**Shy Love (Click-B) Finished *contact me at: shinhwa_jjang@hotmail.com Chapter 1 “Hello?” her angelic voice startled me, even though I knew I was expecting her voice to answer.  I kept silent, putting my hand over the phone.  She repeated, “Hello?”  I held my breath, hoping that my parents or my brother wouldn’t come into my room at this moment.  This moment was too important.  “Hello? Please… this is probably the tenth prank call I’ve had this week! Could you please say something?” I smiled, hearing her saying something other than “hello.”  But I kind of felt bad… prank calling her and not saying anything.  So I hung up.  Unless I had heard her voice…  I was happy about that.  I said a silent prayer, “Thank you so much for bringing her into my life.  Ever since I saw her… that day, my world flipped.  It was paradise at school, looking at her.” I went into the bathroom and locked the door and looked at myself in the mirror.  I had black-blue hair, eyes with light ssanggapul (Double eyelids), an okay nose, and okay lips.  I wasn’t trying to sound conceited, but I was okay looking… Well, that’s what I thought. Just then, my brother called for me.  “SangHyuk ah! Come down here!”  I groaned and yelled, “What do you want?” My annoying brother stood in front of me, hands on his hips.  I started to laugh… it WAS a funny sight… He asked, “Why are you laughing?” I tried to get the words out of my mouth, “It… looks so… funny… You look… like… a girl…” He slapped me on the back and I winced.  Even though he didn’t look that tough, he was really strong.  He said, “SangHyuk, you’re the one acting like a girl.  Now get down here and take out the trash!” I groaned and murmured under my breath.  He sharply said, “What did you say?”  I snapped, “Nothing!”  I took out the two trash bags that we had and took it out to the curb.  It was early in the morning, but I was up.  I usually can’t wake up until my brother slaps me out of my sleep or my alarm clock happens to fall from my dresser onto my bed, right next to my ear.  But today was a special day… I just knew it was going to be… I woke up early today. I didn’t even eat breakfast and took my backpack and started walking to school.  I was passing by some big houses when I noticed my best friend, YunSuk, coming down the stairs of his house.  I said, “Yah! Woo YunSuk!”  He turned, noticing me.  He ran down the stairs and jumped in front of me.  He was a lady’s man.  He almost went out with ALL the girls in our high school… but not at the same time.  It didn’t bother him or me that the most popular guy in school was a best friend to the guy that had never had a girlfriend. It wasn’t that I COULDN’T get a girlfriend… it was because I claimed that I hadn’t found the right girl yet.  But I had found her… It was Saetbyul…  I had first met… well, SAW her at a party of YunSuk’s.  I followed her around like a dog would follow its own tail.  She was like an angel.  She was nice to everyone, talking to them… dancing with them.  She danced with YunSuk once, too.  But I didn’t mind.  He was my best friend. She had long dark brown hair and big eyes.  Her nose was perfect and her lips were beautiful.  Of course I followed her at school, thinking why I didn’t notice her before when she was in two of my classes.  The classes were language arts and history.  She was smart, too.  What more could a guy want? Beautiful, popular, smart, nice… She was perfect… But there was a problem.  It wasn’t a small problem… it was a big one.  Well, at least for ME, it was a big one.  It didn’t bother me at all, though, because it didn’t stop me from following her around.  In fact, it helped me follow her around…  The problem was… that she didn’t know I existed.  In other words, I'm nothing in her life. YunSuk and I walked to school. We got there, and I saw Saetbyul in front of the school, smiling at everyone that went in the doors.  I don’t know why she was standing there, but…  Then I saw her wave to someone.  I looked to see who it was and there were two guys.  One had yellow, chin-length hair and the other had brown hair with white streaks in them.  They all embraced each other.  Then I turned red and when YunSuk saw what I was looking at, he smiled. I kept on looking and saw Saetbyul looking for someone else.  Then she saw us.  Then she smiled.  Her smile… her lips turning at those corners… Those dimples…  She was so beautiful.  She took the hands of those two lucky guys and walked towards us…  I was pretty sure she was walking towards us… Then her wonderful voice said, “YunSuk! Woo YunSuk!” Chapter 2 YunSuk said, “Yeah.”  I expected Saetbyul to faint at YunSuk’s voice like every other girl did, but she didn’t.  She pointed at the two guys and said, “These are my cousins.  They’re new here… and I wanted someone to show them around.  I thought they would be more comfortable around guys, so I can count on you, right?” I jabbed him in the stomach, telling him to say yes.  He said, “Of course…  Hi, I'm YunSuk.”  He pointed at me, “and this is SangHyuk.  Nice to meet you.”  Saetbyul smiled and said, “Thanks, YunSuk!  I thought I could count on you… you’re popular, nice…  Thanks!”  She walked away and I felt my heart beating faster. YunSuk nodded at her and the two guys turned towards us.  The guy with the yellow hair said, “Hi, I'm HoSuk.  And this is my cousin, JongHyuk.  Well, second cousin.  We’re all related by Saetbyul.” We all got acquainted and walked into the school.  HoSuk turned to me and asked, “I have three classes with you… Do you think you could stay with me?” I nodded and said, “Sure!”  HoSuk smiled his thanks and JongHyuk followed YunSuk.  We all separated and went into our classes.  Luckily for HoSuk, there was a seat next to me that was empty, and he took it.  All day, I dreamt of Saetbyul.  HoSuk had to hit me hard twice before he got my attention.  And he asked me to scoot over! Sheesh… and I was planning our perfect date too… Before I knew it, we were in last period…  It was the only class that YunSuk, Saetbyul, HoSuk, JongHyuk, and I had all together.  We all sat near each other and went right to work.  Since it was a math class, we couldn’t slack off, especially me.  But today was a special day for me… I got to see Saetbyul face-to-face.  So I daydreamed of her again…  Suddenly, I felt YunSuk’s hand gently slap my arm.  I cried, “Ow!” and he said, “Our homework is page 345, problems 1 to 20.”  I looked at him blankly and he said, “The bell rang!” I looked up and found the whole class gone.  HoSuk and JongHyuk were already talking about their first day at their new school to Saetbyul, who was next to the door.  I murmured, “Oh… thanks, YunSuk,” and slowly walked towards her.  Should I talk to her? What would I say? Oh God… help me.  What do I do? It was a relief when she spoke first… but to YunSuk.  “YunSuk… thank you so much for showing my cousins around.  I’d really like to do something for you in return.  How about some ice cream?” YunSuk hesitated and said, “It’s okay… I mean…”  He looked at me and I gave him a look that said: Say yes or die!  He smiled and said, “Sure, I’d love too.”  Saetbyul smiled at him and nodded at me.  “Your friend, too.” YunSuk nodded and said, “Sure, SangHyuk, too.” I smiled at her and she smiled back.  Right then, I melted.  She had smiled at me! She looked at me!  For the first time in the two years that I’ve liked her, she noticed me! Thanks to YunSuk too…  I whispered into YunSuk’s ear, “Thanks…”  YunSuk laughed and Saetbyul, walking in front of us with HoSuk and JongHyuk, turned around.  “Is something wrong?” YunSuk shook his head and said, “No… everything’s fine.  It’s just that… SangHyuk just almost tripped over a bag of chips on the floor.” Saetbyul smiled and said, “They should really do something about that trash…  It’s messing up our community…  It might hurt people too.  Be careful, SangHyuk!”  She cocked her head at me and turned back. My heart at least skipped three beats.  It was a miracle that I was actually living.  She had said more words to me than ever…  “They should really do something about that trash… It’s messing up our community…”  I sighed and kept on walking.  We finally got to the ice cream store and Saetbyul sat between HoSuk and JongHyuk.  YunSuk and I sat on the other side of them.  HoSuk and JongHyuk ordered a strawberry shake, YunSuk ordered a cappuccino, Saetbyul ordered mocha, and I ordered vanilla yogurt. Saetbyul smiled at me and asked, “Are you sure that’s what you want?”  I nodded and she cocked her head.  “You know… I don’t believe I’ve ever heard you speak.” I opened my mouth, and then closed it again.  I shrugged and she turned to YunSuk.  “Can he speak? He’s not mute, is he? I’d be so awfully embarrassed if he was…”  She turned red and I blushed, too.  I finally managed to croak out, “No, I'm not mute.” Saetbyul laughed and said, “Wow, you spoke! You should speak more often! Your voice is really cute.” I blushed and whispered, “Thank you.” YunSuk kicked me under the table and I winced in pain.  Just then, our orders came and the waiter put them down.  But he was putting Saetbyul’s mocha down, and it spilled on her skirt.  She gasped and stood up and the whole skirt was soaked.  HoSuk and JongHyuk took napkins and wiped it off.  The waiter gasped and said, “I'm sorry…” over and over.  She said, “It’s okay…” right after every “I'm sorry.” After awhile, the mess was cleaned up, but Saetbyul’s dress was all brown.  It had been a lavender dress with flowers on it.  She looked down at her dress and said, “Oh, what do I do?  This was my favorite skirt!  Now, it’s ruined!”  She complained but it wasn’t whining.  I liked that. Then, I did something I never did before.  I said, “You want to trade bottoms?” Chapter 3 She looked at me, shocked.  I blinked a couple times, to see that I was still myself.  She asked, “Change into your pants?”  I automatically nodded and she said, “Oh, I couldn’t do that…” I asked, “Why not?”  This was obviously NOT the conversation I had been daydreaming of all day.  She said, “Well… because then you’d have nothing to wear.” I laughed uneasily and said, “I’ll have something to wear…  I always wear shorts under my pants.”  She said, “Oh… then… do you think I can?” I nodded and said, “Only on one condition.”  She looked at me and I said, “Can I have your dress?”  What are you thinking, SangHyuk?!  I was surprised at myself.  She said, “It’s ruined, but I guess so…” So I went to the bathroom, and changed into shorts.  I gave her my pants and she changed into them.  It was big for her, but it was better than a stained skirt.  She tightened the belt and said, “I’ll get this back to you as soon I wash it.”  I shook my head and said, “NO!” She pulled back, surprised.  YunSuk said, “I think what he meant was… don’t wash it.  Because his family has a weird way of washing clothes…  Just give it to him…”  I smiled at YunSuk.  He knew that I would never wash those pants as long as I lived.  SAETBYUL HAD WORN THEM! She smiled and said, “Okay, then.  But I’ll get them back to you, tomorrow.”  I nodded and said, “Can I have the skirt for a couple of days?”  Saetbyul laughed and said, “Keep it…  It’s no use to me, anymore.” I said, “Okay.”  Soon, everyone had finished their orders and went out.  Saetbyul looked nice in my pants, even though they were big for her.  Saetbyul looked at YunSuk and said, “Thanks again, YunSuk.” YunSuk smiled and said, “No problem.  Goodbye, HoSuk! JongHyuk! Bye, Saetbyul!” They all said their goodbyes and I held the skirt in my hands.  YunSuk slapped my hands down and I looked around.  I had to admit it would have been a weird sight…  A guy in the middle of the sidewalk, clutching a mocha-stained skirt.  I said, “Sorry.” YunSuk just laughed.  That’s what I liked about him.  He didn’t make fun of me… He always either gave me his opinions so they sounded good, or he laughed.  I laughed with him and we headed towards our house.  But I stopped and said, “You go on, YunSuk.  I have something to do first.” YunSuk shrugged and said, “See you tomorrow.”  I answered, “Bye.”  That’s another thing I liked about him.  He never asked questions.  I watched him go and headed towards the nearest mall.  