tcoh2

Chapter 6

     “ Are you ready?” Kangta banged on the door. “ Just wait a while will you? It’s not as if we are late!” Melissa called out. “ Girls!” Kangta rolled his eyes and sat at the sofa. They were going to Marvey Lane today, where the hut and the beautiful scenery is. They have decided to leave the house together, but she was taking a long long time. “ Okay, I’m ready! Let’s go! The taxi is already outside.” Melissa said as she grabbed her things. “ Okay.” Kangta answered.

     “ Kangta? What do you like? As in what kind of gifts do you like?” Melissa asked. They were in the taxi and the ride would be quite a long one. “ You are asking me?” Kangta was surprised. “ Are you interested in me?” he smiled slyly.

     “ Oh yeah, I’m interested in the world’s biggest jerk. The ride is going to be a long one, so I thought maybe we could engage in come conversation but I see you don’t seem to want to become friends.” Melissa said, pretending to be hurt. “ Ha, you’re up to no good aren’t you?” Kangta laughed.

     “ Fine, actually I believe it’s the thought that counts, so any gift is a great gift to me.” Kangta answered. “ Are you trying to act like an angel?” Melissa asked. “ Yeah, I already look like one, do I still have to pretend to be one?” Kangta joked. They spend the rest of the ride bickering with one another.

     “ They’re kind of late.” Jae Won said. All of them were already at Marvey Lane and they were waiting for Melissa and Kangta. “ Kinda of? Make that very or extremely.” Woohyuk said. “ Here they are!” Min pointed out. “ Hello guys! Sorry we’re late. No prizes for guessing who was the one taking the own sweet time.” Kangta said. “ Sorry. I am the guilty one” Melissa apologised.
“ It’s okay, we are used to it.” Woohyuk laughed, giving Melissa a soft pat on her head.

     Melissa took a deep breath of the fresh air around her. The quietness, the peacefulness, the beautiful greenery, all those beautiful plants and flowers, it looked like heaven to her. She ran around feeling the cool breeze and lay down on the soft green grass. The sky looked beautiful. Life was great.

     “ A penny for your thoughts.” Woohyuk suddenly appeared and lay down beside her. “ What a beautiful sky. This is such a beautiful place. If only I can be here forever. Melissa said. “ Silly girl. Nothing is forever.” Woohyuk said. “ There is Oppa, I believe that love and friendship can be forever.” Melissa said.

     “ That is because you are too naïve.” Woohyuk laughed. “ We shall wait and see then. One day, I’ll prove to you that there will be something that can last forever.” Melissa smiled. “ We’ll see then.” Then the two of them just lay there, indulged in their own thoughts.

     “ Hello Kangta, beautiful place isn’t it?” Min asked as she walked towards Kangta. “ Where are the rest?” Kangta asked. “ I’m not sure, Hee Jun, Jae Won and Tony said that they wanted to attack the food and Woohyuk went with Melissa. I was just walking around when I saw you.” Min said.

     “ I see. Yeah, this is a beautiful place. I used to come here all the time when I was young, and the five of us would play around here. Those were one of the greatest memories in my life.” Kangta smiled as he recalled his childhood days. “ You’re so lucky, my parents were very strict and I was forced to study everyday when I was young, and that was my childhood. Boring.” Min said.

     From there, they begin talking about a lot of things, from parents to friends to loved ones to studies etc. Min smiled as she listened to Kangta. There seemed so much that they could talk about.

      Are they meant to be for each other?

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Chapter 7

     “ Hey, don’t you think you guys should start packing your stuff instead of day dreaming here?” Jae Won called out. “ Oops, I’ve forgotten that we’ll be staying here for the weekend.” Melissa grinned foolishly. “ All right Mother.” Woohyuk laughed. “ Yeah, that’s my good boy.” Jae Won joked as he rolled his eyes. “ Hey Min, let’s go and pack our stuff.” Melissa said as she approached the two of them. “ Oh sure.” Min said, slightly disappointed. She had wanted to talk to Kangta for a longer time.

