Bring Me To Life (Chapter 8)
Title: Bring Me To Life
By: changline
Rating: g
Pairing: Changmin and OC
Genre: romance, a little angst
Summary: Aline was getting tired of her life, until one guy made her see that it was beautiful...
(Chapter 7)
(Chapter 6)
(Chapter 5)
(Chapter 4)
(Chapter 3)
(Chapter 2)
(Prologue and Chapter 1)
Yoochun-hyung was looking from us to Aline and then back at us again, “You guys, know each other?” he asked.
I saw her nod. “Hi guys. Hi Min.” She said, recovering from her surprise.
“Well, it seems introductions are not needed anymore.” Yoochun-hyung said.
“Okay… I’ll go start dinner.” Jaejoong-hyung said.
“Is there anything I can help with?” Aline asked.
“No, just relax. You are our guest after all. Everyone else except Yoochun, come with me and help. We have to do our best to impress our guest.” Jaejoong-hyung answered. Aline giggled when she saw the looks on our faces. We are so in for it now. Jaejoong-hyung gets a bit hyper and scary when it comes to impressing guests. Woe on those who are around him during preparation time. Aline waved at me on my way back inside.
So, Yoochun-hyung was her best friend. He’s the one who can almost always cheer her up. All it took was one call from him. Wait a minute, this whole week, every time I got home Yoochun-hyung wasn’t home yet. He always arrives at about nine in the evening. Does that mean that he’s the one Aline’s always been out with? Are they dating or something? What was she doing here anyway? She told me she was going home yesterday and then suddenly she’s spending Christmas with us. Did she lie to me? But she wouldn’t do that, I know she won’t. I wonder what happened. She looks weak though. I guess I’ll find out soon enough.
7:30 pm
“Dinner’s ready.” Jaejoong-hyung called out. All of us were in the dining room except for Aline and Yoochun-hyung who were still out on the terrace.
“We’re coming.” Yoochun-hyung called back.
A few moments later we saw them come in, Yoochun-hyung was assisting her towards their seats. They seem really sweet. Maybe they’ve become boyfriend-girlfriend without our knowledge. Argh! What am I thinking?! Once all of us were seated the meal began. Jaejoong-hyung was very enthusiastic and very attentive over Aline. He’s always asking if the food is okay and other stuff. All in all, dinner went well. When it was time for bed Yunho-hyung suggested that he’d sleep with Jaejoong-hyung and Yoochun-hyung so that Aline could have his room.
“Mianhe hyung,” Yoochun-hyung began to say to Yunho-hyung, “but I think Jaejoong-hyung should sleep with you in your room. I’ll stay in our room with Aline-chan.”
“Boh?!” The four of us said in unison. Aline didn’t say anything, I think they had worked it out earlier.
“Are you okay with that arrangement Al?” I asked.
“Hai. I’m okay with it.”
“Andwe! Something might happen between you two, being all alone in that room.” Junsu-hyung said.
“I promise not to do anything bad to her. She’ll scream if I try, won’t you Lin?” Yoochun-hyung stated looking at her.
“Uhuh. I’ll scream.”
“Well, okay.” Yunho-hyung said, “Anyway it’s getting late now so we all should get some rest.”
Morning…
Ugh! I couldn’t sleep. I kept thinking about what happened last night. I’m still finding it hard to believe that Al is with us and that Yoochun-hyung is her best friend. On top of that they’re staying in the same room. Why is it I can’t stop thinking about the fact that they’re sharing the same room?
“Aish!” Junsu-hyung sat up, startled at my outburst. Uh oh, I guess I said it too loud.
“What? What’s happening?” Junsu-hyung asked, he was still half-asleep.
“Nothing hyung, go back to sleep.” Ugh! I closed my eyes and tried to sleep again.
It’s already December 24. Two days have passed since the day Aline came to stay. During those two days, she and Yoochun-hyung were always together. They either stayed home or went out to the mall. Today, all six of us were headed for the mall. Jaejoong-hyung needed some ingredients for the thanksgiving dinner tonight and it was also a good opportunity to buy gifts. I wonder what I should give Al. What does she want for Christmas? Maybe I should have asked Yoochun-hyung last night when they weren’t together. Sigh.
