BORROWED FROM GOD (FAN FICTION) (CHAPTER 6)

Why I Like You - SUJU

CHAPTER 6    

         

  “So who are those totally cute guys you were with?” Yuuki asked Mukades quickly as soon as all of them were already in her room.              

“Oh, they are the group that my father and Hikaru asked to perform in the charity concert that they are organizing,” Mukades replied.             

“Really? They all look so cute and totally hot,” Tantan commented.              

“And did you guys notice the one playing the piano? He looks so yummy,” Ah Sang said with a laugh.              

“Hey, hands off you guys. That one is reserved for my dear sister,” Hikaru said as she slowly entered the room.              

“Reserved? For Muko?” Kumiko asked as if confused.              

“Yes, Micky is already reserved for Muko,” Hikaru answered back.              

The other girls in the room suddenly laughed hard.              

“Come on, Hikaru. You’re not still dreaming of hooking Muko with a guy, are you?” Anam asked while trying to control her laughing.              

“Well, it’s not bad to dream . . . and hope, is it?” Hikaru asked with a raised eyebrow.              

“Well you see . . . it’s been years since the last time we saw Muko actually within a ten mile radius of a man,” Syaira jokingly said.              

“Yes, that’s why I was shocked to see her being so nice and sweet to that guy on the piano,” Yuuki added.              

“As they all say, miracles do happen . . . So I’m not ending my hopes yet,” Hikaru suddenly uttered.              

Mukades sighed. Somehow all her friends and even her sister were all talking like she wasn’t even there. She was always the topic of their discussion . . . it was always about her cold and distant reaction to men.              

“So where are the others?” Eve asked. She was pertaining to their other set of friends.              

“Rainny and the others are already downstairs waiting for you guys,” Hikaru answered.              

“Just tell them to come here instead. I don’t want to go downstairs anymore,” Muko said to her sister with a smile.              

Hikaru shook her head in disapproval. “Sorry, dear. You still need to finish your practice with Micky.”              

“But Hikaru,” Mukades wanted to complain.              

“I don’t want to hear anymore excuses or complaints from you,” Hikaru said with a cold tone in her voice.              

“All right. I’ll be down in a few minutes,” Mukades said with a heavy sigh.              

Mukades’ friends all started to exchange glances with one another. Somehow they could sense that Hikaru was planning something.              

Several minutes passed . . . .              

Muko and her friends were already gathered in the living room, together with the DBSK boys.              

Xiah, Max. U-Know and Jaejoong suddenly felt tensed. Somehow they were feeling a bit uncomfortable and conscious of their every move since they were surrounded with such beautiful and gorgeous women.              

“Muko, come on . . . play something sweet . . . please,” Alexa requested.              

Mukades smiled and gently nodded her head. She then started to play one of her favorite songs.              

While Mukades played the piano, Micky couldn’t help but admire her more. She was truly gifted. Her emotions easily flowed out of the melody she was playing, which in turn captured everyone’s attention.              

“She’s really good. It’s such a shame that she will be locking herself up in such a dreadful place,” Des uttered to Hikaru.              

“Before this charity concert is over, I’ll make sure that she will never return to that convent again,” Hikaru said with a frightening smile on her lips.               Another hour passed . . . .              

Mukades and the five DBSK boys were already busy chatting and planning about the songs that they were going to perform.              

While they were all busy in the living room, Hikaru together with Des and all of Muko’s friends were in the garden having a serious conversation.              

“So Hikaru what are you up to?” Nitoome asked seriously.              

Hikaru stared at Nitoome. “You know Nitoome, I really like you. You really always come out straight with everything.”              

“You know I hate prolonging conversations when you can easily cut to the chase,” Nitoome answered.              

Hikaru lightly laughed. “Fine. Yes, I’m planning something. But I’m very sorry. I can’t reveal it right now. It’s classified,” she said again with a laugh.
              
“Hmmm . . . why do I suddenly have the feeling that you’re going to do something that will greatly affect Muko,” Jija suddenly said with a concern in her eyes.              

“Well, just bear in mind . . . I will always do what is best for Muko. I love her more than I love myself,” Hikaru uttered.              

Some of Mukades’ friends nodded their heads and smiled. They all knew that what Hikaru said was true. They had already proven Hikaru’s love for Muko on so many different situations. They knew that Muko was very lucky to have her as a sister. Somehow their love for each other was much stronger than the love of real sisters for one another.              

“Just make sure that your plan doesn’t backfire, Hikaru. Honestly I don’t want to see Muko end up in a convent also. So count me in, on your plan. Just tell me what I need to do and I will gladly help,” Karin said with a smile.              

“Add me up as well. I really can’t imagine Muko wearing a nun’s wardrobe. Too creepy,” Anam said with a light laugh.              

Hikaru laughed. “If Muko could only hear the things that you guys are actually saying, she would surely have a heart attack.”              

Ah Sang laughed as well. “She’s already used to all the things that we are saying. It’s like she’s totally immune and deaf to all our teasing.”              

“Do you think that there is a chance that Muko will like one of the guys she’s with now?” Alexa suddenly asked.              

“Why do you suddenly ask that?” Anam asked curiously.              

“Well, I have noticed that she’s really nice and sweet with one of the guys inside. You know, the guy playing the piano with her,” Alexa answered.              

A sweet smile appeared on Hikaru’s lips. She was right. Muko really had special feelings for Micky. It seems that she wasn’t the only one noticing it.              

“Hmmm . . . isn’t he a little out of Muko’s league? I mean . . . that guy is a famous singer. How could he possibly like Muko in return? Shouldn’t we be looking for a guy who can love her back in return? That guy is . . . just isn’t in her range,” Jija commented.              

Hikaru looked at Jija. “Are you saying that Micky is too good for my sister?”              
Jija stared back at Hikaru. “No, it’s not like that. It’s just that . . . I think they are not suited for each other. They live in separate worlds. Muko deserves someone better. Someone with a more established life and career. We should look for someone who can provide all the things she’s used to. . . not a singer who we don’t know. He maybe famous and rich now, but then . . . how long will his popularity or stardom continue? Frankly I don’t want Muko to end with a guy with an uncertain future,” she justified her opinion              

Hikaru stared at Muko’s friends. She couldn’t help but laugh lightly. All of Muko’s friends were truly unpredictable and full of conflicting opinions and personalities.              

All of Mukades’ friends came from different wealthy families with different nationalities. So they were all used to getting everything that they wanted.             

 It was also the main reason why they were called the “Dreaded 13.” Everyone who belonged in the upper social status of Asia knew who they were. All the members of the “dreaded 13” were daughters of multi-millionaire businessmen who controlled most of the businesses all over Asia and Europe. They were all very rich, famous, influential and totally brutal with the way they express their opinions about everything. The only thing that all of them had in common was the primary school that they all went to.              

