[PP] Chapter 6: Promised

Music:

Dear... - Kana Nishino

The Name I Loved - Onew (SHINee)

바닐라 LOVE(feat. 샤이니-온유) - 이현지

Awkward silence dominated the car as Kibum drove towards their destination. Neither of them were brave enough to start a conversation. Not after what happened in the infirmary which Nicole was continually reminded of as she stared at her bandaged wrist.

***

They entered the infirmary expecting the school nurse to greet them but they were greeted with an empty room.

‘I guess she must’ve left early today,’ said Nicole nonchalantly.

‘Then I guess we have to do it ourselves,’ sighed Kibum as he rolled up his sleeves and directed Nicole to the bed.

‘Sit here while I look for the first aid kit and bandages,’ he commanded.

Nicole quietly sat down. Kibum began rummaging through the drawers and the closet until he suddenly appeared with a red and white box in his hand and wearing a proud smile on his face.

‘Let me see your wrist.’ He sat down beside her.

Nicole did as instructed. She watched him carefully examine her wrist, lightly putting pressure on specific areas of the joint. She pulled a pained face every once in a while.

‘Are you sure you know what you’re doing?’ she winced, ‘I’d rather be check up by a professional. My wrist might get worse if you treat it wrong.’ Even though Nicole knew he was trying he’s best, or at least it looked like her was, she couldn’t trust him entirely. After all, this is only the second time they’ve met and they aren’t entirely ‘friends’ either.

‘Just sit still,’ he commanded without looking up at Nicole. He was too concentrated on applying the bandage.

Nicole opened her mouth to argue but quickly decided against it. He was helping her after all. She sat quietly staring at Kibum wondering how many girls would die to be in her position right now. She watched as he carefully applied the cream. Her eyes slowly began to move from Kibum’s hands to his face. She was, now, able to see his features clearly; his chocolate brown hair, his dark charismatic eyes, his sharp well-defined nose and his lips, lips of an angel.

‘Finished staring?’

Nicole shook herself to reality and was surprised at the little distance between them; he nose was almost touching his cheeks. She had unconsciously been leaning towards Kibum as she gazed. Suddenly, she slipped forward and for a brief moment her lips brushed his cheeks before she landed on the floor. Time froze for a moment as both of then absorbed what just happened. Key’s hands automatically touched his cheeks, they were burning. Nicole simply froze in awe. What had she done?

‘It was only a peck… no big deal. It was an accident anyways…’ he reassured himself. Kibum collected himself. Making sure his cheeks weren’t red before he turned to Nicole, ‘Hey, are you alright?’

She quickly turned away, her face showing a tinge of pink. ‘I-I’m alright,’ she managed to squeak out.

A small smile appeared on Kibum’s face. She’s quite cute when she’s embarrassed..

He finished pinning the bandage together, ‘Okay, done,’ and he stood up.

‘Thanks, ‘Nicole muttered as she tested out her wrist.

Kibum briefly smiled as he heard her ‘thanks’ but quickly pulled a serious face. ‘Come on, let’s go.’

***

‘Um…so… where are you taking me?’Nicole attempted to break the silence.

‘Granny’s. She said she wanted to see you’ Kibum answered simply.

Nicole wasn’t satisfied with such a simple answer. ‘Did it have to be now? I mean she could’ve called me not you…unless… you’re playing with me…’ She eyed at him, trying to read his thoughts.

‘Play with you? Why would I want to play around with you? Granny called me because she wanted me to see her as well and coincidently asked me where you were and coincidently you were with me so she wanted us both to come,’ he defended, ‘now are you satisfied?’

‘I just hope that’s true.’

The car came to a stop.

‘We’re here.’

Kibum and Nicole reached the door which was already opened waiting for them to enter.

‘My dear, Nicole!’ Granny walked hurriedly down the hallway with outstretched arms and welcomed her with a hug, ‘how have you been?’ She stopped in the middle of her tracks when she saw Nicole’s bandaged wrist and eyed at Kibum.

