| Fan Fiction |
by Take_Flight
Nadine let out a happy sigh after she was done with whatever she was doing and then was slightly taken back when she realized Changmin was watching her the whole time. “M..Mwoh? What’s with that look?” she stuttered, turning a little bit pink in the face.
Changmin laughed as he took her hand in his and they walked slowly towards the lift where it will take them from the basement level to the first floor, where the departure hall is. It was the day Nadine and her class will be flying off to Kyoto for the Art convention, and Changmin was there to send her off. He admits that as the days for her trip gets closer, he was starting to miss her already.
“I’m only going for three days, not three years” Nadine had pointed out.
True, she’s only going for three days, but to Changmin, those three days seemed like an awful lot of days for the both of them to be separated from each other.
“Somebody’s being melodramatic already?” Junsu had commented when he had caught Changmin zoning out in the pantry.
“I’m not being melodramatic” Changmin had grumbled under his breath and then adding in salt into his tea by mistake.
Junsu had laughed loudly at his clumsy act and pointed out that Nadine will be only attending an Art convention in Kyoto and not going for war.
“Changmin? Changmin?” Nadine’s voice broke into his reverie and Changmin blinked a few times and saw Nadine staring worriedly at him. “Gwenchana?” she asked, squeezing his hand lightly. Changmin nodded but Nadine chuckled at him. “You look so faraway that you almost tripped on the curb over there” she pointed out.
“I did?” Changmin asked, surprise that he didn’t manage to fall flat on his face. He pressed the button for the lift to come and the both of them stood in silence after that.
“I heard what you’ve said just now” Nadine suddenly spoke up. “Huh?” Changmin asked, looking down at her but her eyes were focused on the reflective surface of the lift’s door. Changmin averted his gaze to the same area and saw Nadine sticking out her tongue at his reflection. Changmin laughed and asked her again what she had heard.
“About taking good care of myself when I’m having fun at Kyoto later” Nadine told him, giving him a melancholy smile.
The lift then came down and the doors slid opened. They both entered and Changmin asked whether she’s late to meet the rest of her class.
“Aniya. We’re a bit early actually. Ri In and Junsu are still on the way here. Wae?” Nadine asked, just as the doors slid close and the lift gave out a deafening low hum waiting for either of them to press the floor button.
“Let’s go to the Viewing Gallery then” Changmin suggested, pressing the 3rd floor and the lift jerked a little taking them to the particular floor.
“Araso. I like going to the Viewing Gallery. You know, Gio said that when I was little, I like to imagine sending someone off and kept waving and saying goodbye to any planes that take off. Sounds silly now that you think about it huh?” Nadine asked, laughing a little.
Changmin laughed along and shook his head. “Aniya. My younger sister used to do the same thing too. And I would join her as well. My parents said they were embarrassed to have us as their kids sometimes since we’re always so loud and rowdy” he explained.
They stepped out of the lift when it reached the third floor, laughing amongst themselves. “I miss being a kid” Nadine told him as they walked along the empty corridor with only their footsteps and the wheels of Nadine’s luggage making a low rumbling sound on the concrete floor as Changmin dragged it behind him. They went to the end of the corridor where there was a nice view of the runway without any obstruction. Changmin placed the luggage aside and stood for a while watching Nadine leaning against the railing and taking in the scenery. She was looking pretty much relaxed in her tye dye knee length sleeveless summer dress and a pair of faded jeans. The sleeveless dress showed off her slightly tanned shoulders and Changmin liked the way her hair was flowing carelessly down her back. When Nadine realized that Changmin was not beside her, she turned around and raised her eyebrows. “Are you planning to stand there the whole time?” she questioned him.
Changmin grinned sheepishly and joined her. “Aniya…I was..astounded by your beauty” he said. Nadine rolled her eyes. “Yeah right” she muttered and Changmin immediately noticed her flushed cheeks from the corner of his eyes.
“Do you want anything from Kyoto?” Nadine asked him and Changmin shook his head. “Really? Not even a t-shirt?” Nadine pressed him and Changmin pinched her cheek. “You’re just coming up with excuses to spend your money huh?” he asked her and Nadine made a face.
