Unforgettable Gift chapter 9

CHAPTER 9: Jinwoon, Taecyeon, and the Truth

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“I’m so sorry, Woon.”

 

“That’s okay, Seul, don’t worry.” Jinwoon chuckled. He swung the door in front of him. “I myself have just arrived.” He spotted Seulong was still sleeping soundlessly. “Your brother hasn’t waked up yet.” He informed.

 

“He is? Wow, he sleeps a lot.” Seulin commented. “I’ll make sure Taecyeon Oppa eats real fast. I’ll shove them all to his mouth.” Seulin promised.

 

Jinwoon sensed invisible worry in her words. “I’ll wait until you come here, Seul. No need to worry.” He assured her. He heard her sighed. “Unless you don’t want me to wait for you.” He said in such a sad tone—fake, of course.

 

“No, no, wait for me!” she said quickly, panic. “I mean… I promised you to come and see you practicing today… and I don’t want to break my promise.” She added in mumbling tone.

 

Jinwoon chuckled in discreet. “I know, I know. I’ll wait for you.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Just thank you?” He leaned to the sofa he’s sitting.

 

“Eh?” Seulin raised her eyebrow. ‘Am I supposed to say something else?’

 

“You don’t want to buy me anything as your apology for being late?”

 

‘I should?’Seulin frowned. “Alright. What do you want me to buy?”

 

“Bring me your beautiful smile.”

 

Seulin couldn’t believe her ears. Her face soon turned into crimson and she was at loss of words. In fact she lost her concentration on everything. She didn’t realize Taecyeon shot her questioning look and mouthed her as ‘boiled lobster’.

 

On the other line, Jinwoon chuckled subtly again, satisfied with what he had done to her. “Don’t make me wait too long, okay? See you later.” With that, he ended the call.

 

Jinwoon looked at the sleeping Seulong and laughed wholeheartedly. “Ah, what have I done?” He cupped his cheeks to stop his laughter. “You know, Hyung, after meeting her again, I become fond of flattering her. I don’t know but every time I see her… I just can’t help it.”

 

His mind flew to his old days with Seulin. They knew each other practically since they were still in pampers because they were next door neighbor. He remembered there were times his mother took him to the Ims’ house and she would chat with Mrs. Im while he spent the time by playing PlayStation with Seulong or drawing pictures with Seulin. Sometimes their mothers would cook them some cakes and cookies. That’s such a beautiful memory of the past.

 

As time went by, the business of their respective families developed to a good point. However, the consequence was the lacks of family time. The story was a little better for Jinwoon, because at some time when he was in his first years of elementary school, his mother got pregnant again, but it was a troublesome one so his mother needed bed rest and she stopped from all business-related activities. During that time, they managed to get even closer to each other. Meanwhile for the Ims… the more the day passed the further the distance between the parents and the kids. At that time, Jinwoon was the only friend for Seulin. She did befriend with other children at school, but she never really opened up to them. After Seulong, Jinwoon was the only one she shared stories with.

 

Jinwoon knew very well that around a month before his leaving, Seulin looked at him in a different way. He would catch her staring at him for a long time from time to time. Though it’s not that obvious, he could feel her burning stares when other girls did some physical contacts with him. He sensed her dropping shoulders every time he said he got to go and couldn’t accompany her. He also noticed there’s something in her smiles to him, the way she gazed at him…

 

Unforgettable Gift chapter 8

CHAPTER 8:  Odd Taecyeon

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“Oppa, you need to finish this. Come on, it’s just a few spoons to go…” Seulin twirled the spoon in front of Seulong’s face.

 

“I don’t want to~” He shoved her hand away. “You said it five minutes ago, ‘Just a few spoons to go, Oppa’; it’s not going to work again. I’m done.” He patted his stomach and stretched his body. “Ah… I feel like sleeping…”

 

“Yah, Oppa, I even had to agree to my group mates to do half of the History paper alone later so they would let me go here to take care of you, and now you want to sleep. How inconsiderate.” Seulin put the bowl at the table and folded her arms, pouting.