I was still clutching the skirt and everyone stared.  I looked up under the directory: Women’s Apparel.  I mapped in my head all the stores and went to each of them.  I went to the first one and asked the lady there if she had skirts like these.  I held Saetbyul’s skirt up and she frowned.  She said, “No, we never sold skirts like that.” I tried the next few, but they all didn’t have it.  I finally stood in front of the last store and sighed.  I walked in it and asked the cashier if they had skirts like this.  They frowned and said, “Just a second.”  They walked in the back and soon came back with a box of skirts.  He said, “Look for it.”  I got down on my knees and went through the skirts, one by one. I finally found one that was exactly like the one that was mocha-stained.  I held it up and asked, “How much is this?” He said, “Take it.  Those are the clothes that never sold.  There’s nothing wrong with it.  Take all those skirts… Even though I don’t know why you want them…  You’re a guy, aren’t you?” I frowned and said, “Of course…  Are you sure I don’t need to pay…  I don’t want you to get in trouble.” The guy shook his head and said, “I won’t.  Even if I did, it’ll be good.  I hate this job.  Working in a women’s clothes shop sucks.” I shrugged and said, “Thanks for the skirt!”  The guy nodded and I went on my way.  I bought a “cute” bag along the way to the exit and put the skirt in, folded nicely.  I whistled and still held the other stained skirt.  I soon arrived home and even though I prayed so that my brother won’t be there, he was. I thought he would ask questions, but all he did was stare at me.  He said, “SangHyuk, your dinner is in the fridge.  Take it out and heat it.  Mom and dad weren’t going to wait for you.” I shrugged and asked, “Is someone coming today?” My brother nodded and said, “Jinhee.” I groaned and asked, “Why her?” He frowned at me and said, “Hey, for your information, I'm pretty sure you like someone too.” I held my mouth open and asked, “You like Jinhee nuna?” He blushed and the doorbell rang.  I went to open it and it was Jinhee.  I said, “Oh, hi, Jinhee nuna!”  Jinhee smiled at me and said, “Hi, SangHyuk.  Where’s TaeHyung?”  TaeHyung said, “Hi,” and she said, “Hi.”  I looked at them and knew that there was something more than friendship going on between them.  They went up the stairs together, and at the top, they thought I wasn’t looking and they held hands. I snorted and thought, “Great! Now, my brother has a girlfriend!” I quickly ate my dinner and went into my room.  I hung the skirt in my closet and put the new skirt next to my backpack.  I was going to give it to Saetbyul in the morning.  I plopped onto my bed and thought about today…  It was the best day of my life…  It was obvious.  And tomorrow… tomorrow would be the day marking the end of my second year of liking Saetbyul. Chapter 4 The next day, I ran into YunSuk again.  In fact, I guess you could call it “walking with him” to school.  We always did it.  I was wearing my backpack and holding the bag with the skirt.  YunSuk stared at the bag but asked no questions.  But I knew he was dying to know.  I simply said, “It’s a skirt for Saetbyul… I got her a new one, exactly like it.” YunSuk laughed and said, “I'm sure she’ll love it.” We were walking up the school’s entrance when someone came running down the stairs.  They bumped into us, and our books dropped on the floor.   He bent down to help us and he smiled at me.  He had sunglasses on and had red hair. We had picked up all our books and I said, “Thanks for helping.” He smiled and said, “Sure! My name’s HyunGon.  And you are…” ”Mine’s SangHyuk.  And this is my friend, YunSuk.”  Then, behind of him, I heard, “HyunGon oppa!”  HyunGon turned around, and I straightened my back.  It was Saetbyul.  She smiled at him and he ruffled her hair.  “How is my little girl doing?” Frantic thoughts raced in my mind.  I’ve been liking Saetbyul for two years… She didn’t have a boyfriend.  Little girl?  Saetbyul smiled and said, “Aw… oppa! I see you everyday!” Everyday? If this was her boyfriend…  I had to get rid of him.  But Saetbyul smiled at me and said, “Hi, SangHyuk.  Hi, YunSuk!  This is my brother, HyunGon.” I let out a sigh of relief, but said nothing.  For a while, it was silent.  Then YunSuk said, “Well, we better get going, SangHyuk. Bye, Saetbyul! Nice to meet you, HyunGon.” Saetbyul waved and said, “Bye, YunSuk! Bye, SangHyuk!”  I looked at her with longing eyes, but said nothing.  After we were walking away, I heard her say to HyunGon, “That boy never talks… seriously.”  Then I heard HyunGon laugh. I sighed and YunSuk said, “Hey, SangHyuk.  I thought you were going to give the skirt to her…” I smacked my head and said, “Oh! Wait… Be right back.”  I ran towards Saetbyul, yelling, “Saetbyul ah!  Saetbyul!”  She finally turned around and laughed. She said, “You talked!”  I tried to catch my breath and when I did, I handed her the bag.  She looked at me with those big, brown eyes.  I stammered, “Open it later…  Ask later.  Bye.” I ran back to YunSuk, and I said, “Mission accomplished!”  He laughed and we walked into class together. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The day was over and Saetbyul hadn’t opened the bag yet.  I could tell because during language arts, I saw her looking at the bag with curiosity.  After class, since it was the last class of the day, she approached me and held up the bag.  “SangHyuk…  What is this? It’s not a mean joke, is it?  The last time I received a bag from a guy, it was a rubber snake.” I was speechless.  Who would play such a mean trick on someone as beautiful as Saetbyul?  YunSuk wasn’t there to talk for me, and I was on my own.  I shook my head and said, “I wouldn’t play a trick like that on you…”  She shrugged and slowly opened the bag.  She looked at its contents and stared at me. I raised my eyebrows and her eyes filled with tears.  I drew back in surprise and stammered, “I'm sorry…  Wasn’t this the right dress?”  I was so confused… why was she crying?  It never occurred to me that her tears were of happiness.  She looked at me in the eye and said, “That skirt… A close friend that died gave it to me.  Now, I just got another one… and I think he’s going to be a really close friend, too.”  She smiled at me and I uneasily smiled back. This wasn’t supposed to happen!  She wasn’t supposed to be my friend!  She was supposed to fall madly in love with me…  Then I realized that I had no chance.  This popular, nice, smart, perfect girl would never like a girl like me…  I finally said, “Sure, why not?”  She laughed and looked at her watch.  She gasped and said, “You know what? I better get going.  I'm late for…” I looked at MY watch and finished, “your job.”  She looked at me and shrugged.  She said, “See you later!”  I waved and knew that she wouldn’t give a second thought about me.  I was her friend… that’s all.  But I guess that was a good start. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I followed her there.  To her job.  I stayed outside, leaning against a bench.  Then, right before she came out, YunSuk came walking toward me.  He waved and said, “Hey, SangHyuk.  I was buying a present for my sister.  It’s her birthday today.  What’s up?” I said, “I’m waiting for Saetbyul.  Oh, here she comes!”  I made him turn away from the direction she was going and he whispered, “You mean you’re spying on her… not waiting for her.”  I shrugged and said, “Whatever.” I followed her, far from her but close to her as I could get.  I saw her clutch the skirt that I have given her tightly in her hands.  I smiled and kept on walking.  It was dark and I saw her hair gleaming behind her, bouncing up and down.  I sighed and longed for the day when I got to touch the beautiful hair… flowing down her back… YunSuk then tapped me on the back and whispered, “Hey, go to her and say something like: Oh, I noticed you were walking by yourself.  I just happened to be around town… Want me to walk you home?  Or something!  She’s not going to fall in love with you if you just stand there!” I shook my head and YunSuk groaned.  He whispered, “Then let’s go to our house.  It’s my sister’s birthday…  I can’t be late.  My sister won’t mind if you come.” I said, “But don’t you think your sister would want a present?  And I don’t have anything.”  He held up his present and said, “I’ll just say it’s from both of us.” I smiled and said, “I’ll tell her that I’ll get her a present tomorrow.  Let’s go.”  I looked at Saetbyul one last time before going the other way to YunSuk’s house.  We got there and the party had already started.  There were balloons everywhere, cake, decorations, food, and music. I looked for the star and gave her a hug.  “Hey, SohYoung, happy birthday!” SohYoung smiled and said, “Thanks, SangHyuk oppa.” I blushed and said, “I have no present.  I’ll give it to you tomorrow at school, okay?” SohYoung nodded and said, “Thanks for coming.”  I smiled and she smiled back.  So that day, I forgot that I couldn’t spend my time looking at Saetbyul.  But instead, I enjoyed my time at YunSuk’s house. I was walking into my driveway when I saw Jinhee nuna and TaeHyung holding hands on the front steps.  I groaned, but walked toward them.  They quickly let go of their hands, embarrassed.  I mumbled, “I don’t care… Continue with your mushy stuff.” Jinhee nuna smiled and said, “SangHyuk ah… You’ll find your love soon…”  I groaned and went in.  I went up to my room and thought about what Jinhee nuna had said.  “You’ll find your love soon…” I repeated.  I HAD found my love… It was Saetbyul.  I loved her. I looked at the phone and slowly picked it up.  I carefully dialed the numbers that I’ve ached to dial freely. ”Hello?”  I winced, feeling the perfection of her voice.  “Hello?”  It pained me to see her stressed.  Saetbyul sounded as if she was about to burst.  “Excuse me, I’ve had a good day today.  A good friend gave me a present, would you please leave me alone?”  I didn’t hang up, because the mere thought that her good friend was I overwhelmed me.  Saetbyul sighed and continued, “Would you like to hear the whole story?  Yesterday, I went to a coffee shop with YunSuk, SangHyuk, HoSuk, and JongHyuk.  I spilled mocha on my skirt, and today, SangHyuk gave me a new one exactly like it.  Would you like to be in my life? I’ll tell you everything, just call every night okay? I’ll tell you my feelings… It’s kind of comforting to know that someone cares about you… cares enough that they’ll listen…  Well, I’ll hang up now.  Good night, stranger.” My heart was thumping so fast, it seemed like it was buzzing with excitement.  This was not happening.  But it was.  I had prank called her so many times that Saetbyul had actually gave in.  She was going to tell me her happenings…. Her feelings.  She had said that it was comforting to know that someone cared about her.  I cared! I truly did!  But I was so stupid I couldn’t admit it…  I couldn’t.  I don’t think I’d ever could… ever… Chapter 5 The next day, I went to school.  This time, YunSuk and SohYoung were both there, waiting outside their house.  I said, “I’ll give it to you after school.  Find me!”  SohYoung nodded and we all walked to school together.  When we got on school grounds, YunSuk was mobbed by a crowd of girls, saying they had heard that he had joined the basketball team… SohYoung sighed.  I asked, “What’s wrong?” She sighed again and said, “SangHyuk oppa, what do you do when you like someone… a lot…?  But that person doesn’t know you.  What would you do?” I snickered.  Her situation was far too familiar.  I said, “Who is it? Does he go to this school?” She nodded and pointed toward someone.  I glanced to see who it was and it was toward Saetbyul, HoSuk, and JongHyuk.  I asked, “Which one?” She said, “The one with the yellow hair…  He’s a new guy.  But he doesn’t know I exist…  What do I do?” I smiled and said, “Leave that to me!”  I turned to HoSuk and said, “Hey! HoSuk ah!”  HoSuk turned and ran toward us.  SohYoung gasped and said, “You know him?”  I nodded slightly and said, “Hey, HoSuk.  Did you like school?”  He nodded and I said, “This is YunSuk’s sister, SohYoung.  SohYoung, this is HoSuk.” HoSuk smiled at her and said, “Hi.  