Chapter 11: Family Photo
MC dangles a string, giggling as Elizabeth the 3rd crouches down. Only her tail and eyes move, as she watches the string. The cat ear clips are in place in MC's long, brown hair, and there's a large collection of white cat hair on her black work apron.
Without warning, Elizabeth pounces on the string, causing MC to burst into giggles.
Saeran watches them play on the ground from his spot on the couch. Something about being awake at the crack of dawn makes everyone giddy. He nearly chokes on a chuckle when MC begins meowing at Elizabeth the 3rd.
"You're becoming a cat?" asks Saeran.
"The ears gave it away, right?" asks MC.
MC takes the dangling string between two fingers, and crawls closer to the couch. Elizabeth the 3rd closely follows the string, eyes wide and ears flat. MC flicks the string onto Saeran's pants leg, and Elizabeth the 3rd pounces. Claws dig into Saeran's pants.
"Dammit," says Saeran, clutching his pants. "These are new, c'mon."
"Not my fault, cats find you irresistible," says MC, purring as she grins.
"Animals don't like me," says Saeran. "And even if they did, I'm more of a dog person."
"Really, meow?" asks MC, crawling to the edge of the couch. She giggles as she pushes her head against Saeran's knee, nuzzling similar to how a cat would rub against someone's ankle.
"What are you doing," asks Saeran, grinning.
"Meow?" asks MC, pushing thick bangs out of the way to stare innocently up at Saeran.
"Cute," says Saeran, reaching down to gently pat MC's hair between the clips.
MC giggles, resting her cheek against Saeran's knee while watching Elizabeth the 3rd jump onto the couch, and curl up next to Saeran. "See? You're wrong. All sorts of cats like you."
Saeran's hand hovers above MC's hair, before he lowers it to his own lap.
"MC…"
"Meow?"
"What do you see in my brother?"
MCs sits back on her feet, raising an eyebrow at Saeran. "Is that a serious question?"
Saeran nods.
"Well, let's see, what do I see in Saeyoung…" MC holds up her hand, and begins counting on her fingertips. "He's sweet, he's funny, he's giving to his friends, I feel safe with him, and he makes me happy, not to mention he saved my life…"
With each additional attribute, Saeran's shoulders fall a fraction of an inch more. Luciel had saved MC from him—she felt unsafe because of him. He should have known it was hopeless, but hearing it spoken out loud hurt.
"Do you think you two will ever get…um, more serious?" asks Saeran.
"Saeyoung and I are as serious about one another as two people can be, I think," says MC, grinning. "If you're wondering if we'll get married, then, I mean…I hope so. One day."
"Lucky," says Saeran, sighing. He catches himself reaching out to pet MC's hair again, and instead diverts his hand to Elizabeth the 3rd. She purrs happily at the attention.
"You'll find someone, one day, there's no rush," says MC.
"Sometimes, I think about that day," says Saeran. "The moment when I saw you standing there. You looked so lost, and confused, and I just knew…you were the one. You were gonna be the person to bring something big to my life."
Saeran pauses for a moment, his hand resting on Elizabeth the 3rd's fluffy, white fur.
"I hoped you were the key to finding some closure about my brother's abandonment. And I was right, just not in the way I thought at the time. And now that I've had time to think back over all of it. I'm so glad I found you."
Elizabeth the 3rd grows impatient, batting lightly at Saeran's unmoving hand until he resumes petting.
"I was lost, when you found me," says MC.
Their eyes meet for a second. MC's cheeks are pink. She gently pets Elizabeth the 3rd, her hand brushing against Saeran's in the process. "I'm glad that you found me, too. Even all the problems we've endured are worth it now that we can all be happy."
"I really like living with you," says Saeran, purposely putting his hand over MC's where she's petting Elizabeth's fur. She looks up, meeting his eyes. "You're so kind, and...beautiful. You listen to me. And make me feel things I never thought I would feel. Please, don't send me away…"
"We never would," says MC.
