It crackled at first, but the witch's voice was clear.

“Come on, Cho. This is the perfect opportunity to expand! YooIn has been personally invited to Cube's Annual Ball, it means he's interested in her, right? When that kitchen helper marries him, the company can be benefit! Then we could expand so that. . . bastard regret what he has done to me,” her voice became so poisonous, I immediately stopped it. Even I couldn't bear to hear what happened next. Yes, I knew very well who the 'bastard' was. Even though I was not suppose to. I sighed as I handed the recorder back to Niel. “Your favorite snacks are in the fridge. Thank you, Neil,” I leaned towards him to give him a kiss on his right cheek. I was that thankful to him. I was so worried of what the mistress could plan for him. But now I felt so relief. Too bad for her that no way on earth I was going to marry HyunSeung.

“YooIn,” a new voice spoke in my room. I quickly pull myself away from Niel and saw an amused Onew leaning on the frame of my door. “Nice dress,” his eyes scanned every inch of my body. It made me blush, in a good way. . . somehow. “YooIn, I'm hungry~” he whined. He just ruin his masculine image. Well, that's Onew for you. I pushed Neil and him away from my room so I can change. Onew was still in front of my door when I about to go to the kitchen. I don't mind though. Onew spend most his time trying to avoid his mother. And the only place the mistress doesn't visit was my room. Niel was gulping a glass of milk when I entered the kitchen. I noticed some milk escaped from his delicate mouth, to his jaw. . . to his masculine neck. . . WHAT THE HELL PARK YOOIN?? I quickly wash my face with the cold tap water. Oh my gosh, I did not just think of that. Niel is a minor for God's sake. I focused on cooking to distract myself.

. . .

Onew hasn't come back to the kitchen. I already told him not to eat in my room because it can attract insects. I sighed as I went down to fetch him. It's no use to let him eat cold food. But to my horror, he was cutting up my black dress! “ONEW!” I yelled but he continued to cut in into pieces! I was so angry that I just slapped him. The room turn silent, the only noise was my heavy breathings. I never touch let alone slap Master Onew, so. . . I panicked. I grabbed the ripped dress from him and told him to get out. Onew rubbed his swollen cheek where I just slapped him. Oh God, what have I done? He stood up and walked towards me. Towering me. I flinched when he touch my arm. Then he dragged me up. I was too scare to even struggled. I was prepared to accept my punishment. But we stopped in the living room. There stood the wedding dress. The exact wedding dress from Juliette's boutique. Only, the train was cut off, making it look like an ordinary dress.

Onew turn to me, he held up his hand. A soft delicate mask covered with small glittering feathers was in his pale hands. “I hope you have a good time at the ball,” he lean towards me and kissed my forehead. Even though I was only a year older, Onew was taller than me. I was about to say sorry but he left, walking away to his room. I muttered; 'Thank you. . .” not quite sure if he heard me. I'll speak to him in the morning. I turn to the dress and smiled. I won't feel left out.

My Girlfriend / Lucifer

My Girlfriend / Lucifer

Foreword

“MiSoo, bisai-bisai ah (MiSoo, be careful),” my mother kept repeating. I think she's going to cry judging on how small her eyes gotten since we left home. I immediately hugged her.

“Mama, inda apa-apa (Mom, it's nothing),” I smiled, rubbing her back, “Aku akan jadi lebih hati-hati ok? Aku basar udah (I'll be extra careful okay? I am an adult.)” Well, I'm actually seventeen, well close enough. “Aku sayang mama (I love you, mom).” My last words made her cry. I kissed her cheek again and smiled at my dad. He had that look he had on for weeks. A look of mixture emotion; fright, sadness and proud. Because his eldest daughter has achieve the first step to her dream. But she has to go far from home. As I hugged him, I told him to make mom stop crying. I might cry. After multiple farewells, good lucks and good wishes. I was ready. “Bah, aku jalan (Okay, I'll be going now).” But as I turn my back, every steps seem to be heavier. I could still hear my mom crying softly in the background. I brush up my black hair away from my face. I looked back. My mom was in my dad's arms, still crying, still looking at me with those frighten eyes. I ran back to her. I hugged her once more. And told her that I love them.

. . .

“Kakui (amazing),” Shin looked around the huge Seoul airport. Everything was. . . well, huge. Tokyo's airport was enormous too, but somehow, South Korea is different. It has that different aura to it. Shin was too absorbed, trying to soak it all in. She was still impressed by the building that she was not paying attention to her steps. “Ah, gomennasai,(ah, sorry),” Shin had bumped into someone. A red passport slide across the slippery titled floor, Shin immediately picked it up and turned to retrieve it to person she had bumped a minute ago. “Hora (here),” her soft voice stated, holding out the red little book, when she realized the person did not look Korean or Japanese. She has a tan skin, maybe she's Spanish. But her huge Asian eyes declared other wise.

“Arigatou (Thank you),” the Spanish looking girl thanked in Japanese. Before Shin could say anything back, the girl said again in Japanese, “Gomennasai, nihongo wa zen zen dekimasen (Sorry, my Japanese is not good).” She bowed. “But do you speak English?” Now Shin was blank. The girl turned back, mumbling. But then as if she discovered a treasure, she turned and once again spoke in Japanese, “Hajimeshite, watashi wa Park MiSoo desu, dozoyoro shiku, (Hello, I'm Park MiSoo, nice to meet you,”

“Watashi Kinomoto Shin desu, (I'm Shin),” Shin was grateful have someone who understand Japanese. Her Korean was still rusty. But hearing the girl's name; Park MiSoo. A normal Korean name. But before Shin could debate with herself about the matter, a high male voice called her name out. Both MiSoo and Shin turned to find a hurried man in a suit, almost relief to find them. He has that little device in one of his ear that allowed him to talk to the phone and there were some papers wedged in between his arm and body. He looked like he need a good rest.

“Annyeonghaeseyo (hello),” he bowed. Both Shin and MiSoo bowed accordingly; feeling the foreign awkwardness. “Right,” he consoled a piece of paper that magically appeared out of his black suit. “Which one of you are Chloe Siaw Hyun, Park MiSoo, Kinomoto Shin and . . .” the man paused, blinking at the paper. “Do you know how to read this?” He shoved the paper to the girls when he heard a ringing. “Ah yes? No, I'm still waiting for another two girls. . .” the man smoothly explained. The two girls scanned the paper, Shin hardly understand the Korean writing but she recognized her name.

And MiSoo's clear voice declared, “It's Antoinette Aurore Juliette.” The man spin around, looking confuse, he told the person on the other line to wait. “The last girl's name. She's Antoinette Aurore Juliette. It's a French name.” But before the man could say anything, a scream came out of his ear piece.

“Mian (sorry), I go check the front desk okay?” And he just dash, leaving the two girls looking confuse.

. . .

“What do you mean turn around?” A rather angry girl was arguing with one of the stewards. Her accent was weird. It you just listen for seconds, you conclude it's British. But the longer she spoke, the obvious her accent had a hint of French. But her sense of clothing was fully french though. She had a pattern grey leggings that trail down to her white dancing boots, black bubble skirt and grey blouse. She team it up with a pink beanie and scarf.“I have an appointment the minute I'm off this stupid plane!”

But the steward refuse to listen. “I'm sorry mesdemoiselles, zere is a man on broad, had a heart attack!” he turned away and hurriedly dash off. The girl groaned and cursed in English. She grumpily walked back to her seat and sulk. If only she had something around here to send signals to Korea and let the person know that she's going to be late. She hate to be late. A soft giggle came beside her. She glanced and saw an amuse girl. She looked Asian with her tan skin and pretty single eyelid eyes.

“I know how you feel,” she spoke fluently in English. Her accent was American, New York American to be specific. “I have an appointment the minute I land too. I'm Chloe Siaw Hyun. People in Manhattan call me Chloe but my friends call me Hyun.” She smiled. She had a pretty calm smile. The French girl looked at the manicured hand and took it warmly.

“Antoinette Aurore Juliette. Yes, yes, I'm used to the whole Romeo Juliet thing. But I rather dance my shoes off than waiting for a prince.”

“I agree with you there!” The two girls giggled in excitement, barely aware how late they were going to be.

. . .

“Wait here,” an old grumpy lady groan, kicking open the door while buffering her nails and chewing gum.

“Uh. . . kamsamida. . . (thank you),” a younger girl bowed, making her red curls sway with the movement. The receptionist went away. And the girl did not know why she even bother to say thanks. Not like she was going to appreciate it. But she has to, now that her dreams are coming true. She look around the oval room. It looked like a meeting room full with a huge round table in the middle and chairs surrounding it. She walked around, trying to figure out where to sit. But as soon she sat down on a chair next to the door, it opened and walked in a tall lady in tight mini suit. She stride briskly, professional as she talked to her phone.

“I see, just bring the two here. The plane may take hours to fly over. Okay, see you later.” The lady placed the pile of papers on the table, sat down and sighed. YooIn stood up, wanting to be polite. The lady took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. “So. . . you must YooIn.”

“De, annyeonghaesayo (Yes, hello),” YooIn bowed. The elder woman asked her to sit nearer. They stayed quiet as the woman read pages after pages. She smiled when she found the right paper. Her tone turned businesses-like.

“Okay, YooIn. I know you have been with us for over five or so years now. . . Your file says it all for your dedication towards the company. And I want to say congratulations.” She smiled. YooIn had a look of disbelieve and confusion. “Congratulations, YooIn. I want to be the first to say that you're finally debuting.”

. . .

Special thank you to Han @ Vanilla Sky. I love the poster and background. Please request from them, you won't regret it @ vs-vanilla-sky.blogspot.com

. . .


Chapter One: Stage Girlfriend

“And now welcoming SHINee!” An older man in a suit shouted to his microphone and all the fan girls in the studio screamed at the top of their lungs. They could not contain their excitement any longer. The camera caught the scene of girls row by row as they were seated or rather jumping up and down excitedly at their idols. As on cue, five young contemporary boys stepped to the hot lighted stage, it looked like a talk show, with one great chair for the host and two other sofas for the guests. “Welcome, welcome,” the elderly host greeted happily. “Welcome to the Eeteuki show~,” he sang in a melodious tone, not surprising as he is in a singing/dancing group called Super Junior. The five boys seated accordingly to their ages, with the two eldest sat on the for two and the rest sat on the sofa for three. “So,” Eeteuk took his placed in the brown soft chair holding a pack of cards in one hand and a mic in another. “We all know that you five have a new hot comeback video!” He said gleefully.

One of them, in the far edge left had a light brown hair that stayed away from his forehead, he spoke politely as a leader he was, "yes, we have made a came back with our new song, Lucifer," with that, the studio erupted with screams of fan girls in recognition. It scared some of the members. Onew flashed his eye smiled shyly and bowed his head.

"Yes, Lucifer is a very strong song with strong lyrics accompanied by strong beats as it is about being trapped," JongHyun, beside Onew explained. He waved cutely at the girls in front of him and that made another eruption.

Key nodded in agreement as he explained further, "even the dance moves which our lovely fans called the handcuffs dance was inspired by the lyrics." The girls continued to encourage him with shouts, claps and obviously screams of delights. Eeteuk whispered something to his earpiece and eying the girls.

"Yes, yes," Eeteuk glanced at his cards and his face lightens at the writings. He faced SHINee confidently. "Now, there are some. . . 'features' in the video," he emphasized, "that was slightly difficult to uncover if just by watching." Maknae TaeMin and MinHo nodded in agreement.

TaeMin turned to the fans and smiled, "we hoped the hidden messages were hard to crack but as expected by MinHo hyung, you all found out sooner," with his every words, he had his angel smiled on. MinHo smiled shyly as his fans sent 'aw' to him. TaeMin really is an angel.

"Now," Eeteuk tried to gather attentions back to him, "we will now reveal the hidden features of Lucifer's music video!" With a wave of his hand, the scene melted and showed SHINee's newest music video.