All of them went to an international school that only allowed people from elite families to enter. It was there, in that school . . . where they all met and became close to one another.              

“Don’t worry girls. I’ll make sure Muko won’t be going back to that convent. I’m going to make sure that she ends up with Micky . . . no matter what happens,” Hikaru said with a glitter of evilness in her eyes.     

        

A RACE TO MY HEART (FAN FICTION) (CHAPTER 16)

What If - Super Junior

CHAPTER 16                  

Max was the first one who entered the dressing room after their performance. He was somehow hoping that he would still find Fate there.              

During the entire time that he was doing the interview and the live performance, his mind was occupied with something else. Somehow he was regretting the way he had treated Fate. Even though he was angry with her, he still couldn't deny the fact that a certain spot in his heart ached after seeing the pitiful look on her face.              

Max looked around the room, but she was no longer there. He then noticed that she had already arranged his bag. . . and not only his bag, but the bags of his friends as well.              

Even though he tried to act cold with her . . . inside . . . his heart was bleeding out for her.             

The other DBSK boys quickly entered the room. They were all angry with Max. Somehow they couldn't accept the way he had treated Fate.              

U-Know immediately closed the door. He was already trying to find the right words to say. He wanted to point out all of Max's faults in a nice way. But Xiah, Jaejoong and Micky just confronted Max as soon as they were all inside the room.              
"Are you happy now Max? You just made a total fool of your girlfriend. I could never believe you could actually treat Fate like that," Xiah said with extreme irritation.              

Max stared at his friends. He wanted to tell them the reason for being harsh with Fate. He wanted to share what was on his mind and in his heart. But somehow he didn't want to ruin the way his friends looked at Fate.               He knew that once he told them that he saw her kissing Michael, they would all think badly of her. And he still cared enough to still protect her in his own way.              
"Protect her?" the words started to echo in his mind. How could he say that when he was actually the one ruining her, he thought to himself. "Aaahhh," he uttered unexpectedly out of frustration and confusion.              

He suddenly decided that it was better for his friends to be angry at him than with Fate.              

“Aren’t you even going to defend yourself? Are you just going to stand there and act like nothing is wrong?’ Micky asked angrily.              

Max immediately looked away. Somehow he didn’t want to have an argument with his friends. He turned his back on them and pretended that he was looking for something in his bag.              

“Max, what’s wrong with you? It’s like you’ve totally changed into someone we don’t know. What’s wrong? We’re your friends. We want to help you. Please talk to us  . . . . We’re all willing to listen,” U-Know said with concern.              

Max quickly looked at U-Know’s direction. “Sorry hyung. Whatever problem Fate and I have . . . stays with us and no one else.”              

“Problem? What kind of problem? And how could you possibly have a problem with her? She’s nice and sweet. She’s perfect, to be exact,” Micky uttered.              
“Perfect?” Max uttered with a bitter smile. “She’s not perfect . . . believe me.”              
Jaejoong and Micky couldn’t help but feel totally weak and torn between two sides. Somehow they wanted to scold Max and lecture him about what he had done. But then he was their friend, and they loved him no matter what he did. Somehow they still couldn’t find it in their hearts to be totally angry with him.              
Xiah just sat down weakly on a chair near him.              

“She even managed to arrange our things as well,” he uttered softly to the others.              

“What’s wrong Max? Tell us. . . We all know that you like her. . . You even said that you loved her. So how come all of a sudden, you’re treating her differently? Did she do anything wrong? Tell us what’s bothering you,” Jaejoong uttered carefully as if trying to persuade Max to talk.              

Max shook his head. “Sorry hyung. I can’t really say what the problem is . . . All of us have known each other for years now. All of you already know me inside and out. So please, just let me decide on my own . . . this time.  I know what I am doing maybe wrong to all of you. But it is something which I believe is right for me,” Max said while staring seriously at his friends.              

“Are you losing your mind Max? How could you consider treating a girl in such a cruel manner as the right thing? No matter what way you look at it . . . you’re the one on the wrong side. Fine . . . let’s say that she did something wrong that made you mad. If you can’t forgive her, then just break up with her. There’s no need for you to make her suffer or embarrass her. Just leave her . . . end of story. At least that way, you’re finally free of the person who you’re angry with and she can finally move on with her own life,” Micky said as if trying to reason with Max.              

“Micky! Are you trying to help patch things up or are you trying to make things worse? Somehow your advice is more cruel than what Max is doing,” Jaejoong voiced out with a shocked expression on his face.              

“Jaejoong, it’s better to be honest than to just pretend and make both of their lives miserable,” Micky reasoned out.              

Jaejoong shook his head. Somehow he didn’t like the way Micky was thinking.              

Xiah sighed. Things were starting to get more complicated. Even Jaejoong and Micky were starting to have an argument.              

“Look Max, if you have a problem with Fate. Talk to her . . . Try to listen to her side first. Don’t go on judging without seeing both sides of the story,” Xiah said seriously while looking at him.              

“Just drop the discussion guys. I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” Max said with a heavy sigh.              

“Suit yourself. Just make sure you can live up to your decision. Think it over . . . maybe your anger is just clouding your mind. Please remember that regret is always at the end of everything. You may think that you’re doing the right thing now. But there is always a price to pay for everything. You might suddenly find yourself losing the most important part of your life . . . but it’s already too late and there’s nothing else you can do about it,” Jaejoong said with a calm voice.              
Max lowered his head. He knew what his friend said was right. But he wanted to get even. He wanted to make Fate feel the pain he felt. He wanted to hurt her the same way she had hurt him.              

“Let’s just stop this. This is my life. And I’m your friend . . . not Fate’s. So how come all of you are on her side?” Max asked angrily.              

“Because you’re wrong,” U-Know simply replied.              

“So is kissing another man right in front of your eyes . . . acceptable? Isn’t it enough reason for me to act this way? Isn’t it enough reason to drive me crazy? Right now, I hate her. I don’t want to hear her side. And I don’t want to hear her lies. . . All I want is to get even,” Max finally revealed with so much hatred in his eyes.              

The other DBSK boys were all shocked with what they heard. Somehow they couldn’t believe that Fate could do such a thing.              

“Max, are you sure about what you saying? Are you sure it was really her?” Jaejoong asked with disbelief.              

“It was her . . . I’m one hundred percent sure . . . and the man was Michael,” Max uttered with bitterness in his voice.             

“Max, there must be an explanation for that. They are best friends remember. You should really talk to her first before jumping into conclusions,” Jaejoong tried to reason out.              

“Do you think that she will actually tell me the truth if I asked her?” Max asked sarcastically.              

“Max, if that is the situation you’re in right now, then it would be best to break up with her already. Stop hurting her . . . Even if she did that, it still doesn’t give you the right to treat her badly. Just let her go,” Micky said seriously.             