We. Saeran flinches.
Elizabeth the 3rd meows, and jumps away from the couch, leaving Saeran and MC sitting alone for a moment.
"Um, we should…get going to work…" says MC.
Saeran sits alone, as MC scampers back toward her bedroom. Somewhere in the direction of Luciel's computer station, Saeran hears "Elly no!" followed by a crashing noise.
"It's just for a little while," says MC, though she's obviously fighting laughter.
"I don't care, this is a health code violation! Not to mention she's getting c-fur all over my office!" says Jaehee.
"What if Jumin doesn't come?" asks Saeran.
"There's zero chance of that happening," says MC, giggling.
"Mr. Han knows the exact moment that we open, he will be here, don't worry," says Jaehee. "But I insist that the next time Saeyoung decides to pull some prank, he must leave me,. and my place of business, out of it. Especially anything as dangerous as cat-napping Elizabeth the 3rd."
Jaehee covers her mouth as she yawns, staring up at the clock on the wall. The second hand ticks from 6:59 to 7:00, and the bell on the door jingles, immediately.
Jumin Han enters wearing his usual pin-striped shirt under a charcoal suit. His gray eyes are sharper than steel, and his black hair messier than usual. He tugs at his shirt sleeves as he stalks directly to the counter.
"Where is your brother?" Jumin demands of Saeran.
"I apologize, Mr. Han," says Jaehee, standing tall at Saeran's side. "The cafe has absolutely nothing to do with this, but Saeyoung refused to leave, even when I threatened…"
The door jingles again, cutting Jaehee off mid-sentence. A high-pitched 'Yoohoo!' sings through the cafe.
Jumin turns over his shoulder, takes one look at the newcomer's short, pink bob and frilly lace skirt before turning back to Jaehee and Saeran.
"I assume Saeyoung's hiding in the back?" asks Jumin.
"He's not hiding," says MC, giggling behind her hand. Jumin narrows his eyes as he does a sweep of the restaurant, eyes stopping on Jaehee, Saeran, MC, and then…
"Hiya Juju," says Luciel, smiling brightly. The pink bob hangs into his golden eyes, and his outfit is a lacy aqua skirt with a low-cut, silk blouse on top. He flutters his lashes at Jumin.
"God, I love you in that skirt," says MC, causing everyone present glance out of the side of their eye.
"Where's Elizabeth the 3rd?" asks Jumin.
"Oh stop, she's fine, I would never hurt Elly!"
"That's not her name," says Jumin.
"Come on, let's go chat, hmm? Just for a second? You said one minute in exchange for the beautiful Elly…"
"I could have come in here with a whole squadron of security guards…"
"But you didn't, because you trust me, now c'mon…" says Luciel, tugging on Jumin's wrist.
"I don't trust you," says Jumin, as Luciel leads him to the far corner of the cafe, away from the counter. It's as private as possible in the cozy cafe.
MC leans her elbows on the counter, and stares after Luciel and Jumin. Saeran waves a hand in front of her face, but her gaze remains glassy and distant.
"Hmm?" she hums, several seconds after the fact.
"You're staring," says Saeran.
"Well, yeah, don't you think Saeyoung looks cute?" asks MC.
Saeran cocks an eyebrow as he turns his head, staring where Luciel and Jumin are sitting at a small, circular table. Jumin sits rigid, an unreadable expression on his face. Luciel perches on his knees in his chair, leaning onto the table. The pose would be obscene if Luciel had a large chest. It's a little obscene even considering his flat chest. Saeran squints, as though he could maybe catch a glimpse if only…
MC clears her throat. Saeran blushes as he turns back to look at her.
"You were staring," she whispers, loudly. "You mind if I go make sure Elly's okay? You can take care of any customers?"
Saeran nods as she walks into the backroom. He suspects his cheeks are pink.
Luciel looks nice in his clothes and wig. Cute, even. Does that mean Saeran would look nice in women's clothing? Maybe a short black skirt and a tight top. Some fishnets. Tall, black boots. Saeran shakes his head, violently. What the hell was he thinking?
