Eun Kyung shivered as she walked home. Her boots making a crunching sound against the snow. She hugged her self and rubbed her arms. She could see a small cloud in front of her because of her breathing. God she was tired, she was only waiting for the day to end. Why did women have to be so goddamn annoying? She groaned remembering she had to go to Bethel University to go see her very first teacher perform this upcoming weekend. While she was thinking, she'd been so zoned that someone bumped directly into her. She took a step back almost lashing out at the person.
"Oh excuse me." She heard a heavy accent say. He sounded Korean. She raised an eyebrow and her gaze followed his nervous actions as he kept walking. He was wearing a hood. She completely forgot how annoyed she was and was genuinely curious.
"It was my fault I apologize." She called out. He turned and she managed to get a slight glance at his face as he kept walking. "Dong Youngbae?" She asked realizing who the profile looked like. Her heart started beating hard. The man froze and turned around on his heels, looking surprised. She went slightly wide eyed. "I'm right? Why are you here?" She wanted to pinch herself. Why would he be here of all places?
"I'm on a break, and I didn't think anyone would recognize me here. Actually I remember a fan from here sent me a letter and described this place, it sounded pleasant. I thought I should visit. I'm heading to my hotel right now to check in." He smiled at her. He was definitely how she'd imagined him, always with a bright expression.
"Do you by any chance remember the name of this... fan?" Eun Kyung asked curiously. She shuffled her feet and the snow crunched underneath her. Her hands in her pockets clenched nervously. Hopefully, it wasn't her. HOW EMBARASSING.
"Cha is her surname." He remembered. "Do you know her?" She looked down and pointed at herself. Her face flushed and she couldn't look at him. It took a lot of courage not to lie to him.
"Th-that's me. I must have seemed like a complete dork. I'm sorry; you've come all this way. I didn't think you'd really come." She laughed awkwardly. She'd never felt so embarrassed. She pinched her nose bridge, how could she have been so dumb as to actually tell him where she lived?
"Oh no I'm always looking for new places to go to. I love it here, it's so quiet and just calming." He smiled at her again. He was a lot cuter than she imagined him to be in person. She'd have to control herself though. Deep breath. One more deep breath. Her shoulders relaxed and her face went to its original cold flush. She swallowed hard to muster her next words.
"Would you like to come join me at home? That is if you're not busy. You look so cold and the nearest hotel is still a mile or two. I mean I'm all for exercising but not when you're freezing." She offered tugging on his sleeve sweetly. He nodded gratefully.
"Sure, thank you very much." He joined her on her walk. Their hands were in their pockets, and their steps matched. The snow crunching and a couple of cars were the only sound they could hear.
"My name is Eun Kyung. Do you prefer to be called Youngbae?" She asked trying to make conversation. She looked down at his pants, they were wet. She took his arm and made him stop walking. She crouched near his feet.
"That is my first name, my surname is Dong." He laughed. "So yes, not by my stage name. Oh wait you don't have to do that." She was folding his pants so they wouldn't get wet. She didn't bother to glance up at him after his protest as she folded the second one. "Really that's kind of you but-"
"You're going to get sick with the cold being in such close proximity to your skin. I doubt you could feel your legs, but don't worry it isn't much longer." She smiled and stood up, brushing herself off. She noticed he didn't have any gloves. "You weren't prepared to come to such a cold place, were you Youngbae? Do you mind giving me your hands?" His hands were red, and she took off her mittens. "Here." She put them on him, "Keep your hands warm, otherwise they could turn black and your fingers could fall off. You wouldn't be able to play the piano anymore." She joked letting his hands go. He felt a little awkward having this woman take care of him the way she was.
"A-ah, thank you." He didn't know what else to say; this mysterious woman, Cha Eun Kyung wasn't like the Noonas he knew. She couldn't have been older than him, however the motherly instinct she had was rather impressive for someone her age.
When they reached her home they stepped inside smelling cookies. It was two stories and was very well furnished. He assumed she was in college so he wondered how she could get it this warm and welcoming. It was definitely different than where he and Dae Sung lived. "Must be Sheuphen. Make yourself at home Youngbae; I will get you some warm and dry clothes. You're all wet. Playing in the snow?" She teased taking her coat off. She was smaller than she looked underneath the bulky clothing. He couldn't help but notice that she was pretty. He smiled at her teasing and bashfully looked in the other direction.
"... Yes." He answered honestly. She offered to take his coat with a small smirk. As he handed it to her she heard someone in the kitchen stop whatever they were doing.
"It's fun isn't it? Don't tell Sheuphen I told you but I was playing earlier too." She stuck her tongue out playfully. They both laughed and she hung up his coat. He kept her mittens though.
"You're home." Sheuphen stepped out of the kitchen and took Eun Kyung into his arms kissing her temple. "And you brought company. I'm Sheuphen." He held his hand out for Youngbae to shake. Youngbae smiled his bright smile and shook his hand firmly; a completely masculine greeting between the two shy strangers. He didn't show the tense feeling he had from the blatant affection he showed for Eun Kyung.
"Youngbae." He replied with a polite nod. He didn't know how to react, she lived with this guy? They were together then, perhaps married, but she couldn't be over twenty years old. He thought he'd been all right with the way American culture worked but it seemed to Tae Yang that he had just a tiny bit more to learn.
