Hanging by a Moment Here With You

Chapter 1

Lillian looked at her ringing phone only to let a short, irritated sigh escape her lips. Swiping the green phone button to the right she answered, mustering all the chipperness she could at the moment.

"Hey, I know I should have asked you this sooner, but do you mind sticking around to greet the new guests?"

"Um sure. It's almost four now anyway." This wasn't her favorite part of the job especially since after a full day of cleaning she looked like a hot mess, but she always had a hard time saying no to Andrew.

"Ok, great. Two things, they will be there a little after 4:30 if you don't mind sticking around. And also, I thought it would be good for you to show them the pool controls and such since they are Korean. I know you can speak a little."

Lillian's eyes lit up. They hadn't had Korean guests at the vacation rental before. And any chance she had to practice her Korean, Lillian took advantage of. Now, super curious about the guests she asked, "Can you give me any details on them? How many are staying, any idea what part of Korea they are from?"

There was a long pause. "The only thing I have written down is there will be eight adults. Oh, and the main contact's name is Ce Wan"

An excited nervousness rose in Lillian's chest. "Are you sure that's how it's pronounced? How is it spelled?"

"Lillian you know I'm not pronouncing it right. I can't even speak English correctly. Heh. Okay let's see it's spelled S I W O N."

Trying hard not to get her hopes up, Lillian told herself that was a common enough name in Korea. But what if it wasn't? "It's pronounced Ce-wan you were right. So, is that all the information you have?"

"All confirmed. Look I know it's hard for you to stay later so just bill me for it." With that Andrew hung up the phone.

A smile started to form on Lillian's face as she thought that maybe, possibly, perhaps the guests would be who she was hoping they would be. But the instant that thought came to her mind she glanced down at herself. If it was really them, she would not make a good impression with what she had on and how she looked.

After quickly double checking that the house was finished and clean, she ran to her car, thankful she had an appointment before work and the clothes she had worn to it were sitting in the backseat. She grabbed them and her makeup bag and ran into the house.

Just as she finished doing her makeup, she heard a car pull up in the driveway. Her heart started to flutter. But she didn't want to get too excited in case it was not who she thought, so she took a deep breath, exited the bathroom and went to the front door.

As she opened the door, she saw a big white van. That was not any indication of who was renting the house because these vans were a common sight with big groups. But as soon as she stepped out onto the porch, the man who exited the driver side of the van made her heart skip a beat.

The man was six foot with dark hair and a winning smile. He raised his eyebrow when he noticed Lillian standing on the porch. Raising his hand, he gave her a small wave right before popping his head inside the van and saying something in Korean to the rest of the occupants of the van.

Lillian couldn't believe her eyes. Out of all the Koreans who were staying at the vacation rental, she never dreamed the men of the pop group Super Junior would be among them. She started to get nervous but knew she had to hide it. As she took the few steps off the porch, she greeted the guests with a slight bow. "안녕하세요." (Hello.)

Siwon Choi stepped forward as the other seven members of the group noisily piled out of the van. He reached his right arm out, holding the underside with his left arm. Lillian followed suit and they shook hands in a greeting.

"안녕하세요. 제 이름은 최시원. 한국 말 화세요?" (Hello. My name is Choi Siwon. You speak Korean?)

Knowing Siwon spoke a little English and she didn't know enough Korean to keep a whole conversation going, she answered back. "Just a little."

He smiled at her. "That's ok. I speak English. Are you Lillian?"

His smile was so infectious she couldn't help but smile back. "Yes. Andrew let you know I would be showing you around the house?"

Siwon nodded as the rest of the group walked up. "Let me introduce everyone." He turned to the boys and in Korean told them, "This is Lillian. She's going to help us with the house."

Understanding what Siwon said, Lillian waved at the boys as each of them came up and shook her hand. She worked so hard to contain her excitement as each member introduced themselves. Was this really happening? Was she really meeting Leeteuk, Heechul, Shindong, Yesung, EunHyuk, Ryeowook and Donghae? They all looked a little different in person, but there was no doubt it was them.

After introductions she waved them all in the house. As they walked in Lillian heard a collective "Wow!" That made her giggle to herself.

Before the guys could run around and look at the house, she got their attention. "여기." She had been trying to find a clever way to let them know she knew who they were, and she finally had found it. "There is only one house rule that is very important to me."

Before Siwon could translate for her, EunHyuk stepped forward and saluted her. "Yes Ma'am." As soon as the words were out of his mouth Heechul slapped EunHyuk upside the head, warranting a laugh from the rest of the guys. Lillian covered her mouth in shocked amusement.

Still laughing a little she responded. "When your stay is over, and you have cleaned up please have Leeteuk check over everything. That way I know it's clean."

At that all the boys pointed at Leeteuk and laughed. But as realization hit them as to what she said, Siwon looked back at Lillian, pointed at her as he covered his mouth in mild shock. The others followed suit.

Donghae spoke up first. "You know us?"

"네." (Yes) Lillian blushed, not sure how they would take the news.

"Are you a fan?" Siwon asked.