First showed leader Onew as his soft vocals rang sweetly then a sudden paused, the screen was captured by a red curled hair girl, she was absolutely lovely, as if singing to the song. A tiny box on the right side of the image showed Onew's expression, he could only smile back shyly. JongHyun jokingly punch him to be manly. Next was maknae TaeMin sang his first part, another pause, this time another different girl, she looked as sweet as a child with the same colour of his hair and pale complexion. JongHyun's girl looked younger than he was with her petite figure and face. A rather fierce girl was Key's, she had short dark purple hair that sticks to her small long face. She was obviously a foreigner. Lastly, was MinHo's, she appeared older than he was, a more tomboy girl with short messy hair. Each time the tiny box at the side showed the boy's reaction but they had a somewhat poker face.

Abruptly, the screen changed back to the five boys who had shy smiles or embarrassed ones. "Could you explained to us further?" Eeteuk began with a curious smiles, the camera sweep the fans who nodded eagerly.

Maknae TaeMin blushed and clumsily told, "they're. . . our girlfriends."
. . .

"Idiot!" Key hit TaeMin's head, "what are you doing blushing like that??" He scolded angrily at the maknae who still had a blushing face, some in the studio laughed but others pitied maknae, but most of the fans were still shocked upon the huge news. As Key composed himself, Onew cleared his throat and started to explain.

"They are our 'stage' girlfriends, as SM Entertainment have created a new girl group to debut soon and I mean very soon!" he animatedly smiled and seems far excited at the idea.

"SmE is trying to promote them through as us as they are like a female version of SHINee," MinHo who finally spoke, "but instead of telling people that they are like that or this, the entertainment tries to promote these girls through a reality program with us, as their boyfriends."

“Our Lucifer music video is more or less their teaser music video." JongHyun laughed at the irony and tried to get to the spotlight. "This reality program also be promoting SHINee's acting skills and further divide us to different areas in the entertainment. I mean, we've done singing and dancing. Now we're trying to expand our skills." JongHyun smiled sweetly and some of the viewers sighed in relief as the girls were not exactly SHINee's girlfriend.

Eeteuk, who has been quiet, trying to digest the new information. "How come I never heard of about this?" his curiosity overpowered him, as he is one of SmE's artists. His card clearly stated that he should ask more of their opinion of Lucifer. "I never seen or heard about this new group nor I've seen them train to debut."

"It has been a secret till the music video was released, but it is a nice surprise right?" Key tries to save the situation. “And beside, only one of them trained in SM Entertainment. The rest do not have any training whatsoever,” Eeteuk could only nodded as he looked down at his cards, the atmosphere was suddenly tensed. SHINee looked at each other nervously. Have they made a mistake to suddenly revealed this?

Maknae TaeMin quickly spoke, "should we reveal the members?" he said it cautiously, as if afraid something might explode. Eeteuk looked up in surprise, you could see the eagerness in his eyes and how he seems to jump. He nodded, grateful to have something to talk about. It is a talk show after all. "We start with the oldest!" TaeMin declared happily.

"What? what?!" Onew shot a glare at TaeMin who turned away and smile at fans. Onew cursed under his breath. Now he looked awkward, trying to gather his thoughts, "well. . . I haven't actually met her yet." He twisted his fingers together, JongHyun quickly slapped them, Onew glanced at him annoyingly, "but I heard she has an amazing voice."

"Okay my turn!" JongHyun excitedly stood, not giving a chance for Onew to tell the audience further. "I only met her once and that's from afar, we both were busy, with me making an comeback and with her debuting. And she was jet lagged too. Apparently she refuses to attend school here and want to finish college in the hometown. She's just turned 18 and is pure Korean and she also a lead vocalist like me!" JongHyun rambled on and on about her, when Eeteuk asked for her name, he immediately sat down and said nothing.

"We haven't met them yet due to our schedule but we heard a lot from our staffs and manager hyung," MinHo explained but when he was asked about his girl, he does not really know much. "But she's older than I am and she is also a rapper. I also heard that she's fluent in English and Chinese." Some were impressed with MinHo's girl.

It was Key's turn and he actually met her, well once. "She was tall," was the first thing he said in such a funny expression and that made the studio laughed. "And she was half French and British, so she masted three languages including Korean." a wave of 'aah' float across one end of the studio to the other, Key laughed at the reaction. "Her position is like mine, a rapper and also a singer. Her name is really difficult to say but I always call her Juliette. And her stage name is. . ." he blushed, "its really cheesy but its sweet at the same time. . ." he smiled, "her stage name is Lock, to match with mine." A roar of laughter came beside him, the SHINee members could not help but laugh. "Its sweet if you guys know the reason okay??" Key hit TaeMin to make him stop, "your turn," he said sulkily.

TaeMin coughed from the punch then he fell silence, "I don't know how to say it. . .." he blushed, "I met her weekly at SmE's building and she's very sweet. She's half Japanese so her pale skin was what attracted me to her. Her whole personality is sweet and adorable."

"Try using other vocabulary maknae," Key hit TaeMin again.
"You haven't met her, even you could only describer her as cute and and. . . adorable." TaeMin shuttered.
"Right, right," Key waved carelessly, he was taking out his anger at poor poor maknae.

"Anyway!" Eeteuk grabbed the camera, "that's all for tonight folks! Time is already out. Sorry to end it so soon,” he pouted but he immediately flashed his best smiled, “next week's guests will be debuting in Japan soon and I'm a fan of them! And let's thanks tonight's guests, SHINee!! Good night viewers and this is the end of Eeteuki's Show!”


Chapter Two: Lucifer

A wobbly cameraman got out of an elevator and slightly wobble to the left, finally reaching a grey and two vertical black strips door. He steadied himself before pushing the doorbell and an excited female voice cheerfully responded. "Wait a minute~!" The door unlocked to revealed a very tall girl with short hair that sticks to her foreign face. "Wow!" She exclaimed when she was the camera, other voices from inside the apartment started to squeak, demanding who was it. "Should I lock back the door?" The girl jokingly asked behind her. And actually closed the door. The camera man stayed put, a daze. A few minutes passed and the door opened again, a different girl smiled shyly. She was the red-headed one, claimed to be the leader. She bowed and apologized for the childish behavior.

"Please come it," she smiled sweetly and opened the door widely, the rest of Lucifer members were there, wearing casual every day clothing but somehow they still look famous. The cameraman slowly step into the apartment, slipping out his shoes and to be greeted by a huge picture of Lucifer's very first official picture. It was after they were told that they were debuting as a group. It took hours for Lock and Hyun to come together after their plane was diverted. They were delighted when their female manager told them all about Lucifer.

“Now,” Im SeoIn, their manager said as she placed back her reading glasses. She was older than the girls but most men would glance at her more than twice. “Have you heard of SHINee? The boy group from SM Company too?” All of them nodded, except for Juliette and Hyun. “Well, you better start knowing them because you all are going to be the female version of SHINee. Under the name of Lucifer. Their soon to be come back song.” It was hard to accept at first, because the girls did not have an original name under an original group. They were based from another group. Which is why they are going to do their best, to achieve a name of their own. Not to let anyone think of Lucifer as SHINee but Lucifer as Lucifer. They went to intensive training for months; trying to familiar themselves with the dance steps, lyrics but most importantly basic things; fluency in the language, losing weight for the people's taste and develop more of their skills. Then it was down to their image. What is Lucifer's signature look? How will they ever attract their soon to be fans? They something different, not totally similar to SHINee.

And so, the girls transformed themselves. YooIn dyed her light brown hair to red and curled it, to give people the impression she is the Fire Leader.

Hyun cut and dyed her long hair to a greenish blue pixie like, that she is the calm yet risky and challenge one.

Juliette, knowing the difficulty of Koreans to remember her name changed it to Lock but soon after knowing one of SHINee's song was Juliette; she made it a option for her future fans to call her either Lock or Juliette. And she cut hair shorter than Hyun; dyed it purple and found a stylist to make it more gangster-ish. She wanted them to remember her not as just another rapper and dancing but more, far more.

Shin had difficulty in changing her image. She has that innocent image already, how to suit her to the song was a challenge. They had her experiment different looks and eventually settle to stick to her dark honey hair and pale complexion. They wanted her to be the doll, trapped doll.

Lastly, was maknae MiSoo. She did not want to dyed her hair. It stayed its natural black but she has cut it in layers, messier. The rebellious maknae, she declare. And they came up with that idea. A Devilish group, just like the demon Lucifer right at the bottom of Hell, as said of Dante's Infusim. The first official picture of them was completely out of their personalities.

Lock sighed as she reminisce. She had missed her waist long chestnut hair. But remembering that she's a Lucifer made her threw away that thought. The camera man started to gesture them for an introduction. This was going to be the first filming of their reality show. It's basically this camera follow them everywhere, record everything to be shown to everyone. It's an indirect way to let Lucifer's future fans to get to know them. And the girls in a row introduced themselves. "Hello! We are Lucifer!" YooIn started to bow and proudly declare, "Hello, I'm Lucifer's leader Park YooIn!" the rest followed suit.

"A y'all! Black Gem Hyun's here!" Hyun made a peace sign.
"Hello there, I'm Sweet Shin. Please to meet you,” She bowed politely, typical of Shin.
"Hey people, Lock here," she winked, and as if she discover a bomb; she shrieked, "ah, MiSoo is not here!" she declared in horror.

"She's in the bedroom," Hyun said carelessly as she arrange flowers at on desk at the bottom of the picture; where they usually place car keys, letters and notes. Surprisingly, it was white, just like the walls. The only thing that was not white was the floor. But it was pale wood.

"Is she jet lagged again?" YooIn asked then sighed. She brushed up her red fringe with her long fingers, “can't be help, she did fly over last night.”

"I seriously don't get why she doesn't want to go to school here,” Lock crossed her arms, the camera focus on her and you can see she's as thin as skin and bone. “Let's go wake her so we can do the show." And with that, the girls rushed to a room. Apparently the owner who used to live in this apartment dislike bright colours, so he painted the whole apartment white. The girls were too busy to decorate the whole apartment so they could afford to buy colourful random stuffs. Now that the cameraman was far, he filmed their clothing. YooIn was wearing an oversized long sleeves t-shirt and quarter jeans, something really comfortable yet almost fashionable. Hyun had a black turtle neck on with white shorts, she had an to go out to buy groceries with Lock, who was sporting a yellow blouse and dark jeans, wrapping her arm was a darker jacket, when the cameraman came. Shin had a white dress on, unusual to be worn inside a house but soon she explained her mother always dress her up in dresses when she was a child, now it became a habit.

The cameraman followed clumsily through the white hall. Finally reaching yet another pure white room where it seems to be the girls' bedroom. It was all white and the one of the walls was pure glass, a floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall large window, over looking the park next to the apartment. So the room was incredibly bright. There were five beds arrange right in the middle of the room in a row. The rest of the space were used by white drawers. And right in the corner, with a drawer full of books, was a black hair girl sleeping peacefully, not aware of her members.

"MiSoo~~~~~~~~~~ wake up!" Lock jumped on the bed, Shin quietly took her place in the next bed as Hyun and YooIn watch, standing next to the camera.

"Lock is always like that," Hyun made a closeup to the camera, now looking closely you could see her Chinese features.

"Yeah, that's how childish she is," YooIn giggled.
"HEY! I HEARD THAT!"
"So what?" Hyun does stick her tongue out, playfully. Even so, Lock get pissed easily.
"Yah, MiSoo," Lock kicked MiSoo's back and that made her fell. Soon a messy black hair shot up.
"What do you guys want~~~~~~~~~~~~~~?" she wailed, obviously, not pleased. Soon she climbed up the bed and wrapped herself with the white blanket.

