Life in General | By : dolceamara Category: Singers/Bands/Musicians > DBSK Views: 1642 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the members of DBSK. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. |
Chapter 11
By six thirty, Adrienne had found herself seated on an overstuffed crimson cushion in the family dining room. The room wasn’t overly impressive. Her grandparents seemed to have saved all the bells and whistles for rooms that were more frequented by guests and business associates. The walls were painted a pale mint green and accented with white trim and molding. An antique chandelier, with small beads of crystal that floated beneath fairy like lights, scattered small rainbows of warm light across the long maple table and flooring. Her grandparents had opted for a more traditional Korean table, rather than a western style, which could be found in the formal dining room. She supposed that they had wanted to pay homage to their roots in some way. Adrienne was seated next to her mother, who was cheerfully conversing with her grandmother about one thing or another; most likely some sort of town gossip she had missed during the many years she was in America. Adrienne glanced to her right and found her grandfather looking completely bored out of his skull. Adrienne had attempted to make conversation with him earlier but fail miserably and gave up. She decided she would try again when she found something they had in common…if she found something that is. Adrienne averted her attention to the large wooden table in front of her. She idly traced the prominent grain of the rich, maple slabs with her fingertips and then continued, running her fingers over the deep blue cloth napkins. She had to admit, her grandparent’s had taste. She gritted her teeth when her personal silence was rudely disrupted by a grating voice.
“Sorry I’m late; I hope you all weren’t waiting for me to start dinner.” Ha-Jung bowed and seated himself on a cushion across from Adrienne. He tilted his head and gave her an evil smirk before held his tea cup up to the awaiting assistant. She silently but expertly poured the steaming brown liquid into the fine cup and returned to her place when she finished.
“Oh Ha-Jung, I’m glad you are finally here. I wanted to tell you about our party this weekend. I’m hoping you and whatever guests you may invite will be able to attend.” Adrienne’s grandmother smiled as she picked up her spoon and began to swirl her soup. Ja-hung nodded, “Of course, grandmother. I wouldn’t dream of missing it. I hope that Min will also be attending,” He narrowed his eyes from behind the strands of jet black hair that had fallen over his eyes.
She resisted the urge to dunk his head in his piping hot soup when she nodded, “Of course…” and took a sip from her own black lacquer bowl. “In fact, mother invited my friend Yoochun to attend also; I hope that you don’t mind grandmother.” Adrienne scrunched her nose slightly from the hot steam.
“Oh, dear; not at all. You may invite whomever you please. I’m so glad that you were able to meet friend so quickly. I was afraid that the transition from America to here was going to be rather difficult.” Adrienne shook her head, “Well, to be honest I thought it was going to be quite difficult. But it seems that I’ve adjusted rather quickly…”she trailed on.
Dinner continued rather slowly. Adrienne found the idle chit chat about neighborhood gossip and politics rather unenlightening so she focused her attention on her dinner and how she would love to light her chopstick on fire and shove it into Ha-Jung’s eye. His mere presence annoyed her; he always would smirk at her, or just give her a look of arrogance and mocking. She briefly considered skipping out on the party just so she wouldn’t have to deal with him, but she quickly remembered that she was allowed to invite her new friends and she was sure that they would offer her enough protection from cousin evil.
The discussion of the apartment went better than expected too, no thanks to Ha-Jung. He had tried to convince her mother that she was much too young to be living by herself and that he wouldn’t want anything unfortunate to happen to her. Adrienne quickly came to the conclusion that the only unfortunate thing that had happened to since she moved here was Ha- Jung, and that living on her own was her best escape from him. Her mother, fortunately, dismissed Ja-Hung’s so called concerns and said that she had actually already found an apartment for her, which, obviously, shocked Adrienne. She was a little concerned that she wasn’t going to like it but figured that she shouldn’t press her luck. Her mother took pride in knowing her pretty well, so there really wasn’t a whole lot to worry about.
