The Lazarus Rises

Description: Sequel to The True Legend (http://www.asianfanfics.com/story/view/2823/the-true-legend-jonghyun-shinee)

Rating: PG-13

Characters: SHINee and fictionals

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in the fiction.  The story is only a narrative and does not involve any real life situation.  The whole plot of the story is written originally by myself.  If there's any similarity to other fictions, it is totally a coincidence.

We’re at the hospital after a great turn of event; Jonghyun rose from being dead.  Hyori and Ji Eun made quite a fast decision in taking him to the hospital for further treatment.  It was shocking but I’m more than happy to see my husband alive.  God, he is alive.  All of us are very anxious in the waiting room.  Only Key is allowed inside to see Jonghyun, for an unknown reason.  I am jealous, but Hyori and Ji Eun must have a pretty good reason on that, don’t they?
Onew plays with his finger while Taemin still look very stunned.  Minho on the other hand remains calm but I could see that his shoulders are a bit tensing.  Seraphina has her head on my shoulder and I play with her hair.  We still couldn’t be sure of what happens especially when I was one of the people who admitted Jonghyun’s death.  It just doesn’t make sense.  We are lucky that Key could hear the faintest beat of the heart or otherwise Jonghyun will be buried to death, knowing that we kill him.
“Sabrina!” Hyori says my name.  I couldn’t be so sure when she gets here but here she comes with the news.
“Hyori,” I say.
“Thank, God!  He’s alive!” Hyori says and hugs me.  I hug back, still in need of a certain explanation on how this thing could happen.
“I know, Hyori.  I’m happy.  But, I would appreciate if you could give me the slightest idea of how this could be happening right now.  We approved his death.  I swear I could not hear any heartbeat back then when he was dead,” I say.
“Oh, that.  That should be a Lazarus phenomenon, if we approach it scientifically.  But, I’m not sure if it has something to do with half-vampire thing,” she answers.  I nod.
“Explain Lazarus phenomenon,” I say.  I don’t want to be so sure that he is alive and then let the hope crash again later if he will suddenly leave me again.
“It is the spontaneous return of circulation to the body after failed attempt at resuscitation.  The cases of Lazarus syndrome are rare,” Ji Eun appears out of nowhere.
“How does it happen?  What is the cause?” I ask, anxious.
“The causes of this are not well understood.  But, we have a theory on that,” she says calmly.
“Enlighten me, please,” I say, rather strictly.
“The build-up pressure as the effect of the CPR, or we think so.  You know, Jonghyun received quite a long CPR after his heart stopped working.  From me, Hyori, you and of course, Key, the longest attempt.  So, yeah, the theory is the long CPR might have trigger the heart to work again after a few hours,” she explains.  I nod again.
“So, he is really alive, isn’t he?  You’re not just giving me hope, are you?” I ask her.
“He’s alive, Sabrina,” Ji Eun’s face is quite tensing.
“He’s not going to leave me again, right?” I ask, as the hope keeps building in my small heart.
“No one knows.  But, for now, he is alive.  And very weak.  I suggest if you want to see him, one person at a time is enough.  You can go in after Key, okay?” she tries to be gentle.
I nod.  She walks away.  I look at Siwon, and at Seraphina.  Then, I hug my sister tightly, letting go of the sorrow that has been buried in my heart for days.
“Trust me.  He’s not going to leave again.  You have my words,” says Min Yee.
I know she takes quite a lot of courage to say that.  Pledging on things that we are unsure of can be very burdening.  But, she takes the risk, just to calm me down.  I feel thankful that I have her as a sister.
“Thank you, Min Yee.  Thank you very much,” I say.
“Don’t be.  Things are quite hard on you,” says she.
The moment we break the hug, Key comes approaching.  He look a bit happy, from the last time I saw him before Jonghyun was admitted.  At least, he knows how to give a thin smile.
“Hey!” he says, full of spirit, although not joyful.  I wonder what Jonghyun and Key talked about in the room.  I know they have had argument a few days before the war even started.
“Hey,” I reply casually.
“He is okay.  But, weak and tired.  But, you know what, he wants to see you,” he says before looking at Siwon, “And you,” he tells him.  Siwon nods, but I can see that he is slightly uncomfortable with the fact that Jonghyun wants to see him as well.
“Come, Siwon.  We have to see him now, so that he can rest later,” I say.  He hesitates for a while before following my trail.  On our way to the ward room, nobody speaks anything.  Silence accompanies us all the way there.
“Siwon, hey.  You are not going inside with that face,” I finally break out when we reach the door.  He looks at me.
“Tell me how should face him,” he says.
“He is not blaming you, of course.  He saved you because he wanted to, not because he needed to,” I say.
“You stick to that, okay,” he says before forcing a smile on his face and turns the knob for us to get in.
The beeping sound sounds very clear inside the room.  There, on a bed, Jonghyun is lying down, sleeping, typically white skin and looking very fragile, as though he would just break apart when somebody touches him.  Siwon gestures me to the sit at the side of the bed.  I take the seat, careful not to wake him up.  But, he moves to the slightest sound I make.
“Hey,” he says and he smiles to me.
“Hey,” I reply, my voice cracking.
For a while, we don’t speak to each other.  We just let the silence do its job in creating the mood.
“You left me, you know,” I say, at last breaking the silence.
“That was before.  Now, I’m back,” he says.  I nod and a single tear stains my cheek.
“What did you think of doing back then?” I forget that Siwon is together with us until when he speaks.  For a while, Jonghyun loses his words.  He looks into Siwon’s eyes and tries to find out what he thinks.
“Saving you,” Jonghyun says at last.
“No.  You got yourself killed.  That was what you did,” Siwon says.
“Can’t do anything much, can I?  Because if you die, I will die as well,” says Jonghyun.
“No, Jonghyun.  We’re not stupid.  You died, before, but I didn’t.  You knew how to disconnect our soul, but you still got yourself killed in the battle.  You risked your life for me, and I think you did that on purpose.  You know what?  You can just disconnect our soul and the kill me, not yourself,” Siwon bursts not with anger, but disappointment.
“I can’t do that,” Jonghyun replies calmly, but I could sense that he is breaking down.
“Why?”
“I think Sabrina needs a father more than she needs me.  And the closest person she has as a father is you,” he explains.
“You think?  Have you ever consider what she really wants?  She wants you to be by her side.  That is what she wants,” Siwon almost screams.  Jonghyun looks at him for quite a long time.
“I’m sorry,” Jonghyun says at last.  Siwon sighs.
“No, Jonghyun.  You say that to her.  I’ll leave this room to both of you.  You sort it out,” he nods to Jonghyun, with care evidence in his eyes.
He leaves, giving the room to both of us.  There we go, moment of silence again.  I’m still processing what Siwon had said to Jonghyun just now.  Jonghyun intentionally sacrificed himself to save Siwon for me.  If it is true, then, I feel really bad. And Siwon must feel worse.
“Really?  Is it real, what he said just now?” I ask.  He looks deeply into my eyes.
“I saved him because I wanted to, Sabrina,” he says.
“But, you risked your life for it.  You knew how to disconnect your soul to Siwon, Jonghyun.  You sacrificed yourself on purpose, didn’t you?” I ask; my tone strict.
“Let’s drop this.  I am not being alive to have a fight with you,” he says.
“Are you doing that on purpose because you know that you will come back to life?” I ask him again.
“Sabrina, all of us know that no one comes back to life after the death comes.  I don’t expect this to happen.  It is a pure luck,” says he.  I look at him, choosing whether to believe him or not.
“So are you saying that you got yourself killed with a thought that you really going to leave me?” I ask, desperately finding my strength to talk.
“Yes, I thought it’s over.  That I will be gone for good,” he says, very carefully and very slowly.
“Jonghyun!  How could you?” I start to raise my voice.
“Sabrina, I know that you need Siwon-”
“But, I love you!” I shout to him.  He winces and I feel bad at once.  He should be resting, not discussing about this.
“I know you love Siwon too,” says he.  I look deep into his eyes and try to explore his mind.
“But, I love you more,” I go.  He explores my eyes.
“I know,” he says.
“Then?  Why did you get yourself killed in action?”
“I was thinking the best for you,” he gives the lamest excuse ever.
“The best for me?  You decided what best for me?  Jonghyun, I decide what best for me and what best for me is you stay alive,” I start to fume with anger.
“I’m alive,” he replies.  I don’t know whether he is playing with me or what, but I certainly not in the mood of playing.
“You were dead, Jonghyun,” I press my voice to emphasize my point.  He sighs.
“Look.  I’m really sorry, okay?” he says.  It is my turn to sigh.
“Hey, you know what I think?  Maybe Siwon thinks differently, but I think you did this for the Key’s sake, weren’t you?  You were willingly getting yourself killed to make Key look after me, am I right?” I ask him, very scarred inside.  He smirks, despite being so fragile and weak on the bed.
“So, both of you know.  Being in the intelligence service makes it hard to fool you, Sabrina,” he says, and I am sure I heard guilty is his voice.
“Key had this sorted out with you, right, just now?” I ask.  He nods.
“I don’t know what he really wants actually.  I know that he loves you the way I do,” he says, very gentle and calm.
“The feeling is not as strong as having you as his brother.  You came to his life as his brother and you make the family perfect.  Key would pay anything to have that, Jonghyun.  He won’t sacrifice you no matter how much he loves me.  You can see it, Jonghyun.  He even has the strongest sense that you’re still alive, or you’ll be buried to death by now.  You can see how strong his sense towards you,” I try to put the sense into him.
“But, I feel guilty.  I came to his life and since then, he has to share Hyori’s and Hyun Joong’s loves with me.  He has to share his mom and dad with me.  He sacrificed that.  And when we fell for the same person, I feel like this time, I must sacrifice.  But, you chose me over him.  That’s something that I couldn’t control, not even Key.  Because your feelings are belonged to you.  So, I thought that if I’m gone, you and he would have no choice,” Jonghyun voices his thought.  I sigh. I don’t like people toy with my feelings.
“You know that our feelings are belonged to us, Jonghyun.  No matter how things change, the feelings can’t be changed.  Your feelings and mine are mutual Jonghyun, but not him.  I am very sure that out there there’s someone who has the feelings mutual with Key’s.  He’ll find his woman one day.  Do not worry about that Jonghyun,” I say.  Jonghyun nods.
“Hey, I’m really sorry, for everything,” he says.  I smile.  That sounds really sincere.  I stroked his head and I could feel that he leans to the touch.
“Thank you, for being alive, Jonghyun,” I say.
He smiles back.  I know this unexpected event means something for us.  To make it back, to cherish each other and to make a family.  Nobody expects he would come back alive, not even Jonghyun himself.
“How‘s the baby?  I think you put too much pressure on it?” he asks me.  I laugh at that.  He’s the sense of humour when the condition is as critical as this.
“Well, I am sure the baby is okay,” I say.
“You didn’t tell me that you are pregnant before the war,” says Jonghyun.
“I thought you could sense it,” I test him.
“Well, maybe I was too busy preparing for the war.  But, I noticed that you smelled different indeed.  Even now, you smell different than always,” he says.
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“Maybe it is the smell of the baby,” he smirks.  He holds my hand.
“Okay.  How does it smell?”
“Dunno.  But, I am not sure I would say it is pleasant.  Or maybe this unpleasant odour is not the baby, but your unstable hormones in your blood, since you’re quite hormonal,” he laughs at his own joke.
“I’m not hormonal!” okay, now I am.
“You’re more sensitive,” he says.
“But, that doesn’t mean that I’m hormonal!” I say.
“See, you are,” he says and I hit him lightly at his shoulder.  He shouts and winces at that the pain and I become so panic at that.
“Hey, are you okay?” I ask him.
“Look at how panic you are.  I told you.  You’re hormonal,” he says again and I laugh so long to that.
“Fine, then.  I’m…not hormonal.  But, just over-sensitive,” I still deny the hormone thing.
“Whatever you say, dear,” he goes.
“I’m happy now that our child has its father,” I say.  Jonghyun strokes my hair.
“How were the others coping when I was died?” he asks.
“Not good.  You know Key blamed himself, for he shot that arrow.  Siwon was blaming himself as well, saying that if it is not because of him, you would not have to save anybody and can stay alive.  Hyori cried as if there will be no happiness again.  Hyun Joong was not doing any better.  Min Yee felt bad as well.  Ji Eun was not herself, as though she was blaming me for what happened,” I try to remember the details.
“Ji Eun blamed you?” he asks.
“Well, yes.  Who won’t?  I think she likes you, and is jealous of me.  To make her feel better, she put the blame on me.  It’s not her fault though.  She just wants to love you like I do,” I say, feeling a bit proud of myself for being chosen by him.
“Now that’s funny.  Ji Eun is a friend, Sabrina.  There’s no such feeling between us,” Jonghyun tries to say that he is not having any affair behind me.  I know that, but I know that Ji Eun likes him as well.
“I am a girl, Jonghyun.  Just like you said.  You’re a guy and you understand Key’s feeling towards me.  So am I.  I’m a girl and I am more than understand Ji Eun’s feeling towards you.  Maybe it is not mutual, I trust you, but she does like you very much,” I say.
“Well, in that case, I can’t blame her as well because I am perfectly aware that I’m too hot to resist,” he says in vain.
I roll my eyes straight away.

