| Fan Fiction |
by Take_Flight
Nadine straightened up in her seat, lowering down the volume of the radio. Ri In looked up from her cross-stitch work with a puzzled look. When Nadine pointed to her phone, her eyes grew wide with excitement. She abandoned her work and sat closer to Nadine, clutching Nadine’s elbow tightly. “What did he say? What did he say?” she whispered urgently.
Nadine pressed a finger to her lips, telling Ri In to keep quiet but it was impossible as the girl was practically bouncing on the sofa while Nadine kept nodding and saying ‘Uh-huh’ or ‘I see’ to the phone. She could tell that Ri In was getting impatient with what the caller was saying to Nadine for she was starting to throw daggers with her eyes at Nadine.
“Wow…” Nadine said, after hanging up and staring at the phone. “What? What did he say? Did the class won? Did they like the students’ works?” Ri In jabbered.
Nadine shrugged not sure on how to break the news to her friend. Ri In’s face fell. “Oh..they…you didn’t get in?” she asked in a quiet voice. She gave Nadine’s shoulder a squeeze while Nadine stared down at her phone, biting her bottom lip.
“There’s always next year right?” Ri In asked, giving her a reassuring smile. Nadine looked up and nodded. “But why wait when me and the students will be going there next week?” she said, breaking into a grin. Ri In blinked a few times, absorbing what Nadine had said. “W..Wait… What? So you got in?! They like the students’ works?!” she exclaimed.
Nadine nodded. “They said they didn’t expect such talent from them. I’m surprised as well. I thought we would not make it since we’re just rookies” she admitted, feeling slightly giddy from the good news. “I can’t believe we’re going to Japan!!”
Ri In beamed, sharing her friend’s happiness. “The Headmistress’s going to be over the moon when she finds out about this!”
“I know! There are so many people I need to inform! And I need the students’ attention most importantly. I need them to come back to school this week..we need to have an emergency meeting on the Japan trip..and..I need get the permission slips ready and OH! The list..we have to make a list on what to bring and what to—
“Oooh! Let me do the list!!” Ri In interrupted as she raised up her hand. “I’m good at doing that” she volunteered.
Nadine nodded and glanced at the clock. It was only ten in the morning so she better gets started and seized the day. “I’ll leave you with the list making. I’m going to start mass emailing everyone and prepare the agenda” she said to Ri In before going to her room. “This is going to be SO exciting!” she squealed.
So the first half of the morning was spent sending out the necessary information to the school. After clicking the Send button, Nadine dialed Gio’s number and told him about the good news.
“Congrats!” Gio exclaimed. “Wow..a summer in Kyoto. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?” he asked.
Nadine chuckled. “No, I wanted it to be Osaka..but hey! It’s still Japan. I’ll get you a kimono from there as well araso?” she said.
Gio laughed and snorted at the same time. “No freaking way!” he exclaimed. “Gosh…things are really looking up for you huh?” he said. Nadine chuckled. “I guess so. Hey, I’ll talk to you later. Gotta make some other calls” she said.
Nadine was about to dial Changmin’s number when a new message beeped. She read it and grinned widely staring at the number of exclamation marks from Dana’s reply. She replied to her, telling her to spread the urgent meeting this coming Friday and was about to call Changmin, when her laptop beeped, indicating a new email. She put down her phone, opened the email and squirmed excitedly in her seat as she read the schedule for their 3 days trip in Kyoto. Hotel accommodations and air tickets are all taken care by the organizers and they only have to worry about their own shopping expenditure. She was caught up with the hype that she almost forgotten to call Changmin and tell him the good news. While waiting for him to answer the phone, Nadine forwarded the schedule to the Headmistress’s email, did a double check on the permission slip and was about to click the ‘Save’ button when a lady’s voice answered on the other line.
“Hello?.....Hellooooo?” the caller said. Nadine tensed at the voice, noticing that it sounded familiar. “U..Umm…” she started to speak but she was interrupted by another voice.
“YAH Soo Min! Get your butt over here and pay attention to your models!” a high-pitched voice shouted. The line went dead after that and Nadine stared at her phone for a while, wondering why Changmin’s phone was with Soo Min. She knew that he was working with her for her upcoming fashion show and her first reaction was..well…let’s just say now she knows how Changmin feels when she had dropped the bomb of going to dinner with Jaejoong the other time. The loathsome feeling that had overcome her had given her a tremendous shock. It was no doubt that she was feeling a teeny bit…worried that Soo Min might get her way with Changmin.
Oh who was she kidding! She was EXTREMELY pissed off that Soo Min was Changmin’s client!! Of all the Art Directors in Ex-Pac, why did that designer have to pick Changmin?
Nadine snorted and tossed her phone on the bed. She took a deep breath and resumed back to work even though her mind was full of unwanted conflicting thoughts that almost made her screamed in frustration. “Shut up! Just shut up!” she told herself.