Dinner finally ended and Adrienne had decided to spend the evening reading in the sweet silence of the library. She gathered her glasses and her current...novel from her room. She didn’t care what anyone said, romances were respectable novels; there was nothing wrong with a little smut. Adrienne pushed the impressive wooden doors to the library. It reminded her of the libraries described in historical romances that she always read. The walls were lined from floor to ceiling with wooden bookcases, polished to a gleam; each was filled completely with books, some old, some new. There were two sets of large French style doors leading onto a balcony, much like the one connected to her bedroom. The room was large and spacious but, at the same time, a bit stuffy and heavy… almost stifling at times. Though, she figured that most libraries were like that. She didn’t peg her grandparents as the type to like western style design, but she supposed that’s how much she really knew about her grandparents.
Adrienne collapsed into a large, sienna hued leather love seat. Tossing a throw blanket over her legs, she settled into her book. She was so engrossed she didn’t hear the raven haired intruder that had followed her to her sanctuary. Of course, her mission to pretend that he didn’t exist probably had something to do with that too. Ha-Jung quietly made his way across the room, his shoes barely making a tick on the hard wooden flooring, and elegantly placed himself into the matching chair across from her. Placing his ankle on his knee, he pressed his fingers together.
“What do you want,” Adrienne sighed as she flipped a page, not bothering to look up. Reading was supposed to be relaxing…supposed to be. Adrienne felt her body tense as he laughed, rather coldly, in response.
“I see that you take pleasure in some of the world’s more…sophisticated literature,” he commented, leaning forward and tilting the cover to get a better look at the couple enjoying a steaming embrace. She angrily smacked his hand away and readjusted herself so she was a bit less accessible. She could feel his shadowy gaze boring through her deep auburn hair and into her reeling mind. Having someone like that inside your head was more uncomfortable than sitting on a cactus. Adrienne slightly arched a deep brown eyebrow as she finally glanced up from her book.
“Don’t you have your own house to live in?” she insisted, trying to find her place on the page she had been reading. Ha-Jung stretched rather leisurely and rested his hands behind his head. “Well, seeing as you haven’t been around the past couple of days, you couldn’t have possibly heard that my parents are out of the country for a few weeks. You know… business and all.”
Adrienne snorted and slammed her book closed, ceasing all attempts to read. He had impeccable timing; it was just getting good. Her glare shifted from angry to mischievous, “What? Can’t stay home alone? Are you scared of the dark?” Ha-Jung’s face darkened at the insult before he cleared his throat, “I assure you, my being here has nothing to do with not wanting to be alone, and everything to do with you.” Adrienne let out and exasperated sigh as she shot out of the chair, throwing the blanket aside. “Look, I don’t know what the hell your problem is, but just back off,” she shook her book at him, “It’s obvious that you must have nothing else better to do in your pathetic attempt at a life, since you seem to spend all your time attempting to make mine miserable. Good luck. I’ve known tons of guys like you. Believe me when I say that it’s a waste of time.”
Feeling satisfied that she had blown him off in a satisfactory way. She turned on her heel and stormed out of the library, making sure to slam the library door extra hard on her way out.
so much for a relaxing evening…
Adrienne once again found herself barricaded in her room. She was too riled to even attempt to read, and after failing at a few other activities, she finally ended up standing on her balcony. She had taken the time to change into her sleepwear, though the cute cartoon penguins on her drawstring pants weren’t doing anything for her mood. She exhaled slowly, blowing her bangs out of her eyes, and rested her elbows on the railing. The rift between here and Ha-Jung was eating at her. She wasn’t one to hold grudges; in fact, one could go as far to say that she willing forgave and forgot even the most hurtful offences. She wasn’t satisfied that the reason he despised her so much was because she was half Korean; of course, she could be giving him more credit than was due. There had to be something else. She shrugged to herself as rested her palms on the stone barrier. She liked mysteries so maybe she would crack this one…if she didn’t go crazy first or commit homicide first.
The sky was an array of pinks, oranges and reds as the sun was setting and small flecks of light were beginning to peak through the wisps of pale clouds. The streets were calm; there were only a few people here and there, either walking pets or taking leisurely after-dinner strolls. She inhaled deeply and enjoyed crisp air that was lightly caressing her face. Her eyes scanned the rich green lawns and tidy homes of the neighborhood and continued on to the large industrial city in the distance. It doesn’t get much better than this. Her thoughts began to trail back to her new apartment. She really couldn’t wait to move in there. She loved her mom, she really did, but she was always the independent type; ever since the tender age of 3 when she grabbed the vacuum cleaner from her mom and proclaimed with much fierceness, “I do it!” Her face broke into a small smile; her mother made her clean up her own room ever since that day. Swimming in her own thoughts, she was oblivious to the figure currently in the street flailing his arms wildly and yelling her name.
