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.

You're My Melody Chapter 10: Freedom

“She’s staying here.” Jaejoong said to the other four members. He’s not asking permission from them. He’s merely stating a fact.

The other members looked at Jaejoong like he has grown two heads. “Are you crazy, Jae? We don’t even know who she is.” Yunho complained.

“Exactly. We don’t know who she is and how to contact her family. We can’t just leave her alone. She has amnesia for god’s sake. “Everyone knew he got a point. They’ve been trying to argue with Jaejoong but they all knew it was pointless. The girl needs help and Jaejoong is so determined to give it to her with or without their cooperation.

The next day, Seohyun was discharged from the hospital. Jaejoong took her home. He already told her everything he knew about her… her name, how they met and why she’s in Tokyo. He also introduced her to the other members and although in the beginning they are against the idea of letting her stay at their place, Jaejoong noticed they started to show kindness to her and he was grateful for it.

“Yoochun and I are sharing rooms. You can use my bed.” Jaejoong told Seohyun.

“Where will you sleep, oppa?”

“I’ll sleep at the couch. Don’t worry about me.” He smiled to prove his point.

------

Lee Soo Man’s secretary, Park Min Young, was ushered inside the CEO’s office. Her boss seems to be more irritable than normal these past few days. He ordered her to contact some investigators probably to look for his missing daughter and when he couldn’t get results after 24 hours he had been furious.

“All of you are nothing but incompetent bastards!” she heard him told them once. The investigators left in haste all wearing expressions that say, “I’d rather die than get back in here.”

She wondered what could her boss want from her this time. “Min Young ssi, these are the reports all those incompetent fools managed to gather so far. I want you to read through them and tell me if you find anything helpful.”

“Arasseo, Lee Soo Man ssi.” With that, she went back to her post together with the papers Lee Soo Man entrusted to her. She didn’t need to read the contents of the report to know where Seohyun is. She knew where the CEO’s daughter is. She doesn’t really care whether she should tell her boss or not. 

She doesn’t care whether Lee Seohyun loses her momentary freedom. After all she is a woman who doesn’t care about anything. She works for the sake of working. If she gets fired, she’ll just have to find work again. For her, that’s how simple the things in this world are.

----

She woke up with the sound of someone singing. It was so beautiful that she even thought she was still dreaming. She refused to open her eyes hoping drowsiness would overwhelm her once again. It was always the same every morning. She finds it hard to wake up knowing that she has to face her boring life again.

However, to her surprise today seemed to be different. The music kept penetrating her half-conscious mind until she became fully awake. She could hear a faint sound of someone playing the piano and singing along at the same time. After a while, she finally decided to open her eyes. She was not in her own bedroom, she realized. Everything that had happened these past few days came rushing back through her mind. That’s right. She remembers everything. The music room in SME, the phone, the pictures… she still blushes everytime she was reminded of those pictures. She also remembers her birthday, the amusement park, the accident. Yes, it was the accident that changed everything. It was the reason why she was in this wonderful place.

In this place, she is free. She doesn’t know how long but she will treasure it.

Fushigi Yuugi Chapter 4: The Priestess and the Seven Warriors of Suzaku

Tamahome and I were ushered inside a huge room in front of the counselors and the emperor who changed his clothes and became much more beautiful than he did in normal clothes.

 “I apologize for deceiving you.” Hotohori said. I still couldn’t get over the shock after knowing that this beautiful man in front of us is the emperor.  "Let me introduce myself again," he said. "I am Hotohori, emperor of Konan, one of the Seven Warriors of Suzaku." He showed us his neck and there I saw a character different from Tamahome’s but glowing with the same bright red color just as Tamahome's.

Konan? Seven Warriors of Suzaku? I don’t even understand what he means. The next moment Hotohori was explaining to me things I find really hard to believe.

He said there is a legend in Konan (I think it’s the name of the place where they live) that says a girl from another world will come and become the priestess of Suzaku who will protect their land and their people. Apparently Hotohori believes it’s me.

"Miaka, from where you came from didn't you hear anything about the Universe of the Four Gods?" Hotohori asked. Somehow it seemed like Hotohori will make a decision based on my answer.

"No. this is the first time I heard of it." I replied with all honesty.

Universe of the Four Gods. As far as I can remember that's the title of the book Yui and I was reading at the library. I wonder if it has something to do with this. Other than that I have no other clue.