"I invited him over today, he looked so cold. Is it okay if I lend him some of your clothes? White tank and jeans right Youngbae?" She felt like such a creep for knowing him so well when Youngbae himself knew almost nothing about her except from what her letter said. She left the room to go fetch the clothes. He heard her retreating footsteps go up the stairs.
"Make yourself at home." Sheuphen said genuinely, "I'm making dinner so you're welcome to stay." He walked back into the kitchen so Youngbae explored and found his way into the living room. Everything was decorated for Christmas; it was a beautiful interior with royal blue sofas and a wine red rug to contrast. The tables were all ebony wood and the Christmas tree was white with blue, silver and red accessories. He saw a sleek black piano and a violin case. He went over to the piano right away. He took off Eun Kyung's mittens and immediately started to doodle. This piano felt great to him, something so familiar in this home gave him more comfort to be here. Tae Yang felt someone gently tap his shoulder and he opened his eyes not noticing when he closed them. The music stopped.
"Yes?" He asked averting his gaze from the piano to the charmingly dressed lady next to him. She looked comfortable in her matching pajamas as she handed him some neatly folded clothes.
"Here. I also got you a hoodie. The bathroom is down the hall and to the left." She directed. When he stood up, she took his place at the piano and started to play Moonlight Sonata. He was impressed more than disturbed by her. He kind of appreciated having someone that knew him well around. He liked being here in general; it certainly wasn't like the other places he's seen. Las Vegas had flashy lights, and Los Angeles was always so busy. Northfield was calm and quiet. It was simple and old fashioned in style. He definitely loved this place all ready.
Eun Kyung stood up, pondering on how to ask Sheuphen if Tae Yang could stay while he's here in the States. Tae Yang doesn't know the area very well. Sheuphen would understand, he's from a different country too. He would understand right? She nodded confidently and went into the kitchen. She saw him cooking, was that Mexican food? She silently sniffed the air and her eyes went into a dreamy state. It was definitely Mexican food. She wrapped her arms around Sheuphen from behind. He put one hand on both of hers as he still cooked. "Tired?" He asked her in a whisper.
"I'm an infamous sleepy head. Your back is like a heating pad. Sooo warm." She said cutely. She snuggled his back, between his shoulder blades. She loved his housewife persona, she rarely ever cooked. She liked that he did most of it. She wasn't lazy but she loved his cooking. His family owns a restaurant after all.
"He can stay by the way; spend his time here in our home. It looks like he's lost around here. I don't mind him staying. He seemed comfortable enough with you that he won't mind." He turned and kissed Eun Kyung sweetly. He held her snuggly against him. Her body was curved against him perfectly. He loved her scent and her sparkling personality. He loved Cha Eun Kyung so much. He kissed her head once more.
"You mean that? How did you know I was going to ask?" She said cozily leaning on him.
"I could see it in your eyes when you first brought him here." He chuckled; he could read her like an open book. His Cha Eun Kyung had a sweet heart no matter how dark some places were.
"Thank you Sheuphen, I knew you'd understand." She squeezed him tightly and then broke the embrace. She heard the piano playing Wedding Dress. She smiled knowingly. Oh Tae Yang. She walked out and left her honey to cook.
"Sheuphen doesn't know who you are by the way." She sat next to him and played it an octave higher. "Wedding Dress is my favorite song." She mentioned. "Oh and one more thing, you're more than welcome to stay here. It might as well be with someone who knows you well enough and can help you out. Will you stay here with us while you're here?" She asked politely tugging at his sleeve. He sneezed once. Twice. Three times. "I TOLD you. You're sick now. Bless you." She said patting his shoulder. "Now you have no choice but to live here, I need to nurse you back to health." She joked quietly. He smiled playfully at her; he loved the offer and the joke.
"I'll stay." He nodded with another sweet smile, "Is there a gym around here?" He asked curiously as his fingers grazed the keys.
"Yes, actually I should give you a tour." She stood up and he followed her. "This is the first floor; you already know where the bathroom is. She opened the bathroom to reveal a cream and red interior. She walked over to the next room which was on the right. "This is the room I work out in. You're more than welcome to use it." She opened the door and revealed a nice home gym. A punching bag, some mats, a treadmill and some weights ranging from 5 to 20 lbs. He also saw a chin-up bar and a couple other machines he recognized. Not bad, but wait was this all hers or Sheuphen's? She did mention she worked out in here. He also saw the other half of the room with a mirror and a dance floor.
"You work out in here? Does Sheuphen work out?" Tae Yang asked a little impressed. He'd wanted to work out all ready.
"Yes I do. Honestly he works out when I'm not home. I don't know why." She shrugged. "He's very shy." She smiled and went to the upstairs; her carpet was an ivory color. "It's nothing special but we have three bedrooms in case Sheuphen's older sister comes to visit. However, she went back to Tibet to help out for two years. So she won't visit for a while. Your room is right here across the hall from mine. Sheuphen's is next to yours. If in the middle of the night you need something don't hesitate to wake me up, or even Sheuphen, he's very sweet." She clarified. She opened the door to the guest room. An interior of cream and royal blue, it was well kept. This royal combination was recurring through the house. Royal blue, cream, and dark red. Eun Kyung ran her fingers through her hair. "I hope it suits you." She smiled leaving the door open. "Actually how long are you going to be here?" She asked curiously.
