Chapter 12 - That Unique Feeling Called Love
Title: _
That Unique Feeling Called Love
Main Characters: _
Onew, Minho, Taemin, Key, Jonghyun (SHINee)
Main Fictional Characters : _
Kim Mira, Park Haneul, Kwon Sunyoung, Seo Hani, Lee Nayoung
Genre: _
Romance, Fluff, Comedy, Friendship
Summary: _
The Shinee boys had never experienced love before, until they met the girls coincidentally on a random day.
Chapter 12 - Party With SHINee
Onew panted and tried to catch his breath the moment he reached the door to Mira’s apartment. Yes, he knew where Mira’s apartment was as he had sent her home that morning after he had forced her to have breakfast with him. Onew took a deep breath before knocking onto the door. Onew gave a wide smile when the door suddenly opened, showing Mira in her jeans and a black shirt. She had braided her hair in two and Onew thought she looked cute.
Mira cleared her throat causing Onew to wake up from his reverie. He saw her frowning at him with her arms folded. Onew bit his bottom lips, suddenly lost for words.
“What are you doing here Onew-ssi? Aren’t you scared that there might be reporters following you here?” Mira asked with rounded eyes.
Onew chuckled when he saw her expression. Mira just glared at him sharply causing Onew to gulp. “Are you free right now?” Onew asked, getting straight to the point.
“Ne?”
“For a smart person like you, I feel sorry towards you for being deaf.” Onew grinned.
“Excuse me?” Mira gaped, feeling quite insulted.
“Mianhe.” Onew chuckled. “I asked if you are free right now?”
“Why do you want to know?” Mira asked, curiosity tugging at her heartstrings.
“I want to bring you somewhere.” Onew shrugged.
Mira sighed. “I’m working later tonight.”
“Don’t worry, the place I’m going to bring you to is quite near to the minimart. So you can just go straight to work from there.” Onew answered, knowing fully well what she was thinking about. “So, can you come?”
“I don’t know.” Mira shrugged
“Please, I promise you it’ll be fun.”
“What’s there for me?”
“Um, dinner? Free food and drinks?”
“Oh really?” Mira raised an eyebrow. “Okay then, let me take my bag with me. Wait here.”
Onew nodded and grinned wide before punching the air with victory. He watched as Mira walked into her apartment to take her bag. She had left the door opened and Onew managed to take a peek at the insides of her small apartment. Onew widened his eyes at the neatness of her apartment. It was full of pink and that surprised Onew so much. Just as he was about to step into her apartment to take a clearer look at the interior, Mira was suddenly standing in front of him, pushing him out of her apartment.
“It’s rude to enter a girl’s apartment without permission.” Mira clearly stated with a frown. Onew grinned while scratching the back of his head.
“Well, I was just curious. Sorry.” Onew mumbled.
Mira shook her head, smiling slightly. “Apology accepted.”
"Are you wearing this?" Onew asked suddenly as he eyed Mira who was locking the door to her apartment. She was wearing the same clothes as Onew had seen earlier, only with the addition of a denim jacket and a black cap. Mira looked at herself and looked at Onew questioningly.
"Wae? Is something wrong?"
"Don't you have a dress at least?" Onew asked with a shy smile.
"Of course I do. But why do you ask?" Mira raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you want me to wear a dress?"
"What if I said I do?" Onew grinned.
"Forget it, it will never happen." Mira told him.
"Can't you at least be a little lenient with me once?" Onew pleaded.
"Why must I?"
"Because I'm Onew of Shinee?" Onew gave a lopsided grin which surprisingly made Mira laughed. Onew felt light-headed suddenly when he saw the cheerful expression on Mira's face.
"I need to work later, so we'll just make do with whatever I am wearing right now ahrasso?" Mira said before throwing Onew a sweet smile.
Onew just nodded his head with his mouth gaping opened. He wondered what kind of magic Mira had placed on him to make him agree with her easily. This was new to him. He had never met someone who was able to manipulate him like how Mira just did.
"Onew-ssi? Are you listening to what I'm saying?" Mira asked tilting her head.
"Ne? Sorry, I didn't catch that." Onew muttered and Mira sighed.
"I asked, where are we going?"
"Um, just follow me." Onew said as he pulled Mira by her hand and headed out of the building. Onew placed his hood on his head before pushing his sunglasses into his face. Mira shook her head as she tried to let her hand free from Onew's grasp. But Onew held it tighter and Mira just let out a whine in protest.
"Why are you still calling me formally?" Onew suddenly asked when their walk was getting a little bit too quiet.
"Huh? Isn't that normal?"
"Ani. Normal would be just Jinki, or Onew at least."
"Are we friends or what?"
"I treat you as a friend. So you're free to call me Jinki."
"Nah. I still prefer Onew-ssi." Mira smirked.
Onew groaned but still kept his smile on his lips. "I'll make sure that you'll call me Jinki soon."
"We'll see if it's going to happen anytime soon." Mira muttered.
"We're going to Read-a-Book Café. Heard of it?" Onew asked and Mira nodded.
“I’ve walked passed the café a couple of times but didn’t get a chance to go in yet.” Mira said.
“Well, today is your lucky day!” Onew grinned. “We’re going to celebrate a friend’s birthday at the café. Only special friends are invited.”
“Bo? Aigoo! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Mira exclaimed in panic.
“Why?”
“I’ll be so out of place! I shouldn’t have followed you!” Mira whined. Onew gave a light chuckle. It was the first time he saw Mira letting her guard down. She was not the type to whine, but she just did that cute whining in front of him.
“Don’t worry. It’s just us.” Onew tried comforting.
“Us? Us as in me and you or will there be others?”
“Well, it’s me and you and my members and their friends.” Onew said.
“Members? Your members as in Shinee members?” Mira gaped.
“Hm, that’s right!”
“Ommo!” Mira stopped walking suddenly, pulling Onew to a stop as well.
“Yah! Let’s go! We’re going to be late!” Onew tried to pull her to continue walking again.
“Wait! How do I look? Am I presentable enough? I should have worn a dress! Ottoke? What do I do?” Mira was ranting nervously and this made Onew frown.
“Why is it that you are so worried about the way you look, when it’s just my members that you are going to meet later?”