“I didn’t say anything” Ri In suddenly said. Nadine jumped in her seat. Ri In was standing at the doorway holding a notepad in her hand and looking suspiciously at her. “I wasn’t..scolding you” Nadine said, focusing her attention on her laptop, the rage still lingering inside her body.
Ri In shrugged. “Oh well. Anyway, I’ve written down a few items for the students and yourself to bring for the trip. You can add in some stuff if you feel like it” she said, handing Nadine the notepad. Nadine took it, skimmed the page and nodded. “Looks good to me” she said.
“I heard summer in Kyoto is really gorgeous. You HAVE to take loads of pictures once you’re there araso?” Ri In said, sitting on her bed. Nadine chuckled. “Sure thing” she said. “Well..I’m done with almost everything….” she trailed off, not sure how to finish the sentence. “You want to go out after this?” she suggested, standing up and stretching her body.
Ri In shook her head as she stifled a yawn. Nadine laughed. “Gosh, I can’t believe you’re still drained from the resort trip. What did Junsu do to you huh?” she teased as she walked to her wardrobe and opened the door.
Ri In rolled her eyes. “You better get rid of that over imaginative mind of yours. Wait…you’re still going out?”
Nadine fished out a sleeveless dress and nodded. “I get us some yummilicious stuff from the supermarket, and then we can whip up a storm for a celebratory dinner. How about that?” she asked.
Ri In brightened up at the idea. “Sounds cool to me! As long as you’re doing the cooking and washing, that’s totally fine with me” she said gleefully. Nadine sends her a withering look. “Is your stomach all you can think about?”
Ri In shrugged. “We live to eat, not eat to live” she told Nadine. Nadine laughed. “Stupid theory. Now get out of my room. I need to get change!”
Nadine shut the door after Ri In left and started to get dress. She slipped on the floral watercolor pattern dress over her head and then smiling at her reflection. Ri In had picked the dress for her, saying the white dress with the splash of colors will brightened up her looks.
Together with the scoop neck line, it adds an appealing yet innocent appeal to it as well. The dress falls a few inches below her knee as she put on a belt around her waist to accentuate her figure. She decided to let her hair down since she had no idea how to style it. She was tossing the usual necessary items into her shoulder bag when her eyes fell on her phone. Should she try calling Changmin again? Will he pick it up this time?
Nadine then decided to call him at a later time as she went to her laptop and took her thumb drive which she had saved her work in. She could get the slips and agenda printed if she has the time. There’s a bookstore nearby with a printing and photocopying service so she might as well get it done there.
Ri In wolf whistled at Nadine when she stepped out of her room and walking to the shoe closet. “So I’m guessing there will be no dinner tonight?” Ri In asked.
“What are you talking about? Dinner is still on” Nadine told her as she slipped on a pair of flats. “Then why are you dressed up for a date?” Ri In pointed out. Nadine laughed. “I’m in a victorious mood so I have the right to doll myself up” she said. “I’ll see you later. Call me if you need anything”
It was as if everything was on Nadine’s side as she strolled to the bus stop and waited for the bus to take her to town. Even the bus ride, which usually consists of a few hiccups and can be long and boring, was enjoyable thanks to the smooth traffic. Luck was definitely on her side! When Nadine reached her destination, she decided to head to the bookstore first to get her works printed out. She can’t help it! She was too excited for it! She know that she can do it at school but her hands were itching to get everything ready before she meet the students and plan out their trip together during the meeting. After Nadine handed the guy behind the counter her thumb drive and pointed where her files are in, she proceed to walk around the store and smiled with relish looking at the heaps of books in front her. Just like Ri In, she’s an avid bookworm herself. She was at the fiction corner when she felt someone watching her and she slowly turned around to see who it was, but there was just a little boy sitting on the floor caught up in his book while his mother stood beside him, browsing books on Cooking and Recipes.
“Hmm..weird” Nadine muttered to herself, putting back a book she was reading. She walked slowly down the aisle and the same feeling came again and she quickly turned around but there was no one there. Nadine scanned the bookstore to see if anyone was playing a joke on her but everyone seemed to be absorbed in their own world. Nadine unconsciously rubbed the back of her neck as she continued walking around, her attention for the books fading since she was feeling a bit uncomfortable. She was about to go back to the counter when she caught sight of someone familiar.
