Waking up was a chore today it seemed. Her eyes just wanted to close again as she forced them open long enough to take a shower. Sadly, even the water couldn't help the lingering tiredness. Now she needed to eat something for breakfast before it got too late. It was already 11 in the morning!
"Hey, Lotus!"
Who would be here at 11? On a day they had nothing to do on? There were better places to waste time at, one not being her house.
She paused mid-step out of her room, appearing as if she were a deer in headlights. Kenny stood near the front door with Ha-sun and Jackson. Finally, she noticed Jake standing near his brother staring at an open book in his hands that she couldn't see the cover of. But he soon looked up and gave her a polite smile and wave which she ungracefully returned.
If she knew Chance's friends were going to be there, she would've stayed in her room. Then again, she couldn't exactly do that today of all days.
"How are you feeling?" Kenny questioned her as she picked at the hem of her sweater.
"I'm feeling fine." She looked down at the ball that Ha-sun was carrying, "Are you guys going to play soccer again?"
"Yeah, we're taking this chance to play! You know, once we go back to school, we'll probably have to stop for a while."
They didn't necessarily have to stop if they weren't doing anything bad to take up their time...but they were doing bad things in their spare time. Even then, they still had time to play so it always confused her when they didn't. Even if they didn't have a huge group to properly play soccer, it barely made a difference.
Hold up, why did Chance always play soccer anyway? Didn't he like basketball or something?
"I didn't know he likes playing that..." She murmured.
"I thought it was pretty obvious," Jake said.
"Hell yeah, we're going to become some of the best players, I just know it." Kenny commented, "Your brother's pretty good, you know."
"He is?" She rose a brow in denial.
"Pft, he's not the best though."
Jake's debonair statement didn't get a negative reaction. Kenny only shook his head in half-hearted disapproval.
"He's just joking around," The older boy dismissed, "You should join us again today. I'll be sure to give him some competition, haha!"
Lotus faltered at the invite. Yeah, she still felt gauche around Kenny and Jake, even more so around the other two who were currently talking about some sunstargram models. And even if she felt like she could have a literal breakdown if she went with them, she had plans. Very important plans that had made her so tired in the first place.
"You should! I brought my Two Piece volume one today just in case you decided to tag along." Jake added, holding up the book.
"...I'll go." She said and stared down at her clothes. She wasn't planning on going out today so she just threw on her sweater and a pair of her bunny pyjama shorts. There was no way she was going out looking like this.
"Let me just—" She backed into her room and before shutting the door, finished what she was saying, "–change."
It didn't take too long. She just changed her bottoms and made sure to brush her hair out because, again, there was no way she was leaving with a nappy head.
When she stepped out of her room, she instantly felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Cautiously, she looked towards the group of boys to see Chance's lethal glare. She could pee herself just by looking at it.
Forcing back a spooked yelp, she scurried over to Kenny who was unfortunately right beside her brother and her shoes near the door. Kinda awkward though.
"Let's go!" Jackson cheered yanking open the door and speeding out.
Lotus jumped as her hair was ruffled. "We better catch up to him," Kenny commented, "You think you can keep up with us this time?" Referring to her lagging behind the group the last time she joined them.
"Um...I guess." She murmured before glancing at Chance who was already out the door as she slipped on her shoes.
Why couldn't she have Kenny as her brother?
Life did seem to have something against her. It was hard not to feel envious of Jake when seeing Chance and Kenny in the same room. Yet somewhere in her stupidly stubborn heart, she knew she wouldn't want to trade brothers with Jake...unfortunately.
"What are you waiting for?" Jake asked as she stood near the door, peeking out at the boys who had already walked out.
"Nothing."
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Lotus didn't see the fun in watching people kick a ball around, even if they were warming up. She didn't even she the fun of kicking a ball as a regulated sport. Sometimes she wished she did so she didn't feel out of place in times like this.
Jake sat beside her, she looked at him with confusion. "You're not joining them?"
Earlier it sounded like he played, too. It would be funner to be with the other boys rather than to sit around and watch.
"I don't want to leave you right here all by yourself." He answered.
He held up the manga he brought along with a grin, "Plus, we can read this!"
How convincing.
