We are One...For You

You woke up to the sound of an imaginary rooster crowing. You rubbed your messed up hair. It was indeed another day. Yet, something feels a little off. It was the same usual morning, yet it feels different. You tried recollecting the memories of yesterday. Making cut out flowers, being ‘kidnapped’ inside a black car, shopping clothes. Wait, shopping clothes? Oh, right. You did that because summer dance was the day after that. Oh no! Summer Dance. It was today! You quickly got up and looked at the calendar to make sure it was indeed the day. And no mistake, it was indeed the day of the dance. You mentally face palmed because of your stupidity.

*RING*RING*RING*

Your phone rang. You were very surprised since you’ve never received calls this early in the morning. Not even bothering to look at the screen to know who called, you took the device and drew it to your ear.

“Hello?”

“MORNING SHIN HEEEEEEE!” your ears almost bursted from the voices that came out from the thing. It was all a chorus of the voices you hear on almost every day of your life, so no doubt it was from Exo.

“What the heck?! Guys?!” you shouted back. “Who calls this early?” you demanded an explanation.

“We just want to know if you’re ready for later night?” one voice, which was hard to guess whose, spoke on the phone. You frowned. You weren’t even ready in the slightest way. Well except for the dress and all, but still you weren’t ready to face what was to come.

“Yeah.” You said with a hint of sarcasm.

“Great!” Chanyeol’s cheerful voice replied. “Were gonna pick you up later at 6:15.”
“We are all looking forward with your dance with us.” Another one added.

You snickered. You just remembered that you agreed to save a dance with each and one of them. It was the best choice possible rather than letting them quarrel about it.

“Yeah ok.” And you ended the call immediately without even their consent. You threw yourself back to bed. A lot of things are just in your mind right now and it’s taking long to process. You sighed. ‘I just want to get this over with.’

A FEW HOURS LATER

It was already 4:45 and you still haven’t even got ready. For the past few hours you’ve only been ‘slacking’ off inside the house. You were just too nervous to even look at the outfit. The endless nagging of your mother didn’t help at all. So nevertheless you just waited until the time comes. And so it did.

You were already facing your bathroom’s mirror thinking of what to do with your hair. ‘Should I tie it? Braids? Or buns?’ You were absolutely confused. But in the end, you decided to let it be, since remembering the times the guys would always take of whatever is on your hair. Cause they really like it more that way. Next, makeup. You weren’t really a fan of putting colours in your faces like your other classmates, but since tonight was a special night, you decided to add a little colour to at least enhance your features. And finally, the outfit. Fortunately, you were already ‘brave’ enough to face the whole thing. Though a bit anxious and nervous, you still ended up wearing the whole thing anyways. And that’s it, you were done.

“Honey, come out now so we can see you.” Your mom knocked on the door. You took a deep breath and slowly turned the hinge to unlock it. An unfamiliar expression masked your umma’s face.

“Oh my god!” she held your hand tight and looked on you head to toe. “You look amazing!” she complimented, which made a smile form on the corner of your lips. It was really rare for times like these to happen.

“Thanks.” You smiled. The two of you slowly went down the stairs, your mom being the overacting mother that she is, made you go down in a turtle’s pace.

“Hon, look.” She called out your appa who was, as usual, busy reading the newspaper. “Doesn’t your daughter look amazing?”

You froze. It was during times like this when your father finally realizes he has an existing daughter. Heck, he barely even notices you. Even in the morning, when you greet him at night and even during meals. He has completely forgotten your existence, all he do is work, work and work. You even think the content of those gray papers are far more important than his own daughter. All you want is for him to notice you even for just a second, to be reminded that you were still there and you needed his love and appreciation. You turned your direction to the man who was in front of you to see his reaction.

“You look good.” He said neutrally and went back to reading the papers. Instead of getting disappointed, you kind of felt light-hearted by his words. To be honest, you saw a hint of amazement in his eyes. It was already enough for him to do that. AT least you know that he still acknowledges your presence.

*DING DONG*DING DONG*
The ring of the doorbell caught your attention. You turned your head to look at the time: 6:10. You smiled. The guys are finally here.

-EXO’S POV-

Kris rang the doorbell of the house in front of him. 10 other guys were behind him, dressed fancily with their tuxedos. They all wore different colours since it was indeed a summer dance –meaning fresh and colourful. They have already been prepared since yesterday and the only thing left to do was get into those outfits and attend the event. Yes, they were that excited. Especially when they will get a chance to dance with the girl they have always admired. The taller male rang the doorbell again.

“Ah, Kris-hyung, be patient.” Kyungsoo scolded.