‘This wouldn’t happen to be your fault, right?’ she glared.

‘No no no, Granny…,’ he shook his head furiously, ‘I was the one who fixed her up. She was the one stupid enough to fall off a ladder.’ He shot a glance at Nicole.

‘That better be true, ‘Granny threatened, she then turned to Nicole, ‘anyways, dear, I called you today to make a proposal.’ She led both youngsters to the large dining table. ‘Please take a seat.’

Kibum and Nicole did as they were told. Both of them noticed the change of mood, the fun upbeat Granny had disappeared whilst Granny the businesswoman took over.

The butler appeared holding a pile of papers and handed them to Granny.

‘So… Nicole. I’m here to offer you this contract.’ She passed down the papers to Nicole.

Nicole’s eyes widened as she saw the contract’s title; ‘100 days to love.’ She eyes slowly scanned down until she read two names; Individuals involved: Nicole Jung and Kim Kibum. She stared at the names and ultimately knew what this whole meeting was about. She opened her mouth argue but was cut off by Granny.

‘Now dear, I know this is a shock to you,’ she said calmly, ‘but please hear me out?’

Kibum who sat opposite to Nicole was oblivious to the content of the papers, pulled a confused face. He had no idea what was happening but he could tell it wasn’t something pleasant.

‘Please look at the clause 7 before you decide anything,’ Granny said calmly.

Nicole’s eyes scrolled down to clause 7; ‘Once there is an agreement between the two parties (Nicole Jung and Kim Kibum) then the debt owned by Nicole’s father (amounted to 4 million won) will be completely written off immediately by Kim Soyoung. If any clause is breached by either or both parties then the debt will continue to exist.’

Nicole reread the clause again, reading each word carefully and eyed at Granny, ‘how did you know about my father’s debt?’

‘Well…,’ Granny’s eyes shifted to the floor, ‘I was intrigued after meeting you and kind of…did a background check on you…’ Granny murmured.

‘How can you do that?’ Nicole erupted, ‘Invade someone’s privacy without their permission?! And on top of that use it for a contract like this?’ She pointed angrily to the pile of paper. ‘You-‘ Nicole stopped herself before she said something disrespectful. Granny was still an elder. Nicole grabbed her bags ready to leave when she heard Granny’s plea.

‘Nicole... I know what I did was not the best thing…but please here me out,’ Granny begged.

Even though Nicole’s anger told her to walk out, her instincts didn’t let her. She knew Granny wouldn’t be the person to do this without a reason. Nicole sat back down.

During all this time, Kibum stayed quiet. He hadn’t the slightest clue of what clause 7 said but he was curious. What caused the usually self-controlled Nicole to burst out in anger like this? Another thing he wondered was why the hell was he there? He obviously was not part of whatever Granny was trying to pull Nicole into, or was he?

‘Nicole, ‘Granny began, ‘after meeting you, I was intrigued by you. You are a child but your thoughts and maturity surpass many of your age. At once, I knew that you were not a simple girl; I could tell you have been through many hardships and pain to get to where you are today. I wanted to know more about you. Eventually my curiosity got the better of me and so, I did a background investigation on you and found out about your father.’ She paused to let Nicole take this in.

The mention of her father jerked Nicole’s attention. Memories began flooding into her mind as tears gathered in her eyes. Don’t cry Nicole. Not here…

‘I did conduct an investigation on your background BUT all I was able to find out was that your father accumulated a huge debt of 4 million won. How? I do not know but what I did find out is your mother is weak and is often sick, making her unable to work often. So you, as I have found out. You, Nicole, have been working multiple part-time jobs to support you family and tried to pay off the debt.’

Nicole’s eyes were red but she had not shed a tear as she recalled the hardships her family went through. She had not told anyone what had happened to her father and did not plan to in the near future. Over these years she simply did not think about the past. Even though she was burdened by work and school, she did not show her weak side to anyone. She had promised herself to stay strong for her family. She had to be the strong pillar to support her mum and her brother.

