FIVE (1/2)

<u>Characters:</u>

(As they appear in chapter)

Joonmyeon: Jongin's older brother

Donghae (27): Math teacher at the orphanage

Eunhyuk (27): English teacher at the orphanage

Yoona (26): History teacher at the orphanage

Leeteuk (28): Science teacher at the orphanageFIVEJongin.

“Hello?” Jongin said as he picked up the phone. He just got out of the shower after another long day of working with the kids.

“Sup, Jongin,” Taemin said from the other line, “Finally you pick up my phone call!”

Jongin laughed as he lied down on his cozy bed, “Well, I’m telling you, this life isn’t very easy. In fact, it might be harder than working at the company. What’s up?”

“I don’t know,” Taemin said, “I just haven’t seen you in a while. All the hyungs have been asking where you’ve been too. When are you gonna come out again?”

Jongin just blinked, “I don’t know.” In fact, he wasn’t thinking about it at all. He wasn’t thinking about Taemin, or the long line of women who were dying to be with him, or even his grandpa. It was as if Jongin completely forgot about his life outside of this little orphanage. The only times he would go out was to complete errands for Victoria or if he had to drop Sunyoung off or something. It didn’t even occur to him that he was allowed to go outside and hangout with his friend.

“Hello?” Taemin said curtly from the other line, “Are you there?”

“Yeah,” Jongin replied.

“Well,” Taemin said, “I’m gonna go to the clubs with the hyungs today, if you can make it.”

“Ummm…” Jongin bit his lip, “I can’t tonight. I’m too tired and I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow.”

“Are you serious, bro?” Taemin said, “We haven’t seen you for like two weeks.”

Jongin sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, “I really can’t tonight. Maybe another time this week?”

“Whatever,” Taemin said, “You’re buying then.”

And he hung up. Jongin groaned. Well, now his best friend was mad at him. Just great. Jongin just got up and went toward the kitchen to get a glass of water.

As he was walking, he passed by all the rooms of the kids. A girl was standing outside one of the doors, crying while staring at the closed door. She was sniffling while holding on to a teddy bear. Jongin almost thought it was a ghost for a second. Thank goodness it wasn’t raining and thundering outside. Jongin debated whether or not he should talk to the girl. Eh, whatever. He just walked past her when he heard her whine, “Unni. Open the door.”

Jongin turned back around and saw the girl looking earnestly at the door and images of his past flashed in his head.

m style="line-height:1.6;">Flashback

Seven year old Jongin held tightly onto the big telescope box as he crept across the long, empty halls of his house to get to his brother’s. He knocked on the door and said, “Hyung!” m style="line-height:1.6;">knock knock knock “Joonmyeon hyung!”

The door swung opened and a disgruntled eleven year old Joonmyeon opened door, “What?”

“The stars are really bright out tonight! I think there’s supposed to be a comet. Can we go look?” Jongin said happily. Joonmyeon frowned and said, “I can’t, Jongin. I have to study.”

Little Jongin’s smile fell as he said, “But… but, you always study.”

The older brother sighed, “Sorry, Jongin. Maybe next time.” Joonmyeon ruffled Jongin’s head and then shut the door. Little Jongin just stood in front of the closed door and felt like crying. Why didn’t his brother want to play with him?

“Hyung.” Jongin tried again, knocking on the door, “Hyung.”

Footsteps came up from the stairs and Jongin’s mom chastised, “Jongin, what are you doing? You need to be studying in your room.”

Jongin’s smile disappeared as he nodded, “Yes, mom.”

His mom took the box away and lead him back to his room. Jongin just looked back at his brother’s door and sighed.

m style="line-height:1.6;">End flashback.

Jongin sighed and walked toward the younger girl.

“Hey, you okay?” he asked. The girl turned around and Jongin realized it was Soojung from class.

“Soojung-ah, what are you doing here?” Jongin asked. Soojung sniffled, “Unni… unni won’t open the door and let me in.”

“Is this your room?” Jongin asked. Soojung shook her head no.

“You need to be back in your own room, Soojung.” Jongin said as patiently as he could. Soojung shook her head, “No, I want unni. But she just yelled at me to go away. She’s being mean.”

Jongin frowned, knowing exactly how she feels.

“Hey, wanna get ice cream?” he asked her. Soojung’s crying suddenly stopped and she looked at him with big eyes, “Ice cream?”

Cut to Soojung and Jongin sitting at the kitchen area. Soojung was happily licking away at a Popsicle that Jongin slipped out from the freezer and Jongin was drinking a glass of water.

