Pairing: SNSD's Yoona & SJ's Donghae
2007
Being one of the
youngest in the group wasn't always the best. There were times like this; being
ordered around like a slave to buy some drinks and foods in the cafeteria.
Yoona grunted as she lined up. Too bad Seohyun wasn't able to come today due to
her bad condition. It must be fun to have a company in this boring waiting
line.
She peeked upon
the shoulder of the person in front of her, wondering quietly why he hadn't
finished ordering his foods already. The practice would begin soon and she
didn't have enough time. The other members needed to get their drinks or else
it would be chaotic inside the practice room.
"Excuse me,
what took him so long?" Yoona asked, trying hard to be polite as she
pointed at the brown-haired guy who was currently ordering.
But when the
person in front of her turned around to face her, Yoona let out a gasp. Her
eyes widened in recognition, twinkling as she blinked cutely. "Leeteuk
Oppa!"
The said man
grinned widely, semi-hugging her in the process. "Yoona-yah! It's been a
long time."
Yoona laughed
whole-heartedly, feeling a slight relief to meet this certain senior she
respected so much during her trainee days.
"How have
you been, Oppa?"
Putting on a
playful smirk, Leeteuk answered, "As you can see. I'm healthy as a
horse."
The both of them
laughed, forgetting the line they get into for a whole minute. Just when she
was about to step forward to buy the drinks (finally the guy had moved), a hand
circled her wrist and dragged her few meters away. She looked rather upset,
despite the fact that it was actually Leeteuk, the closest senior in this
company, who had dragged her.
"Actually,
I'm here because my friend over here treats me for his birthday," Leeteuk
said, dragging another guy along.
Yoona recognized
the other guy as one of her senior as well, debuted in the same group as
Leeteuk. She still remembered that brown hair which fell upon his forehead and
that charming (shy) smile on his face. She had worked with him not too long
ago, and she had learnt his name.
"Annyeonghaseyo,
Donghae Oppa," she bowed politely. Unbeknown to Yoona and Leeteuk,
Donghae's eyes lighted up at the way his name sounded safe on her lips.
"Yoona,"
he responded shortly, but her name lingered longer on his lips. Leeteuk didn't miss
the shy smile his member gave to the young girl.
"Oh, happy
birthday to you, Oppa. Hopefully you'll have a wonderful year ahead,"
Yoona congratulated him with her softest voice and her most sincere smile.
Donghae could
only gave her another smile. "Thank you, Yoona."
And that day when
he turned 21, Donghae found his heart skipped a beat for the first time at the
presence of Im Yoona.
2008
Thump...thump...thump...
Yoona could hear
her heart beating, slowly began to its normal pace. Having her back pressed
against the mirror, she caught a breath, wiping her sweat with the back of her
hands.
It was almost
midnight, yet there she was, panting hardly and out of breath in the corner of
the practice room. She didn't like it a bit, (to sleep less than usual, eat
less than usual, and just practice, practice, practice-) but she had to. SNSD
would never go down the drain, not even after the black ocean, vast sea of
unresponsive audience. She was strong, and she would not cry for this matter.
Not anymore. She preferred panting and having her body ripped into pieces than
crying and just do nothing.
But the back of
her mind reminded her that she still had one last thing to do before going back
to the dorm. Taking a deep breath, Yoona reached out her hands to her bag, sighed
in relief as the thing she had been looking for was safe in her hand. Giggling
weakly at her phone, she went through her phonebook, looking out for that particular
name. Placing the small object near her ear, she waited patiently for the other
line to pick up.
One...two...thr-
"Yeoboseyo?"
a very familiar soft voice greeted her, and Yoona's smile got wider.
"I guess it
isn't too late to say happy birthday to you, right, Oppa?"
When she heard a
chuckle from the other line, Yoona knew she wasn't too late. It was still
October 15th after all.
"I guess
not," Yoona could almost hear the grin in his voice.
"Happy
birthday, Donghae Oppa," Yoona said sincerely.
There was a short
(comfortable) silence which Yoona knew Donghae was absorbing every word she
said.
"Thank you,
Yoona."
Some things
hadn't change, Yoona thought to herself, smiling.
"Have you
been practicing?" Donghae asked. Yoona's eyes lit up in a hopeful look at
the worry in his voice. She could imagine the frown on his forehead, a gesture
he only did when he was bothered about something.
"Yes. It's
only a month before we film our music video. I have to do well, don't I?"
"Hmm."
"Oppa?"
"Get some
rest Yoona, I don't want you to get sick."
Yoona's grip on
her phone tightened. Her heart flattered and she swore she felt butterflies
flying in her stomach, giving off a funny feeling she hadn't been familiar
with.
"I
will."
"Good,
then."
There was a long
silence followed. The sound of their contented breathing filled the air around
them, bringing a homey feeling.
"I'll hang
up, then."
"Okay.
Thanks for the birthday greeting, Yoona."
"You are
welcome. Good night, Oppa."
"Good
night."