__________

heaDeVil^23

Mood: Alive but not fully awake =.=

When Barbie Meets Barney

First day in university, she has to do a tour around the school to make her study place familiar and friendly to her.  She just settled her club registration for Literature and all she wants to do is go home and enjoy a warm bath.  Plus, seeing the office lady in front of her very busy with a phone call, she doesn’t think that she needs to be there any longer.  When she is about to leave, the lady hangs up the call.

                “Miss K, are you going home?” the lady asks.

                “Yes, thanks for the registration just now.  You helped a lot,” she says.

                “You’re a Physics student, right?”

                “I am.  Why?”

                “There’s a student…your batch.  He is registered here in the Physics faculty as well but he called me telling he is only able to come on Friday,” says the lady.

                “Okay....then?  What does that have to do with me?” she asks.

                “I hope you can help him getting himself familiar with the faculty and the university when he comes later.  And perhaps the notes of lectures for these first four days,” the lady goes.

                “Oh…sure.  Okay, yeah.  Friday, eight in the morning, for the tour.  I have class at nine,” she agrees.

                Honestly, she doesn’t know why she agrees to do so.  It is her first week of school, but she is already given a task by the office lady she barely knows.  But, she is taught by her family to reach out for anyone in need, although people are not always good to her.  True, she is often insulted, not because of her looks, not because of her wealth, but because of her name.  However, she could just forgive and forget easily because she is brought up that way.

                Thus, when Friday comes, she wakes up early for school.  When she arrives at the registration office, she notices a guy at the counter, speaking politely to the office lady.  He is physically short for a guy, but otherwise, is still taller than her.   His hair is dark brown and from the first look, she could judge the boy comes from a wealthy family, based on the branded clothes, accessories and bags.  He even has his Canon DSLR camera hanging at his left shoulder.  She would just say he is another brat, but thinking wisely, a brat is never early for school.  So, who is he?

                “Oh, you are here.  This is the boy that I told you last Monday,” the office lady says immediately after she spots her.  Perhaps she doesn’t want to waste any more time; Barbie did tell her that she has class at nine.

                The moment he turns facing her, she has to ask herself twice whether there is any angel fallen from the heaven.  His smile is very warm and friendly, as though they have known each other for so long.

                “Let’s go,” she quickly says when she notices her own cheeks are getting warmer.

                The guy follows from her back, seems enjoying the scenery around the Seoul University.  He captures a few photos, maybe because he is too excited for his first day in university.

                “Hey,” he says suddenly and his steps come to a halt.  She stops as well.

                “I’m Jonghyun,” he says while stretches his hand out for her to shake.  She takes his hand and gives a friendly shake a friend always does.

                “I’m…Barbie,” she says.  She could see a small frown on his face.

                “You…are not serious, right?  I mean, you must be joking,” he says with a smirk.

                “Nobody wants to joke about their own names,” Barbie rolls her eyes.  It is not her first time; she even had faced worse, where people directly insult her because of her name.

                “Oh, sorry.  Okay, Barbie.  But, I like Barney better,” he says with a small laugh.

                “Now, are you making fun of my name?” she asks.

                “No, no.  Don’t get me wrong.  I just…nevermind.  Barbie…err…your surname…”

                “I’m sure as hell you don’t want to know my surname,” she tells.

                “Well, try me,” he goes.

                “It’s Karpova.  Barbie Karpova,” she tells him.  He laughs a small laugh, “Why?  Funny, isn’t it?” she resumes asking.

                “No, not at all.  Just…worth my tongue saying it.  I’ll just go with Barbie then.  Barbie is nice,” says Jonghyun.

                “You don’t need to force yourself saying it is a nice name.  I am fully aware that it is weird and funny,” she says, quite annoyed whenever she’s talking about her own name.

                “No…honestly…” he says but upon seeing her intense face, he sighs, “What should I say then?” he asks.

                “Keep quiet!” she says and continues walking.  Jonghyun is quite surprised with her reaction but he shrugs it off.

                He follows Barbie while she is explaining bits and pieces of the school.  Showing him the café, the classes and finally, they are standing at the very own building of the Faculty of Physics, where they are going to spend four years of their lives to make a worthy and better future.

                “This is where we’ll be seeing each other for four years,” she explains.  Jonghyun nods, understand.

                “So…are you this sort of mixed-races person?” Jonghyun asks.

                “My dad is American and mom is Korean.  I am Korean though,” she explains.

                “No wonder…you are so…beautiful,” he says and captures a photo of her with his Canon DSLR.

                “What the hell do you think you are doing?” she feels mad.  Barbie is fine if people are friendly to her for the first meeting, but not this outgoing until taking someone’s photo without permission.

                “I’m…taking photo,” he says and shrugs but when he notices she could swallow him right on the dot, he apologizes, “Look, I’m sorry.  If you really don’t like it, I’ll delete it,” Jonghyun says.

                “Nevermind.  We have class in five minutes.  I’m sure you don’t want to be late on your first day of school,” Barbie reminds him and leaves.

                Although they had quite an argument before, Barbie thinks Jonghyun is not a bad person.  He doesn’t insult her, nor making fun of her name.  Even during class, he is not a student who is nonchalant and taking easy of study.  He keeps focusing in class listens to the lecturer at all time, and taking down notes.  But, it is too early to make a judgment.  First day is a day to give the best first impression, isn’t it?

