You're My Melody Chapter 20: Doing the right thing

At first Jaejoong thought he was dreaming. That couldn't be Seohyun. It's just too good to be true. He crossed the distance between them. It was that same eyes. The same hair... still he couldn't believe it.

He walked towards her then touched her face just to make sure he’s not imagining things and that she really is there in front of him. Thank God she's not running away. If she did, he would have run after her but with an injured leg, he doubts if he would've been able to keep up.

Seohyun didn’t know what to do. She knew she had to leave but she just couldn’t move.

"How have you been?" She asked a little awkwardly.

"Hell." That was an understatement, Jaejoong realized. After all he'd been through since the day she left; there is no word to describe how terrible his life had been. His mind was in turmoil every single day worrying about her and wondering where on earth she could be.

Seohyun didn’t expect that. She thought they were living a peaceful life the moment she decided to disappear from their lives. The fact that Jaejoong’s life had been nothing but peaceful didn’t occur to her at all. Questions came rushing to her mind. How he has been. Is he eating well? Are the others ok? But she’s afraid to ask. She’s even afraid to speak a single word. She realized everything is too late now.

If she stayed any longer she might change her mind and start begging Jaejoong to take her back. In her current state Seohyun thinks she might do just that. "I think I should leave." She said.

However, leaving proved to be difficult. Jaejoong wouldn’t let her go so easily. "Oh, I think you better not.” He replied. “No, Seohyun. You’re not going anywhere. I made a mistake for letting you go the last time. I’m not making the same mistake twice."

Seohyun realized he was serious when he followed her to the restaurant where she works. Mika-chan was gaping at the door when Jaejoong walked in.

“Irashai~” she paused when she realized who came in “-mase” she finished.

“Table for two.” Jaejoong told Mika who stood frozen on the door. She was wondering if Jaejoong came with someone. Probably one of the other members of tohoshinki. Or maybe his girlfriend. Mika was a little disappointed by the thought so when she didn’t find anybody she was quite relieved. But the fact that he asked for a table for two might mean he’s waiting for someone. She was still thinking about it when she led Jaejoong to an empty table and asked for his order.

“What’s your specialty?” he asked in Japanese.

“You should try our ramyeon. It’s really delicious.” She spoke in korean so Jaejoong realized she’s probably Korean and decided to speak in Korean as well.

"I think I’ll have that ramyeon, a kimchi, samgyeopsal and a girl named Seohyun to go along with it.”

“Ahmm.. sorry? What was the last one?” Mika asked again thinking she probably heard it wrong.

“I said Seohyun.” He said again.

“I’m sorry but we don’t have Seohyun in our menu.”

“You have an employee named Seohyun right? I would like to talk to her.” Jaejoong said hoping Seohyun didn’t bother to change her name.

Series of questions came rushing through Mika’s head but that can wait. She can just ask Seohyun later. “Just a moment sir, I’ll see what I can do.”

Jaejoong watched the girl walk away and approach Seohyun. He saw how Seohyun’s face showed annoyance which is not surprising at all.

“Seohyun-ah, Jaejoong-shi wanted to talk to you.”

“Can you tell him to just go away?”

“Tell him yourself.” Mika left afterwards leaving Seohyun the impression that Mika’s probably mad at her. Seohyun couldn’t blame her though. She was after all a liar.

When she reached Jaejoong’s table Seohyun said “Go away oppa” She didn’t even try to hide her annoyance.

Jaejoong ignored what she said and instead replied, “Sit.”

 “There’s no need for that because you’re leaving. Now.” Seohyun tried to lower her voice so the people on the other table won’t overhear. She doesn’t want to make a scene. Although the customers may not understand their conversation because they’re speaking in Korean, it’s still easy to conclude that they’re having a fight.

However Seohyun realized later that speaking softly wouldn’t make any difference because Jaejoong alone is already making all heads turn their way. Every time people come to the restaurant they stare at him with an am-i-dreaming look on their faces. Even Mika couldn’t seem to concentrate on her job. It wasn’t a surprise though. She is a Tohoshinki fan after all.

What makes her even more furious is that Jaejoong doesn’t seem to care about any of it. The nerve of the man! Why does he have to follow her all the way here and ruin everything? And now her friend hates her and it’s all because of him. And yet he still doesn’t seem to care.

Jaejoong is aware that his presence is causing a disturbance but he decided to ignore it. He hates it but it can’t be helped. Right now he has a mission to accomplish and it’s more important than anything else.

“I said sit.” Jaejoong said again. He realized he needs more patience than what he currently has.

Thankfully Seohyun did as she was told. She sat at the chair in front of him. Satisfied, Jaejoong smiled her usual sweet smile that melts her heart. For a moment Seohyun’s heart wavered and she almost forgot what she was fighting for. Any more of those and she might really just give up.

“I’m not going anywhere with you, oppa. Just go. Please…” she begged.

“What about that promise you gave me before?” Jaejoong said trying to change her mind by making her feel guilty.

Seohyun doesn’t have any excuse for that. She did break her promise and she still feels bad about it. “I already said I’m sorry…”

“You think leaving a note will be enough? Didn’t I tell you before? That’s not the proper way to apologize.”

“And how exactly do you want me to do it?” She didn’t wait for his answer because she suddenly remembered his words. If you want to apologize, you should do it exactly like that, he said. A kiss?! In front of all these people? “You’re crazy” She turned around and left. She couldn’t talk to him properly after all. She might as well just leave.

Seohyun walked away and headed to the kitchen thinking she won’t be followed but she was mistaken. Jaejoong was more persistent than she imagined.

“I’m sorry sir but this side is off limits.” Seohyun heard Mika told Jaejoong.

“Please just this once. I really need to talk to Seohyun.”

Mika hesitated but she eventually agreed “Ok sir. But please make it quick. Everyone’s busy around here.”

“Thank you.”