"A month." He said shifting feet, was that too long? Would he end up being a burden? He felt a little sad at her question.
"That's no problem at all; I'll go pick some clothes up for you." She said cheerfully. When she turned her back, he smiled and moved his shoulders. She quickly turned around and he stopped. She shook her head smiling, well at least he thought she was pretty. They were both a little embarrassed; he should've known she knew his tell.
Eun Kyung came home after about an hour and a half and saw Sheuphen and Tae Yang talking in the living room. She decided to eavesdrop to make sure they'd get along. It wouldn't hurt. She bit her lip and tucker her hair behind her ear.
"You seem familiar." Sheuphen mentioned, when she could feel Tae Yang get uncomfortable she stepped into the living room.
"I'm home." She waved happily with bags on her arms. She had gotten a bit carried away.
"Have a nice shopping trip?" Sheuphen greeted her with a hug, "Get ready for dinner." He said giving her a kiss on the temple. She smiled and nodded.
"One second though, I bought some things." She held up the bags. She could really be happy at home. She had two extremely good looking men waiting for her at home every day for the next month. "I bought a few shirts for Youngbae and some jeans. I also bought you a pair of shoes for the snow. And I also got some house clothes. I hope you like them. I'm going to go change, it's cold outside and I'm all wet, it's snowing pretty bad out there." She shivered setting down the things in the door way and went to her room. Sheuphen went after her and closed the door behind him. He wrapped his arms around her after she got her cardigan off.
"You're so cold." He kissed her shoulder. He snuggled her neck. She liked it when he was affectionate. They slept in separate rooms so what does that tell you? She's prudish and so is he. They stood like that for a little bit, just enjoying each other's company and warmth. He kissed her shoulder once more. "I'll let you change." He left the room. He was so cute and shy. She quickly changed into comfortable clothes. A loose long sleeve and fleece pants. She stretched and walked out seeing Sheuphen serving Youngbae some food. Oh no, could he eat that food? She went into the kitchen and took the serving spoon.
"I got it. You sit down, you've been cooking, it's the least I could do." She smiled at him and winked. He shrugged and left the kitchen. She looked at Tae Yang who walked in with his pajamas on. "Awww they look good. So you don't eat much salt right? Well lucky for you this soup is very healthy for you; you can just not add any of the green stuff. It's called guacamole. This is Mexican food. I think you'll like it. We cook all sorts of food in this house." She smiled pouring him a bowl. "Lots of vegetables, and chicken." She handed it to him. "Be careful it's very hot." He nodded to her as he put his hands around the edges.
"Thank you." He said politely with a nod. If she was Korean, did she know any of the customs or was she born here? Did she know Korean?
"Of course, Enjoy!" She called as he left the kitchen. She carefully served into Sheuphen's bowl and then her own. Today was easily one of the best days of her life. She sighed with a content smile.
After dinner everyone rested for a while. Eun Kyung stood, suddenly energetic and decided to go work out. "Hey Youngbae, why don't you come with me?" She had felt like dancing, and she saw Tae Yang's eyes widen like a kid in a candy shop when he saw the home gym. She took out her deluxe version of the Solar Album and popped it into her stereo system. She turned it to Only Look At Me. She stretched and smiled at him when he looked surprised. "Come on, it hasn't been very long has it?" She laughed. He took off his sweatshirt, and kept his tank and pajama bottoms on. They were blue and striped. He stepped closer to her as the song's lyrics started. She knew his dances by heart and danced with him. He leaned over her then twisted around her. She leaned over him and did the same. He didn't understand why he wasn't weirded out by this. They both finished with a smile. They didn't feel awkward; there was no sexual tension or anything. It was a comfortable air that they both appreciated.
As the first week passed Tae Yang couldn't find Eun Kyung anywhere. It was Tuesday. He poked his head in the kitchen and saw a note on the counter. "Went over to the gym a couple blocks over, when you wake up you're more than welcome to heat up the blueberry pancakes I made for you and come join me. Sheuphen's working late tonight so dinner's up to us. See you soon! - Eun Kyung" He smiled; he would most definitely join her. He wondered why she was in a different gym as opposed to her own.
"GO GO GO HIT BACK EUN KYUNG! LET'S GO!" A loud and stout man clapped, he was clapping hard. Eun Kyung ducked and swung with her left arm. She made contact with his jaw and he took a step back from the blow. He went to grab her but she slid and crouched. She jumped and kneed him in the nose. He fell back and she landed passed him as he fell with a loud thud. She took off her gloves and mouthpiece. The guys that were cheering for her before pointed behind her and tried to get her attention. She quickly put her mouth guard on and turned around. He socked her in the jaw and she fell. Her eyes were still open, but they were clouded. Eun Kyung lied there... just thinking. Remembering. "Dae Joong..." She thought sadly, her eyes in a daze. Her sister Dae Joong always hated how she fought all the time, in school, in her spare time. Always. That's why Dae Joong left in the first place.