“Jaejoong?” Nadine wondered, walking up to the person and then skidded to a stop when she realized that the guy was actually a girl. It just so happen that the girl has the same haircut from him and she looked a bit like him from the back. Nadine puffed out her cheeks and went back to the counter, feeling glad that she didn’t embarrassed herself. The guy behind the counter held up both his hands, indicating he needs ten more minutes. Nadine got the message and lingered at the New Arrival bookshelf nearby and she suddenly thought of Changmin. She crossed her arms as she stared at the row of books in front of her, thinking whether she should call him. Or maybe not. Just the thought of Soo-Min working with him was enough to make her barf. BUT still, he shouldn’t have left his phone anywhere. Or somewhere near that girl. She was doing her best to push out the image of Soo Min getting cosy with Changmin when she caught sight of a book that Ri In was talking about.
Nadine pondered on whether to get the book for Ri In or not as she dug into her bag for her phone, only to realize that it wasn’t there. She frowned as she placed the book back on the shelf and then ransacked her bag again. Her heart sank when she suddenly remembered that she might have left it in her room when she left in such a rush just now. And to think she had spent the last few minutes cursing Changmin for not contacting her!!
“Miss? Your stuff’s ready. You want to get anything else?” the cashier asked, placing her photocopied items neatly into a clear folder. Nadine scratched her head, feeling a bit loss all of a sudden. So far, the day’s not turning out quite what she expected. One minute she was feeling fine, and the next she’ll be angry for no solid reason (even though she knew that jealousy was slowly creeping up but she doesn’t want to admit it) and then she’ll be feeling fine again.
Nadine hastily grabbed the book, went to the counter and told the cashier to ring everything up. While waiting for her purchases to total up, she caught sight of a fashion magazine with Soo Min on the front cover, smiling gaily and wearing an over the top outfit that made Nadine’s dress appeared too scruffy. She was too immersed in staring at the magazine that she did not hear the cashier calling for her attention.
“Miss? Hello..Miss?” the guy was saying, waving the receipt in front of her face. Nadine blinked a few times before going back to Earth. “Huh? W..What?” she stammered. Her face turned red when she heard someone snickering behind her. “You’re holding up the line” the cashier said with a faint smile. Nadine mumbled an apology, quickly paid up and grabbed her purchases. Before she left the counter, she stole a quick glance at the line, making sure that no one was watching her and quickly stuck out her tongue at the magazine and stormed to the door. She swung the door with great force that it ended up banging onto someone who was about to open the door on the other side.
“OOOWWWWWW!!!” the victim groaned in frustration, pressing his palm onto his forehead.
Nadine gasped and went to his aid. “Oh my goodness! I am so sorry!” she spoke quickly. The guy blinked his eyes a few times as he tried to get rid of the sudden giddiness that overcame him a few seconds ago. Nadine bit her bottom lip when a girl ran to his side asking him what had happened. “It’s my fault. I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t see him there” Nadine apologized, feeling extra bad when the girl threw her a dirty look.
“Do..Do you need a doctor?” Nadine asked quietly. The guy shook his head telling her that he was fine, just a bit giddy. “We better put some ice on that bruise. Come on” the girl said, before glaring at Nadine and leaving her standing alone at the pavement.
“B..But I didn’t see him there” Nadine mumbled to herself unaware that someone was watching her the whole time and chuckling softly to himself. Nadine frowned and turned around slowly. She raised her eyebrows in surprise when she saw Changmin leaning against his car with a sardonic smirk on his face. Her first instinct was to walk away from him (she had no idea why, she just felt like doing it) but her mind went blank and she stood rooted to the ground looking slightly flabbergasted.
“That was…pretty smooth” Changmin said, crossing his arms and eyeing her. “Why..what are you doing here?” Nadine asked after finally finding her voice. She was a bit surprised that it turned out rather unsteady.
“I can’t be here?” Changmin questioned her, looking at her steadily in the eyes. Nadine felt a sudden chill in her spine, seeing him so grim for the first time. “I..I thought you’re at work?” she said instead.
“It ended early today. The client had to go off for an urgent meeting” Changmin replied. “I tried calling you. Thought maybe we could have dinner tonight, but you didn’t pick up. Busy?”
Nadine shook her head. “I forgot to bring my phone” she answered. It was then she realized that the both of them were standing a few distance apart and no one seemed to make the first move to go to the other party. Changmin stood up straight, shoved his hands into his pockets and nodded. “I see” he said and then looked around at the empty street. He then faced her and Nadine felt her heart skipped a beat sensing the different aura coming from him. “Ri In picked up your phone just now. She told me there will be something you want to tell me” he said, walking towards her.
Nadine nodded and felt her heart in her throat when he was advancing nearer to her. She immediately picked up on the spicy cologne he was wearing today. She remembered this was the cologne she had picked up when they were out shopping at the resort arcade mall. Nadine didn’t realize that Changmin was already standing close to her and was tugging on the paper bag in her hand. “What’s this?” he asked.
“A book for Ri In” Nadine replied, as they both looked and stared at the contents inside the paper bag. “Those papers?” Changmin asked again.
“Permission slips”
Changmin glanced up and raised his eyebrows. “Permission slips?” he echoed.