Before Seohyun knew it she couldn’t hide from him anymore. “Oh for godsake, get lost!” She told Jaejoong for a hundredth time. On the way to the restaurant, Seohyun kept repeating that phrase over and over but it didn’t seem to have any effect on Jaejoong. And it doesn’t seem to have any effect on him now.

“I’m not leaving unless you come with me.”

“Look, oppa… This is for the best. I’m just bothering everyone by staying.”

“No, Seohyun. You’ve done worse by leaving.”

“You’re not making any sense.”

“And you’re being difficult.”

“I’m busy oppa. Can’t you just go? Please?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I still haven’t gotten what I wanted.”

“And that is?”

“You.” Seohyun sighed. She didn’t think it will be this difficult. “I told you before didn’t I? I’m possessive and I do anything I want.” Jaejoong continued.

“There’s no use talking to you…” she said. Jaejoong is really pushing her limits.

“Aren’t you feeling guilty for making my life a hell?”

“What does that have to do with me?”

“For one, I got injured because of you.”

For a moment Seohyun forgot what they were arguing about. Her thoughts were suddenly filled with worry. “What? How? Are you ok?”

The questions surprised Jaejoong but it pleases him to know she cares for him enough to worry about him. “I’m fine. But it doesn’t leave the fact that you’re the reason why I was injured in the first place.”

“Are you really ok?” She’s not willing to drop the topic until she’s sure he’s really fine.

"I said I’m fine but I’ll feel better if you'll kiss me" he grinned knowing he’s about to win this fight. Apparently it was a wrong move since Seohyun went back to defense mode.

"Forget it. Go die, for all I care." Seohyun didn't mean any of it of course and Jaejoong knows it.

"Common Seohyun… Let's go back home" he insisted.

"I said no!"

"Don’t you miss me?"

"No" she lied.

"Even a little?"

"Not even a bit"

"Well, I did miss you. Couldn't that reason be enough for you to come back?" That made her stop. Knowing that he misses her too makes a lot of difference. At this rate she will probably wrap her arms around him and never let go.

Seohyun sighed. “No, oppa. Please just go…”

“No Seohyun I’m not going anywhere without you.”

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure. What?"

"Get lost."

"Anything but that."

"Look oppa, I can’t go back now."

"Why not?"

"Because... because… I don't belong there."

“Where do you belong then? Here?

"No… I-" that's the problem. Seohyun doesn't think she belongs anywhere. She wanted to find her own place. "You wouldn’t even understand so forget it"

“Then help me understand”

“Oppa please… stop it”

“Stop what?”

“Trying to control my life.”

Jaejoong didn’t realize he was doing that. He didn’t know what to say to that. Seohyun on the other hand regretted what she said the moment she spoke the words. She noticed the effect it had on Jaejoong and she felt bad. They had a lot of arguments before and it might have seemed like Jaejoong decides everything for her but never once did she feel restricted in any way. She had more freedom than she could ever want. More than that, she felt loved and cared for. Jaejoong is not really trying to control her life. He was protecting something precious to him and Seohyun knows it.

“I’m sorry.” Jaejoong said.

“Y-you don’t have to apologize.” That statement was followed by an awkward silence.

“Do you really have to do this?” Jaejoong asked after a while.

“Yes.” Seohyun replied hoping Jaejoong wouldn’t ask for anything more. Thankfully he didn’t. Yes, she has to stay as far away as possible. But does she want it? No. Unfortunately, “having to” and “wanting to” are entirely two different things.

Jaejoong decided leaving will be the best option for him so he said. “I better go then.”

“O-okay.”

When Jaejoong left, Seohyun realized doing the right thing could be really hard.

You're My Melody Chapter 19: Fate

After his mishap, Jaejoong had to take a break from all their activities. He attends the practice sessions but since he’s not allowed to dance, he makes use of his time by studying every dance step and routine hoping he could execute it at the moment when he needed to. Most of the time, he just sits on the side doing technically nothing while other times he allows himself to think about Seohyun which is something that his mind never fails to do every single day of his damn life.

A month later, on the morning before their concert, Jaejoong was scheduled to meet his doctor. Yoochun volunteered to go with him but he declined. Jaejoong decided he will perform his best tonight and nothing will stop him, not his leg or even his doctor. He decided to ignore whatever the doctor will tell him. If he let Yoochun go with him this time he will surely force him to follow whatever the doctor will say but if he goes alone, he can just lie afterwards and make them believe that the doctor permitted him to dance to his heart's content even if it’s actually otherwise.

No, Jaejoong won't do it because the president ordered him to do it. (Yes, despite his injury he was ordered to perform tonight.) He wanted to do it because he doesn’t want to disappoint his fans who were expecting a lot from him.

As expected the doctor is against his plans for tonight's concert. "What do you mean I can't dance? Sensei, we have a concert tonight. I need to dance." Jaejoong complained.

"No you don't. Find someone else to take your place. Be kind to your leg and do it a favor. Let it rest." To Jaejoong's annoyance, the doctor is as hard headed as he is. "I'm not saying you're no allowed to dance forever. I'm just saying you can't do it tonight. Not yet. It's too early. You're leg is improving but it's not completely healed. If you don’t want tonight to be your last performance, take my advice." The doctor insisted.

Jaejoong already made up his mind. He’s willing to take the risk. If it means he could be performing for the last time, he then has to give his best.

Moments after Jaejoong walked out of the doctor’s office, he received a call from Yoochun. “Hyung, how was your checkup?”

“Great. The doctor said I’m ok now.”

“Really? Is it really alright for you to perform tonight?”

“Yeah.” Jaejoong tried to sound enthusiastic but it’s kinda hard when he knows it could be his last performance. If his doctor was right then he’s must prepare himself for the worst and it’s best not to tell anyone else about it.

“Ok then. We’re on our way to Tokyo Dome for the final rehearsals.”

“Alright. I’ll join you there.” Jaejoong said before he hung up. He decided he could use a little practice if he’s going to give his best.

