| Fan Fiction |
by Take_Flight
Enjoy!
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“Heeey..how’s my baby sister doing?”
Nadine gasped and stopped sketching. “Gio?! Is that you?!” she screeched into the phone. It was a good thing that she was the only one in the Art Studio or else her students will think she’s a nutcase. “What happened to you? No emails, no phone calls…it’s almost been a month! God, I miss hearing your voice so much!” she gushed as she stood up and paced around the studio.
“Yeah, same here. Sorry I haven’t been calling or emailing. I was actually out of the country” her brother told her with a chuckle.
“Where did you go?” Nadine wanted to know. “Austria” Gio told her. Nadine gasped loudly. “No way! I’ve always wanted to go there! Why were you there? Who were you with? How was it? I’m so envying you right now!”
Gio laughed out loud. “Slow down with the questions would you. I’ll tell you EVERY detail about my trip there in my next email okay. I’m just calling to check up on you”
Nadine groaned. “You’re killing me with the suspense!” she whined. She walked to the window and leaned her head on the glass pane. She stared out at the several tents set up along the school’s driveway and spotted Junsu at one of the food booth, helping someone to load some stuff off a truck. She wondered why he was there instead of in his office.
“Hey? Hello? Are you listening to me?” Gio was saying. Nadine giggled. “Of course I am” she said casually.
“Okay, so what was I saying just now?” her brother asked her. Nadine rolled her eyes and could imagined him giving off his signature smirk.
“You..You..were saying something about..your trip to Austria?” Nadine guessed.
“You’re pathetic” Gio told her and laughing at the same time. Nadine stuck out her tongue at the phone. “So what’s on your mind? Is Korea good? How’s that pen pal of yours?” Gio wanted to know.
“Everything is super duper great! I really LOVE my job Gio. The students will be entering an Art competition and guess what? They actually sign up for the event without even tellin g me in the first place!”
“They sound..a bit like you actually. I didn’t know your rebellious streak was contagious. Remember how you don’t usually listen to your Art teacher because you think Art is about expressing yourself freely and you always ended up in detention after that?” Gio told her with a chuckle.
Nadine rolled her eyes as she walked around the studio. “Mrs. Alejandro talks too much. But she was a good teacher…how is she doing anyway? Is she still teaching at our school?”
Gio sighed. “No idea actually. Frankly speaking, I haven’t been to the school ever since..well..you know”
Nadine stopped pacing around and took a deep breath. She took a moment before resuming their conversation. “W..Well..yeah. They’re still…..talking about it?” she asked.
Gio kept quiet for a while. “Come on Gio, you can tell me. I’ve learn to..get over it…bit by bit” Nadine told him.
“Isn’t that kind of difficult?” Gio asked her. Nadine shrugged. “Well, truth is. There were certain…stuff here that kind of reminded me of whatever happen back home but I just let it past” she said as images of Jaejoong assaulting her the other night flashed in her mind. She shook her head and sat on a stool. “Besides, no one here knows about it, except for Ri In but she already knows that what I told her should be kept as a secret” she added in a low voice.
“Certain stuff as in what?” Gio asked, sounding concerned. “Did..anyone..—
“No..No one did” Nadine said quickly. “So..umm..how have you been doing?” she asked, changing the subject. “I can’t wait to read about your trip to Austria. You must include tons of photos as well ok?”
Gio laughed. “Sure thing. I’ll send a few videos as well” he said. “As for me, I’m doing well. And so is the shop. I have a new employee coming in tomorrow and oh! Before I forgot! Miranda’s birthday is next week—
“What?! So soon?” Nadine asked, standing up immediately and walking to her desk. She took out her planner and groaned. “I haven’t got anything for her yet!!”
“You still have a week left, so there’s plenty of time. Hey listen, I have to go. I don’t want Mum to faint when she sees the phone bill later” Gio joked. All of a sudden, a wave of homesickness washed over Nadine when Gio mentioned about their mother.