Nadine gave him a small smile. “The students will be going to Kyoto next week to attend the convention. That was what I was planning to tell you” she told him, feeling pleased to tell him the news.
“R..Really? When?” Changmin asked, looking pretty excited himself. Nadine frowned slightly. “Next week. I just told you”
Changmin laughed. “No silly. I meant when did you get the news? About getting in” he asked and Nadine blushed at her foolishness. “This morning. I called you but—“ Nadine stopped talking, thinking how she should continue. Should she tell him that Soo Min had picked up the call or should she lie about it? She opted for the second one.
“But you..didn’t answer. I’m guessing you were busy so I didn’t want to disturb you” Nadine finished, looking up at him. Changmin chuckled as he took the bag from her. “Well I guess this calls for a celebratory dinner eh?” he suggested, leading her to his car.
Nadine glanced at her watch. “But..I told Ri In that I’ll be cooking dinner tonight.” she pointed out as Changmin opened the door for her.
“Well, maybe tomorrow nig---Hold on a minute” Changmin took out his ringing phone and answered it. Nadine took the paper bag from him and got into the car. She was about to close the door when she heard that dreaded name, causing her stomach muscles to tighten.
“Yes Soo Min?...Uh-huh. What about it? Right now?....Is it…very urgent?”
Nadine slammed the door shut and put on her seatbelt just as Changmin walked to the other side of the car, got into the driver’s seat and started the engine. Nadine put on her seatbelt just as Changmin ended the call and to her surprise, he was grumbling under his breath. “What’s wrong?” she asked as casually as she could.
“Umm..you…don’t mind if we drop by somewhere else first?” Changmin asked hesitantly. “That was Soo Min, the client I was telling you about? Something happened to the lighting and she needs—
“Sure. I don’t mind. As long as you’re paying for the dinner tomorrow” Nadine said, trying to make herself feel better. This jealousy issue was really getting out of hand and she wonder if she has the patience for it. She’s trying her best to steer clear of sounding like a brat, and she’s doing well so far. But how long can she keep this up?
Changmin chuckled as he drove the car. “You’re not going to burn a hole in my pocket aren’t you?” he asked.
Nadine grinned. “Maybe…maybe not” she replied. “Hey..umm..you don’t mind if I roll down the window?”
“Sure..go ahead. Any music for you?” Changmin asked, leaning over to the radio. Nadine shrugged. “Anything’s fine” she told him as she rolled down the window and leaned on it, the cool breeze a refreshing blow to her face. It’s like as if all the strain nerves in her body was slowly fading as she let her hair flow freely behind her and the music from the radio blasting out loud. She didn’t feel like talking much now that they’re on the way to see Soo Min and she will be lying if she said she’s not dreading the whole thing. Of all days, why must it be today? Today was supposed to be a joyful day for her. And now SOMEBODY has to spoil it. Bummer.
“Nadine…”
“…..Hmmm?” Nadine quit staring at the streetlights that they had driven past and turned to face Changmin, who was looking a bit disturbed all of a sudden. “What’s wrong?” she asked, feeling worried.
Changmin turned to face her when he stopped the car at a red light. “Are you feeling ok? You don’t seem like yourself today. I thought…you’ll be jumping for joy by now?”
Nadine chuckled, as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I just have a lot of things in my mind right now. The planning for the trip…making sure that everything goes on smoothly when we’re there…that sort of stuff” she explained. The light turned green and Changmin continued driving the car. “I just realized you worry too much…for other people. You put them ahead of you” he said.
“And that’s a bad thing?” Nadine asked him. Changmin thought for a while. “Yes and no. It’s good to know that you want everything to be perfect but sometimes you need to take a breather, step back and have time for yourself. I think you’re pushing yourself too hard”
Nadine leaned back on her seat and frowned slightly. “I don’t think I’m pushing myself too hard and I don’t feel like I’m stressing myself. I like what I’ve been doing so far” she said slowly. “I think YOU’RE the one who’s thinking too much” she added, looking straight ahead. She sensed Changmin looking at her but she didn’t bother meeting his gaze. Changmin was about to say something when his phone rang and Nadine glanced sideways at him. As Changmin answered the phone, a wave of guilt washed over Nadine as she replayed back what she had said to him. Oh my God, what the hell is happening to her??!! Maybe she should tell Changmin to send her back home or else she might end up humiliating herself when she’s face to face with Soo Min later.
“We’re here. Come, let’s go in” Changmin suddenly said, stopping the car in front of fancy looking pub. Nadine rolled the window back up and shook her head. “Aniya. It’s your work. I shouldn’t be interfering” she pointed out.