Luckily a cab was waiting at the entrance. He was about to call the driver's attention when he suddenly changed his mind. He decided a bit of a walk might cool his nerves. He hadn't gone far when the unexpected happened.

There in front of him stood Seohyun who seemed to be as surprised as he is. For the first time in his damn life Jaejoong believed in fate.

You're My Melody Chapter 18: Missing You

For the past month Seohyun was lucky to be able to find a nice paying job and a small apartment just a few blocks away from where she currently works. She found a job in a restaurant owned by a Korean who migrated in Tokyo after marrying Japanese. Seohyun loves the place because it’s where she feels close to home and the owners were really nice to her. They were short on people and after explaining to them that she was from Seoul and that for some personal reason she went to Tokyo to start a new life, the couple decided to hire her. That was all the truth she could provide them and Seohyun was grateful they didn’t pry for more. If they did she would have lied and that would have made her feel bad. She can't tell them she ran away from home because they will definitely make her go back and that's the last thing she wanted to do.

The couple has a daughter named Mika who is only a year younger than she is and the two of them instantly became friends. Mika teaches her Japanese during their free time and Seohyun was grateful for it. The family had been really nice to her and she will forever be grateful.

"Seohyun-ah, have you seen Kim Jaejoong in person?" Mika asked her once. "Is he really as good looking as he looks when he's on TV? Or does he look even better?"

Seohyun's only problem is that her friend never fails to mention Jaejoong every single day. Apparently she's a big fan. Seohyun misses Jaejoong enough for her to think about him every waking moment of her life and she doesn't need anybody to remind her of him.

"Ne, Seohyun-ah… let's go watch Tohoshinki's concert in Tokyo Dome."

"Sorry Mika chan. I can't go with you this time." She looked really excited and Seohyun felt bad for disappointing her.

"Why not?"

"I’m saving money for plane tickets remember? I can't spend money for concerts." Seohyun lied. Yes, she's saving money but it's not for plane tickets because she's planning to stay in Japan for quite a while. The truth is she doesn't have the courage to face Jaejoong right now. She’s afraid of what she might do if she sees him now. She could almost see herself running towards him and telling him how much she missed him. She couldn't trust herself when it comes to Jaejoong so Seohyun decided its better not to see him after all.

"Besides, we will be short of people if both of us leave." she added.

"Let's tell mom and dad to close the restaurant for a day and I’ll pay for the tickets so you don’t have to worry about anything. Common, Seohyun-ah… It will be fun." She was beaming wide and Seohyun was grateful but… There are always buts in her life. She had a life of riches but she wasn't happy. She wanted to run away but her father just won’t leave her alone. She finally fell in love but she just couldn’t be with him. And now she definitely wanted to go but it will be a big mistake. She’s tired of everything… hiding… lying… running away… All she ever wanted was to be happy and yet she just couldn’t.

"Mika-chan, you go have fun. I don't want to take advantage of your family's kindness so I have to work harder."

"Fine. But I'll ask you again tomorrow. There's a chance that you might change your mind."

"I'm not changing my mind." Seohyun replied. She’s determined not to see Jaejoong again although her heart is telling her otherwise.

You're My Melody Chapter 17: Life Without You

The moment Jaejoong realized Seohyun was nowhere to be found he couldn’t stay still. First he was worried she might be in danger then he became furious. He would have gone searching the whole country if not from his friends who were determined to stop him from doing something crazy.

"Jaejoong calm down.” Yoochun said trying to reason out with his anxious friend. “She would have done it days ago if only you hadn’t stopped her. So there’s really no reason for you to be surprised if she suddenly disappeared”

“At least she left a note,” Junsu said not knowing he isn’t helping at all.

That’s exactly what’s making Jaejoong furious. Seohyun promised him she will stay. She better have a good reason for disappearing and leaving only a single damn note and in case she did have a good reason, Jaejoong wonders if he will ever find out.

----

Mr. Kim Yongjoo first learned about Seohyun from Miss Koda Kumi. Koda Kumi is a Japanese singer who became Jaejoong’s friend after they made collaboration a few years before. One lesson you have to keep in mind is to never ask confidential questions to wrong people. Kumi made that particular mistake. The real problem was that for one thing, she didn’t know that the question was confidential and another thing she had no idea that she was asking the wrong person.

Jaejoong went to ask her for a favor one morning. It was a first since Jaejoong never asked her for anything. He was the sort of person who would give a favor, not ask for it. But that morning Jaejoong surprised her when he asked if she knew a good place to stay.

“Why? You’re moving out?” she asked.

“No. I just… it’s just.. I can’t explain right now.”

“Alright. I’ll try to look for one,” she promised.

“I need to find one before the end of the week. I would also appreciate it if you could find a job for a Korean who only speaks a bit of Japanese.”

“Now, Jaejoong, what’s going on? You don’t speak a bit of Japanese. You speak fluent Japanese.”

“It’s not for me. It’s for a friend. She just needed a job and a place to stay before she moves out at the end of the week.”

“’She’?”

“Well… yeah… Please stop asking questions… I...” Before they could talk more, Yunho come calling for Jaejoong. They have to start shooting a PV.

“I’ll call you if I find one.” She called out before he left.

“Thanks!” Jaejoong replied.

Kumi was sure of one thing. She and Jaejoong are talking about a certain girl who apparently decided to “move out” at the end of the week. Move out of where is a big question. Could it be that she’s currently living with them? The fastest way she could find out is to ask Mr. Kim Yongjoo who fortunately had a spare time at that exact moment while waiting for Tohoshinki members to finish the shoot.

When Mr. Kim Yonjoo heard the story from Koda Kumi he made it his mission to find out everything about this girl. Mr. Kim was wise enough to ask the right person.

Kim Junsu is a person who seldom lies. If he did he was very bad with it that anyone would notice if he was telling the truth or not. Among the five members of Dong Bang Shin Ki, he was the most innocent and Mr. Kim knows that if he needed answers Junsu was the best person to ask. And he wasn’t mistaken.