“You heard it.” He said to his counselors. “For her to know nothing about our world she must have come from a totally different world from us. That’s one proof that she is the priestess we’ve been waiting for.”

“Your highness,” one of the councilors wasn’t convinced and I’m beginning to take his side. “How can you be so sure she is the Priestess of Suzaku? She might be a witch using black magic to deceive us.” Now, mister… You don’t have to go that far.

“All of you saw what happened earlier at the town. She emitted a red light, a symbol of Suzaku, she wears strange clothes which could only mean she came from another world and furthermore Tamahome, one of the Suzaku’s seven is with her and protected her.”

I looked at Tamahome, bewildered. Tamahome? Suzaku’s Seven?

“Your highness, Miaka and I met by chance and the fact that she wears strange clothing is also a puzzle to me. I am also told that the symbol in my forehead means I have to protect the Priestess when she comes and if that is Miaka then I will gladly give my life to protect her.”

“It’s all settled then.”

Now wait a minute. Just because I wear clothes different from theirs and I look different doesn’t mean they can easily conclude I’m the girl from the legend. Even Tamahome believes it. Just when I thought he’s on my side. This is all a mistake!

 "They say that if you become the priestess you can have your wishes granted." Hotohori continued. I have no other wish but to go home. Why will I become the priestess if I'll be leaving anyway?

Here is what I got so far. Konan is the name of that place. Hotohori is the emperor of Konan and Suzaku is their god. There must be other places as well and they are probably being protected by the other 3 gods. Tamahome and Hotohori are just two of the seven warriors of Suzaku who protects the priestess which in this case, me. From all those information I was told I can only conclude one thing. They are all crazy people.

 “Miaka, will you be the Priestess of Suzaku and wish for our land’s prosperity?” Hotohori asked.

I'm just a normal high school student. I can't be a priestess. I just wanted to go home. But then…

"Alright... I'll do it"

Why did I agree? Coz I’m probably as crazy as they are.

To be continued...

Fushigi Yuugi Chapter 3: The Emperor

I found the guy with the ogre symbol on his forehead but I still couldn’t find Yui and worse the guy is not willing to help me find her. He already saved me twice and my instinct tells me he’s a good guy but he’s not willing to help me find Yui and I don’t know what to do anymore.

The guy started leaving but I couldn’t just let him so I followed him everywhere he went until he got annoyed. “Why can’t you just leave me alone?” he said.

“I won’t leave until you help me find Yui.”

“I have more important things to do and I don’t have time for those things.”

Suddenly an idea came to my mind. I faked a tear and started shouting, “Help! Everyone! This person is a slave trader!” That caught everyone’s attention.

He panicked. “Fine! Cut it out. I like your guts so I’ll help you find your friend.”

“Really??”

With a lot of effort he finally said “Yeah.”

“I’m Miaka Yuuki,” I said with a smile.

“I’m Tamahome.” He has a weird name but oh well, I’m in a weird place after all.

At that moment there was a sudden commotion and I wondered what caused it. What I saw amazed me. There was a long line of carriage and soldiers. It was a beautiful sight. “What’s going on?” I asked Tamahome.

“It’s the emperor,” he said. “If only I could have even just a piece of ornament in his crown…”

The emperor? I wonder what kind of person he is. “Then if I could get one piece of ornament from his crown, will you promise me you’ll do everything to help me find Yui?”

Absentmindedly he said, “Sure.”

I made my move and before I left I told him, “Don’t forget you promised!”

“W-what??” I heard him call behind me.

I approached the carriage but it was closed and I couldn’t see the face of the emperor but it didn’t stop me from doing what I want. “You’re highness,” I said. “My name is Miaka Yuuki and I wonder if I could have a piece of ornament from your crown?”

“Despicable!” someone shouted.  It happened so fast and the next thing I know the guards were all over me and pointing their spears at me. “Do you want me to cut your head off?” one of them said.

“W-why do you want to cut me off again?” With spears pointed at me and Yui gone I thought my day wouldn’t get any worse but I was wrong. The next thing I knew Tamahome was fighting the royal guards and then I… I can’t really tell what happened. I don’t even understand it myself.

It felt like I was floating in midair and then suddenly I saw Yui back in the library reading the Universe of the Four Gods. She went back home safely. Thank goodness. I tried to talk to her but I realized I couldn’t. Yui couldn’t see or hear me. And then the next moment I was back in Tamahome’s arms with spears still pointed at us.