                It is Sunday morning and Barbie would love to go on with her routine.  She dresses in her sweatshirt and a pink jacket, together with her pink sweatpants.  Her hair is tied into a ponytail and she wears a pink hairband to avoid her bangs distracting her when she jogs.  And perfectly, her jog is not distracted by her bangs, but it is distracted by a guy with a Canon DSLR.  She is sure he is Jonghyun who is busy taking photos around the neighbourhood.  She decides to give the boy a surprise.

                “Boo!” she jumps in front of his lens.

                “Hey!  What are you doing here?  Nice to see you…in pink,” he says and immediately takes a photo of her.

                “Well…nice to see you here,” she rolls her eyes.

                “You live in this neighbourhood?” he asks.

                “Yes, the house at the end of this street,” she points, “That’s my sweet home!”

                “Cool.  Looks like were in the same neighbourhood.  I live two streets behind,” Jonghyun checks out the photo he just took.

                “I never have seen you before,” she says.

                “I just moved here a few days ago,” he goes.

                “Oh!  With your family?” Barbie asks.

                “They will come in the next few months.  I moved in first because I need to be at university, although I came a bit late,” he explains himself.

                “So, you’re living alone for a few months?” she asks again.

                “Yeah…seems like it,” he shrugs.

                “Oh.  So…where are you going after this?  I mean…what are you doing?” another question from Barbie.

                “I need to go home and unpack everything.  The furniture and electronic equipment have been delivered yesterday.  They’ve arranged everything in place.  But, my room is still a mess.  I need to clean it up,” he says.

                “Hey, do you need help?” she asks.  Jonghyun frowns.

                “Huh?”

                She doesn’t wait for an answer from him.  She takes out his phone and makes a call.  Jonghyun is surprised when the word ‘Mom’ comes out from her mouth.  She is not calling her mom to help him, is she?  But, when he hears her asking permission to help a friend, Jonghyun could sigh in relief.  She speaks as soon as she hangs up.

                “I can!  Come on!  Let’s go!” she pulls his hand but Jonghyun is not moving from his place at all.

                “Where?” he asks.

                “Your house!  Mom gives me permission to help you with your house,” she says.

                “Really?”

                “Oh, come on!!!” she pulls harder and this time, he follows her with a smile.

                On their way to Jonghyun’s house, Barbie learns a lot about him.  He is a Korean-American as well, appa is Korean, and umma is American.  He just moved in from America.  He has been there for ten years, following his family.  He has an elder sister, who is now already working.

                “You like photography?” she asks.

                “Yes, it is like...my life,” he says.

                “Then, why are you taking Physics?”

                “Physics has always been my dream since young.  But, photography is an inspiration,” he explains.

                “Oh…”

                “Well, we are here,” he stops walking in front of a well-built, fine bungalow.

                “What a fine house you have here,” she says.

                “Come in,” Jonghyun says while gesturing her towards his house.

He opens the door and they come inside.  As predicted, Jonghyun comes from a rich family.  The furniture and electronic gadgets explain it.  But, the house still is a bit empty.  Even their footsteps produces echo around the house.  He brings her into his room, which is located upstairs.

                “This is one hell of a big room.  But, it is so empty, Jonghyun,” she inspects around.

                The room is occupied with one queen-sized bed, with one tv and an audio system and a dvd player come along with it, a study table, a rack full of books and also a closet.  There is one bathroom attached to it.  It is a typical view of a teenager boy’s room.  Hearing her comments about his room, Jonghyun only chuckles while placing his camera on his study table.

                “I told you, I still not manage it just yet,” he says.

                It is true.  All the furniture is still not in place.  Even his clothes are still in his luggage.  There are five big boxes that are still well-taped.  The room looks quite dull, except for the vertical-striped, purple and green wallpaper.

                “You choose this colour on your own?” Barbie asks while pointing to the wallpaper.

                “Yes,” Jonghyun admits.

                “You have a bad sense of colour, bro,” she says frankly.  Jonghyun only laughs to that.

                “Why don’t you use the service of the interior designer to arrange your room as well?” she asks while they are moving the bed to the corner of the room.

                “I want to decorate my room on my own,” he says.

                “Well, bad choice, bro.  Seeing your wallpaper, I think this room will be such an eye-sore sight for this fine house,” she says.  The only thing he does is shrugging and they resume their work.

                They arrange the furniture, tv and audio system in place.  Barbie even helps him to vacuum-cleaning the room.  When everything is completed, she still doesn’t seem to satisfy with the room.  There’s no decoration and also there are three boxes left unattended.

                “You room is dull, really,” she complains.

                “Well, I’ll decorate it later,” he says.  She shrugs it off.

                “What about those boxes?  What is inside?  You’re not going to unpack that, are you?” she asks again.

                “No…leave those on me.  I can always do it later,” he ensures her with his smile.

                “Okay then…time for lunch,” she says cheerfully and runs downstairs to the kitchen.

                She checks thoroughly through the kitchen, cabinet by cabinet, only to find nothing except biscuits and breads.  Does this guy even eat, she thinks for a while.  It doesn’t satisfy her.  She thought of cooking for him, just to be nice since a welcoming present should be put into consideration for him.  But, there’s no fresh food and she could only sigh.

                “Bro, what’s up with your kitchen?” she asks once Jonghyun appears at the door.

                “What?” he asks back with his eyes widen.

                “Only biscuits and breads?  Not even instant noodles?” she holds her shoulders high.

                “Well…I’m not fond of fast food,” he twists the cap of a mineral water bottle and takes a gulp.  She looks at him with disbelief.

                “Nerd,” one word is enough for Barbie to describe him.  He frowns.

                “I survived on those whenever my umma is not home.  And it has been two days I depended on those for meals,” Barbie cannot be so sure if that is a statement or a joke.  A guy, a teenage guy, eats only biscuits and breads for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper.  No wonder he is short.

                “Man…you’re undernourished,” she is sure as hell she has made the right statement and looks at him intensely, “Come on!  We’re having lunch at my house!” she exclaims.

                She pulls his hand and needs to handle a lot more argument all the way to her house.  Two streets away seem to be a long journey for her.  How could this guy still talk a lot when he is underfed?  She can’t be sure about that. As they reach Barbie’s sweet home, she quickly opens the door and calls her parents.

                “Mom!  Dad!  I bring a friend home for lunch!” she says loudly.  Jonghyun wonders how much louder she could shout.

                And here comes her parents.  From his short observation, Jonghyun could tell that she resembles her mom quite a lot, except that she has that slight Western genes in her blood.  They look friendly, but Jonghyun can’t be sure about it yet.

                “Hi, boy!  You must be the one Barbie always talking about since last Friday,” she embraces him.  Way too friendly for the first time meeting, Jonghyun thinks.  He immediately likes Barbie’s parents.  He is treated like a family.

                “Really?  Oh, yes,” he replies to her mom while looking at Barbie, wondering what she has been saying about him.  Their eyes meet, but she quickly pulls it away, and Jonghyun notices her cheeks turn red.  At that moment, Jonghyun could conclude that she said nothing bad about him.

                He is brought to the dining table.  Upon seeing the food on the table, Jonghyun could be sure that he is missing the real food, the food his umma always cooks for him.  Relying on breads and biscuits is not really the best thing to do.

                “We are happy you are joining us for lunch,” Barbie’s mom states.  Jonghyun nods, still feeling awkward with her fondness towards him.

                “Yeah…I just don’t want to see a boy eating only biscuits and breads for meals.  I’m afraid he will be shorter day by day,” Barbie spoons the rice to her mouth.

                “That is rude, dear.  He is our honourable guest,” she receives a slap on the arm from her mom.  Jonghyun chokes on his food after hearing the honour placed on him.

                “I’m fine,” he says after he takes a big gulp of orange juice.

                “So…you moved here from…” her dad emphasizes the questioning tone and Jonghyun couldn’t let it be unanswered.

                “The US,” he replies it short.

                “I assume you are Korean-American as well?” he asks again.

                “Umma is an American,” Jonghyun states while feeding himself the well-cooked meat with his fork.

                “But, you doesn’t look American at all,” her dad says.  She could say that she has the rudeness in her because she inherits the trait from him.

                “Well, let’s just go with my appa’s genes conquer all,” he says with his signature smirk.  His words gain a big laugh from her parents.

                Barbie notices something at that while, Jonghyun is actually horribly funny.  He is a guy with an incredible sense of humour that she has long wished she could have.  He jokes, making fun of something, but never in an insulting way.  Overall, he is a guy that is very pleasant to be with.  Even her parents like him.

                After lunch, Jonghyun plans to go home, saying that he needs to settle other things.  But, Barbie’s mom insists him to stay.  Perhaps not only her mom, but Barbie actually very much wants him to stay until dinner.  Well, at least he is not eating biscuits again for meal.

                “I’ll be very happy if you could stay until dinner,” says her mom.

                Jonghyun looks hesitate, not because he doesn’t want to, but he feels that he should respect the family’s privacy.  It is Sunday, and it is usually a family-bonding time.  However, seeing how all of them, including Barbie herself, insist him to stay, he has no reason not to stay.  From far, he could see Barbie smiles when he agrees to stay.