“You can’t tell anyone. Especially Uncle Henry, okay?” Jongin said. Happy Soojung just nodded as she ate her Popsicle.

“You’re not that mean and scary after all, Pigeon Teacher,” Soojung said with a goofy smile on her face. Jongin laughed at how cute she was, ice cream covering half of her face.

“Call me handsome teacher!” Jongin said, “How can you say this good looking face looks like a pigeon?”

Soojung blinked and cocked her head to the side, “I guess you can be a handsome pigeon teacher. Ha-Pi for short Hapi teacher!”

Jongin sighed as the little girl just reveled at her new nickname. Well, it was better than just pigeon teacher.

“What happened with your sister?” Jongin asked, “Does she live here, too?”

Soojung frowned and nodded, “Our parents died a couple years ago, but no relatives wanted us. So Sooyeon unni and I came here. But ever since then, unni has been pushing me away and only stays with the older girls. She won’t play with anymore or let me sleep with her or anything. But I don’t know why.”

Jongin awkwardly stared at the young kid who looked like she was about to cry again.

“Soojung-ah, Please… please don’t cry. It’s okay, your sister will come around, soon.” Jongin said, trying to prevent her from spilling the waterworks. The little girl sniffled, “You think so?”

Not really, he thought in his head, but Jongin wasn’t stupid enough to say that, “She probably has her reasons why. Just wait patiently. You can do that, right?”

Soojung nodded her head. Jongin patted the girl on her head, “Good girl. Now time to go back to sleep.”

“Awww,” Soojung pouted, “Do I have to?”

“Yes, you need your beauty sleep, right?” Jongin said. Soojung inquisitively nodded, “I suppose pretty girls need their rest.”

Jongin laughed. This girl was too cute. He walked her to the room and said, “Good night, little princess.”

She giggled, “Good night Hapi teacher! Thank you!”

And with that, little Soojung went into the room. Jongin smiled as he wondered back into his room.

--

Even though Jongin had been here for a good three weeks, he never really attempted to get to know anyone at the orphanage. Why? Well, I’m sure you all know why. He just didn’t give a shit about anyone. The staff, the children, or whoever else goes in and out those doors. He just wanted to do his own thing and then peace out.

But strangely, Jongin found himself getting to know the people more recently.

Like Henry. Henry easily became one of the people Jongin felt most comfortable with. It really felt like Henry was his hyung. Henry would always look out for Jongin and ask him questions and just make Jongin feel important. And loved. And cherished. Emotions he hasn’t really felt in a while. Henry would often talk about his desire to become a singer one day, always belting out into a popular song right after.

Jongin also somehow started talking to Yunho more as well. He learned that Yunho actually is a doctor at a hospital, which explains how the orphanage is able to run and function (on the financially spectrum of things.) It also explained why Yunho wasn’t around for most of the days. However, on the days when Yunho is here, he would always be playing soccer with the kids. Apparently, Yunho was a HUGE soccer fanatic. Yunho would teach Jongin some moves once in a while when playing with the kids.

And Victoria. Man, Jongin never met someone so nice and caring before. Ever. Apparently, she used to be a famous-to-be ballerina in China, but then she met Yunho through a mutual friend, fell in love, and moved here. Quite an amazing story, though Jongin thought it was too fairytale like to be true. But anyway, Victoria would always be around the place to clean and to make sure everyone is doing okay. She was literally everyone’s mom here at the orphanage. Including him and Henry. Victoria was also touchy, which took Jongin by surprise the first time she patted his butt saying, “Good job our witto Jongin.”

There were other teachers who were also coming and going, but Jongin never cared to pay attention to them. Like the funky duo Donghae and Eunhyuk who were the math and English teachers for the younger children. And the beautiful Yoona who taught history. And the strange Leeteuk who taught science. They were always in and out while Jongin was in the kitchen, so he never officially met them. But apparently that made up the whole Sunny Ridge Orphanage Staff, as Henry chirpily put it. Of course, Henry included Sunyoung as the “bright and youthful Sunyoung” and Jongin as the “errand boy.”

All these nicknames that Jongin was getting at this place was ridiculous. But anyway, they were having a full staff appreciation dinner, apparently. Which explained why Henry was going crazy in the kitchen, trying to make some delicious food (which also meant Jongin being barked around to do the dirty work) and why Victoria was haphazardly cleaning everything in the home. Victoria in cleaning mode was scary. The children all knew to listen to cleaning Victoria, even the loudest of the bunch Bakehyun. It was quite a site that Jongin really couldn’t enjoy because he was currently chopping up onions while crying.

“Hurry up, Jongin!” Henry said, sweating up a storm, “I need them veggies now! They’re gonna be here any minute now!”

