- Pace 0014 -

 

 

 

Somewhere –

 

Soo Hyeon went off to somewhere to meet up with Mirai and when he has arrived at the location, he thought he came to the wrong place. Slowly he’s walked forward but no one was there. He’s looked to the left and the right but still there was no one there until a very familiar voice’s called out Soo Hyeon’s name from behind.

The seconds he heard of his name being called, Soo Hyeon’s turned around and there he saw Mirai’s standing not far from where he’s at, wearing such beautiful dress. She’s smiled to Soo Hyeon and he’s smiled back to her then slowly she’s walked forward to Soo Hyeon until they’re an inch apart.

 

 

“Thank you, Soo Hyeon for coming. I am very happy that you came.” Mirai’s said.

“Of course I will. What do you want to ask me, Mirai?” Soo Hyeon’s asked.

 

“We have been a very good friend since month ago and I really like you very much Soo Hyeon. My feeling towards you has never changed since the first day I met you.” Mirai’s said. “I know I am not somewhere in your heart but I really wanted for us to be more than friends, Soo Hyeon. Do you understand me?” Soo Hyeon’s face changed all of sudden after what he’s just heard from Mirai’s mouth.

“I...” Soo Hyeon’s did not finish his sentence then slowly, he’s shook his head. “I am sorry, Mirai.”

“Can you not give me a chance, Soo Hyeon? I can make you happier than anyone could ever be.” Mirai’s said. Soo Hyeon’s shook his head then slowly, tears came out from her eyes and flowed down her cheeks and just when she’s about to wipe the tears away, Soo Hyeon’s wiped her tears away with his right hand.

“Someone that’s beautiful like you should not be crying.” Soo Hyeon’s said. “It is not that I do not like you, I do but...” He’s could not finish his sentence when Mirai’s hugged him.

“I love you, Soo Hyeon.” Mirai’s said. “And let me be the one to be in your heart.” Slowly she’s lifted her head up then she’s moved closer to Soo Hyeon’s face and without Soo Hyeon’s awareness, she’s started to kiss him on the lips and surprisingly, Soo Hyeon’s never back up or pulls himself away from her.

 

 

 

At the city –

 

When Kevin, Dong Ho and Ki Seop walked out of the store whilst holding two bags on each hand, Dong Ho was very excited that he finally has new School’s supplies. In the middle of excitement, all of sudden Dong Ho’s stomach made a loud noise that it caught not just Kevin and Ki Seop’s attentions but peoples that walked passing through them were glaring at them oddly.

Kevin and Ki Seop’s glared at Dong Ho’s sharply making him felt slightly awkward. Quickly Dong Ho’s turned around avoiding eyes contacts with them and when he’s about to move his feet, something made his froze like a frozen statue when he saw something he should have not seen.

Not far from where he’s standing, he by accident saw Yong Hee with Ihn Geok and he thought that his eyes were just playing with him so he’s rubbed his eyes and blinked many times yet he’s still see the real thing. He was quite shocked at what he’s just seen with his eyes. From behind, Kevin and Ki Seop’s walked closer to him and at the same time they patted Dong Ho’s shoulder, gently.

 

 

“Are you alright, Dong Ho?” Kevin’s asked. Dong Ho’s did not respond right away and he’s still frozen like a statue. Kevin and Ki Seop’s looked at one another’s face then they just shrugged their shoulders knowing nothing.

“Let’s go get something to eat.” Ki Seop’s said. Dong Ho’s shook his head.

“On the second though, I do not think I want to eat anymore.” Dong Ho’s said sullenly.

“What is the matter, Dong Ho? I thought you’re hungry, are you not?” Kevin’s asked.

“I have just lost my appetite. Can we just head home right away?” Dong Ho’s spoke.

“Are you sure, Dong Ho? You know you’ll get cranky if you do not eat something.” Ki Seop’s said. Dong Ho’s did not say anything and walked off just like that. Kevin and Ki Seop did not ask more and just followed Dong Ho’s from behind.

 

 

 

Dong Ho’s never says anything even when they have arrived home. He was very silent since he saw something he should have not. The seconds they arrived home, Dong Ho’s just barged out of the car to his room and he was thumping making Xander and Ki Beom’s wondered at Dong Ho’s behaviour.

When Kevin and Ki Seop came inside, they went directly to the living room and just like that they threw themselves to the sofa with a heavy sighed making Xander and Ki Beom more wondering.

