Steps | Jung Jaehyun

Chapter 9

2 months have passed after the time I got sick, I got closer to all the NCT members as time goes by. I really enjoy spending time with them now, which is why I immediately agreed to Doyoung's request to help him cook for the members.

"Thankyou so much for helping me, Haewon." Doyoung sighed. "It's fine, Doyoung oppa. I love cooking so I don't mind helping out." I smiled at him.

(A/N: Sorry but I wish for your understanding again that calling someone oppa in Korea is a normal and respectful thing^^")

Apparently today is one of those days where they have to cook on their own, and it happens to be the day where Taeyong and Mark are busy with SuperM activities as well. Which is why I'm here today to help him cook for other members since Taeyong is unavailable. 

Haechan suddenly popped up in the kitchen, "Hyung, noona, make sure to cook for more people because the Dreamies are coming here to eat dinner as well the moment they heard Haewon noona is the one cooking!" 

Doyoung stopped cutting the vegetables to turn back to Haechan, looking at him in horror. The latter only smiled cheekily back at him. "You're telling me to cook for 5 more kids when I have 6 to feed already?" Doyoung asked in disbelieve. 

Haechan nodded innocently, "Yeah, don't forget to add Minji to the list by the way. Honestly speaking, you know I have skills to help you cook but I'm too lazy to do that today, so thankyou for not asking me to help. I love you Hyung." Haechan winked at Doyoung and gave him an invisible flying kiss before retreating back to his room.

I could hear the person beside me taking a deep breath and groaned in defeat. "I don't get paid to take care of these ungrateful brats." 

I laughed at him, "Stop lying, you know you love them." I said while cutting the fresh seafood for the soup.

"I hate to admit that you're right." He mumbled in annoyance but loud enough for me to hear. I love seeing how they all secretly care for one another.

"What about you though?" He asked me suddenly, causing me to look at him confused. "I mean, what do you think about us?"

"Isn't it obvious? I enjoy spending time with you all, you're all like my friends now despite some being closer to me. I wouldn't be here helping you out if I don't consider you guys important." I answered him,  showing him an offended look as why would he even ask that question in the first place. Of course I care about them, I mean I'm obviously already comfortable showing my inner side to them.

Doyoung sincerely smiled at my response. I tried to raise my eyebrow at him but he broke into a laughter instead at my failed attempt, causing me to laugh as well.

"What are you guys laughing about?" a voice behind us suddenly interrupted our laughing session.

"Nothing in peculiar, just how much Haewon actually cares for us." Doyoung replied to Johnny, who happens to suddenly appear behind us.

"Aww, you do? I'm honored." Johnny dramatically said while clutching his heart and squeezing his eyes. I rolled my eyes at him but smiled regardless, he's like the overdramatic but seriously caring older brother in the family tree.

"Is there someone from us that you're interested in though?" Doyoung asked, sounding extremely curious.

I immediately choked on air, "What?!" I yelled in disbelieve, causing them to be shocked since I have never yelled in front of them except that one time during the lighting accident. 

Johnny let out a smirk as soon as he recovered from the shock, "Judging by how you're reacting, there is?" 

"N-no." I quickly denied, however my face definitely betrayed me.