"This is a strange way to turn in your resignation," says Jumin. His posture is so straight, Saeyoung begins imagining how many books he could balance on Jumin's head without them falling.
"I'm not resigning, silly, I'm trying to help you," says Saeyoung. He's already leaning over the table, but he leans over even further. "It's about Zen."
"What about him?" asks Jumin, stone faced.
"Do you like Zen?"
"I like Zen as a client, and a fellow RFA member, his acting is getting better, and…"
"Yeah, but do you like Zen? When you mentioned liking someone the other day, I didn't realize at the time…"
"I have experience charming people to seal business deals, and the stream of opportunistic women attempting to lure me into a relationship never ends, to the point where I'm not interested in any of them…"
"Hey, men can be golddiggers too," says Saeyoung.
"I meant more that I am giving up on opportunistic people, in general, the fact that Zen is a man is of little importance, I am attracted to his personality…"
"Really? You mean, the one where he just stares at himself for hours at a time, and talks about himself, and how great he is, and works himself to death to better his career, and drinks, and smokes, and hates…well, you, I think…"
"Zen refuses all monetary assistance from me," says Jumin, staring down at his hands resting on the table. "I get a cut from all of his earnings, as his manager. I don't need the money, but he insists. I don't mind him talking about himself so much now that his health, looks, and career are pertinent to my interests as his managing agent. And the fact that Zen dislikes me, well, he tends to tell me things bluntly, the way no one else in my life would dare…"
"Yeah, but I don't think Zen is a tsundere, I think he just legitimately doesn't like spoiled rich guys. No offense…"
"None taken," says Jumin, sparing a glance toward the counter.
Saeyoung follows his gaze, and watches as Saeran addresses a small line of customers. Jaehee is busy making drinks, and MC is missing.
"It's good to see that Jaehee is doing well," says Jumin.
"Really? I was worried that if Zen rejected you, you would go insane again, like you did when Jaehee quit to start this place…"
"I learned a lot that day," says Jumin.
"You learned that you can't drive? Your life flashed before your eyes, and you almost died, and now you realized the true meaning of Christmas?"
"You're not funny," says Jumin, his flat stare directed at Saeyoung. "I learned to examine my feelings about people, before it comes to the point of losing them. I never voiced how much I appreciated Jaehee-until she was gone, and I don't want to make the same mistake with Zen."
"I really need to ask, you're sure this isn't just, admiration for Zen? I mean, do you really mean that you are attracted to Zen, as a man? You want that kind of relationship?"
Jumin shrugs, barely detectable. "I questioned the same thing myself, but when I got the opportunity to kiss him, I liked it. I think I want to kiss him again. The only thing holding me back is the fear of losing him, the way I lost Jaehee."
"You won't lose him, he'll stay in the RFA, even if it's awkward for a while…"
"He's avoiding me right now," says Jumin. "I've been working overtime to get him some television auditions in the hopes that such an opportunity will convince him to take my calls."
"You just need a place to run into each other, and get past this small hiccup," says Saeyoung. He sinks back down into his chair, sitting almost like a normal person. A finger comes up and twirls the pink hair of his wig.
"Elizabeth the 3rd is really here, correct?" asks Jumin.
"I've GOT IT," says Saeyoung, standing up so quickly the chair almost falls behind him. "I'll just throw a party! And make everyone come!"
"I can't, I'm very busy," says Jumin.
"It's an engagement party," says Saeyoung. "For me, and MC, I'm proposing to her."
"You…are going to do this properly, I hope?"
"Of course!"
"You're not wearing that, are you?"
"Why, what's wrong with it?" asks Saeyoung, taking his skirt in either hand, and pulling it out as though about to curtsy.
