Chapter 21 -Lunch

Chapter 21 - Lunch

"We just had a talk with Jonghyun and he confirmed his relationship with Lee Soo Min. We hope that the public supports this new couple" SM Entertainment's representative said. I looked at the TV and wondered how the public got to know about us.

I took my phone and looked at the trending topics of today.

#1 Jonghyun

#2 Lee Soo Min

#3 Jonghyun dating a commoner

It seems like the news caused lots of commotion. "What will you do now?" Hyorin asked and munched some popcorn. "I have to call Jonghyun"

I dialed his number but was greeted by an annoying voice mail. "Damn it" I muttered under my breath. "What if his fans hate him now? What if he gets bashed? What if I ruined his career?" I asked in despair. "Chill, Soo Min, don't need to worry that much" Kyungsoo said.

I picked up my phone again and called a person, who might know where Jonghyun is. "Hello, Onew?" I asked after he picked up. "Oh hey, Soo Min, do you need something?" he asked. "Yes, you might have seen the news..." I said.

"Yes, I did. Pretty shocking, right? The media found out too fast" he replied. "I know. So I was wondering if you know where Jonghyun is. He isn't picking up his phone" I said. "Well, yes, he is here but he is talking to the CEO right now," he said. "What should I do?" I asked hopelessly. "Don't worry, it will turn out fine" he assured and I sighed. After that, he hung up.

That night, I couldn't sleep. I was awake and hoping to see a message from Jonghyun. At about 4 a.m. when I suddenly received a message.

[(Jonghyun) I can't sleep. Are you awake?]

[(Me) Normal people are sleeping at this hour.]

[(Jonghyun) Yet you are awake.]

[(Me) Jonghyun...]

[(Jonghyun) Soo Min...]

[(Me) Care to explain some things?]

[(Jonghyun) How about we meet up?]

[(Me) When?]

[(Jonghyun) Now]

[(Me) Now? Are you crazy? It's 4.a.m.]

[(Jonghyun) Look out of your window]

I stood up and went to my window and saw Jonghyun standing in front of the window. My eyes winded as I saw him waving at me with a smile. What is he doing here? I quietly yet quickly rushed outside, not caring that I was wearing my night clothes.

"What are you doing here? And at this time? You know you could have just called..." suddenly Jonghyun put his head on my shoulder. "It was such a tiring day," he said and I patted his head. "It's over now," I said and he pulled me into a hug. "Why do you always smell so nice?" he asked and I smiled. I hugged him back and asked him the question which was itching to get out of my lips. "How did the media find out?"

"I told them" I suddenly pulled out of the hug and looked at him confused. He pulled me to the hug again but I didn't hug back. I was occupied by the thoughts why he could have done that. "Don't break the hug" he said.

"I felt too tied up. It felt like dating you is a crime and I can't let anybody know about it. I don't want to run away every time some project partner comes at your home" he said and I understood it. "I don't mind people knowing about us but I just don't want any damage to your career," I said honestly.

"Don't worry" he said. "I have to go now," he said and hurriedly went away. I walked inside and soundly fell asleep. The next day, I took all my courage and walked to school. As I entered the classroom all eyes were on me. "Morning," I said shyly, choosing to ignore the glares which the girls were giving me, and took a seat next to Minji. Minji looked at me with a sad expression and Siwon, who was next to me, looked at me amused.

"I am disappointed. Why didn't you tell me? Why do I have to find out through the news?" Minji asked and I looked at her apologetically. "Well, I knew about that," Siwon said. "Really? I didn't tell you though" I said. "Only an idol can tell if an idol is dating. And experts like me can also find out who they are dating. It's called observation" he said and I smiled.

Then the lessons started. I never knew that I was the teacher because all eyes were on me for the entire lesson. Note the sarcasm please. To make everything much worse, SHINee wasn't here in school, because they are preparing for a comeback, so I had to deal with the gossiping all alone.

After school, I met up Baekhyun for our study lesson. "That's why the 'will' becomes a 'would'" I explained and rubbed my eyes. "You look tired, we should take a break," Baekhyun said and I nodded. "Are you actually ready?" he asked and I looked confused. "For what?"

"For the upcoming hate," he asked and I sighed. "I guess I am," I replied and he ruffled my hair. "Hey," I said and he laughed. "About my English tuition, my grades have improved very much so I want to ask for help from you until the exams are finished. After that, I would like to show you my gratitude and give you a gift" he said and bowed which made me surprised.

"What? I don't need gifts! I am just happy by helping out a friend" I said and smiled. He smiled and after that, we continued with our lesson.

After that, he was kind and dropped me at home. I was thankful to him because I knew that I wouldn't have made it back alive if the public saw me. The whole afternoon, I spent my time seeing other people posting hate comments of me on social media accounts.

"She is just another gold digger"

"How dare she to go out with our Jonghyunni?"

"I am sure that she seduced Jonghyun with her looks and body"

Seduced? Seriously? I threw my phone on my bed and ruffled my hair. Don't let their comments affect you. Tomorrow we are going at Onew's and the day after is my first date with Jonghyun. I should prepare myself for that.

And so, I distracted myself and prepared, until night came and I went to sleep. The next day, I wore rather elegant clothes. I had to make a good expression on Onew's family. "You look too formal," Hyorin remarked and Eun hee nodded her hair in agreement. "It's just lunch," Eun hee said. "I don't care, I need to look formal," I said and looked at my black dress. "How is it going with Jaejoong anyway?" I asked.

"What do you mean by that? He is just another guy to me" she said and shrugged her shoulder. "You relationship progresses so slowly," I said. Right then, I received a message from Jonghyun that he had arrived. "See you," I said and wore my shoes. "Don't forget the cake" my mother said and handed me a box. "Thanks," I said and walked outside.

"Let's go," Jonghyun said and opened the door from the car. "Thanks," I said and got it. The entire ride we played SHINee songs and sang along better said Jonghyun was singing along and I was watching him enjoying himself. How are Onew's parents?" I asked nervously after we had arrived. "Don't worry, they are nice" he said and grabbed my hand. Together we walked to the house and rang the bell.

Seconds later, Onew opened the door, with a cheeky smile on his face. "Soo Min, you look great as usual" he complimented. "Thank you," I said and smiled. "She's mine," Jonghyun said and Onew chuckled. "Relax, I meant it in a friendly way." He said and we walked inside. The other members had already arrived and were fooling around in the living room.

"Jonghyun, it's nice to see you. And is that Lee Soo Min? It's nice to meet you" Onew's mother said as she entered the living room. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Here is a gift from us" I said and handed her the cake. "That's so nice of you, we will enjoy the cake," she said and gradually took the sweet dish.

"From us? You guys act like a family too much" Minho said and chuckled. "Let's have lunch," Onew's mother said and we all went to the dining table. "So tell me, how did you meet Jonghyun?" she asked as we ate. "Actually, I met him at the airport. He was being chased by fans" I said and recalled memories. "I remember when Jonghyun fell for you," Taemin said and Jonghyun shot him a glare. "Oh really? When was that?" I asked curiously.

"He had liked you from the very beginning but he realized it after you started giving tuition to Baekhyun. He got jealous" Taemin said while smirking. Jonghyun looked embarrassed and on the other hand, I looked happy.

Right then, the doorbell rang. Onew went to open the door and came back with another person. It was a girl. She was wearing a red dress and her black hair looked perfect. She somehow reminded me of Jonghyun.

"What are you doing here?" Jonghyun asked shocked. "Just wanted to visit my brother's girlfriend," she said and my eyes widened. Is she...

"May I introduce you, this is Jonghyun's older sister, Sodam"

End of Chapter 21