“Yah! It’s Shinee we’re meeting! How can I not be worried?” Mira stared at Onew in horror.
“Yah! Then who the hell am I?” Onew asked, feeling a bit jealous suddenly.
Mira shrugged. “Well, you’re their leader.”
“Exactly! And now stop being a fangirl and act like your normal self, like you do in front of me.” Onew said.
“Jealous.” Mira mumbled.
“You have no idea.” Onew smirked and pulled Mira by the hand to continue walking, ignoring the surprised look on the girl’s face.
******
“Where did Onew hyung go?” Jonghyun asked as he sat himself down beside Minho.
“Well, I think he had gone to fetch his Miss Minimart.” Minho smirked.
“Ah, sinchia-yo? You mean that cashier girl in the minimart we saw the other time?” Minho just nodded. Jonghyun gasped. “But how?”
“Let’s just say I triggered his emotions.” Minho laughed.
“Daebak!” Jonghyun laughed as well before looking around the café. His eyes landed on Nayoung who was now busy having a friendly conversation with Key and Hani. Jonghyun was glad that Nayoung was able to make it that evening even though it was a last minute planning. Jonghyun excused himself from Minho and walked over towards the trio.
“Anything to share?” Jonghyun asked before sitting down beside Key.
“Ani. We were just telling Nayoung about our volunteering works.” Key answered him with a grin.
“Ne, ne. Our Key is so into volunteering now. I wonder why…” Jonghyun shot Key a knowing look, earning him a light smack on the head from Key.
“Yah! You’re sprouting nonsense you know that?” Key snapped before turning to look at both Hani and Nayoung, both with confused look on their faces. “Ignore him, he’s just being a jerk.”
“Bo? I’m not a jerk!” Jonghyun exclaimed.
“Boys, boys. It’s getting rather loud you know.” Nayoung said with a grin.
“Ne. I’m sorry.” Jonghyun quickly apologized before smiling wide at Nayoung.
“See, he only listens to you Nayoung. Isn’t that a surprise?” Key blurted and Jonghyun shot him a deathly glare.
“Aish! He listens to Dee unnie as well. But it does make me feel as if I have the power to control him.” Nayoung laughed and Hani joined in as well.
“You have no idea.” Key grinned, throwing a furtive glance towards Jonghyun.
******
Taemin and Sunyoung were busy brewing banana milk coffee. At times the two of them would start teasing and joking around each other. Sunyoung was the only female whom Taemin felt most comfortable with. She was not only a friend but also the best companion. Taemin realized he was falling for her hard, ever since he laid his eyes on her the first day they met. She was a great listener and Taemin thought that his life was such a bliss whenever he was with Sunyoung.
Sunyoung grinned as she waved her hand continuously in front of Taemin’s face. Taemin jumped a little and that made Sunyoung laughed. Then she frowned and scribbled something on her notepad.
‘You’re dreaming again!’
Taemin read the message and he smiled. “Ne. I’m dreaming about you.”
Sunyoung widened her eyes before writing again. ‘Teaser!’
“Hey! I’m not just a normal teaser, in fact I’m the romantic teaser.” Taemin said as he wriggled his eyebrows towards her. Sunyoung rolled her eyes before headed out from behind the counter to join Hani and Nayoung at the table.
Taemin sighed dejected as he watched Sunyoung moving further away from him. ‘Why can’t you take me seriously for once Sunyoung-ah? I’m really falling in love with you.’ Taemin thought sadly.
******
Minho, Jonghyun, Key and Taemin stood up excitedly when they saw Onew entering the café with a girl towing behind him. Almost immediately, they were able to recognize the girl. She was indeed the Miss Minimart whom they had seen a few days ago. But of course they were unable to talk about it, afraid that Onew would found out about their little stalking secret.
“Kids, let me introduce you to my friend here, Kim Mira.” Onew said with a forced smile. He watched as Mira gave a shy smile towards his dongsaengs. Onew noticed that his members were looking excited as well as one by one they introduced themselves. It might sound weird, but surprisingly, Onew felt threatened.
“So what does it feel like to meet us personally?” Jonghyun asked, a proud grin forming on his lips.
“I-I feel honored. Truly.” Mira answered blushing. Onew gritted his teeth.
“So you’re one of our fans?” Key asked next.
“Ne. A huge fan!” Mira squealed. Onew balled his hand into a fist.
“Which one of us is your bias?” Taemin inquired.
“It’s you.” Mira replied shyly. Onew let out an inward groan.
“What do you like about Taemin?” Minho asked.
“He’s just cute. Who wouldn’t love him?” Mira grinned. Onew could not take it anymore, so he dragged Mira away from his members and headed towards Sunyoung, Nayoung and Hani who were just sitting quietly at the back of the café.
“Mira, this is Sunyoung, Taemin’s special friend. And this is Nayoung, Jonghyun’s special friend. And this is Hani, Key’s special friend.” Onew introduced the three girls to Mira. He made sure to stress out on the word special to Mira so that she would get the picture.
“Nice to meet you.” Mira gave a low bow. “I’m Kim Mira. I guess I’m just a friend here.”
“Well, you’re my special friend then!” Onew exclaimed before putting his arms around Mira’s shoulders and pulled her in a side-way hug.
Mira turned to look at Onew. “Um, I would appreciate it if you let me go now.”
Onew chuckled. “Ne, ne. I just leave you girls here then.”
Mira nodded as she watched Onew moving away to be with his members. Mira turned to look at the three girls in front of her and smiled. Nayoung gestured for her to sit on one of the empty chairs.
“So Mira, how long have you known Onew?” Nayoung asked.
“Not that long actually. I work as a part time cashier at a family minimart just down the other street. Coincidentally Onew-ssi usually frequents the store. So that’s where I met him.” Mira explained.
“Oh! It’s the same for me too.” Hani said. “I met Kibum when Shinee did a charity event down at the orphanage. And that was about a month ago.”
“Ah, same here.” Mira nodded with a smile. Then she looked around the café with much interest. “I love the ambience of this café.”
“It’s Sunyoung’s father’s café.” Nayoung informed as she hugged Sunyoung by her shoulder. “She’s a special friend. I got to know her from the Shinee boys.”
Sunyoung gave a shy smile towards Mira and scribbled into her notepad. ‘Please do come back here when you have the time unnie.’