"I'll get on the messenger and tell everyone to come to my place tonight, there's no way Zen wouldn't come if everyone was there, and it's for such an important occasion and all…"
"I will attend, but I can't promise that speaking with Zen will do any good," says Jumin, standing up and adjusting his suit jacket. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a full day of meetings ahead, and I absolutely must have Elizabeth the 3rd back this instant."
"You got it," says Saeyoung, before sticking two fingers in his mouth and giving a piercing whistle. "MC!"
MC is quick to come out of the backroom, holding Elizabeth the 3rd like a giant, fluffy baby.
"What are you doing to Elizabeth the 3rd? She doesn't like to be held like that, she is a full grown lady," says Jumin, reaching out his hands.
Jumin grabs Elizabeth and holds her close to his body, one arm under her, and the other stroking her hair. She purrs loudly and closes her eyes, nuzzling into Jumin's suit jacket, and leaving a trail of white fur.
"Sorry to make you worry, we took such good care of her, though," says MC. "She's welcome to visit any time!"
"She is only allowed on social visits if I am there to chaperone," says Jumin. "You're incredibly lucky I'm in a strange mood of late, otherwise I'd have you all in court for this stunt."
"You always say that," says MC, grinning at Jumin.
"I'll be leaving," says Jumin, adjusting Elizabeth under his arm. "See you tonight."
"What's happening tonight?" asks MC.
"See you tonight, Mista Boss Man Director Man," says Saeyoung, fluttering his eyelashes as Jumin lift up a hand to catch Jaehee's attention. He offers a curt wave, and walks out of the cafe.
"Saeyoung, what's happening tonight?" asks MC.
"I'm throwing a party tonight," says Saeyoung.
"Excuse me?" asks MC.
"Don't worry, you're invited," says Saeyoung.
"Well, I assumed, it's at our house…"
Jaehee serves the last customer in line before walking to join Saeyoung and MC. Saeran is close behind, looking slightly less sulky than usual. Maybe it's the red hair that makes him look less gloomy.
"Party tonight, tell your friends, BYOHBC…"
"Are you going to change out of that for the party?" asks Saeran.
"Gosh, first Jumin, now you, everyone's dying to get me out of this dress," says Saeyoung, making kissy lips.
"Idiot," says Saeran.
"I'd like to get you out of that dress," says MC, waggling her eyebrows.
"You guys just can't wait to see what's underneath here," says Saeyoung, before lifting up the aqua skirt and revealing a pair of pink, satin panties with black lace accents. Even with his best attempts to tuck, there is an obvious bulge.
MC whistles. Saeran stares. Jaehee yells.
"Saeyoung, get out of my place of business this instance, or I'm phoning in a complaint about a flasher…"
"Wait, are those my panties?!" asks MC.
"Ack, sorry Jaehee," says Saeyoung, adjusting his skirt and giving a defiant pout.
"Are you wearing my bra, too?" asks MC, reaching for the neckline of Saeyoung's blouse, and pulling it down, before he can react. His matching pink and black lace bra is revealed, stretched over his chest. Saeyoung quickly yanks his shirt back into place.
"MADAM!" says Saeyoung, crossing his arms over his chest. "Jaehee, you call me in for flashing, call her in for molestation…"
"I'm about to ban you both from this cafe if you don't get out of here…"
"I'm going, I'm going," says Saeyoung, scurrying toward the door. "Have fun at work! See you guys tonight! Don't forget! Important party! RSVP!"
Saeran takes a long sip of water. He sits away from the crowd in the house, wearing his cream colored sweater with the argyle print across the chest, over his favorite red shirt. Part of him wants everyone to leave and restore the house back to normal. Another part aches that he feels so left out.
Leave it to Luciel to throw an entire party just to force his friends to talk.
In the months since the hospital, Saeran has grown close with all of the members. But at this huge meeting, he once again feels like an interloper.
Luciel laughs louder than usual, always smiling, always dashing about, entertaining guests.
