almost paradiseee~

Another bright, sunny morning.

Another day to live.

But today is different from all those other days because…

today is MY birthday.

On this day, 19 years ago, I, Lee Hanbyul, graced this world with my existence.

I admit, that sounded a bit conceited but hey, I’m happy, you can’t blame me.

Strange... the devil isn’t here to jump on me to wake me up.

I wonder where she is…

Sitting up, I looked at the calendar just to make sure it was my birthday and it was.

dining room -----xx

“Morning.” Chihoon oppa said once I walked in.

“Where’s umma and appa?” I said looking around as one of the maids seated me while another came in with my breakfast.

“What do you mean where are they? They’re not back from their business trip yet. One week, remember?” Chihoon said in an are-you-alright voice.

“What about the devil?” I looked under the table just in case she decided to jump out at me.

“Sora went out with Mike and she’ll be back late.”

“Huh? Mike?” what? She’s not home??

“Mike Kim? You know, her boyfriend?” Chihoon was obviously getting annoyed.

“Oh… okay. Don’t you have something to say to me?” I asked with twinkles in my eyes.

“Oh yeah! You just reminded me!...” finally, he remembers! I hope he remembered my present too.

“…Your puppy peed on my paper so you owe me an essay!” I’m speechless. My flame of hope was cruelly put out by Chihoon’s outburst.

“Is there nothing else?” I asked him in an annoyed tone.

“Oh yeah, I’ll be going out today so please don’t let your puppy into my room. Bye~” Chihoon stood up and walked out of the kitchen.

Some big brother he is. He and the devil, I thought they’ll be the ones to never forget my birthday but look at this! They won’t get any presents from me on their birthday starting from today! Evil bunch of… things.

I took out my phone and called Seunghyun. I bet he’ll remember my birthday. He has to… right?

“Hello? Seunghyun is busy practicing with the band right now. Do you want to leave a message?” I heard his manager’s voice coming from the other line.

“Hi manager-shi. It’s Byul, can I please speak to Seunghyun?”

“Hello? Byul? Hey, what’s up wifey?” Seunghyun’s cheerful voice could be heard.

“What day is today? ^^” I asked.

“Today? Hm, it’s Saturday. The day of our mini concert. Why?” there was a hint of curiosity in Seunghyun’s voice.

“Oh… okay… I have to go now. Bye…” I hung up after I said that.

Even my boyfriend doesn’t remember my birthday. I know he’s busy and all with FT Island and they are famous and all but… aish… I don’t know. It’s my first birthday since he became my boyfriend. How can he forget it…?

I know… this must be like those dramas. Your family and friends act like they forget your birthday but they’re actually planning a giant surprise for you. Yeah, that must be what’s happening. No way they’ll really forget my birthday!

To prove it, I shall call the little devil and ask her where she is. Then I’ll go there and see if she’s there. If she’s not, it means they’re planning someone for me! Brilliant plan right there! I quickly took out my phone from my pocket and entered the devil’s phone number.

“Yes unni?” the devil asked once she picked up.

“Where are you right now?” I asked her.

“Hmm? Why? I’m at the park. YAH! WAIT UP YOU HATER!” I took the phone away from my ear when Sora started screaming.

“Okay then. Have fun, neh? ^^” I hung up before she could say anything. Alright, to the park I go!

at the park

I looked around the park through my shades. It sure was a hot day today, I wish I took my sunhat with me. I made one round around the park and decided to sit on the bench beside the pond. Still no sight of the devil, I was right. Hehe.

I picked up some pebbles and threw them into the pond and watched the fishes swim away. I heard a shout followed by heavy footsteps that sounded like running coming towards me. Then, from a huge bush not far away from me, a guy jumped out. He was wearing a pair of short dark grey cargo pants, a white baby milo t-shirt and a white cap. Right after him, a girl wearing a white mickey mouse short sleeved hoodie and a pair of short black pants jumped out.

When the guy looked up, I found him very familiar looking. He had a playful grin on his face. He ran away after he landed on the ground. The girl however, I didn’t get to see her face yet. The cap on her hip caught my attention. Only one person in the whole wide world had that custom made hat and I was the one who gave it to her.

“YAH DEVIL!” I shouted and she lost her balance then fell flat on her butt.

“I blame you for my butt hurting.” she said to me and continued sitting on the grass.

“You okay?” the guy from before came up to her.

“Joohyun! Still remember my unni?” she asked and pointed at me.

No wonder the guy looked familiar, he was Mike, the devil’s boyfriend also known to me as THE devil. Although I’ve only seen him once or twice, he left quite a deep impression on me. Why? Because like the devil, THE devil is also evil. That’s why they make such a great couple. He’s 17 and she’s 15 but who cares about age when you found someone you’re absolutely compatible with?