Nice to meet you.” SohYoung was too shocked to speak.  She shook his hand said, “Hi…”  I laughed and said, “She’s kind of shy.  But she’s a really sweet girl.  I’ll be right back.  I think Saetbyul’s trying to tell me something.”  I ran to her, saying, “Hi, Saetbyul!” She smiled weakly and said, “Hi.  Thanks for the skirt.”  She twirled right in front of me, showing off her new skirt.  I smiled and said, “It looks great on you!”  She smiled and said, “Thanks, SangHyuk.  So, I guess you introduced HoSuk to someone.” I nodded and said, “She’s YunSuk’s sister, SohYoung.” Soon the bell for classes rang and I went in.  Time lagged on and finally, it was math.  The teacher said, “You could sit there, SooKyung.” The new name caused YunSuk’s and my head to look up.  I saw a girl with shoulder length brown hair, pretty brown eyes, a straight nose, and perfectly shaped lips.  I shrugged and kept on daydreaming about Saetbyul.  But soon, I noticed that YunSuk wasn’t studying.  I glanced at his way and he was staring blankly at something. I looked towards the direction he was looking at.  SooKyung…  I should have figured.  His eyes directly went to girls.  I sighed and whispered into his ear, “YunSuk… you don’t want to hurt her, do you?” He shook his head as he if was in a trance and said, “I want to give her happiness…”  I snapped my fingers in front of his face and exclaimed, “Snap out of it!”  He shook his head and said, “Sorry… I guess I was out of this world for a second.” I shook my head and rolled my eyes.  But I knew sooner or later, he was going to ask her out and she would say yes.  They would go as a couple for a few months, and then YunSuk would fall for another girl…  He was like that.  But when he was going out with a girl, he was the “sweetest thing.” The minute hand ticked until it was finally the end of school.  Right when I got out of the room, SohYoung was there.  I waved to her and said, “I’ll buy you your present soon! Don’t worry.”  She shook her head and didn’t even look at me.  I frowned and watched as HoSuk came out and said, “Hi, SohYoung! Ready for our ice cream?”  She nodded and I watched them as they went out. I sighed.  Everyone was love-struck.  Even YunSuk! I looked around and finally found YunSuk talking to SooKyung.  I heard him say, “Come on… I know a really nice ice cream shop.”  I groaned and watched the empty room.  The only person left was JongHyuk.  I walked over to him and said, “Hey… you want to talk or something?” JongHyuk shook his head and said, “Sorry. I have to meet Saetbyul in a couple of minutes… Do you want to come?” I shook my head and said, “It’s okay.  Bye, then.”  I casually walked out, hands in my pockets.  To tell the truth, I was longing for tonight.  So I could hear Saetbyul say more words than she had ever said to me before.  I was walking out when I heard a car honk.  I ignored it, but soon, I heard, “Kim SangHyuk!”  I turned and saw one car.  It was an expensive one.  I shrugged.  There was no one in this world to pick me up in a car like that.  I walked on, but I heard a honk again.  I turned around and stared to see who the driver was. My eyes grew wide.  It… I walked to the car and the driver rolled down the window.  I laughed and asked, unbelievably, “MinHyuk?”  He laughed and said, “Good to see you, old pal.” I laughed and he said, “Get in the car.”  I got in and asked, “Whoa… where did you get it?”  He smiled and said, “My dad gave it to me… He said it was getting old…” I laughed and said, “What does he have? The newest model of the most expensive car?  Man~ I always said rich people were generous.” MinHyuk laughed and said, “He’s your uncle.  Ask him for anything.  He’ll give it to you.” I laughed.  MinHyuk had been my only comfort when I was little.  My brother made fun of me, even though now, he was getting nicer.  But still, MinHyuk was the only one that understood my problems and gave me advice.  YunSuk… he just laughed.  He didn’t ask questions.  But MinHyuk asked me questions that helped me think. I told him about everything that had happened between Saetbyul and me.  He knew that I had a crush on Saetbyul for a long time and he said, “Well… if you want, listen to more of what she says on the phone calls… and find out who she likes.  And I’ll help you beat him up.” I laughed and said, “Seriously… what should I do?” He sighed and said, “You know… I was in a situation like you before.  I really liked a girl and she didn’t even know I existed.  Well she did, but she liked my friend.  Good thing that didn’t happen to you!  Well, one day, she just suddenly dumped my friend and told me that she liked me.  I fell for it and went out with her.  A few days later, she told me it was a dare from her friends.  She so broke it off with me and went back to my friend.  I shrugged it off, but I was really hurt.  Don’t let anything like that happen to you.  She might be an angel on the outside, but it’s the inside that counts.  But from what I hear, she’s a really sweet girl.” I nodded and said, “They’re all probably at the ice cream shop.  You want to stop there and see?” MinHyuk nodded and drove to the ice cream shop.  Like I said, they were all there.  SohYoung and HoSuk, JongHyuk and Saetbyul, and YunSuk and SooKyung.   I went in and I pointed to Saetbyul.  “That’s her.”  He nodded approvingly and said, “She’s cute.  Don’t worry! I'm not falling for her!” I laughed and we stepped in.  We both sat with them and everyone was introduced.  Suddenly the bells on the door tinkled and a voice behind me said, “SangHyuk!”  I turned and saw my brother.  It was a packed table.  TaeHyung and Jinhee nuna came to sit with us, and everyone was introduced over again.  We all finally learned each other’s names.  We ate ice cream and everyone went their separate ways. I got home and decided to take a nap before my daily prank call.  It was weird… to prank call someone and looking forward to it.  I called her. It was a little early but she picked it up.  “Hello?  Stranger? I had a nice day today.  I saw him again… Who? You ask?  Well… it’s the guy that I’ve been falling for the past few days.  He’s a really sweet guy.  He has such a sweet personality…” I stayed silent and held my breath.  She just might tell me whom she liked today… Just maybe.  But she didn’t.  “But I can’t tell you… not just yet.  I have to find out who you are first.  So until you tell me, I'm not telling you.”  I stayed silent and she finally said, “I have to go.  Good night.”  I hung up and sighed.  Should I confess to her?  What if it was someone else?  It could be anyone from school!  There were so many guys…  I sighed and slipped under my covers.  Everyone was love-struck… and they knew they cared about each other.  But me… I was stuck… alone. Chapter 6 For the next few days, Saetbyul didn’t tell me whom she liked.  I didn’t tell her who I was.  I didn’t say a word.  After a week, I was walking to school with YunSuk and SohYoung.  I handed her the present that I had bought her yesterday.  She smiled at me and said, “That took long enough.”  I grinned and said, “I had financial problems.” She frowned and said, “Oppa… if this cost a lot of money, I don’t want it.  I don’t want you to empty out your pocket money on me!”  I laughed and said, “I'm just joking! YunSuk, what are you staring at?”  YunSuk was staring at something as if he was about to kill it. I looked towards his direction and stared.  It was SooKyung… walking with JongHyuk.  They were laughing, hand in hand.  I looked at YunSuk and he was boiling mad… I could tell.  SohYoung tapped me and whispered, “Let’s go…  I don’t want to be around when YunSuk oppa gets mad.  I shook my head and answered, “Me neither.”  We slipped away and hid as we saw YunSuk approach SooKyung. SooKyung smiled at him and said, “Oh, hi YunSuk!” He mumbled, “Hi…”  Then he turned to JongHyuk and asked, “So… how long have you guys been going out?” JongHyuk frowned and said, “What?” SooKyung laughed and said, “YunSuk! We aren’t going out!” YunSuk said, “Then why were you holding hands?” SooKyung laughed again and said, “Because I slipped because it was slippery back there.  I almost fell into a gutter and JongHyuk said, ‘You don’t want to drown do you?’  It was funny.  So we were just laughing, and he was helping me up.” YunSuk sighed and said, “Oh, sorry.  It was just surprising…” SooKyung smiled at him and slipped her arms in his.  “Now… let’s go to school, shall we?”  YunSuk smiled at her and JongHyuk smiled.  SohYoung and I came out from our hiding place and joined JongHyuk.  We all laughed, because we all knew that YunSuk liked SooKyung. Just then, HoSuk and Saetbyul came walking behind us.  Saetbyul was wearing the skirt…  I smiled at her and said, “Hi, Saetbyul.”  She smiled and said, “Hi, SangHyuk.”  HoSuk said, “Hi, SohYoung!  I missed you.” SohYoung smiled and said, “I missed you too!”  They put their hands together and smiled at us.  We gaped in shock and asked, “When did you guys start going out?” SohYoung smiled and said, “Yesterday.  It was the sweetest thing in the world, oppa.  He called me and asked me if I would go out with him.  I was shocked, and the doorbell rang.  I ran to get it and it was HoSuk, holding a bunch of roses.  I was so shocked! But I said yes.” HoSuk smiled at her and said, “Well, we’re going to go… I don’t want to be late.  Let’s go, SohYoung.” Saetbyul, JongHyuk, and I watched them walk away.  JongHyuk said, “Well, I have to meet some friends.  Bye!” So Saetbyul and I were alone.  Saetbyul smiled at me with her perfect smile and I smiled back.  I seemed so dirty next to her.  Her innocence… it scared me.  I didn’t want to end her innocence… but I liked her. I wanted to be hers… I wanted her to be mine.  But I couldn’t confess to her… She started walking toward school and I followed her.  We didn’t say anything and I was happy she didn’t start anything.  We got to school and we said bye.  I sighed and went in my class.  YunSuk was sitting with SooKyung, smiling at her.  SooKyung was blushing and she said, “I will, oppa…”  I groaned and assumed that YunSuk had gotten another girlfriend.  He was probably going to dump her in a few days anyway. YunSuk smiled at me and winked.  I shook my head and took a seat.  So everyone was paired up… YunSuk and SooKyung, HoSuk and SohYoung, Jinhee and TaeHyung, JongHyuk… he probably had someone.  Saetbyul and I were the only singles. Then it occurred to me.  Saetbyul could have any guy she wants.  She knows she’s beautiful… she knows she’s a guy’s dream.  I was sure that she had been asked out before.  Had she refused?  Did she have someone else in mind? Someone… like… me? Then I shook off the thought.  There was NO way she could have liked me…  I patiently waited until school was over.  After school was over, I didn’t want to face all the couples, so I went straight home.  TaeHyung eeh hyung and Jinhee nuna were waiting for me.  I said, “Hi.” Jinhee nuna said, “Hi.  SangHyuk, we have something to tell you.”  I looked at them and raised my eyebrows.  “You guys aren’t getting married aren’t you?” Jinhee nuna laughed and shook her head.  I sat down next to them and they looked at each other.  Jinhee nuna spoke.  “I think… we think… that you should move out.” I looked at them and said, “What?” They looked at each other and TaeHyung said, “Look… we’ve thought about it.  Even ummah and appa… they were the ones that mentioned it.  I think you should move out.  Not because we don’t love you, but because you’re a grown man now.  I think you need privacy.  I know it’s tiring to have no privacy.  Ummah will drop off food at your house and stuff.  And we’ll pay for your apartment fee.  Don’t worry about that.  Just live by yourself for awhile… get the feeling of it.  Remember, I did that once, too…” I nodded and said, “Sure… I guess it’ll be good experience.” I sighed and walked up slowly into my room.  I plopped down on the bed. I looked at the clock; it was 3.  It was too early to call Saetbyul now.  I sighed and decided to do my homework.  That… that was amazing.  That’s how bored I was… that’s how shocked I was.  That I would actually do my homework.  But even though I didn’t do it most of the time, I still got good grades.  