"Eun Kyung!" She heard someone shout. "Stand up!" Who was that? She closed her eyes. She groaned lightly. She didn't want to win. In fact she never wanted to fight in the first place; Dae Joong never liked her fighting any way. Why did she ever start? Oh right, she had her father to thank for that. She took a deep breath and tried to get to her knees. Her limbs trembled, begging her to rest. She pushed off and managed to lock her limbs in place. She could feel the man smirking at her. He was feeling rather victorious. She placed her hands on the floor parallel to her chest, and forced herself to push. She kicked him with both her feet and he flew back hitting his head on the bar. She landed on her back ungracefully. She was too tired, and anything to get his gaze off her small figure. She groaned again. Her face wasn't terribly bruised, nothing abnormal from what she could feel. She was in a tight tank top and fighting shorts. She spit the mouth piece out and rolled over. She wanted to curl up and die, or at least sleep. Eun Kyung tiredly sat up and started to feel something trickle down her forehead. She shook her head and felt around. Damn it she got cut, it was probably when the asshole clipped her. Her eyes wandered up after wiping the blood off, and saw Tae Yang standing there, shocked. She averted her gaze and stood up with new found strength. The stout man from before took her arm and held it up. Everyone who had cheered for her before clapped and shouted encouragingly. She stepped down weakly, her feet felt like cement blocks. "Nice to see you here." She murmured to Tae Yang. A warm wet towel was tossed to her by the stout man and it hit her head. She almost fell but she held her ground. Her balance was off, and she felt Tae Yang's arm around her shoulders. She lightly dabbed her face with the towel not rejecting the help. Eun Kyung never meant for Tae Yang to see her like this, she expected at least another hour before he showed up. That idea was shot to hell.
"You're a K-1 fighter?" Tae Yang asked concerned. She threw the towel on the ground; Tae Yang eyed the now pink towel. It was her blood. Another towel was placed around her neck by the stout man who had caught up to them. The towel was dry, and he tried to wipe her face gently for her. She tried to swat him away but she was too tired. Tae Yang now held her arm as to not get in the way of her coach but still help her.
"Eun Kyung! You did wonderful!" The stout man said proudly. She nodded still being a little out of breath. Tae Yang noticed something; she hadn't smiled once since he had arrived. Her bright personality didn't seem to seep through her actions or expressions at all. Her eyes were much harder than they used to be.
"Yes thank you, if you'll excuse me." She brushed passed her coach, and tugged on Tae Yang's sleeve. He helped her get to the locker room. Once the door shut behind them she fell to her knees. "You're the one who shouted for me to stand up weren't you?" She asked from the ground. All she wanted was a cold bath. The sweat dripping down her forehead made her cut sting. Her arms were trembling, struggling to keep holding her up.
"Yes, I'm glad I was here." He replied trying to help her up. She gazed up at him remorsefully.
"I couldn't recognize your voice for a moment. But thank you. If you could do me one more favor, I-I can't get to the shower on my own. Could you-" Tae Yang picked her up gently, and cradled her against him. She was happy his clothes weren't super nice. They would've been stained with blood and sweat. She inhaled and tried to relax. He smelled so nice. "If you could set me down in the shower. I'll do everything else. Just wait out in the room for me." He stared at her worried for a moment.
"Are you sure?" He wasn't the type to want to be in there while a girl was showering, but if he needed to there was no going around it. He was the only one around for her right now.
"Don't worry, really. I'm a lot stronger than I look. Once some cold water hits me I'll be fine." She said a little brighter as she started to lift her top. He left almost instantly; she knew it'd get rid of him. It took her a while to lift her arm to just turn the nob. She was hungry and tired. The slight warm water hit her gently but she couldn't get rid of her clothes. "Far, far away..." She began to sing quietly. The song her sister sang. She covered her ears until the song went away. She shook her head and stared at the white tiled ceiling. Tae Yang didn't deserve her to be mean to him. It's not his fault she left. Her eyes shut, and she fell asleep with the water still hitting against her body. She was in a sitting up position.
"She's been in there for half an hour. I should check on her." Tae Yang thought, he looked around and made sure no one would catch him and think the wrong thing. He knocked on the bathroom door, and when there was no response he got concerned. He stepped in and saw her small body in a fetal position, she was sleeping and her clothes were still on. He was very thankful that she wasn't naked. He turned the water off, and picked her up again. She was soaked. He set her down on one of the benches in the locker room and took some of the towels. Her wrapped her in them, gently wiping her face, then drying her limbs, he wrapped her in a warmer body towel. "Eun Kyung. Wake up." He whispered. She groaned and tried to fall asleep again. "Eun Kyung." He said a little louder.
"Oh leave me alone, I don't have school today." She mumbled childishly. She tried to shift by turning her body and she fell onto the locker room floor. It was tiled. She grunted from the landing. She whined softly, and opened her eyes. She rolled over and saw Tae Yang kneeled beside her. "Y-Youngbae?" She shook her head; she was still out of it.
"Wake up. You've been asleep for half an hour. Are you all right? You fell pretty hard." Youngbae mentioned helping her sit up. Her face was less swollen, and her body was still a little sore but she could deal until she went to sleep again.
"I'm okay, really. I didn't cause you any trouble did I?" She carefully took the towels off. She was clothed, soaked, but clothed nonetheless. She saw Tae Yang shake his head.