                Her mom, is annoyingly friendly, takes Jonghyun to the living room and shows him the family photo.  Barbie runs upstairs, maybe hiding herself in her bedroom, because her mom starts to tell story about her childhood, while showing her photos to Jonghyun.  From that, he knows Barbie is the only child, and she has been well-raised by her mom and dad.  He now knows how such a girl could be very sweet and well-behaved.

                “She is such a sweet daughter.  I’ll make sure I’ll find a good guy to be her husband,” she tells Jonghyun her dream.  Jonghyun could only swallow hard.

                “Well, her future husband is surely one hell of a lucky guy.  She’s a well-mannered girl and she should get a kind one for her,” he goes.

                “Oh…speaking of yourself…” her mom looks at Jonghyun with a face Jonghyun couldn’t interpret.  Is it hope?  Or on the other hand, is it sarcasm?  At last, Jonghyun decides to keep quiet.

                Barbie’s dad comes in next.  Jonghyun is forced to watch and talk about football, something that he really hates worth his life.  He doesn’t like to beat about the bush, thus, when her dad asks him what club does he support, he chooses to just be honest.

                “I…don’t like football.  I’m not even good in it,” he knows people always laugh at guys who can’t play football, but he just couldn’t find any reason to pretend like he knows all.

                “You are sure one hell of a frank and sincere guy, aren’t you?” her dad asks him back.  He shrugs.

                “Maybe.  I don’t know,” Jonghyun  goes.

                “Well, Jonghyun.  Don’t you want to check Barbie in her room?” asks his dad.  Jonghyun’s eyes almost jump out of the socket when his brain processed the words.

                “Well…can I?” he asks not because he wants to do so, but he is sure her dad is joking about it, or maybe testing him.

                “I permit you to do so.  Upstairs, the room next to the master bedroom.  I’m sure she is waiting for you as well,” he says.  Jonghyun laughs.

                “You got to be kidding me.”

                “Or you want to spend time with me watching the next football match for another one hour and a half?” his dad goes.

                Jonghyun immediately get up from the couch and runs upstairs.  Better do something else than watching the boring (for him) football match on tv and listen to the noisy sports commentator.  He knocks on her door as he reaches the room.

                “It’s Jonghyun,” he says softly.

                “The door in not locked,” she says from inside.  Jonghyun is very sure that is a sign of acceptance, thus, he twists the knob and opens the door to find Barbie on her bed.

                “Hi…” he says when he enters the room.

                “Having fun learning history with mom as a teacher?” she asks.

                Jonghyun can’t be sure if she is being sarcastic, or happy about it, but that is not the reason he is stunned without words.  The room is the reason.  It is all in pink and Barbie dolls could be seen all over the place.

                “Wow!  It is full with…Barbie,” he states while resting himself on Barbie’s study chair.

                “I know what you’re thinking.  I’m a girl that is so immature, liking Barbie dolls, all girly and mushy.  Well, I’m quite used to that,” she says while rolling her eyes.  Jonghyun frowns to the statement.

                “No…I don’t think like that,” Jonghyun says, defending himself from being stereotyped by the girl in front of him.

                “Then, what?” she asks with a ‘I-know-you-are-not-different-than-others’ face.

                “I think it is amazing.  Barbie dolls…it just resembles yourself,” he smiles, “Why Barbie anyways?” he ends it with a question.

                “What do you mean?  My name or all this stuffs?” she asks back, not knowing which one she should explain.

                “Everything,” he replies.

                “Mom likes Barbie so much, like this freaking-addicted to it.  She likes to play with Barbie dolls and even dad wins her heart with those dolls-”

                “And you are named after it,” Jonghyun takes a wild guess.

                “Precisely,” she sighs.

                “And you are forced to like it as well?” another wild guess.

                “No,” she sighs, “Perhaps it is in my every blood and vessels,” she admits.  Jonghyun shrugs.  He doesn’t think it is a crime to like something, especially when he has his own obsession towards something too.

                “Nice room you got here,” he compliments.

                “I know.  Far better than your room,” Barbie feels like slapping himself for being so sarcastic again.

                “I will show my nice room only when I find my true love,” he says.  Barbie frowns.

She is about to say something when her mom ruins the moment by calling them for dinner.  Now, Jonghyun knows why Barbie can be so loud sometimes.  He stands up, ready to go.

                “I’m going home after dinner,” he says while walking to the door.

                “Wait,” she stops him, “Take this along,” she says while giving him a Barbie doll.

                “What?”

                “Why?  Is it so gay for you to accept my Barbie dolls?”

                “No.  No.  It’s not that.  I mean, Barbie resembles you a lot.  Giving it to me…don’t you feel like you’re…you know…I mean it is your pride and trust you’re giving me,” he says.  Barbie smiles.

                “I trust you, that’s why.  I know you are a good friend, right?” she says while putting the doll into his palm.  He takes it with a smile.

                “Thanks for trusting me as a friend,” he says.

                “Guys!  Don’t you want to come down for dinner?!” another shouts from mom and another laughter from the kids.

                Just in a few weeks, the relationship between Jonghyun and Barbie grows stronger.  It is typical; they go to university together from the neighbourhood, share lecture notes, refer to each other and even have dinner together every day, since Jonghyun parents are still somewhere in America.  They don’t confess, but, people could sense it, the vibe they radiates to the surrounding.  It is something people call love, affection, fondness or anything goes with those terms.

                One beautiful weekend, Jonghyun asks Barbie to come to his house.  She agrees, on reason because Jonghyun has come to her house every so often.  Jonghyun tries to hide his contentment when they walk to his room, but otherwise it is obvious through his grin.

                “Why are you grinning like an idiot?”

                “Welcome to my room,” he opens the door, revealing something Barbie could say absurd to be belonged to a teenage guy.

                “Dude!  Seriously?  Barney?  That explains the wallpaper a lot!” Purple and green dinosaur, grinning all over the place inside his room.  Plushies, bed sheet, pillow cases, comforter, carpet and even his bunny slippers; they are all Barney for Heaven sake.  He even has these stacks of Barney CDs from all series.

                “Why?  Do I look gay to you?” he asks while pulling the girl to sit at the edge of his bed.

                “No.  Just that…you are very different from others.  I mean for a teenage guy to love something like this, it is very rare.  You need sincerity and courage,” she says.

                “I just…you know…I grow up with Barney.  The stories…the songs-”

                “You remember the song?” she asks excitedly.

                “Duh…of course.  What do you think of a Barney fanatic like me?” he laughs.

                “Hey, I see my Barbie!” she points to the doll placed beside Barney on the bed.  Jonghyun laughs and takes the Barbie.

                “You want to hear the Barney song?” he asks.  Without her answer, he proceeds.

                “I love you…” he sings while looking at the Barbie doll in his hand, “You love me…We are happy family…With a great big hug…” he hugs the Barbie, “…and a kiss from me to you…” he kisses the doll, “Won’t you say you love me too?” he laughs when he ends the song but Barbie doesn’t think it’s funny.  She takes a wild guess.  Is it a confession?

                “Okay!  Understood!” she grabs the Barney on the bed and starts to recite the same song, “I love you,” she looks at the Barney, “You love me…We are happy family…With a great big hug…” she hugs it, “…and a kiss from me to you…” she kisses it, “Won’t you say you love me too?”

                “You know the song too?” Jonghyun asks.  She doesn’t answer, but gives a statement.

                “You said you will only show this nice room when you find your true love,” she says.  Jonghyun smiles to that.

                “You know what?  I think Barbie and Barney look good together,” he says and arranges the Barney and the Barbie side by side.  He takes his Canon DSLR, switches it on, and snaps a photo of Barbie-Barney.

                He shows the picture to Barbie and together, they smiles at the frozen moment of Barbie and Barney.

That's a Very Merry Christmas

Winter holiday is coming soon and Jung Hye thinks it would be good if something fun and well-remembered could be done before school ends.  The idea of doing Secret Santa would not be good if it involves only their classmates.  But, just to be creative, and perhaps to increase the joy of the event, she includes all classes of the grades and teachers who teach them.  It should be fun, certainly, because a larger community is included.

                Thus, when her proposal is approved by the Principal, she excitedly goes to the next step, jots down everyone’s name in pieces of small papers to be drawn out later.  She walks to the class quickly from the Principal’s office, her hair waves synchronously with her steps taken. When she reaches the floor of her class, she sees someone sitting on the bench at the open area right beside the indoor gym.  With that frown on his face, she could predict that the guy might be intensely thinking right now, or else, in problem.

                “Hey, Jonghyun.  What’s up?” she asks.  Jonghyun looks at her and smiles.  She smiles back, revealing her pearly white teeth.  It is her trademark as always.

                “I’m good,” he says.  She nods.  Jung Hye seldom speaks, except for important matter.  When she is asked to answer a question or when she is asked to speak for the class, people will hear her voice.  She won’t speak for anything ridiculous, so people label her as a serious person, rather than mute.  Thus, when she talks to him first, Jonghyun finds it surprising.

                “With that frown?  Yeah, you’re good,” she says sarcastically.  Jonghyun chuckles.  Rather than call her serious, he likes to say that she is cool.

                “No, I’m just thinking,” says Jonghyun with a smile.

                “I saw you came out of the Principal’s room just now.  I’m sure a good student like you wasn’t call in for wrongdoings. So, let me make a wild guess.   It should be either an award or a work for you,” she guesses.  Jonghyun smiles.