“Have you been talking to Gio? You sound EXACTLY like him” Nadine grumbled under her breath.
“I would love to talk to your brother, but no, I haven’t the chance to. I’ve…..been noticing that you like to splurge. That’s why I’m not asking for much when you’re there. I just want you to come back home safe and sound” Changmin told her.
Nadine smiled a wistful smile as she looked down at her hands. “I’m not going to war you know” she pointed out, looking up at him.
Changmin took a deep breath. “I’m going to miss you REAL bad that’s all” he blurted out. “We’ve….never been away from each other for a long time, and now you’ll be gone for three days…and what the heck am I supposed to do?” he asked, looking down at the ground.
Nadine covered her mouth to mask her laughter and Changmin glanced at her with a miserable expression. “You can go ahead and call me a wuss” he muttered, looking away.
“I’m not going to call you a wuss, silly boy!” Nadine told him, tipping his chin to face her. She then tiptoed to plant a kiss on his lips. “Maybe I should get some three-inch heels when I’m there. It’s really tiring to stand on my toes just to kiss you” she added with a wink.
Changmin snorted and pulled Nadine closer to him. She hugged his waist and leaned her head on his chest and the two of them stared at a plane taking off. Somehow, Changmin felt that his heart was aching just a teeny bit thinking that Nadine will be on the plane soon.
“Don’t do anything stupid when I’m not around araso?” Nadine mumbled, pressing her face closer to his chest.
“Anything stupid like what?” Changmin wanted to know, running his fingers through her hair.
Nadine shrugged. “I don’t know” she said. Changmin brushed back a lock of hair that has fallen across her forehead and leaned forward to kiss it. He then proceeded to kiss space between her eyebrows, the tip of her nose and then placed a lingering one on her lips. Nadine returned back his kiss in a slow and delicate manner just as Changmin let his fingers massaged her shoulders slowly and then slowly sliding down her back and rested on her waist. Ever since the night at the beach, he was extra careful in the way he touches her. He had no idea how Nadine’s ex-boyfriend had treated her, but he had vowed not to frighten her by remembering her of the past.
“We should go meet the rest now” Nadine whispered after the kiss ended.
“Can I kidnap you and bring you somewhere else?” Changmin asked in a husky tone.
Nadine shook her head and chuckled. “I promise to call you when I have free time over there araso?” she said, touching his cheek with her fingertips.
Changmin nodded. “And I promise not to do anything stupid” he told her.
Nadine giggled just as her phone starts to ring. “I bet it’s Ri In” she said, taking the phone out and answering it. Changmin took her luggage and held on to her hand as they made their way back to the lift. “Is everyone there? Hmmm..araso. I’m on my way there with Changmin” Nadine was saying as they stepped into the lift.
“Most of the students are there together with the Headmistress” Nadine told him as she hung up the phone. “Nervous?” Changmin asked, noting that she was shivering slightly.
“A bit” Nadine admitted just as the lift reached the first floor and was greeted by Leeteuk who had stepped out of the lift across from them.
“Eh heeeyyy! Fancy meeting you lovebirds here” Leeteuk teased, wagging his eyebrows at their hands. Changmin ignored him as he tugged Nadine’s hand to continue walking. “Y..Yah..I was only kidding” Leeteuk stammered, falling in step with them.
“Is he mad?” Changmin heard Leeteuk whispering to Nadine. “He would be if you don’t shut up” Nadine replied and Leeteuk made a face.
“You’ll get something there for me won’t you?” Leeteuk asked as they neared the meeting area where Nadine’s class was gathering. “Why should I waste my money getting something for you?” Nadine retorted and Leeteuk’s eyes widened in surprise. “Omo! You’ve become so cold-hearted like him!” he whined, pointing an accusing finger at Changmin.