It was mostly because I got 100%’s on tests and answered all of the bonus questions. I did my homework and looked at the clock again.  It was 5.  I sighed and picked up the phone.  I dialed Saetbyul’s number and she picked up.  “Hello?” I didn’t answer.  Her beautiful melodic voice said, “Oh… stranger…” She had been calling me stranger for a week… I got used to it.  “Hi!  I had a nice day today, too.  Even though I didn’t get to see him as much…  He disappeared right after school.  I was about to ask him to get some ice cream with me, too.  It’s too bad.”  I shrugged it off, even though a corner of my brain kept on telling me that I had disappeared right after school… She continued, “Do you know what?  Do you think you could call back at 8?  I’d like to tell you whom I like…  I’ve liked him for about a week now.  And I don’t think he likes me.  Every time he’s around me, he never talks.  But he’s so adorable.  Well, call back okay?” She hung up and I sat there, phone in my hand.  I put it down and sighed.  What was I going to do for 3 hours?  I took a one hour nap and went downstairs for dinner.  It was leftover night.  I sighed and said, “I'm not hungry!” My parents frowned but said, “Okay… we’ll leave some in the fridge if you want it later.” I nodded and went in my room again.  I set my alarm clock for 3 hours and put it next to my ear.  I took a nap and didn’t wake up until 8:30.  I gasped and groaned after I saw the alarm clock.  It wasn’t turned on!  I hurried and picked up the phone.  She sounded out of breath when she picked up.  “Hello?  Sorry… stranger right?”  When there was no answer, she continued.  “Whew… sorry I was running up and down the stairs.  It’s my daily exercise.  Whew…  Hm…  Should I tell you straight off?  Well… I'm not sure if you know him.  He’s a really sweet person.  I’ve had ice cream with him a couple of times.  He’s so nice! Every time I see him, I like him more and more.  I'm not sure if you know him, but his name’s…”  In the background, her mom cried, “Saetbyul ah! Hurry up! You’re going to be late for school tomorrow if you don’t sleep!” Saetbyul answered, “Okay!”  She sighed and said, “I'm going to say his name and hang up.  His name is Kim SangHyuk.”  The phone went dead. Chapter 7 I stood there, petrified.  Saetbyul couldn’t like me… it was unbelievable.  But I was sure I had heard correctly.  Kim SangHyuk…  That was my name…  How could she…  This is was impossible.  A girl like her couldn’t like me.  I was so… dumb, clumsy, weird… How…  I sat on my bed and stared in space for at least 10 minutes.  I said, under my breath, “Oh my…” I pulled the covers over me and thought about tomorrow.  How could I ever face her tomorrow?  I had to pretend that I didn’t know anything about it.  Will she say anything?  I had to confess…  If I didn’t confess then she would have to.  That would be embarrassing for me and her.  It wasn’t right.  I was supposed to confess!  I sighed and went to sleep. The next day, I saw Saetbyul.  I tried to avoid her, but she cried, “SangHyuk!” I turned, and for the first time, I didn’t want to see her.  I murmured, “Hi.”  She frowned and asked, “Is something wrong?”  I shook my head.  She sighed and looked at me.  I uneasily shifted under her gaze.  I smiled at her and she said, “SangHyuk… can you keep a secret?” I took a deep breath and said, “Sure.”  She sighed and said, “Well… lately, a prank caller has been calling me.  And I tell this person everything.  I don’t know if it’s a girl or a boy.  I told the person who I liked yesterday…  Do you know who this is?” I shook my head and she breathed a sigh of relief.  Something suddenly came to my head.  Saetbyul… if what she said was true, she liked me.  Then that meant that she would talk to the prank caller… which was me.  She would tell everything about me… to the prank caller… me.  My eyes grew wide and she asked, “SangHyuk… I really think something’s wrong.  What is it?” I shook my head and said, “Let’s go to school.  We still had a long way to walk, and I heard a honking behind me.  I turned and saw MinHyuk.  I waved and said, “Come on, Saetbyul.  Let’s get a ride.”  She frowned and said, “Are you sure it’s safe?” I laughed and said, “It’s my cousin, MinHyuk… remember?”  Her face lightened up and said, “Oh! Wow… I'm so thankful…”  She followed me to MinHyuk’s car and we got in.  She said, “Thank you MinHyuk.  I…  I'm very grateful.” She blushed and he said, “No problem.  Saetbyul, right?” Saetbyul nodded and I asked, “Why you so early?” ”Oh, I'm meeting an old friend of mine.” I asked, “Really? What’s his name?” ”His name…  I don’t know his last name, but it’s HyunGon.” Saetbyul and I looked at each other and said, “Does it happen to be Ha HyunGon?”  He said, “Oh yeah! I always said it always reminded me of his laugh.”  Saetbyul chuckled and I groaned.  If he was your cousin, you had to get used to his ssullung jokes.  I said, “Hyung… that’s Saetbyul’s brother.” He stared at us from his rearview mirror and asked, “Really? Wow… it’s a small world.  He used to be my best friend in college.  I don’t know what happened to him and a little while before, I got a call from him.  So how is he doing?” Saetbyul smiled and said, “He’s great! He’s really dedicating his life to his drums, I think.  He practices everyday.” MinHyuk laughed and said, “Hm… maybe SangHyuk, him, and I can make a band or something.  And TaeHyung could sing.  Wouldn’t that be hilarious?” Saetbyul asked, “What do you play?” I said, “I play bass guitar, and MinHyuk eeh hyung plays electric.”  Saetbyul said, “Oh! How cool!  That’s funny.  I never knew you played bass guitar…” I grinned and MinHyuk said, “Well, here you are! Have a fun day at school!”  I laughed and said, “Every day is a fun day!”  MinHyuk winked at me and said, “I’ll pick you up after school.  Tell me everything that happened so far.”  I nodded at him and slammed the door after Saetbyul had gotten out. Saetbyul said, “SangHyuk… do you think you could walk me to class?” I shrugged and said, “Sure.”  I walked her to class and glanced at her.  She was tightly holding her books and her knuckles were white.  I chuckled, guessing she was nervous for a test.  I asked, “So, do you have a test today?” She shook her head and I pointed at her white knuckles.  She loosened them and smiled uneasily at me.  I shrugged and I said, “Well… then see you later, okay?” She nodded and said, “Bye, SangHyuk! Thanks!”  I nodded and said, “Anytime.”  I walked back to my class.  I wondered myself how I could be so calm in front of a girl that I liked.  And I knew that she liked me.  It was impossible… I couldn’t believe it and yet, something told me it was true.  The way she acted in front of me… I couldn’t bear it. I had to confess… But how?  What would I say?  Should I just confess to her in one of the prank calls?  I thought about it while walking to my class. The day passed on slowly, and in the last period, I remember that MinHyuk hyung said he would pick me up.  Right when the bell rang, I saw a crowd of people surrounding a person.  I tiptoed to see who it was, but the crowd was too big.  I asked to the people in front of me, “What is it?” Everyone replied and I heard one distinct voice.  “Some girls are beating up someone.  I think it’s a new girl.”  I asked, “Why?”  They answered, “I think it’s because she took their guy…” I couldn’t take it any longer and bent down to look.  She had brown hair… shoulder-length.  I frowned and asked, “Does anyone know who that is?” Someone in front of me answered, “I think the new girl, SooKyung…” Chapter 8 My eyes grew wide and I was shocked.  Because she was going out with YunSuk…  I scanned the school grounds to look for YunSuk.  I couldn’t find him anywhere.  Then I finally saw him walking down the stairs with SohYoung and HoSuk.  I ran towards them and said, “YunSuk! Yah! SooKyung… It’s SooKyung.  Hurry, she’s getting beat up!” He exclaimed, “What!” and ran towards the crowd.  He got there and everything got quiet.  He slowly walked towards the center and everyone made a way for him.  SooKyung was lying on the floor, lifeless.  He grabbed one of the girl’s hair and made her face him.  He said, “You… you’re the leader, aren’t you?”  She nodded once and glared at him.  He glared at her back.  He said, “You don’t touch SooKyung… and nothing happens to you.  If you do anything like this again, I won’t leave you alone.  Don’t touch her.” She snorted and asked, “Is that a threat?”  He shook his head and let her go.  “No.  It’s a warning.  Get out.  Don’t come near SooKyung ever again.”  She slowly straightened up her back and led her girls out of the campus.  I breathed a huge sigh of relief and looked at SooKyung.  She wasn’t moving.  I gasped and said, “YunSuk ah! SooKyung…”  He turned to her and knelt down on the floor besides her.  He shook his head and said, “Oh… please…”  He flipped her over to find blood all over her face.  The crowd gasped and I said, “YunSuk ah! Carry her!  Follow me!” I weaved around the crowd and found MinHyuk’s car waiting for me.  I yelled, “Hyung! Come here, quick!”  He drove to where I was standing and he said, “What’s up?” YunSuk came with SooKyung on his back and MinHyuk’s eyes grew wide.  He said, “Get her in the back.  SangHyuk, ride in the front.”  We got in the car and YunSuk said, “Sorry… I mean… it’s genuine leather, isn’t it?” MinHyuk shook his head and said, “Who cares! That girl… SooKyung right?  We have to get her to a hospital! Fast!”  He sped around all the cars and got to a hospital in no less than five minutes.  We got out and YunSuk carried SooKyung all the way.  They put her in an emergency room and I was exhausted.  SooKyung was on her way on a stretcher to a room and YunSuk walked besides me. He sighed and said, “SangHyuk, thanks.  I like SooKyung a lot.  All those other girls…  they were just… girls leading to SooKyung.  I really like her.  Thanks… if it weren’t for you, I don’t know what I would have done.” I slapped him on the back and said, “Hey, what are friends for?” YunSuk smiled at me and said, “So, what happened with Saetbyul?”  Just then, MinHyuk came and sat next to me.  He said, “Yeah… tell two people at once.”  I sighed and told them everything.  Even about Saetbyul liking me. They laughed and said, “Why didn’t you confess to her right there?” I said, “She hung up!”  They laughed and said, “Sure, sure.” Just then, the doctor came out and YunSuk’s face grew serious.  He asked, “Is she okay?”  The doctor nodded and said, “It’s good that you guys got her fast.  If you had stalled even for five more minutes, she might have lost more blood.  How did she get like this anyway?” YunSuk sighed and said, “Some girls beat her up…  They should get expelled, shouldn’t they?  I'm going to make sure they won’t go near SooKyung again.  I won’t let them.” The doctor looked at him and said, “She’ll be fine.  She could probably go home tomorrow.” YunSuk said, “Thank you, doctor.”  He turned to us and said, “I'm going to stay with her.  I'm going to call her parents too.  They’ll be worried.  I probably won’t be in school tomorrow.  I'm going to stay at the hospital.  Tell the teachers for me, okay?” I nodded and said, “Bye, YunSuk.  I’ll tell SohYoung too.” He nodded and said, “Thanks.”  I smiled and watched him go into SooKyung’s room.  MinHyuk put his arm around me and said, “He’ll be fine.  He’s just in love.  Let’s go.” We walked out and I came face to face with Saetbyul talking with a taxi driver.  She was saying, “Please… sir… I really don’t have money right now.  I’ll get you money tomorrow.”  He was shaking his head and I saw what the problem was.  I took out my wallet and walked to the taxi.  I asked, “How much is it?”  He said, “Chun oh baek won (12 dollars…)”  I gave him the money and said, “Thank you, sir.”  He pulled out and I looked at Saetbyul. She was looking at with a look that scared me.  It was as if she was looking into my soul, thinking: I know you like me… admit it SangHyuk.  She smiled at me and said, “Thanks.  I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come.” MinHyuk came up and said, “How about somewhere to go? Without paying…” He grinned and I said, “Saetbyul ah… do you want to go shopping?” She smiled and said, “Sure.”  