Mira read the note and smiled before frowning. Hani who noticed this quickly explained to Mira on Sunyoung’s disability and Mira just nodded in understanding. Then almost on instinct, she leaned forward to give a hug to Sunyoung who just continued smiling.
“I will sure come back here.” Mira told her assuringly.
“So, what time is Minho-ssi’s friend coming?” Hani asked to which Sunyoung answered with sign language; ‘She will be here by eight.’
Hani nodded. “She’ll be here by eight. That’s about ten more minutes from now.” Hani told Nayoung and Mira.
“So it’s Minho-ssi’s friend’s birthday? Is it his girlfriend?” Mira asked in a whisper.
Sunyoung laughed and explained it to Hani in her sign language again. Hani nodded with a knowing smile.
“Aniyo. They are friends but Taemin did tell Sunyoung that Minho likes her. But she’s not aware of it.” Hani said and the rest of the girls laughed.
“How cute!” Nayoung squealed.
******
“Haneul should be here soon.” Minho called out and gestured for his members and their friends to be ready. “We’ll sing the birthday song the moment she enters the café okay?”
A series of okay were heard around the café. And the Shinee boys immediately took their places beside their special girls. Jonghyun pulled Nayoung nearer to the entrance of the café whereas Key had called Hani to him towards the food table. Onew on the other hand had practically dragged Mira towards the entrance as well, standing just opposite from Jonghyun and Nayoung. Taemin and Sunyoung were back behind the counter and were getting ready to pop out the party poppers. Minho was standing in the middle of the café with a birthday cake in his hands. Then, Taemin turned off the lights and they waited for Haneul to come.
***
At exactly eight p.m., the door to the café opened and Haneul stepped in carefully. She noticed the darkness and thought if she had came to the correct place. Just then the lights came on and the birthday song was sung. Haneul looked around the café and saw a few unfamiliar faces smiling at her. When she turned to the front, she saw Minho walking towards her with a chocolate crusted cake which made her smile. When she saw Key, Taemin and Sunyoung, she smiled even wider.
“Happy birthday to you!” The song ended and Taemin and Sunyoung popped the party poppers in their hands while the rest simply clapped.
“Gamsahamnida, gamsahamnida.” Haneul bowed low towards the people who were present in the café before blowing the lighted candles on the cake.
Minho grinned wide to see the happiness on Haneul’s face. He was proud that he was the one who had actually planned for the party, of course with the help of his members and their new friends. He pulled Haneul to his side and started to introduce Haneul to the unfamiliar people in the café.
“This is such honor for me to meet SHINee finally!” Haneul exclaimed. “Even though I am not really familiar with SHINee before this, but I promise I will listen to your musics after today is over.”
“You’d better keep your promise then noona.” Taemin winked and the rest of their friends just laughed.
******
“So, how do you like the party?” Minho inquired to the still smiling Haneul beside him.
“It’s cool!” Haneul replied as she bit into her piece of chocolate cake. “I feel so much at home with friends all around me.”
Minho grinned. “See, when you’re with me, you’ll meet nice people.”
“Thank you so much Minho-ssi! You’re a great friend!” Haneul grinned.
“Minho. Just call me Minho.” Minho told her. “And we’re not just friends. We’re special friends.”
“Ne. Special friends.” Haneul grinned before looking around the café. She enjoyed conversing with the other girls. Hani was such a sweet person, Mira was a serious girl but very smart and friendly, Nayoung was a caring friend and Sunyoung was like her little sister. The Shinee members were playful and down to earth and Haneul enjoyed every single minute mingling with them.
“What are you thinking?” Haneul suddenly felt Minho’s warm breath on her ear and she shivered slightly. She turned to look at Minho who had a very serious look on his face. Haneul gulped before composing herself.
“Um, are the girls your member’s girlfriends?” Haneul asked in a soft and low tone. Minho chuckled.
“Actually each of my members likes those girls but they are too chicken to tell those girls of their feelings.” Minho informed with a sly smile.
“Ah, sinchia-yo?” Haneul gaped.
“Ne. You see Jonghyun hyung, he’s head over heels in love with Nayoung but she doesn’t know that. He is always hanging around Nayoung in our waiting room and would always follow her wherever she goes. And Onew hyung, we all know he likes Mira-ssi, but he’s not sure of his own feelings. You should have seen him earlier. He was obviously jealous of us when we were talking to Mira-ssi!” Minho shook his head, still laughing. “Taemin, as you know he’s a regular here at Read-a-Book Café. The only reason he’s here is because of Sunyoung. And Sunyoung isn’t aware of his feelings and kept thinking that Taemin sees her as a friend. Kibum is different though. I have a feeling Hani-ssi has a rough idea that he likes her. He does volunteer works because of her as well.”
“Wow! Each of your members has a unique love story.” Haneul grinned before turning to Minho. “What about you?”
“Me? Well, I do like someone too but I’m not sure if she feels the same for me.” Minho said confidently as he stared straight into Haneul’s eyes.
“Oh.” Haneul said, avoiding Minho’s gaze. She felt disappointed all of a sudden. ‘What a mood for a birthday.’ Haneul thought sadly.
******
“Here, eat this.” Jonghyun placed a few more prawns onto Nayoung’s plate.
“Jonghyun! Are you trying to make me fat?” Nayoung rolled her eyes.
“Ani. I want to see you eat. You’re not eating enough!”
“I’m full! I need to go soon anyway.” Nayoung told him and he gaped.
“Bo? It’s not even nine!” Jonghyun pouted.
“I have lots of chores to do at home.” Nayoung explained and Jonghyun suddenly remembered her mother and siblings who were waiting for her at home.
“Then pack some food and bring it home. We have more than enough food here!” Jonghyun said as he went to search for containers to place the food into.
Nayoung stared at the man in surprise. “Jonghyun-ah, I’m perfectly fine.”
“Ani. Just listen to me for once.” Jonghyun said with a grin. “I always listen to you back in the waiting room, studios, during promotions, hell almost everyday! So tonight, it’s your turn to listen to me.”
Nayoung nodded her head silently. She felt a different kind of feeling tugging at her heartstrings as she watched Jonghyun continued to pack the food into containers. He was the first man to do that for her. And he was making her confused big time. Nayoung bit her lips as she tried to shake off the feeling which was enveloping her heart.