“Min!! Hey Min!!! WILL YOU PAY ATTENTION!!’ the young man yelled, cupping his hand around his mouth. Adrienne finally spotted the overzealous figure as she was scanning the streets after hearing what she thought was her name. A flash of fear shot through her as she imagined Jun about the pelt her with pebbles in attempts to act romantic. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Changmin waving and grinning sheepishly as an elderly couple shot him dirty looks as they strolled past. Adrienne waved cheerfully and motioned to him to wait where he was. She dashed back into her room and threw on a light zip up sweater and her flip flops. She ambled down stairs and waved briefly to her mom, who was passing by, as the butler opened the door. “Goingforawalkbyemom!” She shot through the door and jogged down the white, aged stone steps. Seeing Changmin leaning against the gate waiting for her, she waved again. Adrienne shifted her feet impatiently was she waited for the gate to creak open. Once it had moved and left enough for her petit frame to fit, she squeezed through. Panting slightly, she brushed her hair out of her face and smiled.
“Hey! Didn’t expect you to be waving frantically outside my house!” She exclaimed, fanning herself lightly. “Yeah well, I was out for a bit of a power walk and happened to glance up and see you. I had no idea that this was your house. Very impressive.” He explained as he folded his hands behind his back. Adrienne shrugged, “It’s not mine; it’s my grandparents, but thanks anyway. So do you want to continue walking? I could use the exercise.” she asked. He smiled slightly as a hint of color spread over his slightly bronzed cheeks, “Sure, that would be great!” Adrienne fell into step beside him as the continued down the quiet street. Most of the people had returned to their homes as the light from the sun began to quickly disappear. The cool breeze was still blowing gently, ridding the air of any stagnant summer heat. They walked in silence for a few minutes before Adrienne decided to spark up some conversation.
“Soo….what brings you to my neck of the woods.” Adrienne asked, kicking a small broken stone out of her way. Changmin watched the pebble bounce into the trim grass before he answered. “Well, it’s my neck of the woods too. I only live a couple of streets away. I’m actually Yoochun’s neighbor.” He shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets. Adrienne nodded slightly, “I see, well that’s cool. Nice to know that I have kind neighbors” she smiled. The awkward silence again fell over them as the turned the corner. Adrienne fiddled with her zipper of her pale peach sweater. She couldn’t really think of anything to say, which was highly unusual. Changmin also seemed to be at a loss for words as well. Adrienne was startled slightly as Changmin let out a quiet laugh; he looked like whatever though crossed his mind amused him thoroughly. Turning her attention from the ground to him, she watched the small smile grow wider as he brushed the straight brown hair that had fallen into his eyes and she couldn’t help but giggle; it seemed that it was contagious.
“What so funny?” she inquired as she continued to drag the silver zipper up and down the small metal teeth. Changmin shook his head and continued grinning, “I was just thinking that I was tempted to ask you to marry me this morning after I had eaten your cooking” Adrienne chortled, throwing her hand over her mouth. She tilted her head to look up at him. Was he that tall the last time she looked at him? She shook her head in amusement, “Well…now that’s a first. I don’t think my cooking has ever driven anyone to proposal before.” Changmin watched the ground intently. Was he blushing? “Well, it was only a brief thought. Once I saw the way you and Yoochun were looking at each other in the kitchen, I knew that it was a lost cause.” Adrienne’s eyes widened and she abruptly stopped walking. “What are you talking about?” She felt her face becoming increasingly warm. What was he talking about…the way they were looking at each other? He must still have had a hangover from the night before. Changmin scoffed slightly, shooting her a mischievous grin. “Oh please…you two are so obvious. You should have seen the look on his face when you and I were talking at the party last night. I briefly feared for my life. Besides, all of us guys saw it from the first night we all had dinner. If you knew Yoochun like we do, you would know that that sort of invitation is very unlikely...from him at least,” Changmin continued as she threw his arm over her shoulder, “He’s definitely not the type to just randomly pick up girls. He’s the pickiest person I know when it comes to romance. Is it really that disturbing of a thought…him liking you, that is? Junsu and I came to the conclusion earlier that you and he would be a smart match.” Removing his arm from her shoulder, he gave her a slight pat on the back and returned his hands to his pockets.