"So, who do you think was the one rushing?" asks Jaehee. Saeran hadn't realized she was walking up behind the couch, a steaming mug held between her two hands. Her hair is pulled back into a short ponytail and she's wearing a jacket over a short skirt, more akin to her times at C&R than her dresses at the cafe.
"Rushing?" asks Saeran.
"Is MC desperate to get married? Or is Saeyoung the one wanting wedding bells?" asks Jaehee.
Saeran frowns, trying to make sense of the question. "Well, Luciel does seem worried that MC will want to leave him, but she always says that's not the case. I know MC told me she hopes they get married, one day."
"How romantic," says Jaehee.
"How is this romantic? Having a party at his house with a few friends," says Zen. He's wearing his white leather jacket over black pants, and holding a half empty beer. "If he really wanted to be romantic, he should have come to me first. I know a thing or two about romantic proposals."
Saeran glances around the room, until he finds the figure he seeks. Jumin Han stands in the corner, his cell phone in one hand up to his ear, and a glass of wine in the other. If Zen and Jumin haven't even spoken yet, why the talk of proposals?
Zen sniffs loudly, bringing his sleeve up to his nose. "Ugh, I feel like I'm having an allergy attack. That jerk didn't bring his furball, did he?"
"Oh, Elizabeth the 3rd was here yesterday, but she's gone now," says Saeran.
Zen sneezes loudly, covering his face slightly too late. Jaehee stares questioningly at her coffee.
"Sorry, Jaehee, I don't suppose anyone have any antihistamines?" asks Zen, fanning his face.
"You shouldn't drink on antihistamines, it's bad for your health, and your complexion," says Jaehee, frowning at her mug. "I'm going to refresh my coffee, anyone need anything?"
"Don't bother," comes a droll voice from nearby. Saeran rolls his eyes as he recognizes the newcomer. "No one here knows how to make a decent cup of coffee."
"Who invited you?" asks Saeran, turning up his nose. Vanderwood shrugs out of his jacket, revealing a tailored lavender shirt underneath.
"I was in town," says Vanderwood.
"I can assure you, I know how to make good coffee, and I always bring my own supplies," says Jaehee, her tone all business.
"Oh? That's interesting," says Vanderwood, setting down his jacket and gesturing toward the kitchen. "Show me?"
Zen sneezes even louder, and holds his forehead. "Ugh, I'm going to get a sinus headache, I need to wash my face and hands…" He mumbles to himself as he walks away in the direction of the bathroom.
Jumin Han approaches, wine glass still in hand, though his cell phone is gone. "Where was Zen going?"
"Bathroom," says Saeran.
"Ah, excellent," says Jumin, taking a step to the side and starting to walk toward the hallway. Saeran stops him with a hand on the arm.
"Uh, okay, that's creepy, and weird, don't follow him to the bathroom," says Saeran. "Just, wait for him to come out, then you can talk to him. You don't want to keep weirding him out."
Jumin's gray eyes narrow as he considers the words. "Perhaps," he says eventually, bringing his glass to his lips. He takes a long sip as he walks in the direction of the kitchen.
An average guy with short brown hair comes jogging up, tugging at the sleeve of Saeran's sweater.
"Hey, Seven, you know what would be funny?" asks the guy.
Saeran raises an eyebrow. "Are you confusing me with my brother?"
"Oh! Sorry! Seven has a brother?! Really?! Wow!"
"Who are you?" asks Saeran.
"Tom!"
"Tom?"
"Tom! Seven's friend!"
"My brother's never mentioned you," says Saeran.
"Then we're equal, he never told me he had a brother, and he never told you he had a friend…"
"How exactly are you guys friends?" asks Saeran.
"We buy fish shaped bread from the same vendor! We run into each other. Oh, one time, he almost got me Echo Girl's autograph."
"Almost?"
"Tom! You met my brother," says Luciel, bounding over to the group. His words tumble out, as though he can't speak fast enough, and the smile on his face is manic.
"Yeah! He seems cool! You guys look alike!" says Tom.
"We're twins," says Saeran.