 

“Ah, Hyung, why do you make my Princess pouting like that? Awww, don’t worry Princess, your Prince is here~” Taecyeon, who had just entered the room, walked towards her and pulled her into his arms. “Your Prince will not let anyone hurt you~” he stroked her hair.

 

“YAH HANDS OFF OF MY SISTER!” Seulong shouted. He rose instantly seeing the scene, tried to separate them and whack Taecyeon, but he forgot his left leg was being hung. “AH!” He shouted again, holding onto his leg. “My leg…” he winced.

 

Seulin sighed seeing her brother’s impulsive action, while Taecyeon couldn’t hold his laughter, earning another shout from Seulong.

 

“You better stop now, Ok Taecyeon, or else, when I get out of this bed, you’ll be dead.” He threatened. “Ouch.” He cringed again.

 

“I’ll tell the nurse to check on your wound. It seems like you’ve just hurt it.” Seulin stood.

 

“Thank you, Little One, you really know me so well.” Seulong grinned ear to ear and pinched her cheeks before she went.

 

When it was finally only Seulong and Taecyeon in the room, Seulong’s tone turned into serious again. “Sorry I yelled at you, but you deserved it. You know I don’t let any man touch her. However, thanks for picking her up from school in my place.”

 

“That’s nothing, Hyung.”

 

“Actually I don’t care if I got into accident, but when I realize I can’t do things like picking Seulin from school or keeping her from stupid boys trying to get her if I get hospitalized, I kind of regret it.” Seulong uttered his thought.

 

“Don’t worry Hyung, you got me to do those favors in your place. Just say what I should do, where I should pick her up or drop her off.” Taecyeon reassured.

 

“You have to take care of her for me.”

 

“Take care of her? As in being her nanny?” Taecyeon joked and was about to laugh but stopped seeing Seulong glared. “I will, Hyung, don’t worry.” He quickly added.

 

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Taecyeon puffed his cheeks remembering the memory of what happened few years ago. ‘Oh well, Seulong Hyung asked me personally to take care of her.’

 

Slowly, he took Jinwoon’s hand off Seulin and shook her body. “Seulin.” He called. “Seulin-ah, wake up.” He poked her cheeks.

 

After a couple minutes, Seulin opened her eyes and moved slightly, causing Jinwoon to wake up as well. “Taecyeon Oppa?” she rubbed her eyes, gaining her consciousness. “How is Seulong Oppa?”

 

“Dr. Kim said he will conscious tomorrow the fastest.” He answered. “I’ve told the others and I told them to go home since he won’t wake up tonight.”

 

“So Oppa is alright?”

 

“He needs to go through advance examination later.”

 

“But Oppa is alright, right? He’s not in danger or anything?” Seulin confirmed.

 

Unforgettable Gift chapter 7

CHAPTER 7: As Usual…?

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Mrs. Im folded the newspaper she had been reading and tossed it away. Furiously she grabbed her phone and dialed her son’s number.

 

“Yoboseyo?” he answered lazily. From the background sound, Mrs. Im could tell he was riding his motorcycle.

 

“Yah Im Seulong, you still go racing, huh?” she blown up.

 

“You call me just to yell at me?” his voice was annoyed. “I thought I told you I will never quit racing.”

 

“I thought I told you for thousands times, I don’t care if you go racing or not as long as you don’t appear on newspaper!” she barked. “What’s this; citizen reported a group of adolescents doing wild race on the northern part of the city. Police are currently investigating and a son of a well-known, top millionaire is one of the suspects.” She spat out the news.

 

“Why are you so sure it is me?” he yelled back. “Oh, how rich are you and dad that you both can be included in millionaire class?” he mocked.

 

“IM SEULONG YOU DON’T TALK TO YOUR MOTHER LIKE THAT!” she pissed off.

 

“Now you are my mother? Then you should know better I have never raced on the northern.” Seulong rolled his eyes.

 

“How could I give birth to a son like you?” Mrs. Im sighed exasperatedly. This son of hers always has ways to counter back her words.