“I’m teaching her the basic of financial planning. And one of them is to not splurge unnecessarily on….people like you”Changmin explained and Leeteuk made a motion of a knife stabbing him in the heart. “T..The world…what’s happening…to..the world…” he gagged as he staggered to a nearby chair while Ri In and Junsu, who was nearby, gave him a confused look.
“You’re embarrassing yourself and the whole school Leeteuk” Headmistress Chaeyoung spoke all of a sudden causing Leeteuk to leap out from his seat while the students suppressed their laughter. “Y..Yes..sorry” Leeteuk stammered as he straightened his outfit and finally behaved himself.
Nadine excused herself to check on her students while Changmin took a seat with Junsu and Ri In. The three of them sat in silence watching Nadine taking the attendance and assisting her students for some last minute preparation.
“I’m going to miss her” Ri In spoke up all of a sudden. Changmin looked at her in surprise and Ri In shrugged. “I won’t have anyone to bully for the next three days” she muttered.
“What are you talking about? I’m right here” Junsu said, nudging her shoulder and Ri In chuckled. “Can you do the laundry for me as well?” she asked and Junsu gave her a baffled look. “Aren’t you just plain lazy?” he asked, tugging her ponytail. “Mwoh? Nadine usually does it” Ri In defended herself as she patted her hair neatly.
Changmin smiled at the squabbling couple and then shifted his gaze to where Nadine was listening intently to what the Headmistress was saying to her. She glanced at Changmin for a while, and when their eyes caught, it seemed like the moment had freeze and all Changmin could see was the laughter reflected in those sea green irises. He had called it Laughing Eyes because even though she’s not smiling, those eyes will reflect her cheerful mood.
“So we’re thinking of having lunch later. You want to join us?” Junsu was saying, nudging Changmin and Changmin turned to him with a confused look. “Did you say something?” he asked.
Ri In chuckled. “Did you saw the look on his face? He look so….forlorn!” she commented and Junsu laughed. Changmin blushed and stared at the ground, a bit embarrassed that they had caught him in his own world. He heard footsteps after that and saw Nadine heading towards the three of them. Ri In was the first to jump up and hugged her friend while Junsu whipped out his camera and took a picture of the two best friends. Nadine laughed at her friend’s abrupt hug and then stuck out her tongue when Junsu took another shot.
“Class photo!” Ri In cried out and everyone rushed forward and started posing candidly. Leeteuk joined in together with Sun Ye and Yoochun who came in later and the students and the teachers could have pose for the entire roll if it wasn’t for the announcement stating that they have to report to the gate soon.
“Have fun you guys! Make lots of wonderful memories this summer!” Sun Ye said, hugging each of the students.
“Make the school proud!” the Headmistress said, watching the students picking up their bags and bidding their parents and teachers farewell before bursting into loud chatters about finally getting onto the plane.
Changmin stood at one side, his hand in his pockets, his eyes never leaving Nadine who was chatting animatedly with Sun Ye and Ri In. “The list is with me..don’t worry! I won’t forget to get what you wrote down!” Nadine was saying before walking over to Changmin who received her in his arms and hugged her tightly.
“Take care when you’re there ok?” Changmin whispered into her ear and Nadine nodded. “I’ll see you in three days, my love” he added and Nadine released him with a surprised look, her arms still around his neck.
Changmin gave her a sheepish smile. “Aish…I don’t mean to sound like Romeo actually” he admitted and Nadine giggled. “I didn’t know you were quite the romancer” she said and gave him a brief kiss which was followed by a few wolf whistles from the rest. Changmin laughed while Nadine buried her face in his neck in a shy manner while chuckling to herself.
“The plane’s not going to wait for anyone so I suggest you better let go of her” Yoochun teased while Leeteuk and Sun Ye cracked up.
Nadine and her class waved goodbye as they entered the gate and then the rest were left standing watching as the group disappeared around the corner to walk over to where their plane will be. When there was nothing to watch, one by one, the crowd left and only Changmin, Junsu and Ri In stood staring at the glass window.
“Want to go to Viewing Gallery?” Junsu suggested. “Sounds good to me” Ri In said and the three of them walked to the lift in silence.