     “ Melissa, do you think Kangta is a nice guy?” Min asked as they were packing their stuff into the room that they would be sharing. “ Kangta?” Melissa made a face. “ I am like really sick of you talking about him all the time. I think I am going to die if I hear anything about him again.” Melissa laughed.

     “ Hey!” Min said, whacking Melissa on the head with a newspaper. “ I talked to him just now and there are so many things we could talk about. He is so nice to get long with. He is like the world’s most perfect guy for me!” Min said dreamily.

     “ Isn’t that a little exaggerated?” Melissa lifted a brow. “ Whatever.” Min sang happily as she danced around the room. “ Fine, that’s someone madly in love, what can I do but to agree with whatever you say?” Melissa laughed.

     “ Yum! This is scrumptious!” Melissa said happily as she chewed on the food. The seven of them were eating their dinner together. “ Of course, I prepared the food.” Hee Jun said proudly. “ Yeah right, I heard you calling the food delivery just now.” Woohyuk exposed Hee Jun.

     “ I knew it, even if you didn’t say, I would have guessed it. Hee Jun cooking? Ha, I can’t imagine that.” Min laughed. “ Um.. Tony, I would appreciate it if you stop eating like a pig.” Kangta said. Melissa laughed. Seeing Tony eat was really hilarious.

     He was eating as if it was nobody’s business. “ You haven’t eaten for ten days?” Kangta asked. “ Mphm..” Tony ‘s mouth was filled with food. Melissa laughed. She has not been so happy for a long time. Ever since her mother passed away, she has not really been happy. The beautiful place, great friends, she felt really contented. How she wished she could stay like that forever.

     “ Argh, how could they just dump us to clear all the mess?” Kangta grumbled. The rest had practically ran out after they had their dinner. “ They are like that. Hyper active.” Min laughed.

     “ That was great!” Hee Jun laughed as she gave Melissa a high-five. “ What’s going on?” Tony was confused. “ Nothing, we just managed to get away from clearing up.” Hee Jun lied. He and Melissa had planned to dump the two of them together so that they could spend more time together and maybe Kangta would develop some feelings for her.

      “ Let’s just sit here and wait for them.” Woohyuk suggested. “ Oh, I just love this place! How I wish I’ll never need to leave! I want to stay here forever.” Melissa smiled smelling a flower. “ I’ve told you, nothing is forever.” Woohyuk laughed.

     Melissa is just so naïve. Did she really think that forever exists? Even the best thing would last forever. In everything, there’s always an ending. “ Woohyuk could you stop being such a pessimist? You are corrupting her simple mind.” Tony said. “ It’s okay, I always believe in what I believe. I am not influenced easily. I told you I’ll prove it to you.” Melissa said confidently. “

     Come on, could you all stop being so serious over a small matter?” Hee Jun laughed. “ I just want Woohyuk to change his view. He’s getting on my nerves by telling me all the time that nothing is forever.” Melissa laughed. “ I was just trying to tell you the reality.” Woohyuk protested.

     “ Forever… Did it really exist? ”

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Chapter 8

     “ Oh man, I’ll hate to leave.” Melissa said sadly as she looked back. “ We can always come again.” Woohyuk said. “ Well, not really, we’ll probably be very busy for the rest of the year.” Tony pointed out. “ Never mind, Let’s set off!” Min said. “ Here comes a taxi, bye guys!” Melissa said as she and Kangta climbed into the taxi.

     “ So how was your talk with Kangta last night?” Hee Jun asked slyly. He and Min were sharing a taxi as they lived near each other. “ Great.” Min sighed blissfully. “ What did you guys talk about?” Hee Jun asked. “ Oh, so many things. I feel that we are really meant to be. He is the dream guy I am looking for. No one can take his place.” Min said happily.

    “ So, did you hint him or anything?” Hee Jun said. “ No! I didn’t dare. I mean I’ve got to make sure he has some kind of feeling for me before telling him, or he’ll probably avoid me or something.” Min explained. “ Wow! You sound professional.” Hee Jun said.

      Melissa felt really tired. She has not slept a wink last night. She wasn’t used to sleeping outside. She was trying to keep her eyes open, but in the end, she lost in the battle. Before she knew it, she fell asleep.