Kibum noticed the Nicole’s attempts to suppress her tears. Normally, if were other girls he wouldn’t care but strangely he had an urge to lend her his shoulder for her to cry on. He wanted to tell her it was alright to cry.

‘So…’ Granny continues again, ‘I wanted to help you out but I couldn’t do that without anything in return, can I?’ A wily smile appeared on Granny’s face. ‘After all, I am a business woman at heart. And I know that Nicole wouldn’t accept the money for nothing. So I figured out to use this contract. Take it as a form of repayment.’

‘You will repay my debt if I date Kibum for 100 days?’

‘WHAT?!’ Kibum couldn’t believe his ears. Nicole and I? ‘You’re joking Granny? How can you do this to me? You’re using me to help Nicole?!’ he burst out.

Granny simply laughed, ‘don’t worry grandson, there’s something in it for you as well. Please let me explain simply what the contract is about.

‘The conditions of the contract are that you and Nicole will be an ‘official’ couple for 100 hundred days starting from when the contract is signed and agreed to by both parties. This means that the media will be informed and that everyone, even you family and friends, will believe that you are a couple. During this time, you will go on dates every week, since both of you have school, which are decided upon alternatively each week by one of you. Nicole, you are also required to accompany Kibum to any functions or special events that he is invited to. Oh, and Nicole you are to move in with Kibum in his apartment.’

‘WHAT?!’ Nicole and Kibum yelled in unison.

Granny simply ignored them, ‘Kibum, you are to visit Nicole’s Mum and brother as well. Now, if you agree to this, Nicole, I will pay off all your debt and take care of your mother’s medical expenses and make sure she will receive treatment for her illness. And you, Kibum, I will write you off as the heir to Xavier on my will. That means you’re free to do whatever you want without a care in the world, isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?’

Both contemplated on the conditions.

Nicole debated with herself. She, herself can’t stand the thought of living with that jerk, Kibum for 100 days but she felt selfish. Her mother really needs medical treatment but in their current situation they couldn’t possibly afford it plus, they still have to pay rent for their home and her brother’s tuition fees. I guess 100 days isn’t that long…Still she thought this was a matter to be discussed with her mother. Even though she will probably approve of it right away…

‘I have to ask my mother about this…’

‘Oh don’t worry dear, I’ve talked your mother on the phone and she seems very enthusiastic of the idea. She was the one who suggested that the both of you should live together.’

Nicole was in disbelief. She couldn’t believe that a mother could send their daughter away so easily though in her mother’s case is was expected.

Nicole sighed. It can’t be helped then.. Nicole grabbed the pen and signed the paper.

Granny smiled. One down, one to go.

Kibum was in deep thought. After hearing the benefit of the contract to him he felt a spark of hope. Freedom; something he never had and now it was offered to him. Freedom seemed right in front of him but then two individuals came into the equation.

‘What about mum and dad?’ Kibum asked meekly.

‘Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.’ Granny reassured.

‘Kibum, you just have to deal with her for 100 days…it can’t be that hard…It might even be interesting,’ he said to himself as he remembered the type of girl Nicole was. With that thought in his mind, Kibum signed the papers.

Granny’s smile grew wider. Perfect.

‘Now,’ Granny interrupted the silence as she gathered the papers, ‘you two are officially a couple! Congratulations!’ Nicole and Kibum smiled weakly. ‘Now, I’ll leave you two to discuss things out before you,’ Granny nodded to Kibum, ‘take Nicole home to gather her things for her to move in. Oh and by the way, if any of the conditions are breached than Nicole, your debt will still exist and your scholarship will be terminated and Kibum you will remain the heir.’ With that, granny showed herself out of the room.

‘You better have an extra room,’ Nicole threatened as soon as Granny was out of hearing range.

‘You don’t have to worry about that, I’d rather sleep on the couch than sleep in the same bed as you,’ Kibum replied.