When we arrived at the mall, Jaejoong and Yunho-hyung separated from us and told us we’d just meet at RaiRaiKen a Japanese restaurant on the second floor of the mall. Junsu-hyung and I were walking side-by-side, Yoochun-hyung and Aline were in front of us. They were talking animatedly. I felt somewhat annoyed that they were always together.
“Stop pinning them with that death glare of yours.” Junsu-hyung told me calmly. “I know it’s natural for you to feel jealous, after all it’s you who was always with her before Yoochun came back from the States, and of course there is the fact that you’re in love with her.”
“I’m not jealous hyung.” Was I?
“(Scoff) Tell that to the marines.”
“Humph. All right. I guess I am jealous. But I’m not sure about the love part, all I’m sure of as of now is that I really like her and care for her.”
“So, did you buy her a gift?”
“Not yet, I’m not sure what to give her anyway. Do you know what girls her age would like hyung?”
“Andwe. But I think Jaejoong-hyung and Yunho-hyung would know. Why don’t you call them?”
“Good idea hyung. But first we have to split up with Al and Yoochun-hyung. Will you help me pick a gift for her hyung?”
“Sure. Let’s catch up with them and tell them we have somewhere to go.” We hurried our pace.
“Yoochun-ah” Junsu-hyung called. “Min and I have somewhere else to go, is it okay for us to separate from you guys?” I saw Yoochun-hyung discuss the matter with Aline. I saw her nod, then Yoochun-hyung told us it was okay.
“See you guys later.” Junsu-hyung called out.
Inside a jewelry store…
“Are you sure he’d like this necklace senpai?” I asked Yoochun-senpai for the third time. I was holding a necklace whose pendant is in the shape of a circle. There was a hole in the shape of a teardrop in its center. The saleslady said that the necklace had a pair but had been bought by somebody some thirty minutes before we arrived. It was a really beautiful necklace, made of white gold and it had amethysts bordering it. I thought it would look good on Changmin.
“Hai hai. I already told he’d like it.” Yoochun-senpai was grinning at me. “How about me? Aren’t you giving me anything for Christmas? I’m getting jealous over Min. He gets a gift and I don’t”
I laughed when he pouted like a kid, I was asking for his help in choosing a gist for Min. “I’m thinking about it.” I replied. I told the saleslady that I was taking the necklace. It was a good thing I had saved some money, the necklace was pretty expensive. I don’t know what made me buy such an expensive gift for him when I had just met him this semester. It’s even more expensive than the gift I bought for Yoochun-senpai, but of course senpai doesn’t know I bought him one. I also bought gifts for Jaejoong-senpai, Yunho-senpai, and Junsu-senpai, again with Yoochun-senpai’s help.
Once the transaction was done we headed for the restaurant that was designated to be our meeting place. We had our lunch at the restaurant and then went back to the apartment afterwards. Once we arrived Jaejoong-senpai immediately went inside the kitchen. He started barking orders at everyone except me. It was really fun watching him boss around everyone because no one could say no to him for fear that he wouldn’t give them food.
While everyone was busy attending to Jaejoong-senpai’s orders, I saw Yoochun-senpai signal to me that it was once again time to apply hot compress on my bruises. I nodded and followed him to the room we were using. Before we left this morning, he had brought their electric thermos which already had hot water in it inside the room, then all there was left to do was plug it and wait for the water to be hotter than it was. Once inside the room, he locked the door and signalled me to change into shorts. He plugged the thermos, and took the face towel and bowl we always used.
Once he judged the water was hot enough, he poured some on the bowl, came to kneel in front of me, and started the application.
“What do you think they’re doing in there?” Junsu whispered his question to Jaejoong, Yunho, and Changmin. They were outside the room Aline and Yoochun used, obviously trying to eavesdrop.
“I don’t know, but they always lock the door.” Jaejoong answered.
“Do you think they’re…?” Changmin asked with a concerned look on his face.
“No, they wouldn’t. They know we might hear and besides…” Yunho wasn’t able to finish his reply because they heard a shout coming from inside the room.
“Aaaah. That hurt senpai.” They heard Aline say. They pressed their ears closer to the wall to hear the conversation.
“Sorry. I’ll be gentler I promise.” Yoochun said. “Do you trust me?”
“Hai…ah..ah…that’s too hot senpai.”
“Hahaha. All right, all right. We’re done. Go change now.”
“Hai hai. You don’t have to laugh senpai.”