“Yeah. You’re just excited to see her.” Sehun teased which made Kris shot a death glare at him.

Then finally, much to their patience, the door opened to be greet by Shin Hee’s mother.

“Oh. Come in for a while. She’s still getting a few stuff.” her mom greetd and eventually let usin.

They waited for a while in the living room and amused themselves as much as they can. Reality, they were just too excited to see her that they got nervous. They have been waiting for this time to come. After 5 minutes of waiting, they heard light footsteps heading their way. Expecting it to be their mom again, they quickly stood up and tidied themselves up. But instead, a mesmerizing sight appeared before their very eyes.

It was her again. But this time she was even more beautiful than they thought she would be. They expected something amazing, but not as this amazing. They don’t even know where to start looking. She was wearing a heeled light green floral sandals. A gold spaghetti-strapped dress which was in different shades of translucent light green, printed with light-coloured flowers reached to her knees. Her face was slightly coloured with pastel shades, which was simple yet pretty. And her dark hair reached to half of her back and was adorned with a flower crown. She looked stunning in every angle they looked at her. They stood there jaw-dropped for a few seconds. And fortunately, the girl broke the silence which made them snap out of their thoughts.

“It’s rude to stare.” She crossed her arms and looked at them. They were still trying to recover from the angelic thing that they saw.

“Uh, uhm…Come on. Let’s g-go.” Suho stuttered and lightly shoved the others outside.
Everyone headed outside to the car, as Shin Hee bade goodbye to her parents. Then followed by the girl, then went inside the limo. It was quiet once everyone was inside. Some were still taking a few glances and looking away at her and others were just completely staring, which gained an irritated expression from her.

“Can I just tell you, you look beautiful tonight?” Kai managed to say, even though on the inside he was regretting saying those words. But he just can’t hold it forever, can he?

“Why? Was I ugly the other days?” Shin Hee replied bluntly. Which made the others laugh at Kai.

“No seriously, you do.” Lay broke in and looked at the girl right in the eyes, which made the girl’s cheeks slightly turned pink.

“I’ve never seen anyone look good as you in those types of clothes.” Chanyeol said with a huge grin on his face. He was just so happy to see her that time.

“Thanks.” The girl replied, obviously flattered with the words.

“So…” Luhan interrupted before Chanyeol could take the girl for himself. “I hope we have a good evening.” The others nodded in agreement.

“And, don’t forget the dance you saved us.” Chen added, which made the girl smile and nod her head happily.
Then the car suddenly stopped on a place which was obviously not school. The girl creased her eyebrows in curiosity. She looked outside the tainted window to see where it was. And no doubt, it was in front Xiumin’s house.


-YOUR POV-

It shocked you to know you stopped in the middle of nowhere. But it just ended up with Xiumin’s place. Apparently, the guys haven’t picked up their hyung yet. So when the car door opened, a shock-struck Minseok met you all. You looked at him puzzled.

“You okay there?” you asked worried.

“Uhm… I – you, uh…YEAH.” He had a hard time finding his words there. You just looked at him as he entered the limousine. The car already started moving but the other guys however, just laughed at their hyung.

“Umin-hyung. We know what you feel.” Tao who was beside him tapped the older one’s shoulders. You raised an eyebrow.

It was just hard to understand these guys. Yes, they may look stunning and professional in their sleek, glossy suits, yet in reality they were like little kids who just get along in the most random things ever. Like right now, they all seem so happy talking about things. You didn’t even know how you could deserve people like them. Sometimes, you just wish you could find out how they could be like this. All so happy and awesome. They were all perfect in your eyes.

“-is that alright for you Shin Hee?” Baekhyun asked which made you snap out of your thoughts. Not even having a single clue of what they said, you just decided to nod and agree with whatever they said. ‘Hope it wasn’t important.’ You hoped.

The car stopped which marked the arrival at your school. Everyone inside the car started cheering. They were just expecting this night to be worth it. The guys encouraged you to go out first.

You looked outside to see what everything looked like. A gold carpet was by the gate leading all the way to the huge hall room in front. Loud music was heard that came from the speakers displayed outside the room. Lanterns glowed and illuminated the way, with white lilies hanging in ropes. Flowers of different kinds were potted along the carpet. It totally gave of the feeling of summer. A lot of people were outside the hall room greeting and admiring each other.

You gulped in fear. The intense atmosphere just made you feel nervous and frustrated. Small beads of sweat came out from your hands that were shaking, as so as were your legs. But nevertheless, taking one last breath you slowly opened the door. And fortunately got out safely. As soon as you did, pairs of eyes began fixing itself to you. The noise you formerly heard was replaced with complete silence, that only the music can be heard. You looked down in embarrassment, you’ve never caught so much attention as this. But nonetheless, you continued walking forward. Slowly that is, afraid of tripping and humiliating yourself in public.