We went to a nearby mall and I stepped into a store.  It was kind of weird, because it was mostly girl clothes. Saetbyul looked at me and said, “You’re gonna buy girl clothes?”  I shook my head and said, “For you…” She smiled at me and said, “Oh, SangHyuk… you’re so sweet…  But I couldn’t take anything from you.” I looked at her and asked, “Why not?”  She stood there, with her lips closed.  I said, “Then tell you what.  Let’s go into a guy store okay?  And we could get something there that will be fit for you and me.  Something exactly alike.  Okay?” Saetbyul nodded and we went to a nearby guy store.  A worker there approached us and asked, “What are you looking for? Our couple clothes are over on that side.  We’re having a special today.” I blushed and said, “We’re not a couple…  But we’ll look.”  We went to look and Saetbyul picked out a blue t-shirt and baggy jeans.  I gave her a thumbs up sign and I went to pay for the clothes.  I think she felt bad about me having to pay, but later I reassured her that it was nothing.  I was happy that I had the same clothes as Saetbyul. Saetbyul faced me and said, “Wear it tomorrow, okay, SangHyuk?”  I nodded and said, “Sure…  Tomorrow…”  She took out the shirt and put it against her face.  She smiled and said, “It’s been so long since I’ve gotten new clothes!  I love the smell of it.” I looked at her with longing and thought, ‘I could get new clothes for you everyday if you want… If I just had the guts to confess my love to you…   Only if I could…’  I sighed and she asked, “What’s wrong?”  I smiled at her scrunched-up face and said, “Loosen that face… you don’t want your beauty to be gone.”  I walked right past her to where MinHyuk was standing.  I could see her from the corner of my eye, touching her cheek, blushing.  I smiled and said, “MinHyuk eeh hyung.  Let’s go.” We all stepped out and decided to call SohYoung.  We called her and told her that YunSuk would be at the hospital with SooKyung.  SohYoung worried over them and said, “Don’t worry about me.  I'm with HoSuk…”  I said, “I'm not worrying about you!”  She laughed and said, “Oh, oppa!” MinHyuk eeh hyung dropped Saetbyul off at her house.  We said goodbye and he dropped me off at mine.  But in the backseat, I found Saetbyul’s stuff.  I groaned and said, “Bye, hyung. Thanks.” He smiled at me and I got out with Saetbyul and my stuff.  I decided to call her and tell her that I would drop off it off later in the evening.  As I was going in, Jinhee nuna was coming out.  She grabbed my arm and said, “I heard that SooKyung got hurt?” I nodded and she said, “How sad for YunSuk… I feel so bad about it… Send SooKyung my wishes!” I nodded and went in.  TaeHyung was standing there, sighing.  I asked, “What’s wrong with you?” He shook his head and I shrugged.  I went into my room and called Saetbyul…  This time, I could talk!  She answered, “Hello? Stranger?”  I laughed and said, “It’s me, SangHyuk.” She sounded disappointed and said, “Oh… Hi SangHyuk! Um… yeah…” I said, “Well, it sounds like you’re expecting a phone call so I'm gonna make it quick.  But… you forgot your clothes.  I’ll drop them off later okay? Just wait for me in about ten minutes.  Bye.”  I quickly hung up, because I didn’t want her to protest.  I sighed and started walking to her house with the bag in my hand. I got to her door and knocked.  No one answered at first, but when I knocked louder, HyunGon came out.  He said, “Hi! You want to come in?” I shook my head and said, “No, I have to eat dinner soon.  Can you give this to Saetbyul?  And tell her I said hi.”  I handed him the bag and he said, “Okay… bye, SangHyuk.” I waved and walked back to my house.  I put my hands in my pockets and sighed as I looked at the clear night sky.  I closed my eyes and thought about Saetbyul.  You mean so much to me… And yet, I do nothing.  You like me too… and yet, I do nothing.  What is wrong with me? You have to give me the strength, Saetbyul.  But how could you give me the strength when I need it to approach you? Chapter 9 The next morning, I came out of my house, feeling like a new person.  I was wearing the clothes that Saetbyul and I had picked out yesterday.  I walked towards YunSuk’s house, and HoSuk was waiting there.  I said, “Hi, HoSuk.  Waiting for SohYoung?” He nodded and smiled at me.  I sighed and said, “You know… you’re really lucky that you could at least express your feelings towards each other.  Me? I can’t even say a word…” He laughed and SohYoung came out.  She said, “Hi, oppa!  Bye, oppa!”  I laughed and watched them walk off, holding hands. I waited for five more minutes.  Then I remembered that YunSuk wasn’t going to be home!  I smacked myself on the head and headed towards school.  I was passing Saetbyul’s house, and I saw her coming out with HyunGon.  HyunGon was saying, “Are you sure you could go by yourself?  I'm so sorry I can’t go!”  Saetbyul said, “Oppa… I think it’s more important for you not to be late for your first job! Don’t worry about me! I’ll be fine!” I walked up to them and said, “Hi.”  All of the sudden, HyunGon and Saetbyul’s face brightened and HyunGon said, “Hey, SangHyuk… would you like to walk with Saetbyul to school?” I shrugged and said, “Sure.”  But really inside me, I was excited.  Should I confess to her now?  I decided not to.  During the walk, Saetbyul was really quiet.  I asked, “What’s wrong?” She sighed and said, “This person didn’t call last night… And I was expecting him.  I wanted to tell him about everything that happened.” I laughed and said, “Maybe he was tired…”  I had totally forgotten to call Saetbyul last night.  I was too excited about able to go to her house without hesitating.  I smiled at her and she smiled lightly back.  I sighed and walked in silence.  I looked at her and said, “I notice that you’re wearing the clothes…” She smiled and said, “Of course, SangHyuk! Did you think I would forget?” I smiled at her and said, “No… Just surprised that you would wear the same thing as me.”  For a second, I thought I saw a sad look in her face.  Was she sad that I couldn’t ask her out? Was she sad that I didn’t have the guts to confess my love?  I sighed and she smiled. We walked to school in silence for the rest of the time and separated into our own classes.  Finally in math class, people turned to stare at us and whisper.  Saetbyul just smiled at everyone that she passed, being nice.  One person came up to us and asked, “When did you guys become a couple?” I was about to tell them to bug off but Saetbyul spoke first.  “All because we’re wearing the same thing, it doesn’t mean we’re going out.  You guys have to look at things in other ways… not the ways you always look at them.  SangHyuk was just being nice.” They all snickered and turned away.  School ended and I went straight home.  I was too embarrassed to look at Saetbyul.  Even though I heard her calling me, I ran.  I got home and slammed the door to my room.  I sighed heavily and decided to take a long shower.  I was in the shower when I thought about Saetbyul.  I’ve liked her for two years.  I couldn’t just keep on going like this…  Liking her…  Her liking me…  I was a wimp.  I couldn’t do anything about it… Or could I? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Soon, it was 8.  I picked up the phone and dialed her number.  “Hello?” she answered.  When I didn’t say anything, she burst into tears.  “Oh… Today was the most awful day of my life!  And yesterday was the best! Yesterday, I went shopping with SangHyuk.  He was so sweet.  We picked out the same pants and shirt.  We… I felt as if we were a couple! I was so excited! But at school, everyone whispered about us… I wished we were a couple… I really do.  But… Oh… God, help me!”  She started to sob and tears started coming down my eyes. I really WAS a wimp.  The girl I liked… perhaps loved, was crying her eyes out because of me…  And I was sitting here, prank calling her.  I sighed and was about to say something, but she interrupted.  “I’ve liked SangHyuk ever since I saw him with YunSuk.  At first, I didn’t know who he was, except that he hung around YunSuk a lot.  But… Oh…”  She sighed and continued, “When I met him, something came over me.  It was as if I knew that he was the one… He was the one that would fulfill my life.  I was complete with him…  when I was with him, I actually felt happy!  But he doesn’t feel that way… That’s why he didn’t do anything about it.  At school, he just sat there! And after school, no matter how much I called, he wouldn’t turn back!  Oh, help me, stranger! What do I do?” I sighed and took my chance.  This was the best I was going to get, and I was going to make the best out of it.  I quietly said, “Saetbyul…” There was dead silence on the other line and she whispered, “Oh… dear… God…  Please don’t let this be happening to me…  Oh…” I sighed again and said, “Saetbyul ah…  I…  I think it’s time that you know who I am.” She took a short breath and whispered, “It can’t be…  SangHyuk? No… it isn’t…  Tell me you aren’t SangHyuk.” I closed my eyes and said, “It was really nice yesterday… shopping with you.  I'm sorry about today.  I wanted to smack them… but…” She took a deep breath and said, “Oh my goodness.  I’ve been telling everything… everything to YOU?” I said, “Yeah… I guess so.”   There was silence and for awhile, I thought no one was on the other line.  I said, “Saetbyul… if you’re listening…  I like you too.”  There, I had said it.  Not to mention the fact that my voice had just cracked at the word “like.”  She gasped and I said, “I’ve been liking you for two years…  I just prayed to anyone out there for you to notice me.  But… I guess…  I guess it took YunSuk’s help.  And it was worth the wait.  Because now, you like me too… don’t you?” Saetbyul was speechless but managed to croak a small “Yes.” I smiled and said, “I’ll see you tomorrow! After you get over your shock.”  I hung up and leaned against the wall.  I had done it! I had confessed to her!  And she was shocked… She had never guessed.  I sighed and wondered…  What if Saetbyul didn’t really like me?  She was just saying that because she knew it was me.  What if she had Caller ID and she wanted me to confess who I was?  I shook my head and said to myself, “It’s over! Now, since it is over… get yourself to sleep!” I plopped onto my bed and buried my face into my pillow.  Oh… Lord… Saetbyul… she was so beautiful.  I loved her. I loved her so much I could have died for her.  But… did she love me? Or was it just a small crush?  I worried all night, and fell asleep worrying. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I dragged my feet along the sidewalk as I approached YunSuk’s house.  A red-eyed YunSuk came out and whispered, “Hi.” I said, “Hi.  Is SooKyung better?”  He nodded and said, “She went home.”  I said, “Hey… I confessed last night.” YunSuk’s eyes went wide and he asked, “Really?” I nodded and he asked, “What did she say?” I shrugged and stopped when I saw her, standing near the door, as if waiting for someone.  YunSuk saw her too and whispered, “Good luck.  I’ll be waiting in homeroom!”  He hurried off to school and said a quick, “Hi, Saetbyul!” before leaving. For a while, we stood there, a few feet apart from each other.  I looked at her and she looked at me.  I didn’t know what she was thinking, but I knew what I was thinking.  I’ve liked this girl in front of me for two years.  And I finally find out that she likes me too.  And I'm just standing here! Move, SangHyuk! Move your heavy feet! Move towards her and tell her how much you love her! Now! But I couldn’t…  Saetbyul approached me first.  She had tears in her eyes and she bit her lip.  She quivered and said, “How come… how come you never told me?” I didn’t expect that.  I stammered, “I… I didn’t think that you would like the idea of a non-popular guy liking you…” She said, “SangHyuk… I’ve liked you ever since I met you.  How could…”  She looked up at the sky as the tears fell down next to our feet.  I sighed and said, “I'm sorry, Saetbyul.” She grabbed onto my arm and whispered, “I didn’t know…” I sighed and pulled her away.  I held her at arm length and asked, “Saetbyul.  