8 – Tonight is On Me

The next couple of days were pretty much the same old things Stephanie was used to doing. Dance rehearsals, finishing up her Korean lessons, and vocal training. There were also small sessions of recording for their upcoming singles. Although, today was not very exciting. It was a Sunday, which was usually boring anyway, but for some reason today was extra boring. She had done nothing all day but exercise, dance, and watch TV. Around 8PM, she decided that there was nothing keeping her busy enough to stay awake, so she went to sleep. As she laid in her bed, her mind started wandering. Stephanie was getting excited because tomorrow was her birthday. However, she was sad too because this would be the first time she wasn’t with her family to celebrate her becoming 1 year older. That, and Micky was overseas promoting another single with Dong Bang Shin Ki. She sighed.

“We’ll see what happens tomorrow…” She thought as she rolled over and fell asleep.

—

Soft hands touched Stephanie’s face, gently rubbing across her cheeks.

“Get up…” a soft voice said.

Stephanie pulled the blankets up closer to her face. She heard someone talk but she didn’t know who it was or why they were touching her face.

“…Ugh….” She said softly, waving a hand in front of her face.
A small set of giggles were heard.

“Come on…get up…” the voice insisted.

This time, Stephanie’s mind started racing.

“Is that Omma?” She thought to herself.

Excited, Stephanie opened her eyes to see if her over active imagination was right or not. She looked at the figure sitting on her bed. It wasn’t her mother, it was Dana.

“Good morning.” Dana said in a perky voice.

“Hi…” Stephanie said, a bit disappointed.

Just as Stephanie was resituating herself in the bed, the lights went off. Everything in the room was still visible though, because there was a small fire in the middle of the room.

A huge grin spread across Stephanie’s face as she realized what was going on.

“One…two….one…two…three…four. Happy Birthday to you~”

The song filled the room, having a soothing harmony brought together by her three roommates.

“Happy Birthday, Dear Stephanie…Happy Birthday to You!” They finished, clapping and moving a cake closer to her bed. Stephanie’s chest felt warm and her eyes began to sting as she made a wish. The girls could see the light glistening off the tears forming in her eyes as she blew out the candles.

“Awww. Don’t cry!” Dana said, plopping down next to her and giving her a big hug. Lina moved over towards the door and turned on the light, illuminating the room so that Stephanie could see. Birthday decorations hung everywhere in the room, making the already fun room a little bit more colorful. Tears flowed down Stephanie’s face. They weren’t out of sadness. Alright, maybe a little, but they were mostly out of happiness and love.

“Thank you guys…so much…” She said, wiping her cheeks.

Stephanie noticed some colorful bags sitting around the cake. Just as she was about to ask what they were, Sunday grabbed one and shoved it into Stephanie’s lap.

“Open it!” Sunday suggested in a loud, excited voice.

“Ok!” Stephanie laughed, opening the bag carefully. She reached inside and felt something hard and metallic. Her fingers grasped it tightly and she removed it from the bag. Another huge smile broke out on her face as she realized what it was. The picture of all the girls Sunday had taken a couple days before at the performance was inside a pretty silver picture frame that said “Sisters” across the top.

“Do you like it!?” Sunday asked eagerly.

“Of course I do! Thank you!” Stephanie said, giving her friend a huge hug. Dana was next, holding a bright pink bag calmly in her lap.

“Here’s mine.” She said, handing the gift to Stephanie. Stephanie reached inside the bag and felt a velvet material. As she lifted it out, she realized it was some kind of box. The red velvet box opened easily with a small push from Stephanie’s fingers. Inside the box rested a silver bracelet that had some charms hanging off it.

“Oh my gosh! Thank you!!” Stephanie said, holding up the bracelet. She hugged Dana and smiled big. “Will you put it on?”

“Sure!” Dana said, helping Stephanie out. Stephanie stretched her arm out, holding her palm up as Dana maneuvered her fingers to secure the latch. When she was finished, Stephanie held it up and looked at it.

“I love it!” Her smile seemed to get even bigger.

Lina was the only one left but she was just smiling almost wickedly at Stephanie.
“Are you expecting something from me?” She questioned.

“….No?” Stephanie laughed nervously. “You didn’t have to get me anything. Its okay if you have nothing, your friendship is good enough.”