"Not at all." He replied a little relaxed.
"Hand me my backpack would you? It's behind you." She said pointing. He stood up and reached behind him, he handed it to her and she lied down again. "Thanks." She said softly. "Let's hope this doesn't kill me. Watch out." She laughed as he backed up. She kicked up and landed on the top half of her feet. She stood up straight and Tae Yang could hear her back crack several times as she stretched. She took her bag and changed in the now steam-free bathroom. When she came out her hair was towel dried and she was dressed in dark wash jeans, black tennis shoes, and vanilla colored V-neck with a red scarf. "I realize you just ate breakfast, but I'm hungry. So we should go out to do some Christmas shopping and then we can get some lunch. How does... ramen sound? There's a small Asian restaurant near here." She asked scratching her head a little shyly. She was embarrassed. "I've caused you so much trouble since you got here. Thank you so much for taking care of me." She said with a sweet smile. There was the Eun Kyung he knew. He smiled in reply. She took her black jacket off the hook, and Tae Yang helped her get it on. A wide grin spread across her face. Her inner fan girl was shining through. Tae Yang was helping her get her coat on; Tae Yang picked her up TWICE...
"Do you drive?" Tae Yang asked looking at the window, it was white out there, and it was cold and icy. He'd wanted to exercise, not kill himself. She snapped out of it.
"Of course I do my car's out back. Sorry if it was cold when you walked over here and because you didn't get to work out. That guy really tired me out." She apologized sincerely. "Come on." She waved him over when she opened the door, her back pack slung on her shoulder. He nodded and followed her.
"Ramen sounds great by the way." He replied, he wondered what it was like here any way.
He was a little worried, her complexion wasn't as bright and when she smiled it was a little empty, but she'd be okay right? If she wasn't better by tomorrow he'd pry. "Christmas shopping we go Youngbae. Come on." She took his hand and led him out. He was a little nervous at the contact. She remembered he wasn't used to a woman touching him so she let go and kept walking. That's right; he'd never had a girlfriend or been in love before.
The car ride was rather silent. Tae Yang could tell she was tired the entire way there, however it didn't impact her driving. She was focused and knew what she was doing. He wondered what had been on her mind though, she seemed a bit stressed. When they arrived at a mall she parked and got out.
"I already have your gift Youngbae." She said smiling as they were walking up to the entrance. "We're shopping for everyone else. Sheuphen invited his parents so I need to get them something. Oh here." She handed him some cash from her coat pocket. "There's 200$ there. Enjoy yourself while we're here. Buy whatever you want. I will be in this store if you need me. If you get lost just look for the store with the golden and red sign. This place isn't too big. But be careful, if someone recognizes you, come find me. I'll help you out, all right?" He nodded and she squeezed his shoulder affectionately. "Really Youngbae, be careful." She wandered off into the store. "What to get...?" She had no idea what to get his parents. She was screwed. Tae Yang's eyes were a little lost in a place like this, the mall was small but it looked big on the inside.
Tae Yang found a store with all sorts of clothes that looked like Eun Kyung's style. Had he gotten a look at what size she was in shoes? They were puny... He looked down at a pair of red and black booties. They had the red winding around them. It was a suede ankle boot. He liked them for her, it seemed like her style. He looked at the different sized boots. "She looks like this one." He picked up a 7 in women's. He looked around and shut the box. He went to the cashier and smiled. She batted her eyes at him and she checked him out. He was feeling a little uncomfortable with all the girls looking at him. "89.52$ Are these a gift?" She asked flirtatiously. The cashier prayed it wasn't, he was too cute. Tae Yang shifted the weight on his foot to the other.
"Yes." Tae Yang answered handing her the money. He'd been in the United States enough to understand what girls do when they're attracted to someone. Eun Kyung never acted like that, so she wasn't attracted to him right? He shook his head slightly and snapped out of it.
"A girlfriend?" The Cashier girl asked a little disappointed. He didn't answer; he was too busy looking around the store.
"I see. Well here's your receipt, have a Merry Christmas." She handed him the receipt and gave him the bag with the black shoe box inside. He wouldn't be able to show her the gift. He went to the store next door. It had gadgets and hand held musical technology. Sheuphen didn't seem like the type to be to high maintenance. He wandered out and saw something in another store that caught his eye for his male roommate Sheuphen. "It looks like something he'd wear." He wandered in and bought the tight fitting hoodie in dark blue. He was good at this Christmas shopping deal. He saw a woman pointing at him, shit, hurry pretend you didn't notice and put your hood up, look for the golden and red sign. AW HA! Look for a girl in tennis shoes and dark wash jeans, there she is! Tae Yang walked toward her calmly and tapped her shoulder a little urgent. She jumped holding several bags in her hand from shopping. He flinched at her reaction.
"What is it Youngbae?" She asked a little worried. She could see sweat forming above his brow, even though he was wearing a hood.
"I think someone may have recognized me." He whispered to her a little alarmed. Her eyes widened.
"Oh no, then we should go. Are you set?" She asked taking his hand again. He didn't feel uncomfortable that time. A couple girls followed them until they got into her car. The girls looked angry as they drove out of the lot.