Lotus blinked at the manga before almost tossing her fluffy bag to the side— thankfully she just hastily set it down, her phone is in there— and held out her hand whilst leaving a gap between them. "Can I please hold it?" She pleaded.
"Duh, you'll need to be able to see the pages." He said as he gladly handed it to her.
The girl way too eagerly opened it, taking time to admire the front pages. There was something about physical copies of manga that was so enticing. The same could be said about non-graphic books, too. She loved them all the same!
Before starting the pages that began the Two Piece journey, she glanced over to Jake. He was focused on watching the other boys warm up. He didn't look bored, but she couldn't help but feel bad about him sitting here just for her without anything to do.
"Um...Uh..."
Her struggle for words had caught his attention, directing his gaze to her.
"Do you want to read it with me?" She finally asked before anxiously rambling, "I know you've probably read this one so many times by now but I don't think it's fun to sit around doing nothing while someone else just reads your manga and you have nothing to do so—"
"—Sure." He cut her off, scooting closer.
As he situated himself close enough for the both of them to see the pages of the manga, Lotus waited to read, only doing so when he started.
It wasn't much of a hassle reading from the same book like she thought it would be. It was pretty fun. Especially having someone to talk to about the scenes!
"I love little Luffy," She said, "Even when he's getting stepped on, he still stays so wholesome!"
"True. He's a brat but he's determined." Jake chuckled.
She laughed and went back to reading. She would comment on some parts and so would he. He even made sure she wasn't too uncomfortable with the fighting scenes which only got him more points in her book! She wasn't bothered by them much because of the lack of blood, aside from an arm being lost, but it made her happy to know someone cared.
"My favourite character is Koby. Please tell me he makes another appearance!" She exclaimed as Jake set the finished manga volume aside.
"I'm not going to reveal a thing." He slyly grinned towards her.
"That's no fair," She whined, "I need to know!"
"Hmm, fine, I'll think about it. Next time when we read the other volume, I'll tell you. If I feel like it."
She slowly blinked. "Next time?"
"We are going to meet again, right?" Jake said, "I'm coming when Kenny visits if I have nothing to do. It's nice talking about this stuff."
A true smile graced her lips for the first time today. "I'll look forwards to it then," She said.
Forget Chance. She'd come again and read manga and talk about it with Jake! And she couldn't wait because she needed to read more.
"Hmm...maybe I'll start buying this manga." She suddenly murmured.
"But in English as a challenge! Wait, do they have a Portuguese translation?"
Jake quirked a brow, "Why?"
"I'm trying to learn both." She shrugged, "The language app I'm on is kinda terrible."
He nodded before pouting. "But it's so much more enjoyable not having to strain to understand what you're reading."
"You may be right..."
Now she thought about it more, he was probably right.
"Actually," He spoke up, "I have an idea. We keep reading the volumes I get so you when you get the earlier chapters in whatever language you want, it'll make it easier."
He tapped his forehead and winked, "See, I'm super smart."
A little laugh couldn't help but escape her.
"I'll do just that then!" She chirped.
On the field, Kenny stopped the ball rolling towards him with his foot, peering towards where his brother and Lotus were talking. It made him feel prouder than the last time, seeing them comfortable around each other. Especially knowing how she Lotus could get, it was a good sign that she got along with his brother so quickly.
At the horizon was the faint glow of the hidden sun, of which he finally noticed.
"It's getting dark," He commented, barely taking his eyes off of the laughing duo, "Shouldn't we be going home?"
Ha-Sun shook his head as he came to a stop near Kenny with Chance and Jackson. "It's not too late." He offered his answer.
"Yeah, but I know Chance's sister has a curfew and I think it'd be best if Jake goes home, too." He sheepishly chuckled.
Chance huffed upon hearing his friend was concerned with Lotus and her curfew, but he reluctantly agreed, "Fine. Give it twenty more minutes though."
"Sounds good to me."
The boy cupped his mouth, calling out to the two, "We're leaving in twenty minutes!"
"Okay!" Jake yelled back.
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"You'll definitely remember to bring the next volume, right?" Lotus drilled Jake.
"Wouldn't ever forget!" He confirmed.
As they talked about the one thing they bonded over, Kenny snickered, hearing the conversation as he walked in front of them.