“Haha. I figured you would say something like that. I DID get you something, but you’re going to have to wait for it. You’ll get it later tonight…” Lina explained, laughing again.

“What? Alright..” Stephanie said, trying to figure out what Lina was planning.

A chuckle escaped Stephanie’s lips as she noticed Sunday, who was sitting on the edge of her bed, eyeing the cake and licking her lips.

“Maybe she doesn’t realize we’re here…” Stephanie thought. “Hey! Let’s have some of that delicious looking cake!” She suggested.
Immediately, Sunday’s eyes widened.

“YEAH! LET’S!” She burst out. The girls started laughing, Sunday’s cheeks turning a little red. Lina cut the cake and handed everyone a piece.

After they had finished the cake, Dana looked at the clock. “Oh…we have practice soon. Let’s get ready.” The girls quickly changed and headed together towards the practice hall. The whole time, Stephanie was thinking about what Lina had said earlier.

“What is she planning…?” She thought.

—

-The Day Before-

Kibum was stretched out on his bed, a set of white headphones emitting music into his ears. His pointer finger traced shapes on the mouse pad while he browsed the internet on his laptop. A soft cracking could be heard as he curled his toes. He bobbed his head up and down with the music until someone knocked on the door. Cautiously, he got up and walked over. Kibum wasn’t really thinking that someone crazy was outside, but it was kind of late and he was tired, so his imagination was taking over. He slowly opened the door and saw Lina standing in front of him.

“Kibum ah~ Let’s talk.” She said, walking inside.

“…So it was a crazy person.” He said under his breath, laughing a bit.

“What? Did you say something?” She asked.

“Nope. What do you want to talk about?” He replied.

“Hmmm…Well, we really don’t need to talk. I just need to drop some stuff off to you.” She said, handing him two envelopes. One had his name written on it and the other has Stephanie’s.

“What’s this..?” He asked her, about to open it.

“Stop!” She commanded. “Don’t open it until you wake up tomorrow…” Lina grinned.

“Um…alright.” Kibum said, a little curious as to why he wasn’t allowed to open it yet.
Lina stood up and walked to the door.

“Well…if its just killing you, I guess you can open it tonight.” She said as she walked out.

“Bye…” Kibum said, waving a little.

He put his laptop away and then stretched out on his bed, ready to go to sleep. His fingers turned the envelope over in his hands as he was trying to think of what was in it. Kibum set his envelope next to Stephanie’s and then turned off his lamp to go to sleep.

When he woke up the next day, he almost forgot about the letters. Kibum had already eaten, showered, and attended one practice session before he remembered about them. The guys were sitting in the commons area when the thought hit his mind again.

“— And so I jumped off the building to save this little boy that was dropped out of an airplane and luckily I landed in the lake at Magic Land. That’s why my nick name is ‘Korea #1 Super Guy Kang In’ “He told the group members.

“Man…whatever!” EunHyuk said, pushing Kang In a little.

Kibum laughed. “I’ll be back soon…” He said as he got up to check his room. When he got there, he shut the door and then slid his finger under the slip on his envelope. The letter fell out along with some kind of orange construction paper looking thing. Kibum lifted it up and read the front of it.

“Admission for 1 at Magic Land” Was written at the top and then in the middle was a computer drawn image of some roller coasters.

“What is she doing?” Kibum asked himself, opening the letter part to read it.

Kibum. Today is Stephanie’s birthday. Did you know that? Well…my present to her is a day at the amusement park. Since Micky isn’t here…I choose you to take her since you’re her best friend. Have fun with her and do whatever she wants! Don’t be a chicken .

- Lina
P.S. – Maybe take her to dinner?

Kibum laughed.

“Great…” He thought. Kibum wanted to take her out, but he didn’t want to be rewarded with a beating again. With a sigh, he placed the contents of the letter on his desk and sat down on his bed. He ran a hand through his hair and then leaned onto his knees.

“What should I do?” He thought. Kibum knew Shiwon would be able to give him answers, but he hadn’t seen him all day. Almost like it was planned, Shiwon walked into his room.

“Oh..Hyung…um…Hi.” Kibum said, standing up.

“Hey. Sorry to bother you, I just came in to get something.” Shiwon said, opening a drawer near his bed and digging.
“Actually…I was hoping I could talk to you…” Kibum hinted.