Will you go out with me?” She smiled weakly and nodded.  I hugged her and she held on.  I sighed and closed my eyes.  Everything was going well… Nothing could change it.  Nothing.  Absolutely nothing. Chapter 10 We walked to school together.  From that day… we were never apart.  YunSuk sometimes had to pry me off of her when we said goodbye.  Everyone knew about it… in school too.  Everywhere we went, people stared at us.  Who would have ever thought about it?  SangHyuk and Saetbyul…  I sighed and swung Saetbyul’s arm that one special morning.  What was so special about it? It had been exactly a month ever since we went out. We happily walked to school and walked in the doors.  We sadly parted and I went in my homeroom.  YunSuk greeted me and we went in a corner.  He looked really excited and I asked, “What’s wrong?” He blew up and said, “What’s wrong?! Nothing’s wrong! Everything’s perfect!”  I was confused.  “Why?” He said, “I don’t know…  I just have a feeling.” I laughed and he said, “Seriously… SangHyuk, get ready for some great news because I know something’s going to happen.” Just then, our teacher came in.  He rapped his ruler against the table and said, “May I have your attention!  I am pleased to announce that the school year is coming to an end.  And as you know, we have a little section in the back of the yearbook for people that are voted: Most smart, most funny, best couple… and things like that.  Well, there are many subjects, and I'm proud to say… that there are many nominees in this class.  First of all, there’s the topic, most funny.  Our little comedian, Kim SangHyuk, has been nominated for this.  Also…” I didn’t hear the other nominees because YunSuk whispered into my ear, “I told you!”  I smiled and leaned back.  The teacher continued, “And there is the subject for best couple.  There has been three couples nominated.  Yoo HoSuk and Woo SohYoung.” Everyone clapped, because HoSuk was in our homeroom.  He smiled and looked at us.  We gave him the thumbs-up sign.  Then the teacher said, “There are also two more.  One is Woo YunSuk and Lee SooKyung.”  I was about to pat YunSuk on the back, but the teacher added something.  He said, “And Kim SangHyuk and Ha Saetbyul.” Everyone made a little gasp.  YunSuk and HoSuk have been going out with SooKyung and SohYoung for over a month… and I had been going out with Saetbyul for only a month!  How could we all be running against each other? I looked at YunSuk in shock and he avoided my gaze.  My temper boiled.  If I was going to lose my best friend like this, I wasn’t going to let that happen.  I whispered into his ear, “I’m going to try to talk Saetbyul into giving up.”  But I couldn’t.  Right when we came out of homeroom, Saetbyul was waiting by the door.  She smiled at me and hugged me.  She cried, “Isn’t it wonderful?  We were nominated best couple!” I looked into her eyes and I knew I couldn’t talk her out of it.  I was stuck with it…  I looked at YunSuk and HoSuk.  They were frowning and I stuck my hand out.  “You guys… please.  Let’s not get into a fight because of this whole mess okay?” They reluctantly nodded and said, “Sure…  I’ve got to get going…”  I sighed and looked after them.  I turned to Saetbyul and smiled.  “Yeah… I was so surprised.” Saetbyul looked at me and asked, “You don’t like it do you, SangHyuk? You were nominated for most funny… I guess that’s good enough. And I was nominated for nicest…  I guess we don’t need another one.”  She sighed and I shook my head.  I put my hand around her waist.  She smiled up at me and asked, “Are we still in?” I nodded.  After school, I told Saetbyul that I had to get home early.  Actually, I had to go to a lot of different shops with Jinhee nuna to pick out something for Saetbyul and my “month.”  I waved to her and she waved back.  HyunGon came and walked Saetbyul home.  I waved and got into Jinhee nuna’s car. I said, “Hi! Guess what?  We were nominated for best couple.  And so were HoSuk and SohYoung and YunSuk and SooKyung.  If we’re going to get in a fight because of this…” She shook her head and said, “You won’t.  Trust me.  HoSuk and YunSuk wouldn’t do that.  You’ve been closest of friends.  I’m sure…  and plus, YunSuk called me today.  He said if I was taking you somewhere.  I asked why and he said because he wanted to eat ice cream with you.  But we have to get Saetbyul’s present, don’t we?”  She pulled into the parking lot of the mall and found a parking space. We went into a clothes shop first, but I remembered that I didn’t know what size she wore.  Jinhee nuna looked at me and asked, “Then you don’t know any size she wears?”  I shook my head and she sighed.  She said, “I guess we just have to get her jewelry or something.” We walked into a jewelry store and my eyes automatically went to the bracelets.  Jinhee nuna glanced at me and asked, “Do you know how expensive those are?” I nodded and said, “I’ve been saving up for this.  About two years now.  I don’t know; even though I knew she didn’t know me, I still had hope…”  I touched the glass and stopped when I came to a particular bracelet.  I asked, “How much is this one?” The lady at the counter answered, “That’s 24 caret gold.  It’s 300,000 won (about 250 dollars).”  I smiled and said, “I’ll take this.  Can you wrap it really pretty?” She nodded and accepted the money.  I sighed and Jinhee nuna looked at me and asked, “Are you sure?  You’re the fastest guy I’ve ever met…”  I nodded and looked at the bracelet one more time, before it was wrapped.  It was beautiful.  It was pure gold, just as she had said.  It was a simple bracelet.  It was made of small chains linked together, and in the middle, there was an ornament.  It was a shape of heart and inside, it was carved:  I Love You Forever.  I thought it was perfect.  I left the store with such satisfaction.  Jinhee nuna just lagged behind me, surprised that I had bought such an expensive gift for a month’s anniversary.  She sighed and asked, “What are you going to get her for your 100th day? A bed? Then on your first year, you’re going to get her a house!  You’re going way too far, SangHyuk!” I laughed and shrugged.  We got in the car and drove away.  I asked, “Can you stop at a flower shop, please?” She stopped and I picked out a bouquet of thirty red roses, one for each day we’ve been together.  I asked her to wrap it with ribbons and flourish, and she did.  It was pretty… I had to admit.  Even Jinhee nuna had to admit it was beautiful.  I went home, and Jinhee nuna shook her head.  She came in and said hi to TaeHyung.  I said, “Wake me up when it’s six, okay?”  TaeHyung nodded and said, “Oh… and a friend called…  JongHyuk, I think.” I nodded and went in my room.  I dialed JongHyuk’s number, and he answered, “hello?” ”Hello? This is SangHyuk.  You called?” ”Oh! Hey, do you think you could meet me in a few minutes? About in fifteen minutes, in front of the school?” I said, “Sure.  What for?” ”Just have to ask you some questions.”  I shrugged and grabbed my jacket.  I threw it on as I ran to school.  I met JongHyuk there, and he approached me.  “Hey, I hope I didn’t bug you.” I shook my head and said, “What’s the question?” He sighed and turned at me.  “Are you willing to guard Saetbyul with your life?  With all of your life?” Chapter 11 I frowned.  This was weird.  Why was JongHyuk asking me this?  I asked, “What?” He said, “Are you willing to guard Saetbyul? Forever… with your life?” I nodded and said, “Of course… I love Saetbyul, JongHyuk.”  JongHyuk shook his head and said, “Please think about it before you answer.  With your life, SangHyuk.”  He was whispering by now, and I was getting freaked out.  What was this guy talking about?  I nodded and said, “Yes, I am sure.”  He nodded and said, “That’s all I needed to know.  Thanks.  Sorry if I bothered you.”  With that, he left.  I shrugged and walked back home.  I looked at my watch and it was 5:30.  I sighed and ran into my room.  I dialed Saetbyul’s number and said, “Saetbyul ah? Can you come out for a few minutes?  Come out in five minutes, okay?”  Saetbyul agreed and I said bye. I walked as fast as I could with the bracelet, wrapped, in my hands.  I also had to keep the petals from falling off.  I soon approached her house, and Saetbyul was sitting on the steps.  She stood when she saw me coming.  I walked to her and handed her the roses and she asked, “What’s this?” I knew I should have been hurt that she didn’t know it was our month’s anniversary, but I wasn’t.  I smiled at her and said, “Just read the card on the top.”  She carefully reached her long, slender fingers and opened the card.  I had written: Saetbyul ah~ were you surprised?  I was pretty sure that you didn’t know today was our month’s anniversary! So, I'm sending you something! I hope you like it! Love, SangHyuk She laughed and hugged me.  “I'm so sorry, SangHyuk! I totally forgot!” I laughed and said, “It’s okay!”  I handed her the present and she frowned.  “What’s this, then?”  I said, “Your present!”  She frowned more and held up the roses. ”What’s this, then? Isn’t this the present?” I shook my head and exclaimed, “I told you not to do that to your face! Your beautiful face will get messed up!”  She blushed and took the box carefully from my hands.  She opened it and gasped.  Her eyes twinkled at me, and my heart melted.  Tears filled her eyes and she whispered, “SangHyuk… I feel so bad… I didn’t get anything for you.  I didn’t even remember that it was our…” She hugged me and said, “Thank you, SangHyuk! I’ll wear it forever!” I took the bracelet out of its resting place in the box, and placed it on her wrist.  I patted her hand and said, “Keep it on forever.  So you’ll think of me.”  She nodded and said, “I’ll be right back!” She ran in the house and came back again, holding a bag.  She said, “I went to put the roses back.  I'm going to buy dinner; did you eat?”  I shook my head and said, “It’s okay.  I’ll eat at home.”  She shook her head and said, “Since you got me something for our month’s anniversary, I'm going to buy dinner.  I'm going to feel so bad, SangHyuk!  Don’t you ever care about my feelings?” We started walking and I looked at her.  I asked, “Saetbyul ah… how could you say that? Of course I care… I care so much.”  She smiled and said, “Then, let me buy dinner, okay?”  I reluctantly nodded and followed her. She chose a Korean restaurant and we sat down.  She was wearing the bracelet, and the waitress asked, “Oh my goodness!  I saw that bracelet at a jewelry store! It’s so beautiful!”  Saetbyul smiled and said, “Thank you.  My boyfriend got it for me.  Isn’t he sweet?”  She smiled at me, and the waitress added, “I wanted my boyfriend to get that for me, too.  But he said he didn’t have that kind of money.  I was so disappointed!” I avoided Saetbyul’s gaze as she carefully asked, “Was it really expensive?” The waitress seemed to have nodded, because Saetbyul shook me and asked, “SangHyuk shi…  How much did you pay for this?” I shook my head and said, “Oh, here’s the food! Let’s eat!”  I put rice and gogi (meat) in sangchoo (red lettuce?) and held it up next to her mouth.  “Say ah~”  She laughed and opened her mouth.  I put it gently into her mouth and asked, “Is it good?” She nodded and we ate in silence.  After we had eaten, she asked, “Do you want to go to a po jang mah cha (little individual food carts in Korea)?” I said, “Sure! Dduk bbok gi (rice cakes in spicy sauce)?”  Saetbyul nodded and I smiled at her.  She was so pretty…  Her hair bounced up and down on her shoulders as she walked.  I put my arm around her shoulders and smiled at her.  She smiled at me and leaned on me.  I sighed.  Who would have thought… We ate there and the person that worked there also noticed the bracelet.  She gasped and said, “Isn’t that expensive?  If you could buy that kind of stuff, what are you doing, eating here?” Saetbyul looked shocked and asked, “Was it that expensive?”  The girl nodded and said, “I wanted it, but no one would get it for me.  My boyfriend doesn’t have money like that!” I groaned.  This was the second time!  Saetbyul turned and looked at me.  “SangHyuk shi… I'm going to ask you again.  How much was this bracelet?  