     Kangta looked at Melissa. Her head was moving about, with no where to support, except for the thin air around her. She seemed very uncomfortable. He then gently placed her head on his shoulder. There, she’ll be able to sleep better now.

     “ She’ll probably make a fit when she wakes up.” Kangta laughed softly as he shook his head. Her younger sister always slept in the car too, and that was what he’ll do. His mind then drifted off the school and all his work that he had to catch up.

     Melissa opened her eyes. She felt fresh. She got up and “ What?! I was lying on that guy? Oh my god! He must have thought that I had a crush on him! How could I lie on his shoulder! Oh no..” Melissa moaned. “ So you are awake.” Kangta said. “ Um.. yeah.” She was clearly embarrassed.

     “ I didn’t know someone was hiding a torch for me.” Kangta teased. “ I didn’t! I swear I didn’t know I was lying on your shoulder!” Melissa was trying to explain. “ Whatever. I know you are just shy.” Kangta said deliberately. “ Argh! Believe it or not, I would never be interested in a guy like you. You are just not my type. AND! If you ever tell a single soul about this, I’ll make sure I skin you alive!” Melissa threatened.

     The last thing she wanted was to let Min know about it. She’ll probably misunderstand. “ We’ll see about that.” Kangta said slyly.

“ Argh!” she was fed up.

“ At last we’re back!” Melissa said as she opened the door. “ Oh yeah, in case you have forgotten, it’s your duty to clean up the house today.” Melissa reminded Kangta. “ Well, actually, I might forget about the incident today if I don’t have to do any house work.” Kangta said. Melissa glared at him.

     “ Did anyone ever told you that you are the world’s most disgusting freak?” She asked. “ Nope, but many people told me that I am the world’s most gorgeous guy.” Kangta answered. “ Yeah, and I am Miss Universe.” Melissa made a face.

     “ Fine, I’ll do everything today, but you must forget everything that happened today.” Melissa said. “Okay, it’s a deal.” Kangta agreed. Melissa was relieved. That’ll save her embarrassing moment from being exposed…

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Chapter 9

     “ Check this out!” Tony said excitedly. They were at a café in school. “ What’s that?” Melissa asked. “ It’s a singing competition!” said Tony as he showed them the flyer.   “ Singing Competition. Participants must come in duos and the duo must have a female and male. That’s cool!” Kangta read.

     “ No not that! Read below!” Tony said excitedly. “ 1st Prize Cash $5000!” Min exclaimed. “That’s right!” Tony said. “ I’ve helped Kangta and Melissa to sign up!” Tony said. “ WHAT?” Melissa was shocked. “ Me? I.. I can’t sing! Not with him!” Melissa said.

     “ Come on, everyone knows you have a beautiful voice and Kangta won in a singing competition before so you two make the best duo!” Tony explained. “ Ask Min then.” Melissa suggested. “Hey, you know that Min can’t sing even if her life is at risk.” Tony pointed out. “ Do you have to be that straight-forward?” Min glared at him.

     “ But on the other hand, he’s kind of right.” Min said. “ Well, I don’t mind singing but can she sing?! I don’t think so. In the end we’ll be made a laughing stock instead. ” Kangta said. “ Oh please! I can’t sing? I bet you are the one who can’t sing!” Melissa retorted.

      “ Come on, don’t be a spoil sport. I’ve already signed you guys up. Besides, I really need the money.” Tony confessed. “ Ah ha! Now we know why.” Kangta said. “ Fine, on the account of our friendship, I’ll do it.” Melissa said. “ So if you guys win I get the 30% ?” Tony asked. “ That is IF we win.” Kangta laughed.

     “ But I doubt we will because I don’t think that duck can sing.” Kangta continued. “ What duck! Stop giving me names.” Melissa warned. “ You guys would be singing love song so you two should start being more loving towards each other.” Jae Won joked. “ No way!” the two of them said at the same time.

“ So.. What would you like to sing?” Kangta asked. They were at home with Tony and Hee Jun who decided to help them with the competition. “ I’ve got no idea.” Melissa said. “ How about ‘If Only?’ ” Hee Jun suggested.

