MINKWANG: Growing up

Chapter 8

     "Hoonie, Hyung!"  Sungjae nervously gave Ilhoon a smile.

     Ilhoon dragged Sungjae to a corner, "What's wrong?"

      "I ripped my pants." Sungjae then showed him the hole in his pants.  " I did not bring any extra pair. And my shirt is not long enough to cover it."

      Ilhoon laughed at his face. He then took a bandana out from his pocket and wrapped it around his younger brother's waist to cover the hole. "There. That should do it. Just don't spread your legs too much."

     Then they both started to walk to where the rest of the family is gathering. They need to go through some last minute instructions of the their performance for their Eomma's friend's daughter's party.

     As they were nearing them, Ilhoon caught sight of Kendra and her family. They are wearing fancy clothes and the middle child is wearing a gown.

     Ilhoon backed off, leaving Sungjae. He looked around  and spotted Hyunsik. He ran towards Hyunsik and gave him a tight hug. "Hyung!" He needs his help.

     Hyunsik looked down at Ilhoon and tried to push him away from him. But Ilhoon is clinging too tightly. "What's wrong with you?"

      "Hyung. It's Raven's party. And she's Kendra's sister. Can you take over for me?"

      " No way!" Hyunsik is not in the mood for parties these days. He still has not gotten over Sohyun.  

       Ilhoon tried to think of something fast that would get him out of this mess. "But you said you will pay me back for looking after you." 

        Hyunsik scratched his head. Since when did he owe something to Ilhoon? 

       "Oh. You're too drunk to remember it, that's right!" Ilhoon smiled brightly. He is hoping it would work. "You know, Eomma and Appa does not like drinking.."

      "Blackmail will never work." Hyunsik cut him off and glared at Ilhoon for this trick. He tried pushing Ilhoon away again.

      " Who ever said about blackmail?" Ilhoon gave an innocent look. "I was only trying to remind you of your promise to me that you owe me big time?" He gave another try.  Hyunsik for sure would not remember anything since he was passed-out drunk that night.

     People are now staring at the both of them and Hyunsik is getting conscious about it. "Fine!" He finally agreed just so Ilhoon would get off him.

                                   ***  ***  ***

     "Hoonie!" Minjoo is seething with anger. "Why did you not perform with your brothers?"

      "I'll tell you later, Eomma."  Ilhoon is starting to feel sick.

      "Hoonie, i forgot to tell you. The one who invited us is N. He has a daughter who is about the same age as you. N wants you to meet her. I think her name is Kendra."

      Ilhoon closed his eyes. He wished he would just disappear. The day is turning into a nightmare for him.

     N and Eunkwang suddenly appeared from nowhere.

     "There you are!"  Eunkwang stood beside Minjoo then held her hand possessively infront of N.

     " I was just checking on Ilhoon. He skipped the performance earlier. He seems to be not feeling well." Minjoo observed. She then pushed Ilhoon with her free hand to introduce him to N. "N, this is my other son, Ilhoon." She made the introductions.

      Ilhoon is looking down at the ground the whole time. He could feel N's gaze at him.

      Minjoo smacked Ilhoon's head with her free hand.  "Don't be rude, brat!" Minjoo hissed angrily.

      "Aahh, Joo." N said. Eunkwang flinched upon hearing N call out Minjoo by her nickname. "It's okay, I know Ilhoon."

      "You do?" Eunkwang is surprise. How did he know his son? And what is this sudden change of Ilhoon's behaviour? Ilhoon was feeling okay on their way here. He if feeling suspicious. This is the first time that he sees Ilhoon act out like this.

     "Kendra!" N called out.  A beautiful girl came walking towards them.

     Minjoo could feel Ilhoon tensed up beside her. The girl smiled but Minjoo sees her frown when saw Ilhoon who is still looking down at the ground.

      "What is this all about, Appa?" Kendra asked her father, N. 

     Minjoo noticed that Kendra is staring angrily at Ilhoon, looking at him from his head down to his stylish shoes.

     "My son, Ilho.." Minjoo is starting the introductions again.

      "Ilhoon!" Kendra spatted out his name. "Yes. I know him"

     " You do?" Minjoo tried to act out surprised.  She's  got a bad feeling about this. She regretted asking because she did not want to know the answer.

     "I'm just one of his girlfriends." Kendra said simply. " His ex-girlfriend" she corrected herself.

     Eunkwang who is holding Minjoo's hand was gripping it so tightly that it began to hurt. She knew that her husband is angry and Ilhoon should better prepare himself when they get home.