They heard footsteps approaching the door and they quickly retreated back to the kitchen.
“Were they doing what we think they’re doing?” Changmin asked his hyungs.
“Well, based on their conversation… I think they were.” Yunho answered.
“But then…”
And then the conversation went on…
Yoochun-senpai was changing into something more comfortable while I changed into jogging pants and a shirt. With that done, both of us ventured forth to the battlefield, which is the kitchen. I’m able to move more now since my bruises are already healing and my body doesn’t ache so much.
The only ones present in the kitchen for the moment were Jaejoong-senpai and Junsu-senpai. I wonder where Changmin and Yunho-senpai went.
I approached Jaejoong-senpai, “Senpai, is there anything I can help with?” Jaejoong-senpai looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully, then gave me orders on what I should do. I did my best to help out. Yoochun-senpai never left my side; he was helping me with some of the things I was doing. It was fun, and I tried my best to do things right as my way of thanks for all the hospitality they’ve given me. While I was measuring flour for the cake I saw Changmin near the kitchen door. He looked bothered at something.
“Oi, oi. Lin-chan, pay attention to what you’re doing.” Yoochun-senpai said.
“Ah! Gomenasai senpai.” I said and then returned to the work on hand.
8:00 pm…
Preparations for the dinner were finished and all that’s left is to finish setting up the table. While the finishing touches were being added to the meal, I went to the dining room to help Changmin fix the table since he was the one in-charge of it. When we were almost done, Min stepped back and examined our work, well his work really since I just did what he told me.
“What do you think?” He asked.
“It’s beautiful.” I answered. He smiled it what seemed like the second time since I arrived. I really missed his smile.
“I’ll go and take a shower. You should too.” He told me.
“I think I’ll do that. I’ll just go and asked Jaejoong-senpai if there’s anything else he needs.” He nodded and then headed for his room. When Jaejoong-senpai said that he could handle everything there I headed for my room. When I got in, I noted that Yoochun-senpai had just come in from his shower.
“Lin-chan, you can go and use the bathroom adjacent to our room now, no one’s using it at the moment.”
“Hai, senpai.” I took my toiletries and headed for the said bathroom.
When everyone was finished with their respective showers, we all gathered in the dining room. The table was filled with different kinds great smelling and great tasting food. I’ve never seen so much food before. But then again, Changmin, Yoochun-senpai and the others all have a big appetite, and they all enjoy great food thanks to Jaejoong-senpai. There were dumplings, sushi, jerk chicken, apricot fritters, fried plantain, roast pig, clam chowder, fried sole, lamb’s fry, roast turkey, fondue, and blueberry cheesecake and tiramisu for dessert. The fondue Jaejoong-senpai made was served last before the dessert. It consisted of baked potatoes which were to be dipped in melted cheese; and apples, grapes, apricot, peaches, banana, and strawberry which were to be dipped in melted chocolate. Jaejoong-senpai told us that in Switzerland there was a sort of traditional way in eating fondue. He said that there when you lose your dip in the pot holding the sauce you had to pay a forfeit. He stated that in our case if one of them lost their dip, the forfeit would be to drink a shot whiskey; and if I lost my dip, my forfeit would be a kiss from whoever they deemed worthy to.
“Nani?!” I burst out. “Why can’t I just have a shot of whiskey like you guys?”
“Because you’re a girl, and girls don’t drink whiskey.” Yunho-hyung stated.
And so we began, I was extra careful not to drop my dip. The first to drop his dip was Junsu-senpai. He was given a shot of whiskey and he was choking when he was through downing it. Next to lose their dip was Yoochun-senpai. The whiskey he drank didn’t seem to affect him much; it didn’t seem to affect Jaejoong-senpai either when he lost his dip. Then Yunho-senpai and Changmin lost their dip at the same time, they both choked on the drink. They all seemed so hilarious to watch, Changmin, Junsu-senpai, and Yunho-senpai were being extra careful now with their dips, while Yoochun-senpai and Jaejoong-senpai didn’t seem to mind that they had to drink the whiskey twice more.
I was having a good time watching them that I hadn’t realized I lost my dip in the pot until Junsu-senpai announced it.
“Ah! Ah! Aline lost her dip! Aline lost her dip!” He said happily. I looked beseechingly at Yoochun-senpai. Please let them not be serious about my forfeit. Please, oh please.