“Well, well. Look who we have here.” A familiar yet unwelcoming voice greeted you. It was none other than Hyun-ok. Eyeing her from head to toe, you just couldn’t believe what she was wearing. A black crossed-strap fitting dress, which revealed most of her back and reached above her knees. Her face was completely covered in bright thick make-up. It was almost as if she was the villain in the wonderland she just attended.

“Hey! I don’t know what you did but you stay away from Exo, cuz they don’t like you.” He pushed you lightly and good thing it wasn’t enough to make you fall. You just rolled your eyes at her. Anything you would say wouldn’t even be worth it if it was for her.

“OH MY GOD! LOOK HYUN-OK, EXO!” Soon-bok who was behind her squealed and pointed at the group of guys who just got out from the vehicle. Hyun-ok didn’t think twice and ran to them.
As soon as she did, tonnes of other girls came flocking at the guys taking pictures and satisfying their eyes with their charms. ‘Huh, if they only knew.’ You sighed and ignored the commotion happening. You fixed your attention to the hall room in front of you. It was filled with a lively and summery atmosphere. Exactly the theme.

“This is gonna be a long night.” You said to yourself.

Seeing the guys being distracted, you took the chance and headed to the hall room alone where the event will happen. And once you entered the outside was nothing.

The hall room was very majestic. Paper flower streams and banners sparkled. Chairs and tables were covered in cloth of different shades of sunset colours. A buffet of food was across, serving succulent food. Light electronic music was being played. The atmosphere gave off the feeling of fresh, vivid and lively, much to your pleasure. ‘Everyone did prepare for this.’

“Attention students we will now begin the program.” A faculty member announced from inside the hall.

The students swooned inside upon hearing. You quickly looked around to find someplace to sit, before everyone takes it. Luckily, you found an empty table for 2. You headed to the spot and seated yourself. As soon as you did, you saw Exo enter, their heads looking around for someone -hopefully not you. You mentally panicked and lowered your head so they won’t see you. Fortunately, your table was at the farthest end of the hall. Finally they gave up and just find themselves a seat. ‘That was close.’ You sighed.

The program started. It was just like the usual program you would see in events. Announcements, a few performances and the usual boring speeches. You just ignored them and just rested your chin on your palm. Now you were regretting why you even attended the thing.

“I shouldn’t have done this.” You groaned.

“And now, we have a video to share with you, about another year of the academy.” The Emcee announced and played a video which was projected on the huge screen in front of the stage. It began with a really light music, then flashed pictures and memorable videos of the freshmen, which gained cheers and laughter from the group of freshmen. ‘Oh I see where this is going.’ You snickered. But bored and have nothing to amuse yourself with, you had no choice but at least watch the video for some little entertainment.

The video had been flashing pictures of the freshmen. You can’t help but grow a smile on the corner of your lips. It had been a fun year for them, but not for you. It has always been lonely and miserable. You heard the screaming and cheering of your batch mates, which marked that the moments of sophomores are now on show. And that’s when it hit you.

Photos of the different classes were there. From the class photos of Classes 1,2, and 3. A picture of Exo eating on the cafeteria earned squeals from the girls. They had always been the point of view of the batch, as the school kingkas. Your classmates doing the research. It shocked you to see a selca of Tao with you and the others doing research at your house being viewed. It reminded you of the stupid things that happened that night. Luhan and Sehun playing soccer was there too. You softly giggled at the thought of Sehun always hitting you with the ball. Then a picture of the Exo boys in Class 3 was also there. Now you smiled.

You were never alone. You had these people with you all along. They were the ones who made you experience an entirely different school life. It was them all along –and you never noticed it. They were the ones who hurted, yet comforted you. They taught you to fight the pain from the inside. It has always been them, and you never got the chance to repay them with the things they made you experience.

The video ended. And at the same time your heart stopped. Never in your life had you experienced so many new things in very different aspect. You looked around. These were the people who completed your school year. You caught a glimpse of Exo sitting on the longest table in the house. They were all there. Laughing and smiling. Those warm laughter that never failed to brighten you up. All in there elegant suits, they looked very stunning and charming. You ended up looking at them for a few moments or so, when Chanyeol looked in your direction and saw you.

He began grabbing the other guy’s attention and pointed at your direction. You were so caught up with your thoughts that you just realized it now. You mentally panicked.
“Ehem.” The emcee coughed, which caught the attention of every person downstage including the guy’s. “Ok. The time you’ve been waiting for… Let the dance begin.”

Notes