Seven (1/2)

After the game was over, Taemin and I accompany Jonghyun going home. My manager duties are temporarily shouldered by Minho, Minhwan, Joon and Yonghwa. I just really need to check Jonghyun's condition and make sure he goes to the doctor tomorrow to look at his ankle. Luckily, the morning classes tomorrow are cancelled due to emergency teacher's meeting with the Board of Council.At Jonghyun's house (living room):"We need to consult a doctor about your ankle. For now, we'll do necessary first aid procedures to lessen the pain."And so after washing Jonghyun's feet and ankle with soap and warm water, I apply a medicinal ointment and bandages the feet and ankle.

"Thank you Jinki. And sorry for the trouble. My mom is on the her way home so you should be going now. It's late. I'll be just fine.""Ehem! I'm still here in case you forgot.""Haha. Of course not, Taemin. Thank you for the lift and sorry for the trouble, as well.""No, hyung. It doesn't matter." "Hey guys. Sorry if I can't offer you any food. My mom only buys dinner so we don't cook.""It's okay Jonghyun.""Don't worry about it, Jonghyun-hyung."

"Well, I guess, we should be going now. See you tomorrow, Jonghyun. I'll just pick you up.""I can let you borrow my car!" Taemin offered. I look at him and he winks secretly at me."Okay. Tomorrow then," Jonghyun said.

"Yeah. Bye.""Hm. Bye."

He smiles at me and once again, I'm melting in his gaze. We stayed like that for a moment when we suddenly heard a sound of door opening.

A very beautiful and refined woman wearing simple yet elegant dress comes in.

"Mom. You're home." I hear Jonghyun said.Taemin and I immediately bow and greet his mother.

"Good evening, Ma'am.""Good evening to you too. Thank you for taking good care of my son.""You're welcome, Ma'am." When we got home, I am completely exhausted. I did a lot of first times today. I accidentally fell asleep. I skipped morning classes.  I lied to Kibum.Many things have happened and I can't control my emotions as well. This is all new to me.. And this is all because of Jonghyun. Even when we are having dinner,

I would only think of Jonghyun. We'll see each other again tomorrow. I can't help but feel excitement and happiness. Oh. Please. Stop it, Lee Jinki.

You're going with him to the doctor as his manager. You're just doing your job. This is definitely not a date like what's you're thinking.

I can only sigh. Whatever happens tomorrow, I'll just let tomorrow  decides.

There's a knock on my bedroom door."Hyungie? Can I come in?""Sure, baby."I tap the space beside me motioning him to sit.

He sits down and hugs me by the waist.

"What's wrong baby?""Hyung... Are you disappointed at me?""Huh? No baby. Why?""Because I missed the shot...""Minnieee... Hey baby.. You're still thinking about that?"He hugs me tighter as a reply.

"Taemin.. Look at me."

I lift his chin to force him to look me in the eyes.

"Jinki-hyung is very proud of you."

I could see Taemin's eyes water."Thank you, hyung... For everything."

I ruffle his hair.

"Hyung. Can I sleep with you tonight?""Sure, baby. You're always welcome."

Then he immediately goes back to his room. When he gets back, he has his favorite big teddy bear.

I believe it is given to him by Kibum on his birthday.

He lies to the bed while hugging his big teddy bear. I lie down and hug him from his back and softly hum a song I always sing for him when he is still a toddler.

No matter how much Taemin ages, he still my baby brother. He is still the same baby whose hands I held when he is frightened, who cries when I am not beside him and

who I love and care the most in the whole world. He is my baby. Even if his hair is completely white or he is bald, even if he only has a few teeth, even if he can't stand and walk properly anymore, and

even if he doesn't need me anymore. He is still my baby brother.

I am almost sleeping when my phone rings.

I check on Taemin to see if he was awaken. Fortunately, he is dead to the world.

I pick up my phone but I slowly get up and go out of the room so I won't be able to wake Taemin up.

"Hello. Jinki here."

"Hey. Buddy."

"Kibum? Why are you calling so late?"

"Well, I just remembered that I need to tell you my hypothesis about today's happenings. You know, things like you skipping in morning classes and the headphone round your neck, the basketball team, and well....

to make it short.... Kim Jonghyun. 3rd year high school student at SW University. Point Guard and Vice Captain of basketball team. Knows how to play lots of instruments, writing lyrics and composing. Lives with mother and one sister."

"Wh-What are you talking about Kibum? And h-how did you even know those details?""Oh please, Jinx. You know exactly what I am talking about and I have my ways to know. I am Kim Kibum, in case you have forgotten.""K-kibum... I...""Since it's really late and I'm really sleepy, I'll cut to the chase and tell you my conclusion. That you, Lee Jinki, 3rd year straight-A student of SW, has fallen in love with Kim Jonghyun.""What are you..""Oh please, Lee Jinki. Don't even try to deny it. I know. And I want to say that I'm happy for you. Welcome to the real world.""B-bummie-yah..."

"But Jinx, as a bestfriend, I must say this. You are one of the most important persons in my life so I don't want you to get hurt. So, as a bestfriend, I need you to remember this.

Once you fall, it's inevitable to get hurt. You'll always get hurt. Because everything that fall... hurts. I hope you know the consequence of this, Jinx."

"I know."

"And I am proud of you. Whatever happens Jinx, always remember that I'm just two steps behind you.""Eew, Kibum. Is that a song lyrics? But thank you. Really.""Haha. Good night""Hm. Good night.""Say 'Good night' to baby Taem for me. And tell him that 'Kibum-hyung is impressed'.""Sure. I'll tell him tomorrow. He's asleep.""K. Bye, Jinx. See you tomorrow.""Bye Bummie."

The next morning, I wake up really early to prepare breakfast for Taemin and I. Taemin is still sleeping in my room.After that, I did my morning routine and did not forget to eat breakfast. I would not want to make Taemin worry for me again.

Then after an hour and a half, I am driving my way to Jonghyun's house.

And once again. I can't explain what I am feeling. It's a mixture of excitement, aspiration and happiness. As I rang the doorbell, I remember my conversation with Kibum last night.I know the consequence. But if he wouldn't know, nothing will change. And I won't get hurt.

.

.

Right?? The gate opens and a very beautiful woman appeared in the doorway. She looks younger than Jonghyun's mother. No, she is definitely younger than his mother but she looks so much like Jonghyun.

It's as if she is Jonghyun, just the female version.

"Hi. Good morning, cutieee! How may I help you?"

Wow. She's so cheerful early in the morning.

"G-good morning. I've come to fetch...." Someone's shout stop me from saying whatever I would say.

"Noona!!!"

Behind the woman, Jonghyun walks quickly towards us with clutches under his armpit.

"I told you I'm going to get it cause it's mine.""Hey, relax. Relax, Jjongie.""Aish, noona. Stop calling me that in front of other people.""Okay. Okay. Haha. My bad."