"Hey Seven," says Yoosung, joining the group with a plate full of carrot sticks and broccoli. "What's up with the refreshments, there's no Honey Buddah Chips at all!"
"I said on the messenger invite, BYOHBC."
"I thought that was a typo, and brought some beer," says Yoosung.
"BYOHBC-bring your own Honey Buddah Chips. I'm not sharing mine, you heathens don't appreciate them the way I do…"
"You have a literal room full of boxes of them," says Yoosung.
"Ah, had, you see, I had a room full of them, but, alas, the great Potato Chip Blight, it hit hard on all of us, I lost half my crop, and the other half had to be sold off to keep my house…"
"But…how?! I mean, are you serious? You have a really good job, and if you needed cash, couldn't you just sell a car?" asks Yoosung, scratching his fluffy blond hair.
"Sell my…sell one of my babies, are you a monster?!"
"He's just stingy with the chips," says MC, walking up behind Luciel, mouth full of carrot stick. The pink dress she's wearing is new-Saeran's never seen it before. The sleeves puff out, and the waist hugs tight. She looks like a dream in pink satin.
"Oh good, you're here, that reminds me," says Luciel, before taking a big step up onto the couch in the main area. He cups his hands around his mouth and shouts, "OKAY EVERYBODY HOLD UP I GOTTA DO THIS."
Saeran glances around the room at all of the members of the RFA, and the other guests. Everyone looks calm, as though this was expected. But, wasn't it just a party?
"Here we go," says Yoosung, sidling up next to Saeran. "Are you okay with this?"
"Okay with what?" asks Saeran.
"ALRIGHT, so, as everyone here knows, I'm blessed to have such an amazing family. I consider all the members of the RFA, and my friends, part of my family, but having my twin brother back with me has been the best thing to ever happen…"
Saeran ducks his head. He wants to run. Fuck. Yoosung knew this was going to happen? Saeran glares at Yoosung out of the corner of his eye. Why does he look so concerned?
"…and best of all, MC," says Luciel, pointing down from his perch on the sofa, "this beautiful woman is the reason I have all these things in my life. She saved me from a hopeless situation, and filled my life to overflowing with love and happiness. Nothing I have would be possible if not for her love and support. And that's why…"
Luciel pauses in his speech, and brings up his phone. He frowns at the screen. It continues for several seconds until everyone begins to look around the room, confused.
"Sorry, hold up, small, uh, glitch in the matrix, and…"
The lights go out, and everyone lets out a collective gasp.
"Ack, sorry, bear with it, one second, and…"
Tiny white lights appear on every surface in the room. Constellations, planets, and even shooting stars, begin to rotate slowly around the room, bringing a small glow to the otherwise stark darkness.
"MC, it's not the space station, but…"
A loud sobbing shriek is audible through the dark room. Luciel reappears on his knee beside MC, his phone held flat in his hand, illuminating a small ring-sized box.
MC answers something. There's tons of clapping and laughing. Luciel has tears in his eyes, and has to take off his glasses to wipe his hoodie sleeve across his face.
Goddammit.
Everyone lines up to take a turn hugging the happy couple.
"We need a picture, right now! Come on, hey, Vanderwood, take a picture of the RFA," says Luciel.
"I can do it!" says Tom.
"Vanderwood, don't let Tom do it, he's a worse photographer than Jumin…"
"I take offense," says Jumin.
Saeran stares away, staying close to the wall. He clings to the shadows once the lights return.
She wasn't his—she never had been. But now there was no way she ever would be, either. It hurts as bad as learning that Magenta was never real.
"Are you okay?" asks Yoosung.
"Yeah. Fine," says Saeran.
"Saeran! You get in the picture, too, you're part of the RFA!" says Luciel. His smile is infuriating.
"You should be in it," says Yoosung, putting a hand on Saeran's shoulder. "Are you okay? You look kinda pale."