"MiSoo o-neechan. . . (unnie in Japanese)" Shin softly call out, MiSoo looked at her, not as angry. Even though MiSoo was the maknae but Shin was the eternal maknae to them as she is like the ideal little sister. No one gets angry at Shin. "We're filming right now," she pointed to the camera. MiSoo looked and still looked for a few minutes. As if she wish it was a dream and disappeared. But soon after exchanging glance with it, she sighed.

"Hi, I'm MiSoo and I'm pretty much jet lagged right now, so if you all please excuse me." She stood up and walked lazily towards the bathroom. Her whole appearance and movement was like a zombie.

"Please do excuse her," YooIn bow.
"She's not really jet lagged, she just hates riding planes."
"She's a weirdo, if she hates planes then why does she refuses to go to school here?"

"Um. . . " Shin tried to catch their attention, everyone looked at her, "cause. . . she. . . likes someone."

"Other than JongHyun sunbae?" YooIn asked, Shin nodded. She turns to the camera, "please edit this out, we don't want any complication. And Shin, please don't mention this to anyone." YooIn spoke as a leader and her voice and tone was too overpowering, the other members were silence.

"Anyway, shall we continue with the program while we wait for maknae?" She smiled sweetly, as if nothing just happened.


Chapter Three: Interviews

"Is everyone ready? We're going live in 3. . . 2. . . 1. . ."

"Hey yo everybody, SungMin here and you're listening to my awesome radio," even though he said it like that, he winked. "And we have a very special guest with us!" He pressed a button and an audience could be heard clapping. "They just debuted a week ago and they're reality program is doing well! Now let me introduce to you all~~~~ SM's new and hottest group. . . Lucifer~~~~~~~~~~~~" It was as if he's in a rock concert as SungMin introduce them.

"De, annyeong~ (Yes, hello) I'm Lucifer's leader YooIn,"
"A-yo people, Lucifer's Black Gem Hyun's here,"
"Hey, I'm Lucifer's Rebel Lock,"
"Hello, I'm Lucifer's Sweet Shin,"
"And I'm Lucifer's maknae MiSoo."

"Yes~~ welcoming Lucifer to the world, I'm welcoming you on behalf of the K-POP celebrities. Now," SungMin paused, shuffles some paper around him. "Your reality program is apparently not enough, as it only shows your personalities, wow." He seems shock but quickly recompose as he clear his throat. "So, let me ask you a few questions, starting with Shin."

"Ah, yes." Shin blushed, the first time that the spotlight shines on her, only her. Shin has always been quiet and this makes fans curious to who she really is, during the reality program, she would stand around the background and basically shrinks or blend in. This actually disappoint some the fans.
"So Shin, from sources said, you actually auditioned as an actress?"

"Um. . . yes," she hesitated, she could see that SungMin's hand gestures, trying to make her speak more. The other members also encourage her. "I've always wanted to be an actress since I was little. I've participated in several school plays and commercial back in Japan." SungMin lighten up, seeing another possible topic to discuss. "um, I mostly participated in cosmetic commercial, mostly face creams," she answered SungMin's questions more comfortably. Her answer surprised some of the members as well.

"I always know she has a very pale and smooth complexion but I didn't know she has advertised some facial products," explained leader YooIn confidently. "In fact, Shin's main image is pure and innocent, so her appearance really helped a lot."

"How about her singing abilities? Lucifer is an singing group, as brilliant as SHINee."
"She has a soft and stable vocals," Hyun added.

"My father loved singing, he made me sing on stage once and I love the feeling of it. So I'm grateful that I am a member of Lucifer." Shin said sweetly. It made SungMin smiled brightly. He thanked her.

"Right, now moving on to the leader~," SungMin declared excitingly. YooIn laughed nervously. "So, YooIn, you are one of the lead vocalist?"

"Yes, I have trained in SM for over 5 years," she smiled but there was a hint of bitterness. "The first two years, I did so well that I was about to debut with another group but because of my health I had to stop all activities for over one year. It broke my heart. I love singing so much, I had a dream that one day I would sing a song that represent who I am and my country. Because of that, I was only hospitalized for six months only but it was hard, because the rest of the trainees of my age had already in advances stages or debuted and even quit. So I trained a future three years to make ensure my full training."

"Ah, yes," SungMin reminisced, "being a trainee was hard, especially with your situation. Maybe the first two years was because of stress?"

"Yes," YooIn smiled bitterly, "the training was too much back then and the fees, oh gosh the fees was too much for someone like me." YooIn came from a middle family. Her parents actually wanted her to study but soon realized what their daughter really wanted. Now they support her all the way.

"Yes," SungMin winced in memory as well. "We'll move shall we?" He saw YooIn was about to break down. "Lock!" SungMin rustled some papers, finally found what he was looking for. "Seem like everyone in Korea has been talking about your sense of style,” SungMin seems to think it's hard to believe that people still comment on Star's clothing. . . or maybe Lock wears something unappropriated. But it seems hard to believe.

“My sense of style come both from France and England,” she smiled shyly, confuse to why her clothing became the topic, maybe it was because of that one time she was too lazy to change when the apartment was out of milk. But she was only wearing an oversized white Mickey Mouse sweater! Well. . . her shorts were a bit too short. . . it looked as if she wasn't pants. “I like to mix and match according to colour mostly and. . . balance things out.”

SungMin seems unconvinced to why that's the reason Koreans talk about her sense of fashion. Right now she was wearing a pair of black trousers and mini black kimono. Innocent enough. Maybe people are overreacting. He once again scan his papers, “Looks like we haven't know Lock's real name, naughty, naughty, naughty," SungMin said with a horrible accent while wiggling his fingers. Lock blushed at the statement and defended herself.

"My real name is quite long!" SungMin kept pestering her, "okay, okay!" Lock surrender as she hold her hands up. "My real name is Antoinette Aurore Juliette." She said it all in her natural french accent, which made her members and also SungMin stunned. "Did I ever mention that I'm half french and half British?" she asked, embarrassed.

"We are just shock cause of your accent," Hyun explained.
"Right. . .." SungMin tried to speak, "fans are wondering why you named yourself Lock?"
"Well. . . that's cause. . . I want to match my name with SHINee's Key. . ." Her cheeks redden with every word. “But you all can still call me Juliette, like Key does,” she said hurriedly, too embarrassed.

"Ah right! SmE's plans," SungMin smirked. "Your love~ drama with SHINee, your boyfriends." SungMin laughed evilly, trying to tease the girls. MiSoo was the most affected by it. "Maknae MiSoo," he called out, that made her jumped in surprised.

"Ah. . . yes?" She was really startled or just plain nervous.
"Now I heard something that you're really attracted to Lead Vocalists, could it be the reason you like JongHyun? And. . . let's say, Xiah JunSu? My Wookie? BoA? TaeYeon of Girls' Generation?” MiSoo could only nodded, she was still embarrassed. “Tell me, do you really like your stage boyfriend?" SungMin won't let go of the teasing. MiSoo's cheeks turned as red as a cherry. "Oh she really likes JongHyun!"
"I. . . I. . . really like. . . his voice. . ." MiSoo hesitate on every word. It is obviously already.

"Ah, that's right, you're also the lead vocalist. I bet your dream is the sing a duet with him~~~" SungMin's eyebrows kept going up and down, teasingly.
"SungMin sunbae! Stop it!" Hyun came to the rescue, "can you not see our maknae is about to faint?" She felt MiSoo's forehead, "she can't help if she's madly in love!"
"Unnie!" MiSoo whined in embarrassment.

"Okay, Okay, let's continue with the interview right? Let's see. . .. ah, its says here that you still study abroad? Even though you already debut here?"
"Yes. . . I like to finish my enrollment in Brunei." MiSoo said timidly.
"Brunei? Never heard of it," a curious SungMin stopped following the script.

"Ah, its a small developing country but its really nice and peaceful. I learned to speak English there."
"O English~, smarty ass," SungMin teased again. "I'm sorry, I just love bullying new maknaes," he laughed. "Now, the last member, rapper Hyun~~"

"Hey," Hyun said, full of energy.
"Introduce yourself, we can find anything about you in the net!"
"That's cause when I was about to be a part of Lucifer, I was still in Beijing. I didn't even audition." She said shyly. SungMin was impressed. "My friends and I were joking around and we were so hyper that we sing, well I rapped. I guess someone saw me."

"Is Hyun really your real name?"
"Yes, my name full name is Chloe Siaw Hyun. My mother is Korean, she wanted me to have a Korean name."
"Ah this is interesting, we revealed two real names today, its making me curious over Shin."

"Ah," Shin was surprised as she was back in the spotlight, "I'm full Japanese but my mom is half Korean so we always visit Seoul from time to time."
"I only asked for your name Shin~" SungMin whined cutely, it made Shin blushed for her mistake.
"Sorry, I did not heard it correctly," she actually bow, "my real name is Shinku Kinomoto."
"Aw, even her real name is sounds sweet!" SungMin squealed like a baby. God knows why he suddenly turned hyper.

"Anyway, that's the end of our interview and tomorrow, we will have yet another guest." He paused for effects, "which are Lucifer's boyfriends~, we will be discussing about their up coming reality program which will promote their acting skills~, with that, let Lucifer bid their goodbyes."

. . .

"We're on air in 5 minutes!" EunHyuk was still busy swimming among his piles of papers. SHINee was testing their headphones and mics as they were getting ready to go live in a few minutes.

"EunHyuk hyung, let me help you," Onew offered some help, EunHyuk looked so relief that he almost cried. "Hyung, you should really be organized. These papers were from yesterday!" Onew paused, as if his brain was processing something. Then he eyed the papers suspiciously, "Hey, Hyung," he began ever so casually, "these papers, were used for Lucifer right?"

EunHyuk was still swimming in an ocean of papers, not caring anything, "yeah, there were. SungMin forgot to pick them up again. Now where's that freaking paper??" he yelled out frustratedly.

"We're going live in 3. . .. 2. . … EunHyuk!"

"Yeah, yes?" He startled, then he saw the red light beeping. "Hey, its EunHyuk here and you're listening to my one and only radio station," just like that, EunHyuk's personality changed from a grumpy man that was about to burst to a very charming radio host. "Just as I promised you all yesterday, we have SHINee has a our special guest for today!"

"Hi, I'm leader tofu Onew!"
"I'm SHINee's only bling bling~~"
"Hello everyone, I'm MinHo."
"Yo peeps, the Almighty Key is here!"
"And I'm SHINee's TaeMin!"

"Look's like everyone is hyper but MinHo, anything you want to share?" EunHyuk was trying to stay away from the original topic as he still cannot find his papers.
"Ah, I'm having a mixture of emotions. I feel tired because of the schedule but I'm very excited for tomorrow's filming."
"Ah, and what's that?" rustles kept coming from EunHyuk's mic. He forgot to turn it off.
"Our first filming with Lucifer!" TaeMin answered, bursting with energy, you can hear it in his tone that he's really excited about it.

"Ah, here it is!" EunHyuk declared in victory. Then he realized the red beeping again. "Ah, sorry about that," he apologized shyly. As he smooth the paper so he could read better. "As MinHo stated earlier, what are the other member's reaction towards the filming?"

"I'm really nervous as it tests our acting skills." Onew answered politely. There was a hint of shattering in his soft vocals.
"Oh yes, some are also curious as to what the program really is, could explain further?" EunHyuk delightfully asked.
"Sorry, but you just have to wait for the first episode to be air," Jjong answered happily, it was obvious he was trying to sound mysterious but his excitement won over him.

"And there are also some debate concerning the couple arrangement," EunHyuk looked at his papers, his eyebrow rose in surprise. "That JongHyun's girlfriend should have been Shin or Hyun as MiSoo is the maknae, so TaeMin would be most suitable for her."

JongHyun laughed in embarrassment, "Actually, before the coupling was match. The members of Lucifer was asked which they would prefer to date. Only Juliette and MiSoo answered, so they end up with Key and me."