"They're such dorks," He told Chance in amusement.
Chance only grunted a sound of agreement, not bothering to hide how angry he felt. Like bro chill, it's not that deep.
"And if you liked this, you'd like Toriko!" Jake blabbered.
She nodded along, checking her phone. Her brows twitched upon seeing a text, one she didn't notice was waiting for her to respond to. It didn't seem to have been sent too long ago. And it was sent by a familiar blond boy.
'You forgot.'
'I forgot what?' She thought.
What did he—
'Oh no...Oh no, no, no!'
She forgot about their planned meet up! He even texted her earlier in the morning about what time they should meet! And she totally forgot! How would she deal with this?
Never had she stood someone up! She was always on time, even if the other person was mean! There was no way to make this right! Right?
One idea popped up in her mind. There was no way she would be able to make it up to him by meeting with him now. It was getting too dark and her parents absolutely would not allow her out later than normal since the break was still ongoing and everyone was going to be out later than usual. Not to mention she didn't want one of her older brothers coming with her and that meant she absolutely couldn't go out! The only way she could make it up was if she brought him to her, but there was no way she would be able to get him through her parents or her brothers.
Like, really?! Jin wouldn't trust a boy around her, Cole didn't know how to shut his mouth half of the time, and Chance would jump at an opening like this to get her into some type of trouble. And her parents wouldn't allow any boy inside like that if they were visiting solely for her. But why though? Fear of them being lovahs? What if she likes girls, dudes? Would they allow Haneul inside then if Haneul ever visited because they were super close?
Either way, she could find ways around them. Impulsively, she sent him a text to meet her in a few hours. She would be home, already settled down with the big smothering heist planned out.
And as she listened to her newfound friend? her thoughts were somewhere else, planning and scheming.
"See ya, Lotus!" That was when she finally paid attention.
She almost jumped, but quickly smiled and nodded her head. "Bye!" She waved to Jake before speed walking after Chance who was already walking to the door.
"Don't forget me!" Jackson called out only to not get any attention as she shut the door behind her. Yeah, screw Jackson, too.
As she stepped in, her face almost collided with her big brother's chest which was covered with his folded arms. Which wasn't any better. She almost touched this fugly dude.
"How many more times are you going to ruin my day?" He huffed.
"What?" She muttered in confusion.
"I don't want you around me when I'm outside of this damn house. I barely want you around me inside! Jeongsoo understands that Jin understands that, and so do the other two. But you are so fucking dumb. You're stubborn! Listen closely, motherfucker, stay out of my way. Stay away from my friends, stay away from my room, and stay away from me."
Where the heck did this come from? What a turn of events.
"I understand." She timidly squeaked.
"And I don't care if Kenny begs for you to come with us, it stays the same. Because if you fucking dare to do something like this again I swear I will fucking—"
"—Hey, you brought her back in time. Good job, Chance!" Their father walked in at the right time, cutting Chance off before he could finish his threat.
Thank every freaking god for him! She would've ended up crying if he continued.
Chance huffed through his nose before backing off.
"Uh..." Their dad trailed off as Chance walked straight past him, "Did you have fun, Lotus?"
She slowly nodded. It was technically the truth. She did have fun until now.
"I'm glad." He sighed in relief. Before gesturing to her to go to the kitchen, "Dinner's almost ready."
"Okay."
As she walked to the kitchen afterwards, she pushed back the nasty feeling towards what had happened, which was tapping at her mind, and thought of how the hell she was going to pull off getting Donald Na inside.
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Her heart leapt out of her chest as light tapping came from her window. For a second there she had almost forgotten who was supposed to be coming. Scrambling over to her window and peeking out of the curtains, she saw blond hair and pale skin. He was there.
The boy let out a small laugh upon seeing her struggle to open the window she barely ever opened in her years of staying in the room.
"Do your parents know about this?" He taunted, already knowing that they had no idea what she was doing. If they did then she wouldn't be having him enter through a window like a thief.
"No, not at all." She said, "I'll get in trouble if they did...so..."
He wordlessly grabbed onto the sill and heaved himself inside. She barely had time to react and tell him to be careful of her mattress that was directly in front of the window.
