Eric Nam: The American Maknae: Book 2

A Surprise Marriage?

March 2015

Life has gotten exceptionally well since confessing to his love Ailee. One of biggest worries and insecurities have been solved and he felt like a new man. Of course he needed to remind his parents not to reveal their relationship, but he swore he could hear his mother scream on the phone.

Although it's been mostly a secret, they've had cases where the couple needed to act on guard like nothing happened. It was getting tougher to play that facade as "just friends". Aside from those minor hurdles, Eric had a great time touring live with the boys and meeting new faces. It was now March and their tour was just wrapping up.

Now they were saying farewell to Sungmin and Shindong who are set to enlist.

"Is it already time hyung?" Wookie expressed sadness.

"Unfortunately it's that time. Given how chaotic the reception was after my surprise marriage, the best way to lay low is the enlist. Either way it was inevitable." Sungmin explained sadly.

It's true that while it was a widely celebrated occasion within the SM family, the fans told a different story. Many were displeased by his sudden announcement and demanded him to leave. As such he had to step away from group activities. This was his way to make amends for his fans.

"I get Sungmin, but why are you enlisting Shindong hyung?" Eric asked.

"I just happened to reach that age Eric. After Yesung I am the next in line to enlist. I'm not exactly too thrilled but I know it's necessary." Shindong stated.

"You're going to do fine you two. We will support with you all the way!" Leeteuk said with support.

"If you ever need prayer feel free to let us know. I know how stressful your must be." Siwon offered.

"Sure we'll need all the morale we can get!" Sungmin beamed.

"You're gonna kick ass man!" Eunhyuk said in support.

"We're going to miss you two. We'll try not to have too much fun without you." Donghae chuckled sadly before the they did a group hug.

"Farewell you two and may the Lord be with you." Leeteuk as Shindong and Sungmin left to start their military service.

Eric Nam spent the rest of the day with his brother in private. With touring wrapping up again Eric could finally relax in the meantime.

"Another person has already enlisted?" Eddie said, already used to this.

"Yep, with Yesung almost done so it's time for Shindong and Sungmin to go. I think Siwon might be up next." Eric lost count since so many enlistment happened.

"That's so many people enlisting simultaneously! What will happen to your comebacks?"

"It might get pushed for later. We're in the talks of right now so nothing is set in stone. We may have one at all for all we know. I wouldn't mind honestly taking a break. Touring all these different cities can be exhausting. I haven't had time to reconnect with Ailee. Speaking of her I need to arrange another date!" Eric sat down on his couch. He felt his body take in all the cushion as he slowly shifted alsleep.

He founded himself enjoying a beautiful date with the love of his life. He couldn't hear what she was saying but it sounded lovely. Her dimpled smile was her favorite thing about her. It was contagious that it made him want to smile. They were eating some Italian place of sorts where pasta was being served. He could hear the accordion playing in the distant, other couples are enjoying some fresh grape wine. It seemed like everything he ever wanted was right here in front of him. Right as he wanted to dig in he saw Ailee morph into a distorted form of Sooyoung. There was something about her smile that was unsettling.

"Why don't you love me Eric! Didn't I give you my word!?" Her voice was clearly distorted. It almost sounded demonic.

"Sooyoung?... How are you here? What's going on!?" Eric felt confused.

"You're so cruel. Why did you choose her over me? I'm pretty! I'm really funny! I can do everything she can but better!!" The distorted Sooyoung said outraged.

I already told you Sooyoung! I just don't have feelings for you. Ailee is my love. Nothing will change that! Please just let it go Sooyoung." Eric pleaded. For a minute there was silence before Sooyoung's expression shifted coldly.

"You haven't changed oppa. Deep down you still have insecurities!! Are you certain that she can make you happy? Are you worthy enough where you can chase someone after her? Unfortunately not everyone can chase love like you can. What makes you so sure your relationship can last!? You don't know what Ailee could be doing? For all we know she could be two timing with another man!!"

"ENOUGH!!" Eric threw a fork at her in anger. Said object passes through her.

"I struck a nerve oppa. It's the truth. She isn't a saint you hype her up to be. Do you think you'll keep her for the rest of life? You are the same person who couldn't prevent Hangeng oppa from leaving. You're in way over your head!!" Sooyoung laughed.

"Leave me alone Sooyoung!! Don't even talk about that! YOU THINK I WANTED HIM TO LEAVE!! I STILL REGRET IT EVERY SINGLE DAY!! I JUST WANT TO LIVE MY LIFE IN PEACE!!" Eric was overcame with emotions. It seemed like this nightmare was getting worse and worse.

"I may have failed, but there is one other person who has the same feelings oppa. Ironically she is way more obvious than me. She's been very passionate about it despite not telling you!"

"Mwo?"

"You are handsome oppa. So many other girls would die to be with you. I'm just one of the many millions trying to get your love." Sooyoung began to disappear.

"WAIT!! YOU HAVEN'T EXPLAINED TO ME WHO!?" Eric panicked before the loud music from his cellphone woke him up.

"Huh. What happened!?" Eric looked around in panic. He was in his bedroom. It was nightmare as expected. He looked at the phone to see if was a business number.

"What could they want with me now?"

"Yeoboseyo?"

"You finally picked up that's great news!"

"What's going on here? I thought my contract has already been finished."

"We're calling because you have been selected to participate to participate in a special program. We haven't told this information to anyone yet because we wanted to keep it a secret. You have been chosen as Seohyun's husband in We Got Married. Tomorrow come to the studio to meet your bride, be properly dressed to commence the opening ceremony."

Eric was taken aback by the revelation. Seohyun's husband? Meeting his fiance and We Got Married? This wasn't adding up. Before he could respond his call ended. The more he thought about it, the more terrifying it actually sounds

"What was the call about Eric?" Eddie asked with curiosity

"CRAPCRAPCRAPCRAPCRAP!! THIS IS NOT HOW I WANTED TO END THE DAY! I'M NOT PREPARED FOR THIS! WHYAMIINTHISSHOW? HOWWOULDAILEEFEELABOUTIT-"

"Calm down Eric! Panicking isn't going to help. You need to breathe."

"Okay... I'm doing...this..." Eric took several deep breaths.

"They put me in a dating program as Seohyun's husband. In freaking We Got Married!! I'm not ready! Why are they telling me now!? Is this some kind of joke!? I was so prepared for to go on a date. What am I going to tell everyone! I'm going back to the dorm room to figure this out. Sorry Eddie." The elder brother closes the door left to figure his new plight on his own.

A new unpredictable challenge lay for the American maknae...