“Now who should we pick to kiss Aline?” Jaejoong-senpai asked Yunho-senpai. I inwardly groaned, there was no way out.
“Ooh ooh, I know, I know.” Junsu-senpai said. “Since Yunho and Yoochun didn’t see the kiss between Aline and Min. I think he should be the one to kiss her.” My eyes widened at what Junsu-senpai said.
“You saw?” I asked. He nodded and told me that Jaejoong-senpai also saw it. I was blushing furiously at the way Junsu and Jaejoong senpai were smiling at me.
“Wait. So it was Lin-chan whom Min kissed?” Yoochun-senpai asked. Junsu-senpai nodded in affirmation. Yoochun-senpai pouted like a kid, looked at me and said, “Lin-chan why did you never tell me? I thought we promised no secrets between us?”
“I...I…I…” I couldn’t finish, couldn’t look at Yoochun-senpai.
“Aaah. Enough talk already. Min, kiss her or else you’re drinking two shots of whiskey at once.” Jaejoong-senpai threatened. I heard Min groan.
“Come on already so we can have dessert.” Yoochun-senpai moaned.
“It’s embarrassing with all of you watching us.” Changmin protested.
“Don’t worry about us; you won’t even know we’re here.” Yunho-senpai said grinning.
I heard, rather than saw Changmin get up from his seat across from me and make his way toward me. Once beside me, he took hold of my hand and pulled me up gently. Facing him, I couldn’t look at him in the eyes. I was still blushing.
Changmin tipped my chin up using his forefinger. When my head was lifted to his, I finally had the courage to look at him. I felt a tremor go through me at the fire I saw burning in his eyes. There was something there that I couldn’t name, something dangerous yet inviting. He encircled my waist with his arm and drew me closer to him. He slowly lowered his head, and then his lips touched mine. I felt a comforting warmth spread through my entire body. I felt his tongue touch my lower lip, the edge of my teeth, and then the roof of my mouth. I felt my arms encircle his neck of their own accord and pulled myself closer to him. When I began to respond, I felt his hold on me tighten and he deepened the kiss. When neither of us could breathe, he raised his head and tried to catch his breath.
By: changline
Rating: g
Pairing: Changmin and OC
Genre: romance, a little angst
Summary: Aline was getting tired of her life, until one guy made her see that it was beautiful...
(Chapter 7)
(Chapter 6)
(Chapter 5)
(Chapter 4)
(Chapter 3)
(Chapter 2)
(Prologue and Chapter 1)
Yoochun-hyung was looking from us to Aline and then back at us again, “You guys, know each other?” he asked.
I saw her nod. “Hi guys. Hi Min.” She said, recovering from her surprise.
“Well, it seems introductions are not needed anymore.” Yoochun-hyung said.
“Okay… I’ll go start dinner.” Jaejoong-hyung said.
“Is there anything I can help with?” Aline asked.
“No, just relax. You are our guest after all. Everyone else except Yoochun, come with me and help. We have to do our best to impress our guest.” Jaejoong-hyung answered. Aline giggled when she saw the looks on our faces. We are so in for it now. Jaejoong-hyung gets a bit hyper and scary when it comes to impressing guests. Woe on those who are around him during preparation time. Aline waved at me on my way back inside.
So, Yoochun-hyung was her best friend. He’s the one who can almost always cheer her up. All it took was one call from him. Wait a minute, this whole week, every time I got home Yoochun-hyung wasn’t home yet. He always arrives at about nine in the evening. Does that mean that he’s the one Aline’s always been out with? Are they dating or something? What was she doing here anyway? She told me she was going home yesterday and then suddenly she’s spending Christmas with us. Did she lie to me? But she wouldn’t do that, I know she won’t. I wonder what happened. She looks weak though. I guess I’ll find out soon enough.
7:30 pm
“Dinner’s ready.” Jaejoong-hyung called out. All of us were in the dining room except for Aline and Yoochun-hyung who were still out on the terrace.
“We’re coming.” Yoochun-hyung called back.