“Sure. Shoot.” Shiwon replied, still digging.

Kibum took a breath and then explained the situation to Shiwon, who knew most of it already.

“I just don’t know if I should do it or not…” Kibum said, looking at the floor.

Shiwon came and sat beside him, wrapping his arm around Kibum’s shoulder and hugging him in close.

“Go and have fun. It’s her birthday. If anything happens, it happens. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you again. Or her, for that matter.” He said.

Kibum smiled and hugged Shiwon back.

“Thanks Hyung! You always have good advice.” He said.

“No problem. Now…I’ve got to go…but talk to me later. Tell me how it went.”

Kibum said goodbye and then reached over to his desk and grabbed his cell. He slid it open and found Stephanie’s number. His fingers smoothly glided over the keys as he typed out a text.

SENDER: Kibum
TO: Stephanie
—————————-
Hey. Meet me at the front lobby at 7PM. I’ve got a surprise for you.

Kibum’s thumb hit the send key and he smiled as the confirmation popped up.
“It’ll be fun…” He thought as he decided to start getting ready.

——-

Stephanie hurriedly walked around the corner and saw Kibum standing at the door. She checked her cell for the time. It was 6:57…so she wasn’t late.

“He’s probably just early.” She thought as she closed the distance between them. Kibum smiled as she came closer.

“Saengil Chookahae~” He said, hugging her.

“Awww. Thank you!” She said, returning the hug.

“Alright…let’s go. I hope you’re ready for fun!” He said excitedly.

Their first stop was a restaurant. It wasn’t fancy but it wasn’t run down. The restaurant was a nice, family owned place where Kibum had made a reservation. He remembered one of the first time he and Stephanie talked and how she said that every year for her birthday her Omma would make Ddokbukki. This restaurant was known for its Ddokbukki and Patbingsu, so Kibum was confident this would satisfy her. As they made their way inside, Kibum found a table and pulled a chair out for Stephanie to sit.

“Thank you…” She said as he pushed her in.

Kibum took a seat across from her and smiled as the waiter came up.

“Hello and Welcome. What can I get for your drinks tonight?”

“Can I have some water?” Stephanie asked.

“Sure…and for you sir?” He said, turning to Kibum.

“I’ll have the same.” Kibum replied.

“Alright…and what about your meals. What will you have?”

“Oh…” Kibum waved for the waiter to lean in.

“My name is Kim Kibum. I called earlier and made reservations for everything…the cook should know what I want already.” He whispered.

“Oh…alright. I’ll be back soon then.” The waiter said as he walked away.

“…What’s going on?” Stephanie asked, a curious smile spreading across her lips.

“It’s a surprise!” Kibum exclaimed.

A few seconds later, the waiter came back with their drinks.
“Your dinner will be ready shortly.” He said, bowing and leaving again.

The next few minutes were filled with small talk as they waited for their food to arrive. The two of them talked about music, movies, dancing, their families, and Kibum even told Stephanie about Kang In’s story from earlier.

“HAHAH!” Stephanie blurted out, almost choking on her drink. “He’s so crazy…”

“Yeah.” Kibum laughed.

The waiter appeared next to them holding a large platter. He set it down on the holding set and then distributed plates and utensils. He then turned around and produced a large plate of Ddokbukki and set it on the table in between them.

“Happy Birthday Ms. Stephanie” He said before he left.

Stephanie’s eyes lit up in excitement. She wiped at the tears forming in her eyes. The gesture was amazingly nice and she was impressed that Kibum remembered but it reminded her of home again and she couldn’t help but miss her mother.

“Wait…stop! Why are you crying!?” Kibum said, thinking he did something wrong.

Stephanie laughed a little. “Because…I’m just homesick. Thank you so much! You remembered…” She said, smiling at him. After taking a deep breath, Stephanie broke her chopsticks apart and started grabbing some and putting it on her plate. She picked up a small piece and put it in her mouth, smiling.

“Its great! Delicious~” Stephanie said, picking up some more.

Kibum couldn’t agree more. He hadn’t had Ddokbukki in a long time.

A little ways into the meal, Stephanie looked at Kibum.

“You’re a great friend…I’m glad I got to meet you.” The words came from her heart.

