Melodies of Life

Chapter 17. Future In Laws

"Thanks for coming, oppa!" Cris hugs me in delight as soon as I enter the house I once call my home.

It still looks the same from the floor up to the ceiling, but how come I feel like a stranger entering an unknown territory?

My dear Adam, I missed you so much." My mother embraces me affectionately. "You got so thin." I can see the tears forming at the corner of her eyes as she caresses my face.

"I miss you too, eomma." I smile at her to relieve the pain crushing her heart right at that very moment.

"Enough with the drama. Our guests will be here at any given minute." My so-called father descends the stairs as he fixes the cuff of his polo. He then looks my way and throws me a smile coated with nothing but pure mockery. "Welcome back my prodigal son. Nice sweater."

Before I could think of a witty reply, the door opens and reveals our expected guests. Well, I expected Dominic but not her.

Surprise ate us both as our eyes met. Cris immediately notices it.

"You know each other?" She looks at me then at her.

I answer yes while she says no, which made Cris laugh.

"Maedy Kang." I start.

She shakes her head discreetly and mouths a big "stop" to me.

"We met last night at the car show, remember? I'm with the band and you're one of the models." I can't help but snicker.

"Really, eonnie? You're a model?" Cris gushes.

Dominic looks at her, perplexed. Looks like she's keeping a handful of secrets from him.

"Well, not really. A friend just happened to be sick, so she asked me to take her place." She explains with a smile as sweet as honey. "I'm sorry if I didn't recognize you right away." She turns to me with an apologetic look.

"Hitting on you're future-in-law isn't healthy, my son." My father warns me. "Should have worn burgundy too." He laughs then proceeds to the dining table.

"How adorable!" My mother marvels while looking at me and Dominic.

I look at him and discovers that we are wearing exactly the same burgundy sweater.

"Like couple sweater!" Cris and Maedy burst into laughter as they follow my parents.

Dominic smiles at me awkwardly. "Sorry, hyung."

I was about to hit his head when a brilliant idea forms in my mind.

"Follow me." I grin.

As we reach the farthest part of the living room, I face him.

"What it is, hyung?" He asks cluelessly.

"I know I haven't been a good brother to you and we're not really in good terms. I've bullied you and made things hard between you and my sister. But believe me, I regret all of that now. And I apologize. Please forgive me." I offer a handshake. "How about we start anew as brothers? A clean slate."

He quickly takes my hand. "Of course, hyung. Thanks." He smiles, oblivious of my true intention.

I put my arm around his shoulder and whisper. "You're school break is nearing, right? How about a one week vacation in Jeju with Cris? Just the two of you."

His eyes widen. "How? You're father-"

I cut him off. "You mean our father. I'll take care of everything. Just get ready, and don't tell anyone. We'll surprise them." I laugh diabolically.

"Thanks, hyung." He bumps fists with me.

"That's nothing, we're brothers. By the way, can you help me with your sister?"

"Okay. But what about noona?" He wonders.

"You see, I like her. But she doesn't like me. I think she even hates me." I try to act miserable.

He buys it but doesn't answer, looks like he is hesitating.

"Look, I know you're thinking that we can't be. But Cris and I, we're not blood-related. I reason out.

"It's not that." He sighs.

"Then what? You don't like me for her?" I grit my teeth as my anger builds up.

"I do, because I know you're a good person. But my sister doesn't want to be in a relationship." He explains.

I suddenly remember what the owner of the diner told me.

"Why?" That one word escapes from my lips.

"She's scared of getting hurt. She believes that with love comes pain." He answers sadly.

"What if I prove her wrong?" I look at him seriously.

He smiles at me. "I'll be forever thankful, hyung."

"Then start thanking me now and speak positively about me with your sister. Convince her that I'm the perfect boyfriend material." I raise my chin proudly."

"Consider it done, hyung." He laughs then gives me a high five.

Suddenly, Maedy comes into my view, displeasure drawn all over her face. She then nags Dominic about making the elders wait and orders him to proceed at the dining room at once. I was about to follow him but she blocks my way.

"What did you tell him?" She asks as if interrogating me.

"Boy talk." I grin at her meaningfully.

She rolls her eyes then looks at her back cautiously to check if anyone is there. "Did you tell him about the money?" She leans near me and whispers.

"Should I?"

"Please give me a decent answer, just this once."

I shake my head as I laugh good-naturedly. "Of course, I didn't. I understand you don't like me, but I'm not that much of the jerk you imagine me to be. Besides, do you really think I can handle making you, the girl I like get hurt just because of five grand?"

She turns silent, gradually understanding that what I said made a lot of sense.

"Don't be too paranoid and just stop thinking about it. He would never know." I assure her.

"Thanks and I'm sorry for overreacting." She lets out a small smile.

"If you really mean what you said, the. Forget everything and just enjoy tonight." I offer my hand to her.

She stares at it for a while then shakes her head.

"About this thing, of you liking me. I think you should quit it. I mean, you know I don't like you. You'll just hope for nothing and get hurt." She says frankly.

"Fine by me. Just let me express how I feel or else I'll go crazy." I laugh hopelessly. Rejection does really sting.

"Let's just be friends, since we're future in laws." She offers a handshake.

"I can't promise that but I'll try." I take her hand.

"Come to think of it, I still don't know your name. Would you mind telling me?" She giggles.

"Adam Jung." I introduce myself formally.

"Okay, Adam. Remember what we are here for. Family, you as Cris' brother, me as Ming's sister, so no crazy thoughts. You don't like me. Is that clear?"

"Crystal. But only for tonight." I smirk at her.

"You just don't know when to give up." She laughs then walks with me to the dining room.