 

“I didn’t ask to be born, either.” With that, Seulong hung up.

 

“How dare he hang up on me?” Mrs. Im placed her phone back frantically.

 

She could never understand her delinquent son. He skipped classes, his scores were only good enough to pass to next level, he spoke back to her and his father, he joined motorcycle club and raced wildly. He refused his father’s order to work at the company and even dared to stand against him. The two has been involved in cold war ever since.

 

Im Seulong had no good points at all in his mother’s eyes. Nothing of him could be proud of.

 

Mrs. Im sighed. She had no idea how to handle her son anymore. She only hoped he would marry a decent woman from rich family. ‘He still has a worth, at least.’

 

She was about to get down to her business again when her phone rang. ‘Seulong,’ her display said. ‘What does he want after hanging up on me like that?’ “Yoboseyo?”

 

“Excuse me Madam; are you the mother of this number’s owner?”

 

Mrs. Im frowned. “Who is this?” she asked suspiciously.

 

“I’m a medical staff of Seoul Hospital. The owner of this phone was involved in an accident and is rushed to Seoul Hospital. I’m supposed to inform his family or relatives.”

 

Mrs. Im’s eyes widened. “My son involved in an accident?”

 

“Yes, Madam.”

 

Unforgettable Gift chapter 6

CHAPTER 6: The Beginning

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“Tell me again, why do we have to be here now?” Changmin asked with frustrated face. Together with Seulong and Taecyeon, he was left by the petite couple who decided to have their own date.

 

“To have meals, of course.” Seulong, who sat next to him, answered oh so innocently.

 

“But who have porridge for their lunch?” Changmin irritated. “More specifically, why must this porridge shop?” Changmin’s eyes wandered around, hoping to not find a particular one, exactly.

 

“Because this is Jea Nuna’s porridge shop?” Seulong continued his innocent act.

 

Taecyeon laughed. “Come on Hyung, bear with it. You know there is no chance we don’t visit Jea Nuna’s porridge shop today.”

 

Changmin growled. “Of all kind of food, she has to open a porridge shop. Hah. Great.” He pushed his bowl away. “It will be better if I went with Kwon and Gain.” He pouted.

 

“And be the third wheel? Oh, I don’t know you enjoy being third wheel, Hyung.” Seulong mocked.

 

“Still better than coming here.” Changmin leaned back to the chair.

 

“As if Kwon and Jea Nuna will let you, Hyung.” Taecyeon commented.

 

“Hey guys, you are here! Long time no see you all! Where have you been?” Loudly and in ungracious way, a grown up woman joined their table and sat between Changmin and Taecyeon. “Oh wait. Where is the rest of the pack? Jo Kwon, Gain, and Seulin? Why are there only three of you?” she complained.

 

“Wow, you are prettier than last time I saw you, Nuna.” Taecyeon extolled.

 

Jea rolled her eyes. “Cutie bunny, keep your sweet talks to flirt with other girls. It will never work for me.”

 

Taecyeon pretended to be hurt. Jea ignored him and repeated her question. “Where are my little girls? Why don’t they visit me?”

 

“They are having date.” Seulong answered.

 

“A DATE? Gain dates Seulin? They are… not straight?” Jea gasped, her eyes rounded.

 

Unforgettable Gift chapter 5

 

CHAPTER 5: Seulong’s Unforgettable Gift, is it?

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Seulin couldn’t stop herself from grinning like an idiot that day. Oh, how could she? The amusement park was flooded by people and for the lame excuse “So you will not get lost”, Jinwoon held her hand all the time. Well, it was just common holding hands like she does all the time with her brother, but that was not the only thing behind her idiotic grin. When they were standing on the line waiting for their turn for the rides, he would made her stood in front of him, then secured his arms around her to make sure she didn’t get squeezed by other people. He kept some appropriate space between them, of course, but what do you expect of people standing on the lines? For sure, people at the back would push you forward, while the others at the front would push you backward, and the ones at the middle would get squeezed. It’s not a comfortable situation indeed, but for Seulin and those who were in the state like her… that uncomfortable situation is very much enjoyable. Totally.