‘You do realise this is a just a plan to set us up right?’

Kibum rolled his eyes, ‘I’m not that dumb you know…’

‘Since this is a contracted relationship, don’t expect any feeling to prosper from this. We’re simply just helping each other out. If we both do the right thing and follow the contract we each get what we want.’

Nicole sighed. She was too young to go through with this but after all that has happened it was her only choice, her only way out. This was the only way to repay her debt and help her mother, plus her education is also on the line now.

Kibum smiled, ‘I’m glad we’re on the same page with this. Just promise you won’t interfere with my personal life and I won’t interfere with yours and that both of us will fulfil the conditions. So do we have a deal?’

‘On top of that, can you promise you won’t develop any feelings for me?’ Nicole questioned back.

‘Pinky promise.’ Kibum held out his pinky.

Nicole held out her hand and intertwined her pinky with his then pulled out her thumb.

‘Stamp on it.’

The two thumbs pressed against each to seal the deal but underneath the table Kibum had crossed his fingers. Nicole Jung, you’re too naïve. Even though we might hate each other now... you never know what will happen. Love and emotions isn’t something that can be controlled with a simple pinky promise.i can’t promise you on that part, I’m sorry… Even though Kibum wasn’t really sure if his reasons were logical his gut told him to cross his fingers.

Nicole, on the other hand, was satisfied with the promised they had made to each other. Even though it was a childish pinky promise it somehow gave her reassurance.

‘Think of it as just a business deal between two people,’ Kibum reassured. Kibum wasn’t sure if he was giving reassurance to himself or to Nicole.

Nicole considered Kibum’s last phrase. Business…sounds about right.

Author notes:
Update time! :D After this chapter the story will get more interesting. Less serious and more fun.
Not so happy with this chapter, though. I don't think I captured the moods in this chapter enough but I can't seem to think of a way to improve it.. Maybe it's my lack of vocab. :/ Vocab isn't my forte. hope this chapter wasn't a let down. the next update might take a while since I'm juggling this with school and work. Once again, the grey means flashback Oh, and please anticipate new couples, they'll be introduced soon.

[PP] Chapter 5: Foreboding Plan

Music:
Tik Tok - 2PM
Lonely - Kara
기차를 타고 - IU

'Drop the gentleman act.’

Kibum was in disbelief. Not only did he underestimate her he also knew from those mere four words that she was not an ordinary girl that would swoon over his looks and family background. ‘Not bad coming from a poor girl,’ he thought.

‘So you saw through me..’

‘It’s hard not to.’

‘You know, you’re really something. You’re the first girl to see through my acting.’

‘Yeah well, spoilt jerks like you have shallow emotions. You display your discontent towards your grandmother very obviously. You’re lucky she hasn’t noticed yet.’

‘Shallow!? Spoilt jerk? Who do you think you are to call me that? My mother?’ he retorted. This girl is stepping over the line... ‘Just because I’m rich does NOT make me spoilt. Who are you to judge me like that? I should be the one asking why someone as poor as you got into Carpe Diem. They’re seriously lowering their standards…’

Nicole’s face clearly showed disgust at the last statement Kibum made. I can’t believe there are people like him in this world… ‘Someone as poor as me?’ she repeated in disbelief, ‘Funny, Carpe Diem’s school rules never said that they would prevent someone with a low income family background from enrolling.’

This girl’s got attitude…

‘Yes… Well…it doesn’t. But it still amazes me how you can pay the school fees.’ Kibum was having fun teasing her. It was interesting. He had never really talked or even argues to a girl properly. All the girls in the past were too infatuated with Kibum’s looks and status to even mutter a word. Yet, here’s a girl who is not only making him have a decent conversation but actually snapping back at him. She intrigued him.

Nicole opened her mouth to retort Kibum’s comment with an even stronger insult of her own till suddenly the car swerved strongly to the left, making a u-turn to the side of road and abruptly came to a halt.

‘Hey! Watch how you drive! You could’ve killed me!’