“Gomawo Jonghyun-ah.” Nayoung whispered.
“Don’t worry about it.” Jonghyun replied. “I do this because I care.”
Nayoung gasped when she felt Jonghyun placed a soft kiss on the crown of her head. The only thing Nayoung remembered next was the warm feeling creeping up her neck to her cheeks, she blushed crimson.
******
Key watched as Hani continued talking to him. He could see her mouth moving but he could not seem to hear anything. The only thing he knew was that Hani had the most precious and cute lips. He would do anything to just get those full lips to shut up and kiss them senseless…
“Are you listening to what I’m saying?” Hani asked as she waved her hand in front of Key’s face.
“Wae? Wae?” Key gulped, guilty.
“I was saying I will be away for a while.” Hani repeated.
“Away? Away where?” Key asked, suddenly feeling alert. His mind was full of questions. Was she leaving him? Will he be able to meet her again? What if she was migrating?
“I’m going to the Philippines for three weeks. I’m following a group of volunteers there.” Hani explained.
“But why?” Key suddenly shouted which caused the whole café to be silent suddenly. Hani just nodded her head apologetically before lightly hitting Key’s arm.”
“Why are you shouting?” Hani hissed.
“Sorry.” Key mumbled. His happy mood was suddenly plunging down.
“It’s a project. I have to do my thesis on this.” Hani explained again. “Besides, it’s only three weeks.”
“Three weeks is too long!” Key whined. “I won’t get to see you.”
“There’s always internet and I have my phone.”
“It’s not the same.” Key pouted.
“Aish! If people were to see you like this, they might even think that you’re a possessive boyfriend of mine.” Hani laughed.
“If that’s what they want to think, then let them be.” Key shrugged.
“ Oh Kibum! Your jokes are the best!” Hani rolled her eyes.
“Oh Hani! My jokes are going to make you stunned.” Key said in a low tone before giving a peck on Hani’s cheek.
And it was true, she was stunned.
******
Onew and Mira were in midst of a competition. They were both holding a large jug of iced soda each and were gulping them down with a small straw. Whoever finished the soda first will be the slave to the other for a month and they were also supposed to follow all orders from the winner. Of course both Onew and Mira were so competitive that they could not let this chance passed them by.
“You are so going down Mira!” Onew managed to growl in between sucks.
“Mmmm!!!” Mira responded without letting go of the straw.
In a few minutes, Onew had finally finished his soda first and stood up before dancing silly around Mira. She still had a bit more soda to finish but stopped when she saw Onew had won.
“I told you, you can’t beat me.” Onew grinned as he pulled his chair nearer to Mira until he was sitting directly in front of her.
Mira scowled. “You’re such a brat Jinki!”
Onew stopped grinning before laughing out loud. “See! You called me Jinki!”
Mira gulped. That was not supposed to happen. So she quickly put a hand to her head and moaned. “Aish! Brainfreeze!”
“What a great actress!” Onew sneered. Then, a naughty idea filled his head. He leaned forward towards Mira who had her eyes closed. “Want me to kiss that brainfreeze away?” Onew asked in a low husky whisper.
Mira snapped her eyes open and blinked for a few moments before pushing Onew away from her. “Yah! Stop that!”
“You know you like that.” Onew shrugged, still with a silly smile on his face.
Mira felt her heart beating crazily. This was not supposed to happen. Yes true, she was a fan of Shinee but she’s not supposed to have any feelings for any of the members. She felt that it was so wrong!
“It’s getting late, I need to go.” Mira muttered suddenly before standing up. But Onew grabbed onto her wrist fast enough and pulled her down again.
“It’s only nine. Your shift starts at eleven.” Onew reminded her.
“I need to go home and change.” Mira made a quick excuse.
“Oh no you don’t.” Onew retorted, still holding on tight to Mira’s wirst.
“Who are you to say that?” Mira glared at Shinee’s leader.
“I won the soda drinking competition. So I call all the shots here!” Onew grinned and Mira sighed dejectedly.
“I should have won just now.” Mira groaned before burying her face into her hands.
“Too bad then.” Onew shrugged before thinking hard. “Okay, now I have something that I want you to do for me.”
Mira immediately looked up to see Onew with a serious face. She hoped he was not going to ask her do something crazy.
“What?” She asked, frowning.
Onew smirked. “Massage my shoulders.”
“Bo?” Mira exclaimed with rounded eyes.
“Pali! I’m waiting.” Onew shook his shoulders.
“Urgh! I feel so like a maid!” Mira groaned as she proceeded to walk behind Onew to give him his wanted massage.
“I’m training you to be a wife.” Onew mumbled with a sly smile.
Mira gaped.
******
Sunyoung and Taemin were behind the counter as they cleaned up the mess from the party poppers that they made. Soon after, Sunyoung proceeded to wash her hands and decided to make some banana milk coffee in a jug to be served to her friends in the café.
Taemin watched in fascination as his favorite girl continued to do some mixing of coffee powder into the jug. Sunyoung was the forever girl in his heart. It was true that she was two years younger than him, but she was matured enough for her age.
Taemin watched as Sunyoung tasted the banana milk coffee which she had finished making using a spoon. Then she gave a sweet smile and gestured to Taemin if he wanted to taste the drink too. Taemin nodded and Sunyoung proceeded to take a new spoon from the drawer. But Taemin was fast enough to grab the same spoon which she had used to taste. He used the same spoon to scoop the banana milk coffee and tasted it himself.
“Hm… Delicious! Just the way I like it!” Taemin praised. Sunyoung frowned.
‘That’s unhygienic.’ Sunyoung wrote on her notepad.
Taemin shrugged. “I don’t mind as long I got that indirect kiss from you.”
Sunyoung gaped, totally shocked with Taemin’s confession.
“Don’t look at me like that.” Taemin whispered into Sunyoung’s ear. He could hear Sunyoung breathing unsteadily from the mere contact. “It’s making me hot.”
Sunyoung stood rooted to the ground as she watched Taemin walked away from the counter carrying the jug of banana milk coffee with him.
Sunyoung pinched her cheeks to see if she was dreaming. She hissed when she felt the pain. O oh! Taemin just made her lose her concentration.