“Where’s her plane?” Ri In asked, once they reached the third floor. Ri In pressed her nose to the glass trying to locate it. Changmin craned his neck and then spotted the plane. “That one” he told her.
“She said she got the window seat right?” Junsu asked and Changmin nodded. “You think she can see us from here?” Ri In asked hopefully.
“Maybe” Changmin said just as the plane started moving slowly and he felt his heart lurched a bit, watching the huge vehicle making its way slowly down the runway. He had to laugh seeing Ri In waving aimlessly to the plane and jumping up and down like a little kid while Junsu tried to calm her down.
“Well….they’re on their way now” Ri In said in a breathless tone, staring as the plane took off and flew up higher and higher and higher, until it was just a dot in the sky. Ri In turned around and patted Changmin’s arm. “Don’t look so sad. She’ll be back before you’ll know it” she assured him. They then heard a low grumble and turned to look at Junsu who shrugged helplessly. “It’s almost lunch time you know” he said.
“Oppa, you’re such a pig!” Ri In teased him and Junsu made a face. “You coming?” she asked Changmin. He shook his head. “Thanks for the offer but I think I’m going to see my client. I’ll probably grab something to eat along the way”
“Losing your appetite already eh?” Junsu said with a wicked smile and Ri In nudged him with a frown. “Stop teasing him Oppa!” she scolded him.
Changmin flicked Junsu’s ear before going to his car. “I’ll see you tomorrow Hyung. Take care Ri In!” he said, getting into the vehicle and starting the engine. He was immediately greeted with Nadine’s scent which was lingering in the car and he told himself to stop being so lovesick. He distracted himself by playing the music loudly and having the windows down and was again reminded of the night he and Nadine had cruised down the road doing exactly the same thing. It was like déjà vu except she wasn’t there with him. Changmin shook his head as he shifted gears and sped down the highway, heading to Red Maroon. Maybe work will keep him busy and to stop thinking about Nadine.
When Changmin arrived at Red Maroon, it was not a surprising sight to see everyone so into their jobs and making sure everything was perfect. He inspected the stage and lighting and when it met his approval, he looked around the area, trying to spot where the star of the show was. He then spotted her walking up to the rooftop terrace wearing a large straw hat and sunglasses big enough to cover her petite face. He was about to walk over to her when he noticed that there was a commotion backstage.
“Anything the matter?” Changmin asked a group of models, who was in the middle of a conversation, jumped when they saw him. “Another model just called in sick. We’ve yet to find a replacement and Soo Min will blow her top if she found out about it” a tall girl with wavy black curls explained to him.
“Does Kelvin knows about this?” Changmin asked, referring to Soo Min’s design partner. The model nodded. “He’s trying to find one before Soo Min knows about it. You won’t tell her about it right? She’s been in a bad mood lately and we don’t want to have another messy argument again” she pleaded.
Changmin nodded, getting her message. “Araso. But inform me when you’ve found a replacement. If you’re unable to, my team will try to help find one” he said and the model smiled gratefully at him.
Changmin stepped out backstage and shielded his eyes with his hand from the sunlight as he tried to spot Soo Min again. He saw her sitting at one of the lounge chairs, busy scribbling something on a clipboard. He walked over to her just as she let out three sneeze in one go.
“Bless you” Changmin said, taking a seat across from her. “Are you having the flu as well?” he asked with concern.
Soo Min grabbed a wad of tissue and stuffed her nose with it. “I..don’t know” she replied in an irritated tone. She crumpled up the used tissues and tossed it carelessly beside her. “This sucks!” she muttered as she tossed the clipboard on the table beside her and lay on the lounge chair, crushing the used tissues underneath her and exposing her midriff as she stretched her arms out.
Changmin looked away quickly and asked her if she had taken any medication but the girl shook her head as she took off her straw hat and covered her face. “I’m too lazy” she mumbled through it and curled up into a fetus position. Changmin took a deep breath as he stood up and asked one of his team members where the first aid box is. When he finally located it, he took out the flu tablets and then poured a glass of warm water.