‘Yeah well... Unfortunately I didn’t. Now may you take a break from your constant complaining and look at where we are?’

Nicole looked around. They had reached her house. She immediately gathered her things and opened the door to leave then she froze.

‘Should I thank him?’ she thought. ‘No, Nicole he’s been a jerk to you so why should you show gratitude? But…remember Nicole he did take the time to drive you home. You at least thank him for that right?’ She let out a sigh and turned to face Kibum.

‘Thanks for the ride.’ And she headed home, fumbling for her house keys.

Kibum watched from inside his car. Her last words repeated constantly in his head like a never-ending echo. It was the first time someone had shown sincere gratitude towards him. Everyone around him never properly appreciated his actions and neither were their ‘thank yous’ as sincere and meaningful as the way Nicole’s had meant. He felt a rush of happiness for being able to help someone without giving something return. It was a first for him and he had a gut feeling it wouldn’t be his last.

His eyes gazed at the seat Nicole had sat in. He could still smell her scent ever so slightly like she was haunting his car. Oddly, Kibum didn’t feel uncomfortable with her ‘presence’ or rather, he enjoyed it. She’s different from the others… wait, why are you thinking about her so much? He shook off the thoughts of Nicole and drove off. As he drove back towards his grandmother’s mansion he began unconsciously smiling as the thoughts of Nicole unconsciously surfaced in his mind again.

***

Nicole arrived at her front door still looking for her keys until the door suddenly opened in front of her.

‘Mum.’ She embraced the woman who had opened the door. ‘Sorry for worrying you. I kind of go into an acc-‘

‘Say no more.’ The woman released herself from Nicole’s hug. She smiled, ‘I know what happened. But before you tell me anything about last night, I want to ask you who is that handsome young gentleman who brought you home.’ Nicole’s mother was grinning from ear to ear.

‘Mum…’ Nicole whined. Her mother had a small habit of checking out younger guys. It wasn’t that she was interested in them, but she was constantly on alert of young handsome guys to introduce to Nicole. She hoped that one day, Nicole wouldn’t need to work to help the family but to be able to enjoy life with someone she loved.

‘From what I saw, he was quite handsome. Quite the match for you, I daresay. Not to mention he owned a very fancy sports car meaning he’s wealthy. I would say he goes to the same school as you? He’s older… I’m guessing from the serious look on his face.‘ Nicole’s mother had a knack of observing others and deducing they’re identity. She often stared at passer bys reading their actions. Like her mother, Nicole seemed to have inherited this natural ability to ‘read others’.

‘Please tell me he’s your boyfriend, Nicole.’

‘Mum…you’re doing that again?! Don’t you feel like you’re invading others privacy? And for the record, no, he’s not my boyfriend and never will be. He’s just the grandson of the woman who crashed into me not to mention he’s a jerk through and through. Just another rich spoilt brat.’

Disappointment fell on her mother’s face. ‘Nicole, when will you learn that boys don’t really have cooties,’ she sighed, ‘Why is it that you never find other guys attractive. Don’t tell me you’re…’

‘No mum! I’m not a lesbian!’

‘Well then… maybe you have hormonal problems… should I take you the doctor to get it checked out? Or is it psychological problems…’ her mum mumbled to herself. Her concerns for her daughter were suddenly interrupted.

‘Mum, where is he?’

‘Oh, he went out to get some groceries.’ As fast as her answer was, she immediately continued brooding over her daughter’s lack of interest towards guys.

‘What am I going to do with her…’Nicole sighed heavily as she headed towards her room to study.

***

Silence dictated the dining room even though a family of fourteen were gathered inside currently enjoying their main meal. To those observing from afar it would simple look like a normal family gathering of a family of wealth. But this dinner get-together was far from the normal. A tense atmosphere exuded the room. Even the servants noticed the immense emotions of hate and anger as their employers calmly yet coldly ate their meals.

