~Chapter 11~

JIHUN'S POV:

We've been practicing since 8:00 o'clock this morning and it's currently lunch time.. all the guys stormed towards the food that the staff brought us, but I'm not really hungry. Although we singed and danced for 4 hours straight I made no progress whatsoever, I just can't seem to focus and my mind is all over the place.

Even though the other members didn't complain about my performance, I know it bothers them that I'm so out of it today, I see it on their faces. They're just too nice to say anything. And honestly it bothers me too.

(A/N: I'm just gonna write their names before the lines here because all of them talk at the same time)

Namgi: "Jihun-ah, come and eat something."

Jihun: "I'm not really hungry, I think I'm gonna skip lunch today."

Junghoon: "But hyung, they brought kimchi, and you love kimchi!"

Jihun: "Hmmm.. alright, I guess I'll grab a bite then." We all giggle and I go to sit at the table.

Hosung: "Is something on your mind? You haven't been yourself today.."

Jihun: "Yeah I just.. I don't know, I feel confused"

Seokju: "About what?"

Junghoon: "Isn't it obvious? He's thinking about Aera."

Yoongjae: "You really care about her don't you?"

Jihun: *Sigh* "Yeah I guess I do"

Taeyong: "But it looks like she cares about you too, so why are you worrying?"

Jihun: "Because... I was a dickhead to her before, and I failed to be there for her, and look where that led. I don't even know why she still wants to talk to me."

Yoongjae: "Yeah I wouldn't if I were her"

Jihun: "Wow, thanks for the encouragement hyung.. The point is, I'm afraid I'll screw up again. And this time she needs a real friend, not someone who ditches her for fame and money like I did..."

Seokju: "Yah Jihun-ah.. you are a real friend, you were just young and dumb and it was an unfortunate thing that you didn't keep in touch. That doesn't mean that you meant for those things to happen."

Namgi: "Guys, listen up, I have an idea. Since we all agree that Aera is a good person and Jihunie cares for her so much, it means that she's our friend as well. So.. let's all promise that we will do everything we can to help her get out of this situation. Agreed?"

All except Jihun: "Agreed!"

Jihun: "Thank you guys, you really are the best!"

Hosung: "Wait a second! I know what we can do to help!"

Junghoon: "That was fast.."

Hosung: "You remember yesterday when manager-nim called us for a meeting, he mentioned that one of our make-up artist quit unexpectedly and they have to find a replacement asap.."

Tae: "Soooo.."

Junghoon: "Aera mentioned she went to beauty school!"

Hosung: "Exactly! And she said she worked at that jerk's salon, so obviously she needs a job right now."

Taeyong: "So we can talk to our manager to hire her!"

Jihun: "Aahh hyung, you're a genius! .. that's perfect! I can't wait to get home and tell her! I just hope she hasn't left to her friend's house yet.."

5 hours later

NARRATOR'S POV:

Tired from practicing all day, the boys stormed through the front door of their dorm, but bumped into Junghoon who stopped dead in his tracks.

"Uuhmm.. guys? Did we hire a maid or something?" The maknae asked.

"What? No, why would you ask that?" Taeyong struggled to take of his shoes.

"And what's that mouth-watering smell?" Seokju sniffled the air.

"Why is the house this sparkly and cle-"

Before he could finish Junghoon was interrupted by a cute Aera in her oversized pijamas with an apron on top, coming from the kitchen. She bowed to greet them and they bowed back surprised and excited.

"I wanted to thank you for letting me stay the night.. I didn't know how so I just thought I could clean a bit. I didn't enter your rooms or the bathrooms though! I just cleaned the common areas, I hope that's alright.. Oh and dinner is almost ready in case you're hungry!"

"Wooah, Aera thank you so much! I can't wait to taste your food!" Hosung clapped his hands in excitement.

"But why are there only 6 of you?"

"Aah, Jihun forgot his phone in the car so he went back to get it.. We're gonna go take a shower now because we're all sweaty pigs and then we'll come back down for dinner." Seokju said after smelling his clothes in disgust.

"Alright! I'll finish up the food!"

Two minutes later Jihun entered in a hurry, quickly taking his shoes of and throwing his bag in a corner. He was eager to know if Aera was still there, so he scanned the house impatiently. When he couldn't see her in the living room he ran in the kitchen and his heart stopped beating for a second when he spotted her small frame stirring something in a pot on the stove. His muscles relaxed and he let out a sigh of relief, slowly approaching her from behind. He smiled and sneaked his hands around her waist, engulfing her in a hug. When she felt someone touch her she jumped in surprise and accidentally hit his mouth with her head.

"Ouch!" He hissed from the pain and stepped back checking if he still had all his teeth.

"Oh my God! Jihun are you ok? I'm so s-sorry! I didn't mean to hit you!" He put her hands on his cheeks making sure he wasn't hurt and he instantly blushed.

"I'm alright, don't worry, although you have a pretty hard head.. Damn!" She chuckled.

"Sorry I startled you" He took her hands in his and pulled them down.

"It's alright.. I was so focused on the food I didn't even hear you."

"Yeah I should've probably said something before hugging you.. I was just a bit excited"

"E-excited?" She blushed this time.

"Yeah.. I thought you left at your friend's house and I won't get to see you. Oh, how is your cut? Does it still hurt?"

"It's much better now, thanks. Oh.. Uhm... actually, about my friend...I have some news."

"What is it?" He asked curiously.

"Well.. why don't you go take a shower too and we'll talk about it after dinner. I'm sure you're tired and hungry."

"Yeah I'm kinda smelly." *stomach growling* "And starving, I'll be quick and then I'll come help you set the table." He smiled and ran upstairs.

About fifteen minutes later everyone was around the dining table stuffing their mouths with Aera's delicious dishes. After they praised her cooking and devoured everything, she thought it was the proper moment to ask the question.

"So uuhmm.. I have something to tell you guys."

"Go ahead, we're listening. Yah maknaes! Cut it off with the bickering!" Namgi got Tae's and Junghoon's attention, who were fighting for the last piece of meat.

*clears throat* "I uhhh.. I'm really grateful for your help. And I wouldn't normally do this, but I have no choice than to ask you for another favor." The girl looked at her feet embarrassed and the seven boys were listening intently. "I talked to my friend today.. Well, my only friend. She's out of town for a whole month, so I can't go stay at her apartment. I thought about staying at a hotel for a few days but apparently my bank account has been emptied so I'm broke."

Jihun sighed in annoyance. "Did he really just took all of your money?" She nodded. "Aaiish this prick."

"My point is, if you could let me stay here for a couple more days, just until I figure something out I would be really thankfull. I promise I won't be in your way, you won't even know I'm here." Tears well up in her eyes and they all could tell she was desperate.

Surprisingly, Yoongjae spoke first. "I have no problem with that, you can stay as much as you need."

"I agree!" Taeyong flashed her a boxy grin.

"Same here" Seokju said calmly.

"It's really nice to have you around, so I say hell yes!" Hosung added cheerfully.

"I hope you're good at playing video games, cause my hyungs suck!" Junghoon followed earning a chopstick in the face from Seokju.

"I guess everyone knows my answer already.. But yeah, you could stay here forever from my part." Jihun smirked at her, making her blush and smile shyly. Everyone averted their attention to the seventh boy, but he was silent.

"Hyung?" Jihun looked at the leader concerned.