“Here, take this” Changmin ordered Soo Min who was now sitting upright, her knees drawn to her chest. She had removed her huge sunglasses and Changmin noticed how tired and sick she looked. “Don’t force yourself to work if you’re not feeling well” Changmin advised her as he passed the tablets and glass of water to her.
Soo Min popped in two tablets and gulped down the water. “But there’s so much stuff to do!” she pointed out. “Maybe…maybe we should call this thing off” she mumbled, staring at the empty glass in her hand.
Changmin frowned slightly at her, a bit disappointed and confused at her sudden pessimistic behavior. “You’re giving up just for a runny nose? Soo Min, take a look around you. Eighty-percent of the work is done and everyone is gear up for the event. Your cousin won’t be pleased to know that you’re backing out all because of a minor setback. I thought you wanted this to happen?” he asked her gently.
Soo Min kept quiet for a while, still staring at the empty glass, and then tipping it upside down. Changmin took the glass from her and placed it onto the table. “I’m guessing you did not have enough sleep lately?” he asked her again and Soo Min nodded as she looked glumly at her painted toe nails.
“Maybe….maybe we should call it a day” Changmin suggested and Soo Min glanced at him. “What?” she asked him.
Changmin stood up and nodded at her. “We shall call it a day and you can go back home, have your thoughts cleared and get some rest” he told her.
Soo Min stood up unsteadily and Changmin quickly held on to her so that she won’t topple over. “B..But..there’s so many things—
“We can continue this tomorrow. We still have time before the grand day” Changmin assured her, letting go of her arm and then waving for his team members to come over. He explained the situation to them and then proceeded to tell the rest of the crew to take a break and come back early the next day.
“Ah..Changmin. Now you’re making me feel bad” Soo Min muttered from behind him. Changmin turned around to see Soo Min looking slightly guilty for making everyone stopped work. “Aniya. I think they’ve been working hard as well. So I guess they are pretty happy with the break” he told her and Soo Min scratched her head. “I…don’t know. I still feel bad though” she said with a sniff.
“Stop worrying and get back home. You’re starting to look like a clown with that red nose of yours” Changmin teased her.
Soo Min covered her nose with a frown while Changmin tittered at her. “Maybe you should go see the doctor after this” Changmin suggested as he walked away to help a technician to lift a heavy toolbox.
“Thanks Changmin. Hey, are you sure this is not a prank? You know, having the day off? Cause that little miss over there has been REALLY cranky and me and my crew find it hard to believe that we’re having a whole day’s break” the technician was saying in a low voice.
Changmin shook his head. “It’s not a prank sir. I was the one who suggested it” he assured him.
The technician looked relief when he heard that. “That’s good to know. That woman is so unpredictable. And I thought my wife was scary” he joked and Changmin laughed. “Make sure Soo Min doesn’t hear you say that. God knows what she’ll do to you” he whispered.
The technician shuddered. “I don’t want to think about it” he said. “Well, I guess I should take my leave. See you tomorrow Changmin”
Changmin watched the man go together with his crew and then he spotted Soo Min back at the lounge chair, staring listlessly on the ground while talking on the phone. They were the only two left at the rooftop terrace and Changmin was itching to go back to the office but he couldn’t possibly leave the girl there right?
As Changmin was walking towards her, he heard what Soo Min was saying into the phone. “Oh…you’re busy? It’s alright then. I can..probably take the cab home. Yeah I’ll be in bed the whole day I guess”
“I’m…going back to the office now. Are you…leaving as well?” Changmin asked as Soo Min stood up and packed her stuff.
Soo Min nodded as she grabbed the box of tissues on the table. “I don’t like going to the doctor actually. I guess I just take whatever medication SY has at home and just go to sleep” she said as she brushed past him to walk towards the staircase.
Changmin followed her silently, wondering if he should ask her any more questions. She doesn’t seem cranky, just a bit…twitchy and out of shape because of the flu. “How long have you been having the flu Soo Min?” Changmin asked gently as he fell in step beside her once they reached the landing.