A few moments later we saw them come in, Yoochun-hyung was assisting her towards their seats. They seem really sweet. Maybe they’ve become boyfriend-girlfriend without our knowledge. Argh! What am I thinking?! Once all of us were seated the meal began. Jaejoong-hyung was very enthusiastic and very attentive over Aline. He’s always asking if the food is okay and other stuff. All in all, dinner went well. When it was time for bed Yunho-hyung suggested that he’d sleep with Jaejoong-hyung and Yoochun-hyung so that Aline could have his room.
“Mianhe hyung,” Yoochun-hyung began to say to Yunho-hyung, “but I think Jaejoong-hyung should sleep with you in your room. I’ll stay in our room with Aline-chan.”
“Boh?!” The four of us said in unison. Aline didn’t say anything, I think they had worked it out earlier.
“Are you okay with that arrangement Al?” I asked.
“Hai. I’m okay with it.”
“Andwe! Something might happen between you two, being all alone in that room.” Junsu-hyung said.
“I promise not to do anything bad to her. She’ll scream if I try, won’t you Lin?” Yoochun-hyung stated looking at her.
“Uhuh. I’ll scream.”
“Well, okay.” Yunho-hyung said, “Anyway it’s getting late now so we all should get some rest.”
Morning…
Ugh! I couldn’t sleep. I kept thinking about what happened last night. I’m still finding it hard to believe that Al is with us and that Yoochun-hyung is her best friend. On top of that they’re staying in the same room. Why is it I can’t stop thinking about the fact that they’re sharing the same room?
“Aish!” Junsu-hyung sat up, startled at my outburst. Uh oh, I guess I said it too loud.
“What? What’s happening?” Junsu-hyung asked, he was still half-asleep.
“Nothing hyung, go back to sleep.” Ugh! I closed my eyes and tried to sleep again.
It’s already December 24. Two days have passed since the day Aline came to stay. During those two days, she and Yoochun-hyung were always together. They either stayed home or went out to the mall. Today, all six of us were headed for the mall. Jaejoong-hyung needed some ingredients for the thanksgiving dinner tonight and it was also a good opportunity to buy gifts. I wonder what I should give Al. What does she want for Christmas? Maybe I should have asked Yoochun-hyung last night when they weren’t together. Sigh.
When we arrived at the mall, Jaejoong and Yunho-hyung separated from us and told us we’d just meet at RaiRaiKen a Japanese restaurant on the second floor of the mall. Junsu-hyung and I were walking side-by-side, Yoochun-hyung and Aline were in front of us. They were talking animatedly. I felt somewhat annoyed that they were always together.
“Stop pinning them with that death glare of yours.” Junsu-hyung told me calmly. “I know it’s natural for you to feel jealous, after all it’s you who was always with her before Yoochun came back from the States, and of course there is the fact that you’re in love with her.”
“I’m not jealous hyung.” Was I?
“(Scoff) Tell that to the marines.”
“Humph. All right. I guess I am jealous. But I’m not sure about the love part, all I’m sure of as of now is that I really like her and care for her.”
“So, did you buy her a gift?”
“Not yet, I’m not sure what to give her anyway. Do you know what girls her age would like hyung?”
“Andwe. But I think Jaejoong-hyung and Yunho-hyung would know. Why don’t you call them?”
“Good idea hyung. But first we have to split up with Al and Yoochun-hyung. Will you help me pick a gift for her hyung?”
“Sure. Let’s catch up with them and tell them we have somewhere to go.” We hurried our pace.
“Yoochun-ah” Junsu-hyung called. “Min and I have somewhere else to go, is it okay for us to separate from you guys?” I saw Yoochun-hyung discuss the matter with Aline. I saw her nod, then Yoochun-hyung told us it was okay.
“See you guys later.” Junsu-hyung called out.
Inside a jewelry store…
“Are you sure he’d like this necklace senpai?” I asked Yoochun-senpai for the third time. I was holding a necklace whose pendant is in the shape of a circle. There was a hole in the shape of a teardrop in its center. The saleslady said that the necklace had a pair but had been bought by somebody some thirty minutes before we arrived. It was a really beautiful necklace, made of white gold and it had amethysts bordering it. I thought it would look good on Changmin.