“Just let her go? No! I’m not done with her yet,” Max uttered.             

“What are you planning to do?” Xiah asked worriedly.              

“Before I release her, I just want her to have a taste of her own medicine,” Max answered.              

“Don’t you think that she deserves to explain herself. Why don’t you talk to her Max? Ask her about what you saw,” U-Know tried to persuade Max again.              
“Talk to her? Ask her? What should I say to her? How should I ask her? Is Michael a better kisser than me . . . is that what I should ask?” Max asked as he suddenly laughed bitterly. He couldn’t imagine himself talking to Fate about her and Michael.              

“Max, stop trying to start a fight with us. We’re your friends. . . not your enemies,” Jaejoong warned.              

“Just avoid her for a few days. Try to cool yourself down first. Maybe after a few days of being apart will give you enough time to think and decide. And maybe after . . . you can finally talk to her without being too emotional,” U-Know suggested.              

“U-Know is right. Just try to calm yourself down for a few days. Then you can decide if you really want to continue your relationship with Fate or just let go. Stay away from each other while you’re still angry,” Micky added.              

Max slowly nodded his head. He was glad that he had finally told his friends about what was bothering him.              

“But I still suggest that you talk to her Max. Try to straighten things out. There are times that what we see isn’t really the truth. I am really afraid that there is a chance that you’re just blinded by your anger and jealousy. At least, give Fate a chance to explain herself,” U-Know uttered slowly.              

“Frankly I don’t know if I can ever learn to trust her again,” Max sadly uttered.              

“If that is the case, then just break up. A relationship without trust is not worth wasting time on,” Micky said again.              

“Isn’t it unfair that you’re already jumping into conclusions without trying to see and understand all the important facts,” Xiah asked.              

Max shook his head. “She has already hurt me. I’ve already decided I no longer want someone like her to be in my life.”              

“If you’ve already decided . . . then why are you still hanging onto her?” Micky asked as if irritated.              

“Simple . . . to hurt her back,” Max coldly replied.  
           
As soon as the other DBSK boys heard Max’s answer, a frightening chill immediately crept into their hearts.  

A RACE TO MY HEART (FAN FICTION) (CHAPTER 15)

Reset - Super Junior

CHAPTER 15                  

That night . . . as soon as Max arrived at their apartment, he quickly locked himself up in his room. The other DBSK members were all left wondering what was wrong with him. Jaejoong wanted to talk to him, but U-Know and the others just told Jaejoong to let him have some time alone. They were all guessing that he was having a fight with Fate. And they knew it was better to just stay away from a lover’s quarrel.              

Later in Max’s room . . .              

Max silently stared at the glass of wine that he was holding. It was empty again. He then slowly picked up the bottle of wine beside him, and poured himself another drink.              

He had been sitting alone in his room for more two hours already. But somehow all the wine he had drank during those two hours didn’t have any effect on him. He was hoping that the wine would somehow ease the pain he was feeling and erase the hatred and anger that was building inside his heart.              

“You love me? Who are you kidding? You even slept with me? For what? So you could go around and kiss . . . and even sleep with another man? You’re disgusting Fate! Do you think I’m stupid? Do you think you can cheat on me? And to think . . . I was so serious about you. You’re nothing! I’ll make sure you’re going to regret meeting me. I . . . . I loved you . . . But not anymore. You’re the very first girl that I really loved. But you just destroyed all my love and trust. You’re worthless now, Fate. But before I let you go . . . . I promise you. . . I will give you something that you will never forget. I’m going to make you cry so hard that you would never . . . ever forget it . . .” he uttered while he continuously played around with the glass of wine that he was holding.              

The next day . . . .              

Fate stared at the TV screen. She wanted to make herself busy with watching a movie. But her mind was still in confusion. She was still unable to decide what she needed to do. Somehow what happened at the parking lot the day before just kept on repeating in her mind like a movie that had no ending.              

She slowly reached for the remote and turned off the TV. It was totally useless to watch a movie, she thought. A different movie was already stuck in her mind.              
“Aaaahhhh….” she uttered in total frustration.              

She then looked at her watch. It was already two in the afternoon. Their group had a scheduled practice that day. But because of the accident yesterday she wasn’t allowed to join the practice. All the other team members agreed to ban her in the race track for three days. They all said it was for her own good. She was supposed to stay in her hotel room and just rest. But she couldn’t rest . . . Just waiting in the hotel was driving her insane.              

Different things were constantly running in her mind . . . But the most important thing that was bothering her was Max.              

“Why hasn’t he called me? After what happened between us . . . he has changed all of a sudden. Is it because of . . .” she quickly shook her head as if to erase the thought that was screaming in her head.              

“No! He said he loves me. He’s not the kind of guy that would just leave me. . . especially now after that night,” she tried to tell herself.              

“But why hasn’t he called me? Maybe he’s busy with work. . . Maybe he’s still working on something . . . maybe. . .” she suddenly stopped. She was already running out of excuses to give herself.              

“Should I call him?” she started to ask herself. “No, I can’t do that. He might get angry if I disturb him. But . . . but . . . why? What should I do now?” she asked as she suddenly sat down on the couch. She started to stare blankly at the open space in front of her.              

Suddenly . . . her phone started to ring.              

Fate quickly got up and answered her phone.              

“Hello,” she greeted excitedly.              

“Fate,” Max slowly uttered.              

“Max . . .” she said with a sweet smile on her lips.              

“Are you free today?” Max asked.              

“Yes. I am totally free today. I don’t have anything to do today. Why? Are you free as well? Do you want to meet up with me?” Fate asked happily.              

“Well, not really. I am in the studio right now. We’re getting ready for a TV performance and an interview. Do you think you can come here?” Max asked softly.              

“Yes, just tell me where you are. I will be there as soon as possible,” she uttered.              

“That’s good,” Max uttered as a devious smile appeared on his lips.              

An hour passed . . . .              

Fate got into the TV station without any difficulty. Somehow everyone knew who she was, even the two guards at the gate asked for her autograph. They even told her that they were her huge fans.              

As she went straight to the boys’ dressing room, her heart was singing in joy.              
“Max . . .” Fate happily called out as she entered the room.              

She was suddenly surprised with what she saw.              

Max was sitting in a corner of the room . . . with him was a woman, younger and more beautiful than her.              

The two were talking intimately in the corner. While the other DBSK members were in another corner of the room . . . busy chatting with one another.              

As soon as Fate entered the room, the other four DBSK boys were immediately alarmed. They quickly stood up and approached her. They were all determined to distract her in anyway they can.              

“Fate . . . what . . . what are you doing here?” Xiah nervously asked.               Fate looked at Xiah, then at Max and the girl, with a confused look on her face.              
Xiah slowly lowered his head. Somehow he couldn’t bear the pitiful look on Fate’s face.              