"I'm fine," snaps Saeran. He walks over to the couch. Jumin, Zen, and Jaehee are standing up behind the couch. Saeran attempts to join them, but Luciel grabs his arm.
"Hey! On the couch, with us! You're my brother, you're part of this family!"
"I have to?" asks Saeran, before falling onto the couch. He slouches over, not bothering to force a smile. He can't look to his left. He doesn't want to see Luciel, with his cheesy grin, and his arm around MC.
"Okay, I'm taking the picture," says Vanderwood.
"That's not how you do it, say cheese," says Luciel.
"Cheese," says Vanderwood.
"No, you…dammit, Vanderwood, just, take it again, make sure it's good, everybody say cheese!"
Flash lights. People moving. Everything is background noise.
"That was so cool with the lights!" says Tom, crowding around MC and Luciel, seated on the couch. Luciel's arm is around MC, pulling her close. Her cheeks are flushed as pink as her dress, and her eyes shine.
"I can do it again, watch," says Luciel. He pulls out his phone and presses a button before the lights flicker, and the starlight returns.
Saeran's stomach lurches. He steps away from the group, and heads straight for the hallway—the safety of his room. He passes the open door to Luciel and MC's room, and pauses just long enough to slam it shut.
The darkness for Luciel's display includes the entire house, and Saeran's thankful. It hides him.
"Wait."
Yoosung jogs down the hall. "Saeran, wait."
"Why?"
"I can tell you're upset," says Yoosung. "It's MC, or it's Seven, and either way, I'm here. Did Seven not mention to you that it was an engagement party? I thought he put it on the messenger…"
"I forget to check it…"
"Oh, well...this must be a surprise then.."
"You have no idea," says Saeran.
"Seven won't make you leave, even if they're married," says Yoosung. Saeran stares at his bedroom door, unmoving. "You don't have to worry about being tossed aside. I know he'd want you around, no matter what."
"I'm not worried about Luciel," says Saeran.
"Wait…" Yoosung pauses, forehead creasing, "I thought you said your feelings for MC had faded?"
"I lied," says Saeran.
"But…"
"I like MC," says Saeran. "And I can't watch her marry my brother. I don't want to hate him as much, but I can't stop this selfish feeling. I want MC for myself."
"That's…umm…you know, this is way outside of my dating level of expertise…"
"Get out," says Saeran, rubbing his face before adding, "please."
Yoosung sighs, already walking back into the hallway. The moment he disappears Saeran hears another voice.
"Yoosung?" asks MC.
"Hey, don't go in there," says Yoosung.
"Saeran ran off after the picture, I was worried…"
"He just chased me out of his room, so maybe he just needs some time," says Yoosung.
"Saeran?" says MC, knocking on the door. "Hey, Saeran, I'm coming in, whether you like it or not…"
Saeran groans, and puts his back against the wall in his bedroom. He's staring at the ceiling when MC barges into his room. Yoosung hovers in the hallway, not coming into the room, but not leaving, either.
"You just decide to not answer me? You thought I'd stand for that," says MC, grinning as she walks into the room. Saeran's cold glare causes her smile to fall. "I'm sorry. Saeyoung is kind of spontaneous, that's why he didn't warn you in advance. And you don't have to worry. I'm not trying to come between you and Saeyoung. Don't think of it like losing a brother, think of it as gaining a sister."
Saeran walked over to the door, and slammed it in Yoosung's face. MC jumps at the sudden, loud noise, and Saeran pushes her shoulder until she's backed against the closed door. "You're so stupid."
"Huh?" asks MC, eyes darting around the room. "Are you okay, Saeran?"
"I'm not upset because you're coming between me and my brother, I'm upset because my brother is coming between me and you," says Saeran. MC tilts her head, confusion creasing her brow. Saeran makes an irritated noise before leaning in. Saeran kisses MC, fully on the lips, ignoring her surprised squeak.
Saeran presses his body into MC's, craning his neck to keep their mouths connected. She doesn't kiss back—nor does she pull away. Saeran puts a hand on her hip, and squeezes. When the kiss breaks, he presses his forehead into hers. "I have never, once, thought of you as a sister."