Soo Min shrugged. “Not sure…two days ago? I notice the symptoms but I didn’t know it will be THIS serious” she replied.
“You should have at least taken some antibiotics before the flu got worse if you had notice the symptoms” Changmin told her.
Soo Min chuckled. “Gosh, you’re such a nag” she said, sniffing a little. Changmin looked down at the ground, a bit uncomfortable. He didn’t realize that he’s been lecturing her since just now. “Hey, don’t take it to heart. I was only kidding” Soo Min added, hugging the box of tissue with a grin.
Changmin scratched the back of his head as they turned around the corner to go down the stairs when he caught sight of the office floor at the back of the bar. Come to think of it, he finds it uncanny that throughout the whole time he was doing his work at Red Maroon, there was no sight of that Jaejoong guy. He wasn’t hoping to bump into him actually but…maybe Jaejoong was busy as well.
“Are you still upset about what I said just now?” Soo Min suddenly asked, looking a bit worried. “I was only joking you know” she added, as they went down another flight of steps to go to the first floor.
Changmin shook his head. “Aniya. I was….wondering where…a friend of mine went. He work here actually” he explained hesitantly. He almost gagged at saying ‘a friend of mine’.
“Which friend?” Soo Min asked. “Errm…Kim Jaejoong? You happen to know him?” Changmin asked her.
“Aah..that person. Yeah, he was the one who agreed to have my fashion show at the terrace. I thought I told you about him?” Soo Min replied. “He’s a really nice guy” she added.
“Nice? Really?” Changmin thought as they reached the first floor and then proceeded to open the door for Soo Min. “You told me about him? Hmm..maybe it slipped my mind” Changmin told her as they stepped outside. They both squinted at the bright sunlight after being in the windowless building.
Soo Min nodded as she blinked her eyes to get used to the light. “Yeah..I heard he’s…on a business trip. Maybe that’s why you didn’t get to see him lately?” she said and Changmin shrugged. “I guess…so uh..how are you getting home?” he asked, changing the subject.
“By cab I guess. The car’s in the workshop and SY’s busy with her filming. Do you know where I can get a cab easily around here?”
“I…don’t think you can get it easily here” Changmin told her, staring at the deserted road. “Why don’t I send you home then?” he suggested and Soo Min shook her head. “Aniya. SY’s house is WAY out of town and I don’t want you to catch the flu as well”
“But you can’t possible wait out here for a cab to come by. It will probably take ages, and I don’t mind if it’s out of town. What matters is you manage to get home safe and sound. And get the rest you deserve” Changmin insisted.
Soo Min sighed dejectedly. “I guess there’s no point in arguing with you huh?” she said as Changmin ushered her to his car. When they both entered the car, it was no doubt that Soo Min took notice of the lilac and sandalwood scent that was still lingering in the car.
“Errmm…I don’t assume you wear ladies’ perfume right?” Soo Min joked, putting on the seatbelt. Changmin laughed as he started the engine. “Aniya. It’s Nadine’s actually. It’s her signature scent” he told her.
“Aaah..I see. How..is she? Busy with work?” Soo Min asked casually, leaning back on the seat while Changmin drove the car out into the street. Changmin nodded. “Yeap. She just left for Kyoto this morning with her class. They got into some Art competition and will be there for a convention for three days” he explained.
“Wow...that’s pretty exciting eh? Plus, summer at Kyoto’s REALLY beautiful” Soo Min said, taking out a piece of tissue and then hesistantly looking at Changmin. “Umm…you don’t mind….”
Changmin chuckled. “Go ahead. I won’t tell anyone that you sound like a goose when you blow your nose” he joked and Soo Min gaped at him. The both of them kept quiet after that during the long drive. Changmin stole a glance at Soo Min and to his surprise, found her sleeping peacefully in her seat, her head leaning to one side and her hands clutching the tissue box in her hands. He had to suppress his laughter when the girl started snoring gently.