 

 

“Usually when the three of you especially Ki Seop’s there has returned home, the three of you will be loud but why is it so quiet this time?” Xander’s asked.

“We do not know either what has happened. Dong Ho’s just became very quiet all of sudden and he would not even want to say anything.” Kevin’s said.

“Quite understood in why Dong Ho was thumping his way to his room.” Ki Beom’s said.

“And we did not stop by to get something to eat, Dong Ho has changed his mind and now, both of us are starving.” Ki Beom’s said. “Oh, have the two of you eaten already?”

“Neither does us.” Xander and Ki Beom’s said at the same time.

“Oh, goodness. I am starving and if I wait a bit longer, I will be drop dead on the floor!!” Ki Seop’s said.

“Should we call a delivery instead?” Ki Beom’s asked. All of them nodded agreeing at the same time. “Then delivery it is. I’ll go call us some Chinese’s Food then.”

“HURRAY ~ !!” All of them cheering at the same time then all of sudden something struck Ki Beom and Xander.

“Oh, right. Eli has returned home.” Xander and Ki Beom’s said at the same time. Kevin and Ki Seop’s eyes became huge when they heard Eli’s name.

“When did he returned?!!” Ki Seop’s asked.

“Not long after when the three of you have left the house.” Xander’s said. Ki Seop’s quickly looked to the left and the right excitedly looking for Eli but he was no where near.

“Where is he?” Ki Seop’s asked excitedly.

“He has gone out to look for Ji Ahn. I wonder if he has found her already.” Xander’s said. When Kevin heard at what Xander has just said, his face changed and he looked quite sullen. “You do not looked quite happy, Kevin. Will you be alright?” Kevin’s smiled bitterly then he’s nodded.

“Yes, I will be.” Kevin’s said. Xander’s seem to understood Kevin even though he did not expressed it with word, Xander’s know Kevin thought and feeling was otherwise. He’s sighed then slowly he’s patted Kevin’s shoulder.

“It is alright, Kevin.” Xander’s said with a smile.

 

 

 

In the middle of waiting for their food to be deliver, one by one was quite jobless and does nothing around the living room but lying down rested on the sofa then not long after, Dong Ho came down from his room with one hand pressing on his stomach and he does not look fine either. When they saw Dong Ho, stood up sitting and watched to where Dong Ho’s going.

Dong Ho was too busy focusing his way to the kitchen to even realize that the others were watching him. When he has come back from the kitchen empty handed and stopped in the middle of the way, he’s turned around facing the others whom were still looking at him.

 

 

“Why are all of you glaring at me like that?” Dong Ho’s asked grumpily.

“Are you hungry, Dong Ho? If you wait for many more minutes, you can eat Chinese’s Food with us.” Kevin’s said smilingly.

 

 

 

Dong Ho has no choice as his stomach growled getting louder then he’s just nodded and joined them in the living room. Not long after, someone rang the door bell at the front door then one by one ran off to the front door like hungry hyenas. Without wasting anymore time, they opened the front door and they saw the delivery man in front of them.

Quickly they gave the money to pay for the Chinese’s Food to the delivery man and they just slammed the front door closed before the delivery man to open his mouth. He was not surprise with them as he’s by far has more other weird customers he have been witnessed before. One by one ran to the kitchen with the food on their hands and without wasting their time, they ate their late dinner like there’s no tomorrow, even Kevin’s acted like them.

Many minutes later, they were full and satisfied with the food and one by one has bloated stomach and one by one burped like there’s no tomorrow. They even held a contest for who could burp the loudest and surprisingly, Kevin was. All of them were laughing at Kevin whom has never acted like that before.

 

 

“Kevin, what’s the deal? You have never been like this before? For all I know, you are the one and only that does not behave like this.” Ki Seop’s said. Kevin’s just raised his shoulders and did not respond to Ki Seop’s questioned. Dong Ho’s laughed lightly. “And you, Dong Ho, what happened to you earlier? You barged to your room just like that.”

“I was feeling unwell but I am alright now.” Dong Ho’s said. “But it is nothing to be pressed about; it’s not a huge matter.” He’s smiled insipidly and he lied.

“You know, you could always tell us if there’s anything wrong.” Xander’s said. Dong Ho’s just nodded.

“Mostly, I am just too worried about my graduation this year and soon, I will be entering University. I am too anxious.” Dong Ho’s said.

“Do not worry, lovely boy. All of us here will help you and remember that we have your back.” Xander’s said whilst putting his right hands around Dong Ho’s shoulders.