 

To say she likes going to amusement park… that’s quite a lie. Truthfully she had never gone to amusement park. Why? It’s simply because she’s afraid. She’s afraid of the rides. Well, not all the rides, but the ones which involve height and increase adrenaline… she would likely to run away from them. This is one of her biggest secret which only Seulong knows about. No other human being knows about this, not the pack, her parents, nor Jinwoon. Oh, Jinwoon is the one in particular she doesn’t want him to know.

 

Then why did Seulong give Lotte World’s tickets as his gift?

He knew she doesn’t go to amusement park.

 

And why did Seulin go to Lotte World at the end with Jinwoon?

He’s the one in particular who mustn’t know she’s afraid of going to amusement park.

 

Just because… one silly promise.

 

Unforgettable Gift chapter 4

 

CHAPTER 4: Total Awkward

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Seulin paralyzed. She didn’t move an inch. She stood still, and seemed to forget how to breathe, too.

 

“Happy birthday, Seul.” He said.

 

‘Ah, his voice is still as sweet as ever.’She thought as she kept looking at his eyes.

 

He took out his hand holding a small pot of Lavender. “Lavender is your favorite, isn’t it?”

 

She stared blankly at the pot.

 

Seulong stared at his sister; satisfied grin crept on his face. ‘She must be dead,’ he chuckled. It didn’t take long for Changmin and Kwon to join his laughter. Kwon even let out a loud whistle.

 

Seulin snapped back to reality upon Kwon’s loud whistle. She wanted to jump and tangle him right there for embarrassing her in front of Jinwoon. But then again she remembered, Jinwoon was still offering his gift.

 

She accepted the pot. “Thank you.” She muttered, tried to sound as normal as she could. However, it was clear for everyone she’s nervous to death.

 

Changmin cleared his throat, gaining all attention to him. “So, long no see, you’ve grown passed me, huh?” he smacked Jinwoon’s arm. Jinwoon laughed.

 

“Yah, how can you not contact us all these times? Are we not friends anymore?” Kwon whined.

 

“No, it’s not like that, Hyung—“

 

 “Yo, Jinwoon-ah, how are you?” Seulong walked to him and gave him friendly hug.

 

“Great, Hyung.” Jinwoon smiled until his eyes gone. “Oh, I miss you all!”

 

“You are more handsome than me now.” Seulong praised. Jinwoon blushed.

 

“Yeah, so handsome that…” Kwon exchanged looks with Seulong, and laughed in unison instead of finishing his sentence.

 

Taecyeon stared at them, felt left out. ‘Who the heck is this pretty boy? He seems close to them. And why does Seulin act like that?’

 

 Changmin realized they were ignoring Taecyeon and Gain. “Ah, Gain, Taecyeon, this is Jinwoon, our old friend. He used to live next to Seulong’s house.”

 

“Hi, I’m Ok Taecyeon.”

 

Gain smiled. “Hi, I’m Son Gain—“

 

“My girlfriend.” Kwon added as he suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist.

 

Seulong grinned at Kwon’s sudden over protectiveness. “Chill Kwon, it’s not like he’s gonna go after Gain.” He gave him mischievous look.

 

Unforgettable GIft chapter 3

CHAPTER 3: Happy Birthday, Seulin-ah!

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This February was a hectic one for Seulin. Aside of being a university student, she worked for a community magazine as an editorial staff. Because of some accursed virus brought by a newbie reporter, they lost all data for the next issue. Since the next issue has to be ready before the last week of February, they had to recollect the articles. Even though it’s not a big magazine, redid things for it was exhausting.

For a while, Seulin forgot her curiosity on Seulong’s gift—and her upcoming birthday as well. She was too occupied and worn-out hence once she had opportunity to loaf at home, she would be a real lazy butt. Pity for her, Seulong was always there to nag around, like that morning.

“Seulin-ssi! Im Seulin! Seulin! Seulin-ah! Let’s go jogging!” he banged at her door. “Such a waste if you sleep at this nice weather… Come on, open your door!” he whacked the knob.