“Is there someone staying at your apartment?” he asked Junsu.

“You mean Lee Seohyun?” Junsu didn’t notice when Mr. Kim’s expression turned into a surprise after hearing Seohyun’s name.

“Tell me about this girl” Mr. Kim recognized the name. If he could just see her for himself he would be able to clear his suspicions.

“Oh, she’s someone Jaejoong hyung met in Seoul. She had an accident when she came here in Tokyo and she lost her memories. We have no idea how to bring her back to her family so we decided to let her stay with us for a while.”

Mr. Kim learned more from Junsu than how much he actually expected to hear. He decided he have to meet this girl who seems to have the same name as President Lee Soo Man’s daughter.

---

Jaejoong’s life had been hell since the moment Seohyun left.

He couldn’t get his mind off of her. The other members are complaining because he won’t cook them meals anymore so they always end up eating fastfood meals or if they have time they go to the nearest restaurant and eat decent food.

He also couldn’t get a single melody on his mind so he let Yoochun take over the job of composing songs.

Those were just the small part of it. The biggest part was that he needed to undergo an operation after he injured himself during dance practice. And that was all because he couldn’t damn well get her off his mind.

Mr. Kim pleaded to President Lee Soo Man to cancel the concert for another date. Besides the tickets hasn’t been sold yet. But the president insisted they will hold the concert as planned and no changes will be made. Therefore Jaejoong will just have to bear with it. The president said if his leg won’t heal before the concert, then that’s just too bad. He has to find a way to manage somehow.

Jaejoong expected that much. How he will manage to dance on a broken leg, Jaejoong have no idea.

You're My Melody Chapter 16: Goodbye

Seohyun broke her word 3 days before the end of the week.

Her day started wonderful. Jaejoong gave her a kiss before they left. He had been doing it every single day and Seohyun feels embarrassed because the other members knows what they’re doing (it’s hard not to notice when Jaejoong does it regardless of whether or not they’re alone) but it also feels wonderful so Seohyun couldn’t seem to make up her mind whether she likes it or not. It’s as if Jaejoong is making the most out of the last few days that they will be spending together.

A knock on the door made her stop her task of cleaning the house and she proceeded in opening the door wondering who it could be. Seohyun doesn’t know who the person is but she realized he might have known her because he looked surprised then said, "So it's true…"

His words puzzled her and Seohyun doesn’t know what to say. He's speaking in Korean so she assumed he's from Korea. "May I know who you are sir?" she asked politely.

"I’m Kim Yongjoo, Dong Bang Shin Ki's manager." With that said, Seohyun decided to let him in.

"Can I offer you anything, Mr. Kim?” Seohyun wondered what could be the reason of his visit but she decided questions can wait. “If you're looking for Jaejoong oppa and the others I’m afraid…"

"I didn't come for them," he interrupted. "I came because I wanted to see you." Her curiosity increases with every word he spoke.

"I don’t think I know you sir." She said hoping the man will get to the point and tell her what he really wanted from her.

"No. I think not. We didn’t get the chance to be introduced. But I've seen you a couple of times so I know who you are."

Seohyun became worried. If this person knows who she is he will definitely tell her father and she will be back home before she could even speak a word of protest. Seohyun didn’t notice that her face gives away her feelings and the man didn't miss anything.

"May I know what you wanted to talk to me about?" Whatever happens, Seohyun decided to convince the man not to tell her father where she is.

"I want to know what you are doing here," he said. Seohyun couldn’t decide what to say. If she sticks with her lies she might get away with it. But she was afraid this man will be able to see through her. Again, her indecision was apparent in her face.

The manager sighed. "I think you should stop."

"I-I don’t know what you mean."

"I don’t know the reason why you're here but I didn’t believe a word when I heard you lost your memories. Whatever you’re doing, stop it and go back to where you came from. Otherwise, I will have to call your father." Seohyun became tense when he mentioned her father. "-which I believe you don’t want me to do" he added when he noticed her unease.

"I want you to leave now Miss Lee" the manager continued when she didn’t say a word.

Seohyun knew she couldn’t pretend any longer. She also knew this would happen sooner or later but she promised Jaejoong she won’t be going anywhere and she wanted to keep it. "Can I stay for another 3 days? I promise I’ll leave but-"

"No, Miss Lee. You have to leave now. If you don’t I’m afraid I'll have to tell the members the truth. I advise that you leave before they forced you to which I’m pretty sure they would do once they found out you've been deceiving them all this time."

"I can’t leave yet.” Seohyun is becoming impatient. Why can’t this man understand that she have to keep her promise? Oh, yes she's a liar but she is someone who keeps her word and this time she’s determined to keep her word with Jaejoong. “I promised Jaejoong oppa I will stay until the end of the week. There are only 3 days left. Can I at least stay until then? Please…" Seohyun was begging him now. she knew she will have to tell them the truth now. but she wanted to tell them herself and if they did decide that they want her to leave then so be it. But she's not leaving unless they order her to. She won’t just disappear without saying goodbye and even thank you.

"Do you know the risk they are taking by letting you stay here? You know perfectly well what your father is capable of doing."

Seohyun knew it better than anyone. But certainly her father wouldn’t do anything bad to them will he? Now come to think of it, the Dong Bang Shin Ki members are working for her father. Her father holds more power than she thought. The more she thinks about it the more worried she becomes. It never occurred to her until now. She was so busy thinking about how she could run away and how she could avoid being caught that she never thought of the things her father would do once he found out where she was staying. Anyone who tried to help her will feel her father’s wrath. That, she was definitely sure of.

"From the look on your face I assumed you haven’t thought about it."

Seohyun couldn’t risk the possibility of her father doing something to the people who helped her and so she decided he was right. "Alright, I will do as you say." the manager was surprised when she suddenly agreed. She was willing to risk the possibility of her father finding out her whereabouts and punishing her for her actions, nor the shame of being thrown out by the same people who helped her after they learn the truth. She was willing to risk everything just to stay for another 3 days and keep her promise that she claimed she made with Jaejoong. But when he mentioned the possibility of Tohoshinki suffering the consequences of her actions she surprisingly relented. He decided Seohyun is a very sweet girl who unfortunately had the misfortune of being the daughter of a man who doesn’t have a tiniest bit of compassion in his blood.