‘Great family gathering, grandmother…’

As usual Key and probably everyone else on the table were unhappy with the sudden family get-together. And there were obvious reasons for it. One, they were dragged out of their extremely busy money-making lives just to meet relatives whom they did not want to see. Two, they detested the fact that an old weak woman was able to control their actions enough to make them reschedule their interviews just to fit this so-called gathering in. And three, they hated the mere presence of Kim Kibum. Just seeing Kibum’s face reminded them of their small percentage of the old lady’s fortune they were to receive after she dies compared to Kibum’s significant larger split, just because he was the ‘eldest male grandchild’, or so Granny phrased it. He also reminded them of the immensely powerful business status they could’ve received if he didn’t existed, the largest shareholder of Xavier. All in all they were selfish reasons for their hatred towards their immediate families. This was the reality Kibum was born into. He had to survive the glared of his uncles and aunt since a very young age and neither his parents nor his grandmother could do anything about it. Throughout his childhood his parents were barely there to support him through his hardships or listen to his problems. To them, he was merely a puppet for them to control once he inherited Xavier.

Kibum was alone in this harsh world. He grew up learning detachment and closed heart was the way to numb the hate and pain pointed towards. His grandmother noticed the changed attitude and lack of life in Kibum as a child. She had tried to mentor him, love and care for him in hope that he will open up but it never happened.

‘So….’ Granny knew of the tense atmosphere. She wasn’t as ignorant as they thought she was. ‘How were your days?’ she asked in attempt to start a slight conversation.

No-one responded.

‘Kibum, dear,’ she started again, ‘how was Nicole?’

This time there was a strong respond. Everyone’s eye perked up at the sound of a girl’s name but no one was more surprised than Kibum. Before the flustered Kibum was able to answer, his father’s low threatening voice asked, ‘Who is this Nicole you speak of, mother?’

Granny smiled at the response she received. She was having fun keeping her family on their toes. They knew that if Kibum was to marry, he immediately had access to the inheritance.

‘Oh, just my future granddaughter in-law.’

***

Granny was busying herself cleaning out the weeds in her flower bed. She paused to stare at the Forget-me-nots. ‘Gaho, I think I’ve found the right one…’ She smiled as memories of her husband flashed through her mind. A tear fell onto one of the flower’s petal. ‘I can’t cry, I promised…’

‘Madame.’

Granny quickly wiped her tears and turned to her butler, ‘What is it?’

‘It’s all ready.’

‘Good. Then we’ll do it tomorrow.’

***

‘Nicole!’

Nicole turned to see the smiles of Hara greeting her.

Nicole returned a smile, ‘So how was your photo shoot?’

She rolled her eyes, ‘The usual. Caked my make up on and made me wear heels that could barely allow me to walk. Seriously, stuff men do to women. We have rights you know! I’d like to see the designer wear their own designs for once. Get a taste of their own medicine.’

Hara was a strong feminist. Her strong beliefs and ego contradicted her petite figure. Nicole was even surprised at Hara’s passionate attitude towards female rights.

‘If they wear their designs then no one else would wear them,’ Nicole joked.

They turned down the hallway and headed towards their classroom. Further ahead they saw a crowd of girls craning their neck to get a view of whatever they were covering. The crowd of girls moved as the subject’s of their attentions moved turning down into another hallway. Nicole and Hara stared intently at the crowd. Neither of them wanted to join but their curiosity got the better of them. Though they refused to be one of the crowd, they were also craning their necks to see who or what was causing just rumpus.

Before the ‘subjects left’, Nicole caught a slight glace at them. To her horror it was Kibum and another two guys whom she did not recognise.

Is he really such a big deal? I mean, going all crazy for that jerk seems pointless. Do they even know what he’s like?

‘What was that all about?’Hara asked disgustedly. The sight of unsophisticated composed girls also annoyed her.

‘Come one Hara, let’s go to class.’ As Nicole said those words she could not help but turn to look at in the direction where she saw Kibum leave. Seeing his ‘persona’ in school made her even more curious.