“M..Mum’s doing fine?” Nadine asked in a small voice. “She’s doing…OK. She misses you, you know that? She doesn’t want to say it, but we can tell” Gio told her.
Nadine smiled to herself as she took out a small photo which she had slipped inside her planner. It was a photo taken when she was a toddler and she was sitting on her mother’s lap. Nadine had just got her first tooth and was grinning happily to the camera while her mother was looking down and beaming at the young child.
“You’re spacing out again aren’t you?” Gio’s voice interrupted her thoughts. Nadine snorted. “Yeah..I was…thinking”
“You’re always thinking” Gio teased her. “I’ll talk to you soon araso?” he added, but this time he was speaking the sentence in fluent Korean. Nadine burst out laughing when she heard that. “You speak Korean? Since when?”
“Yeah, yeah. I’ve been taking lessons..just for the fun of it”
“And not to impress girls?” Nadine questioned him, still laughing. Gio grunted in disbelief. “I’m hanging up now” he said, and he did.
Nadine stared at the phone in disbelief when she heard the dial tone. She tossed the phone into her bag and then strode over to the window, making sure that Junsu was still at the booth. He was still there, talking to someone when her phone rang again. She walked back and fished out her phone, not bothering to check on the caller. “Yes Gio?” she asked.
“Who’s Gio?” Changmin asked. Nadine got so surprised to hear his voice that she accidentally dropped the phone. It fell with a clatter on the floor and she hastily picked it up. “H..Hello?” she asked, her voice trembling a bit.
“Nadine?” Changmin asked. “What..was..that all about?”
Nadine let out a nervous laughter. “Aaah..n..nothing. The phone slipped out of my hand” she fibbed.
“I..see” Changmin said slowly. Nadine gulped. “I thought you were my brother” she told him. “I was on the phone with him just now”
“I didn’t know you have a brother” Changmin said. “Well…now you know..Hah” Nadine said and mentally kicked herself for sounding lame.
Changmin chuckled. “So..is anything the matter?” Nadine asked.
“Oh..right..umm..do you happen..to see Junsu there?”
Changmin asked her. “Yeah..I did. Why is he here anyway?” Nadine wanted to know.
“He’s helping out on behalf of Ri In. He told me that Ri In wasn’t feeling well? She’s down with the flu or something like that. Don’t you think that it’s funny that both of them are sick?” Changmin told her.
Nadine pressed her lips to prevent herself from laughing out loud. Changmin sounded like a little boy who’s oblivious to the obvious. “Yeah..” she said. “Ri In looks like a reindeer now with a red nose”
Changmin laughed and Nadine felt the butterflies in her stomach fluttering as if they were on ecstasy. “So..uhh..you called just to check on Junsu?” she asked.
“Actually..I..couldn’t get him on his phone…so..uh, I was wondering if you..could pass a message to him” Changmin said.
Nadine nodded. “Okay..what message?”
“Uhh..tell him..uh..that he needs to..umm..report work slightly early tomorrow” Changmin told her. Nadine raised her eyebrows when hearing his explanation. He sounded…nervous.
“Okay. Report early to work. Got it” Nadine said, packing up her stuff. “How early?”
“He will know” Changmin said almost too quickly. Nadine zipped up her bag and nodded again. “Sure. I’m going down to see him now” she said.
“C..Cool” Changmin said on the other line and then he kept quiet. Nadine frowned as she switched off the light of the studio.
“What’s wrong?” Nadine asked, as she closed the door and locked it. “Huh?” Changmin said. “W..What do you mean?”
“You don’t sound…good. Maybe you’re down with the flu as well?” Nadine asked, as she walked slowly down the corridor, swinging her bag in her other arm.
Changmin chuckled. “I’m fine..really. Thanks for asking” he said but Nadine noted that he wanted to say more but he kept quiet again after that.