                “You know that you’re really a good friend, aren’t you?” he says, “The Principal told me about a Soup Kitchen Project two days before Christmas.  We’ll distribute Christmas food to the poor to help them enjoy Christmas celebration as well.  So, I’m just thinking about how I am going to raise money for the project,” says Jonghyun.

                “It is supposed to be a class project, right?” asks Jung Hye with her sweet smile.

                “Yes,” Jonghyun nods.

                “Then, you know what?  You shouldn’t put the burden onto your shoulders alone.  You can always share with the class,” Jung Hye says.

                “It’s hard.  They seldom listen.  They only expect things to be ready for them.  I have to find the idea and then propose it, they will only join the programme,” Jonghyun says.

                “Well, it’s true.  It’s the same as Secret Santa,” she goes.

 Jonghyun and Jung Hye are stars of the class and the school as well.  Their leadership often leads them to work together.  Although they quite dislike it, the teachers always depend on no one except them.  Any messages, any works, all will be given to them, because they are highly reliable students.  The other students are reliable as well, but not in that sort of class matter or anything involving co-academics.  They are only trustworthy when it comes to other things, such as performing arts or sports; hence, explaining the responsibility that always weighs them at their shoulders.

“How is your Secret Santa thing?” asks Jonghyun.

“It was approved and now I’m going to the next step.  Prepare cards of name for the draw lots,” she says.

“Do you need help?  I don’t think I could think of any idea for the Soup Kitchen thing now,” says Jonghyun.

                “Sure.  Why not?” she says.

                Jung Hye and Jonghyun write down the name of teachers and students who involve in the event on pieces of papers.  Then, they fold the papers and put them in a box.  The next thing Jung Hye will do is to announce for the draw lots.  Students and teachers will pick up a name from the box and they have to keep the name a secret.  They have to be a Santa for the person they randomly choose and the present will be given at the last day of school, which is the day of the Secret Santa event.  They will have a Christmas party on that day and the exchange of presents will be held.

                “I suggest a big Christmas tree for the Santas to put all their presents under it.  And the recipients will have to find the presents themselves,” says Jonghyun while neatly folding the paper.

                “Hey!  That’s brilliant!  Of course, yes, we’ll do it that way.  I’ve been thinking on how we could do the present exchange since the Santa should be a secret.  Thanks Jonghyun,” she says.

                “I could help decorating the Christmas tree if you want,” says Jonghyun.

                “Oh, thanks again,” Jung Hye says brightly, “I think it would be better if we could do carolling as well,” she suggests.

                “That would be good.  But, usually we have to give something to the carollers, right?” asks Jonghyun.  Jung Hye smiles to him.

                “What if our classmates are the carollers and we sing Christmas song to raise money?” she asks.

                “Hey!  That is a fantastic idea!  And then we can use that money for the Soup Kitchen project!” Jonghyun exclaims.

                “You’re welcomed,” Jung Hye says sarcastically.

                “Oh, okay.  Thanks,” he replies.

                For a few days, Jonghyun works on his proposal for the fund-raising.  He hopes to collect a reasonable amount of money for the charity work that they are going to participate soon.  Jung Hye’s idea is something very out of the blue, but otherwise, it is a very smart one.  He proposes to sing a few Christmas carols during the school assembly just before the Secret Santa event at the final day of school.  Raising fund from the whole school community might help in increasing the amount of donation for the Soup Kitchen programme.

                When his proposal is approved by the Principal, the first person he tells about it is Jung Hye.  Perhaps because Jung Hye is the most deserved to know about it, since it is her idea in the first place.

                “Hey, you know what?  The Principal approved it.  We can do the Christmas carol!” he exclaims happily.  Jung Hye’s smiles.

                “So, the next thing we have to do is to tell our classmate, huh?” asks the girl.

                “Which is the hardest part,” Jonghyun nods.

                Both Jonghyun and Jung Hye have to speak to the entire class again.  They are used to people’s gossip about they are dating each other, just because they often work together.  The fact that they have the same surname doesn’t help to ease the gossip; instead it is making it worse.  But, they couldn’t care less.  When they are standing in front of the class, Jonghyun begins by faking a cough. Whenever he does that, the whole class falls to a pregnant silence.

                “Listen guys.  Mr and Mrs Kim are speaking,” Krystal, a classmate, says cheekily.  Maybe she intends to direct the attention of the class to them, but she could be teasing as well.

                Jung Hye announces and explains the Secret Santa event to the class and asks them to draw lots.  Each of them picks their supposed-to-be-recipient’s name and keeps quiet about it.  After all of them done with their secret recipients, Jonghyun announces the Soup Kitchen project and the fund-raising.  When talking about carolling, of course, they are excited.  Jonghyun presents the list of Christmas songs and asks them to vote on the six songs they want to sing the most.

                After half an hour of quarrel and disagreeing, the six songs are chosen.  The whole class unanimously agreeing on these songs: Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Jingle Bell Rock, Deck the Halls, Feliz Navidad and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

                “Jonghyun!  Most of the songs you listed are common.  Maybe to add some spice to our performance, we should sing at least a pop song,” suggests Dong Hae.

                “Well, this is going to be a Christmas carol,” Jonghyun says.

                “I think Dong Hae is right.  I mean, those common songs might not attract them to listen to us, thus they might not interested in donating.  And I think what he means by pop song is actually a Christmas pop song,” says Yuri.

                “I think it is a good idea, Jonghyun,” Jung Hye smiles.

                “Okay, then, can you suggest any pop Christmas song?” he asks the whole students.  There’s silence for a while before Taemin voices.

                “I like Under the Mistletoe by Justin Bieber,” he suggests.  The class starts to become a bit din.  It seems like they love the idea of singing Under the Mistletoe.

                “Guys, pay attention,” Jonghyun has to take control again, “Do you agree with Under the Mistletoe?” he asks.  The class agrees unanimously.

                “I suggest we play music instrument,” another suggestion from Taeyon.  Then, comes another agreeing noise for the crowd of students.

                “Okay.  So, let’s decide who is going to sing and who is going to play instrument,” says Jonghyun.

                The process is done in a very smooth way.  With Jung Hye’s help, Jonghyun manages to sort out the carollers.  Taemin will take the piano while Jonghyun himself is going to play the guitar.  The other instruments such as the jingle bell and the maracas are played by Amber and Hyoyeon.  The others are singing, with Jinki, Kyu Hyun, Sungmin, Yesung, Ryeowook, Taeyeon, Jessica and Luna being responsible to harmonize.  When everything is decided, they end the meeting with smiles.

                At the final week of the school, the whole class starts to be very busy with work.  Each of them needs to organize their times for Christmas-present shopping and carol practice.   Jonghyun and Jung Hye even have a lot more to do since they need to work on the big Christmas tree for the Secret Santa and also food for the Christmas party.  They toil until the final day of preparation.

                “Who is your secret recipient?” Jung Hye asks Jonghyun while decorating the Christmas tree.

                “It is supposed to be a secret, right?” Jonghyun smirks.  Jung Hye just smiles.

                “Well, have you gotten the present for your recipient?” she asks.

                “No.  I don’t know what to buy,” says Jonghyun.

                “Crazy.  The event is tomorrow, and you are not buying the present yet,” she says frankly.

                “I promise I’ll go for shopping after school, although I don’t really know what I am supposed to buy,” he goes.

                “Easy.  If it’s a girl, just buy a teddy bear.  If it is a guy, just get him a pair of shoes,” she suggests.

                “Rather than shoes, I prefer clothes,” Jonghyun says with a shrug.

                “You want clothes as a Christmas present?” asks Jung Hye.

                “Just that, I prefer clothes as a present,” answers the petite guy.  He could see Jung Hye is smiling.

                “Okay, then.  Let’s finish our job, and you can do your shopping after that,” Jung Hye says and they get back to work.

                The next day comes very fast.  Assembly is early in the morning and the carollers are ready to perform.  However, Jonghyun suddenly becomes so nervous and uneasy.  Cold sweat trickles down his forehead in the cold weather and he turns very pale.

                “Jonghyun, you look terrible. Are you okay?” asks Jung Hye.

                “No, I’m not.  What if my introduction speech sucks?  What if I play the wrong note later?” he asks nervously.

                “Hey!  Hey!  Listen to me.  Everything is going to be alright, trust me,” she tries to calm him down.  She will laugh at him, if not for his pale face.  She asks him to breathe properly and calm down.  He practices his speech a few times before they go on stage.

                “Hey, guys.  I’m Jonghyun,” and here comes a loud cheer from the crowd, “I don’t want to make a long speech, but I’m sure all of us are aware, while we’re happily getting ready for Christmas, there are some unfortunates out there that need our help.  It is cold out there, and perhaps they are hungry with nothing to eat.  So, in front of us is a box for you to donate as much as you can.  Two days before Christmas, this donation will come beneficial, because we are going to spend it for a Soup Kitchen project, to help the poor enjoy Christmas like we do.  Together we reach out, and may God bless us with a good Christmas,” he says.

                Six Christmas carols come in next.  They sing those songs directly from their heart, while watching students come in front and drop some bucks into the box.  After the six songs, they sing Under the Mistletoe.  They have made a right choice of song.  The students sing along, indicating an attention they never expected to get.  More come in front to donate and the box is indeed full of cash as it ends.  The round applause assures Jonghyun that they did it right.