“Aww…It’s what I’m here for.” Kibum smiled, putting another noodle in his mouth.

When they finished, Kibum paid for the dinner and then walked back to the table. He reached into his back pocket and produced the envelope that was addressed to her.

“This is from Lina…” He said as he set it down next to her.

Stephanie picked it up and carefully opened it. She removed the letter first and flipped it open to read it.

Hey girlie. It’s your birthday! Happy birthday! This was originally meant for you and Micky but since he’s not here, I gave part of it to Kibum since you two are such good friends. Have fun tonight!

- Lina.

Stephanie checked the envelope and pulled out the orange ticket.

“Aah! I’ve always wanted to go here!” She said, getting more and more excited.

“Then let’s go!” Kibum suggested, helping her out of her seat. He escorted her outside where they waited for a bus to take them to Magic Land. The ride there was amusing because as they sat there, numerous stares from the younger passengers seemed to burn into them as they talked in the back. When the bus got there, the two of them quickly exited with a quick thank you to the driver.

“You ready?” Kibum said as he bent his elbow as to walk her in.

“Yeah…” Stephanie slipped her hand into the bend of his arm and they walked into the entrance. Kibum gave the ticket person their orange slips and they entered the park.

“So…what do you want to do first?” Stephanie asked Kibum.

“Hmmm….” He said, gazing around the sky that was starting to get dark, looking at all the rides they had to choose from.

“Let’s ride that rollercoaster!” He said, pointing to the biggest one in the park.

Stephanie smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that!”

Kibum rushed ahead, pulling Stephanie with him so they could get in line. Unlike regular trips, the lines were moving exceptionally fast that night. Before they knew it, the ride assistants were securing them into their seats.

“Eeeeee. I’m scared!” Stephanie said playfully. She really was though.

“It’s all right. I’ll hold your hand…if you want.” Kibum said, mentally kicking himself.

Stephanie reached down and grabbed his hand just as the latches unhinged and they started making their way up the first hill.

Kibum looked around the park, amazed at how it looked at night. All the lights were on and moving in sequenced patterns. Breath taking, much like the horrifying drop they were approaching. As their cart made it over the top and started plummeting towards the earth, Stephanie let out a shriek of slight terror and enjoyment. Kibum laughed nervously as he gripped his harness. The coaster flew up into the air and made a loop as it zoomed on its tracks. Before they knew it, the ride was over. Stephanie looked at him as their harnesses lifted up and Kibum broke out laughing.

“Ahahah! Your hair!” He said, clutching his stomach from the laughter.

“What? Oh gosh!” Stephanie said as she realized her hair was everywhere from the wind. They got out and she pushed it all back into place as they made their way down the exit ramp.

“That was fun.” She said, turning and smiling at him. “Let’s go on that one next!” She said, pointing to a large wooden roller coaster.

The rest of their time at the park flew by, which was good because it meant they were having fun. Kibum had won Stephanie a small pink pig at a game and then bought some ice cream for them. They lost track of time until they saw the lights start shutting down and all the other people making their way to the exit. Stephanie walked close to Kibum, holding the pig in her hand. As they waited for the bus, Stephanie hugged Kibum.

“Thank you so much. I had a really fun time!”

“Heh…no problem. You should thank Lina though. It was her idea.” He smiled.

He and Stephanie talked some more as the bus arrived and they boarded. On the trip home, Stephanie half-way fell asleep on Kibum’s shoulder. Kibum wanted to put his arm around her…badly, but he knew that it would lead to trouble so he just let her rest on his shoulder. When they got back to the dorms, he nudged her.

“Hey…we’re here…” He said softly.

“Okay.” Stephanie said, yawning a bit and sitting up. They exited the bus and walked into the building.

“Thanks again…” Stephanie said as she rubbed her eyes.

“No…thank you. I don’t think I’ve had this much fun in a while.” He said to her, smiling at how cute she looked.

Stephanie waved and tiredly made her way to her room and opened the door. The lights were off so she just put her things down and fell into bed.

“Happy Birthday…” he said again as he waved and walked to his room. Kibum opened his door and saw Shiwon reading something on his computer screen.

“How’d it go?” he asked.

“It was awesome.” Kibum said, taking off his shoes and getting comfortable as he told Shiwon about his night.