"You should have seen Jjong's reaction when MiSoo picked him!" Key exploded in laughter.
"Well, in our first variety show, the noonas rarely pick me and Onew, so I was very surprised," explained JongHyun, wide eyed, trying to defend himself.

"Well, are the other members are satisfied with their girlfriends?" EunHyuk asked in curiosity asked Onew who has fallen silence.
"Base on the description of YooIn, I was really attracted to her voice. So I'm looking forward to meet her." Onew showed his unique eye smile.

"You haven't met YooIn-sshi?" Onew shook his head at the question.
“We haven't met them yet, except for TaeMin." MinHo finally spoke again.
"I meet Shin weekly in SmE building," TaeMin said timidly.

"Ah Shin!" EunHyuk's face lighten up, "Shin is a very cute girl."
"See Key, I told you so~~~~~~~~~~~~~~" TaeMin whined at Key. (referring to chapter one)

"MinHo-sshi," EunHyuk tried to bring the attention to every member, "what do you think of Hyun-sshi?"
MinHo smiled, you can see he was trying to hide his blush. "I heard that she's very talented but when I hear about her appearances, all I get is a tomboy image."
"Yes yes," EunHyuk agreed, "yesterday she came in with a pair of short jeans and a baggy sweater."
"Hyung, I'm jealous of you," MinHo pouted. EunHyuk asked why, "cause you've met her." This made EunHyuk's instinct activate. Time for teasing! Okay, okay for the sake of MinHo's fans, I'll skip the teasing.

"So, any hints of what the first episode will be?" EunHyuk glanced at the clock, it was almost time to end.
"Well. . . it will be a meeting session. . . almost like a date. Well it is a date. And each of us will plan the date to get to know Lucifer," TaeMin answered carefully, not revealing important information, before EunHyuk could say anything more, the bell rang, indicating that the interview time was over.

"Right, that's all from my awesome radio! Thank you!'


Chapter Four: First meeting

“Hey everyone, it's TaeYeon of Girls' Generation here,” she waved but judging by the wobbling camera, she must be filming herself with her personal video camera. And the suspicious thing was; she was whispering. Now she was giggling excitedly as she looked around. Her background were trees, bushes. She was outdoor, and definitely not the city. “I'm not suppose to be here but I couldn't resist,” she turned the camera around slowly, so it would capture everything. There were camera crews, lighting crews, sound crews, makeup and clothing girls but the most noticeable thing was the nervous PD. The camera turned back to TaeYeon, “they are getting ready to shoot Onew's first date with YooIn,” she smiled evilly. “I'm not suppose to be filming this but I'll just show it around when the official show goes on air. Ah! There's YooIn!” The screen immediately turned and focus on a girl in a normal blue t-shirt and jeans, walking briskly towards a van while reading over a pile of papers. In the background there was still TaeYeon's hyper voice; mumbling something like 'I feel like a professional spy,' and continued with her evil laughter. “Okay, I'm now going to turn off this thing and tried to sneak in her van. See you then.” The screen goes blank.

A sigh from TaeYeon as she adjust her camera. She was sulking. “I didn't get to the van. . .” she trailed off, too upset to continue. But her face lighten up as someone said 'CUE'. “Oh, they're filming already. Let's go!” The screen blurred with green but then it stayed on two figures, walking side by side. If only TaeYeon could go nearer then she could get a clear audio. But she did noticed that YooIn changed from her simple outfit to a sophisticated one; a green acid turtle neck, black shorts and white leggings. Her green boots looks good against the path of peddles. And not to forget Onew. He looks smart with a crisp white shirt, black jumper and darker trousers. He was even wearing a tie! Almost like he's going to meet her parents.

“Noona, have you been to Sweet Delights? A restaurant around here?” Onew asked, so shy that TaeYeon never seen him like this. YooIn was biting her lower lip as she twisted her fingers.

“No, I never heard of it,”

Onew looked so relief that TaeYeon wanted to squeal. It's so cute to see two youngster on a date. “You going to love it. It's a really nice place to sit back and relax. Not to mention the amazing greenery surrounding the outside dining area. You would feel so pleasant you never want to leave!” TaeYeon's self cam turned to the crew and almost every staff member wanted to laugh. Onew sounded exactly like the brochure.

“And what will we do next?” YooIn glanced at his eyes. Onew just blushed madly and messed up his words. Afterward, almost suddenly, Onew's body stiffen as he walked. He moved closer and closer to YooIn. And finally reaching for her hand. TaeYeon zooms to capture it. And the two of them got embarrassed. In the end they ate their lunch, Onew opened up and started to act as his normal funny self and made YooIn laughed all the way. But after YooIn suggest a scroll through the area; Onew fell silence. The two of them even manage to hide away from the crew and came back blushing madly!

“Well, that's all for TaeYeon's cam of Onew and YooIn's date! Wait for the next couple.” She winked and turned off her camera.

. . .

“Sorry, sorry I'm late. There was a problem with transport earlier.” TaeYeon apologized repetitively. “The couple has already started their date. Apparently JongHyun brought MiSoo to his high school. Maybe to persuade her to study in Seoul than Brunei? Well, let's just see.” The camera spin and landed on two people walking down the hall, showing much skin ship; JongHyun had his arm around MiSoo's wait and her head rest on his shoulder. Typical of JongHyun, of course. And of course, typically of JongHyun. They were now in the music room. They spend the rest of the afternoon there, singing, making piano covers of various shows. It may not be the most romantic thing but they both seems content enough.

“MiSoo, come with me,” JongHyun said, noticing how late it has gotten, holding out his hand as he smiled charmingly at his on-stage girlfriend. Like a kid she was, still dreaming of a prince, took his hand. Together they almost beat the filming crew as they ran out. But as soon as they step outside, JongHyun scream, “Burn it!” And fireworks. Fireworks in different patterns, different colours exploded into the night sky. JongHyun had planned it all. He even set up a picnic set right outside where they now sat after the fireworks. They ended the date with JongHyun singing his favorite song, “Nothing better than you,”

TaeYeon sniffed as she watched the couple, “that is so sweet,” and switch off her cam.
. . .

“Ha! Now I'm earlier than the stars. . .” But TaeYeon groaned. But by the time Key arrives, she has explore the entire place of his planned date; which is the beach. Well a rented beach house. “I think Key wants to see Lock in a bathing suit,” TaeYeon laughed evilly. The beach house was very modern and convenient. A perfect dating place for the couples out there who wants fresh air. TaeYeon even lied on the soft bed before Lock or Key arrive. That was how early she was. “Okay, there's Key now, walking towards the house. I better hide myself, see you later,” TaeYeon wink before the screen turned black.

The next time TaeYeon filmed herself was when her face is sulking, “Key dongsaeng caught me. . . Now I have to sit here and not bother them. . .” But her spirits once again regained as she smirk, “but who ever listen to dongsaengs?” She happily skip towards the door. Key, in a shirt and shorts was playing in the fresh blue sea with Lock. They were playing some kind of games. TaeYeon was happy enough to see Lock wearing an oversized t-shirt but the t-shirt occasionally sticks to her figure. Key always find his ways. But ever so often, Key would reach for Lock and she always take his hand. It's nighttime when Key finally take actions. Lock was at a the shower and Key arranged it all in the white and black beach house; a candle light dinner. And they slow dance the night away. Key has always been the romantic one.

“And that conclude today's filming,” TaeYeon said dreamily.

. . .

By now TaeYeon was fed up being secretive. And so she now interviewing MinHo openly. “So why do you choose this as your date?” TaeYeon looked around, also showing the place with her personal camera. The place was a kitchen; SHINee's kitchen in truth. And the table was full with cooking, baking ingredients.

MinHo was now arranging last minute stuffs. TaeYeon could see the faint blush on his cheeks. “Well. . . I want my first date to be simple and something so close to my every day activities. Which is why I want it to be here. So I can remember vividly what Hyun and I do here.” MinHo looked around and was pleased with the effort he made. But when he heard the door bell, his body stiffen. TaeYeon giggled as she came to answer the door. Hyun was cute today, despite her tomboyish image. She's. . . well girly. And she looked exactly like a wife as MinHo put on her apron for her. They started something basic like MinHo making the rice and Hyun made the vegetable soup. In the end, they made a wonderful well being meal that looked as if on magazines. But their date did not end up like that like though. MinHo gave Hyun a tour of SHINee's apartment and they fell asleep on the couch with MinHo lying on Hyun's lap.

TaeYeon sighed as she turned the camera to her face, “Please, let me date. It's so nice to see them date,”

. . .

“Exploring Seoul!” SHINee's maknae proudly declared for his date, “I want to show Shin the beauty of Seoul since she's from Japan.” TaeMin jumped in excitement.

“You don't know she comes to Seoul every summer since she's 14?” TaeYeon asked. TaeMin fell silence.

“Really? But I prepare this day for weeks!” He smiled, clearly embarrassed. TaeYeon patted him and told him to think of something before she comes. But it was too late. The minute TaeMin tried to think, Shin came out of her car wearing a pale pink dress, all ribbons. TaeMin's jaw dropped at the sight and he pulled it back up when TaeYeon laughed loudly, causing her camera to film upward to Seoul's clear sky. In the end, TaeMin had no choice but to proceed with his plans. To his fortunate luck, Shin never been to some parts of Seoul. They visited flower shop, cake shop, cafe, a book store and basically anything. They just laughed as they come in and out of stores. Still, they are kids, anything is better than nothing and everything excites them. Somehow, the kids managed to get a hold of a bicycle and they ended up riding it up and down the park. At some point, with TaeMin in front, Shin hugged his waist and lean her head against his back. And when they just walked around, TaeMin grabbed her hand and lead her. These kids, already know skin ship. But their date ended with a kiss! Baby TaeMin actually lean down and kissed Shin's forehead.

TaeYeon sighed, “how fast kids these days know,”

. . .

“And now it's time to show the results,” TaeYeon said dramatically. “You may not know it but the ratings of each episode of the dates has been compare and we managed to tally it up.” Now she was standing in front of a graph. Showing the TaeMin's date the highest and JongHyun's date the lowest. “And SHINee + Lucifer has chosen their scripts for their very own drama. Please stay tune for next week's JongHyun's horror scene. . .” her voice deepens with a scare. But JongHyun suddenly came out to the set and demanded an explanation.

“I thought my date was the most romantic one! Baby Tae only kissed her! I set up a whole fireworks!”

“Because you started your date in a school's music room for hours. Remember the ratings counts, not how romantic it is. But I personally love Key's date,” TaeYeon wink and the show ended with JongHyun still arguing with the staff members and the credits floating which read;

JongSoo – Horror
MinHyun – Tragedy
OnYoo - Music
TaeShin – Romantic
Key & Lock – funny


Chapter Five: Horror Stage

A Scare.

I walked casually down the street of Seoul; hearing the splash shattering of wet water under my boots. The rain was getting heavier and heavier with every step I took. Drops of water crashed my translucent umbrella like rocks. I was disappointed since the dark clouds interrupted my shopping for RyeoNa. As if on purpose, it rain cats and dogs. I hugged my jacket for dear life as I scanned the main street. People still inhibit the main streets even though it was late in the evening. One lady caught my attention.

She was standing still right in the middle of the road, as if she was a statue. I also noted how soaking wet her clothes were, they were hugging her perfectly tiny sculptured body. What stand out about her was her shoes. Her rusty red shoes damaged by the heavy rain. It was creating a splash of colour since her clothing were dark earth colour; navy patterned tights and a dark brown mini dress. Was she on her way to a date? Her were pale as paper but it glowed softly under the artificial street light. It was so pale, I noticed the purple bruise under her eyes. The paleness contrasted so much with her black ebony wood hair. Her straight fringe were hiding her eyes. She just stood there, as if she was an angel, as she was a Goddess. The odd thing, the out of place object; was a red red rose gripped by her long slender fingers. I could see her veins, blue and purple, threatening to burst out.