“Oh. The one that tripped and fell into the pool when we were at the water park? Of course I remember her, how can I not?” this is why he’s evil.

“YEAH! HAHAHA! I ALMOST FORGOT THAT! HAHAHAHA.” completely forgetting that I was there, those two laughed on and on.

“Oh yeah, I’m really funny, aren’t I?” I asked and rolled my eyes.

“Aww. Don’t get mad. Let’s go somewhere.” Sora took my arm while trying to hide her laughter. Jerk.

We arrived at a crepe café. Sora opened the door for me and the 3 of us went in. We sat at a table by the window. I ordered a strawberry crepe and a strawberry milkshake then looked out of the window. There seemed to be so many couples out today. I miss my Seunghyunnie… Sigh… I guess no surprise for me. Everyone really forgot my birthday this year…

“Aren’t you going to eat?” Sora asked me and pointed at my crepe. I didn’t even know it was already here…

“I am.” I answered her.

“What’s wrong?” there was concern written all over her face.

“Nothing.” I gave her a smile.

“Oh… okay.” She said and ate her crepe while playfully poking Mike. He gave her a frown and poked her back. Then, a poking contest started between those two. Sigh… happy couples…

“Unni, you look kinda weird today.” Sora pointed out.

“What do you mean by that, huh?” I glared at her.

“I mean like… you look upset.” WHO WOULDN’T BE IF THEIR FAMILY AND BOYFRIEND FORGOT THEIR BIRTHDAY?!

“No. I don’t. Your eyes must be having problems. -.-“ I said to her.

“Let’s go somewhere after this.” Mike looked up from playing with his fork.

“Water park?!” I could see twinkles in Sora’s eyes. Wait, what did she say? -.-

“NO! NEVER! NO WATERPARK!” I shouted and caught the attention of the other customers.

“Aww!” the two devils pouted.

“Pouting ain’t gonna get you nowhere, my children.” they stopped pouting and just continued doing random stuff.

“This is the first time the amazing Mike didn’t get his way.” Mike said. Amazing? -.-

“Suck it up, Joohyun. Unni’s just a spoiler like that, you need to get used to it.” Sora told him while patting his head.

“You also can’t get your way like this. I’m already immune to your insults, my dear little sister.” I smiled sweetly at her.

“I know. ^^ I just like insulting you. And I thought of a place to go. No water park, I promise.” Sora smiled.

----------------------------------xx

“Why are we here?” I asked and looked around.

Apparently, those two over there decided to bring me to some huge toyshop. Now, we were standing at the entrance, about to go in. It’s a toyshop… with little kids… and kiddy toys… -.- I’d feel so humiliated if I stepped in that place.

“Not coming in?” Sora asked while Mike held the door open for her so she could talk to me.

“It’s alright, you guys go in first.” -_-ll

“Suit yourself. Have fun out there unni!” yeah, it’s so fun out here, woohoo…

I sighed and sat on the bench nearby. This is the worst birthday ever. Not only is my birthday forgotten, I also got dragged to the most random places. I noticed glances from some passer-bys. Yeah, I probably look like some girl who just lost her soul right now.

“Squeeze out all those tears that are soaking your heart.” a male voice said.

“Huh?” I looked beside me.

He was a boy who looked around 18 years old. He had a very cute face and on his face was a playful smile. He put aside the brown hair that poked his eyes and gave me a peace sign when I smiled at him.

“When you’re sad, you should cry. Would you like to tell me why you’re sad? ^^”

“Well, everyone forgot my birthday… even my little sister who was always the first to greet me every year. Haha, she would always barge into my room at exactly 12 am on the day of my birthday and shouted happy birthday, not caring if I was sleeping or not.” I smiled at the memory.

“Oh? Happy birthday! Come on. I’m gonna buy you a present!” he stood up and grabbed my wrist. Then, he dragged me across the street to a store selling pretty dresses.

“Choose something you like, birthday girl! Anything! ^^” this boy sounded so cheerful.

We walked around the store and examined all the dresses there. Finally, I picked a pastel pink sundress. The edges of the dress were delicately embroidered with pretty white lace and there was a strip of white ribbon around the waist that could be tied into a pretty ribbon at the back.

“Go put it on. I bet it’ll look good on you!” the boy said and pushed me into the changing room.

When I came out wearing the sundress, the boy was at the counter, paying for my dress. I looked at the huge amount of money he handed to the cashier. I looked at the boy’s attire, well, he looked rich too. Wow, some random stranger just bought me an expensive dress for my birthday. Not only that, he’s the first one to give me a birthday present this year, and he’ll probably be the only one.