“Hai hai. I already told he’d like it.” Yoochun-senpai was grinning at me. “How about me? Aren’t you giving me anything for Christmas? I’m getting jealous over Min. He gets a gift and I don’t”
I laughed when he pouted like a kid, I was asking for his help in choosing a gist for Min. “I’m thinking about it.” I replied. I told the saleslady that I was taking the necklace. It was a good thing I had saved some money, the necklace was pretty expensive. I don’t know what made me buy such an expensive gift for him when I had just met him this semester. It’s even more expensive than the gift I bought for Yoochun-senpai, but of course senpai doesn’t know I bought him one. I also bought gifts for Jaejoong-senpai, Yunho-senpai, and Junsu-senpai, again with Yoochun-senpai’s help.
Once the transaction was done we headed for the restaurant that was designated to be our meeting place. We had our lunch at the restaurant and then went back to the apartment afterwards. Once we arrived Jaejoong-senpai immediately went inside the kitchen. He started barking orders at everyone except me. It was really fun watching him boss around everyone because no one could say no to him for fear that he wouldn’t give them food.
While everyone was busy attending to Jaejoong-senpai’s orders, I saw Yoochun-senpai signal to me that it was once again time to apply hot compress on my bruises. I nodded and followed him to the room we were using. Before we left this morning, he had brought their electric thermos which already had hot water in it inside the room, then all there was left to do was plug it and wait for the water to be hotter than it was. Once inside the room, he locked the door and signalled me to change into shorts. He plugged the thermos, and took the face towel and bowl we always used.
Once he judged the water was hot enough, he poured some on the bowl, came to kneel in front of me, and started the application.
“What do you think they’re doing in there?” Junsu whispered his question to Jaejoong, Yunho, and Changmin. They were outside the room Aline and Yoochun used, obviously trying to eavesdrop.
“I don’t know, but they always lock the door.” Jaejoong answered.
“Do you think they’re…?” Changmin asked with a concerned look on his face.
“No, they wouldn’t. They know we might hear and besides…” Yunho wasn’t able to finish his reply because they heard a shout coming from inside the room.
“Aaaah. That hurt senpai.” They heard Aline say. They pressed their ears closer to the wall to hear the conversation.
“Sorry. I’ll be gentler I promise.” Yoochun said. “Do you trust me?”
“Hai…ah..ah…that’s too hot senpai.”
“Hahaha. All right, all right. We’re done. Go change now.”
“Hai hai. You don’t have to laugh senpai.”
They heard footsteps approaching the door and they quickly retreated back to the kitchen.
“Were they doing what we think they’re doing?” Changmin asked his hyungs.
“Well, based on their conversation… I think they were.” Yunho answered.
“But then…”
And then the conversation went on…
Yoochun-senpai was changing into something more comfortable while I changed into jogging pants and a shirt. With that done, both of us ventured forth to the battlefield, which is the kitchen. I’m able to move more now since my bruises are already healing and my body doesn’t ache so much.
The only ones present in the kitchen for the moment were Jaejoong-senpai and Junsu-senpai. I wonder where Changmin and Yunho-senpai went.
I approached Jaejoong-senpai, “Senpai, is there anything I can help with?” Jaejoong-senpai looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully, then gave me orders on what I should do. I did my best to help out. Yoochun-senpai never left my side; he was helping me with some of the things I was doing. It was fun, and I tried my best to do things right as my way of thanks for all the hospitality they’ve given me. While I was measuring flour for the cake I saw Changmin near the kitchen door. He looked bothered at something.
“Oi, oi. Lin-chan, pay attention to what you’re doing.” Yoochun-senpai said.
“Ah! Gomenasai senpai.” I said and then returned to the work on hand.
8:00 pm…
Preparations for the dinner were finished and all that’s left is to finish setting up the table. While the finishing touches were being added to the meal, I went to the dining room to help Changmin fix the table since he was the one in-charge of it. When we were almost done, Min stepped back and examined our work, well his work really since I just did what he told me.
“What do you think?” He asked.
“It’s beautiful.” I answered. He smiled it what seemed like the second time since I arrived. I really missed his smile.
“I’ll go and take a shower. You should too.” He told me.
“I think I’ll do that. I’ll just go and asked Jaejoong-senpai if there’s anything else he needs.” He nodded and then headed for his room. When Jaejoong-senpai said that he could handle everything there I headed for my room. When I got in, I noted that Yoochun-senpai had just come in from his shower.
“Lin-chan, you can go and use the bathroom adjacent to our room now, no one’s using it at the moment.”
“Hai, senpai.” I took my toiletries and headed for the said bathroom.