As I walked past by her nervously, she looked up. Her eyes were beautiful, raspberry red and captivating. But they had this shade of sadness. The rain helped her to cry. The rain cried for her as well. It traced down her face and landed on her lips, pale as blood but her fangs glistered under the lights.

I blinked, trying to confirm the reality. But the girl vanished. All that was left pools of rain drops where she stood. I sighed in relief, my imagination must be playing tricks on me. I shrugged and was about to walk away before a red flash cornered my sight. A red rose settles itself in my hand which was till clutching my jacket. . .

I ran.

. . .

I catch my breath somewhere, I don't know where. But somewhere quiet. Somewhere safe. I pressed my hand on a wall, trying to steady myself. I could feel the inky green moss spreading on my palm. It was hard to breath, the rain threatened to chock me. As I look up, pounding my chest; there was a glimmer of red right at the end of the alley where I now stood. Is that. . . her? The two right amber blinked and I stood in horror. How did she get here so fast? Is she human? I tried to move my right feet but it refused. Within a blink, she was right in front of me. The lighting's flash made her skin a lot paler than it was. But the way she looked at me, the way her eyes had that shade of sadness. Her red lips were shaking. . .

“Help. . . “ And she collapsed, resting herself onto me. I hold her steady, her body felt so cold.


Chapter Six: Tragedy Stage

As time passed by.

1st grade

I was just bullied by a group of nasty looking boys, they took away my lollipop, dragged me through the mud, punching me at every surface of my body. They even called me a sissy girl. And I just let them do that to me. Now I was crying at the very spot they left me. I do know how long I had been crying but when someone finally woke me, it was late afternoon. The person who shook me awake was a little girl with long pigtailed hair. It was shining black, so silky that I was captivated.
She then handed me her lollipop, "wanna be friends?" She asked with a very sweet voice and a really big smile. I took the candy from her and began to suck on it hungrily. "I'm Hyun, what's yours?" She asked as my teeth sink in the sweetly taste of the rainbow coloured candy.

I answered in my most timid voice, "Choi MinHo."
And that the beginning of our relationship as friends, and only friends.

10th grade

"Hey, do you know how to answer this question?"

"Which one?" I turned on my chair to face her, my so called best friend. Her black sea eyes were looking down at our history work. As she further explained how she far she understood the question and do not know how to write down her answers, I stared at her. Her skin was paler and her cheeks looked flushed; she must has pulled an all nighter last night. Not to blame her, the literature homework was due today. I also noticed her full soft pink bottom lip, did she get a new lip gloss?

"Oh! I get it now!" She startled me with her loud finally-getting-it tone. I think she had answer her own question. "Thanks Minmin!" She leaned over and kissed my cheek. How I long for her. How I want her to be mine. How I want to tell her my feelings, but I was too shy.

11th grade

I was at her locker before lessons start, she was complaining about her date; he was sick and she even went all out for her dress. I didn't even have a date, cause I rejected every girl that asked me for Hyun, anything for Hyun, even if it kills my social status. We actually made a promise before; if neither of us had dates to the prom, we'll go together; as friends. I rather go alone than with another girl. It could have been the greatest night of my life too, as people would say; and it did. We slow danced together to our favorite music and just talk during dancing songs. Her arms around me and mine over her. It was a dream come true. I wanted to protect her with all my heart. As I looked down at her now short hair, it was still radiant black, just like I first saw her. After the dance, I walked her home. When we arrived in front of the door of her house; she hesitated to go in. My heart was nervous, could this be the moment I've been waiting for?

It wasn't.

"I had a great time then I thought, Minmin" she laughed tiredly, there was no hint of affection more than a best friend. She tiptoed and kissed my cheek. How I long for her. How I want her to be mine. How I want to tell her my feelings, but I was too shy.

Graduation day

Months, weeks and days passed; how I dread for this day to come. I was not ready for this day, ever. I no longer have the reason to see her every day. She was moving away from me too; a Beijing scholarship offered her such a deal. As she walked across the stage to receive her graduation certificate, I was completely mesmerized. This was the girl who gave me a lollipop when we first met. This girl was so cute and chubby back then, but now she's as elegant and majestic as a rose; as beautiful as my eyes believe. After the ceremony ended, she struggled to stay in front of me as her all of her relatives came to see her graduate, they kept popping every minute we talked. At long last, we managed to talk for a full five minutes, to say goodbye, to promise to see each other again. Then she tiptoed and gave a kiss on my cheek. How I long for her. How I want her to be mine. How I want to tell her my feelings, but I was too shy.

Wedding day

She was no longer free. She was someone's else now. She's in love with someone else, not me. I had no heart to tell that I was going to the military. She looked so happy and was literally glowing as she link her arm around her newly wed husband. Who would've thought she would marry her own teacher? Well, everyone in school knew he was as suave as a gentleman, moved fast too. When he saw her at the graduation ceremony years ago, he followed her. Made her fall in love with him. Now there they are, swore to be with each other till death due them apart. After the first dance was done, she came over to me.

"Minmin! I'm so glad you made it!" she lean over; she was as tall as me now with her wedding shoes and gave me a kiss on the cheek. How I long for her. How I want her to be mine. How I want to tell her my feelings, but I was too shy.

After War

The war ended and we won. Everyone was celebrating, but in mourn. The only lively party was outside our military walls. People like us, who seen our friends died so many times in front of our eyes, felt so miserable, how could we celebrate their deaths? Sure, we're alive but the images, the horror of that battle will hunt us. We might as well be dead. As our general said, sometimes dying is a blessing. And there were times when I wish I was dead. But thinking of Hyun, I still have the courage to survive. I manage to grab a working phone booth after the victory ceremony and decided to call my parents first.

"Oh MinHo!" I could hear my mother's relieved voice; she was thankful to God that her oldest son survived.
"Say mom, when I come back home next week, could my friend come along? He has a missing leg though." There was hesitation.

"Well, sweetheart, we don't want to be a bother do we? I mean, what would other people say? You know your father has a reputation. . ." my mother rumbled on and on, cautiously choosing her words, but I wasn't really listening, anger boils in me and at the same time, tears are threatening to spill as I looked down at my leg; one was missing. Feeling so much hatred for them, I immediately hung up on the phone, let them worried. I just can't believe my own mother didn't want to take a person with a missing limb. Then a thought came; I could live with Hyun. Hyun would never refuse to my requests, especially after the war and for years we haven't seen each other. I could stay there for a while. As long as I could escape from the horrid walls of the army. Her husband would hate it though, but what the heck; I never did like him too. I rubbed my cheeks that she has always kissed. How I long for her. How I want her to be mine. How I want to tell her my feelings, but I was too shy.

Funeral

MinHo was now standing on the wet ground, the constant rain of the day won't stop, as if the sky was crying for him as well. He only arrived a few hours ago. When he tried to call Hyun, her husband answered. Even though MinHo hated the bastard who stole his best friend, he was worried over his tone.

"MinHo-sshi, Hyun got caught in a car accident. . ." was the only thing MinHo's brain could process. It was not fair; he should have died, he was in a war. While Hyun, Hyun was safe and sound in her peaceful house with her husband and kids. It was not fair. The only good thing about the constant rain was the droplets would hide his own tears. While her coffin went down, her father was reading a diary, Hyun's diary. Her last wish when she died.

"It was a sunny today! I have literature homework that I already finished after spending a whole entire night! Gosh, why did I ever take that subject again? Oh yeah, cause MinHo took it too. Diary, I asked him about a history question too so he could notice me; but he still act normally. How could he act normally when I had my new lip gloss on? The worst part when he didn't even respond or blushed with I kiss his cheek. Diary, how I long for him. How I want him to be mine. How I want to tell him my feelings, but I was too shy."

He cried out in pain.


Chapter Seven: Music Stage

Show me.

It was bright and early in the morning; one particular student was walking across the brightly lighted hall. The sun was streaming through the glass and shines his uniform, somehow he looks amazing in his while other looked like mutants with the ugly brown patterned school colours and the horrible non-styled navy blue coat. This particular student was non other the top student in the whole school; Lee JinKi but he preferred to be call Onew. He likes to walk alone, only because during school hours his worshipers would stalk anywhere, anytime. It was hard to be the top but there are advantages; he could skip boring classes and just do what he loves; playing classical instrument. But his stepfather, a rocker, wanted him to learn guitars, bases, drums, just about anything a rocker do. You bet Onew was rebellious; he's not that a goody two shoes. Yet, when he passed the 13th musical room that morning, he stopped in his tracks. What made him stop was a sweet lively piano playing, along with an amazing voice. They mix together like hot toast and butter. Onew peeped through the door, quietly not wanting to disturb the music.

And there she was, in another school uniform. Onew knew that fiery patterned skirt anywhere.
But hatred quickly flee away from his heart as his ears silently took in the musical notes. They were lively at first but the base keys were trying to play a different note, as if saying; you can't really understand happiness unless you suffer misery. Onew knew the piece well. It was inspired by a poet who gave hope to many. As the girl finally finished playing, she sighed. Onew tried to get a better view to why the action but he accidentally fell and make a whole a lot more noises from clatters of instruments. Onew was still lying on the floor till he heard her giggles. Gosh, even her laugh was all silvery and pure.

"Are you okay?" A hand suddenly appeared in front of Onew's face. He looked at it for a few seconds. . . before slapping it away. Somehow it hurts him, not just his hand by the way but also his heart. but he must remember. . . she's the enemy. His school and her's, has always been fighting over the yearly best musical school awards. Somehow, her school has always won. Onew's school has a such a longer history of producing talented artists that actually care what's the meaning of music, than her; which most graduate would end in fame and fortune. It just sickens him. He quickly stood up, brush off imaginary dusts off his uniform and glared at her. This was the first time he noticed her. She has dark red hair curl hair that falls down to her lean small waist; her uniform hugged her body like silk that just naturally falls off her beautiful figure. She made Onew suddenly uncomfortable and swallowed. But he manage to recompose himself before she noticed.

"What- what-- what are you doing here?" He shuttered at every word he spoke, the girl smiled, looking amuse by the situation. Onew realized her cute dimples and her eye smile. He mentally slapped himself before his body made another weird chemical reaction in him that makes his heart beats faster.

"I'm here for this," her soft pale fingers reached into her pocket and produced a soft creamy finger. Onew realized his ugly messy handwriting; he almost claim it wasn't his as he was too embarrassed.

"So, you're Onew." She spoke slowly, softly, as if processing this new information and she started circling him. It made Onew really uncomfortable. In order to turn the power upside down; he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards her. So he could have power over her. His other slide swiftly under her silky hair and hug her waist. he was surprise on how slim she was. "My, not patient are we?" she asked, completely amused.

"I never expect my challenge was accepted," he eyed her carelessly.
"Yes, well, no one dares to go up against you. You built such a reputation in my school," now Onew was amused.
"Well, what could I say? I am talented."
"We'll see," with that, the girl released herself from his arms. "We'll battle it out in the park joining our schools together. I'll be waiting," as she turned her back, Onew manage to hold her again.

"I didn't catch your name." His face was inches away from her. There was something about this girl that was attractive.
She smiled childishly, happy, "I didn't threw it." With that, she kissed him. "Goodbye Onew, it was nice to finally meet such a amusing opponent."

. . .

"Onew!" a friend called his name. Onew looked up but immediately regret it was his friend began to suffocate him. "So today is the day right?" JongHyun grinned as he messed up Onew's hair. Onew especially put gel in it for the day. The day he would compete with the girl. He had asked everyone in his school about her. Apparently her real name is YooIn, Park YooIn, the younger sister of DBSK's rapper Park YooChun. Onew was almost impress by her. A younger sister of the most popular singers in the whole world? No wonder she was daring enough to step into the enemy's territory.

