Chapter 17
Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Chapter 17
“I remember you bullying me; you used to trip me so I would fall. You also tied balloons to me, told me I would be able to fly, and made me jump off the fence!”
“Hey, but you agreed that it was going to work… It was just a game!”
“Game? You’re kidding me, right? You threatened that if I didn’t play along, you wouldn’t have me as your little sister anymore.”
“And… you were scared?”
“Why wouldn’t I be scared? If an older brother tells you that he wouldn’t have you as his little sister, wouldn’t any kid be scared?”
“I see…”
“Whatever, I don’t care. Just stop talking nonsense and go home; I am too tired. I’m gonna sit on the swing for a while now, so go away.”
“Do you want me to push you on the swing?”
“What? Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden? Are you sick or something? You are acting strange. Just go home! If my friends see you again, it’s gonna get annoying. Why did you have to come to my school today? I’m just going to take a break here, so take my backpack and go home. You are annoying me!”
At her irritated tone, Hyojun stood up and walked away awkwardly. When he disappeared around the corner, Hyoyoung’s legs gave in and she weakly sat down on the sand.
She murmured to herself, “Gosh, my acting was amazing. Good job, Hyoyoung Ahn.”
“I agree. You are an amazing actress.”
“GYAAAA!!”
When she spun around, Kiwook was standing there. He added, “Stand up. You shouldn’t sit on the ground like that.”
Kiwook quickly walked up to her and lifted her up on her feet from behind.
“Huh?”
Her legs got twisted and she ended up leaning back against Kiwook, who supported her by giving her a firm back hug.
“Oh, this is nice. I like how you are leaning on me.”
When Kiwook whispered to her, Hyoyoung reddened as she replied, “I… I wasn’t leaning on you!”
Hyoyoung tried to step away from him, but Kiwook wouldn’t let her go. He added, “I wish you would lean on me. Not just now, but always from now on.”
Hyoyoung stood still as he continued, “Did you know that when you are focused on something, you make cute sniffing noises? Like a puppy.”
“I… I do?”
“Yup. Last night, I could hear you breathing against the window when I was talking to Hyojun. He didn’t know you were there because he was standing far away from your window, but I heard. I could tell how you were feeling just by hearing you breathe.”
“Oh…”
“Why didn’t you tell Hyojun that you heard everything?”
“What would be the point?”
“Why?”
“It’s because… he’s my brother.”
“So, does that mean that even if Hyojun comes to you as a man and not your brother, you still wouldn’t accept him?”
“How can I? It wouldn’t be right for me to do that… I can’t do that to my mom and dad.”
“But Hyojun doesn’t care about that. He wants you and will fight for you no matter what.”
“…”
“And I will fight for you as well, even if it means I have to take on Hyojun.”
“…”
“Well, since you already know everything, I will just come out and say it.”
“No, don’t.”
Hyoyoung finally looked up and gave him a determined look.
“Don’t do it. Don’t say it.”
She had never looked or been more serious in her life. She looked straight into his eyes and continued, “My brother is part of my family. The most important people in the world. He is my brother, and that’s it. And you… you are my brother’s best friend and when you are wearing the mask, you are my favorite idol, Purple M. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“Hyoyoung…”
“I see all of you as my brother’s friends and the members of The M. You are all just staying at our house for a little while, and that’s all.”
“Hyoyoung…”
“I have too much going on in my life right now. I have to study very hard so that I can get into a good university. I am busy, so don’t expect anything from me. I will, of course, work as your temporary stylist until you find a new one. Based on what I saw yesterday, I agree that you boys can’t dress yourselves. But that’s it. I will have nothing to do with you guys. I am going to pretend that I know nothing and that I heard nothing. So don’t push me. Don’t say anything to me.”
Without giving Kiwook a chance to reply, Hyoyoung turned around and stormed away.
Kiwook murmured to himself, “She seems so determined. I think I’m falling in love even more with her.”
Nearby, Hyunsuk and Jiwoo were watching. They both shook their heads.
Jiwoo exclaimed, “Wow, Hyoyoung is very headstrong.”
“Yeah, I know. This is going to make my plan go even easier.”
“Hey, Hyunsuk, can’t you tell me just a little about your plan? People call our group mysterious, but to me, you are the most mysterious person in the world.”
“It’s not the time yet for you to know. Besides, their love story isn’t really my focus right now. But, I do find Hyoyoung very interesting.”
“What? What do you mean by that?”
Jiwoo looked at him curiously, but Hyunsuk ignored him and started to send a text message to someone.
***
“Hey. You liar!”
As soon as Hyoyoung reached home, she was greeted by a phone call from Mikyung.
Hyoyoung replied, “What are you talking about?”
Ignoring her cold voice, Mikyung continued, “Your brother! Hyojun Oppa looks so amazing. He is super hot. What happened to him?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“I get so jealous when I see people with good-looking siblings. To live with someone so gorgeous like that, isn’t it great?”
“Hey, he is my brother. My own brother. Why would I feel that way about my brother?”
“Well, I guess you’re right… but still, I’m envious of you. When your brother took your backpack and grabbed your hand at the restaurant, it was like watching a romantic movie.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. We are just a normal brother and sister who hate each other.”
“But still… he looks so hot. So, Hyoyoung…”
“What do you want?”
“Can I come over and study at your home from now on?”
“NO!”
“Gosh! Why did you have to scream?”
“It’s just that… things are not good at home right now. Having a guest wouldn’t be a good idea.”
“Why? Did something happen?”
“Yeah… it’s a family thing. I don’t want to talk about it. There have been a lot of people coming and going, and… it just has been very hectic.”
“Oh, is your dad getting involved in another business or something?”
“Yeah, something like that. And mom’s not home either, so I have a lot to do.”
“Huh? Your mom’s not home? Then who made your sandwich this morning? Your dad?”
“Huh? Umm… no, it was my brother.”
“OMG! OMG! Your oppa? That’s crazy! A handsome oppa made you a sandwich?! You are such a lucky girl!”
“Hey, stop it.”
“I’m just jealous, that’s all. By the way, did you hear the news about The M?”