That Unique Feeling Called Love
Main Characters: _
Onew, Minho, Taemin, Key, Jonghyun (SHINee)
Main Fictional Characters : _
Kim Mira, Park Haneul, Kwon Sunyoung, Seo Hani, Lee Nayoung
Genre: _
Romance, Fluff, Comedy, Friendship
Summary: _
The Shinee boys had never experienced love before, until they met the girls coincidentally on a random day.
Chapter 12 - Party With SHINee
Onew panted and tried to catch his breath the moment he reached the door to Mira’s apartment. Yes, he knew where Mira’s apartment was as he had sent her home that morning after he had forced her to have breakfast with him. Onew took a deep breath before knocking onto the door. Onew gave a wide smile when the door suddenly opened, showing Mira in her jeans and a black shirt. She had braided her hair in two and Onew thought she looked cute.
Mira cleared her throat causing Onew to wake up from his reverie. He saw her frowning at him with her arms folded. Onew bit his bottom lips, suddenly lost for words.
“What are you doing here Onew-ssi? Aren’t you scared that there might be reporters following you here?” Mira asked with rounded eyes.
Onew chuckled when he saw her expression. Mira just glared at him sharply causing Onew to gulp. “Are you free right now?” Onew asked, getting straight to the point.
“Ne?”
“For a smart person like you, I feel sorry towards you for being deaf.” Onew grinned.
“Excuse me?” Mira gaped, feeling quite insulted.
“Mianhe.” Onew chuckled. “I asked if you are free right now?”
“Why do you want to know?” Mira asked, curiosity tugging at her heartstrings.
“I want to bring you somewhere.” Onew shrugged.
Mira sighed. “I’m working later tonight.”
“Don’t worry, the place I’m going to bring you to is quite near to the minimart. So you can just go straight to work from there.” Onew answered, knowing fully well what she was thinking about. “So, can you come?”
“I don’t know.” Mira shrugged
“Please, I promise you it’ll be fun.”
“What’s there for me?”
“Um, dinner? Free food and drinks?”
“Oh really?” Mira raised an eyebrow. “Okay then, let me take my bag with me. Wait here.”
Onew nodded and grinned wide before punching the air with victory. He watched as Mira walked into her apartment to take her bag. She had left the door opened and Onew managed to take a peek at the insides of her small apartment. Onew widened his eyes at the neatness of her apartment. It was full of pink and that surprised Onew so much. Just as he was about to step into her apartment to take a clearer look at the interior, Mira was suddenly standing in front of him, pushing him out of her apartment.
“It’s rude to enter a girl’s apartment without permission.” Mira clearly stated with a frown. Onew grinned while scratching the back of his head.
“Well, I was just curious. Sorry.” Onew mumbled.
Mira shook her head, smiling slightly. “Apology accepted.”
"Are you wearing this?" Onew asked suddenly as he eyed Mira who was locking the door to her apartment. She was wearing the same clothes as Onew had seen earlier, only with the addition of a denim jacket and a black cap. Mira looked at herself and looked at Onew questioningly.
"Wae? Is something wrong?"
"Don't you have a dress at least?" Onew asked with a shy smile.
"Of course I do. But why do you ask?" Mira raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you want me to wear a dress?"
"What if I said I do?" Onew grinned.
"Forget it, it will never happen." Mira told him.
"Can't you at least be a little lenient with me once?" Onew pleaded.
"Why must I?"
"Because I'm Onew of Shinee?" Onew gave a lopsided grin which surprisingly made Mira laughed. Onew felt light-headed suddenly when he saw the cheerful expression on Mira's face.
"I need to work later, so we'll just make do with whatever I am wearing right now ahrasso?" Mira said before throwing Onew a sweet smile.
Onew just nodded his head with his mouth gaping opened. He wondered what kind of magic Mira had placed on him to make him agree with her easily. This was new to him. He had never met someone who was able to manipulate him like how Mira just did.
"Onew-ssi? Are you listening to what I'm saying?" Mira asked tilting her head.
"Ne? Sorry, I didn't catch that." Onew muttered and Mira sighed.
"I asked, where are we going?"
"Um, just follow me." Onew said as he pulled Mira by her hand and headed out of the building. Onew placed his hood on his head before pushing his sunglasses into his face. Mira shook her head as she tried to let her hand free from Onew's grasp. But Onew held it tighter and Mira just let out a whine in protest.
"Why are you still calling me formally?" Onew suddenly asked when their walk was getting a little bit too quiet.
"Huh? Isn't that normal?"
"Ani. Normal would be just Jinki, or Onew at least."
"Are we friends or what?"
"I treat you as a friend. So you're free to call me Jinki."
"Nah. I still prefer Onew-ssi." Mira smirked.
Onew groaned but still kept his smile on his lips. "I'll make sure that you'll call me Jinki soon."
"We'll see if it's going to happen anytime soon." Mira muttered.
"We're going to Read-a-Book Café. Heard of it?" Onew asked and Mira nodded.
“I’ve walked passed the café a couple of times but didn’t get a chance to go in yet.” Mira said.
“Well, today is your lucky day!” Onew grinned. “We’re going to celebrate a friend’s birthday at the café. Only special friends are invited.”
“Bo? Aigoo! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Mira exclaimed in panic.
“Why?”
“I’ll be so out of place! I shouldn’t have followed you!” Mira whined. Onew gave a light chuckle. It was the first time he saw Mira letting her guard down. She was not the type to whine, but she just did that cute whining in front of him.
“Don’t worry. It’s just us.” Onew tried comforting.
“Us? Us as in me and you or will there be others?”
“Well, it’s me and you and my members and their friends.” Onew said.
“Members? Your members as in Shinee members?” Mira gaped.
“Hm, that’s right!”
“Ommo!” Mira stopped walking suddenly, pulling Onew to a stop as well.
“Yah! Let’s go! We’re going to be late!” Onew tried to pull her to continue walking again.
“Wait! How do I look? Am I presentable enough? I should have worn a dress! Ottoke? What do I do?” Mira was ranting nervously and this made Onew frown.
“Why is it that you are so worried about the way you look, when it’s just my members that you are going to meet later?”
“Yah! It’s Shinee we’re meeting! How can I not be worried?” Mira stared at Onew in horror.