"So this. . . YooIn girl," JongHyun cracked his brain for her name, "I found more info 'bout her," he finally let Onew go after seeing his skin was becoming blue. While Onew choked, Jjong was searching in his pocket. "Ah! Here it is~" he sang happily, holding out a paper triumphantly. "let's see. . . she won several singing competitions. . . nationally, in France and the world wide contest. . . she has excellent sound in all musical instruments but she do best in piano." Jjong rambled on and on but hearing the word 'piano', Onew's mind traveled to the day they met. How lively and skillfully YooIn played the piano. It made Onew amused, Jjong began to straggle him, asking why he wasn't listening. But before Onew could answer, the school's main clock dings, it made both boys' heads turn to confirm the time. "It's time. . ." Jjong trailed on, letting his hands off Onew. Onew nodded and sort out his uniform.

People have been gathering at the park ever since they heard the show down. It would be the battle of the year as both top student from two enemy schools are going to battle it out, who is better. There stood YooIn, as confident she was when she met Onew. It made Onew nervous somehow, seeing such a confident person. As Onew finally standing beside her, she revealed a very nervous smile, only for seconds then turned back to her confident self. It surprised Onew. Why did she smiled like that? She held out her hand, and Onew took it. She began to lead him to his side of a piano. Somehow her school had heard of the battle and they spent a fortune for the stage to be build. As sponsored of the stage, YooIn was first. She played a piano version of Bolero by DBSK. Her brother's song, it had so such soul and power in it, she can't help but love that song. And she hoped, the people who are here now, will also love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07zNFVUptoI

People clapped, they shout in delight. YooIn had their hearts. Onew was as nervous now. His fingers were all shaking and he was worried he might play a wrong note. But somehow, YooIn came over to his side and kiss his cheek. "Good luck." She wished as she walked down and was greeted by the principles and teachers. After shouts of encouragements from his side, he began to play a song he wrote himself. YooIn helped him to finish it. Well, her presence did. Since that morning, Onew couldn't stop thinking about her and her kiss. It made him suffer, and so he wanted to portray that sufferings in his music. Even though the genre was completely different from YooIn's but it is from his heart, and so, his fingers began to slide across the black and white keys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5ZGJlGzh7c

Shouts and screams from his fans were heard as he finished with his piece. It was not hard to determine the winner as Onew resigned from the competition as soon as he finished.
. . .

"Hey," a girl's voice called out. Onew knew it well. He was now in the 13th music room, trying to fix his music from the competition, somehow it didn't sound right. "Can I ask?" she asked when Onew didn't show any attention to her.

"No," he answered automatically.

"Fine, I won't," he could her angry stomps as she walked to his side. She saw the papers in front of him, he has been working on his piece. "Is that why you quit? You didn't think your music was good enough?" there was still no respond from him. YooIn who was now upset, sat down next to him. "You know, I like your piece better. . ." she trailed on, it made Onew stopped for a moment. He looked at her now, she was playing with her fingers. Somehow, he just want his feelings to go away.

"Hey YooIn," he called out, she looked up. "I like you," and with that he lean down and kissed her right on the lips.


Chapter Eight: Romantic Stage

Back to square one all over again.

She was everywhere now. My so called childhood friend had landed a deal with the country's most popular entertainment. And she's as famous as people predicted. Her music changed though. Yes, she has been singing since the age of two, a bit tone deaf at first but as she trained endlessly, you just can't help it but falling in love. Just like I did years ago. Which is why I've come to Seoul, just hoping to see her. Maybe she doesn't recognize me cause she left years ago and I've change in height and appearance, or maybe just she can't bother to remember now that she's famous. But my Shin would never do that. Even in variety shows, she's the still same shy Shin. There was something, maybe it was the light or the special effects in her debut song, but it made me running to Seoul, hoping to meet her once again. Cause I like long before.

"Hey TaeMin!" I snapped from my thoughts, scanning my surroundings. I was doing my job in a cafe. I hurried to the direction of the voice to find my manager/chef, Onew. "Those customers just came in five minutes ago and I don't see any waiter to wait on them!" I glance and surely there were two girls chatting animatedly, without any menus in front of them. I bow apolitically to Onew and dashed to them. I don't have much money for my apartment's rent, and I really don't want to make my parents worried. Going to Seoul is my decision. And I have to stick to it.

"Ah, sorry about that, we're busy at the moment," I bow again and the girls were giggling delightfully. As I hand them the menus, one of them were eying me, constantly. "Hm have you decide on anything?"

"Yeah, sure," the same girl place down her menu and smiled at me confidently, "can I have your phone number?" Her friend giggled, hitting the first one jokingly. It made me blush and I asked to excuse myself. Before they could say more, I ran towards the reception and hid. JongHyun hyung sighed as he looked down at me, finally calling Key hyung over and asked to take orders from the table I just left. He sat down in front of me, so he could see my face properly. He laughed at first, I must be blushing like mad cause JongHyun hyung rarely laugh at these kinds of things; like flirting.

"Yah, how could you do your job like this when you can't even handle a flirty girl?" He asked annoyingly afterward. I didn't what to say. He sighed again. "You should get use to Seoul by now, the girls here are far daring than in your hometown." With that, he stood up and looked around, wondering if he missed any customer. What he said are true. In my hometown, every girl was shy every time they talk to me. But now, I'm shy! Seoul is entirely different. Everyone wore branded clothes and very straightforward. And I've only arrived a week ago!

"Yah!" I jumped, hearing Key hyung's unique voice, his face is only inches away from mine. JongHyun hyung snapped at us and told us to be quiet and get away, the reception area is small as it is without our help. Now he's mumbling about Onew hyung's greediness on space. "Let's go," Key hyung took my arm and literally dragged me away to the kitchen, where Onew hyung was skillfully chopping some fruits with one hand and frying chickens with the other. MinHo hyung had a bowl of cake paste around his arm and a mixer in the other hand, gaping at Onew. "Oi you, work," Key hyung nudge MinHo hyung and he seems to be back to reality then. He started to work on his requested cake.

Finally, when Key hyung and I reached the cafe's back building, where the rubbish bins were, he glared at me. "Why do I always take your customers' orders? Seriously, those girls only asked for your number, you could say no or something!" Key hyung lectured me for fifteen minutes before JongHyun hyung personally came to drag us both to work. I spent the whole shift sulking over myself, why couldn't be more like my hyung? Confident, not easily frighten by flirty girls?

Now as I walked slowly back to my apartment, I noticed a girl in a white scarf covering her head, but the rest of her body was covered in black. As I come nearer, afraid it might be a stalker. Well, I never had a stalker but this is Seoul! Anything could happen. Right? But when that girl saw me, her face lit up. I could tell by her huge happy eyes but the rest of her face was covered by the white scarf. "Gosh! Finally you're here!" She jumped up and down excitedly but then stopped, her eyes seems angry, "do you know how long I've waited for you?" she started to hit me. I cried out in pain, her eyes changed again. Almost apolitically. "let's go upstairs~ I'm tired."

Still in a daze, she pulled me through the stairs and in front of my apartment. I don't know what made me reach into my pocket and pull out my key. Or even unlocking my apartment door to let this strange girl in. But I'm sure it was her voice, It sounds awfully familiar. Now she was being fascinated over my place.

"Hey," I caught her attention, she was now smiling, delighted to be somewhere warm. "Who are you anyway?" I asked bluntly, it made her mad. She let her fingers raveled her scarf and I finally recognize her. Kinomoto Shin, the hot new singer that swept the entire Korea over with her sweet voice. My childhood friend.

. . .

"How could not know me, Lee TaeMin?" She angrily stomped and flick my nose. Like we always do when we were kids. I was silence, unable to breath a word. Why is she here? Somehow, she looks like a dream in my old batter up apartment. When I did asked her why, she fell quiet. As if carefully choosing her word, as if wondering if she should tell, as if regretting she has come over and see me. "I ran away," and that's it. That's all she got to say. I think I stared at her far too long cause the next thing she said was: "what? Do I have something on my face?" I shook my head violently, she was perfect. Like a doll. There was an awkward silence afterward. I guess Shin thinks it was her fault. "I ran away. . . cause I heard you're in Seoul." My eyes widen in shock, she ran from her busy schedule to meet me? "Your mom told my mom and she told me," she was now twisting her fingers, a sign that she was embarrassed. "Beside, the company is making me work so hard. . ." she trailed, still twisting her fingers. It made me laughed. She looked at me anxiously, worried. I patted her head, just lightly, not wanting to mess her perfectly styled hair.

"Silly," I flick her nose, "you shouldn't have done that. You just debuted, you should be proud that you have so many things do to." She pouted, it made me want to kiss her. "Now that you saw me, time for you to go back." She hit me on the chest, lightly. Then she just lean on it. As if listening to my heart rate.

"Don't ruin it, I just want to be with TaeMin oppa," she snuggled more to my chest while her hands hugged my waist. And we just spent the rest of the night like that.

. . .

I woke up in a daze, smelling fresh toast and fried eggs for the time since I lived in my old apartment. It was so strong, it couldn't be from any apartment. I shot open my eyes and saw I was in my mattress, complete with a blanket on top of me. I groaned, is it time to go to work? I snuggled happily under my blanket and ignore the clanks in the kitchen. . .

Clanks. . .. in kitchen. . .? Is someone. . .. in my kitchen. . ..?

My body sprung up and my sight immediately directed to the kitchen, where Shin was in an apron, cooking expertly. Just like a wife. Okay, okay stop that. She's too famous for you to date, TaeMin. Besides, she's only here to visit you.

Then why did she act like that last night

Somewhere in my brain asked. Memories suddenly flashed, the hug. Before my brain could process any further, Shin called, time for breakfast.

. . .

Shin hasn't move out from my apartment for a week. She has been cleaning, cooking and washing, just like a wife. I couldn't bring myself to ask her about work, she would go moody and not talk to me for hours. It kills me. But what we do most was going on dates. Secretly, usually at night, where it would be less people, suitable for me as my shifts only lasted till 6 and most of the people presents were drunk. Shin become more intimate as each day passed. I don't how to interpret her behavior. Maybe because of stress or something. But I just can't let myself think that she actually likes me. She's totally in a different league than I am.

"Hey oppa," Shin tried to get my attention. We're on the park, walking hand in hand. The cold breeze help my cheeks from blushing. And we were the only people in it, other than the occasional joggers. When Shin get my attention, she stood firmly in front of me. "Oppa, do you like me?" Her question made me gulped. The wind wasn't helping anymore. I could even feel my cheeks burning. But after a few moments, she tiptoed and kissed me, right on the lips. "Oppa," she breath right after the light kiss. "I really like you, even if you don't; I'm glad I finally manage to confess." She laughed nervously, there was a hint of disappointment. As if she was rejected. I couldn't take it anymore. I hold her by her neck and was about to kiss her again,

"But I do like you, always," my lips touch hers like fire.


Chapter Nine: Comedy Stage

Chickens

"We're going on a trip~ we're going on a trip~" JongTaeOnew sang happily, almost hyper or high as they rode in an old but clean bus. MinHo was excited too, only he kept grinning to himself as he watched the view outside. Key was the most tired member, he actually feel asleep during the bumpy ride. The other members couldn't blame him, he was up at 3 in the morning to arrange the whole trip.

"Hey. . ." something caught MinHo's attention, the rest of the members stopped singing, Key was still knock out cold, "something smells weird," he sniffed, trying to figure it out. But his gaze landed on Jjong's shoe. "Hyung, I think your sneaker is the problem," JongHyun laughed.

"Come on~ you think I'm stupid enough not to--" he stopped halfway, now staring at his right sneaker, "WHAT THE?? THERE'S POOP ON MY FAVORITE SNEAKER!!" he yelled. It made the rest of SHINee ran to the front of the bus.

"THROW IT OUT!"
"EWWWWWWWWW HYUNG! HOW COULD NOT NOTICE??"
"JJONG! I KNOW THAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKERS BUT THROW IT OUT!!!!!"
"THROW IT OUT HYUNG!!" TaeMin whined once again.

JongHyun quickly opened a window and threw his sneaker out from confusion. But as soon as he does. . .