Adrienne, in one of the few times of her life, was speechless. Yoochun…crush…her? The only word that emerged from her now muddled brain was why. Their sarcastic interactions would lead anyone to believe that they were not a smart match….right…anyone? She nodded to herself as she insisted that it wasn’t flirting. Adrienne snapped her agape jaw shut as she searched for something to say; any sort of explanation would be good right about now.
“I have no idea what you are talking about,” she lifted her chin as she finally managed to squeak out the lamest excuse she could think of. Mentally smacking herself, she avoided Changmin’s eyes as they rounded the next corner. She was beginning to think that this walk was a clever ploy by the guys to push her towards Yoochun. She narrowed her eyes and shot him a look, “What are you guys playing at?” Changmin face fell with shock as he looked taken aback, “What are you talking about? We aren’t playing at anything.” He shifted his eyes slightly, avoiding her pointed stare. Adrienne snorted, “You are too innocent to be a good liar,” she smirked.
Changmin exhaled loudly, “Ok so maybe Junsu and I thought that if we let you know about Yoochun’s feelings, you might be so inclined to possibly…you know…go out with him. Besides,” he watched her gaze soften, “Is the idea of returning Yoochun’s feelings that horrible? He’s a great guy and he will treat you well. You really shouldn’t deny what is there. Like I said, we all see it.” his voice softened. Adrienne sighed as she made her way to a small metal bench she had spotted in the modest park across the street. Changmin followed her curiously then placed himself next to her when she had sat down.
“It’s not a horrible idea,” she breathed, “It’s just…it’s been so long, that’s all. My one and only serious relationship, which happens to be my most current past relationship, was really painful…in every sense of the word. It’s caused me to have a lot of trust issues concerning guys. I guess you could just say that I’m afraid to put my heart on the line again.”
Changmin patted the back of her small, pale hand in attempts to comfort her. “I understand. I can’t say that I know from experience, since I’ve never had a serious relationship before…however, I’ve seen it happen so I know what it can do to a person. In fact, it happened to Yoochun not too long ago. Hence why he is so…picky I guess, for a lack of a better word. All I can say is that he won’t hurt you and that you can fully trust him. And if I somehow am wrong about that, I give you permission to torture me in all the horrible ways I’m sure you could think of,” his charming grin spread across his face. Adrienne couldn’t ignore the sense of comfort that smile gave her. She nodded slowly, “I have a feeling that you and I are going to be great friends, don’t you think?” Changmin nodded in agreement, “You know, if things don’t work out with Yoochun, you could always use me as a rebound…I certainly wouldn’t mind!” Adrienne smacked his shoulder playfully and let out a hearty laugh, “You guys…you just want me to cook for you...” she continued as she stood up. He followed suit, “What can I say…I like food. You can’t really blame me for the offer can you? A girl that is funny, intelligent, amiable, and beautiful AND a great cook is a near impossible combination!” Adrienne blushed, “Oh Changmin…you flatter me so…” she bent her hand playfully, as expecting him to kiss it gentlemanly.
They laughed together as they continued back to her house. She shivered slightly as they reached the ominous, iron gate. “It’s late and kind of cold; do you want me to arrange a ride home for you?” Changmin shook his head, “Nah…I only live a few streets down, but thanks for the offer.” Adrienne nodded as she punched in the gate code, “OK then…Oh! Before I forget, my grandmother is throwing some sort of party on Saturday and said I could invite whomever I want, so I want to invite you all to come. It will start at seven sharp and it is semi formal dress so…could you let everyone know to come or fear my wrath!” she shook her fist playfully in the air. Changmin smiled and nodded, “Sure! That sounds great! I will let everyone and I’m sure that everyone will come…and to fear the wrath of the penguin pajama girl...,” he snickered slightly. Her cheeks began to color as she looked down to see her bright pink penguin pajama pants. She had completely forgotten that she was wearing them; oh well. “Hey…don’t underestimate the penguins” she winked.
They waved goodbye to each other and Adrienne turned and made her way up the long brick driveway to the house. She was actually excited about this weekend…and even more so about the shopping she would have to do in order to get a dress!
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