Jongin cursed under his breath while madly chopping away at the vegetables and throwing them in Henry’s stupid bin. He looked up, taking a breather and saw that the table outside was already full, with all the teachers and staff people there. Henry brought the finished food (delicious curry katsu) and plated them.

“We’re done!” Henry said with a huge smile on his face, “Good job my little servant boy!”

Jongin just laughed and shook his head as they brought the food out to join the rest.

--

m style="line-height:1.6;">Sunyoung.

Sunyoung laughed as Eunhyuk was sharing a story about how Donghae embarrassed himself by being rejected by a girl.

“And then, she just slapped him across the face and left!” Eunhyuk said, laughing his butt off. Yoona just shook her head, “That’s no way to ask a girl out, Donghae.”

Sunyoung just giggled as Donghae just shrugged it off coolly.

“You know what,” Donghae said, “At least I have the balls to ask a girl out. Eunhyuk here has been crushing on our next door neighbor Hyoyeon for the past 6 months and he still hasn’t been able to ask her-” Eunhyuk quickly covered Donghae’s mouth and grinned, “Not a very interesting story.”

“You should just ask her!” Victoria said, encouraging the shy English teacher.

“No!” Eunhyuk said, “it’s not like that. I just.. can’t.”

Yunho shook his head, “Donghae is right, just grow some balls. You call yourself a man?”

“Excuse me!” Eunhyuk piped up, “I’ll have you know that-”

“FOOD!” Henry yelled as he came in with Jongin trailing behind them. Everyone cheered as they set the plates down in front of everyone.

“Wow, this looks delicious!” Yoona chirped happily as everyone started eating. Sunyoung picked up her spoon and started eating as well. She noticed that Jongin sat next to her and quietly ate as the older people were talking. Leeteuk was gushing over his quickly approaching marriage.

“She seriously turned into a monster!” Leetuek complained, “I can’t even ask for a goodnight kiss without her getting angry at me.”

“You have to understand,” Victoria said, “it’s a very special day for a girl.”

Yoona furiously nodded, “She’s probably stressed from all the planning.”

“It’s MY wedding day, too!” Leeteuk said, shaking his head, “I just don’t understand girls sometimes.”

Yunho just patted the guy on the back, “It’s okay. I understand how you feel. There is no other way but to endure.”

Victoria coughed next to him, “Excuse me?”

Yunho nervously laughed, “I’m just kidding, babe. You were great. Nothing like a monster.”

“Well at least you’re marrying a pretty model,” Donghae said, “I’m sure that makes you feel better. When you wee her beautiful face.”

Leetuek smiled, “Our Sora m style="line-height:1.6;">is very pretty.”

“So, Sunyoung,” Yoona asked, changing the topic before Leeteuk continues to drag on about his girl, “How are you doing?”

Sunyoung giggled, “I’m doing fine. I love teaching art to the children! We're going on a special picnic tomorrow!”

“Oh really? That sounds so fun!” Yoona said.

“Sunyoung is really good with the kids,” Victoria said with a grin. Sunyoung just awkwardly laughed a the compliment, “I just really like them.”

“You should just sleepover here,” Victoria said, “Rather than you going back home and then coming back tomorrow.”

“Oh, I can’t” Sunyoung said, “I’m meeting up with a friend later.”

“Omo, is it with Byunghee?” Victoria asked.

Everyone looked at Sunyoung and started asking questions. “Is that a boy?” “Is he good looking?” “Is he nice to you?” “How dare you date without asking your oppa first.”

“Whoa, guys,” Sunyoung said, startled, “It’s Byunghun, Vic unni. And he’s just a friend.”

“What are you guys doing together at night?” Henry asked suspiciously.

“We’re just watching a movie!” Sunyoung said, confused at why everyone seemed to be so concerned about this.

“Just you two?!” Leeteuk asked. Sunyoung nodded.

“It’s a date!” Donghae and Eunhyuk yelled at the same time. Sunyoung scratched her head, “Um, no it’s not.”

“It sure sounds like one,” Victoria said, eyes twinkling. Sunyoung sighed. Well, she just could never win against these people.

“I met him before,” Jongin suddenly piped up. Everyone just looked toward, including Sunyoung. Oh thank goodness, hopefully he will back her up and say that they are just friends.

“What’s he like, new kid?” Donghae asked eagerly. Jongin shrugged, “Not really memorable. Except for his angsty purple hair. I’m pretty sure he likes her.”

There were flurries of reaction to this comment. “Sunyoung, you cannot date a unmemorable man.” “Are you sure you met the right one, Jongin?” “Purple hair? Who the eff has purple hair?!”