"OUCH! WHAT WAS THAT??"
"EWWWWWWW UNNIE! THERE'S POOP ON YOUR HAIR!!"
"AND A SNEAKER?? YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS!!" yelled someone outside. Jjong stared. . . unmoved, but slowly turned to his hyung and dongsaeng, "I'm scared. . .. . .. T_T"

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!" Onew, MinHo and TaeMin laughed loudly, crying, begging to stop laughing.

"MY CHEEKS!! IT HURTS! HAHAHAHAH!!"
"OH GOSH MY TUMMY! PLEASE! HAHAHAHA! LET ME STOP LAUGHING!"
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"

Jjong blushed, "IT'S NOT THAT FUNNY!!" he whined but there was no use. He sighed as he sat at the back of the bus, looking at Key; surprise he was able to sleep through the ordeal. As Jjong pouted, looking at any sign of the person. They sounded like girls, he couldn't be sure as he was too afraid.

"Hey, what's that?" TaeMin noticed a box sitting in the front seats. The driver gave them a obvious look, it has been sitting there waiting to be open. Apparently only SHINee can open it. MinHo went over and unclasp it, the smell of fried chicken immediately filled the bus. Without warning, without any hesitation, without caring, Leader Onew dived in the box and ate it all clean within minutes.

"Hyung!" MinHo exclaimed, wide eyes. That was the fastest he saw a person ate a whole chicken by himself. Onew, now stuffed to the brim, sat happily where the box used to be. He burped a piece pf paper came out. "hyung. . .. O.o"

"WOW! Am I that weird?" Onew said excitedly, he took the paper from his shoe. It was wet with his saliva. . ... no one dares to touch it. "It's from our manager. . ." Onew squint at the small prints. "Have a snack, the trip may took a couple of hours. Stay healthy, you have schedule as soon as you guys are back!"

Jjong sighed, he mumbled under his breath "Good old manager, fun killer." Somehow Onew flew to the back and hit Jjong.
"Stop being so disrespectful of your elders!" He scold him. Jjong growled in detest, showing his teeth.
"MinHo hyung. . .. they're weird. . ."
"I agree."
"zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz" snores Key which made all of them stared and laughed. He is indeed the mom of SHINee.

"Okay guys, we're here!" announced the bus driver, SHINee immediately stared out of the window, trying to figure out where Key had booked them. Yes, Key has been sleeping since the bus ride started. All the guys could see was open sand, they're on the beach. Before they could even thank the bus driver and even leaving Key behind. But as they innocently playing with water, forming teams to drench the other, another taxi parked beside the bus. Two girls came out, staring weirdly at SHINee.

"Weird guys," a taller girl shrugged the event off, but the other one stared.
"Unnie, there's something familiar about those guys,"
"You're right Shin, that shoe look awfully familiar," the taller girl squint, trying to confirm it. "HEY! IT IS!"

"WHAT? WHERE? LUCIFER??" A very hard knock came from the bus beside, a few moments later a boy with serious head injury came swaying clumsily. The tall girl immediately came to steady him up.

"Hey Lock unnie! Now I realized where I saw these guys!" the younger girl jumped excitedly, "they're SHINee!"
"Shin-what?" Lock looked at her dongsaeng weirdly, how obess she can be sometimes. "What are we gonna do with this guy?" Lock asked, looking a fainted Key. "OMG CHICKEN!!" Lock ran away in fright, dragging Key with her without noticing.

"UNNIE! It's only a statue!"


Chapter Ten: Offstage

A rather happy girl skipped through the halls of SM Entertainment. She was dressed for summer, with her, a pink notebook. Although her image was a rebellious maknae, but she is still a girl. As she reached a door marked, 'recording', she took a big breath. She knew she was late, that means he must be in there already. She straighten her dark hair and clothing before knocking. “It's unlock,” a muffle voice claim. She knew the voice well enough that it sounded distracted. And she was right, he had some papers in front of him as he scratch his dark hair. Now she felt bad to have asked him to meet her today. But seeing the smile on his face when he looked up to see her, made it all okay. “So, which song do you want to practice?” He asked easily, still grinning at her. As he arrange his stacks of papers, she fumble through her book.

“Timeless,” she softly spoke, almost vaguely, as if it just popped out of her head. But it didn't. It's her most favorite song and she always wanted to sing it with JongHyun . . . and Xiah JunSu of course. He looked up in surprise. She gulped, “is it a difficult song?”
He laugh lightly and patted her head, “maybe, since it's RiIn noona's debut song. It should be easy on you.” He lead her to the table and sat down. He was so close to her that she could smell his shampoo. “We have to lower the keys though, since your voice is. . . well your voice and hers is in the more or less same range. . . just that she has a sharper voice and you have a soft sweet one,” he grinned at her. She knew it was a tease.

“Well I also know that JunSu sunbaenim's voice is softer than your oh-so-sharp voice,” she smirked, glad she found a remark, faster this time. He threw back his head and laugh. It's one of MiSoo's charm that's easy to follow.

“Okay then, shall we practice?”

. . .

“No, it's suppose to be left, left, wave further left and stomp right foot to the front,”
“No, you got it all wrong Juliette! It's suppose to be right, left, wave back to the right and take a step back!”
“You look like a scared crab,”

“Whatever, let's just call the choreographer again,” Key reached down to his bag where he pulled out his phone. But he can't seem to get through Obata.. “Hey, Juliette, can you try calling--” Key could not continue his sentences, Juliette was laughing on the phone.

“Yes, yes, I'll tell Key about it. Sorry to bother you, Obata. Good bye,” Juliette turned off her phone and smiled triumphantly at Key. Key was just plain shock right now. He never met a such competitive person before! She used to be this sweet tall girl who was so polite but now she's a monster who never want to lose. Even when it comes to calling someone? That's just childish. “It's my routine, Key darling,” she smirked and practice dancing.

Key wondered why he was stuck to be her boyfriend. But she did a great job fooling him, fooled the staffs and fooled entire Korea by her acting skills.

. . .

“Now, if you could just move closer. . . YES! That's it!” With a click, a white flash blinded TaeMin and Shin as they posed for the camera. It was irony for TaeMin and Shin to be the most popular couple, they just kissed in front of the camera. “Okay, now I want TaeMin to hid behind the tree, peeping at Shin okay?” TaeMin stood up from the light brown wood bench and proceed to stand behind a tree. “Perfect, Shin, here take this book,” The cameraman handed Shin a thick book, she had a hard time to hold it up. “Okay, that's the look!” Another click and another flash. “Okay guys, take ten. I'll be right back,” the cameraman rushed out. Staffs immediately flock towards TaeMin and Shin, trying to fix their hair, makeup and clothing.

“Is he gay?” TaeMin blurted out as soon as the staffs rushed off. Shin laughed and hit him.
“Don't be rude. He's just. . . feminine,” Shin shrugged, sat down and picked up the book. It was Dante's Inferne. Juliette's most favorite book. It's weird to know someone so fashionable and so sweet outside can be so different in the inside. Well, it's one of the mystery in the world. Shin turned to page one and read it out loud to TaeMin.

. . .

A dancer slide across the air, twirling her tall slender body high, capturing everyone's attention to her. Her small feet covered by the soft pink ballerina shoes lightly touch the moist pavement, as if she was still flying. At the same time, her long pale bare arms spread, as they were wings. In such slow movement they move, creating short romantic waves by the white ribbon she hold in the right hand while her feet tiptoe ever so fast on the pavement, step by step. Yet, by the gush of wind, the ribbon on her hand escaped. The long slender fingers burst open, trying to retrieve it. But the ribbon flew.

“CUT!” The director shouted. It made the dance jumped in fright. She turned around, letting her soft straight burn red hair touch her face. The director had a satisfied expression on his face. “Well done! That's what I wanted! So pure, yet, so fragile, and the last movement. The explode of lost hope! Oh magnificent!” The staffs laughed. It was a habit that the director had. YooIn joined the laughter as she swept back her hair. Some staffs were already ushering her to the changing van. But to her surprise, Onew was there. He had the hugest smile she ever seen. As he been watching her? It was a bit uncomfortable for her.

“That was great, I almost though you'd be a ballerina, not a singer,” he compliment her. She only smiled lightly. She didn't blame him, he doesn't know. When YooIn finally managed to get away from the director's description of his next music video, it was already late.

. . .

Somewhere in a very dark alley, a couple, seems to be holding hands were walking down. At first glance, you can't really see their faces, you just don't care. But a very curious reported trail them. Finally, they stopped in front of an apartment, the street lights were still dimmed. The girl had short, shoulder length black hair with side bangs which empathized her eyes whenever she smiles, a bubbly nose that the guy had taken a liking to and her thin red lips, literally shines whenever she smiles. He like her smiles a lot. The reporter could barely hear their conversation as they say their good byes.

". . . good time. . ."
". . .. thanks. . .. . ."
". . ... see you. . .."

"Hey Kim MinHyo," the guy called out before she could find her key, now his features were scarly visible underneath the lights, the face's structured as if it was a prefect art, the small charming eyes that has melt the hearts of girls and the charming dazzling smile he gives on stage. He was non other than SHINee's very own rapper, Choi MinHo, "I like you," he smiled and the reporter captured the scene with his camera. He has the story to 'The next big thing' it will be, "SHINee's MinHo's real girlfriend." sideline: what ever happen to his on-stage girlfriend, Lucifer's Hyun?


Chapter Eleven: Scandal

Walking passed doors after doors, walking through halls after halls, he finally found her. MinHo finally found Hyun, his stage girlfriend. She had her hair extension on, making her look lady-like. Well in a tomboy kind of way, as she teamed that up with an oversized sweater and her three quarter jeans hugged her legs, making them lean and long. She was dancing with her eyes closed, to Teen Top's CLAP. MinHo watched her, didn't want to ruin her concentration. He'll wait for her, until she's done. The song changed, she still had her eyes close, waiting for the next song to play. And it was Lucifer. The very existence of her, MinHo thought. Without that song, he wouldn't have met her. Now he felt as guilty as ever.

"MinHo?" A rather soft, husky voice called out. Even though it was buried by the loud beats of the song, MinHo could still hear her. With a press of a button, the room fell silence. Casually she grabbed a towel and rubbed away the sweat on her face. "I thought the filming is tomorrow," she looked at him questioningly, he looked down, wanting to avoid her eyes.

"Did--," he began, timidly as ever, "did- did you saw today's tabloids?" There were a number of magazines that picked up the story and published it in every section possible, you name it and there would be MinHo's face, smiling up to a girl.

"Yeah, I did," again, casually Hyun took a bottle of water and gulp it down, "hmm lukewarm," she said in disgust and look up at him. There was no hint of pain whatsoever, did she not get affected by it? MinHo thought. Every girl would be hurt if her boyfriend is seeing someone else. MinHo knew it was wrong but. . . he likes MinHyo better. He blame himself, for liking another girl when SM already decided him a girlfriend. "Seriously MinHo?" He looked up and he felt guilty as ever, her expression. . . he couldn't tell what it was.

"I'm very sorry!" MinHo bowed repetitively, Hyun sighed at the sight. She unclasped something at the back of her neck, finally revealing a necklace, well hidden under her sweater. She showed it to MinHo and he looked at it quizzically. It was a ring, not one of those expensive diamond ones, but this one, well, to put it bluntly, it looks cheap.

Hyun kissed it and smiled, proudly read the cravings on the ring, "were you happy back then, Hyun?" she sighed, "he's always the romantic one," she looked at it longingly, after a moment of silence, she looked at the inner side of the ring, "read it," Hyun gave MinHo.

MinHo hesitated. Maybe it was a trick, she would hurt him for what he did, but after a while, he thought he was being silly. So far, Hyun has been acting. . . well mature. She didn't yell, she didn't ignore him, and she didn't cry. MinHo was grateful. MinHo looked at the ring, the inner engraves were new. Newer than the outside surface. There it proudly said, "I was very happy." Hyun smiled again, holding out her hand, a sign she wanted it back. MinHo didn't said anything as he watched her put the ring back to her necklace and clasped it again.