“Thanks for the dress.” I thanked him.

“You’re welcome! Be happy now, okay? ^^” he smiled cheerfully.

“Okay!” I told him although I knew I couldn’t be happy.

Once we stepped out of the dress store, two pair of hands grabbed my arms and started running. Thinking it was Sora and Mike, I just scolded them but when I turned around to look at them, I was shocked. They were two men who were wearing facemasks. They’re kidnapping me!

“HEY! GIVE HER BACK!” I heard the boy and Sora shout followed by footsteps.

Sora was the one who was closest to us. I wasn’t surprised because that devil is like lightning, she never lost a race. BUT HEY! I’M BEING FCKING KIDNAPPED SO WHO CARES ABOUT THAT?! Mike threw a shoe at the abductor on my left but the shoe hit me instead. I bet he’s enjoying this. That basturd.

Before I knew it, I was pushed into a black car. The car quickly sped off. I turned around to see the three of them still running after us. SAVE ME! T_T The abductors tied up on arms and legs.

“WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?!” I shouted.

“Because, your father pissed the boss off so we’re kidnapping you since you’re the easiest one out of his 3 children.”

Mommy, I regret firing all those self defense trainers you hired for me… Sora and Chihoon, I’m sorry I called you guys stupid when you guys tried to teach me how to fight but I’m still not sorry for the time you guys ambushed me and sat on me just to make me fight back.

“Fck you.” I said to them and started to cry.

They brought me to some abandoned factory beside a forest. I wonder what’s going to happen to me. There’s a chance that I might die here! Why?! Why on my birthday too?! I’ve been a good girl so why me? Why why why?! The abductors unmasked themselves and let me tell you, I was pretty shocked when I saw their face. They were amazingly good looking and here I was thinking they’d be a bunch of ugly buttfaces.

“I know I’m very good looking but please stop gawking at me.” the one nearest to me winked and grinned at me.

“Pssh. Who would want to gawk over an ugly butt like you.” I said and rolled my eyes.

“Oh, I’m ugly? Really?” he came up to me and lifted my chin up.

“Yah you, stop flirting with her. Remember, boss’s order to dispose of her as soon as possible.” the other one said. DISPOSE?!

“Can’t I have a little fun with her before we do that? I should at least let her have a good time before she dies. Heck, she probably doesn’t want to die a virgin.” Seunghyun… save me...T_T

“Sure sure.” the other guy finally agree and left the room.

“I’ll be right back for you, my dear.” with that and a smirk on his face, he left me inside the room alone.

I was on the verge of breaking down and crying when I heard a sound coming from behind me. I turned around to see the cheerful boy from before climbing in from the window. I started crying out of happiness. I’m not going to die! I’m not going to die!

“I’m here to save you. ^^” he said and untied the ropes.

“Where is my sister and the guy with her?” I asked him after wiping away my tears.

“Distracting the kidnappers. Quick, let’s get out of here.” he grabbed onto my wrist and started running out of the factory and into the forest.

“YOU STUPID FCKER!” I heard Sora’s voice coming from somewhere inside the forest.

“Heh, you’re dead, little girl.” BAM. My heart stopped when I heard the sound of a gun going off.

“NO! SORA! DON’T DIE.” I broke down after hearing what Mike shouted. BAM.

They’re… dead… my sister… she’s dead. I collapsed onto the ground and started crying. Cheerful boy crouched down beside me and waited for me to stop crying a little.

“I’m sorry. But, we have to keep on going. We can’t do anything about your little sister and her friend anymore. Let’s get out safely for now and we’ll get revenge on them, okay?” he patted my head and pulled me up.

“Give up! You can’t escape us. Haha.” I looked up to see two guns being pointed at me and cheerful boy.

“YOU TWO ARE GOING TO PAY!” I pointed at them with a trembling finger. Trembling, not because I was scared, but because I was enraged.

“We only have one thing to say to you… hehe…” one of them said and spitted onto the ground.

“JUST SPIT IT OUT! WE’RE NOT SCARED OF YOU!” cheerful boy shouted at him.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” the two abductors shouted together happily then started laughing.

What? Happy birthday? What the hell? I looked at cheerful boy to see if he understood what was going on but there he was, his tensed expression from before completely disappeared and he was smiling at me. He stood up and walked over to the abductors.

“You guys were great, man!” he slapped one of them on the back and they started laughing along with them.

“What’s going on?” I asked. Seriously… I have no fcking idea…

“Let’s go.” the abductor who wanted to have “fun” with me offered his hand and helped me stand up.