Sunyoung forced a smile and made eye contact with Jongin. She started shooting daggers at him to which Jongin just innocently smiled and shrugged. The conversation soon died down, thank goodness for Sunyoung. She absolutely hated being the center of attention, especially on the topic for boys. Until her beloved Henry oppa who just happened to say, “Hey, Sunyoung, if it doesn’t work out with Byunghoo, what about Jongin?”

Sunyoung didn’t even bother correcting Henry with Byunghun’s name. She blinked, “What about Jongin?”

He grinned, “How about Jongin as a guy? He’s good looking and smart! Look at that dazzling smile!”

The response to that was explosive. “Hey, it’s actually pretty cute!” “Aw, it’s a picture perfect couple.” “Eh, I don’t know about the new boy, yet.”

Sunyoung sighed. So much for a quiet dinner. She should have realized that there is never such a thing at this orphanage. Jongin started laughing manically next to her. She looked over and glared at him who just kept laughing. He mouthed “you and me?” and kept laughing. Sunyoung rolled her eyes and shook her head, “No, Henry oppa.”

“Aw, why not?” Yoona asked, smiling.

“Can we PLEASE change the topic please?” Sunyoung asked, starting to feel mortified.

“Okay, okay,” Victoria said laughing, “We’re only teasing you.”

“Whatever,” Sunyoung said, pouting. And the conversation moved on to the next target: Henry. Sunyoung sighed in relief.

--

m style="line-height:1.6;">Jongin.

After the very obnoxious yet entertaining dinner, Jongin and Sunyoung were put on kitchen duty while the older people got to just hang out. Which Jongin thought was unfair, but he decided to just listen to them. Especially with Yunho around. Not that Jongin was scared of him or anything.

“You didn’t make the situation any better!” Sunyoung said, shaking her head while soaping the dishes. Jongin just laughed, “Whatever, I was just telling the truth.”

Jongin thought it was hilarious. He never saw Sunyoung turn so red before in his life. The way she got flustered and speechless. It was kind of cute.

“Anyway,” Sunyoung continued, “Don’t think too much into it. I don’t like Byunghun and he doesn't like me. And I don’t like you either, okay?”

Jongin smirked, “Are you sure? People fall for this handsome face left and right.”

“Yah!” Sunyoung yelled. Jongin just laughed, “I’m just kidding. Sheesh.”

Sunyoung let out a small laugh when her phone beeped. She wiped her hands on a towel and opened it. Jongin looked over and saw her laugh as she furiously texted away. He cautiously peeked over her shoulder and said, “Who is it?”

“Oh my goodness!” Sunyoung shouted, turning around, “You scared me!”

Jongin playfully smirked, “How did I scare you? You knew I was right here.”

“Well… you didn’t have to creep up on me like that!” Sunyoung said. Jongin asked again, “Who is that?”

“It’s Byunghun.” Sunyougn replied absentmindedly as she texted him back. Jongin frowned, “Are you guys really dating or something?”

“No,” Sunyoung said, “Sheesh, friends can’t text each other?”

Jongin grabbed her phone and started reading the text messages.

“Yah!” Sunyoung said, trying to get her phone back from the thief, “What are you doing? Give me my phone back!”

Jongin easily kept her away with one arm while perusing through her phone.

m style="line-height:1.6;">BH: Be sure to bring a jacket, it’s going to be really cold.

m style="line-height:1.6;">SY: Mmkay!

m style="line-height:1.6;">BH: I’ll pick you up! What time are you done?

m style="line-height:1.6;">SY: No, it’s okay! I’ll just meet you at the movie theater.

m style="line-height:1.6;">BH: I can just pick you up.

m style="line-height:1.6;">SY: Isn’t it the opposite direction for you?

m style="line-height:1.6;">BH: Not really, it’s fine, Sunyoung. Pick you up at 8?Jongin blinked as Sunyoung finally freed herself from his grasp and pulled her phone away, “Goodness, Jongin. That was a little bit rude.”

“I’m telling you, he likes you.” Jongin said. Sunyoung blinked in confusion, “What?”

“Listen, Sunyoung,” Jongin said, putting his arm around her shoulder, “I’m a guy. I know how guys work. And this guy” he pointed to her phone, “he definitely has a thing for you.”

Sunyoung just shook her head and brushed his arm off, “You’re ridiculous. No, he doesn’t. You met him like once.”

He looked at the stupid girl in confusion. Was she blind or something? Jongin first sensed it when they met at school and that dude got all protective over Sunyoung. And now these texts… Jongin just shook his head.