“Yah! Then who the hell am I?” Onew asked, feeling a bit jealous suddenly.
Mira shrugged. “Well, you’re their leader.”
“Exactly! And now stop being a fangirl and act like your normal self, like you do in front of me.” Onew said.
“Jealous.” Mira mumbled.
“You have no idea.” Onew smirked and pulled Mira by the hand to continue walking, ignoring the surprised look on the girl’s face.
******
“Where did Onew hyung go?” Jonghyun asked as he sat himself down beside Minho.
“Well, I think he had gone to fetch his Miss Minimart.” Minho smirked.
“Ah, sinchia-yo? You mean that cashier girl in the minimart we saw the other time?” Minho just nodded. Jonghyun gasped. “But how?”
“Let’s just say I triggered his emotions.” Minho laughed.
“Daebak!” Jonghyun laughed as well before looking around the café. His eyes landed on Nayoung who was now busy having a friendly conversation with Key and Hani. Jonghyun was glad that Nayoung was able to make it that evening even though it was a last minute planning. Jonghyun excused himself from Minho and walked over towards the trio.
“Anything to share?” Jonghyun asked before sitting down beside Key.
“Ani. We were just telling Nayoung about our volunteering works.” Key answered him with a grin.
“Ne, ne. Our Key is so into volunteering now. I wonder why…” Jonghyun shot Key a knowing look, earning him a light smack on the head from Key.
“Yah! You’re sprouting nonsense you know that?” Key snapped before turning to look at both Hani and Nayoung, both with confused look on their faces. “Ignore him, he’s just being a jerk.”
“Bo? I’m not a jerk!” Jonghyun exclaimed.
“Boys, boys. It’s getting rather loud you know.” Nayoung said with a grin.
“Ne. I’m sorry.” Jonghyun quickly apologized before smiling wide at Nayoung.
“See, he only listens to you Nayoung. Isn’t that a surprise?” Key blurted and Jonghyun shot him a deathly glare.
“Aish! He listens to Dee unnie as well. But it does make me feel as if I have the power to control him.” Nayoung laughed and Hani joined in as well.
“You have no idea.” Key grinned, throwing a furtive glance towards Jonghyun.
******
Taemin and Sunyoung were busy brewing banana milk coffee. At times the two of them would start teasing and joking around each other. Sunyoung was the only female whom Taemin felt most comfortable with. She was not only a friend but also the best companion. Taemin realized he was falling for her hard, ever since he laid his eyes on her the first day they met. She was a great listener and Taemin thought that his life was such a bliss whenever he was with Sunyoung.
Sunyoung grinned as she waved her hand continuously in front of Taemin’s face. Taemin jumped a little and that made Sunyoung laughed. Then she frowned and scribbled something on her notepad.
‘You’re dreaming again!’
Taemin read the message and he smiled. “Ne. I’m dreaming about you.”
Sunyoung widened her eyes before writing again. ‘Teaser!’
“Hey! I’m not just a normal teaser, in fact I’m the romantic teaser.” Taemin said as he wriggled his eyebrows towards her. Sunyoung rolled her eyes before headed out from behind the counter to join Hani and Nayoung at the table.
Taemin sighed dejected as he watched Sunyoung moving further away from him. ‘Why can’t you take me seriously for once Sunyoung-ah? I’m really falling in love with you.’ Taemin thought sadly.
******
Minho, Jonghyun, Key and Taemin stood up excitedly when they saw Onew entering the café with a girl towing behind him. Almost immediately, they were able to recognize the girl. She was indeed the Miss Minimart whom they had seen a few days ago. But of course they were unable to talk about it, afraid that Onew would found out about their little stalking secret.
“Kids, let me introduce you to my friend here, Kim Mira.” Onew said with a forced smile. He watched as Mira gave a shy smile towards his dongsaengs. Onew noticed that his members were looking excited as well as one by one they introduced themselves. It might sound weird, but surprisingly, Onew felt threatened.
“So what does it feel like to meet us personally?” Jonghyun asked, a proud grin forming on his lips.
“I-I feel honored. Truly.” Mira answered blushing. Onew gritted his teeth.
“So you’re one of our fans?” Key asked next.
“Ne. A huge fan!” Mira squealed. Onew balled his hand into a fist.
“Which one of us is your bias?” Taemin inquired.
“It’s you.” Mira replied shyly. Onew let out an inward groan.
“What do you like about Taemin?” Minho asked.
“He’s just cute. Who wouldn’t love him?” Mira grinned. Onew could not take it anymore, so he dragged Mira away from his members and headed towards Sunyoung, Nayoung and Hani who were just sitting quietly at the back of the café.
“Mira, this is Sunyoung, Taemin’s special friend. And this is Nayoung, Jonghyun’s special friend. And this is Hani, Key’s special friend.” Onew introduced the three girls to Mira. He made sure to stress out on the word special to Mira so that she would get the picture.
“Nice to meet you.” Mira gave a low bow. “I’m Kim Mira. I guess I’m just a friend here.”
“Well, you’re my special friend then!” Onew exclaimed before putting his arms around Mira’s shoulders and pulled her in a side-way hug.
Mira turned to look at Onew. “Um, I would appreciate it if you let me go now.”
Onew chuckled. “Ne, ne. I just leave you girls here then.”
Mira nodded as she watched Onew moving away to be with his members. Mira turned to look at the three girls in front of her and smiled. Nayoung gestured for her to sit on one of the empty chairs.
“So Mira, how long have you known Onew?” Nayoung asked.
“Not that long actually. I work as a part time cashier at a family minimart just down the other street. Coincidentally Onew-ssi usually frequents the store. So that’s where I met him.” Mira explained.
“Oh! It’s the same for me too.” Hani said. “I met Kibum when Shinee did a charity event down at the orphanage. And that was about a month ago.”
“Ah, same here.” Mira nodded with a smile. Then she looked around the café with much interest. “I love the ambience of this café.”
“It’s Sunyoung’s father’s café.” Nayoung informed as she hugged Sunyoung by her shoulder. “She’s a special friend. I got to know her from the Shinee boys.”
Sunyoung gave a shy smile towards Mira and scribbled into her notepad. ‘Please do come back here when you have the time unnie.’