“Okay..good to know..so I’ll go…and see Junsu…oh wait!” Nadine suddenly stopped walking, suddenly remembering about Miranda’s birthday gift.
“Hmm?” Changmin asked.
“Do you happen to know any craft shop anywhere?” Nadine asked him.
“Craft? WITCH CRAFT?” Changmin asked, sounding bewildered.
Nadine burst out laughing hearing him say that. “No! Not those. Gosh, you’re so silly. I meant, those craft and hobby stores. Art supplies and graphic design stuff” she explained, but she was still laughing at his ridiculous assumption.
“Ahhh…that kind of stuff. Sheesh. Yeah..I think I know a couple of store—YAH. You can stop laughing now!” Changmin scolded her.
Nadine cleared her throat. “Okay okay. I’ll stop. So can you give me the address to the—
“I can take you there. The place I know is out of town and will be a long drive. I can get the owner to give you a few discount, if you don’t mind” Changmin interrupted.
Nadine considered his offer for a while. It does sound good to her. “Araso. I leave everything to you” she said. “Can we go this weekend then?”
“Yeah sure! I can pick you up. Just state the time and I’ll be there” Changmin told her. Nadine grinned hearing him so enthusiastic all of a sudden. “Cool. I’ll see you then. Oh wait, are you coming for the spring festival as well?” she asked.
“Not sure..depends on my schedule. Wae? Do you want me to come?” Changmin asked with a chuckle.
Nadine felt the heat creeping up on her face. “A..Aniya. I was just..well, since Junsu is…you know what..forget I ask. I’m going to see Junsu and pass him the—
“I’ll be there” Changmin cut in and Nadine stopped talking. “I’ll see you this Friday at the festival. You will be there right?” he asked her.
Nadine felt her mouth going dry before answering him. “Mm-hmm…yeap. See ya” she said and then she quickly hung up and hurriedly walked down the stairs leading to space where the tents were set up. She almost tripped at a pavement when her phone rang again and she was hoping it wasn’t Changmin asking why she hang up so fast. When she saw Jaejoong’s name flashing on the screen, she wondered what he wants this time.
“Yeah?” Nadine asked, as she stood behind a column. “You don’t sound happy” Jaejoong pointed out. “You’re still mad about what happened last—
“Jaejoong, I told you many times I’m not angry anymore” Nadine stressed out.
“Chincha? Then why do you sound so pissed off?” Jaejoong questioned her.
“I’m not! I’m just..I have a lot of stuff to do and I’m a bit strain by the pressure” Nadine said, hoping that he will buy the story.
Truth was, she was getting agitated with his constant phone calls ever since the fashion show event. She knows that Jaejoong feels guilty for hurting her but having him around…like a leech was getting on her nerves. When Jaejoong had dropped by this morning, she was a bit surprised. Jaejoong had apologized profusely and even got down on his knees in the parking lot. Nadine had laughed at his foolish attempt and told him to get up.
“Nadine, I really didn’t mean to hurt you. You should have stop me from drinking—
“Jaejoong..just stop. You’re forgiven okay” Nadine had assured him and then to her surprise, Jaejoong had stepped forward and hugged her.
“Jaejoong..what are you doing?!” Nadine hissed, pushing him away but the guy held on to her. “I’m sorry” Jaejoong mumbled, caressing her hair and Nadine had sighed and patted his back.
When Jaejoong had let go of her, Nadine was shocked to see the remorse look on his handsome face. “Don’t do this to yourself. I told you there’s not point thinking about what happened the other night” she softly told him. Jaejoong had his arm around her waist and Nadine slowly peeled his arms off her. “You should go now. My class will be starting soon”
Jaejoong had gripped on her arm, not wanting to let go and Nadine glanced down at it. Jaejoong immediately let go, afraid of reenacting the drunkard event. “Mianhe” he mumbled. Nadine shook her head. “It’s fine” she told him. “I’m going to my class now. I’ll..see you around I guess?”