Changmin tapped on Soo Min’s shoulder gently when they had arrived at SY’s two storey deluxe bungalow. Soo Min swatted Changmin’s hand away as she continued to be in a deep slumber and Changmin scratched his head, wondering how he should wake her up. Changmin leaned forward carefully and nudged Soo Min this time. “Hey..umm..Soo Min? We’ve reached your coursin’s place” he said in a soft voice.
“Mmmf…go away” Soo Min mumbled. Changmin nudged her again, this time a bit harder and Soo Min woke up with a start all of a sudden, her face turning to Changmin and that’s when their lips suddenly met.
Changmin sat back, a bit shock by the sudden kiss while Soo Min gasped and covered her mouth. Her face turned a deep shade of red as she apologized profusely to him. “Mianhe! Mianhe! Mianhe!!! I really didn’t know you were…” she stopped talking and frantically collected her stuff. Before Changmin had a chance to say anything, the girl dashed out of the car, slamming the door and running towards the house. Changmin sat for a whole minute, wondering what the hell just happened. Ok, so Soo Min was obviously embarrassed about what just happened…and he…well..he wasn’t affected by it though. He just finds her reaction rather comical though.
When Changmin got back home, his neighbor, the ever vibrant and enthusiastic Hyun-Jae, was waiting at his door, with her pet cat in her hand. “Changmin-shii!! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin your day, but my husband just called and he’s in the clinic now and he keep saying that it’s just a small matter but you know what a klutz he is, always making me and the family worried—
“Don’t worry Hyun-Jae ar, I’ll take care of the cat for you. Where’s your son?” Changmin asked, gently taking the tabby cat from her. “He’s in the car with my brother” Hyun-Jae replied, patting the cat. “What happen to your husband?” Changmin asked. “He fell at his workplace” Hyun-Jae replied.
“Well I guess you better go see him now. Tell him I said Hi” Changmin said to Hyun-Jae. “Sure thing! I’ll get for you something to eat for dinner later!” Hyun-Jae called out as she ran down the corridor and headed for the lift.
“Well Bud, I guess it’s just you and me” Changmin said to the cat who meowed in response. Hyun-Jae’s son and him had decided to call Bud, short for Buddy. It was more like a dog’s name but the name suits the cat since it live up to its name of being a good buddy.
“Make yourself at home Bud. And no, you can’t get on the sofa unless I tell you so” Changmin warned the cat. The cat stretched itself in front of the TV and Changmin shook his head, laughing at his silliness for talking to a cat.
By the time he finished showering and ate a small decent meal, the sun was already down and he lazed around in the living room, watching TV and with Buddy making itself comfortable on his lap. The TV show he was watching was showing about some old artifact and his mind went to Nadine, wondering what she’s doing right now. His phone has been by his side the whole day and he figured Nadine was having a good time there since there were no calls from her.
Buddy purred softly when Changmin scratched it behind the ears and snuggled comfortably. “I hope she’s not happily spending her money there” he muttered to the cat. Buddy blinked at him and meowed. “Oh? You think she will listen to me?” Changmin asked the cat and Buddy meowed again. Changmin laughed as he picked up the cat held it up high. “I think I will go crazy talking to a cat” he said, placing Buddy back on his lap. Just then, his phone rang, and he immediately reached out for it. He grinned happily when he saw Nadine’s name flashing on the screen.
“Sorry I call in so late. Are you sleeping already?” Nadine immediately said when Changmin answered the phone.
“Aniya. I’m watching TV with Buddy” Changmin told her, stroking the cat’s soft fur. “Buddy? Is he still fat?” Nadine asked and Changmin laughed. “I’m not sure…he seems healthy though. Want to say hello to him?” Changmin placed the phone in front of Buddy whom glanced up and meowed at the object while trying to reach out for it.
“YAH! You’ll be dead if you scratch my phone!” Changmin scolded it. “Why are you scolding the cat?” Nadine asked him. Changmin chuckled. “Because I’m bored that’s why. Where are you?” he asked when he heard a whistling sound.