                “Told you everything is going to be great,” Jung Hye says.  Jonghyun nods and smiles.

                After the assembly, the whole grades stay at the hall for the next event.  Students and teachers who involve start to put their presents under the Christmas tree.  The view of the numerous presents crammed under the big Christmas tree is splendid.  They enjoy the Christmas party with cookies, candies and cakes.  The hall turns to a place suitable for the sweet-tooth.   When time is called for the Secret Santa, both students and teachers immaturely rush to the Christmas tree, to collect their presents.

                Jung Hye is given a mafla as present while Jonghyun get a pillow.  Seeing people excited with their presents, Jung Hye thinks it is the best time for her to give her own secret present to Jonghyun.  She knows very well that the purpose of Secret Santa is to be fair to all.  Everybody will get a present, that’s a promise.  But, she prepares one extra present to give it to someone she considers her best mate.

                “Hey, this is for you,” she gives it to Jonghyun.

                “You are not my secret Santa.  I already got my own present,” says Jonghyun.

                “I know.  But, I just want to give this to you,” she says.

                “You are aware that the purpose of Secret Santa is to be fair, right?” Jonghyun asks with a smile.

                “I am.  Everybody has gotten their presents.  So, I don’t think it is wrong for me to give this to you.  I just want to be fair to myself,” she gives her reason.  Jonghyun nods and takes the present wrapped in the sweet-candy style with both ends twisted.

                “Oh, my God.  Is it a shirt?” asks Jonghyun, surprised.

                “How do you know?” frowning, she asks.

                “It is not hard to predict it,” he says and he opens the present.  It reveals a blue checkered shirt that Jonghyun finds suits him very well.

                “How do you know my size?” he asks Jung Hye.

                “It is not hard to predict it.  You’re small,” she says and laughs.

                “Anyway, thanks a lot,” he says gratefully.

                They continue with their food and again, and when the party ends, people leave it to them to clean up the mess.  Jonghyun sighs but Jung Hye smiles optimistically.

                “Looks like we have to clean this up together,” he says.

                “Take it in a positive way.  We can spend time together before the holiday Christmas,” Jung Hye calms him down.

                They collect rubbish, wipe the tables, sweep the floor and mop it without realising they are the only people left in the school.  Both of them are too absorbed in their work and if there is any sound to be heard, is the sound of the splashes of water and friction between the mop and the floor.

                “I think we are done,” says Jonghyun.  Jung Hye nods with a smile.

                “Let’s go,” she says.

                They wear their coats, fling their bags to their shoulders and set off to a chilling and freezing winter outside.  The moment they step out outside, they could see icy flakes falling down slowly and finally make a contact with the ground.  Visible cool breeze coming out from their mouths when they breathe and Jung Hye laughs at it.

                “You are freezing!” she points to Jonghyun.  Jonghyun, who has his hands in the pocket of the coat and a mafla wrapped around his neck up to his chin grins stupidly, revealing his pearly white teeth.

                “You too!” he points to her as well.  They laugh to each other when they see the visible thin air coming out from their mouths as they speak.  They are alert about the risk of walking in the freezing evening, but they can’t help but to spend time together walking home.

                “Where are you going to celebrate Christmas this year?” Jonghyun asks on their way home.

                “I’m going to be here in town.  My grannies are going to be here with us, as well as my aunts and uncles,” she says.

                “That’s cool.  I’m celebrating here as well, because dad has to work even when Christmas Eve,” says Jonghyun.  He knows that there is no way he could celebrate the holy celebration somewhere else when his dad is a doctor and his service is so much needed even during a celebration day.

                “I’m sorry to hear that,” she states her pity towards the guy.

                “No, I’m used to it.  At least, last year we already went to Paris for Christmas.  So, I don’t see any problem for us to sacrifice it this year.  Mom and I will go to the orphanage for the Christmas Eve.  We’ll celebrate it with the kids there and my shift will end at 11,” he says.

                “Wow!  That’s cool,” she says.  Jonghyun’s steps come to a halt.

                “You’re home,” he says and it awakens Jung Hye from their conversation.  She turns around to see her semi-d house settles right in front of his eyes.

                “Oh, thanks for walking me home,” she says.

                “Hey, look!  Snowflakes!” he says while pretending to catch it with his hand, “I got something,” he says and opens his fist.

                There is a shining bracelet on his palm, sending Jung Hye to a surprise.  Jonghyun smiles while showing her the bracelet with stars pattern decorating it.

                “Hey, what is this?” she asks.

                “A bracelet,” he goes, “My secret present for you,” he helps to put it on.

                “Oh my God.  Thanks,” she says while studying the bracelet.

                “Those stars…there is a meaning,” he says.  Jung Hye doesn’t need the snow to freeze her.  Jonghyun’s words are enough to do that.

                “W-What?” she asks.

                “Christmas Eve, after 11.  I’ll be waiting for you under the mistletoe,” he says with a stupid grin and leaves.

                Jung Hye smiles, knowing that this year’s Christmas is going to be a great Christmas.

Crisis Over With Beauty and the Beast [Sequel to Crisis]

“What is it, Key?” I hear Jonghyun asks.

                “I’m proposing a Winter Prom to the principal.  Please pray that he will approve it.  This is my project.  So, I hope it will be a big success,” Key says.

                “Excuse me?” Taemin asks.

                “Okay, Taemin.  You’re credited for the idea and the concept.  It is not fully my project, but the Student’s Body’s project,” Key has to admit.

                “Thanks for mentioning me,” Taemin says, self-satisfied.

                I laugh to their behaviour.  Since Taemin is chosen to be in the Student’s Body, Key is having a hard time.  The boy is apparently very demanding and active.  He proposes a lot of activities and since he involves with the Student’s Body, the organization shows a lot of improvement.  Key is happy to have him in the organization, despite Taemin challenges his position as the Head Boy.

                “Good idea.  Well done, Taemin.  What is the concept of the prom anyway?” asks Minho who is busy packing his shoes into his shoe bag.

                “Fairy tale.  I think it will be good if we could pull together the princes and princesses of the world fairy tales that night.  I suggest a ballroom dance and it would be huge when princes and princesses assemble at one big ballroom,” says Taemin.

                “Dude!  Couldn’t you be more gay?” I ask him.  I can’t control my mouth, really.  Taemin’s expression changes from bright to serious.

                “Hey, hey.  Don’t you ever critic my idea, okay?  I’m sure you’ll like it when the day comes,” he says with a smirk.

                “Okay, okay!  Fine!  I can’t wait for that,” I say sarcastically, pretend to be happy and anticipate it.

                “Owh, Ae Rin.  You’ll like my idea.  You know what?  In my paper work for the proposal, I make it possible for the teachers to approaches students as well.  It might be your chance,” Taemin says.  That makes me speechless.

                “Wow!  Taemin, you’re so bold!  I know having you in the Student’s Body is a great miracle.  You manage to shut this Trouble up,” says Key.

                “Yeah…have fun making fun of me,” I say, rolling my eyes.

                “Aye. She gives us permission,” Jonghyun says.

                “Ooh, yes, Jonghyun.  No Father’s Day for you in the future,” I say while pretending to kick him in his ‘ahem’.

                “Whoa…chill…Ae Rin…chill,” Minho says with a smile.

                “Taemin…it is just a proposal, isn’t it?  I pray that the Principal will disapprove your proposal on the prom,” I go.

                “We’ll see.  I’ll make sure I’ll get the green light from the Principal.  I have a lot of charms and I could get permission to do it by just flipping my hair in front of the girls in the school and make them sign a petition to allow the student-teacher’s prom,” Taemin says with a smirk as he leaves us.

                “That guy is really something, isn’t he?” Minho asks.

                “Yeah…but he saves my ass a lot in the Student’s Body,” Key says.

                “I think my throne as the prince of the school is taken over.  Perhaps it is about time for me to give out my throne to somebody else,” Jonghyun says, shrugging.

                “Well…we’re going to leave school in six months anyway.  Let him handle everything.  He is versatile and the best person to be the school captain as well,” says Minho.

                “But, he can’t replace me as a trouble-maker,” I say and that makes them quiet, “Why?” I ask back.

                “You have quite a reputation here, huh?” Jonghyun says.  I shrug.  He resumes, “Let’s go out for a refreshing evening.  I’ll treat you ice-cream.”

                “Errr…Jonghyun?  I have to go home with Minho,” I tell him.

                “Oh, come on Trouble.  He walks with you to school and back home every day.  I just want to talk to you for this one evening.  We are going to graduate school in six months.  Let’s have sometimes together.  I’m sure Minho will allow, won’t you Minho?” Jonghyun asks.

                “Just bring her back home safe and sound afterwards, dude,” Minho says.

                “Sure…of course.  I won’t do anything to her.  I still want to celebrate Father’s Day, right Trouble?” he asks me.

                “Yeah, I’m glad that you are aware about it,” I say and I follow him downstairs.

                We walk together without a single word spoken.  I just follow Jonghyun from his back, trying my best to keep up with his speed.  For a short person like him, I can consider that he is moving very fast.  I start to jog when I feel he is way too far in front of me.

                “Hey, Trouble. What take you so long?” he turns to me and shouts.

                “Shut up, Jonghyun.  You’re too fast.  So inconsiderate!” I shout back.  He laughs and waits for me at the school gate.  Once I catch up with him, he resumes walking, this time, slowly.