“I’m off to see Changmin…to apologize to him. I must have look like a jerk” Jaejoong said, giving her a small smile.
Nadine had agreed on the idea. “I can return back the blazer on your behalf, if you want me to” Jaejoong had offered. Nadine had actually planned to go down to Changmin’s office personally but since Jaejoong had said he wanted to do it, she had passed the bag to him.
“Nadine? Are you still there?” Jaejoong was saying on the other line. “Hmm..yeah” Nadine answered, leaning on the column.
“You’re free tonight? I was thinking maybe we could have dinner. In a way, it’s my way of saying sorry as well” Jaejoong said.
Nadine chuckled. “Dinner sounds great, but I don’t think I can make it. I have been..um, skipping dinner at home and Ri In’s not happy with my disappearing act” Nadine fibbed.
“Really?” Jaejoong asked. “You’re not running away from me?” he added with a chuckle.
Nadine rolled her eyes. “No I’m not. We’ll have dinner some other time okay? I promise” she told him.
“Make sure you keep that promise. I’ll catch up with you later. Ciao!” Jaejoong said and hung up.
Nadine let out a frustrated sigh. It was so hard to get rid of him!
“Boyfriend trouble?” Leeteuk asked. Nadine looked around, looking for the latter but he was nowhere to be found. She stumbled onto a booth and then saw him putting on a banner with a devilish grin on his face.
“You were eavesdropping…again” Nadine told him in a flat tone as she walked towards him.
“What can I say? I just love juicy gossip” Leeteuk said, pinning the banner and then yelped in pain. “OOOUUCCCH!! The pin’s got me finger!” he screeched.
Junsu came running to the booth. “What happened?” he asked, his eyes wide.
“Retribution” Nadine told him, as they watched Leeteuk leaving the place, sulking about his injured finger.
“What retribution?” Junsu wanted to know, rubbing his nose. “The cold’s not getting any better?” Nadine asked him, handing him a tissue.
Junsu gratefully took it and shrugged. “No idea. How’s Ri In holding up?” he asked.
“She’s been taking her medicine and happily resting. What were you guys thinking anyway? Playing in the rain like a bunch of kids” Nadine told him.
Junsu grinned. “You have no idea” he said gleefully.
Nadine raised her eyebrows. “I don’t get you” she told him. “Anyways, Changmin told me to tell you that you have to report early for work tomorrow”
“Why didn’t he just call me?” Junsu wondered.
“Because..he said he couldn’t get you on your phone?” Nadine pointed out. Junsu took out his phone and checked it. “My phone’s fine..see?” he said, showing it to Nadine.
“No reception?” Nadine guessed. “Nah..there’s reception here. Oh well. Did he say how early I should come?” Junsu asked Nadine.
Nadine shrugged. “He said you will know the time” she told him. Somehow, she was finding the whole thing a bit uncanny.
Junsu frowned. “No I don’t know the time. Aish, what is that guy up to anyway” he muttered as he dialed Changmin’s number.
“Yeah..me too” Nadine said to herself, watching Junsu walking away. Just then her phone beeped and Nadine checked the message.
“I got the blazer and your note by the way. Thanks for returning it. I’ll be glad to help you anytime”
Nadine grinned to herself, reading Changmin’s message. She quickly erased the grin when Junsu came back, shaking his head in disbelief. “What happen?”
“Seven in the morning! Can you believe it?! I have to come at seven while you guys are still happily snoozing in bed” Junsu complained. “I’m going to crush Changmin’s head tomorrow”
Nadine laughed. “Did he say why?” she asked him. Junsu shrugged. “He won’t tell me” he said. “Are you going home now? Want me to send you?”
Nadine shook her head. “It’s fine. I’ll get the bus. I’ll see you at the festival” she said, walking away from him and heading to the bus stop. She took out her phone and read Changmin’s message over and over again.
She was still grinning like an idiot when she boarded the bus and could not care less that everyone was staring at her.