     “ If Only? That is my favourite song! ” Melissa exclaimed. “ That was my favourite song too!” Kangta exclaimed. “ That’s good. So you two shall sing If Only then. That’s a beautiful song.” Tony said enthusiastically. “ Why not you guys try to sing it through once?” Hee Jun asked. “ Sure.” Kangta said.

      Melissa froze when she heard Kangta’s voice. She did underestimate him. He was good. In fact he was fabulous! His voice was like an angel’s. He was able to express his feelings through the song. He had a powerful voice. Melissa was full of awe.

     “ How was it?” Kangta asked. “ Great!” Melissa said earnestly. He was good, and as much as she wanted to deny it, she couldn’t. His voice was just too perfect. She started to feel slightly pressurized.

      After taking a deep breath, she started to sing…

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Chapter 10

     Kangta was surprised. He didn’t expect that she could even sing. Her voice was sweet and crystal clear, but it was slightly shaking. “ That must be because she is nervous.” Kangta chuckled to himself. Tony was right, they would probably make a good duo in the competition.

     “ That was good!” Tony praised. “ Yeah, I think you guys would win.” Hee Jun said. “ We would win if there were no other competitors. I am like kind of nervous.” Melissa laughed. “ Well, don’t worry, you still got like plenty of time.” Tony assured her.

     Min felt slightly worried. If Kangta and Melissa were participating in the contest, wouldn’t they spend a lot of time together? Why? Why couldn’t it be her? Why couldn’t she sing? She felt frustrated at herself.

     She was afraid that Kangta might fall for Melissa. She quickly pushed the thought out of her mind. Why would Kangta fall for her? They couldn’t even stand the sight of each other. Min laughed at herself for being so silly and worrying for nothing.

     Melissa tossed around in her bed. It was late at night, but she couldn’t get to sleep. “ It must be the coffee I drank at the café.,” she thought. Finally, she gave up trying to sleep. She opened the door and went to the kitchen to get a drink. On the way back, she stopped at Kangta’s door. She could see light from the bottom of the door. She knocked on the door.

     “ Eh? Aren’t you asleep?” Kangta asked as he opened the door. “ Nope, I just can’t get to sleep.” Melissa said as she walked into his room. “ Wow! Your room is so neat! You should have a look at my room. It’s more like a pig sty.” Melissa said. “ The reason it’s neat is because I just moved in and I haven’t really packed my stuff yet.” Kangta laughed.

     “ So what are you doing so late at night?” Melissa asked, sipping her drink. “ I was just trying to catch up with some work.” Kangta answered. “ So have you fallen for any girls here yet?” Melissa asked. She thought that since they were talking, she should help Min get some information. “ Why are you asking me that? Have you fallen for me?” Kangta teased. “ HA.. I told you, that is impossible.” Melissa said.

    “ Wow! What is this?” Melissa squealed. “ It’s a chain I bought overseas. It was actually for my sister, but she didn’t like it, so I just kept it as a souvenir. ” Kangta explained. “ It beautiful!” Melissa exclaimed putting it around her neck.

     “ Such a unique chain!” Melissa said as she danced around the room. “ You can have it if you like it so much.” Kangta said generously. “ Are you sure?! I can have it? Really!” Melissa asked excitedly. “ Sure, take it if you like it.” Kangta said. “ Thanks a million!” Melissa said.

     “ Well, actually you are quite a nice guy too.” Melissa confessed. “ You are so easily contented. Just one chain and I am on your ‘good people list’ already?” Kangta laughed. “ I am not saying that just because you gave me the chain! It was from the bottom of my heart..” Melissa said dramatically.

     “ By the way, how come you can sing so well? Ever took any lessons?” Melissa asked. “ I realised something.” Kangta said. “ You can really talk a lot.” he teased. “ I could always give you a cold shoulder if you want.” Melissa said. “ As if you have the heart to do that.” Kangta joked. “ Stop being so thick-skinned.” Melissa laughed.

     They sat in the room and talked till daylight…

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