U-Know rushed to Max’s side. “Max, Fate is here . . .” he announced to get his friend’s attention.              

But Max just looked at U-Know with a blank expression on his face. He then gave Fate a quick glance and just continued to talk with the girl he was with.              
Fate kept on looking at Max and the girl. “Who . . . who is she?” she suddenly asked Jaejoong.              

Jaejoong didn’t know what to answer. “She’s one of the new female dancers that we’re working with,” he was finally able to answer.             

U-Know was starting to get irritated with the way Max was acting. “Max, your girlfriend is here. Maybe . . . you would like to greet her and take care of her.”              
Max stared at U-Know with a cold expression on his face. “So? Do I need to usher her in or something? She’s already old enough to take care of herself,” he answered back.              

Fate quickly bit down on her lip to stop herself from crying. She heard everything that Max said.              

Xiah, Micky and Jaejoong immediately exchanged glances with one another. Somehow they were trying to ask each other what was going on.              

“So Max , she’s your girlfriend?” the girl asked Max curiously.              

Max looked at Fate, and then smiled at the girl beside him. “Yes, something like that.”              

“Max!”  U-Know uttered as if trying to warn him.              

But Max just continued to look like he didn’t care that he was hurting Fate.              
Fate’s tears were already forming in her eyes. She was trying to control her emotions. But she knew she wasn’t strong enough.              

Jaejoong saw the tears that Fate was trying to hide. He suddenly became infuriated by what Max was doing.                        

“Max, stop fooling around. Take care of Fate . . . for god’s sake!” Jaejoong shouted at Max as he shot him an angry look.              

Max gave Jaejoong a confused look. “Take care of her? Why should I? Is she sick or something?” he asked jokingly.              

Micky shook his head in disbelief. He couldn’t understand why Max was behaving in such a heartless manner.              

Fate just lowered her head. She knew she was just causing problems for the boys.              

“I think . . . it would be best if I just leave. I’m sorry . . . if I’m disturbing you guys,” she said with a quivering voice.              

Max suddenly looked examined Fate’s reaction. “You’re leaving already? You can’t leave yet. I still have some things that for you to do.”              

“What?” Fate asked in a shocked manner.              

Max smiled. “Well, you see . . . our assistant is sick today. So we don’t have anyone to fix our things. Since you’re free . . . you wouldn’t mind helping us out . . . right?”              

“What?” Fate asked again. She was totally taken by surprise bye what Max was asking her to do.              

“Are you deaf? I said you can start packing my things. I don’t like such tiring tasks. And since you are my so-called girlfriend . . . you might as well do it for me. A girl should always help her boyfriend, isn’t that right?” Max asked with a maddening smile.              

Fate suddenly thought the ground just opened up and swallowed her whole. Her entire body quickly turned numb. She wanted to move and just ran out of the room. But she couldn’t control her body. She just stood like a statue in front of everyone.              

“Max, that’s enough! What’s wrong with you? She’s your girlfriend . . . not your assistant,” Micky shouted angrily at him.              

Fate tried to act like she wasn’t feeling any pain. She slowly touched Micky’s arm, as if to stop him from further confronting Max.              

“Micky, it’s all right. He’s right. I’m his girlfriend. I should be helping him out. Don’t worry . . . it’s okay,” she said in a low voice.              

Micky stared at Fate with pity written all over his face.              

Fate tried to smile at Micky. Then she slowly approached Max.              

“What do you want me to do first . . . Max?” Fate asked while trying to avoid looking at the girl beside him.              

“You can start placing all the clothes I used in my bag. Then arrange the other materials we used as well. After that, try to fix the bags of the others too,” Max said coldly.              

“Max!” Xiah uttered in total disbelief.                        

Fate just nodded. She was telling herself that she wasn’t going to break down. She was going to be strong and she wasn’t going to show her weak side in front of everyone.              

She quickly turned away from Max and the girl. She immediately started to arrange Max’s things.              

U-Know continuously shook his head in total disapproval of what Max had done.                        

Xiah went to Fate’s side and quickly took the clothes that she was folding.              
“Don’t do this Fate. . . please. You’re just degrading yourself,” Xiah said with sympathy in his eyes.              

“It’s okay, Xiah,” she tried to utter as she continued to place some of Max’s things into his bag.              

Jaejoong and Micky looked at each other. They were both going to say something when suddenly a staff member of TV station walked into the room.              
“Boys, be ready in five minutes,” the man quickly announced.              

U-Know nodded. “Thank you. We will be out in a few minutes.”              

“All right,” the replied back before leaving the room.              

U-Know gave Max a disgusted look. “We will talk later . . . As of now, let’s all go back to work.”              

“Fate, just stop this . . . please. After we’re gone, just leave . . . for now. We will talk to Max and see what’s wrong with him,” Xiah said with concern.              

Fate smiled at him. “Thank you.”              

And as soon as everyone left the room, Fate finally broke down into an uncontrollable sob.              

She was continuously asking herself what was wrong, and why Max was suddenly treating her badly.              

As she asked herself those questions. . . only one answer kept on appearing in her mind.              

An answer that she was afraid of . . . .

BORROWED FROM GOD (FAN FICTION) (CHAPTER 5)

First Love (Piano) - Utada Hikaru

CHAPTER 5

As soon as Hikaru, Des and the DBSK boys entered the mansion of the Satou family . . . a sweet and enticing melody immediately greeted them.

Micky’s heart was instantly captured by the sweet and beautiful song that was being played. It was “First Love” by Utada Hikaru. A song that also had a special meaning to him.

They all carefully entered the vast living room. Somehow they didn’t want to interrupt the person playing the piano.

They wanted to hear the melody continuously. As they continued to watch the girl who was playing the piano . . . their hearts were all touched by the emotion that she was able to put into the song.

Micky couldn’t help but smile as he stared at Mukades.

She was so drawn into her playing the piano, that she didn’t even realize that some people were already watching her.

The other DBSK boys couldn’t help but sigh in awe and total admiration for Mukades. They had never met a girl that could play the piano so beautifully like her. She was truly one of a kind . . . a very remarkable girl to be exact.

After Mukades had finished playing the song, Hikaru quickly clapped her hands.

“Beautiful! You still have the gift, I see,” she uttered with admiration for her sister.

Mukades was quickly taken by surprise.

“Hikaru . . . when did you arrive?” she asked as her attention was drawn to the five young men standing a few meters away from her.

“Who are they?” she asked curiously. Hikaru looked back at the DBSK boys.

“Oh Muko . . . I want you to meet the famous Dong Bang Shin Ki,” she said with a smile. Mukades quickly gave the boys another look.

“Oh, so you are the Dong Bang Shin Ki? It’s so nice to finally meet all of you,” she said politely.