Seohyun left Mr. Kim to pack her things. It wasn’t much so it didn’t take much time. She decided to leave a note on the table saying her thanks and goodbye. When she finished packing she was ready to leave.

Tohoshinki’s manager watched her as she walked towards the door. "Miss Seohyun…" Mr. Kim called before she could close the door. “Take my advice.” He waited until she was facing him again. “Go home."

She smiled then said. "Among all the choices I have, that happens to be the last on my list."

You're My Melody Chapter 15: Apology

Seohyun realized Jaeejoong means more to her than she thought. She doesn’t want to leave without fixing things up with Jaejoong. He had been so good to her and she wanted to tell him how grateful she is.

"Oppa…" she said when she finally got the chance to be alone with him.

"What is it Seohyun?" Jaejoong asked. She couldn’t tell if he’s still mad. If he is, it doesn’t show on his face. Seohyun got a little courage from that fact.

"I want to apologize," she explained

"Come here…" It was an order and Seohyun complied. She stopped when she thought it was close enough but Jaejoong was not satisfied. "Closer." he said and she did. She stopped a few inches away from him, near enough for Jaejoong to grab her and, to her shock, kiss her again.

The kiss lasted for a minute and Seohyun lost her sanity from the very moment it started. Before she knew it, it was over and she felt ashamed when she realized she’s craving for more. She became addicted to his kisses and she doesn’t think she likes that fact.

"Apology accepted," Jaejoong said when he was finally able to catch his breath. Seohyun couldn’t believe the nerve of the man!

Jaejoong is surprisingly in a good mood now. "Next time you want to apologize, I want you to do it exactly like that."

Next time… Seohyun doesn’t believe there will be any next time because she will be leaving soon. However she realized there’s no harm in hoping she could experience that same sweet torment in the future. "I’ll let it go for now but next time you do that I won’t forgive you, oppa," she said with a little bit of hope that there could really be a next time.

"Are you here because you changed your mind and decided you want to stay?” He looked so hopeful and Seohyun doesn’t want to ruin it but she already made up her mind and nothing can change it.

"No," She replied. Jaejoong’s face darkened again. "I just wanted to apologize for my behavior. I was rude and…"

"Is there anything I can do to change your mind?" he interrupted.

“No.”

Jaejoong sighed. "One week."

"What?"

"Give me one week. I’ll find you a job, get you a place to stay and I’ll try to change your mind about leaving. If after one week you haven’t change your mind then you can leave. But promise me you’re not going anywhere until then."

"But oppa, I don’t want to bother you any more than I already have..."

"Promise me, Seohyun" he insisted.

Jaejoong is so persistent that Seohyun finally relented. She realized she owe him that much. "Alright, I promise."

"Good. Now give me a kiss" he's teasing her now. Just a few moments ago he was so mad it was hard to reason out with him. He’s really a very confusing man.

She ignored his order to kiss him and instead she decided to thank him thinking that it is exactly what he deserved. "Thank you oppa." she said in a voice full of sincerity, "for being so nice to me."

"Oh, I’m not nice." Jaejoong disagreed.

“Of course you are… you’re nice, thoughtful, kind, and-“

Jaejoong chucked. "You’ve only seen half of me. I’m not that nice Seohyun. I’m selfish, possessive and I do whatever I want." To make his point, he captured her lips for another kiss. “At the end of the wseek I’ll make sure you’ll forget any thoughts about leaving. I won’t let you go, Seohyun. I’m that selfish. So you see, I’m not as nice as you think.”

Oh how Seohyun wished he really wouldn’t let her go.

You're My Melody Chapter 14: Fight

"No, you can’t leave…" Jaejoong said when Seohyun opened up her plans about leaving. It was a hard decision for Seohyun but she has to leave. She can’t go on lying to everyone and pretending everything is ok.

"Jaejoong, you know she can’t stay with us forever," Yoochun said and Seohyun was thankful that there is someone sensible enough to agree with her.

"i know that but it doesn’t have to be so soon…" he argued. "You're not leaving Seohyun," he said it with such conviction that no one dared to argue. Seohyun was almost got swayed… well almost because she was still determined to leave.

"I’m not asking permission.” Seohyun was getting angry. Jaejoong is being unreasonable. “I just wanted to let you know about my decision." she was looking at jaejoong when she said those words. She wanted him to know he can’t just order her around. She’s definitely not going to stay just because he told her to. "I'm really thankful for all the things you’ve done for me 'til now and..."

"Save it,” Jaejoong interrupted. “You’re not leaving yet so save your words for some other time." He was such a hard man to deal with Seohyun realized.

"Fine. I’ll keep it to myself then. But I’m leaving today." Seohyun held her ground and Jaejoong admires her for that. But he’s determined to change her mind about leaving no matter what.

"Tell me, Seohyun. Where will you stay if you leave?" Jaejoong was challenging her, trying to make his point.

"Well I… I don’t know yet." She hadn’t thought about it yet. "But I’m sure I can manage on my own thank you,” she finished with a confidence she doesn’t feel.

"Will you go back to Seoul?" Junsu asked. Seohyun knew if she says she wanted to go back to Seoul they would lend her money for plane ticket. However she just couldn’t go back to Korea now. She wants to get as far away from her father as much as possible. If she needs to live in the streets of Japan then so be it. Living a life as a pauper is way better than living with her father.

"No. I’m planning to stay in Japan," she decided.

"This is ridiculous!" Jaejoong was really mad, Seohyun can tell. "You can’t even speak Japanese."

"I can speak a little Japanese now. Junsu oppa taught me."

"You have no memories of your past."

"I can live just fine even without them."

"How will you provide for yourself?"