Mira read the note and smiled before frowning. Hani who noticed this quickly explained to Mira on Sunyoung’s disability and Mira just nodded in understanding. Then almost on instinct, she leaned forward to give a hug to Sunyoung who just continued smiling.
“I will sure come back here.” Mira told her assuringly.
“So, what time is Minho-ssi’s friend coming?” Hani asked to which Sunyoung answered with sign language; ‘She will be here by eight.’
Hani nodded. “She’ll be here by eight. That’s about ten more minutes from now.” Hani told Nayoung and Mira.
“So it’s Minho-ssi’s friend’s birthday? Is it his girlfriend?” Mira asked in a whisper.
Sunyoung laughed and explained it to Hani in her sign language again. Hani nodded with a knowing smile.
“Aniyo. They are friends but Taemin did tell Sunyoung that Minho likes her. But she’s not aware of it.” Hani said and the rest of the girls laughed.
“How cute!” Nayoung squealed.
******
“Haneul should be here soon.” Minho called out and gestured for his members and their friends to be ready. “We’ll sing the birthday song the moment she enters the café okay?”
A series of okay were heard around the café. And the Shinee boys immediately took their places beside their special girls. Jonghyun pulled Nayoung nearer to the entrance of the café whereas Key had called Hani to him towards the food table. Onew on the other hand had practically dragged Mira towards the entrance as well, standing just opposite from Jonghyun and Nayoung. Taemin and Sunyoung were back behind the counter and were getting ready to pop out the party poppers. Minho was standing in the middle of the café with a birthday cake in his hands. Then, Taemin turned off the lights and they waited for Haneul to come.
***
At exactly eight p.m., the door to the café opened and Haneul stepped in carefully. She noticed the darkness and thought if she had came to the correct place. Just then the lights came on and the birthday song was sung. Haneul looked around the café and saw a few unfamiliar faces smiling at her. When she turned to the front, she saw Minho walking towards her with a chocolate crusted cake which made her smile. When she saw Key, Taemin and Sunyoung, she smiled even wider.
“Happy birthday to you!” The song ended and Taemin and Sunyoung popped the party poppers in their hands while the rest simply clapped.
“Gamsahamnida, gamsahamnida.” Haneul bowed low towards the people who were present in the café before blowing the lighted candles on the cake.
Minho grinned wide to see the happiness on Haneul’s face. He was proud that he was the one who had actually planned for the party, of course with the help of his members and their new friends. He pulled Haneul to his side and started to introduce Haneul to the unfamiliar people in the café.
“This is such honor for me to meet SHINee finally!” Haneul exclaimed. “Even though I am not really familiar with SHINee before this, but I promise I will listen to your musics after today is over.”
“You’d better keep your promise then noona.” Taemin winked and the rest of their friends just laughed.
******
“So, how do you like the party?” Minho inquired to the still smiling Haneul beside him.
“It’s cool!” Haneul replied as she bit into her piece of chocolate cake. “I feel so much at home with friends all around me.”
Minho grinned. “See, when you’re with me, you’ll meet nice people.”
“Thank you so much Minho-ssi! You’re a great friend!” Haneul grinned.
“Minho. Just call me Minho.” Minho told her. “And we’re not just friends. We’re special friends.”
“Ne. Special friends.” Haneul grinned before looking around the café. She enjoyed conversing with the other girls. Hani was such a sweet person, Mira was a serious girl but very smart and friendly, Nayoung was a caring friend and Sunyoung was like her little sister. The Shinee members were playful and down to earth and Haneul enjoyed every single minute mingling with them.
“What are you thinking?” Haneul suddenly felt Minho’s warm breath on her ear and she shivered slightly. She turned to look at Minho who had a very serious look on his face. Haneul gulped before composing herself.
“Um, are the girls your member’s girlfriends?” Haneul asked in a soft and low tone. Minho chuckled.
“Actually each of my members likes those girls but they are too chicken to tell those girls of their feelings.” Minho informed with a sly smile.
“Ah, sinchia-yo?” Haneul gaped.
“Ne. You see Jonghyun hyung, he’s head over heels in love with Nayoung but she doesn’t know that. He is always hanging around Nayoung in our waiting room and would always follow her wherever she goes. And Onew hyung, we all know he likes Mira-ssi, but he’s not sure of his own feelings. You should have seen him earlier. He was obviously jealous of us when we were talking to Mira-ssi!” Minho shook his head, still laughing. “Taemin, as you know he’s a regular here at Read-a-Book Café. The only reason he’s here is because of Sunyoung. And Sunyoung isn’t aware of his feelings and kept thinking that Taemin sees her as a friend. Kibum is different though. I have a feeling Hani-ssi has a rough idea that he likes her. He does volunteer works because of her as well.”
“Wow! Each of your members has a unique love story.” Haneul grinned before turning to Minho. “What about you?”
“Me? Well, I do like someone too but I’m not sure if she feels the same for me.” Minho said confidently as he stared straight into Haneul’s eyes.
“Oh.” Haneul said, avoiding Minho’s gaze. She felt disappointed all of a sudden. ‘What a mood for a birthday.’ Haneul thought sadly.
******
“Here, eat this.” Jonghyun placed a few more prawns onto Nayoung’s plate.
“Jonghyun! Are you trying to make me fat?” Nayoung rolled her eyes.
“Ani. I want to see you eat. You’re not eating enough!”
“I’m full! I need to go soon anyway.” Nayoung told him and he gaped.
“Bo? It’s not even nine!” Jonghyun pouted.
“I have lots of chores to do at home.” Nayoung explained and Jonghyun suddenly remembered her mother and siblings who were waiting for her at home.
“Then pack some food and bring it home. We have more than enough food here!” Jonghyun said as he went to search for containers to place the food into.
Nayoung stared at the man in surprise. “Jonghyun-ah, I’m perfectly fine.”
“Ani. Just listen to me for once.” Jonghyun said with a grin. “I always listen to you back in the waiting room, studios, during promotions, hell almost everyday! So tonight, it’s your turn to listen to me.”
Nayoung nodded her head silently. She felt a different kind of feeling tugging at her heartstrings as she watched Jonghyun continued to pack the food into containers. He was the first man to do that for her. And he was making her confused big time. Nayoung bit her lips as she tried to shake off the feeling which was enveloping her heart.