Changmin chuckled. “It will be fine. Come on” he said, stepping out the car. He jogged to Nadine’s side and opened the door. She protested but Changmin managed to drag her out. “You’re being awfully stubborn today” he commented, holding her hand as they stepped inside the posh place. The whole pub/club was quiet in an eerie way since it’s not open for business yet and their footsteps echoed as they walked towards a flight of stairs heading to the second floor.
“Are you sure it’s ok for me to tag along?” Nadine asked worriedly, her eyes roaming the interior of the place. “Maybe I should just stay on the first—
“Are you on medication today? Why are you being so paranoid? Look, I assure you. It’s going to be fine. You’re not going to be a disturbance to the client. And besides, she knows who you are. You guys met before remember” Changmin assured her, giving her hand a comforting squeeze.
Nadine kept quiet, not knowing what to say next. “A..araso” she mumbled. They were walking towards another flight of stairs when the door at the top of the landing swung opened and a tall lanky guy came stomping down the stairs, talking on the phone in a loud voice and waving his hand exaggeratedly in the air. When he spotted Changmin, he pointed to the door with an alarmed look. “You better get your butt there NOW!” he whispered before brushing past them. Nadine immediately let go of Changmin and motioned for him to go up. “I can wait here” she said, pushing him. Changmin rolled his eyes and went to see Soo Min. When the door closed, Nadine let out a loud sigh and rubbed her temples, feeling pretty much like a coward. But come to think of it, it won’t be nice for Nadine to simply go up with Changmin. She’s not even an employee for Ex-Pac. She was considered an outsider and the project could be a confidential one therefore she’s doing the right thing.
Nadine sat down on a plush sofa and her eyes caught side of a coaster lying on the table in front of her. The word “Red Maroon” was stamped across and Nadine remembered Jaejoong mentioning he works here. Nadine stood up and looked around; hoping to spot him but there was no one around. She leaned against the railing and looked at the empty dance floor only to see someone moping the place and whistling to himself. She thought of calling Jaejoong but then remembered her phone was not with her. Just then the same lanky guy came out from wherever he was and spotted Nadine. Nadine gulped hoping the guy won’t scold her. She was breaking out in cold sweats as the guy approached her in his long sleeve cotton shirt and black loose pants. He gave Nadine a once over and then snapped his fingers.
“Honey…that dress…goes very well with everything…except for the shoes! Promise me you’ll get a new pair later ya-haa?” he suddenly said, putting on a pair of shades.
Nadine raised an eyebrow. “W..What?”
The guy sighed and flicked a strand of hair from his forehead, a move so clear-cut that Nadine was impressed. “You ever thought of being a model? I like your legs..and the hair. Is that your natural color?” he asked, pushing down the shades and staring at her.
Nadine shook her head. “No” she replied.
The guy frowned. “No what?” he repeated. Nadine rolled her eyes. “No..I don’t want to be a model and no, this is not my natural hair color…I just like the idea of being a red head” she admitted. “By the way, you happen to know Kim Jaejoong?”
“Who’s he?” the guy inquired, pushing his shades up again and scrunching up his hair which looked more like haystack to Nadine.
“He works here. At Red Maroon. As a VIP—“ Nadine stopped talking when the guy held up a finger to her face.
“You talk too much” the guy told her with a haughty look. He then walked away with another flick of the hair but then walked back again to Nadine and gave her a name card. “My agency. Call me if you change your mind. Taa!”
Nadine stared at the card and then back at his retreating back. She tried not to laugh seeing him sashaying down the stairs and humming to himself. What a weirdo. She was reading the card when she heard the door swung opened and voices could be heard. Angry voices to be exact. And one of them was Changmin. Nadine craned her neck to see what the commotion was all about. Changmin came down the stairs after the door was closed shut.
“What happened?” Nadine asked seeing the troubled look on Changmin’s face. “Nothing too major. Just something small but someone has to turn it into something big” he muttered. “Let’s go”
“Wait. Are you sure everything’s fine?” Nadine asked again, gently touching Changmin’s arm. She had never seen him so peeved before. Changmin nodded when the door swung opened again and this time Soo Min stepped out. Nadine felt her whole body tensed as she watched Soo Min descended down the stairs like a Goddess. “We have a guest. I didn’t know that” Soo Min said, giving Nadine a warm smile but Nadine spotted the cold icy look in her eyes. Soo Min then turned to Changmin with a sweet sugary smile. “I hope you’re not offended by what Kelvin was saying. He can be too…demanding at times” she said, placing her hand on his shoulders.
Nadine resisted the urge to push Soo Min’s hand away so she ended up crushing the name card behind her back. Changmin on the other hand wasn’t too bothered about Soo Min as he was pushing a few buttons on his phone and grunting his reply. “I’m used to fickle minded people. I’m going to ask Yunho for his opinion. Excuse me for a while” he told them before walking to a corner.