“Back in the hotel. It was a LONG tiring day. We walked for nearly three hours looking at one exhibit to another. And then we had an delicious dinner at his restaurant that sells homemade noodle and the taste..omo! I can still taste the beef and the mushroom! My stomach’s making noises just thinking about it!” Nadine gushed and Changmin heard a tinkling sound this time.
“I hope you’re not making coffee” Changmin told her and Nadine giggled. “Aniya. I’ve already switched to herbal tea remember? There’s a shop here that has varieties of it. I just bought one box. It’s nice..with a bit of honey in it” she said. “So how was your day?”
“It was a short one. The client was down with the flu and I suggested taking a break from it. She wasn’t looking really well” Changmin explained.
“Well, I hope you don’t catch on her flu then” Nadine said and she kept quiet after that. Changmin played with Buddy’s tail and the cat jumped off the couch, obviously getting bored. Changmin sighed as he took the remote control and started channel surfing.
“I miss you” Nadine mumbled on the other line. “Same here” Changmin said, wishing she was right here beside him.
“You didn’t went on a crazy shopping craze right?” Changmin asked. Nadine laughed. “No…there was hardly enough time actually. Did you anything stupid?” she questioned him. It was Changmin’s turn to laugh and he ended it awkwardly when he recalled about the sudden kiss in the car with Soo Min.
“Umm…no…I hope not” Changmin said, sinking into the seat. Nadine chuckled. “Araso…that’s good to know” she said as she stifled a yawn.
“I guess you should go to bed now huh?”
Nadine groaned. “What if I don’t want to?” she said sleepily and Changmin imagined her lying on the bed and forcing herself to stay awake.
“Then you’ll end up looking like a zombie tomorrow. You don’t want your students to tell you that won’t you?” Changmin asked.
“Haaa…I guess not. But I miss hearing your voice though” Nadine mumbled and Changmin smiled to himself. “You have no idea how much I want to see you right now. Maybe I should fly to Kyoto tonight” he said and Nadine let out a lazy laugh. “Don’t be an idiot Changmin” she slurred.
“Go to sleep my princess. You sound really tired” Changmin told her.
“I’m…not tired” Nadine insisted.
“Yes you are. Stop arguing and go to bed” Changmin said, pretending to sound angry. “I’ll go to bed too, and then we can see each other in our dreams”
Nadine burst out laughing when she heard that and Changmin had to laugh along with her. “Eww..that’s SO cheesy” she said in between laughter. “Wae? I saw it in a show and the girl was smitten by it” he pointed out.
“Well I got goosebumps when I heard it” Nadine said. “Araso. If you don’t go to sleep now, I’m going to continue being cheesy. How’s that?” Changmin threatened her.
“Araso araso. I shall go to sleep now” Nadine gave in. “Goodnight”
“Goodnight Nadine. I’ll see you in two days time” Changmin said and he reluctantly hung up. He stared at the phone for a while and then his mind went back to Soo Min and the incident in the car. That wasn’t considered stupid right? He didn’t even see that coming…and besides, it wasn’t considered a kiss. It was just..a mere peck on thelips…by accident.
Buddy suddenly meowed loudly and Changmin looked at the cat lazing by the window. “It was an accident” he told the cat as he switched off the TV and went to his room.
Back at SY’s bungalow, in a bedroom at the second floor, Soo Min laid on her bed, playing with a charm bracelet in her hand. It was a present from SY and a heart charm was missing from the bracelet. She knew where the heart charm had gone to. She’s just waiting for the moment for the person to return it to her for her initials was engraved on it. And when he finally gives it to her, that’s when she will make the ultimate move.
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undermickysskin : hahahaha! And I'm sure you will get high score if you were to write an essay with that title!!
jija : hey you! hope you have plenty of rest in between studying. My exam is next week!!!!! And I'm really slow on revision. Have to get it done by tonight or else I'm dead :x Good luck!
Kelly : Hi you! thank yout thank you thank you so much for your comments :D you really made my day :))))
JaeSuyin<3 : I'm sure meeting the family will be blissful moment for Ri In and Junsu :)