The DBSK boys slowly approached Mukades, together with Des and Hikaru.

“Hello, I’m Xiah.”

“I’m U-Know. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Hi . . . I’m Max.”

“Nice to meet you . . . I’m Jaejoong.”

“Hello . . . Do you still remember me?” Micky asked with a totally sweet smile.
 
Mukades nodded with a smile as well. “Yes, I remember you. How can I possibly forget you? You’re Micky right?” Micky laughed lightly.

“Yes.” Hikaru instantly gave

Des a meaningful look and then she smiled mischievously.

“Muko, you will be performing together with the DBSK boys. And I insist that you and Micky have some one on one presentations. Both of you are really good in playing the piano. I know all the people attending the event will surely love a piano performance from the two of you,” Hikaru said excitedly.

“Hmmm . . . but Hikaru, I don’t think I am that good enough to actually be paired up with a professional artist like Micky. I’m afraid I will just embarrass you guys,” Mukades said with hesitation.

“Don’t worry. Believe me when I say you’re good already. You’re even better than me,” Micky said with a smile.

“Really? You’re being too kind,” Mukades uttered shyly.

“You’re really very good Muko. You and Micky will surely makea wonderful pair in the concert,” Des commented.

Mukades smiled, then she slowly stood up and walked away from the piano.

“Where are you going?” Micky suddenly asked.

Somehow he didn’t want his conversation with Muko to end yet.

“I need to go to the airport. I’m meeting up with some of my other friends,” Muko answered.

“Airport? Why? Who are you going to meet?” Hikaru asked.

“Well . . . the whole gang will be arriving after all. Eve, Kumiko, Ah Sang, Yuuki, Syaira, Anam and Tantan . . . they are all coming back to Japan . . . to spend the next two months with me. Isn’t that great?” Mukades asked her sister in total delight.

“So the dreaded 13 will be complete I see,” Des commented with a smile.

“Prepare yourself Hikaru. . . You will be spending two months of unending midnight laughs and stories.” Hikaru laughed as well.

“It’s been ages since their whole group actually had a sleep over here. I would be more than happy to hear all their laughs as well. And since they are staying here. . . why don’t you and the others stay here as well?”

“Hmmm . . . stay here? Well we can just decide about it later,” Des answered.

“Muko, you don’t have to leave. I’ll just pick all of your friends in the airport. You just stay here with Micky . . . and start practicing. The concert is in a few days. So all of you should start talking and preparing,” Hikaru said.

“But I promised all of them that I would personally greet them at the airport,” Mukades protested.

“No buts. You stay here. I will take care of your friends,” Hikaru replied with an authoritative tone.

“Fine,” Mukades replied with a sigh. She knew she could never win an argument with her sister.

“What time will your friends arrive?” Des asked.

“An hour from now,” Mukades replied.

“Well Hikaru we should leave now, if we want to be in the airport before they arrive,” Des quickly reminded her friend.

“I know. So Muko while we’re gone . . . make sure you take care of Micky and his friends okay?” Hikaru said with a sweet smile.

Muko sighed again. “Yes, don’t worry. I’ll take care of them.”

“Good. We’re leaving now,” Hikaru immediately announced.

“Boys, please guide my sister. She’s not really used to performing in front of a lot of people. So you might as well start taking away her so-called stage fright,” Hikaru jokingly said.

“Hikaru . . .” Mukades uttered. Hikaru laughed.

“Just telling the truth dear sister.”

“So are we going or what?” Des asked impatiently.

“Yes, we’re going now,” Hikaru said as she quickly bade goodbye to her sister and to the DBSK boys.

Several minutes passed after Hikaru and Des left, Mukades was already sitting in the living room together with the DBSK boys.

Mukades nervously looked at the DBSK boys. Somehow she didn’t know how to start the conversation with them.

Xiah quickly noticed the confused look on Mukades’ face.

“So do you know how to sing Muko? Is it all right if we call you Muko?” he asked with a smile on his lips.

“Yes, all of you can call me Muko. It is what all my friends call me,” Mukades replied.

“So do you know how to sing Muko?” Xiah repeated.

“Sorry, I don’t sing,” she replied shyly.

“How old are you Muko?” Max asked curiously.

“I’m almost eighteen,” she replied.

“Oh, quite young,” Jaejoong uttered.

“Frankly I’m not so sure about performing with you guys,” Mukades finally blurted out.

“But why?” Micky asked curiously.

“Just like what Hikaru said I’m not used to being the center of attention. I don’t like being on a stage. And I also don’t like people staring at me. Performing is not really suited for me,” Mukades explained.

Micky laughed. “Now that is quite unbelievable.”

“Unbelievable? Why? What do you mean?” Mukades asked curiously.

“You’re the daughter of a very well known businessman. You’re always the certain of attraction,” Micky said with a smile.

Mukades couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, you’re right. Would you believe I grew up trying to hide whenever there were people around.”

“Really? Now . . . that is strange,” Micky said with a certain glitter in his eyes.

As he continued to stare at Mukades. She was beginning to look more and more captivating in his eyes. Jaejoong and U-Know quickly noticed Micky’s actions. Jaejoong tried to hide the smile that kept on appearing on his lips. While U-Know lightly shook his head as if to signal Jaejoong to stop him from further smiling and laughing.

“So what are supposed to do now?” Mukades asked. Somehow she was feeling a little bit bored.

“So how long have you known about this event. . . I mean the concert?” Max asked as if trying to start up a conversation. Mukades sighed.

“Honestly I just learned about it yesterday. Hikaru and I talk to each other at least once a week before but she never told me about that concert. So I was totally shocked after she told me that I was going to perform with you guys.”

“Once a week? Before? What do you mean?” Max asked again.

“Oh, I don’t really live here in Japan. I just arrived here a few days ago. Sort of a vacation . . . for about two months,” Mukades explained.

“You don’t live here? Where do you really stay? Are you studying abroad?” Xiah asked.

“Yes. I live in England actually. I’ve been living there since I was ten years old with my grandmother. I just come back to Japan every now and then . . . whenever I’m free,” she answered again.

“England? Wow, you’re really something,” Max uttered. “So you’re staying in Japan for only two months right? Another form of vacation?” U-Know asked.

“Yes, sort of. This two months will be my last two months of freedom. Once I go back . . . it will certainly be a very long time before I am allowed to return,” Mukades suddenly uttered with sadness in her eyes.

“What do you mean?” Micky asked with interest.

“Uhmmm. . . Oh nothing. Just forget what I said,” she said with a smile. “Come on . . . let’s start rehearsing okay?” Micky and the other DBSK boys noticed that Muko didn’t want to talk about her private life anymore. So they just concentrated on planning and practicing the songs that they were going to play.

More than two hours passed by quickly . . .