Nadine observed how Soo Min was watching Changmin and she felt an enormous pang of jealousy hitting her. It’s obvious that the girl was holding a candle to HER boyfriend from the way she was shamelessly ogling at him in front of her.
“So how’s the show going so far?” Nadine asked, breaking the silence. Soo Min looked a bit a startled to see Nadine there and offered her a small smile. “The show’s good..but there are some people who just won’t cooperate. They can be such a pain sometimes” Soo Min spoke as she went to the nearest couch and plopped lazily on it, fanning herself.
“Gosh, what a drama queen” Nadine thought, leaning on the railing and wishing that Changmin would hurry up.
“Nice dress” Soo Min commented, inspecting Nadine carefully. “I like what you did with the belt”
“Thanks. Changmin was the one who chose it” Nadine told her and she immediately spotted the look of dismay flashed on Soo Min’s face but it was soon quickly replaced with a bright smile. “He’s..got good taste” Soo Min complimented. She then stood up, dusted her pants and excused herself.
“Oh..tell Changmin that I have the matter under control. Tell him not to worry so much about it. I can persuade Kelvin to change his mind” Soo Min said, gave her a wink before she climbed up the stairs, opened the door and Nadine was left staring at the top landing. OK, so she had lied about Changmin choosing the belt for her. That thought popped up in her mind out of the blue and she had to say it. She had enjoyed that expression on Soo Min’s face but she’s feeling pretty much like a loser now.
Nadine was looking at the crumpled name card in her hand when Changmin approached her. He took the card that Nadine was holding in her hand. “What’s this?”
Nadine shrugged. “Some guy gave it to me” she replied. “What did Yunho say?”
“He’s fine with whatever decision I’m going to take. Come on, I’ll take you home” Changmin said, taking her hand.
“You sure? Is it a serious matter? You know, I can just take a cab home and you can continue your discussion here with—
“You’re doing it again” Changmin interrupted as they walked down the stairs. Nadine frowned at him. “Doing what?” she asked.
“Worrying about other people. I’ll be fine. There’s still tomorrow and the day after to get everything settled. There’s plenty of time before the grand day” Changmin assured. They’ve reached the first floor and Nadine gave him a funny look. “Since when you became a preacher?” she asked him, making their way to his car.
Changmin stared at her. “And since when you get agitated so easily?” he questioned her. “I am not agitated” Nadine snapped as reached for the handle but Changmin stopped her. “Yes you are. You’ve been acting funny since just now” he pointed out with an unsatisfied look on his face.
“Why do you keep picking on me? How I feel for the people I care has got nothing to do with you” Nadine told him. Changmin was about to say something but she cut him. “Just take me home” she ordered as she got into the car and slammed the door loudly.
The drive home was intensely quiet and Nadine knew that deep down she was feeling pissed was because of the green-eyed monster taking over her. The rage filling inside her was so uncontrollable that she can’t even think or speak logically. She closed her eyes briefly thinking about the argument they had in front of Red Maroon. She felt her throat tightening as she opened her eyes, regretting for being nasty to Changmin. He, on the other hand, appeared cool and calm but she could sense that he was trying to fit the puzzle as well. Nadine’s eyes started to sting a little as she stared out into the distance and that’s when she realized that the road doesn’t look familiar. She frowned slightly, turning to Changmin who was driving with ease. “You’re not going home yet” he told her, his eyes glued on the road.
Nadine sank in her seat, already too tired to figure out his games. She pushed back her hair from her face with a mocking smirk on her face. That’s right. That’s what she’s been doing all day. Having a game with her inner self. Throwing back the ball back and forth and not admitting that she’s immensely envious with whatever Soo Min is capable of doing when Nadine is not around. She hated the thought of the girl sliding up to her boyfriend and making sweet syrup voice to him as and when she can. And not to mention displaying her affection so openly to the—
“Nadine” Changmin’s voice startled her and she turned to look at him. “W..W..What?” she asked, her voice quavering a little. Changmin’s forehead creased with worry seeing her so jumpy. “Follow me” he simply said, as he got out of the car. Nadine followed suit and recognized the place that he had parked. They were at Happy Ocean, only this time, it was less crowded and the sun was almost down. Seeing the sunset, she immediately thought of dinner and how worried Ri In would be if she hasn’t return home yet.
“I need to call Ri In” Nadine said, catching up with Changmin who was walking ahead of her. “I already texted her saying that you would be slightly late” he told her, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “What? Why would you do that? What did she say? I bet she’s mad—
“She’s not mad at you. Stop..just stop worrying” Changmin said as they walked down the twisted slope. Nadine was almost jogging up to him and she accidentally slipped on the slippery steps. If Changmin hadn’t caught her in time, she would have a bloody face by now. “Woah there” he said, holding on to her. “What’s the rush?”
“I don’t know. I should be asking you that!” Nadine said, standing up straight and dusting her dress. “Why are we here anyway?”