"That was close. I guess you have fans everywhere Youngbae." She chuckled as she drove. The handsome idol took a deep breath.
As another week passed it was Christmas Eve, but nobody was home except for Tae Yang and Eun Kyung. "You move like this, curving your body, leaning over me. I match your movements like this. Move your feet, and shuffle, yes like that. Turn, hands, turn, hands, getting closer to me. Turn hands, turn, hands... there you go. Kneel, one knee on the floor one knee upright, curve toward me as I do the same." Tae Yang instructed. That was probably that most sensual dance position the two of them had ever gotten in. It made the both of them flush in embarrassment. Oh prudish and shy people were adorable. They stood up to take a break, and Eun Kyung stretched. When she finished she plopped down in front of the mirror. "You learned all of my moves just from watching the video a few times? That's really good." Tae Yang complimented sitting next to her against the mirror. They looked at each other's reflection on the other side of the room. She smiled in appreciation.
"Thank you." She leaned on his shoulder lightly and then forgot what she was doing. "It's a shame you're leaving in two weeks. But hey we made a new friend." She said pointing at him in the reflection.
"Yes. I think this is my favorite place out of all the other places I've visited. It's so quiet. I love it here." He put his hand over hers pointing with her, but this time at her reflection. "That person is probably the first female other than Dara-noona that I consider close. It's only been two weeks. So I thank you very much for letting me into your home, and taking care of me the way you have." He let go of her hand and she nodded.
"Of course Youngbae. I couldn't let you be in this town alone without someone who knew you at least a little. Even though it's a little weird." She said running her fingers through her hair. She smelled of cologne and sweat. Tae Yang's scent was all over her. Why did his songs have sensual movements in them? She'd resisted her urge to just jump him right there. Plus, she loved Sheuphen. She couldn't do that to him. She didn't like Tae Yang like that, not that she knew of. Just admiration is all. She leaned on his shoulder again; he didn't seem to mind at all. She just stared at the reflection of the two of them.
"Want to play a game?" Tae Yang asked with a bright expression. She loved his smile. It always made her day.
"Sure." She sat a little more upright. He was taller than her.
"It's called twenty questions, but I'm going to ask questions about you, and you have to answer them in full detail. You already know a lot about me, so now it's my turn." He said pointing at himself. She nodded laughing.
"What's your best memory?" Tae Yang started,
"My sister singing to me after I'd be hurt." She nodded confidently,
"What's your worst memory?"
"..." She hesitated; she put her fingers to her chin, could she tell him?
"Is that too personal?" Tae Yang asked a little worried. She shook her head and shrugged. It wouldn't kill her.
"My dad used to hit me until I learned to fight. That's why I'm a K-1 fighter. It's his fault." She said rubbing her arms. It got chilly in there all of a sudden. Tae Yang took off his zip up and wrapped it around her. She nodded in thanks.
"Favorite color?" He continued,
"Wine." She said with another smile.
"Favorite television show?" Tae Yang asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Full House." She laughed.
"The Korean Drama with Bi Rain?" He asked in disbelief.
"Yes." She confirmed.
Tae Yang laughed, "R-really?" She even watched Korean dramas. Old ones at that.
"Yes! Don't make fun!" She hit him playfully. "I like Bi Rain." She mumbled embarrassed. He kept snickering.
"Do you mind when I tease you?" He asked a little more serious.
"It's not exactly fun." She mumbled childishly. He laughed again and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, keeping her warm.
"Eun Kyung thanks for being here for me." He said earnestly. She sighed and pat his hand. Her expression was so relaxed. She loved winter break.
"Don't worry about it so much." She said poking his side. He wriggled a little and swatted her hand away playfully. They stick their tongues out at each other and continued the game.
"Next question, who's your favorite singer?" Tae Yang said with a big grin, he knew the answer.
"You..." She mumbled embarrassed. He shook his head, he was so right.
"Okay now let's say Ji-Yong asked you out on a date, would you say yes?" He asked jokingly. Wh-what?
"I don't know." She answered awkwardly. She shifted in his arm. She poked him again, and he wriggled once more.
"What about Bi Rain?" He said getting closer to her face. She tried to get some space between them. Too close. TOO CLOSE.
"I don't know!" She started to spaz, moving her head, trying to avoid his gaze.
"What about me?" He asked teasingly, he stuck his tongue out at her and winked.
"What about you!" She flipped out and fell back onto her side, slipping out of his zip up and his arm. He couldn't stop laughing, he loved to tease her. He stood and helped her up. She took his hand and pouted at him.
"All right all right, did I cross a line?" Tae Yang asked pulling her a little closer than usual. She rolled her eyes, the tease.
"No, you're fine. All right, from the top?" She started to position herself for Wedding Dress. He held her close, like he was hugging her in a meaningful way. He loved the feeling of having her in his arms. He wasn't supposed to and he shouldn't like a girl that's already taken. He sighed and the song started.
"I'm home Eun Kyung." Eun Kyung heard Sheuphen shout as he closed the door. She slipped out of Tae Yang's arms and it suddenly felt cold to him. She stopped at the door way and turned to look at him, "Come on, let's get ready for the holiday celebration, go take a shower Youngbae." She said running out to greet Sheuphen. She ran and embraced him tightly, "I've missed you!" He laughed returning the embrace. "How was your day?" She pulled away a little, their arms still lingering on each other.