As expected Tamahome and I were thrown in the palace’s dungeons and I felt really bad for causing trouble to Tamahome. All he ever did was to help me and in return I made him become a prisoner.

“What was that strange red light just a moment ago?” Tamahome asked me.

So it happened again? That red light was the reason I’m in this kind of place. “I saw Yui,” I told Tamahome. “She went back safely.”

“Then that’s good news.” Tamahome said trying to cheer me up. I realized he was right. At least Yui was able to go back. Then all I have to do is to make sure Tamahome and I can get out of here safely then I can go back home too.

I realized I was starving and then I remembered I had gums in my pocket. I gave some to Tamahome. The guards saw me eating and asked, “What did you just put in your mouth lady?” For godsake, don’t they even have gums in this kind of place? 

When I looked at Tamahome he was also amazed. An idea suddenly came to me. I blew hard and the gum popped. The guard was so surprised that he dropped the key. Tamahome was able to get hold of the key and we were able to get out.

The guards went after us so we hid inside a shrine and there I saw the bird in my vision. It’s exactly the image of the red bird I saw in the library. “W-what’s that?” I asked Tamahome. “That’s Suzaku.” When he noticed my confused expression he explained, “Suzaku is one of the four gods that protects our word. He appears with the image of a phoenix.”

“You’re really a strange girl. You don’t even know who Suzaku is. Where did you came from, really?”

I was no longer paying attention to Tamahome. I was so mesmerized by the image I saw. A phoenix… It’s so beautiful. I realized the palace is really a nice place. The rooms were huge, paintings on the walls shows beautiful sceneries and sayings written in Chinese which I couldn’t understand. It was so different from the place I grew up in. For a moment I forgot we were in danger.

“Tamahome…” When I looked back I couldn’t see Tamahome anywhere. I was thinking about a lot of things and I absent-mindedly wandered around the palace. It was already too late when I realized I was lost. That’s when I began to panic. I have to go back to the shrine but I don’t know how. The palace is too big and the hallways look so much alike. I didn’t even know where I came from.

I heard a laughing voice behind me and when I turn around I saw the most beautiful human being I’ve ever seen. I panicked. If this stranger called the guards then I’ll be back in the dungeons.

“Don’t worry, I’m on your side,” the stranger said. “What’s your name?”

“Miaka Yuuki.” I decided to tell the truth. He looked kind and I thought if I wanted to survive I have to befriend people and maybe they could help me go home.

“I am Hotohori, though people call me by a different name. You wear strange clothes. Where did you come from?”

I don’t know what to say. I’m not even sure if they’ve heard a place called Japan what more of Tokyo? “I came from someplace faraway.” I managed to say.

“Where do you plan to go now? If you’re looking for the exit, it’s that way.” I looked at the direction Hotohori was pointing. It seems like he was telling the truth. I really wanted to go home but first things first. I have to get Tamahome out of this mess.

“I’m looking for my friend. He got into trouble because of me. I have to find him first. Do you happen to know how to go to the shrine? I think Tamahome is still-.” I wasn’t able to finish because I suddenly heard the guards approaching. By the sound of their voices I realized they caught Tamahome. I saw them holding Tamahome in a tight grip with his hands bound on his back.

“Miaka, run!” Tamahome said when he noticed me. But I can’t just leave him. I was so frustrated I couldn’t do anything. I tried to fight them but all I was able to manage was just a small scratch on one of the men’s cheek.

After a few minutes of resistance, one of the guards caught me and with the way he held my arm, I realized he probably wanted to inflict as much pain to me as possible. He was probably mad at me for causing all those trouble for them and he was trying to get even by making sure I suffer.

It definitely hurt that I couldn’t help but grind my teeth. That’s all I can do to keep myself from screaming in pain. Tamahome probably noticed and for some reason he got really pissed. Then I saw it again, the red symbol on his forehead which lights up everytime he fights.

Suddenly I can feel my heart beating so hard as if it wanted to get out of my chest. I realized one thing. Tamahome is really handsome.

“Halt!” I almost forgot Hotohori was there until he spoke. “I command you to stop.” And then suddenly the guards bowed down in front of him. “Your highness,” every one said in unison. I noticed Tamahome was also surprised for a minute but he eventually bowed down and even forced me to do the same. I hesitated. Tamahome whispered, “He’s the emperor…”

The emperor?! But he’s so beautiful that I almost thought he’s a woman!

To be continued…