"I’ll get a job of course."

"And do you think there are Japanese people who are stupid enough to hire a Korean who doesn’t speak Japanese?" Jaejoong had been there and he knows. It has been hard for them to start their career in Japan. They had to learn the language until they are fluent enough and he doesn’t want Seohyun to experience the same kind of hardship.

She had enough. "Yes. I do. No one can resist pretty girls. All I have to do is to look pretty and they might take pity on me and hire me."

"You'll do no such thing!"

"Jaejoong, enough." Yunho decided to intervene at the right moment. The two looked like they were about to kill each other and he couldn’t just stand by and watch. Yoochun and Changmin seemed to be enjoying their bickering though. Jusnsu doesn’t seem to care much. "Seohyun, do you really want to leave?" Yunho asked.

"Yes." She can’t continue to live with them with the guilt of knowing she was deceiving them all.

"Alright." Yunho finally agreed.

"yunho!" Yunho ignored Jaejoong’s protest.

"Jae, you know she has to leave sooner or later. We can’t do anything about it. Besides we will be overseas for the Asia concert tour. And we can’t take Seohyun with us so she will be living here alone which doesn’t make any difference in my opinion."

"The tour will be in a month’s time. She can leave by then. Not sooner."

Another month with Jaejoong will make her go mad. She was already falling for him and they have just met not too long ago. What more if she stayed with him for another whole month?

"You can’t force her to stay if she doesn’t want to Jae. You have no right to decide for her."

"Fine. I had enough of this talk. Do whatever you want." then he left. Seohyun decided to leave with or without Jaejoong’s permission. He doesn’t mean that much to her anyway… or so she thought.

You're My Melody Chapter 13: Developing Feelings, Confessions and Denials

The next day, Jaejoong recovered completely. He wanted to talk to Seohyun to settle the things between them however he couldn’t seem to get the chance because Seohyun did everything to avoid him.

When Jaejoong couldn’t take it anymore he finally asked. "Why do you always avoid me Seohyun?"

"No, I wasn’t." she denied.

"I’m not stupid darn it." she can tell she was making him mad and Jaejoong is quite scary when he’s angry, she realized now. "Everyone can tell that you avoid me like a plague. Care to tell me why?"

Seohyun doesn’t know what to say. She can’t think properly when he’s near her. "S-sory…" she was trapped in a corner with Jaejoong in front of her and the wall behind her.

"So you admit you’re avoiding me then?"

"Please… Let go." Seohyun begged.

"Not until you tell me why you’re avoiding me," Jaejoong didn’t budge an inch.

"Coz you’re scary…" her answer surprised Jaejoong.

"You didn’t think I was when we first met," he said. He still remembers the day they met. It was on her birthday and yes, she was upset and crying but she was far from scared. Also at the hospital when she woke up she didn’t look like she was afraid. Confused, yes, but certainly not scared. "You weren’t scared of me then." Jaejoong said not believing her a bit.

"That was before you kissed me."

Jaejoong was no longer confused, he was amused. "You're scared because I kissed you?" he looked like he was trying not to laugh and Seohyun suddenly had the urge to punch him to take away that look on his face.

"For you it might have been nothing. I know you’ve kissed hundreds of girls before and..." Seohyun couldn’t seem to concentrate with what she was saying because Jaejoong intentionally distracts her by touching her face with the back of his hand. "Will you stop that..," she said trying to pry his hand away. "As I was saying… that kiss might have meant nothing to you but for me it was..."

"Special?" Jaejoong finished for her since she couldn’t seem to continue. Being trapped and forced to admit something embarrassing is hard enough.

"No, I meant to say it was my first and you ruined it." Jaejoong suspected that much. Knowing he was the first one to kiss her and that she is his alone, gives him pride. But he certainly didn’t buy it when she tried to make him believe the kiss was awful.

"I didn’t meet your expectations then?" he asked.

"No, you certainly didn't." She’s certainly not willing to boost his self-confidence by admitting she thought the kiss was wonderful.

"How do you want it done then? Care to teach me?" Seohyun knew he was teasing her and to heck with him. "Maybe if you let me kiss you again, I could make it better." Seohyun was thinking she will never let herself fall for that trick but before she could brace herself Jaejoong slowly shortened the distance between their faces, his lips is only a few inches from hers.

All she managed to say was, "Don’t you dare kiss me again, Kim Jaejoong!" Either the warning came too late or Jaejoong just chose to ignore it. He kissed her again and Seohyun lost her sanity. He noticed she didn’t call him oppa which is good because he doesn’t want her to treat him like a big brother anymore. It was the second time they kissed and it was much sweeter this time around. Her knees are getting weaker and she was thankful Jaejoong’s arms were wrapped around her for support.

When the kiss was over she suddenly found herself craving for more. "I hate you" she managed to say.

"I like you" he said. Seohyun tried to see if he was still teasing her but he looked dead serious.

"No, no you don’t." she denied.

Other times he might have been amused. Here she is acting like she knows more about his feelings than he does himself. But right now, he can see she’s really troubled and his priority is to make her believe he was telling the truth.

"Yes, Seohyun. I do…"

"How can you possibly like me when you don’t know anything about me?"

"That doesn’t matter."

"Oh it does… a lot."

"We can work on knowing each other later."

"You can’t possibly like each and every girl that you shared a kiss with."

"I don’t like each and every girl I kiss. I only happen to like you. Why is it so hard for you to believe it?"

"Coz it’s impossible. Either you’re just confused or there must be something wrong with you. Yes, that must be it. You’re just confused. Let’s just forget everything and later when you get a better hold of yourself you will realize everything was just a mistake so there… Let’s just forget this happened. I promise I won’t take it against you."

Jaejoong could no longer keep himself from laughing. Seohyun is so much fun to be with. "There’s nothing wrong with me Seohyun-ah. I like you and that’s it."

"Urgh! I don’t want to talk to you anymore. Now please let me go…" He’s really making her mad and she had enough.