“Stay away! I’m tired, you know?!” she yelled back.

“Yah, Little One, are you yelling at me? Are you yelling at your elder brother?” Seulong played his tone. He knew Seulin hates him talking like that.

She opened it a little and popped out her head. “What do you want?”

Seulong smiled slyly. “Take a bath, dress up, and let’s go jogging.”

“Why must I take a bath and dress up if we’re going to sweat?” she folded arms.

“Because I said so.” He turned her and shoved her back to her room.

Signs chapter 8

Chapter 8: Bold Signs Like This

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FEW MONTHS LATER

 

“Can you explain why must I sing here?” Agnes stared at David with big eyes.

“Seulong’s request.” He answered shortly.

“Of all cafés in Korea, why did he choose Bishounen Café?” she whined.

“Why don’t you go ask him by yourself? He suggested nonchalantly. “He’s next door.”

She rolled her eyes as she passed him by.

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Rounds of applauses were heard as Seulong and Agnes bowed.

Seulong always liked to talk to the audience at his live performance, and this performance wasn’t an exception.

“You all might have known that Agnes herself co-composed Sign. She said Bishounen Café and this song have a special story. What is it, Agnes?” he turned to her.

Agnes startled. Seulong did say at the backstage that they’re going to talk a bit about this song, but she didn’t expect he’s going to ask this.

“Well… My first live performance of Sign was in Bishounen Band’s monthly performance and I got the inspiration for Sign here. It’s mostly written here too. Actually, the Sign I made at the first time was quite different from the Sign now.” She was hesitated whether she should talk about Jinwoon or not.

“Oh, really? How is it different?”

I hate this punk. “It was kind of a song for dying people,” she laughed nervously. The visitors burst out laugh too. “And then my composer rearranged it to the Sign now.”

“I see. Ladies, the name of Sign’s composer is Jung Jinwoon. Absurdly, I found the name Jung Jinwoon too in the waiters list hanging there.” Seulong pointed the wall behind the bartender.

Signs chapter 7

Chapter 7: Here Comes the Time


Time passed by quickly if you didn’t pay attention to it, Agnes thought. Her training would be over in three weeks and she would fly back to her country to promote her almost-done album. She’s excited but at the same time she couldn’t deny there’s part of herself wanting to stay in Korea.

She examined Bishounen Café closely. Jinwoon had taken her orders and would be back in ten minutes. She saw a group of teenage girls chatted and giggled over Chansung. That quiet waiter had his own charms, even though Agnes found Junho was way prettier than him. Obviously, Jinwoon was the best of all.

This café is sure very special. You can flirt with any handsome men without worrying his girlfriend would attack you. She laughed at her thought. I wonder if I could find another one somewhere else.

“What are you looking at?”

Jinwoon’s voice snapped her out. He put down her orders. And I wonder if I could find someone like you.

Unforgettable Gift chapter 2

CHAPTER 2: Overprotective Seulong

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Seulin threw her body on her bed. Her eyebrow furrowed. The fact Seulong has found his gift this year boosted up her curiosity. ‘What kind of gift is it? Why did he prepare his gift so early?’ Thoughts bombarded Seulin’s brain. Seulong didn’t spill any clue even though she nagged at him along the way to his class after their lunch. Even when she said she’s gonna destroy his motorcycle key (which she stole from his room while he was taking a bath), Seulong zipped his mouth up. All he did were ruffling her hair and giving her his sly smile.

She put her hand on her neck and touched the necklace that has been hanging there for six years. It was Seulong’s gift for her 12th birthday. It has Saturn pendant. Oh yes, it’s the same Saturn necklace as Doumyouji Tsukasa gave Makino Tsukushi in Hanayori Dango. Seulin was a big fan of Hanayori Dango back then, and she kept saying Doumyouji Tsukasa is her ideal type. So Seulong decided to give her the highlight of the drama, the Saturn necklace. However, because the way Doumyouji gave the necklace to Makino wasn’t romantic at all, Seulong imitated the way Dao Ming Shi gave meteor necklace to San Chai in Meteor Garden. He imitated it precisely. Well, of course he took out all the mushy mushy things. However, it’s still too touchy for a girl to forget.