Lillian felt embarrassed with all their eyes on her. "Yes. I love your music."

Heechul yelped happily and started doing a little dance. Siwon moved forward and gave Lillian an unexpected but pleasant hug. The rest of the boys followed and enveloped her in a group hug. While unexpected, Lillian couldn't complain about it.

"괜찮아, 괜찮아." (Okay, okay). As they all pulled apart, the boys started talking among themselves. Lillian looked to Siwon for an explanation.

He laughed before translating. "They are trying to decide who your favorite is. Heechul and Shindong are taking bets."

Lillian nodded in amusement as Heechul tapped his chest to indicate he thought he was the favorite. He looked at Lillian. "Who is it?"

Refusing to answer she quickly changed the subject. "Are you ready to see the house and learn how to work the pool?" She smirked at Heechul.

Lillian picked out a few words of what Siwon next told the group. He told them to explore the house as he, Leeteuk and Donghae learned how to use some of the equipment in the house.

After they went outside to check out the pool and the controls for the pool, Lillian brought the three back inside and they gathered around the island in the kitchen.

"So, is this a work trip or a vacation?"

"Vacation." Lillian could hear the relief in Leeteuk's voice. "Some relax time."

"Oh good. You guys deserve it. What plans do you have while you are here?"

From behind her, Lillian heard a loud shout. "Disneyland!" She looked at the boys in front of her for confirmation. They all nodded in unison.

"I love Disneyland. I have a pass, so I go a lot. I will have to write down a few things you need to do while you are there."

Siwon smiled at her. "That would be great." He oozed charisma.

"But since your here what's the first thing you want to do?"

Leeteuk spoke up. "배고파." (I'm very hungry)

"Ok, what kind of food do you feel like? I can tell you the best place to go." As Lillian finished her sentence the rest of the guys came in the kitchen.

"We haven't been home in a while. I would love some Korean food." As soon as the rest of the boys heard Siwon say Korean food, they all started talking at once.

"Ddukbokki!" EunHyuk shouted.

"No, Samgyeopsal." Shindong piped in.

"I want japchae." Yesung said more to himself than anyone else.

Ryeowook raised his hand in the air and shouted, "Jjajangmyeon for me!"

He-chul came behind Siwon and put his arm around his shoulders. "Bibimbap for me."

Siwon laughed and turned his attention back to Lillian. "So anywhere that can make all of this."

Lillian knew just the place. "The place is called Jjang. It's my favorite. Let me draw you a map on how to get there from here. It's pretty easy." She grabbed a pen and paper from the coffee table and started to draw a map.

Donghae grabbed the end of the pen and slipped it out of her hand. He had remained quiet so far, but he finally spoke up. "우리와 함께." (Come with us)

Surprised Lillian looked up at him. "아니요." (No) She blushed and pursed her lips together. "This is your vacation. You don't want me to tag along."

"Come!" EunHyuk and Heechul said at the same time.

"Please it's the least we can do for you helping us out. Plus, we are around each other all the time, we could use a fresh face." Siwon pushed Heechul's face away from him to prove his point.

Lillian looked back at Donghae. "Ok. Thank you for asking me to go." He smiled, the same smile that made Lillian weak in the knees every time she saw him in a music video or variety show. Her breath caught in her throat for just a moment. She hoped no one noticed. Taking a big gulp, she looked back at Siwon. "I'm sure the van does not have room for one more. I can take my car and you can follow me there."

Nodding, Siwon grabbed the keys off the counter and directed everyone outside and back into the van.

Before getting in Leeteuk pulled Siwon aside. "Why don't I ride with Lillian that way she doesn't have to go by herself?"

"괜찮아." (Ok) Siwon paused for a moment. "See if anyone else wants to ride with you too."

Leeteuk approached Lillian gently touching her elbow to get her attention as she was opening the door to her car. She turned to him. "I ride with you. Is that ok?" Leeteuk struggled with the words but knew he got the point across.

"That would be nice." She gestured for him to go and sit in the front passenger seat.

Before he did, he called out to the last two guys who were just about to get in the van. "Want to ride with us, Donghae and Shindong?"

The guys both smiled. Lillian understood what Leeteuk had asked them, so she opened the back door for them. They each thanked her before entering the car.

When she started up the car, her music started blaring through the speakers. Realizing that it was "Black Suit" that was playing she quickly lowered the volume, embarrassed. Looking at Shindong, Donghae and Leeteuk she smiled weakly at them. "Sorry." She put her head down on the steering wheel for a minute, trying to fight the embarrassment she felt.

Leeteuk reached over and turned the dial on the radio up, then reset the song. When it started Donghae started singing, just as if he were performing the song at a concert. Lillian smiled as she pulled out of the driveway and headed to the restaurant.

When the song came to the 2nd verse, Donghae tapped Lillian on the shoulder to indicate she should sing. And she did. After the song was over the guys clapped. For the rest of the way to the restaurant they continued to sing along to the Korean songs on Lillian's playlist.