"Good. Let’s quit talking and start kissing again" he was back to his teasing again and Seohyun really wants to punch his face to make him stop and let go.

"Please oppa..." she begged. If she stayed any longer she might actually cry and she was determined not to let him see that embarrassing side of her again.

Jaejoong was suddenly worried when he noticed she was about to cry. He sighed in frustration. He didn’t think Seohyun will be this hard. He let go of her and Seohyun left without a word. She went straight to her room and cried. Jaejoong likes her too but once he found out the truth he will probably change his mind. He will surely hate her and the thought itself scares her so much. It’s getting harder and harder to leave. If she’s going to leave she has to do it soon before her feelings get any deeper.

You're My Melody Chapter 12: Alone

Their days are still as busy as they usually are and today is nothing different. But unlike other days, today, Jaejoong is not fit to go to work.

"Please Yunho oppa… please let him rest for the rest of the day." Seohyun pleads. Without Jaejoong knowing, she purposely let him take the cold medicine that makes people drowsy although he insisted to take the no drowse one. And so Jaejoong is now fast asleep when it’s almost time for their radio program recording. Yunho wants to wake him up but Seohyun is against it.

"Please let Jaejoong oppa sleep for the rest of the day..." Seohyun asked Yunho again.

Yunho sighed. Their manager will be furious if one of them wasn’t able to come. However he also wants Jaejoong to rest as much as she does. "Alright", he finally agreed after a long while. "I’ll leave everything to you."

Seohyun said her thanks and once they left, she started working. Jaejoong already taught her the basics of cooking so she was confident she can make porridge edible enough for a sick person to eat. She's sure Jaejoong will be starving once he wakes up.

She was busy cooking when Jaejoong appeared in the kitchen. "Where’s everybody?" he asked.

"Oh, you’re awake. You should stay in bed oppa. Are you feeling better?"

"You didn’t answer me Seohyun. Where’s everybody?" he sounds irritated again and Seohyun seems to understand why.

“They left for the radio program recording. You were sleeping so they didn’t bother to wake you up. Besides you’re sick so you should stay in bed.” She explained.

Jaejoong knew they wouldn’t leave without him no matter what so he realized this pretty sly girl with him has probably something to do with it. "I have a feeling you have something to do with it.. Am I right, Seohyun?"

"I’ll finish this in a while. Please wait a little bit, oppa." she purposely avoided his question.

Jaejoong sighed. He can’t do anything about it now. He has a lot of explaining to do to their manager. But that can wait. He has to deal with Seohyun first. Apparently she has no idea how dangerous it is to be alone with a man in the same house.

Jaejoong is not used to having the whole day for himself. It has been a long time since he last had a day off. He was thinking of the best way to spend the day but he couldn’t get a single decent thing on his mind. All he thinks about is having Seohyun on his bed and kissing her. Oh, heck, he couldn’t believe himself.

It has been slipping his mind for weeks now since she started living with them but this is the first time they were alone and the feeling is stronger now.

Jaejoong left Seohyun in the kitchen. He couldn’t trust himself by staying anywhere near her. He stayed in bed just like she ordered him to do. Seohyun came a few moments later bringing with her a bowl of porridge.

"Just leave it at the table. I’ll eat it later."

"Alright. Do you need anything else?"

"No, Seohyun. You may leave. I’ll just need to take a rest and I’ll be fine. Don’t mind me. Just do whatever you want"

Seohyun can feel Jaejoong’s coldness and she couldn’t understand the reason behind it. Jaejoong was never cold to her. Maybe he’s still mad because she dint let Yunho wake him up. Yes, that could be it.

She sat down on the chair beside his bed, determined to stay.

“What are you doing?” Jaejoong asked.

“Keeping an eye on you,” she replied.

“Why?”

“Coz you're sick. If I stayed outside I might not hear you call so I’m staying in case you’ll need me." Seohyun wanted to do the exact same things he had done for her when she got hospitalized. It was the least she could do. Besides she really wanted to stay with him.

“Seohyun, get lost...,” Jaejoong ordered. She was really making it hard for him.

“Don’t want to,” she said stubbornly. "Just go to sleep oppa. You need it. I’ll just keep quiet. Don’t mind me here."

“As if I can do that," he said frustrated. Seohyun was just about to ask what he meant with that remark when Jaejoong suddenly pulled her close towards the side of his bed.

"If you're staying at least make yourself comfortable." he said. He settled her right next to him then wrapped his arms around her.

"Comfortable?" he asked. Seohyun noticed the change in him. He's quite accommodating now. Just a moment ago he was cold towards her. Jaejoong, she realized, is quite a confusing man.

"Yes. I am but.." she know she shouldn’t be lying in bed with him but it feels good being next to Jaejoong with his arms wrapped around her. She has to admit it feels so wonderful that she doesn’t want to go anywhere else.

"If you stay with me you might also catch a cold. You should be leaving, you know..." he's contradicting his own words because he was holding Seohyun so tight that it is impossible for her to leave.

"Yes, I-I should be going." Seohyun said feeling uneasy because of Jaejoong’s nearness.

"Do you want to leave?" Jaejoong asked. He's giving her the chance to get away from him while she still can.

No, Seohyun doesn’t want to leave. She wants to stay that way forever. "No, I don’t," she said, couldn’t believe her own honesty.

"Me too… I don’t want you to leave." Jaejoong said giving her the same honesty she has given him. "Aren’t you afraid? I could do something." she could at least have an idea of what was going on his mind at that moment.

"No, you wouldn't." Seohyun was so sure Jaejoong wouldn’t do anything bad to her. But she started doubting it when his grip on her got tighter and he forced her to look at him. "Would you?" she asked so innocently. Jaejoong was so messed up he couldn’t think properly. He was caught between giving in to his urges and following his rational mind. His mind is telling him that Seohyun is innocent and that he needed to hold back. But he’s a man too and he just couldn’t resist her. Not to mention he’s a bit dizzy due to the fever and he’s probably not thinking straight. But he also knew that whatever he decides to do he can’t possibly blame it to his damn flu.

