Permanent Substitute [SHINHWA]

Awkward Escort

"Sweet pea, that is gonggi. Don't tell us that it's your first time seeing it." Minwoo Oppa tried to get one piece from me, then threw it up and caught it in mid-air.

"Hey, let's eat first before you play. Come here before our ramen noodles swell!" Eric called out and we all stood up at once.

I clutched my new items and slid it inside the kangaroo pocket of my shirt. We sat on our designated seats and started consuming our meal as the rain started to pour again. It was a very great combination for the cold weather. I was surprised to find bits of shrimp, squid and octopus on my soup. It was not as spicy as the usual ramen but the taste is really high class in contradiction to its simplicity.

The only sound that is evident at this hour is the slurping from all of us. No one bothered to open a topic at all. It seems that we are all with the same level of hunger. Remembering what happened a while ago made me comprehend the depth of concern that they have for me. They are not taking things lightly and they never fail to always put me first in everything that they do. Even if we are not entirely blood related, they made me feel loved.

"By the way Kahel, you may go upstairs after dinner and try if your phone will get a good mobile reception in our room." Andy Oppa suddenly reminded after sipping the remaining soup in his bowl. He wiped his lips with his hand and he stood up to get something in the refrigerator.

"Oh, thank you in advance for allowing me in your room. Wouldn't it be inconvenient for you to have me there?" I suddenly thought of it. I might invade their peaceful sanctuary with my intrusion in their territory.

"What are you talking about? We should be the one getting worried. We haven't cleaned our room yet! HAHAHA" Jinnie Oppa laughed at the fact and all of a sudden felt embarrassed after letting me know.

"No, it's fine. I can manage." It is true. I am not that neat in my own room and considering my situation I am the one who's asking for a favour. I can't be too cheeky and demanding.

Andy Oppa returned to our table with a banana chiffon cake on his hands. It was topped with fluffy whip cream and some bits of shaved chocolate on it. He put it on the table and Minwoo Oppa started slicing it into seven parts while Eric started to distribute it on our plates.

"I'll set up the guest's tent in your room for Kahel. It'll protect your reputation a bit – I guess." Hyesung volunteered as he stood up and brought cups of coffee on the side of our table.

Our meal time seemed to be extended and now, I can feel that we are going for a second round. I am still a woman and matching with their appetite will be a very huge challenge from now on. I scooped a part of the cake and it somewhat tasted surreal. It was so pleasant to my taste buds.

"I suggest for us to arrange this properly and skip this activity for tonight. Kahel has a class tomorrow and she can't attend school like a zombie. Since Minwoo and Andy are free tomorrow, clean your room first." Dongwan Oppa strongly suggested after drinking a gulp of caffeine from his cup.

"Okay! So after this, we can go and play gonggi before we sleep right?!" Jinnie Oppa insisted until the end.

All of their eyes glitter with excitement when they heard his suggestion. It seems to be a very famous game within their pack. I suddenly felt that happy pressure. Their smiles are so genuine to the point that they started talking about the last time they played it.

They even told me that one of the main reasons why bean bags were chosen to occupy their receiving area was for this game. We immediately transferred to their gaming arena while Minwoo Oppa and Hyesung Oppa washed the dishes in a hurry.

I watched the six of them enthusiastically screamed during their turns. They also have some sneaky ways of distracting each other and at the same time showed their signature pose while enjoying the game. It was another version of playing a jackstone, only this one is more complicated. The more competitive they were, the happier the game. I promised to join them next week, same day – same time.