“Miss, dinner is ready.” One of their maids knocked on her door.

“Coming.” She tidied her clothes before leaving her room. Her eyes widened seeing the number of people sitting on the dining room. ‘Wow, another feast.’ Certainly, her super busy parents weren’t there.

“Seulin! Sit next to me.” Gain patted a chair in her left.

“Do we have something to celebrate, Onni?” Seulin asked as she sat.

“Yes, today is Kwon and Gain’s 100 day celebration.” Changmin said as he entered dining room with plates on his both hands.

Unforgettable Gift chapter 1

CHAPTER 1: Seulong The Hero

 

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"Are you ready sainan datte mo… Sweet sweet sou let's go no sain..."

 

Seulin opened one eye and shot an annoyed look at her phone. The loudest song of Arashi, Troublemaker, had been Seulin's alarm these months. It's 5 a.m. in the morning. She remembered the reason why she set alarm this early. Gaining her consciousness, she walked to the bathroom and washed her face. Felt refreshed, she started her notebook and proceeded to do the task.

 

15 minutes sitting on her desk, the Microsoft Word she opened was still blank. She scratched her head. “Aish… why must Mr. Jung gives us this kind of task? Doesn’t he know this theme is too boring to be developed as an essay?” she grumbled.

 

Seulin scanned all her old documents in her laptop, thinking she might get inspiration. She paused a while on the file named 'hero essay.doc', before decided to give it double click. Reading the title, her memory went back to high school time.

 

 

—FLASHBACK—

 

"Class, I’m sorry I've got to go. Principal out of sudden called all teachers for a meeting." Miss Han packed her stuffs.

 

"That's okay, Miss! We don’t mind at all!" Students started cheering for the sudden free period.

 

"Promise me you won't make noise and none of you will go out of this class before the bell rings."

 

"We promise~" Big grins plastered on the students’ faces.

 

Miss Han hesitated a while. "You know, I think I have to give you a task to do."

 

"NO!" The whole class hummed at once.

 

"I know, I know you don’t like it… Easy, it's not going to be a difficult one. All you have to do is write an essay in English within 500 words. It's really a short one."

 

The hum became louder. "What is the theme of the essay, Miss?" someone raised her hand.

 

She thinks a while. "Hmm, who is the one you considered as your hero? That's the theme." Miss Han has left the class when her head popped again at the door. "Collect it when the bell rings, don't forget." She ignored the commotion caused by her words to spot the class leader in the corner of the class. "Jung Jinwoon! Put your friends' work on my desk later, okay? If you don’t submit your work today, I'll make you write 50,000 words essay about our school. In English of course. Got it?"

 

"Yes, Miss…" The hum changed into murmurs as her head disappeared.

 

In the back of the class, Seulin opened her book. She thought for a while then started writing. In ten minutes, she has reached 322 words. Jinwoon looked at her book with disbelief.

 

"I don’t know you are THAT good in writing essay." He pouted as he looked at his. His was still 131 words.

 

Seulin smiled sheepishly. "It’s not like that… I like the topic, and the next thing I know, my hand moved on its own." She shrugged.

 

"Who are you writing about?" Jinwoon asked curiously. Seulin handed over her book.

 

His eyes widened reading the title. "'My Guardian Angel, Im Seulong'?! Your hero is Seulong Hyung?"

 

Seulin did nothing but smiled more sheepishly.

 

—END OF FLASHBACK—

 

 

She closed the file. Her desktop showed a picture she has never changed for 7 years. It was taken by her teacher after her class won basketball match in class meeting event. She looked at the figure standing next to her. He was full of sweat. His white T-shirt, his black hair, even his face, all went wet. Seulin remembered she gave him the towel that was hung on his neck. His smile was the broadest among the others, causing his slanted eyes to form a line. Unconsciously, she caressed it.

 

“Long time no see… How are you now?”