One look from those beautiful eyes of hers made Jaejoong go mad. He groaned in frustration "Oh yes, I definitely would," he said answering her previous question.

He swiftly touched her lips with his own and felt Seohyun respond with the same intensity and eagerness. She tastes like honey, so soft and sweet… It took him a lot of effort before he was able to pull back. They were both gasping for air when the kiss ended.

"I think you should leave." he said when he finally found his voice.

"Yes, I think I should," Seohyun agreed. "Please get some rest. I’ll be outside if you’ll need me." with that said, she stood up then left.

Her heart was beating so hard it took a while before she was able to breathe properly again. Jaejoong drives her crazy. But honestly she likes it so much it scares her.

When Seohyun left, Jaejoong finally got a piece of his mind. It is obvious that there’s an attraction between the two of them and he doesn’t want to deny it any longer. He has to do something about it. For weeks he had been trying to protect Seohyun from himself. After the accident, Jaejoong thought Seohyun was already having a hard time so he doesn’t want to add to her worries. But after today, it will be impossible to deny the attraction between them, especially not now when he knows she feels something for him too. If not she wouldn’t have responded to his kiss the way she did just a few moments ago. Jaejoong liked the idea of Seohyun feeling the same way as he does. He will confess to her in the right time and he would make her admit it too.

The fever is making him dizzy he knew he needs to rest so he finally decided to close his eyes but before he let sleep take over, his last thought was Seohyun and how she felt underneath him and how sweet she taste and how soft she felt in his hands. Jaejoong was happy with the decision he came up with and he slept peacefully afterwards.

Seohyun on the other hand is going crazy. She likes him alright. And she damn well doesn’t like the feeling. For one thing, she's already feeling guilty for tricking Jaejoong. Another thing, she's Lee Seohyun, daughter of the man Jaejoong hates the most. Lastly, she’s not planning to stay long. She doesn’t have the right to like Jaejoong. But apparently Jaejoong is making it hard for her. Why does he have to be so damn hot?, she thought.

You're My Melody Chapter 11: Being with you…

Jaejoong was surprised with himself. For some reason he finds himself writing a song and it didn’t take him much time to finish one. He’s happy.. no, more than happy. He’s terribly pleased. And the reason behind it is sleeping in the next room right on his bed. His back is aching after sleeping in the couch the other night but he didn’t mind. When he realized it’s impossible for him to sleep any longer, he went to the music room and started playing a melody that kept popping on his head the entire evening. In no time he was able to fill the music sheet with notes and melodies.

Yoochun came barging in a few hours later. “Hyung, you’ll wake the dead. It’s still early, stop working.”

“Yoochun, you need to hear this.” Since Jaejoong was so persistent Yoochun don’t have much choice but to listen.

“That was wonderful!” Yoochun said after Jaejoong finished playing, his sleepiness forgotten.

“You think so?” Jaejoong was beaming.

“Yeah, it’s beautiful. Do you have the lyrics?”

“Not yet. I was hoping you could help me with that.”

“Sure.”

They worked for the rest of the night, although for the two of them it didn’t feel like work because they were having so much fun.

They say music heals a person's heart. Seohyun realized it was true. The moment she woke up with the sound of Jaejoong's piano, she felt lighter, like something heavy was lifted right out of her heart. As days went by Seohyun grew fond of listening to Jaejoong play the piano. She never interrupts of course. For her it’s enough that she was able to listen to him play. His music is slowly healing her heart. 

Since Seohyun came they had to make a few changes in the house rules. It was decided that Seohyun should have her own room. Since there are only 3 bedrooms, Jaejoong and Yoochun will share the same room just like before.  Junsu, however, will now have to share a room with Changmin and Yunho. Seohyun will be using Junsu’s room. Also the house chores will be divided into six instead of five. The cooking will still be Jaejoong’s job since he likes doing it.

The first days had been fun for Seohyun. She spends her morning cleaning the house. If she's going to stay long, she decided to make herself useful somehow. But to be honest, she's actually feeling guilty for deceiving them and she was trying to lessen the guilt by trying to help them in any way that she can.

After spending a few days with Tohoshinki, Seohyun realized that all the members hate her father terribly and they certainly have reasons to be. At least that is one thing that’s common between them. And that is another reason for her to keep her identity secret from all of them.

She has been left alone most of the time. The Tohoshinki members were always busy, spending the whole day guesting on TV shows, shooting music videos, recording, and practicing dance routines. They only go home to sleep. She doesn't leave the house because for one thing, she doesn't speak Japanese very well and the streets in Tokyo are kinda scary for foreign people who suck in Japanese. Junsu oppa was kind enough to teach her Japanese and although he teaches her words that don’t make sense like "yutairidatsu (out of body experience)" she never complains though for fear she might hurt his feelings. Another thing is that she doesn't have money for sightseeing. Therefore she was left with no choice but to stay home.

"Does your head still hurt?" Jaejoong asked her once.

"No" she replied. Her head has been hurting once in a while but it’s tolerable and she's feeling better every day so there's no need to worry Jaejoong.

Once when he had the time Jaejoong offered to give her piano lessons but she declined. He probably remembered the time when she told him she wasn’t given the chance to play. It has been her childhood dream to learn playing the piano but it was just that, a childhood dream. She prefers listening to Jaejoong play rather than playing it herself.

During the next few days Jaejoong is having a hard time dealing with Seohyun. At first he treated her just like the way an oppa treats his little sister. He wanted to protect her and make her happy. But after a while he became possessive and overprotective. When she gets closer to the other members he becomes cranky and irritable. The other members seem to enjoy it though. Changmin for instance seems to purposely stick with Seohyun like a glue just to make Jaejoong grouchy. Yunho told him he’s jealous but he denied it. However on the back of his mind it was probably true. Heck, he’s beginning to like Seohyun a bit.. no, a lot.