You didn’t spend all your college money on me, did you?” I shook my head and looked into her eyes.  “Saetbyul ah…  For you, I would give up everything.” Saetbyul’s eyes filled with tears as the girl sighed.  She said, “Oh, don’t mind me!  Just enjoying the romantic moment!” Saetbyul laughed and I brushed away the little tears that had formed under her eyes.  She smiled at me and hugged me.  She whispered, “SangHyuk oppa… whatever you paid, I hope I could pay you back… Somehow…”  I whispered back, “You don’t have to.  You already have, Saetbyul.” She frowned and asked, “How?”  I smiled and brushed my lips against her hair.  I answered, “Just by living… you’ve made my life… just by being here.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I walked Saetbyul home.  Her eyes were droopy the whole way.  I carried her on my back, and I noticed for the first time how light she was.  She weighed as if she was nothing!  Then I began to picture her.  She was so skinny!  I thought nothing about it and when I got in front of her house, I gently woke her.  She got off my back and rubbed her eyes.  She looked like an innocent child. I waved to her and said, “You’ll be okay, right?  Or do you want me to take you inside?” She shook her head weakly and said, “I’ll be fine.”  She hugged me and said, “Thank you, SangHyuk.”  I nodded and she said, “Bye…  Good night.” I said, “Good night.”  I kissed her on the cheek and waved.  I sighed, walking towards my house.  This was the most wonderful day of my life.  Lately, all my days have been wonderful.  I didn’t think my feelings for Saetbyul were describable.  I looked up at the sky and wondered… What would I have been doing a year ago?  I would have been sitting in my desk, looking at a yearbook picture of Saetbyul…  dreaming of the day when I got to be with her.  But now, those days were here. I hadn’t walked far from Saetbyul’s house, and something kept on bugging me to turn around.  I shook the thought off, but I wanted to see Saetbyul again anyway.  I turned around to get a last glimpse of her.  But the glimpse was not what I wanted to see.  Saetbyul was lying on the floor, not moving a muscle. Chapter 12 I stared blankly at her, too scared to do anything.  What if…  I finally came to my sense and ran to her door.  I knocked loudly and HyunGon came running out.  He rubbed his eyes and asked, “What is it?” I couldn’t speak; my mouth was so dry.  I pointed at Saetbyul, on the floor, and his eyes grew wide.  He said, “Well, carry her! And I’ll get a taxi!”  He ran in to get a jacket and soon, HyunGon and I, with Saetbyul on my back, were running to the main street.  We got in a taxi and drove to the hospital as fast as we could.  I prayed that Saetbyul would be okay and turned to look at her. She was so beautiful.  Her long eyelashes were on brushing against her creamy skin.  I took her hand and bowed my head.  HyunGon asked, “How’d you find her?” I sighed and said, “I was saying goodbye…  And I left.  I turned around, because something told me to, and Saetbyul was just lying there!” HyunGon sighed and said, “I hope it’s nothing serious…”  We got out of the taxi when we reached the hospital and ran in the emergency room.  They put her on a stretcher and I stared as Saetbyul was being pulled away by doctors and nurses…  Oh, those horrible people.  If they couldn’t do anything, I was going to kill them!  My Saetbyul…  I sat in the waiting room and waited for the result. I must have fallen asleep, because in awhile, HyunGon was shaking me.  “Hey, SangHyuk! Wake up!”  I lifted my head and HyunGon said, “She’s okay…  The doctor says that she was just under a lot of stress.” I let out a deep breath of relief and HyunGon sat down next to me.  I asked, “What’s wrong?” HyunGon sighed and said, “You know… Saetbyul is having problems… in school, at home.  The only thing that’s going well in her life right now is you.  You have to help her, SangHyuk.  Take good care of her, okay?” I looked at him and said, “You sound like someone’s going to die or something…”  I shuddered at the thought and he sighed.  He said, “Our parents… they’re having loud fights every night.  I went into Saetbyul’s room one night, and she was leaning against the door, listening.  I asked her what was wrong and she burst into tears.  She told me everything…  Her stress because of our parents arguing, her problems at school, and that the only happy thing in her life… it was you.” I looked at him and frowned.  Was he talking about the Saetbyul that I knew?  The Saetbyul that I knew got perfect grades…  She had no problems in school.  Her friends always were by her side…  I was her only happiness? That was nonsense.  I looked at him again and asked, “Are you sure?” He nodded and said, “She’s been stressed… I guess she’ll be okay.”  Even though everyone said she was going to be okay, I was still worried.  I asked the doctor, “Can I go in her room?”  He smiled and whispered, “She’s asleep, and there’s nothing wrong.  Don’t worry.” I nodded and walked by her bedside. I looked at her.  She was so pale… so skinny.  How could I have not noticed that before?  I sighed and sat down next to her.  I took her hand and put my forehead to it.  I silently said a prayer.  Please let Saetbyul be okay.  Ever since I’ve met her, my life has not been the same.  Ever since she noticed me, my life had changed.  Every night, I laid in my bed, thinking of her.  Every night, I wanted morning to come, so I could run to her house and greet her.  Her beautiful long hair…  Her white creamy skin…  Her long slender fingers brushing against mine.  It was just too much to see her suffer. If she was having stress at home, couldn’t her and HyunGon move out?  I thought about it more and more, and the idea suited me.  Couldn’t they move somewhere near us?  And since TaeHyung eeh hyung and Jinhee nuna were talking about me moving out, couldn’t we get an apartment close to each other? I sighed and the tears went on her hands.  I wiped them off and whispered, “Get well, Saetbyul…  I’ll be waiting.” I slowly walked out of the room and found HyunGon talking with JongHyuk.  I asked, “Hey… when did you come here?” JongHyuk answered, “A little while ago.  You know how I asked you if you could guide Saetbyul with your life?”  I nodded.  Now that I thought about, it was scary.  Did he know that this was going to happen? He continued, “Well, you see, I knew that HyunGon and Saetbyul were having problems in their home.  I even offered them to live at my house, but they refused.  I wanted to help them… and I was just wondering if you would too.  I didn’t want to make you paranoid, so I decided I would wait awhile.” I nodded and sat down on the chair next to him.  Just then, HoSuk and SohYoung came running into the hospital.  HoSuk asked, “Is Saetbyul okay?”  I nodded and numbly said, “It’s because she was under a lot of stress.” HoSuk sighed in relief and SohYoung sat next to me.  She patted my back and said, “SangHyuk oppa… it’s okay.  Why is this happening to us? First it’s SooKyung unnie, now it’s Saetbyul.  Am I next?”  Her eyes looked deeply into HoSuk’s and he frowned.  He sharply said, “Don’t say that, SohYoung! I don’t want anything to happen to you!  You’re too precious…”  Realizing what he had just said, HoSuk blushed. SohYoung smiled and said, “Nothing will happen to me as long you’re by my side, oppa.” I groaned.  All this happiness was making me sick.  How come they got to be happy? Why couldn’t I be happy with Saetbyul?  Just then, the doctor came out and said, “Ha Saetbyul has woken.  If you want to talk to her, you could.  But she’s really tired.” HyunGon stood up first and said, “I'm going first.”  He went in and came back, tears filling up his eyes.  He mumbled, “I never would have known… how skinny she was…”  He sat in a chair, head in his hands.  I went next.  I said, “Are you okay, Saetbyul?” She nodded weakly and said, “I'm sorry.  I should have done something…  I should have cried out.  But I was too weak.  I couldn’t take it anymore…”  She began to cry and I hugged her. I said, “Saetbyul ah…  Whenever it gets hard for you, think of me.  I’ll always be here.  Don’t forget.  I… I… I don’t want to lose you.”  Saetbyul looked at me and smiled.  “I don’t want to lose you either.” I smiled and patted her hand.  “It’s a relief that you’re okay.  Get well, okay?”  Saetbyul nodded and said, “Thanks, oppa.  Thanks a lot.”  I smiled at her and went out.  I took a deep breath.  Something was coming over me.  It was a weird feeling, and yet, I liked it.  It was a wonderful feeling… something I couldn’t overcome. Would I be able to confess this feeling to Saetbyul? This wonderful feeling that I'm probably feeling by myself… Probably not… but in my heart, I would always have this feeling…  The feeling of love…  I loved Saetbyul. Chapter 13 *two months later* “Hello?” ”Hello? Saetbyul? This is SangHyuk.” ”I knew it was you! I could recognize your voice anywhere!”  I blushed and said, “Do you think you could come out for awhile? Well, I guess I can just knock on your door… since you live right in front of me, but last time I went… whew!” Saetbyul laughed and said, “Sorry about that.  I didn’t know HyunGon oppa was dancing around in his boxers… Sorry!”  I laughed and said, “Can you come out?”  Saetbyul said, “Sure.” It had been a month and a half since I’ve moved.  Saetbyul and HyunGon agreed to move, too.  Right in front of me.  It was a nice apartment.  Saetbyul’s parents had gotten a divorce, and HyunGon decided to move out.  Saetbyul couldn’t take it anymore.  She was hurt… I went outside and waited in our usual spot.  There was a bench outside with flowers growing around it.  I sat down and sighed.  Soon, Saetbyul came running down and hugged me.  “Hi, SangHyuk! I don’t get to see you a lot anymore… since it’s vacation.” I laughed and tweaked her nose.  We laughed and she asked, “Why did you need to see me?” I said, “Can you leave tomorrow empty?” She frowned and asked, “Why?”  I said, “Just because…  I wanted to spend some extra time with my girlfriend.”  She smiled and said, “Okay.  Is that all?” I shrugged and said, “If you want to stay more…”  She laughed and said, “I have to get going.  HyunGon oppa’s waiting for his lunch.”  I said, “Oh, okay then.”  I walked to her apartment and we said goodbye.  I sighed and went in my room.  I didn’t want to spend extra time with her… Well, I did but that wasn’t all of the reason.  It was… our hundredth day. Right when I had finished my lunch, someone knocked.  I answered the door and I stared.  I asked, “When did you guys know that I lived here?” SohYoung frowned and said, “Since you wouldn’t tell us, we visited Saetbyul unnie and asked where you lived.  When she answered that you lived right here, I was surprised…  Well, actually I wasn’t.  I should have known that you would never let Saetbyul out of your sight.” HoSuk laughed and said, “Yeah…  SangHyuk is so protective of Saetbyul.”  SohYoung smiled and said, “So are you…” They both smiled and I rolled my eyes.  “Hey… why you’re here is because…” SohYoung stuck her lip out and said, “Aren’t you going to at least invite us in?”  I nodded and motioned them to sit down.  HoSuk said, “SangHyuk, isn’t it your hundredth day soon? SohYoung and I had ours about last week.” I nodded and said, “Tomorrow.”  SohYoung smiled and asked, “Really?  What are you going to do for her?” I shrugged and said, “I’m going to take her out to eat, then maybe watch a movie, then talk.  I'm going to get her flowers, of course, and I'm going to take her shopping with me.  So she could pick out something that she likes.”  SohYoung smiled and said, “Just like a typical boyfriend…” She smiled at HoSuk and he smiled back at her.  I rolled my eyes again and said, “If you’re going to be mushy on me, do it outside.  I have things to do.” HoSuk laughed and said, “Well, we better get going anyways.  Bye, SangHyuk!” SohYoung waved and said, “Bye, oppa!  See you later!”  I waved and closed the door behind them.  I sighed.  About an hour later, someone knocked on the door again.  It was TaeHyung eeh hyung and Jinhee nuna. I said, “Whoa, why did you guys come?”  TaeHyung frowned and said, “Why?  