As class began Nicole focused her concentration on the teacher. She naturally had already studied the content of their lesson the night before but she still listened well throughout class in case there were important points she missed. As quickly as class began the class ended signalling the beginning of lunch.

Hara and Nicole were reunited with Seungyeon at their usual table, the back right hand corner of the cafeteria. The table was the furthest away so most student, being lazy would avoid the tables around them. In a way it was their sanctuary from the rest of school.

Seungyeon was writing rapidly as Hara and Nicole joined the table.

‘Didn’t do your Economics essay, I see…’ Hara teased but Seungyeon simply ignored her.

‘If you’re not having that then I will,’ Nicole said eying at the untouched plate of spaghetti.

‘Wait…’ Seungyeon mumbled without looking up. She was almost out of room on the paper until she stamped a dot at the end of the line, dropped the pen and smiled at her friends, ‘Finished! So what were you saying?’

‘Nevermind…Hey Seungyeon…’ It was odd for the straightforward Nicole to take this long to get to the point, ‘you know how you know about all the gossip that goes around this school…’

Seungyeon and Hara exchanged glances. They weren’t used to Nicole taking this long to ask a question.

‘I was just wondering if you know who Kim Kibum is,’ Nicole finally managed to let out.

Seungyeon gaped while Hara pulled a confused face.

‘You don’t know who Kim Kibum is?! Have you even heard of Shinee? Any of you?’

Both Hara and Nicole shook their heads.

Seungyeon let out a disappointed sigh, ‘I guess it’s not surprising… Since one of you is a workaholic nerd and the other believes all male can’t be trusted.’

‘Hey!’ Nicole retorted.

Seungyeon ignored Nicole and began to explain, ‘Basically, Kim Kibum is the heir to Xaiver. You know, the largest most influential company in Korea. He’s part of a group which is dubbed Shinee, a name made by their ‘fangirls’. Shinee is a group famous for their good looks and wealthy background and surprisingly, they attend this school. The group has only three people. Kim Kibum, as I said before, Choi Minho renowned for his famous playboy antics and Lee Onew, or his real name Lee Jinki, who’s a very popular idol right now.’

Seungyeon paused as she let the information sink into their heads before she popped the question, ‘Why the sudden interest Nicole?’

‘Erm…’ Nicole was contemplating whether or not to tell her friends about her weekend with Kibum and his grandmother but decided against it. It’s nothing important. It’s not like we’re going to see each other again… ‘Don’t worry, just hear the name from somewhere and thought you would know something about him.’

‘Whatever,’ Seuengyeon simply brushed it off but she knew something must’ve happened to Nicole to do with Kibum or else Nicole wouldn’t have asked.

‘Anyways… Want to go to get some ice cream after school?’ Hara changed the subject,’ And don’t say no Nicole because I know you don’t have work today.’

‘I can’t. I have to put up some posters for the teacher. Next time. I promise.’

***

Kibum had been usually quiet today. Minho and Onew knew something must’ve happened during the weekend to keep him in deep thought during class but they didn’t question him. They knew he wouldn’t tell them anyways. Stuff that happened between his family he never shared with his friends.

The bell rang. It was the end of another school day. Kibum bid goodbye to Minho and Onew. They had to leave early; Minho had a date and Onew had a recording to rush to. After seeing his friends go. He made his way to his place up on the school roof. He had never liked the attention he received even though he was used being followed by a crowd. To avoid the after school rush as much as possible, he would hide in the school roof for a while. But now the roof served a different purpose. He wanted to be alone to reflect on what had happened during that family dinner.

‘Oh, just my future gandaughter-in-law.’

‘What?!’ Key’s father immediately stood up from his chair.

‘You heard me right,’ Granny’s eyes looked intently into Kibum's father's eyes, ‘My future granddaughter-in-law.’ She emphasised every word with authority.

‘I will not permit it. What give you the right to find Kibum a bride? That’s the job of his parents.’ He stated defiantly not showing an ounce of fear.