They led me deeper into the forest and it was then that I noticed that there was a huge pathway there. What type of forest is this? There were pretty victorian-like lamp posts lined along both sides of the pathway.

“UNNI! HI!” Sora shouted when we reached our destination.

“LITTLE DEVIL!! T_T” I ran towards her with opened arms and hugged her tightly.

“YOU’RE KILLING ME!” she shouted and I smacked her head really hard.

“OWW! WHAT THE HELL’S WRONG WITH YOU?!” she shouted again.

“WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME?! WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU!? YOU GUYS PLANNED THIS ALL JUST TO KILL ME?! I ALMOST GOT A FREAKING HEART ATTACK FROM ALL OF THAT!” I shouted and stomped onto the ground.

Suddenly, a pair of warm arms enveloped me from behind. The familiar scent of that specific cologne filled my nostrils. When Seunghyun let go, I turned around and looked at him.

“Happy birthday wifey.” he said.

It was then I noticed that the place we were at was beautiful. It was an empty space in the middle of the forest. A small stage was built at the side. There were quaint little tables and chairs around the place. The tree trunks were loosely wrapped with pretty pink ribbons. White and pink ribbons along with heart shaped lights were hung along the trees. Paper lanterns could be found scattered on the floor and hanging from the branches of the trees.

The place was filled with my family and friends. They were all smiling and laughing at the scene caused by me and the devil. Not far away from the buffet table, was a table filled with presents on top. I started tearing up. They went to all this trouble for me.

“Yeah, you better be happy. It was hard keeping all of this from you. Man, Mike and I had to run to the park right after you called me this morning. -.-“ Sora said to me and I smacked her in the head again.

“You devil. T_T” she just smiled at me when I said that. I noticed that she already had a change of clothes. She was now wearing a short sleeved collar shirt with a red plaid tie and a red plaid skirt.

“Hey Byul, you still owe me an essay by the way.” Chihoon said and put his arm on my shoulder.

“Haha! Joking, joking.” he said after I glared at him.

“Umma and appa are here!” Sora said and ran over to them.

“Happy birthday, dear!” umma and appa hugged me.

Not long after that, the party started. Music was played and we started eating. My friends all greeted me. The sound of talking and laughing could be heard throughout the party. The abductors and cheerful boy were at the party too. I later found out that cheerful boy and one of the abductors were actually Mike’s brothers while the other abductor was Chihoon’s best friend (no wonder he looked so familiar -.-)!

“Hey birthday girl. You know, your expressions were so priceless just now! Haha.” cheerful boy said to me and started laughing. Okay, now I can see the family resemblance. -.- Not only did he look a bit like Mike, he also acts like him!

I felt so happy that my birthday wasn’t forgotten. I was so upset just now, but I guess it was well worth it. Now, I was dancing under the moonlight with my wonderful Seunghyunnie. That smile never left his face the whole day.

“Hubby, I thought you said you had a concert today.” I looked up at him.

“Yeah, I do. A very special one. ^^” he said and suddenly, the sky was filled with bright lights. Fireworks!

I watched the firework display in awe with Seunghyun. They were so pretty! Pink hearts, sparkles, oh-so pretty!

as long as I’m with you, I can’t go wrong~ oh baby what chu do to me? you’re the onee~

I turned my attention to the small stage and noticed that Seunghyun wasn’t beside me anymore but was on stage with the rest of FT Island. So this was what he meant by a very special concert. Today, was the most amazing day ever. I took my time to enjoy the song Seunghyun was singing.

“Hey unni…”

“Hmm?”

“Happy Birthday! ^^” Sora hugged me.

“Hehe, thanks!”

“Make babies.” me and Sora looked at Chihoon as he nodded.

“OMG! WTF CHIHOON!” I shouted at him.

“What? You’re legal, aren’t you? Pssh, you’re like, 19 now so what’s wrong with that?” Chihoon crossed his arms.

“So what?! And Seunghyun’s not legal yet so take that!” I shouted.

“So you’re saying that if Seunghyun was, you’ll give me a nephew or niece?” Sora asked and hid behind Mike.

“Not you too. -.-“ I turned to her.

“Joohyun baby! Save me! She’s glaring at me! T_T” she grabbed onto Mike.

“Actually, I don’t mind. Hehe.”

“SEUNGHYUN!” I pouted at him.

“We don’t mind either. ^^” Umma said.

Aish, these people… -.-

“Yeah, then name him Hongki!” we all turned to look at Hongki with sweat drops.

“What? It was just a suggestion.” he pouted.