                “Hey, Ae Rin.  You really like him, huh?” Jonghyun asks me while walking.

                “Like who?” I ask.

                “Mr. Lee,” he replies, short.  A feeling of panic creeps into my bone.

                “W-why are asking this suddenly?” I ask him back.

                “I just want to know.  That’s all.  Why are you suddenly so panic?” he asks with a smirk.  He can read my expression.

                “N-nothing.  I am not panic,” I say.

                “Aha…looks like someone is really in love,” he says.  I roll my eyes.  Jonghyun can be very annoying sometimes.

                “Yes, I am.  So what?  You want to laugh your ass out?  Go!  Laugh as loud as you want!  I’ll just go home,” I say.

                “Hey…chill!  I am not laughing, okay?  Someone in love is never funny,” he says.

                “Then, what?  You want to make fun of me?” I ask him.

                “Look.  I don’t say anything, okay?  I just want to know if you really like the teacher.  That’s all,” Jonghyun says.  I sigh.

                “Yeah…I really like him.  But, I know that I won’t stand a chance with him,” I say with pouted lips.

                “We are going to chill ourselves here,” Jonghyun suddenly halts.  My God!  It is Haagen-Dazs.

                “Dude!” I pull him when he wants to open the door, “It is Haagen-Dazs!” I know that Haagen-Dazs ice cream is never cheap.

                “Yeah, it’s Haagen-Dazs,” Jonghyun shrugs.

                “Seriously?” I ask him.  He rolls his eyes and pulls me inside.  He chooses a table and pulls out a chair for me.

                “Sit down, Trouble,” he says and pushes me onto the chair.  Then, he takes the chair opposite of me.

                “Dude, I can never afford the ice cream here.  Let’s go somewhere more affordable,” I say.

                “I told you that I’ll treat you ice cream today,” he says.

                “Not here.  It’s too pricey.  I mean…I understand your good intention as a friend to treat me ice cream, but not this expensive.  You’ll just make me feel bad,” I say.

                “Why don’t just sit down and enjoy?” he says.  I am about to protest when a waitress comes to take our order.

                “Good evening.  What can I get for you?” she asks politely.

                “Tell her what you want,” Jonghyun says.

                “Just give me a single serve cup of-”

                “Nah, just get her a Chocolate Chocolate Chip Ice Cream,” Jonghyun cuts me.

                “Jonghyun!  The big cup is very expensive,” I say.

                “Minho told me that you like chocolate ice cream with chocolate chip and I assure you that Haagen-Dazs serves you the best ice cream in the world.  This is your only chance, so, just take the big cup,” he says.  The waitress looks confuse.  She is not sure which one she should write.

                “Take my order for her just now.  And for me, just get me a Banana Split Ice Cream.  Thank you,” Jonghyun says.  The waitress nods with a smile and walks away.

                “You are annoyingly rich!” I say.

                “I know right?” Jonghyun laughs, “So, where were we just now?” he asks me.

                “Oh…yeah.  I just told you that I know I won’t stand a chance with him,” I say.

                “Are you sure?”

                “Just think about it, Jonghyun.  He is a teacher and I’m a student.  The relationship is not encouraged and yeah…you know that he won’t like me,” I say.  We stop our conversation for a while when the waitress comes again with our order.

                “If you really think that you might not have a chance with him, I personally think that it is about time you give a chance to yourself to love other people,” Jonghyun says after the waitress walks away.

                “I…I don’t love people that easily.  I mean…I love my friends, my family but yeah…not like how I love Mr. Lee,” I say.

                “So, you mean…that you can’t love others yet like you love Mr. Lee?” Jonghyun asks.

                “Dude!  I only love Mr. Lee,” I emphasize again.

                “Okay.  Okay.  Chill.  Just telling you that someone really loves you.  You might want to give him a chance,” Jonghyun says.  I nearly choke on my ice cream.

                “Are you saying it is you?” I ask him with a smirk.

                “Me?  Seriously?  No.  No!  How could you…I…I am a prince.  And you’re what?  A trouble-maker.  I won’t love you.  It won’t work,” Jonghyun says.  I laugh.

                “See?  You know that I’m a trouble-maker.  Nobody likes me, okay?” I say.

                “Oh, seriously?  Ae Rin, why can’t you see it all this while?  Minho loves you,” he says.

                “Yes, he loves me like a little sister.  I know that,” I reply.

                “No, I mean love…as in…love,” he emphasizes the love.

                “You must be joking, Jonghyun,” I say.

                “This ain’t a joke, Trouble.  You are Minho’s childhood friend and I am his best friend.  Both of us could understand him well.  And I know him very well that he loves you, Ae Rin.  He takes care of you, cares about you, and understands you and he will do everything for you, Ae Rin.  He loves you, really,” Jonghyun says.

                “You…what are you saying?” I ask him again.  Maybe I couldn’t even believe my ears.

                “Well, Ae Rin.  I’m not forcing you to love him.  I just tell you…just that…you might want to give him a chance,” Jonghyun says.

                “You know you just make it more awkward between us, right?” I ask him.

                “Please…no.  If Minho knows this, he’ll beat me to death.  I just want to help him and you.  But, I don’t really know how to help…” he says.

                “Nevermind.  I want to go home,” I say.

                “I’ll walk you home.  Minho will kill me if I don’t,” he says and I laugh to his statement.  He pays for our ice cream and we walk home.

                A few weeks later, Key announces about the prom.  Apparently, the Principal has approved Key’s and Taemin’s fairy-tale-ball-involving-student-and-teacher prom.  I like the fact that it is accepted, but I don’t like the idea of giving the boys a green light to make fun of me.  They will find a way to tease me about Mr. Lee Jinki and I will have no way to escape since I will always turn red whenever people talk about him.

                “The posters are now all over the school.  I’m excited!” Key says.

                “Excited for what, dude?  For a girl to approach you?  In your dream,” I say.  Key pouts immediately after that.

                “Well, you can start choosing your date now and approach him or her as soon as possible.  Everything is starting as those posters have been put up,” Taemin says.

                “What do you mean you can approach him or her?  Are you saying that girls can approach guys as well?” Jonghyun asks.

                “Yes, for this prom,” Key answers.

                “Then, I will just wait for my princess to approach me,” Jonghyun says.  I chuckle to that.

                “Talking about prince and princess, each couple that will come that night has to choose a theme to represent what you are.  I mean you have to come as Cinderella, Snow White or any fairy tale all over the world.  You might want to represent Korea’s fairy tale as well,” Taemin reminds us about what has been written in the poster.

                “Oh, great!  Hey, Trouble!  Can I see you after school?  Here, at this locker place?” Minho asks me suddenly.  I could see Jonghyun winks at me before he turns away, looking at Key.

                “Oh, sure.  Why?  Can’t you just talk to me now?” I ask him.

                “No, not now.  I’ll tell you later, okay?” Minho says.  I just shrug it off.  While taking a book from my locker, suddenly I hear a voice I long to hear, a voice that I recognize so much.

                 “Hey, Key, Taemin.  I saw the poster of the prom while I was walking upstairs just now.  Congrats.  You guys managed to do it well,” our English Literature’s teacher, Mr. Lee Jinki says.

                “Oh, yeah.  We are glad that it is approved.  Now, it is time for you to approach your prom.  So, do you have anybody in your mind Mr. Lee?” asks Key.

                Lee Jinki laughs.  He scratches his head, looking so adorable in my eyes.  I don’t know why but I’m so nervous waiting for his answer to Key’s question.

                “Well, actually…yes.  But, I’m not sure whether I could ask her or not?” he says.  At the same time, my heart shatters into pieces.  I shouldn’t hope though.  Even if I ask him to be my prom, I am sure he won’t accept it.

                “Oh, come on Mr. Lee…just ask,” Taemin forces him.

                “In that case…Ae Rin…would you like to…err…go to the prom…with me?” he asks.  I am sure I hear wrong but Taemin, Key, Jonghyun and Minho suddenly stand very still, unable to move a muscle.

                “I’m…sorry.  What was it again?” I ask him back.

                “Would you go to the prom with me?” Lee Jinki asks again.  This time I hear it clearly and I’m really surprised.

                “Are you sure, Mr. Lee?  This is Ae Rin, you know?”

                “Yes, I am sure.  So…would you be my prom?” he asks again.  I look at the others.  Key is obviously restraining his laugh while Taemin is smiling at me with a ‘told-ya’ face.  Jonghyun shrugs and looks at Minho.  Minho nods with a very intense face.

                “Sure!  Yes, sure,” I say.  Mr. Lee Jinki gives me his sweetest smile.

                “Well…thanks.  I’ll pick you at home that night,” he says and he is about to go when Taemin fakes a cough.

                “You have to choose a theme,” he reminds us again.

                “Oh, yeah.  About that,” he scratches his head, “We’ll go with Beauty and the Beast.  I’ll be the Beast and you’ll be the Beauty, is it okay?” he asks me.

                “Yeah…sure!  Beauty and the Beast.  I’m fine,” I say with a wide smile.  He nods to me and smiles as well before he leaves us startled.

                “Oh My God!  I’m sure it is the happiest day for Trouble!” Key says.

                “Oh, must be!” Minho says afterwards.  Of course!  Who will be so crazy not to feel happy when her dreamed guy comes and asks to be his prom?

                “Shoot!  Was it real just now?” I ask them with a surprising face.  They nod furiously.