‘The job of his parents you say?’ Granny challenged, ‘What have you done for him as parents? Have you cared for him? Paid attention to him? Did you even love him?’ Kibum’s father froze after hearing the last word. Everyone else on the table was watching intently. Those last words had pierced through not only Kibum’s parents hearts but also shook Kibum to the core. Kibum’s father slowly sat down avoiding anyone’s gaze.

‘Anyone else unhappy with the idea?’ Granny dared.

Before anyone could reply Kibum stood up. He didn’t want hear anymore. He didn’t want to know their plans for him. He didn’t want to know how his life was being controlled. He just wanted peace, quiet.

‘Excuse me,’ Kibum mumbled as he turned to walk out the door leaving the rest of the family in disbelief.

Kibum Sighed. Although he was intrigued by Nicole to her as his wife was definite no. He didn’t want to marry. He had no plans to marry. Actually, his didn’t have plans to do anything. As a child everything had been planned out for him he had never learnt to think for himself. He never learnt to plan for the future or rather he waited for the future to come to him. Why must it be me?

The noise of the student which had been present before had quietened down. Kibum headed towards the entrance of the school. He walked slowly passing the hallways listening to the slight echoes of his footsteps. He’d much prefer school this way. The stillness made it felt like time had stopped something he wished would happen to him.

The tranquil atmosphere was suddenly disrupted by a loud rip sound. Naturally, Kibum turned to the source of the noise. To his surprise it was Nicole. So she really does go to this school… Kibum stared at her. What is she doing on that ladder? Nicole seemed to be struggling to pin up a large poster. She obviously couldn’t balance properly and with no one helping her to steady the ladder, it wobbled often.

Kibum smirked. These are the type that I hate... Independent girls are in over their heads. Can't she see she needs help?

He was just about to turn and walk until he heard a scream.

He immediately turned to see Nicole sprawled on the floor. He rushed to her side.

‘Hey, are you alright?’ he said as he helped her up into a sitting position.

‘What are you doing here?’ She was still in a daze from the fall.

‘I asked are you okay,’ Kibum said impatiently as he scanned her to see if there were any visible injuries.

‘I guess…’ she murmured weakly. She tried to push herself up. ‘Ouch!’ she had broken her wrist during the fall.

Kibum gently held her wrist. ‘Let me see.’ Nicole could not help but notice the worried expression on Kibum’s face. It was as if the Kibum she met before had completely disappeared. He was showing geninue concern for her well being rather than and the act she had seen him put on before.

He lightly pushed her wrist. Nicole flinched at the pain. ‘I think it’s broken,’ he concluded, ‘Come on, we better get you to the infirmary.’ He gently helped her to her feet. ‘You can walk right?’

She nodded, ‘Thanks.’

Kibum quickly avoided her eyes making the situation awkward. She said it again… That’s the second time already… How am I meant to respond to that?

Nicole smile. She could see tinges of pink on his cheeks. He’s embarrassed?

‘Nico-‘

Kibum’s suddenly vibrated.

‘Excuse me.’ He picked up the call.

‘Hello? … Yes… Okay… I’m with her right now… Now? Alright. I’ll be there in half an hour.’

As he closed his phone he quickly dragged Nicole towards the infirmary.

‘Let’s patch you up quickly. I have to take you somewhere.’

Author notes:
A earlier update than usual and a doubly long update. It's a long chapter. More like two chapters in one. Lots of stuff happened during this chapter. The story's finally coming together in my head. I think I might be able to pull up another update soon because my writer's block seems to have cleared. There are slight changes in my writing style. Not obvious but there's still changes. hope it doesn't interrupt the flow of the story.
Hope this chapter doesn't disappoint Warning: there may be grammatical errors in this chapter. I'm posting it up without a thorough edit since I was so excited and wanted to share this chapter with you all. The grey writing means a flashback for those who go confused.
Did you like the Nicole x Key moments? Well expect more

Yibonnie