“Our boy, Shin Dong Ho is all grown up, now.” Ki Seop’s said whilst wiping tears away from his left eyes and being a bit dramatic. “I am so proud of you.”

“Oh, Ki Seop, stop acting like a drama king.” Ki Beom’s said.

“Why, can I not?” Ki Seop’s asked. Ki Beom’s laughed.

 

 

 

When they had fun talking in the kitchen, without their realization, Soo Hyeon has just arrived home and when he walked into the kitchen to get some drink, he was surprise to see nearly all of them were in the kitchen and the table was a messed.

Soo Hyeon’s looked at them one by one and they looked back to them. Slowly he’s lifted his right hand then he pointed straight at the messy table.

 

 

“It’s look like tornado just passed by.” Soo Hyeon’s said. “All of you should clean the table up before Ji Ahn’s return home. She does not like the kitchen to be a total mess.” When they heard of what Soo Hyeon just said, quickly they cleaned up the table and Soo Hyeon was snickering when he was watching them cleaning up. Not long after, everything was clean like it has never been disturb. “Bravo, all of you.” He’s clapped his hands.

“SEAL!!” Ki Beom’s blurted many second later after Soo Hyeon’s clapped his hands.

“What seal are you talking about, Ki Beom?” Xander’s asked.

“Soo Hyeon’s looked like a seal when he’s clapping his hands like that.” Ki Beom’s said. All of them were bursting into laughter after what Ki Beom has just said. “What? What is so funny?”

“You are, Ki Beom. You are such hilarious one tonight.” Xander’s said. “Good laugh, good laugh.”

“My stomach hurt from Ki Beom’s humour.” Dong Ho’s said whilst pressing his hands onto his stomach whilst walking out of the kitchen and went to the living room then followed by the others and left only Ki Beom and Kevin’s in the kitchen. Ki Beom’s turned his head around and looking at Kevin.

“Was it that funny, Kevin? The whole times, every time I am humouring around, no one were laughing.” Ki Beom’s said with a sigh.

“Tonight must be your night, Ki Beom.” Kevin’s said then he’s patted Ki Beom’s back before he went off to the living room.

“But why?!!” Ki Beom’s mumbled to himself before went off to join the others in the living room.

 

 

---

 

 

The very next day, when Xander’s about to walk to the stairs, he’s noticed that door to Eli’s room was opened since last night. Then he’s wondered if Eli’s ever returned home. Then he’s turned around and walked to Ji Ahn’s room and the door was too open. He’s popped his head inside and peeped around Ji Ahn’s room but no one was there then he’s turned around and looked at the clock wall and its 6:30AM.

Xander became very curious then slowly he’s stepped away from Ji Ahn’s room and just continued his walked to the stairs with wondering thoughts around his mind. When he’s walked down the stairs, Xander saw Kevin in the living room alone by himself. Quickly he’s paced his steps approaching Kevin.

 

 

“Kevin, how odd it is that Eli and Ji Ahn were no where around their room.” Xander’s said out of the blue.

“Maybe they went out.” Kevin’s said.

“Kevin, its 6:30AM, what kind of store is opening at this time of hour?!!” Xander’s said.

“Maybe they went out for a stroll.” Kevin’s said then slowly he’s lifted his head up and looked at Xander. “Xander, are you hungry? I bet you have not yet had your breakfast, yes? Go eat something, Xander.” Xander’s groaned then he’s stood up and went to the kitchen. “And stop being such cranky pants at this time of hour, Xander.”

“YES, MA’AM!!” Xander’s shouted from the kitchen.

 

 

 

As time stroke 7:00AM, one by one ran down the stairs and went to the kitchen directly to have their breakfast especially Dong Ho who’s always rushing every morning on a School’s Days. As usual Dong Ho’s gulped down a glass of cold milk with a bread on the right hand before he ran to the door meanwhile Soo Hyeon’s always taking it calmly.

While for Ki Seop, he’s always walking so slow to the kitchen while yawning himself and for Ki Beom, he’s always the normal one with the normal speed and everyday, it’s always the same with the repeated procedure.

For Ji Ahn, she’s usually the one to wake up early and also the one to left the house early and every morning except on weekends, they have never stumble with Ji Ahn’s in the busy kitchen even with Soo Hyeon, they have never bump onto on another despite they have the same Class. Soo Hyeon’s always coming to Class late and that’s one reason why Ji Ahn’s never wanted to tag along with Soo Hyeon.