“To make you loosen up that tensed muscles of yours” Changmin said as they strolled down the almost empty street. And when he said stroll, he actually meant it. He took Nadine’s hand in his, swung in back and forth and hummed to a tune while Nadine gave him an incredulous look, aware that there are people watching them. When Nadine wanted to take her hand back, he hang on to it and shook his head. “Not a chance” he said, winking at her.
“You’re creeping me out” Nadine told him. “And you’re…stressed” Changmin said, pulling her to a garden and she realized that they were heading to his oasis. “I am NOT stressed. Would you stop saying that” Nadine said with an exasperated sigh as they stepped on the wooden steps. There was no one there except for them, and the sunset cast a comforting glow on the area. Changmin then pulled Nadine closer to him as they walked to the middle of the timber platform. “Alright then…dance with me” he said, placing both arms around her waist and swaying from side to side. “We can do the tango if you want to” he added with a grin.
Nadine shook her head. “You’re scaring me” she said, placing her hands on his chest, trying to push him away but Changmin insisted she should stay put. “Come on..dance with me. Treat the waves crashing to the shore as music to your ears, the sunset as the spotlight and this place..this oasis, as your stage. I’ll be your graceful dance partner” he told her.
Nadine had to laugh when she heard what he had said, but she ended up circling her hands around his neck. “I don’t get you” she said as they twirled around slowly. “I hope you’re not on drugs…cause what you’re doing doesn’t make sense”
“But does it make you feel slightly better?” Changmin wanted to know, running his hand up and down her back in a soothing manner. So soothing that Nadine felt it was like a massage to her. Maybe he was right. Maybe she did need to loosen up those tensed muscles. His strong fingers were acting as though they were kneading her uptight self. They both stopped dancing when Nadine slipped her hand around his waist and leaned her head on his chest. She closed her eyes and nodded. “A bit..better” she mumbled.
“May I know..what’s in your mind earlier on?” Changmin asked, running his fingers in her hair. “Why were so upset about just now?”
“I wasn’t upset”
“Stop lying”
Nadine kept quiet for a while in his embrace. Her left hand slipped up to finger a loose thread on his shirt. “I was being stupid” she mumbled. “How stupid?” Changmin asked, kissing her hair.
“Very stupid” Nadine let out a loud sigh. “I don’t like…you….I don’t like Soo Min…” she stopped talking after that, not sure how to continue.
Changmin stopped stroking her hair. “You don’t like me? Or you don’t like Soo Min? Make up your mind”
Nadine scowled noting the humor in his voice. She pinched his chest and Changmin yelped in pain. She stepped out of his embrace and walked over to the railing, her arms crossed. Changmin rubbed the sore spot and joined her, hugging her from behind and kissing her shoulder. “Mianhe” he muttered. Nadine pressed her lips together and shook her head. “Wae? You don’t forgive me?” he asked.
Nadine shook her head again. “I have no idea what’s going on with me today” she confessed. “Everything’s so…messed up—
“When Soo Min enters the picture” Changmin finished for her. Nadine turned to him in surprise, and a little bit embarrassed. “W..What?! No it wasn’t” Nadine said, suddenly feeling a bit panicky. Did he know about the phone call?
“I saw Soo Min answering a call from my phone, and by the time I got there, she had hung up on the caller. When I check that it was from you, I knew that…something will bound to happen—
“You knew about this and yet you kept quiet? Is this some kind of a joke for you?” Nadine questioned him.
“What was I supposed to say? I really thought you purposely left the phone at home just to spite me. I called you nearly twenty times until Ri In picked it up and told me where you were. Did you have any idea how worried I was when you didn’t answer the phone? I thought you went nuts with jealousy”
Nadine looked down at her shoes, feeling exposed. “I was..going nuts with jealousy” she confessed, and shockingly, the heavy lead in her heart and on her shoulders were immediately gone. “You shouldn’t have left your phone anywhere next time” she added, still staring at her shoes.
“Anywhere near her?” Changmin asked and Nadine glanced up, obviously not pleased with the way he was making light of the situation. “That’s not funny” she told him coldly. She proceeded to push him aside but Changmin blocked her. “Stop running away” he told her.
“You’re suffocating me” Nadine pointed out. “Really? So you would rather I go out to the distance and not bother you?” Changmin asked.
“Aniya! I don’t mean it that way” Nadine said. “This conversation’s going nowhere” she added.
“Then say what you want to say and we can resolve it easily”
Nadine rolled her eyes. “Isn’t it obvious? I just don’t fancy the idea of Soo Min working with you or vice versa. I just have a bad feeling about her.”
“You care a lot about me” Changmin said, rubbing the side of her arms.