                “Erm…Ae Rin.  I forgot about something.  This evening, I have something to do with Jonghyun, right Jonghyun?” Minho says, grinning, “You can just forget the thing I want to talk to you.  It’s nothing important anyway,” he says.  He pulls Jonghyun and both of them leave.

                “Well…yes.  Class is starting soon.  We could talk again later,” Key reminds us.

                I close the door of my locker and rush to class as well.  However, I can’t even concentrate for the whole day thinking about the prom.  I’m starting to figure out what I should wear and how should I make myself like Belle in the Beauty and the Beast.

                And two weeks seem short.  I barely have time to think about the whole thing when the night suddenly arrives.  Luckily, mom helps me with my dress.  She is a good tailor and she makes a dress for me, in yellow, Victorian-styled.  It really looks like the Disney’s Belle’s dress, except that it was improvised to look modern and luxurious.  I thank my mom for it.  Soon after she helps me with my hair, we hear the doorbell rings.  My dad answers it and he calls us down.

                “Your teacher is here and damn…he looks really like the fairy tale prince, except that he is not beast enough,” he says when we walk together downstairs.

                It is true.  Mr. Lee Jinki dresses up exactly like the Disney’s Beast.  I’m about to laugh seeing him in his white shirt, gold vest and a blue jacket making him looks like he is someone from Victorian era lost in this 21st century.  But, something is not perfect in our fairy tale story; he doesn’t wear the mask of the Beast.

                “You don’t wear the mask of the Beast.  You don’t look beastly enough,” I say with a chuckle.

                “You serious?” he asks me.  My mom and dad laugh.

                “No, Mr. Lee.  You don’t need the mask.  It is better we go like this,” I say, laughing.  He smiles cheekily.

                “Mr. Shim, may I?” he asks for my dad permission.

                “Yeah…just remember.  She has her own curfew, at 12,” he says.

                “Sure.  I’ll bring her back, safe and sound,” Mr. Lee says and he puts the corsage to my left wrist.  It is nice, a gold rose.

                “You like it?” he asks.

                “Yeah, I do,” I reply.

                “Then, let’s go,” he says.  We go to school together in his car.  My parents bid me goodbye and soon, we reach the school.  We walk together to the school’s hall.

                The student’s body fulfils the promise.  The hall really looks like a castle’s ballroom.  It is full with music and people dancing, all dressing as princes and princesses.  I could spot a few couple of Beauty and the Beast as well, but of course, that doesn’t mean our dresses are same.

                “The Student’s Body did their job very well,” Mr. Lee says.  I nod.

                I could see Taemin with his girlfriend, come as Chunyang and Mong-ryong.  It is funny how they end up in this European-styled fairy tale castle.  Minho comes with Ji Hyun as Mulan and Li Shang.  Ji Hyun approached him a week ago, after Minho shows no reply to others’ proposal.  Jonghyun is the same.  He didn’t approach girls, but girls approach him.  He comes with Bo Mi impersonating Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty.  Both of them look gorgeous.  However, Key has the biggest charm, as all of us know; he is a boy with surprises. He comes to the ball with the 40-year-old Vice Principal of the school, as Issun Boshi and his playmate Princess, from a Japanese fairy tale.  Just another couple not so suitable to be in the European ballroom.

                “Hey, Belle Trouble!” Jonghyun and Minho greet me, “And the not so beast Beast,” Minho resumes.

                “Hi,” Mr. Lee and I say synchronously.

                “Both of you look good together,” says Jonghyun.

                “Thanks,” I say.

                “How are you going home later, Belle Trouble?” asks Minho.

                “My Beast will send me home.  He promised my mom and dad,” I say.  Minho nods and later, he is gone.

                “Attention!  Attention!  Today is a very beautiful night.  I’m glad all of you could follow the theme of the Fairy Tale’s Princes and Princesses.  All of you did a very great job!” says Key, “And since all of you have done it well, I’m going to fulfil another promise.  Now is the time that all of us are waiting for, the ball dancing!”

                The music is played by a band and the light is shone anywhere in the hall, revealing the luxurious scene of a castle ball.  Couples start to dance to the ballroom music and everything is just like in the fairy tale.  I could see Cinderella with her Prince, as well as Snow White and Rapunzel.  Even a Malay fairy tale’s princess, Bawang Merah is dancing with her Prince Charming.  Mr. Lee takes my hands and both of us join the dance floor.

                “This is the only time we could dance together.  There’s no other chance,” Mr. Lee shouts into my ear, against the loud sound of music.  I nod.  We twirl, sway and move gracefully that night, enjoying every second that we have together.  After a while, Mr. Lee stops.

                “Can we go outside?  I need to talk to you,” he asks me.  I am suddenly very nervous, curious of what he is going to ask.  He brings me outside the hall to a bench.

                “You need a drink?” he asks me.  I am thirsty after the dance, but drink could wait.

                “No, I’m good,” I say.  He nods and sits next to me.

                “You know what?  I’m happy with you tonight.  But, we can’t be that friendly and affectionate to each other during school time,” he says.

                That sounds very wrong to my ears.  I mean, does he know that I like him?  Does he know that all this while I stalk him?  Does he know that I love him more than as a teacher?  Does he know that he is my dreamed guy?

                “W-What do you mean?” I ask him nervously.

                “Ae Rin…I love you.  I mean…I really love yo-”

                “But, only as a student?” I ask him before he could finish his word.  I just need to know it, so that I’m not going to hope anymore.  He sighs.

                “Ae Rin…I mean this, okay?  I love you more than just a student.  I really love you, as in, I really love you,” he emphasizes the word love.  I smile brightly.  I am not sure whether I’m dreaming or not.

                “Are you sure?”

                “Yes, Ae Rin.  I’m sure I love you and I am sure I look at you more than just a student.  But-”

                “I know what you’re going to say.  It’s not going to work out well between us,” I cut him.  He stares at me blankly.

                “Who says that?” he asks me, frowning.

                “I’m sure that is what you are thinking,” I say bluntly.

                “No!  Ae Rin, I’m not saying that,” he says.

                “Then, what?  Why all this while you didn’t treat me like you like me if you really like me?” I demand for an answer.  He sighs again.

                “Ae Rin, think of what will happen if I treat you more special than the others.  The Principal will get suspicious and eventually know that we have a relationship more than just between a student and a teacher.  And then think about what he will do.  He will get you expel or I will lose my job.  For that sake, I couldn’t reveal my feeling towards you at school. I have to be professional,” he explains.

                “Oh…” that is the only thing that I could say.

                “Because I love you, I don’t want to ruin your future.  I don’t want you to get expel from school and then what I see after that is only the end of you.  And I don’t want to lose my job either because if I have a bad record for occupation, my future with you will ruin as well.  I don’t want any of that to happen,” he says.

                “You…you’re lying, aren’t you?  I mean…how could you really fall in love with me and think about my welfare and future as well?  You must have other woman in your life.  I am just a school’s girl,” I say in disbelief after I hear his confession about how he really loves me.  He gently pulls my face to face his.

                “Look into my eyes and tell me that I’m lying,” he says.  I look into his eyes and try to find any sign of bluff but if there’s one thing that I could find, it is sincerity.

                “No…you’re not,” I say with tears.

                “So, Ae Rin.  I want to ask you one thing.  Could you wait, could you please wait for me for another six months?  After you graduate from this school, when you are no longer a student here, I will ask you whether or not you could be my partner forever.  Would you wait for me?” he asks me.  I look at him dearly with tears in my eyes.

                “I will.  Of course, I will,” I say.  He nods and gently pulls me inside the hall again.

                When we reach the hall again, the whole ballroom is listening to Key, who is making an announcement.  Slow music is played as the background of the royal announcement.

                “The best Fairy Tale’s Prince and Princess of the Year are…Belle Trouble and Beast Lee!” he shouts.

                Suddenly, confetti drops from the ceiling.  The light shines brightly and people cheer loudly.  I am still clueless of what has just happens when Minho shoves me to the stage.

                “Go to the stage!  Take your tiara and get married!  Your Prince is waiting for you on the stage,” Minho tells me with a smile.  I look on the stage to see the Principal is putting a crown onto Lee Jinki’s head.

                “Don’t you remember?  The Prince and Princess of the night will get a privilege of a fairy tale wedding.  Go!  Mr. Lee is waiting for you,” he shoves me to the stage.

                “Jonghyun told me that y-”

                “Ae Rin, as your childhood friend, who understands you the most, I know who you love.  And I’m not going to ruin your happy moment.  I know that you like him and he likes you as well.  So, just get your ass onto the stage, take the tiara and get married, idiot!” he says.

                “You’re not going to celebrate Father’s Day in the future, Mean-Ho!” I warn him.  I see him shrugging as I make my way to the stage.

The Vice Principal put the tiara onto my head and I am given a bouquet of white flowers.  I stand next to Mr. Lee, hands link with each other.  The band starts to play an exciting music and Mr. Lee starts to wave like a Prince waving to his people.

                “What else are you waiting for?  Wave!” he tells me.  One of my hands is waving to the people while my other hand is holding his dearly.  Too much affection I guess, but no one get suspicious that night.  Even the Principal look at it as nothing, thinking it might be an act to get the best prom of the night.  And both of us create our own wonderful and fascinating happily-ever-after fairy tale.