 

 

“I am very tired, I want to go back to sleep!!” Ki Seop’s said.

“Ki Seop, stop complaining. Go get something to eat and no, you cannot go back to sleep, Mister and you know that.” Kevin’s said. “We have a very busy day today, so not slacking off.”

“Kevin is being the mother again.” Ki Seop’s exclaimed.

“HE IS!!” Xander’s shouted, responding from the kitchen.

“Xander, SHUSH!! Just eat your breakfast there.” Kevin’s said. Ki Seop’s making funny faces at Kevin when he was looking at the other way then just like that Ki Seop’s ran off to the kitchen before Kevin could see it. “I see what you just did, Ki Seop.”

“I DID NOTHING!!” Ki Seop’s screaming.

 

“Is the lovely wife’s angry again?” Ki Beom’s asked whispery.

“And I am always the victim.” Ki Seop’s responded grumpily while eating a piece of bread. “Why me?!!” He’s groaned.

“That’s because you are acting somewhat silly sometimes, Ki Seop.” Ki Beom’s said.

“Do you not want to have that bread to be toasted, Ki Seop?” Xander’s asked.

“No, eating like this is very fine.” Ki Seop’s said.

 

 

 

On his way running to School, all of sudden Dong Ho’s reduced his speed when he’s just remembered about the two bullies that’s always wait outside the School’s Gate that were constantly bullying him. He’s looked to the left and the right then slowly he’s walked forward and surprisingly, there was no one around the School’s Gate.

When everything was clear, Dong Ho’s breathed out heavily then slowly he’s walked forward and went to Class safely, unlike the usual, he’s never always come to Class on time and when he’s stepped inside, everything when silent and everyone were looking at him with their disbelief looks on their faces.

Dong Ho’s ignored everything and went to his seat and acted like nothing’s happened. Not long after he has seated down, Yong Hee’s came approaching him and when Dong Ho’s his head around facing Yong Hee, the imaged of her with Ihn Geok’s appeared in his mind making him to turns his head away facing the other’s direction.

 

 

“Good morning, Dong Ho.” Yong Hee’s greeted him morning. No respond from Dong Ho somehow has made Yong Hee’s worried. “Dong Ho, are you alright?” Yet, Dong Ho never did open his mouth at all until their Teacher has entered the Class and she was quite surprised to see Dong Ho’s on his seat yet it made her smiled.

 

 

 

Later when it’s time for the students to have their break time, one by one has left the Class and some stayed in the Class since they brought their lunch boxes from home. Slowly Dong Ho’s stood up and walked to the door and as he’s stepped out of the Class, he was being surprised by Min Hae.

Dong Ho’s nearly had a heart attack when Min Hae’s surprised im just like that.

 

 

“Please do not do that. I could have died due to heart attack there.” Dong Ho’s said. Min Hae’s moved closer to Dong Ho’s whilst putting her hands around his right arms.

“Oh, I’m sorry Dong Ho. It is just so great to see you today.” Min Hae’s said joyously. “I am hungry, Dong Ho. Let’s go get something to eat.” Dong Ho’s smiled then just like that they walked off heading to the School’s Cafeteria. Not long after they have left, Yong Hee’s just returned back to Class from the girl’s toilet. She’s looked around and could not find Dong Ho’s everywhere.

“Min Joo, do you know where Dong Ho has gone to?” Yong Hee’s asked. Min Joo’s looked around from the left to the right then she’s looked back to Yong Hee.

“He was just here, Yong.” Min Joo’s said. “I think he’s just left not long ago. I think he has gone off to the School’s Cafeteria?” Yong Hee’s just nodded then after she’s thanking Min Joo, Yong Hee’s ran out of the class just like that heading to the School’s Cafeteria. Just when she’s about to run down the stairs, from behind someone grabbing her and pulled her away and when she’s turned her head around, surprised she was to see Ihn Geok.

“Ihn Geok?!!” Yong Hee’s asked surprisingly.

“Where are you going to?” Ihn Geok’s asked.

“I am going to the School’s Cafeteria, of course.” Yong Hee’s asked. “Why do you asked, Ihn Geok? Are you not having your lunch with Joon?”

“Joon’s did not come to School’s today.” Ihn Geok’s said.

“Ihn Geok, you look very pale, are you alright?” Yong Hee’s asked.

 

 

Twenty steps away: Pace 0014.

by: suikaxusagi8

June 018^th of 2011.