Micky and Mukades already became very at ease with each other.

Even Mukades was surprised with herself because she was able to interact with the DBSK boys, especially with Micky, with so much ease. And somehow she felt like she already knew them for a very long time.

Micky was already playing the piano when something caught Mukades’ attention.

“Muko!” several voices called out.

Mukades quickly turned around to see her friends as they all happily approached her.

Within minutes, Mukades was already surrounded by her friends.

“How are you Muko? I miss you?” Eve asked as she hugged her friend tightly.

“I’m fine, Eve. I missed you too,” Mukades replied.

“Hey what about me? Don’t you miss me? I want a hug too,” Ah Sang said with a pout. Mukades quickly turned to her other friend and gave her a warm hug as well.

“I have been missing all of you guys for over a year now,” Mukades said as she continuously embraced her friends, one by one.

“Muko, look at you. You’re still the same . . . nothing has changed,” Kumiko said with a smile.

Tantan quickly laughed. “Yes, nothing really changed. . . the looks . . . same as before . . . even the clothes . . . god, same as before too.”

“Hey, enough with the teasing! What do you guys expect from Muko? She’s been living in that so-called school for like . . .forever,” Syaira said with a light laugh.

“Well we have two months to transform Muko into the dazzling princess that she is,” Yuuki said with a smile.

“Yes, we will surely make use of our two months together,” Anam said as she nodded in approval. Micky sighed heavily.

Within seconds, Muko had totally forgotten about him. And he was actually hoping that he would be able to spend some time alone with Muko.

Jaejoong and U-Know exchanged glances with one another again. Somehow they were able to read each other’s mind.

They couldn’t help it any longer, they finally both broke down in laughs. They could easily see the disappointment in Micky’s eyes. They knew that he was very much interested with Mukades and was disappointed because she was already focused on her newly arrived friends.

Jaejoong gently places his arm around Micky’s shoulder and whispered something in his ear.

“You have to tie down your heart, my friend. The girl is still too young for you,” he whispered gently. Micky looked back at Jaejoong.

“What are you saying? I’m not interested in her,” he tried to lie. Jaejoong smiled with a meaning.

“You can’t lie to me and the others. We can easily see what is in your heart.”

Micky lowered his head. “Am I that obvious?”

“Yes,” Jaejoong answered with a light laugh.

“Uhmmm . . . as they all say . . . age doesn’t matter when it comes to love . . . so might as well help you,” Jaejoong whispered again.

Micky stared at Jaejoong. “Help me?” Jaejoong smiled and nodded his head.

“Starting tomorrow . . . we’re going to start our own little plan for you to win your princess . . .” Micky looked back at Mukades, while she was busy chatting with her friends.

Several minutes more, and she was already leaving the living room. She had totally forgotten about him.

“I like you . . . How I wish you can like me too,” were the words that were written in his heart.

BORROWED FROM GOD (FAN FICTION) (CHAPTER 4)

Four Seasons - Shinee

CHAPTER 4                

"Micky, get up already. I've been trying to wake you up for over an hour now. We're supposed to be in a photoshoot today remember," Jaejoong said as he continuously shook his head in dismay. He was already standing beside Micky's bed with his arms folded infront of his chest.              

It was only then that Micky suddenly remembered that it was still Friday and not Saturday. He had been thinking about their day off on saturday, that he had totally forgotten about Friday. He quickly got out bed and tried to put on a sweet smile for Jaejoong.              

"Sorry, hyung. I totally forgot that we still had a schedule today. I was already thinking ahead of time. I really thought that it was Saturday already," he tried to explain.              

Jaejoong tried to hide his laughter. Even though he was a bit annoyed, he still couldn't help but laugh. He had always been amused with Micky, especially with the way he acts when he's guilty of something.              

"Just get yourself fixed up already. We will be leaving in half an hour. We already had breakfast without you. Your share is waiting for you on the table," Jaejoong said as he quickly left the room.              

"Thanks hyung," Micky shouted as he hurriedly went to the the bathroom to get himself ready.              

Fifteen minutes passed . . .              

Micky was already trying to dry his hair with a towel. He had entered the living roon with a wide grin on his face. "Sorry guys. I just couldn't stop myself. Somehow I just wanted to sleep and sleep until my eyes couldn't stay shut anymore," he said with a light laugh.              

"As if you're the only who wouldn't want a day of continuous sleep. I want a day like that too," Max said with a sigh.              

"I would do anything just to have a day or two without any busy schedules," Xiah added.         
    
"Hmmm, a day off is a blessing . . . but two days without a schedule is a total miracle. Something that will never happen unless we are already out of work," Jaejoong commented.              

Micky laughed. "Yes, I would rather die working than die without work. I really need to save up for a lot of things," he replied.              

"So where is U-Know?" Xiah suddenly asked after noticing that he wasn't in the room.              

"I think he went out to answer a phone call from our manager," Jaejoong answered.              

"Aren't we leaving yet?" Max asked suddenly.              

"Yes, we can go already. I don't want to have breakfast anyway," Micky said.              
"No hurry guys. . . You can still eat breakfast Micky. Our manager just informed me that our schedule for today have been suddenly changed. We will be picked up about an hour from now," U-Know said with a smile.              

"What? Changed? Why?" Xiah asked with confusion.              

"Well it seems that someone suddenly asked that we be invited to a charity event that they will be doing in a few days. And the really weird part is . . . both SM and Avex agreed on the spot to postpone all our other schedules so we can be available to do this project," U-Know said with a weird look on his face as he slowly sat down beside Jaejoong.              

"Really? What event are we supposed to attend to? And what are supposed to do there?" Max asked curiously.              

U-Know shook his head. "Even our manager is confused as well. He also doesn't know who we are meeting in an hour. The only thing that the people at Avex could tell him is that the person we are meeting is one of the most powerful people in Japan's business industry today. So it was basically the main reason why we were literally pulled off from our work schedules," he tried to tell everything that he had learned.              

"Wow, we should be very careful then. We wouldn't want to do anything that might cause a big problem to our company and to our careers," Xiah said with a serious expression on his face.              

"I wonder who this mysterious person is," Micky said as he stared at his friends.              

"Well we will know in an hour. Just make sure that all of you are ready to meet him," U-Know uttered.              

Almost all the other DBSK boys nodded in agreement. All of them were very nervous and curious as to who they were going to meet. They also knew that the person they will be meeting was someone very important.              

An hour passed . . . in Avex Trax . . . .              

The boys were already waiting anxiously in the meeting room. Even their manager and the CEO of Avex was obviously a little bit nervous.              

"Are you sure about what time they scheduled the meeting?" the CEO of Avex asked his assistant for the tenth time in a span of ten minutes.              

"Yes, sir. They scheduled the meeting at exactly 11am," the assistant answered.              