"Well then!" She exclaimed and sheepishly chuckled as he looked around, "It's not too bad is it?"
Just as he expected, a light-tone cutesy mess. Fine, it wasn't a mess, but it felt like something you would find in a sparkle monster's stomach, just organized to make it look better. On another note, what normal person would have so many stuffed animals?
"Somehow, I'm not surprised." He commented, causing her mouth the drop.
Oh wow. Okay, you little bitch.
"Is that an insult?" She asked.
"It depends on how you take it." He shrugged and sat on the mattress.
She brushed off the vague statement and open her laptop.
"Uh...are you okay with watching old Hollywood movies?" She questioned.
"I don't mind it." He answered.
"Great, but the movie doesn't really have Korean audio or subtitles!"
"I'm not too bad at English."
"Ah, good!" Lotus chirped and pulled up the window on her laptop.
She couldn't say the same. She wasn't bad bad at it, but she struggled a lot. That's why she made an effort to continuously learn it. After all, it would be useful if she ever proceeded with her dreams of becoming an event planner. She'd be able to gain customers outside of a certain bracket if she spoke more than one language. After English would be another language and then another and another. She planned on nonstop working to accrue as many other tongues as she could. She just needed to start on one of the more popular first.
"Oh, right! One minute!" She exclaimed as she remembered they needed snacks. Because who watches movies without some food? And she was getting antsy about this situation.
She swiftly left the room before he could say anything and once she shut the door, she stood lingering in front of it, back leaning against it as she caught her racing heart. She really just did that. She really just sneaked someone in.
She slowly looked at the couch where Jin and Cole were sitting, staring at her in confusion as to why she was standing there.
"What? Is there a spider in there?" Jin asked.
"Uh, no. No." She tensely disappeared into the kitchen.
She looked around before opening a few cabinets. She already had the banana kick puffs in the room, but she wasn't going to risk him not liking them and then having nothing to eat. That would make her sad.
"Here we go!" She softly exclaimed to herself upon seeing there were a few cookies in the storage jar. She grabbed the jar and made a beeline to her room. Screw you Yeongja, if you wanted these cookies, rethink about being mean. You too Chance.
"I want a cookie!" Cole cried out upon seeing the jar in her arms once she approached her room.
"Huh?" She paused before holding the jar tighter.
Upon seeing his begging face, she sighed and took the lid off and held it out to him. His upturned brows and pouty lips changed to mirror joy.
"Yes!" The boy cheered before sticking his hand inside and grabbing as many as he could.
"Mom says he can't get more than one a day." Paz, who somehow was now out of his room and sitting with them, told her, "And he's already had one."
"Cole," She gasped, eyes widening at how he had tricked her.
"She thinks it'll make me more hyper." Cole said to her, "But that's wrong! It's the coffee that Jin gives me!"
"I— ...Okay." She said and entered her room, deciding not to deal with that. If Jin wanted to feed their baby brother caffeine, that was on him.
She sighed as she sat down on her bed. Donald was beside her so she awkwardly set the jar between them. "Here, some cookies for the movie." She incredulously said before moving the laptop in front of them.
Once the movie started, she was able to get a bit more comfortable, enough to hug Bloo and rest her chin on the whale stuffed animal.
While the movie was long, she did pick up something at least.
"The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain." She softly repeated.
She turned to the boy. "How did that sound?" She questioned excitedly.
"You're going to need a lot of practice." He passively commented.
She gave him a deadpan look.
"Tofu will hear about this."
He looked around and her hoard of plushies. "Alright, which one of these fuckers is Tofu?"
He plucked a well-loved fox plush and a seal from beside him.
She almost instantly grabbed the fox from him, cradling it in her arms. He could touch any one of the others, but not Tofu! Tofu was off-limits to anyone!
"How'd you know it was one of those?!"
He snickered, "Come on, it's obvious."
"How so?!" She exclaimed.
Come on, they were right on her bed while the others are displayed on her shelves or on the floor in some sort of gathering. Not only that but that fox had to have been her go-to with all that wear and tear.
"Quiet down if you don't want to get caught. Who knows what your family will do finding you with a boy." He lightly mocked, however, still making a good point.
"You don't have to use such a teasing tone." She whispered, hiding her face in Bloo, whom she held.
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