“Gomawo Jonghyun-ah.” Nayoung whispered.
“Don’t worry about it.” Jonghyun replied. “I do this because I care.”
Nayoung gasped when she felt Jonghyun placed a soft kiss on the crown of her head. The only thing Nayoung remembered next was the warm feeling creeping up her neck to her cheeks, she blushed crimson.
******
Key watched as Hani continued talking to him. He could see her mouth moving but he could not seem to hear anything. The only thing he knew was that Hani had the most precious and cute lips. He would do anything to just get those full lips to shut up and kiss them senseless…
“Are you listening to what I’m saying?” Hani asked as she waved her hand in front of Key’s face.
“Wae? Wae?” Key gulped, guilty.
“I was saying I will be away for a while.” Hani repeated.
“Away? Away where?” Key asked, suddenly feeling alert. His mind was full of questions. Was she leaving him? Will he be able to meet her again? What if she was migrating?
“I’m going to the Philippines for three weeks. I’m following a group of volunteers there.” Hani explained.
“But why?” Key suddenly shouted which caused the whole café to be silent suddenly. Hani just nodded her head apologetically before lightly hitting Key’s arm.”
“Why are you shouting?” Hani hissed.
“Sorry.” Key mumbled. His happy mood was suddenly plunging down.
“It’s a project. I have to do my thesis on this.” Hani explained again. “Besides, it’s only three weeks.”
“Three weeks is too long!” Key whined. “I won’t get to see you.”
“There’s always internet and I have my phone.”
“It’s not the same.” Key pouted.
“Aish! If people were to see you like this, they might even think that you’re a possessive boyfriend of mine.” Hani laughed.
“If that’s what they want to think, then let them be.” Key shrugged.
“ Oh Kibum! Your jokes are the best!” Hani rolled her eyes.
“Oh Hani! My jokes are going to make you stunned.” Key said in a low tone before giving a peck on Hani’s cheek.
And it was true, she was stunned.
******
Onew and Mira were in midst of a competition. They were both holding a large jug of iced soda each and were gulping them down with a small straw. Whoever finished the soda first will be the slave to the other for a month and they were also supposed to follow all orders from the winner. Of course both Onew and Mira were so competitive that they could not let this chance passed them by.
“You are so going down Mira!” Onew managed to growl in between sucks.
“Mmmm!!!” Mira responded without letting go of the straw.
In a few minutes, Onew had finally finished his soda first and stood up before dancing silly around Mira. She still had a bit more soda to finish but stopped when she saw Onew had won.
“I told you, you can’t beat me.” Onew grinned as he pulled his chair nearer to Mira until he was sitting directly in front of her.
Mira scowled. “You’re such a brat Jinki!”
Onew stopped grinning before laughing out loud. “See! You called me Jinki!”
Mira gulped. That was not supposed to happen. So she quickly put a hand to her head and moaned. “Aish! Brainfreeze!”
“What a great actress!” Onew sneered. Then, a naughty idea filled his head. He leaned forward towards Mira who had her eyes closed. “Want me to kiss that brainfreeze away?” Onew asked in a low husky whisper.
Mira snapped her eyes open and blinked for a few moments before pushing Onew away from her. “Yah! Stop that!”
“You know you like that.” Onew shrugged, still with a silly smile on his face.
Mira felt her heart beating crazily. This was not supposed to happen. Yes true, she was a fan of Shinee but she’s not supposed to have any feelings for any of the members. She felt that it was so wrong!
“It’s getting late, I need to go.” Mira muttered suddenly before standing up. But Onew grabbed onto her wrist fast enough and pulled her down again.
“It’s only nine. Your shift starts at eleven.” Onew reminded her.
“I need to go home and change.” Mira made a quick excuse.
“Oh no you don’t.” Onew retorted, still holding on tight to Mira’s wirst.
“Who are you to say that?” Mira glared at Shinee’s leader.
“I won the soda drinking competition. So I call all the shots here!” Onew grinned and Mira sighed dejectedly.
“I should have won just now.” Mira groaned before burying her face into her hands.
“Too bad then.” Onew shrugged before thinking hard. “Okay, now I have something that I want you to do for me.”
Mira immediately looked up to see Onew with a serious face. She hoped he was not going to ask her do something crazy.
“What?” She asked, frowning.
Onew smirked. “Massage my shoulders.”
“Bo?” Mira exclaimed with rounded eyes.
“Pali! I’m waiting.” Onew shook his shoulders.
“Urgh! I feel so like a maid!” Mira groaned as she proceeded to walk behind Onew to give him his wanted massage.
“I’m training you to be a wife.” Onew mumbled with a sly smile.
Mira gaped.
******
Sunyoung and Taemin were behind the counter as they cleaned up the mess from the party poppers that they made. Soon after, Sunyoung proceeded to wash her hands and decided to make some banana milk coffee in a jug to be served to her friends in the café.
Taemin watched in fascination as his favorite girl continued to do some mixing of coffee powder into the jug. Sunyoung was the forever girl in his heart. It was true that she was two years younger than him, but she was matured enough for her age.
Taemin watched as Sunyoung tasted the banana milk coffee which she had finished making using a spoon. Then she gave a sweet smile and gestured to Taemin if he wanted to taste the drink too. Taemin nodded and Sunyoung proceeded to take a new spoon from the drawer. But Taemin was fast enough to grab the same spoon which she had used to taste. He used the same spoon to scoop the banana milk coffee and tasted it himself.
“Hm… Delicious! Just the way I like it!” Taemin praised. Sunyoung frowned.
‘That’s unhygienic.’ Sunyoung wrote on her notepad.
Taemin shrugged. “I don’t mind as long I got that indirect kiss from you.”
Sunyoung gaped, totally shocked with Taemin’s confession.
“Don’t look at me like that.” Taemin whispered into Sunyoung’s ear. He could hear Sunyoung breathing unsteadily from the mere contact. “It’s making me hot.”
Sunyoung stood rooted to the ground as she watched Taemin walked away from the counter carrying the jug of banana milk coffee with him.
Sunyoung pinched her cheeks to see if she was dreaming. She hissed when she felt the pain. O oh! Taemin just made her lose her concentration.