"It went very well." He kissed her sweetly. She smiled and hugged him again. "My mom and dad will be joining us in a couple hours, go get ready. I'll start cooking." He pecked her lips again and let go of her. He managed to notice that her hoodie wasn't her own. He shrugged it off; she was probably cold and stole Youngbae's. She did that sometimes. It didn't mean anything. He nodded to himself, happy that he could trust his girlfriend. He stretched and yawned, he decided to go upstairs with Eun Kyung and saw her dancing her way up the stairs. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. She jumped and almost tripped.
"Don't do that! Scaring me~" She said with a fake pouty face. He kissed her and picked her up bridal style up the stairs. She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. They went their separate ways when they reached her room. She took off the zip up hoodie Tae Yang lent her, the black one with the white intricate cross on the back. She hung it in her closet and forgot it wasn't hers. They both needed to change. She took a quick shower, and then Sheuphen was after her. It was best not to bother Tae Yang in the down stairs shower in case he wasn't finished. Sheuphen knocked before coming out of the bathroom in case she was changing, she'd waited sitting on her bed with a towel wrapped around her, time to mess with him. "Come in~" She called, crossing one leg over the other. He walked in with a black v neck and dark wash jeans. He knew how to dress so well with the simplest of things. He stood there in shock.
"Wh-what... Eun Kyung!" He scrambled to find something to cover her with. The towel was an inch or two above her mid-thigh. He was turning very red; he took the blanket on her bed and wrapped her in it. He couldn't look her in the eye. "As beautiful as you are..." He said shyly. He swallowed hard. "I shouldn't see you this way." He said still avoiding her gaze. She shifted and kneeled down in front of him, laughing on the inside but at the same time touched at how much he respects her. She took one hand out from underneath the blanket and lifted his head for their eyes to meet. She kissed him and he wrapped his arms around her, she fell forward still kissing him. She'd landed on top of him and he held her close, still kissing her. His hand slid down her back and he realized she was still wearing a towel underneath the blanket. He pulled away shyly and Eun Kyung pouted, snuggling the crook of his neck.
"You're so sweet and considerate." She kissed his jawline. He'd wanted more but he couldn't do that to her before getting married. He respected her so much and he wants to marry her so she's his one and only. "There's no issue in dancing the fine line sometimes hunnie." She said lying on his chest for a while. She was a little sleepy so he let her take a small nap, in the middle of her bedroom floor, on his chest. If Tae Yang walked in right now, that'd be terrible. After a few minutes Sheuphen gently shifted to wake her up.
"Come now, get dressed." He kissed her head once more. She rolled over him and lied next to him trying to fall asleep again. "Cha Eun Kyung. You sleepy head. Get up." He joked poking her side. She squeaked and her body peeked through the blanket. "Ah I'm going downstairs to prepare. Get ready." He left, closing the door behind him. She was definitely wide awake now. She decided to dress accordingly, a purple wine colored cardigan with black buttons, v neck tank underneath. She went with black skinny jeans. She put her hair in a messy bun, and put on some apricot lip gloss.
"I'm all set." She spun around in front of her mirror. "I think I look nice." She walked out and bumped into Tae Yang who was about to knock on her door. His arms went around her. "Ah I'm so sorry Youngbae!" She laughed, "I was in such a hurry. Sheuphen's parents will be here soon!" He let go of her quickly.
"It's okay; I just wanted to know if you were ready." Tae Yang said shifting a little nervously. He hoped she would like his gift; he put a lot of thought into it. He was dressed in a white t shirt and normal jeans. His normal diamond stud earrings and his hair wasn't flat like it had been that day.
When Sheuphen's parents arrived everything was ready and it was time to open the gifts. After Sheuphen's parents opened theirs they each gave Eun Kyung a hug, and they were sad to have to leave before the celebration was over. It was going to snow very bad that night, so they needed to get home before the storm got too bad. When they left everyone sat down in front of the gifts. "I vote Youngbae and Sheuphen open first." Eun Kyung raised her hand. Sheuphen and Tae Yang laughed nodding.
"All right, all right." They both opened their gifts and Tae Yang revealed a necklace, it was silver with a sword aiming down, it had a red gem at the hilt.
"It's to ward evil away. I figured since you're going back to Korea soon that you'd want to have something to protect you on your way there. Never take it off." She said, "You have to promise." She said with a pout.
"I promise." Tae Yang wore it happily. He glowed in joy. Sheuphen opened his gift and saw a silver locket with gears on the front. It had a little blue gem in the center. He held it up by the chain, he loved it. Wow the details were so small.
"Open the locket." She said crawling over to him. She opened it for him and revealed two pictures, one of him and her together, his lips to her temple, and another of his parents and sister together. He kissed her forehead and closed the locket putting it on too. "I love it."
"Your turn Eun Kyung." Tae Yang handed her his, he hoped she'd like them. It was a gift wrapped in blue and purple. She kneeled in front of the two excitedly.