“Of course I do! She’s such a party pooper. Today was supposed to be the happiest day for me and I wanted to share it with you but she just HAD to ruin it for me. She’s a devil I’m telling you and I don’t like her one—“
Nadine’s speech was soon interrupted when Changmin silenced her with a kiss. He hugged her closer, placing his hand at the nape of her neck, tilting her head and deepened the kiss. Nadine responded to his kisses, her insides feeling like jelly. The kiss slowed down, each of them not wanting to ending it. When they finally pulled apart, both of them were out of breath and Nadine’s swollen lips were still tingling with bliss.
“That was…hell” Nadine managed to say and Changmin raised his eyebrows hearing her choice of words. Nadine shrugged. “I can’t think logically today” she told him and Changmin laughed. “It’s been a hell of a rollercoaster ride for you huh?” he asked.
“I didn’t want to tell you…because I don’t want you to think me as the control queen. The one that prevents the boyfriend from talking or looking at other girls. I don’t want to…turn out that way” Nadine said, hoping what she says make sense.
“You’re doing a good job….being the best girlfriend ever” Changmin told her.
“That’s corny”
Changmin laughed again and kissed her forehead. “Aigoo, I feel so blessed knowing that you care a lot for me”
“It’s not about the caring..there’s more to that. I don’t know Changmin, I’ve never felt so strongly for someone before and thinking that someone might take that person away from me—
“Hey” Changmin said softly as he lifted her chin. “I’m not going anywhere. Who said I was going to leave with you?”
Nadine shook her head, biting her lower lips as she blinked back tears. “N..No one. I just couldn’t bear the thought of…losing you” she whispered as a tear slipped down her cheek. Changmin brushed it away with his thumb with a concerned expression.
“You’re not going to lose me. You think too much” Changmin said with a small smile.
Nadine shrugged. “Can’t help it” she mumbled with a sniff. She didn’t mean to get all teary eyed but at least her head is clearing up after all the confessing, although it was a tough job for her. She had never voiced out what she had in mind back when she was dating Alejandro. Her ex-boyfriend was pretty much a ladies man but she didn’t say anything for fear of sounding like some overprotective girlfriend. Which is why she find it surprising that Changmin had insisted that she should tell him what’s bothering her. She was wondering why he had it so easy when he confessed that he didn’t like the idea of she being friends with Jaejoong. She thought he was being a bit blunt but now she knows how it feels like to be in his shoes.
“I should get you home now. We’re still meeting tomorrow for dinner right?” Changmin asked, as they walked slowly back to the parking lot. The whole place was deserted and dark and Nadine felt Changmin’s arm tightening around her shoulder as they walked past the closed shops, their footsteps echoing.
“What’s for dinner tomorrow?” Nadine wanted to know. “I’m thinking of barbeque meat. It’s nice to eat in this season. After that we can head down to the beach. There should be fireworks as well. I’ll pick you up at five. How about that?” Changmin suggested, taking out his car keys.
Nadine nodded. “Sounds good to me” she said. “It’s a date!” Changmin told her, planting a kiss on her lips before she got into the car. The stress from earlier on were all gone with the wind as they talked casually about her Japan trip and plans for the fall. Changmin had let the windows down and it felt good to feel the cool breeze as they chatted while the radio played some mellow summer love songs, suitable for the mood both of them were in.
Changmin managed to stole yet another breath taking kiss before she went up to the apartment. He leaned his forehead on hers as they stood in each other’s arms. The moment was too fragile for Nadine that she didn’t feel like going up.
“I should go” Nadine said.
“Mm-hmm..” Changmin mumbled but he still held on to her and Nadine chuckled. “I need to cook dinner” she told him.
“But you didn’t get the groceries” Changmin pointed out.
“I think I can whip something up” Nadine said, taking her stuff from his car. “I’ll see you tomorrow”
“Sleep well Princess. Dream of me araso?” Changmin said, caressing her cheeks. Nadine stared into his kind eyes with a small smile.
“I will”
That night, all Nadine dreamt about was being with Changmin and simply lazing around at some unknown beach, both comfortable with the silence around them and being in each other’s embrace. She had remembered a folklore her grandmother had once told her, that if the dream and the reality matches, then the relationship could be a lasting one. She had woken up in the middle of the night, with a warm fuzzy feeling in her stomach as she curled back into sleep, a bit disappointed that the dream bubble was burst. But nevertheless, the feeling lasted for a long time and hopefully it will last for a lifetime.
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Kelly : Hi! Your comment made my day too :D Thank you so much for the compliments. I hope you enjoy this update. Take care.
jija : Hey you! Good luck for the exam..the papers are ALWAYS terrible, let's face it. Haha XD Tell me how the exam goes ya? Enjoy the story :D
undermickysskin : Omo! Your comment!!! You naughty girl >.<
caprishiqi : thanks for the comment :D hope you enjoy the update