"But it's already 11:15, and it is uncommon for Mr. Satou to be late," the CEO said with worry.              

"Sir, let's wait for another fifteen minutes. If by that time they still haven't arrived, I will try to contact his assistant," the other man said.              

"Very well," the older man uttered.              

Only another five minutes passed, and the door to the meeting suddenly opened. Several men and women instantly entered while making way for an old man and two young women.              

"Mr. Satou, it is a great pleasure to finally meet you," the CEO of Avex Trax greeted with a wide smile on his face.             

The old man just nodded. "I am very sorry that we are late. I didn't expect that my meeting with some foreign investors was going to be so long. Please accept my deepest apologies."              

"Oh please, no apologies needed. We are deeply honored that you are giving us this chance to be able to work with you," the Avex CEO said politely.               "By the way, this is my daughter . . . Ms. Hikaru Satou. She is currently the CEO of Satou Shipping Enterprise. And this is Ms. Des Azumi, the Head of the Marketing Department."              

"It is a pleasure to meet such beautiful and talented women. I hope that we would be able to meet up with your expectations," the CEO of Avex Trax said with such careful manner. Somehow he was being very careful not to offend both Mr. Satou and his daughter.              

"Please. . . Let me first introduce you to the people that will be performing in your activity," the Avex CEO said to the older man.              

"Very well," Mr. Hitoshi Satou said with a smile.              

"Mr. Satou, I would like to introduce to you . . . Dong Bang Shin Ki. They are currently one of the most well known boy groups in Japan. Boys, please introduce yourselves one by one," the CEO of Avex said.              

"Good morning sir, I am U-Know. It is a pleasure meeting you."              

"A good day sir, I am Xiah."              

"A pleasant day sir, I am Jaejoong."              

"How do you do sir? I am Max."
              
"It is a pleasure meeting you Mr. Satou. I am Micky."              

"Good morning, boys. What a very handsome group. I would like to introduce to you my daughter Hikaru and her friend, Des."              

Des slowly looked at the DBSK boys, one by one. "Good morning, it is nice to meet the very famous Dong Bang Shin Ki," she said with a smile.               "Nice to meet you as well," the boys said in unison.              

Micky stared at Des, then he looked at Hikaru. Somehow she looked quite familiar. Then he suddenly remembered where he had seen her. 

Hikaru noticed that Micky was staring at her. She then smiled sweetly at him. "Hello Micky. It's nice to meet you again."              

The other DBSK boys just looked at Micky with eyes that were somehow questioning him on what was happening.              

Micky tried to smile back at Hikaru. "Yes, we meet again. The pleasure is all mine."              

"Hikaru, you know each other?" Mr. Satou asked his daughter curiously.              

Hikaru nodded. "Yes, we met at a grocery store yesterday. Well it wasn't really me that met him. . . but Muko."              

"Muko? Muko. . . really talked with him?" Mr. Satou asked as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.              

Hikaru tried to hide her laughter. She knew that her father wouldn't be able to believe once he knew that Muko actually talked with a stranger. . . a male stranger to be exact.              

The DBSK boys kept exchanging glances with one another. They were all confused as to what was happening.              

"If you already met Muko, then that means you wouldn't have any problem working with her," Mr. Satou said with a smile while looking at Micky.               "Working with Muko? You mean your other daughter whom I met at the grocery?" Micky asked, quite confused.              

The old man nodded. "All of you will be working with my daughter. She will also be performing in the event my company will be sponsoring. All the proceeds of the mini concert will go to an orphanage here in Japan," the old man tried to explain.              

"I think you will certainly have a good time performing with her Micky. She is a very talented pianist. And I think the two of you will certainly make a good pair," Hikaru said with a smile. But somehow her smile was hiding a deeper meaning.              

"Really? Then it would be my pleasure to perform with her," Micky said politely.              
"Father, do you think I can bring the DBSK boys to our house. I mean so that they can meet up with Muko already. The concert will be in 3 days time, and I think they should start to rehearse already," Hikaru said to her father.

The old man nodded his head in agreement. "Very well. You can use the car. I'll just send for another one to pick me up. I will just stay here a little while longer to discuss some matters with their CEO and manager."              

Hikaru smiled devilishly. Somehow everything was going according to her plans.               "Well boys, shall we go?" Hikaru asked as the DBSK boys.              
"Yes," U-Know replied instantly as he nodded his head.              

And after several minutes, they were already on their way to Hikaru's house. And as soon as they arrived, Hikaru had already decided to start her game.              

"I hope that all of you will be nice to Muko. She is sort of a little aloof when it comes to guys. I hope that all of you will just try to bear along with her attitude," Hikaru tried to say.              

"Aloof? Are you sure? She seemed pretty friendly to me," Micky commented.              
"Friendly? Muko? With a guy? Try seeing her with other guys. . . you will surely be amazed," Des suddenly commented.              

Micky gave Des a confused look. Somehow he was couldn't understand what she meant.              

"Muko. . . I can't wait to see you again," the words just kept on repeating in Micky's mind while a sweet smile appeared on his lips. 

A RACE TO MY HEART (FAN FICTION) (CHAPTER 14)

Im Sorry - Taeyang

CHAPTER 14      

          

"What's wrong Max?" Jaejoong asked as he gently sat down beside him. He has been observing for the passed two hours and he could easily tell that something was bothering him.              

Max just stared at his friend. He was trying to decide whether to tell him the truth or not. Somehow he felt embarrassed about what he had done. And he knew once his friends learned about what happened, they would surely make a big issue out of it, especially Jaejoong.              

"Hyung," he uttered.              

"What is it? What's wrong Max? You can tell me. Did you and Fate have a fight or something?" Jaejoong asked with concern.              

Max gently shook his head. "No, we didn't fight."              

"I can easily tell that something is bothering you. What is it?" Jaejoong asked again.              

"Hyung, I have a problem," Max tried to utter.              

"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" Micky asked as he suddenly sat down beside Jaejoong.              

Max then looked at a different direction. "Ah, nothing. I need to get a drink," Max said as he quickly stood up and left.              

"What's wrong with him?" Micky curiously asked Jaejoong.              

Jaejoong just shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. He was about to say something, but then you came along and ruined the mood," he said as he shook his head.              

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt," Micky said apologetically.              

"I think we need to talk to him once we get home," Jaejoong uttered to Micky.              
"Yes, U-Know and Xiah have also talked to me about him. We have also noticed his strange behavior ever since this morning," Micky said with a sigh.              
"Well, there's nothing we can do but wait. Come on, our manager is already calling us," Jaejoong said as he quickly stood up.              

An hour after. . . . in the race track. . .              

"Fate, Fate, what's wrong with you? I've been calling you for more than five times now?" Michael asked with worry after lightly tapping Fate's shoulder to get her attention.              