After they parked, Lillian led the way into Jjang, her favorite Korean restaurant. As they walked in the door, they all shouted, "안녕하세요." (Hello)

"Lillian!" An older Korean woman, the owner of the restaurant, quickly walked up to Lillian and gave her a hug. "How are you?"

"언니 (Older sister). How's the new baby in the family?"

"She's two months old already! But you must see her, she's beautiful. 빨리. (Hurry) sit. How many?" She waved the group in.

"There are nine of us. By the way guys this is Myungji. She owns Jjang." After she introduced her, all the men bowed then sat where Myungji directed them too.

Instead of sitting, Lillian followed Myungji over to the back of the restaurant. "언니(Older sister), I want to pay for the meal today, for everyone."

Myungji took Lillian's hand in hers. "But you don't have a lot. They are men let them pay. You are always so sweet. But I know it's hard for you to pay for such an expense."

"You're so sweet to worry but please. It would mean a lot to me. They have done a lot for me and I want a way to say thank you."

Myungji gave Lillian a kiss on the cheek. "알아." (I understand)

Happily Lillian walked back to the table to join the guys for a meal.

After they had all finished eating, Leeteuk called the waitress over. "고맙습니다. (Thank you.) Please give me the bill."

As soon as the waitress walked away, Myungji came up to the table and put her hands on Siwon and Leeteuk's shoulders. "The food was already paid for. My sweet Lillian took care of it. "

Lillian put her hand up in protest and shook it. " You weren't supposed to say anything!" She put her head down, shyly. Myungji put her hand under Lillian's chin and lifted her head up then patted her cheek and walked away.

Siwon immediately turned his attention to her. "You didn't have to do that." His eyes lit up as he smiled at her.

From the end of the table, Heechul spoke up. "We have money. We are idols!" The group laughed.

"Siwon, can you translate for me?" Lillian saw him nod then she turned her attention to the whole group.

"I wanted to pay as a way to say thank you. You all work so hard. And you probably already know this, but you have a big impact on your fans. And not just from your music but also who you are as people. I haven't been a fan for that long. I discovered you about five years ago, but only knew one song, Sexy Free and Single. I was trying to learn the dance. It was harder to find Korean music back then. But I rediscovered you again last year when I searched for Sexy Free and Single again to finish what I started and learn the dance. Finding that song opened your world to me. And learning your dance and listening to your music helped me through a very rough patch in my life. And for that, I want to thank you."

After Siwon was done translating, he turned back to Lillian. "Wow. Thank you. I don't know what to say."

EunHyuk spoke up. "You made Yesung cry."

"Oh I'm sorry. Here." Lillian grabbed a tissue out of her purse and reached over the table and patted Yesung's cheeks with it.

"Thank you for telling us. It means a lot to know someone like you is supporting us." Donghae's words, spoken very clearly, touched Lillian's heart. Noticing the tears on his face, she grabbed another tissue and handed it down to him. EunHyuk put his arm around Donghae and hugged him. Ryeowook did the same for Yesung.

Lillian blushed. She wasn't one who normally opened up and told others what she was feeling. But even though their communication wasn't perfect, she felt like she had known all of them for a long time. And she knew had she not told them how she felt, she would have regretted it.

She looked again at all the boys in disbelief and smiled. EunHyuk noticed the sincere look on her face and smiled back. Not one to handle emotion very well, he decided to quickly change the subject.

"Is there a grocery store close by so we can buy a few things for the week?" EunHyuk crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair.

Lillian, winked at him, happy he changed the subject. "Yeah across the street is a Korean market."

"Let's go!" Shindong stood up and walked towards the door, waiting for everyone to follow. Lillian was the last one out after saying goodbye to Myungji.

After they got to the market only a few minutes later, they all piled out of both cars.

"Okay everyone go in groups of 3 and get food." Leeteuk, always the leader made sure everyone had a plan and some direction before taking off. He and Siwon stuck with Lillian and they headed toward the produce area.

"How do you know Korean?" Leeteuk asked Lillian as he picked up a winter melon and placed it in the bag Lillian held open for him.

"My best friend is Korean. Her name is Huh Eun Ha. But I call her Eunice. She and I lived together for a few years and during that time she taught me how to speak and read Korean. She also taught me how to cook Korean food."

"진짜?" (Really) Leeteuk sounded surprised.

"Why are you so surprised?"

Leeteuk shrugged his shoulders. Siwon patted him on the back. "Like Teukkie it surprises me anytime someone not Korean learns the language. It's flattering. Why did you decide to learn it?"

Lillian moved over to the vegetables and started putting purple potatoes into a bag. "Well a few reasons. I wanted my best friend to be able to express herself in the language she was used to and..." She tied up the bag and placed it in the cart. "Well the other reason is a little embarrassing."

"So you won't tell us?" Siwon ruffled Lillian's hair.

"I guess it's only fair since I know so much about you both. I wanted to learn so I could watch dramas without the captions on. And Siwon before you say anything, no I haven't seen your dramas, I can't find them anywhere."

Siwon put his hand over his chest, feigning offense. "Unforgivable." He shook his head then laughed.