"I love Saeyoung," says MC, shaking her head. "I care about you, very much, but I am deeply in love with your brother-he just proposed. I'm loyal to him, no matter my feelings for you."
A soft knock on the door.
Saeran reaches behind MC, and opens the door.
"Uh, you two okay in here?" asks Yoosung, his smile born of nerves.
"I'm sleeping at your place, tonight," says Saeran.
"Y-you are?" asks Yoosung.
"Yes, and we're leaving," says Saeran.
"But, the party, and…"
Saeran walks down the hall, not bothering to grab his jacket. It's chilly outside-he'll regret it. But he needs out. Now.
He avoids the group near the couches, walks to the front door, and bumps directly into Zen.
"Sorry," mumbles Saeran, just as Yoosung catches up and knocks into his back.
Jumin raises a single dark eyebrow, and Zen is blushing so deeply his cheeks match his red eyes.
"Uh, something came up, suddenly," says Yoosung, wringing his hands together, "so um, we are going to…head out…everything, okay?"
"Fine, just go," says Zen, taking a step away from Jumin, clearing the path to the door. "Oh, and congrats."
Saeran's head whips around so fast he hears it crack. "Congrats? For what?"
"Your brother and MC?" asks Zen.
Saeran hisses like a cat, and flings the door open. Zen takes a few steps back, covering another sneeze.
"Sorry, um, big night, sorry…" Yoosung apologizes, again and again, as he rushes after Saeran. The door slams behind them, leaving them alone on the dark yard. "Are you sure about this? I mean, maybe we can just hang out until it's empty, you can talk to Seven, and MC, and…"
"I don't want to talk to either of them," says Saeran. "Let's get out of here."
[[Chatroom Transcript]]
ZEN: Hey Jaehee
Zen's smiling emote.
ZEN: Who was that lady you were talking with at the party?
ZEN: She was kinda cute
ZEN's winky emote.
Jaehee Kang: That was Vanderwood.
ZEN: Seven's maid was at the party? She looked different
Jaehee Kang: Well, she's a man. And not a maid.
Jaehee Kang: I was happy to see you and Mr. Han back on speaking terms.
ZEN: That jerk lacks common sense sometimes. But he has good connections so he's a great manager.
Jaehee Kang: Did you happen to see Yoosung leave the party?
ZEN: Oh yeah, he left with Saeran.
Jaehee Kang: With Saeran?
Jaehee Kang's confused emote.
ZEN: Yeah, they looked like they were in a hurry.
Jaehee Kang: I was hoping to discuss some venues for the party with Yoosung.
ZEN: Knowing those two, probably some kinda LOLOL tournament
Jaehee Kang: You could be right.
Jaehee Kang: I do hope Yoosung stops playing games long enough to work things out with his girlfriend. They make a cute couple.
ZEN: I can't believe everyone's going to have a date except us
Jaehee Kang: Don't count me out so soon.
Jaehee Kang's sparkle eye emote.
ZEN's surprised emote.
Jaehee Kang: Vanderwood just sent me the photo from the party. It's a great picture. I think I will have to purchase a nice frame. I can display it at the cafe.
Jaehee Kang: I'll put it right next to my photograph that V gifted me.
ZEN: If you'd like, I can get you one of my headshots and sign it for the wall
ZEN's winky emote.
Jaehee Kang: I find it's best to keep your pictures on display in the back room, to avoid distracting us from working.
ZEN: …you have pictures of me in the back room? For real?
Jaehee Kang: Look at the time, early morning, goodnight Zen
Jaehee Kang has logged out of the chatroom.
ZEN's confused emote.
Thank you guys that are reading along here! katilynscooter, nofreakingway, Solanum Red. I am almost done with my other current WIP, and then will be updating this one as quickly as possible! That April Fool's content was SO CUTE! I'm still dead