I can’t visit my little brother?” Jinhee nuna smiled and said, “Sorry we came without notice.”  I invited them and they took a seat.  I asked, “How have you been?” They nodded and said, “Good.”  Jinhee nuna smiled and said, “Isn’t it your hundredth day tomorrow?”  I nodded and asked, “how did you know?”  They smiled and said, “We’ve counted… To see if you would know.” I laughed and said, “Did you think that I would?”  They shook their heads and laughed.  Just then, someone opened the door and asked, “SangHyuk? You in here?”  I looked to see who it was and chuckled.  “It’s not surprising that you dropped by.” YunSuk smiled and said, “SooKyung came too…” I laughed and said, “Is this a day to visit SangHyuk couple by couple? Come in…” YunSuk laughed and said, “Who else visited?”  I said, “HoSuk and SohYoung.”  YunSuk chuckled and said, “SohYoung… she said she was going to the library to study…” We all laughed.  It was like old times.  Soon, they all left, leaving me to do the cleaning up.  I sighed as I picked up all the trash.  I looked at the clock.  It was 9 PM.  I decided to sleep so tomorrow could come faster.  I couldn’t wait… to spend a whole day with Saetbyul… My love Saetbyul. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “SangHyuk ah… where are we going?” ”Just follow…” I answered.  Saetbyul sighed and leaned on the seat of the taxi.  “SangHyuk ah…  Where are we going? Can’t you just give at least a clue?”  I shook my head and said, “Trust me; you’ll like it.” The taxi dropped us off where I told him to stop and I paid.  I straightened up and Saetbyul looked around, taking in the scenery around us.  We were on a beachside.  We could hear the waves crashing on the shore.  The gulls flapped their wings, wanting to go away to a whole different place.  There was a little restaurant by the shore and we took this all in by one look.  Saetbyul looked at me and said, “SangHyuk… this is wonderful.” I grinned as I put my arm around her.  “Let’s go in.”  She looked up at me and asked, “Go in where?” ”Go in the restaurant!”  She gasped and said, “We’re eating in there?  But I'm not dressed properly…” I laughed and said, “You can’t dress… not for THIS restaurant.  It’s okay.  We could ask for a private place, so people won’t stare.  Is that okay?”  Saetbyul nodded and said, “SangHyuk… thank you…” We went in and got a table in a separate room.  We ordered seafood, meat, and other things.  We ate heartily and during the whole time, Saetbyul smiled at me.  I smiled back at her and asked, “Do you like it?” Saetbyul nodded and said, “Why are you so good to me, SangHyuk? I… To tell you the truth, I just noticed right now that today was our hundredth day.  Please don’t get mad, SangHyuk.  It just totally slipped my mind.  Are you mad?” I looked at her face for a second, and all my anger, if I had any, was wiped away.  I whispered, “How could I be mad at someone as beautiful as you?” Saetbyul looked down at the floor and asked, “SangHyuk? Why are you so good to me?” I sighed and looked at her, longing to tell her.  But I couldn’t say anything… not yet, anyway.  I smiled and kept on eating.  But in my heart… I knew it was because… I love you. Chapter 14 We ate, and then we walked along the beach.  I put my arm around Saetbyul… it was getting into a regular routine now.  I put my arm around her waist, she leaned on my shoulder.  But… I didn’t want that always to be our daily routine… I wanted something to special to happen.  She said, “SangHyuk oppa?”  I answered, “Hm?” She said quietly, “Do you think HoSuk and YunSuk oppa have something against us?” I asked, “Why?”  She said, “Because… of the yearbook thing…  We won, and they got mad, remember?”  I nodded and said, “No… they’re not mad at us…” She quietly added, “Something else too.”  I asked, “What is it?  Is something wrong?” She looked up at me and said, “They’re probably jealous of our happiness, aren’t they?” It was then, I knew.  I knew that no matter what our routine was… no matter how long something special didn’t happen, I knew that we were closer than anyone.  I smiled at her and put my face in her hair.  “Oh, Saetbyul…  Everyone should be jealous of our happiness.  You’re happy; I'm happy…  We’re happy together.”  I smiled as she hugged me. I sighed and we kept on walking.  Soon, we decided to walk back, and as we were, I noticed a small flower shop.  I grabbed Saetbyul’s hand, and dragged her.  She asked, “Oppa… where are we going?” I said, “Just follow.”  She followed me and soon, we arrived to a sweet aroma of different flowers.  She took a deep breath and said, “This is so wonderful! It smells nice!”  I nodded and whispered to the worker, “Get the best flowers you have, put it together in a wreath, and bring it.  And can I also have a bouquet of flowers?  Just a mixed variety… especially roses…  Thank you.” The person nodded at my long request and brought the wreath first.  I took it to Saetbyul and held it out.  “Saetbyul ah…  Let me put this on for you.”  I put on her head.  She looked like an angel.  Her straight dark brown hair was gleaming, like sunlight, under the light.  She smiled at me, making me fall in love with her all over again.  She was a dream.  I sighed and whispered, “Saetbyul ah… I…”  Just then, the person came out with the bouquet.  Saetbyul gasped and asked, “Is that all for me?” I nodded and she grabbed them.  She smelled them, and said, “They smell wonderful.”  She smiled and I wanted to cherish this moment forever.  Soon, we were in front of our apartment.  I smiled at her, and as always, she looked like an angel.  I grabbed her hand and asked, “Saetbyul ah? There’s still two hours left until our hundredth day is over…  Would you like to do something else?” Saetbyul nodded and we walked out of the apartment.  We held hands and she leaned on my shoulder.  I wanted this night to be special… Something that we could both remember.  I leaned on her head, and I think that surprised her.  She jerked up and stared at me. Those brown eyes staring into mine scared me…  It was as if…  she was afraid of something that she couldn’t tell me.  Her big eyes…  I shivered.  She rubbed my arms and asked, “Are you cold, SangHyuk oppa?” I shook my head and said, “You are, huh?”  I looked at her.  She was wearing a baggy sweater with a short jean skirt.  I raised my eyebrows and took off my jacket.  She reached for my hand and said, “No… it’s okay.  Really…. I'm not cold, oppa.” I protested and put my jacket gently on her shoulders.  She seemed to shrink by the weight of my jacket on her.  She shivered a little and I put my arms around her she almost fell backward.  She laughed and I asked, “Are you warmer now?” She shook her head and said, “Oppa… I told you… I was never cold!” I frowned at her and hugged her tighter.  “Are you warm enough?”  She managed to say, “Yes!” and I let go of her.  We both laughed until a man passing by stared at us and mumbled, “Teenage couples…”  We laughed again and Saetbyul said, “You know what?  I hadn’t had this much fun… well…  There was this one time when HyunGon oppa… you know how he plays the drums?  Well, I was trying to take lessons from him and he was putting his arms around me… and we fell over on top of the drums and we started wrestling each other… It was fun!”  Saetbyul laughed at the memory and I stared at her.  Her eyes…  those eyes that turned into half moons when she laughed.  I wanted to look into those eyes… and tell her how much I loved her tonight.  But I couldn’t.  I was a wimp.  I couldn’t even look at her straight in the eye… I put my arm casually around her and said, “Well… these last two hours are going to the best of your life!”  She laughed and looked me in the eye, eyebrows raised.  She whispered, “Can I be sure of that?” I nodded and then… then I knew.  I knew that she was the one I was gong to live with forever.  No matter what happened, I couldn’t lose Saetbyul.  She was the only girl in my life.  I looked her in the eye and said, “Yes… I guarantee it.”  We started at each other for a long time… my love surrounding her… embracing her so she couldn’t escape.  I put my arms around her and looked at her for a long time.  She looked at me like an innocent baby and I looked away.  I didn’t want to ruin that pure innocence yet.  Not yet… We walked some more and finally came to a dead end.  Saetbyul shrugged and said, “You want to walk back?”  I nodded and looked at my watch.  We had walked for an hour.  If we went back… it would probably end our hundredth day.  I frowned at the thought of ending our hundredth by walking.  I said, “Let’s walk fast.  I don’t want to spend the last few minutes walking.” She looked at me weirdly and asked, “Then what do you want to do?” I shrugged and blushed.  If I only knew myself…  We walked for forty five minutes and reached our apartment.  I stopped and quietly started, “Saetbyul ah…”  She turned and said, “Hm?”  I looked at her again.  I shivered at her purity… her perfect appearance.  In a way, I thought she was too good for me.  She had to find a perfect guy… for herself.  So she wouldn’t be plagued by my faults.   I sighed and looked her in the eye. I had to say it… Say it, SangHyuk! You stupid fool! Say it… so simple… three words… I love you…  Say it!  But I couldn’t bring my mouth to say those words.  I looked at her again and quietly mumbled, “Good night.”  She shrunk back, disappointed.  She sighed and said, “Good night, SangHyuk.” She walked the length of the hall to get to her apartment.  She fished for her key in her bag, because she probably didn’t want to wake HyunGon.  I sighed and said, “You want me to help?”  She shook her head, tears nearly falling down her face.  I frowned and asked, “What’s wrong?” She shook her head and said, “Nothing, SangHyuk… absolutely nothing.”  She fished some more and finally found her key.  She put it in the lock and I looked at my watch; it was 11:59.  I couldn’t take it anymore.  I whispered, “Saetbyul…” She turned around, key in her hand.  Open your mouth! I… Love… You… SAY IT!  I looked at her one more time.  I couldn’t do it.  As I looked at her, she leaned closer to me. I leaned closer… My heart was thumping and I was sure Saetbyul would hear it.  We leaned closer… closer… Our lips met.  I closed my eyes as the world around me faded.  The only thing in this world left… was me and Saetbyul.  Nothing matter to me more than Saetbyul.  I knew I loved her… I’ve loved her ever since the beginning; I just failed to say it. The sweet taste of her lips… I didn’t want it to end.  But it did.  My clock had beeped 12:00.  Saetbyul smiled and pulled back.  She sighed and said, “You better get going.  It’s late.”  I smiled and said, “You too… Goodnight, Saetbyul.” She said, “Good night, oppa.”  I wanted to say those three words that would express my feelings for her.  I wanted to.  I didn’t want to part from her.  It was like half of my body being ripped apart from me.  I grabbed her arm before she had a chance to open the door.  She turned, surprised, and said, “SangHyuk oppa, I have to go.”  The words came out… so naturally.  It was as if I hadn’t been pressuring myself to say it.  I was even surprised by the calmness of my voice.  “I love you.” She looked into my eyes as tears rolled down her face.  “Oppa… I…”  She blinked, letting a big teardrop fall down her cheek… down her neck… I brushed it away and put my finger to her lips.  She whispered, “I love you, too.” I quietly said, “Saetbyul ah… I’ll never let you go…  You know that, right?  I’ll love you as long I live.  Even though your heart is for someone else… even though you betray me, I will always love you.  Even though I am with someone else, my heart will be with you… always.” She smiled at her with her perfect lips and whispered, “I will always love you too… always.”  I looked at her again as we leaned closer…  closer…  This was repeating…  But it wasn’t the same.  Before, it was just a couple thing.  You had to go through it to be a real couple.  But this… this was real.  As our lips touched… even for that sweet, short moment, I could feel us drowning into a world…  Into a world that no one knew of.  No one but us.  A world… of true love. End **************************************************