She opened the box carefully as to not ruin the wrapping, and her dimples were the most prominent feature on her face. Her smile was bright and cute. "I-I've wanted these for months!" She crawled over and gave Tae Yang a big hug. "Thank you!" She could kiss him, BUT she couldn't. She pulled away and put them on. She clicked her toes and laughed. Sheuphen smiled at them, it's a shame Youngbae would leave soon. They looked like they'd gotten to be such good friends.
"Here is mine." Sheuphen gave her his and she opened it. It was a necklace, silver and with a jade pendant, she could tell it was from Tibet. So loyal to his country Sheuphen was. She smiled and looked at the Buddha inside the jade ring. "It's so pretty, Sheuphen I love it!" She kissed his lips sweetly. The men exchanged gifts and Tae Yang received a pair of black shoes, the kind he liked. Sheuphen got a really cool styled navy blue hoodie and a little gadget to help him with his cooking.
As the third week passed Tae Yang spun Eun Kyung around in his arms. She wasn't bad at dancing. They finished with their foreheads together. They weren't bothered by the contact at all. They breathed heavily and stared at each other, smiling. When they calmed down though, they didn't move. They just stared into each other's eyes. He leaned in and Eun Kyung met him halfway. Their lips met for a brief second and Eun Kyung freaked pulling away. "I'm so sorry." Tae Yang apologized.
"No Youngbae... it's my fault, I shouldn't have been so confident in my self control." She walked out of the room to her bedroom. She called Sheuphen; she couldn't leave it like this could she? "Sheuphen? Please come home..." She started to cry, and he could hear her voice crack. "C-can you please come home?" She asked sliding down her door after she'd closed it.
"Of course, just please stop crying. It breaks my heart." He said, "Hang in there; I'll be there in ten." She nodded and hung up.
When he came home he knocked on her door, the ambient was dreary and heavy. Almost... dark. She pulled him in and kissed him fervently. He pushed her away surprised. "Eun Kyung... what's wrong?" He brushed hair from her tear streaked face. "Why are you crying sweetheart?"
"I-I kissed him." She started to cry, "I'm so sorry. But I can't hide it from you. I mean, I technically cheated! I'm so sorry Sheuphen please forgive me." She whispered. She couldn't look at his face. She was so ashamed. Her face was drenched in tears and she felt his fingers wiping her tears and lifted her chin up. He kissed her. Her eyes went wide, did he hear her right? He pulled away and smiled at her.
"It's okay, you told me the truth. I won't lie and say I'm not upset but I do forgive you." Sheuphen took her hands and kissed them both. "I love you Eun Kyung." He kissed her and wrapped his arms around her. He was so much taller than her so she rested her arms on his arms; her hand ran up and interlocked in his black hair. He picked her up by the legs and wrapped them around him and took her to the bed. Sheuphen kissed her neck. It was so rare for them to be like this. It felt nice to be in his arms.
After half an hour or so of fervent kissing, Eun Kyung fell asleep in his arms. It was late, and he woke up after their nap. He shouldn't be in her bedroom, he really shouldn't. But he stayed; he didn't want to bother her sleep. He too fell back into the world of slumber.
The next morning Eun Kyung woke up to make breakfast for her men, ha ha her men. She looked at the refrigerator before she opened it and noticed a note.
"Thank you very much for your hospitality, but I fear I have overstayed my welcome. Eun Kyung I've learned so much from you and I have no way of ever thanking you. I hope that I see you again someday." - Dong Youngbae. NO WAY. She ran out of the kitchen and saw his shoes gone. She didn't bother to look up in the guest bedroom. She ran out, still putting her boots on, there's only one airport nearby and it's an hour drive, if she sped she'd probably be able to catch him.
"Flight 819 to Seoul, Korea. Now boarding." She heard the intercom say. She ran, her boots clicking on the tiled floors. People were staring at her as she ran passed them. She didn't care, she was almost crying, her hair was a mess, the way she was dressed wasn't exactly what you would call satisfactory especially to her standards.
"Youngbae!" She shouted, "Youngbae!" Everyone looked at her funny, and she saw a familiar profile from not too far away. "YOUNGBAE!" She shouted running toward him. He turned around and saw her. He was surprised to see her there, dressed all disheveled. She was breathing heavily, "Y-you're leaving without saying good bye?" She accused sadly or angrily he couldn't tell.
"I've been too much of a burden." He said handing the stewardess his plane ticket. He was so sad; he didn't want to leave, but to stay here pining for a girl who already has someone is not a good way to spend your life. Especially living in her house. He felt his heart breaking; he deeply cared for Cha Eun Kyung.
"No! Youngbae, no, don't leave yet. You still have a week!" She tugged on his sleeve as he started to walk. "Youngbae, please stop." She pulled him out of the line. She didn't want to cry anymore, but the tears were never ending.
"Please Eun Kyung... let me go." He pleaded sadly, that's the first time she'd ever seen such sad eyes. He took her hand and forced it off of him. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Saranghae." She froze when she heard him. It took her a while to register and when she came to. He was gone.
That's when she decided, "Miss, one flight to Seoul, Korea." She said after the plane took off. "I'll see you sooner than you think Youngbae. Just you wait." She thought.
"We won't have another one scheduled until next week." The stewardess said a little sad for Eun Kyung.
"Perfect." Eun Kyung nodded with a bright smile.