When everyone was finished with their respective showers, we all gathered in the dining room. The table was filled with different kinds great smelling and great tasting food. I’ve never seen so much food before. But then again, Changmin, Yoochun-senpai and the others all have a big appetite, and they all enjoy great food thanks to Jaejoong-senpai. There were dumplings, sushi, jerk chicken, apricot fritters, fried plantain, roast pig, clam chowder, fried sole, lamb’s fry, roast turkey, fondue, and blueberry cheesecake and tiramisu for dessert. The fondue Jaejoong-senpai made was served last before the dessert. It consisted of baked potatoes which were to be dipped in melted cheese; and apples, grapes, apricot, peaches, banana, and strawberry which were to be dipped in melted chocolate. Jaejoong-senpai told us that in Switzerland there was a sort of traditional way in eating fondue. He said that there when you lose your dip in the pot holding the sauce you had to pay a forfeit. He stated that in our case if one of them lost their dip, the forfeit would be to drink a shot whiskey; and if I lost my dip, my forfeit would be a kiss from whoever they deemed worthy to.
“Nani?!” I burst out. “Why can’t I just have a shot of whiskey like you guys?”
“Because you’re a girl, and girls don’t drink whiskey.” Yunho-hyung stated.
And so we began, I was extra careful not to drop my dip. The first to drop his dip was Junsu-senpai. He was given a shot of whiskey and he was choking when he was through downing it. Next to lose their dip was Yoochun-senpai. The whiskey he drank didn’t seem to affect him much; it didn’t seem to affect Jaejoong-senpai either when he lost his dip. Then Yunho-senpai and Changmin lost their dip at the same time, they both choked on the drink. They all seemed so hilarious to watch, Changmin, Junsu-senpai, and Yunho-senpai were being extra careful now with their dips, while Yoochun-senpai and Jaejoong-senpai didn’t seem to mind that they had to drink the whiskey twice more.
I was having a good time watching them that I hadn’t realized I lost my dip in the pot until Junsu-senpai announced it.
“Ah! Ah! Aline lost her dip! Aline lost her dip!” He said happily. I looked beseechingly at Yoochun-senpai. Please let them not be serious about my forfeit. Please, oh please.
“Now who should we pick to kiss Aline?” Jaejoong-senpai asked Yunho-senpai. I inwardly groaned, there was no way out.
“Ooh ooh, I know, I know.” Junsu-senpai said. “Since Yunho and Yoochun didn’t see the kiss between Aline and Min. I think he should be the one to kiss her.” My eyes widened at what Junsu-senpai said.
“You saw?” I asked. He nodded and told me that Jaejoong-senpai also saw it. I was blushing furiously at the way Junsu and Jaejoong senpai were smiling at me.
“Wait. So it was Lin-chan whom Min kissed?” Yoochun-senpai asked. Junsu-senpai nodded in affirmation. Yoochun-senpai pouted like a kid, looked at me and said, “Lin-chan why did you never tell me? I thought we promised no secrets between us?”
“I...I…I…” I couldn’t finish, couldn’t look at Yoochun-senpai.
“Aaah. Enough talk already. Min, kiss her or else you’re drinking two shots of whiskey at once.” Jaejoong-senpai threatened. I heard Min groan.
“Come on already so we can have dessert.” Yoochun-senpai moaned.
“It’s embarrassing with all of you watching us.” Changmin protested.
“Don’t worry about us; you won’t even know we’re here.” Yunho-senpai said grinning.
I heard, rather than saw Changmin get up from his seat across from me and make his way toward me. Once beside me, he took hold of my hand and pulled me up gently. Facing him, I couldn’t look at him in the eyes. I was still blushing.
Changmin tipped my chin up using his forefinger. When my head was lifted to his, I finally had the courage to look at him. I felt a tremor go through me at the fire I saw burning in his eyes. There was something there that I couldn’t name, something dangerous yet inviting. He encircled my waist with his arm and drew me closer to him. He slowly lowered his head, and then his lips touched mine. I felt a comforting warmth spread through my entire body. I felt his tongue touch my lower lip, the edge of my teeth, and then the roof of my mouth. I felt my arms encircle his neck of their own accord and pulled myself closer to him. When I began to respond, I felt his hold on me tighten and he deepened the kiss. When neither of us could breathe, he raised his head and tried to catch his breath.