Surprised, Fate immediately stared at Michael with a blank expression on her face. She had been thinking about Max and what had happened between them ever since she arrived at the race track.              

"What's wrong? Are you sick?" Michael asked again.              

Fate shook her head and tried to smile. "I'm okay," she replied. She then stood up and went straight to her car.              

Michael just stared at Fate as she slowly got into her car.              

Within minutes, Michael immediately followed and got into his own race car as well.              

Fate felt like her head was spinning. Somehow she couldn't think straight. All she could think of was what had happened between her and Max. And she was also concerned about the outcome of that incident.              

She let out a long sigh. Somehow she wanted to just forget about what was constantly playing in her mind and pretend that it never happened.  
          
"Fate, are you sure that you can drive?" Michael asked again through the built in communication system in her car.              

"I'm all right. I'm good to go," she replied as she slowly started her car.               "Okay. We will be having a twelve lap race," Michael uttered.              

Minutes passed . . . and the practice for the race started.              

"Will he call me? What have I done? I'm so stupid. Why did I say those things to him. He might be thinking that what happened between us means nothing to me. I am so so stupid. Should I call him? What if he doesn't answer my call? Will he start avoiding me now? What will I do if he suddenly decides to break it off with me? Should I tell my problem to Michael? Will Michael understand? I know he will get mad when he finds about that I already gave myself to Max. Oh god! What should I do now?" the words just kept on repeating in Fate's mind.              
"Fate! Fate! Fate! You're going the wrong way! You're going to hit the wall . . . FATE!" Michael shouted at the top of his lungs.              

Fate instantly realized what was going on. Her instincts immediately took over. She was able to control her car and stop it before she hit the wall.               Fate's heart was pounding fast and very hard. It was like she couldn't breathe. She was still trying to catch her breath when Michael and her other team members came rushing to her car.              

"Fate, are you all right?" Michael asked with fear in his eyes. His face was very pale. He actually thought that he was going to lose her forever.              

"I . . . I'm fine. Don't worry," she tried to utter even though her entire body was still shaking from fear.              

Some of Fate's team members assisted her in getting out of her car.               And as soon as she was out, Michael immediately grabbed her arm and started to drag her out of the race track.              

"Michael, you're hurting me. Let me go please. Where are you taking me?" Fate cried out.              

All the people in the race track just watched as Michael dragged Fate. They had never seen him get angry before. All of them knew that both Fate and Michael had a special relationship, so they didn't want to interfere. And besides, they all thought that Fate really needed a good lecturing from Michael. She could have been hurt badly. Good thing that she was really such a good driver that she was able to avoid the accident.              

"Poor Fate, I think she's really going to get it now," a staff member said to another man.              

"Well, she should have been careful. Imagine trying to drive, when she's not herself. Now that is bad," the other man uttered.              

Some of the men just shook their heads in disapproval of what Fate had done. They never imagined that she could be so careless.              

Michael's heart was beating very fast. Somehow he didn't know what to do and how to react. He was still shaking in fear because he had actually thought that Fate was going to get hurt.              

As soon as they reached Michael's car in the parking lot, he then slowly released her.              

Fate looked at him, with fear in her eyes. She had never seen him become so violent with her. So she knew that he was really upset.              

"Michael, I. . .I'm sorry," she tried to utter.              

And after hearing those words, Michael immediately embraced her. His embrace was so tight that somehow she couldn't breathe.              

Fate was surprised. She couldn't understand the sudden change in Michael's attitude towards her.              

"I'm sorry. I know I was careless," she tried to say.              

"Ssshhh, you don't have to say anything. I am just thankful that you're not hurt. Do you know how scared I was when I saw your car running towards the wall?" Michael said with a quivering voice.              

"I'm sorry. . .I was sort of distracted I guess," she tried to explain.
              
Michael looked at Fate. It was only then that she realized that he was crying.              
"Michael, why are you crying?" she asked with concern in her eyes.                        
He gently cupped her face. "Do you know. . . as I watched your car run towards the wall . . . I was thinking if I could only trade places with you. I would do it without any hesitation. I was so scared that . . . I was going to lose you forever," he said with so much emotions visible in his eyes.              

Fate stared deeply into his eyes. "Michael," she uttered. She didn't understand the emotions that she was seeing in his eyes. She knew what it was, but she just didn't want to believe it.              

Michael tightly held Fate once again. This time his embrace was giving her such an unfamiliar feeling. It was a feeling that she didn't want to recognize. She could feel his tears as it slowly fell down on her shoulder.              

"Michael, I'm all right. Please . . . ," she tried to say.              

"I thought I had lost you Fate. . . . I don't know what I would have done if something bad happened to you," he said softly while trying to control himself from crying.              

Fate's heart was deeply touched with his words and his actions. She slowly returned his embrace. "Thank you, Michael. At least, I know . . . someone . . . actually cares for me," she said after remembering Max again.              

Michael quickly faced Fate again. "Fate, I think it is about time . . . that I tell you something. . . something very important," he said bravely.              

Fate stared at her friend. "Michael, what is it?"              

"I . . . I love you Fate," he had finally told the truth.              

"Michael?" was all she could utter.              

"I had been in love with you for years now. All this time, I was hoping that you would actually see me as a man. A man who can love you and take care of you, and not only as a friend. I had been waiting for the right time to tell you all the things hidden in my heart. But I never found the right time. And today, after that accident. . . it was then that I realized that I shouldn't have waited so long. I don't want to lose the chance to say that I love you . . . so I am saying it now. . . I love you Fate. . . with all my heart," he finally confessed.              

Fate tried to act calm. But deep inside, her heart and mind were already going in different directions. She was totally confused. She was already involved with Max. But she didn't want to lose Michael either. Somehow she felt guilty that she was being greedy. But she was confused with her own emotions.              

"I. . . I'm really confused. I don't know what to say," she uttered.              

"Then don't say anything. I don't care if you're in another man's arms, as long as I know you're happy . . . and safe," he said with sadness in his voice. He then gently kissed her on her forehead. "I love you. . . with no conditions." And without any hesitations, he slowly lowered his head and gave Fate the kiss that he had been wanting to give her for a very long time now.              

Fate was stunned. Her whole body had suddenly become frozen. She just stood like a statue as Michael kissed her. Both her mind and her heart were already numb. She knew she loved Max, but she didn't want to hurt Michael. So she just allowed him to kiss her.              

As Michael held Fate in his arms, a pair of eyes were already blurring with tears. Max slowly turned away from the sight that was hurting him deeply. He had decided to come to the race track to have a talk with Fate. But he never expected what he would find there.              

"And I actually believed that you loved me," were the words that kept on repeating in his head as he quickly left. Somehow all the words that he had tried to find and had been wanting to say suddenly vanished, as a growing feeling of hate and anger appeared.