"MinHo-ah," she stared at the ring, never looked at him, "We are not in a real relationship. I'm only your stage girlfriend. I'm only your girlfriend on television, on shows, not real life. I don't even have the right to tell you to break up with that girl,"

"MinHyo," MinHo automatically corrected her, stopping her sentence, he was now blushing, "I'm sorry, please continue,"

Hyun laughed and messed up his hair, treating him like her younger brother, "Silly dongsaeng," she laughed again, her eyes still once again rested on the ring, "I'm already in love with someone else," silence. MinHo didn't know what to say.

"Someone in Beijing?" MinHo was pretty much awkward, he wanted her to talk, to make sure she's okay. But Hyun's smile disappeared. Her thin long fingers toy with the ring. "Is he. . . somewhere else?" MinHo hated himself for asking but right now he's really curious. Who exactly is this man that made Hyun likes him better than MinHo?

"Dongsaeng-ah," her voice was so low, it was barely a whisper now. But then she looks up and smiled. MinHo caught a glimmer of tear in her eyes. She said in a force cheerfulness, "he's not in anywhere. . . in this planet." She didn't exactly have to say more, MinHo could already sensed her discomfort in her tone, in her expression, the way her fingers stopped playing with the ring.
He hugged her, "noona, I'm sorry." And for a moment, he heard her soft sobs.

. . . Just Outside The Door . . .

"So. . ." her soft whispers, were shaking, "we're not. . . in a real relationship?"
He laughed, quietly, not wanting to disturb the noona-dongsaeng relationship inside. It was true. And he find it cute that she didn't realized it sooner. So she must have thought it was real. . . all this time. "Well, in theory, no," he level his eyes right to hers, "but I like you, MiSoo-sshi," her lips were shaking. JongHyun was amused and kissed her cheek.

"HEY! HEY! Take your lips off my dongsaeng, JongHyun!!!"
"Oh shoot,"

But somehow, JongHyun regret the kiss.


Chapter Twelve: Kim MinHyo

Dedicated to my dongsaeng, Minnie.

"Okay, MinHo-sshi, if you like just to stand there, yes there! Perfect!" the director's tone has an edge of stress. Not to blame him because the make-up girl was late, there was some technical problem for the lights and now the weather was staring to tick him off. MinHo sighed as he looks around. Now he was bored. Even though his scene was finish, the directer still wants him to hang around the set. He sigh as he watches the directer ran off. Something caught his eye when he was looking around, well since he arrive actually. MinHo remember it was just a flash of white, no, it was not a ghost. MinHo thinks this will be his only opportunity to see.

"MinHo hyung?" MinHo jumped in surprise. He turn around and saw TaeMin.
"Aish, you know how scared I was?" MinHo messed up TaeMin's hair in revenge.
"Ah, mianhae (sorry) hyung," TaeMin pouted in the cutest way possible. Even his tone was adorable. MinHo fell silence at first but since TaeMin almost destroy his image as Flaming Charisma, he mess up TaeMin's hair again. "Hyung~" TaeMin whined once again, fixing his hair, "directer said hyung can go home. He remember your scene is finish."

"Chinca?" MinHo mess up TaeMin's hair again, "what am I suppose to do then?"
"Anything other than messing up my hair!" TaeMin pouted, "Onew hyung took the van cause he needed to do something with YooIn noona,"
"Aigoo, why did you tell me that I can go home then?"
". . .. . .. I forgot. . ..."

"What's wrong with JongHyun hyung?" MinHo asked, seeing his hyung lying on the ground. "Is he that sad?"
"He's upset that he can't meet MiSoo noona."
"That explains it."
"Hyung, I have to go now. Key hyung and I are up next."
"Okay," for one last revenge MinHo mess up TaeMin's hair again. He sighed as he sat next to JongHyun.

"Hyung, are you that upset?" MinHo asked, worried. But JongHyun didn't even reply. MinHo sighed again. Now he was really bored. He can't go home, his stuffs were in the van. To put it bluntly, he has nothing to do. Then he heard a laugh from JongHyun. MinHo looked at him and saw his hyung talking on the phone.

"Onew hyung took the van away so I can't meet you, SeKyung" a pause before he spoke again, "I know, have you eaten lunch?" MinHo wanted to throw up hearing that. But hold on, SeKyung? What is JongHyun hyung doing talking to Shin SeKyung? But now MinHo just couldn't be bother. So he decided to leave JongHyun, hoping someone would step on him so he won't be able to talk in the van on the way home. He sighed. How matter times has he sighed on being bored? MinHo was deciding if he should step on JongHyun instead until he saw the flash of white again.

MinHo quickly ran towards it. Everything was in his head just vanish. Not that he care. All he wanted to know was that flash. But it disappear. What's left was a girl with a camera. MinHo thought maybe she's a part of the filming. Only she was taking pictures of the park. Since MinHo's bored and all, he decided to talk to the girl. It's not she's gonna hurt him or something. She has that innocent image like TaeMin, young and care-free.

"Hey there," MinHo greeted her but she didn't respond. MinHo noticed she was pouting, looking at her camera, mumbling something like, is it broken? "I think I can fix it," MinHo said suddenly. He was talking out loud. Before he knew it, the girl looked up at him and he could feel his cheeks burning. "Sorry about that," a paused, somehow she was making him uncomfortable. And she didn't do anything. She hold out her hand, handing her camera at him.

"Please fix it," her tone was soft and sound so sweet. MinHo's heart was beating in an abnormal pace. There was something most definitely odd about her. She's not like any girl in the world of celebrities but she is pretty. MinHo reach out to take her camera and when her skin smooth touch his, he knew he won't let this girl go. He wanted to know more about her.

And before he know it, he asked her out.


Chapter Thirteen: Yuya Tegoshi.

MiSoo sighed as she walked under the hot sun. It was better than have to walk for minutes under the shade. She was late after all. Finally she reached her destination; her boring biology lab. She could feel the coldness of the lab touched her face as she walked in. Her eyes scan the room, trying to find the only positive factor of learning her worst subject. But he wasn't there. She sighed once again and sat down, taking out her schedule book.

She has another interview, alone. Then appearing in Music Bank to promote Lucifer, attending various events but the variety shows mostly take her life. She sighed yet again before interrupted by a rather deep masculine voice. He came. The positive factor in her miserable study. His shadow envelope her and she looked up to see a dazzling smile. "You look so miserable, what are you looking at?" He pulled the book from her grasp and began to scan it. He made a confuse face, "what is this? Is it Korean? You know I can only speak and read Japanese and English," Yuya grinned at MiSoo. His Japanese features every fail to mesmerized her. As if he is her world. She completely forgot about JongHyun. Yuya Tegoshi is the most popular - not to mention the cutest - boy in school. Maybe he is one of the reason she stayed here to finish her study. "So," Yuya slide in next to her, "how's life?"

He is the only person - beside her parents - that knows MiSoo's career. No one would actually recognize her without her uniform. Plus with the makeup and hair, she's a totally different person. "Busy," MiSoo showed a tired smile, "but it's all good,"

Yuya wasn't convince. He immediately hugged her, patting her hair, "poor baby, sorry I couldn't be there to help you," That's right, Yuya is her boyfriend. It's hard to remember whenever she's in Korea. Because there she has JongHyun.

They had met in the library. MiSoo liked it there, because they had her favorite childhood books; Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. Sure, call her childish, she doesn't care. Yuya was a student helper there. Since he was the new exchange student, he needed to brush up on his English, fast. And the only student who come regularly was MiSoo. He desperately need the help. They had become friends ever since he asked her to tutor him. Until of course, Yuya hold a surprise event for her to become her boyfriend. Yuya was the romantic caring type, one of the reason she loves him.

And the fact his eyes always sparkler every time they sees her.

But little did she know, JongHyun was announcing his girlfriend right now; Shin SeKyung.


Chapter Fourteen: Goodbye Juliette.




Chapter Fifteen: Sick

MiSoo was just getting out of her airplane. She felt so jet lagged she wanted to puke. But it wasn't jet lag, she just don't like airplane. To her surprise, Lucifer was there. All of them has nervous smiles on their faces; not Shin though, she looks like she has been crying.

"Unnie. . .."
"Hey MiSoo! How was the flight?" Hyun unnie block Shin. What is going on? thought MiSoo.
"It was the usual, I just need some rest to stop the ringing in my ear,"
"Yes, yes she should, you know, without stopping at shops," YooIn unnie declared. Now MiSoo was convince something is terribly wrong.
". . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .." Lock was being too quiet.

MiSoo was suspicious enough now, "What is going on?"
the only thing Lucifer is bad on is. . . lying. Somehow, SM Entertainment put these none lying girls together. Maybe to create an actually honest group. And like a cannon the girls exploded.

"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry,"
"I tried to beat JongHyun up but the security guard won't let me pass through his door!"
"Do not panic, do not panic, just breathe"
Shin was crying.

"Wait, what?" MiSoo asked, the others feel silence. Her eyes scanned the whole airport, thank goodness it's the dead of the night because the place seem deserted. But then, the newspapers caught her attention. She knew that face anywhere. That smiling face. . . was JongHyun. MiSoo held up the paper, slowly reading the article. "Unnie. . .' she slowly turn to her sisters. "what is going on?"

"MISOO!" A voice called, but MiSoo stiffen. That was the voice, she thought, that betray her. But she has no right to scream or yell at him. Their relationship was not real. But but, that time. . . when he kissed her forehead. . . telling her that he likes her more. Oh God. The next thing the others knew, MiSoo fell to the ground.

. . .

"She just need rest, that's all." The man in a white suit announced as he left the room. Everyone else had the same look on their faces; tired and worried. This can't be happening. One of the newest girl group in Korea has been hospitalized. Now everyone will have something to talk about. Saying it's SHINee's JongHyun fault to have cause illness to his on-stage girlfriend Lucifer's MiSoo.

"You can go home, JongHyun," said Lucifer's leader, YooIn. "I don't want her to wake up to see you. She has a lot of stress from this."

But JongHyun could only nodded. He couldn't blame anyone. He was truly his fault. Now he dreaded to see his girlfriend and explain all of this mess. He scanned the room to find Shin still crying, Lock was comforting her. Hyun never took her eyes off the window and she always have that look. . . of disappointment. Only YooIn talked to him. And he could hear the strain force in her voice. He stood up, no one looked at him or say goodbye.

. . .

A week has past, SeKyung was fine with JongHyun's explanation. But a heavy burden made his heart hurts. Today he was planning to visit MiSoo. Only because he knew YooIn had to replace TaeYeon for the day in her radio. Hyun was recording. Lock had to attend Star King. And Shin had another commercial to shoot. Since then, no one ever heard of MiSoo. She just disappear. Now he was standing right in front of the door, just gathering the courage to press the bell. But a guy answered it.

"Can I help you?" He asked in English, a foreigner. His huge round eyes were scanning JongHyun in wonder.

"Yuya, who is it?" A soft weak voice asked from inside the apartment. She looked fine except for the dark purple bruise under her eyes and her hollow dry skin cheeks. She no longer has the cheerfulness. Her tried eyes turned to glares.

"Honey, you should be in bed. I'll get the porridge," the guy once again said in English. Not that JongHyun could understand but he understand the action when the guy kissed MiSoo's forehead and rubbed her back.

Then with an icy cold tone, MiSoo said, "go away." And the door closed.

. . .

"YOU WHAT?!" Lock screamed. JongHyun winced. He told her everything the day he visited MiSoo. After several minutes, Lock calmed down and told him everything. "That's Yuya Tegoshi, MiSoo's real boyfriend. He had flown over despite school to take care of her."
JongHyun just fell silence, trying to digest this new information.


Chapter Sixteen: Sorry, Onew.