2009
"Happy
birthday!!" Yoona found herself squealing (not so) loudly along with the
rest of SM artists. Standing right beside Leeteuk who was holding the cake, she
smiled as Donghae stepped closer towards them with a huge grin plastered on his
face.
When the birthday
boy finished blowing the candles (all thanked to Shindong who put more than
enough candles on the cake), everyone started congratulating him. The grin just
wouldn't leave his face as he murmured a thank you.
The party went
well and everyone seemed to have fun. Yoona watched in amusement as Sooyoung,
Yuri, and Hyeoyeon danced crazily in the middle of the room. Usually, she would
join the fun. But this time was an exception. She could feel her energy
drenched out from the drama filming today. It was a miracle that the director
let the actors rest for a day.
"It's not
you to get left out in a party." Her ears perked at the familiar voice
behind her. She turned around and found a smiling Donghae stood there, handing
a glass of coke to her.
"Hey,"
he said.
She received gratefully
before flashing him a small smile. When Donghae took a seat beside her former
spot, Yoona carefully sat down. She wondered since when they became this
awkward. Usually, they would just talk casually and the conversation would flow
smoothly without them even trying.
Few minutes
passed and the awkwardness was unbearable. With Donghae just sat silently there
wasn't much a help either. Yoona took a deep breath, feeling the need to start
the conversation. Taking a sip or her drink, she tilted her head, slightly
facing him.
"I heard
Sorry Sorry won again this week," she started slowly.
Super Junior's
Charming Prince shrugged nonchalantly. "It was just luck. I'm sure next
week will be yours again. Genie is a big hit after all."
And they're back
to square one. Yoona groaned mentally for picking that topic to start a
conversation. She was about to open her mouth again when she caught a glimpse
of a box hidden behind her. Oh great, she thought. She hadn't even wished him a
happy birthday.
Yoona cleared her
throat, gaining Donghae's attention. When the latter raised his right eyebrow,
she took the blue box behind her and handed it to him.
"This,"
she put the box into his opened palms, "is your birthday present. Happy
birthday, Donghae Oppa."
Donghae was lost
for a few seconds, blinking adorably at the younger girl. But it wasn't long
when he finally gained his composure.
"It's so
nice of you, Yoona. Thank you," he answered, smiling in gratitude.
"Can I open it?"
She didn't see
the reason why he can't. "Sure," Yoona nodded.
The smile on
Donghae's face widened when he opened the lid. He carefully took the mug into
his hands, observing intently.
"Wow. This
is the most unique gift I received so far. Super Junior's mug? Really?" he
smirked amusedly.
The awkwardness
before seemed subside down when she laughed whole-heartedly, opening her mouth
so wide. Donghae chuckled at the sound, and thought to himself he never got
tired of her trademark alligator laugh. He found it rather amusing to have the
center of Nation's girl group laughed disregarding her image.
"It's not
just Super Junior's mug. It's Super Junior's mug with Lee Donghae's face on
it," she teased playfully, earning another chuckle from the said young
man.
"You are
unbelievable," he shook his head, laughing softly.
Yoona grinned.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
As they being
drowned in the bubble they made for only the both of them, they knew this was
the normal Donghae-Yoona they used to be.
2010
A young girl of
her early 20s was found walking carefully with a shopping cart she was
currently pushing. Glancing around the supermarket, she pulled her cap lower,
making sure no one recognize her. She didn't want to get caught here, in a
supermarket without her manager.
Done with her
shopping, she hopped into her car. Yoona sighed in relief. She then took out
her phone and dialed a number she remembered all too well. She couldn't even
hide the obvious grin in her face.
"Hello?"
"Oppa! I
hope you don't forget about tonight. My dorm, 7 pm. Don’t be late, okay?"
There was a light
chuckle heard from the other line. Donghae's smile was obvious in his voice.
"How could I
forget if my girlfriend keeps calling me to remind me?"
Yoona laughed
softly. "Okay. See you later, Oppa!"
"Yes, I love
you."
And she blushed.
It had been 6 months since they started dating but every little thing Donghae
did still made her blushed and felt butterflies on her tummy.
It was almost 7
pm when her doorbell rang. She rushed out from the kitchen, still with her
apron and her hair tied up in a messy bun, to open the door for a person she
had been waiting for.
When Donghae's
face greeted her, she couldn't help but smiling widely at him. He chuckled at
the action and leant a little closer to drop a kiss on her head.
They had a dinner
Yoona prepared beforehand, much to Donghae's surprise. Yoona was known to have
an interest toward food and cooking but she wasn't a really good cook. They
shared some conversations after that, cuddling on the couch. The television was
on but their eyes weren't on that rectangle thing. He had his arms around her petite
figure and his head in the crook of her neck. Yoona stroked his head
affectionately, ran her fingers through his dark locks.
"You smell
the nicest," Donghae sighed in content, inhaling her scent. It was a
mixture of lavender and vanilla, just the way he liked it.
Yoona playfully
slapped his shoulder. "You're creepy!"
Donghae let out a
chuckle and drop butterfly kisses from her neck to her cheek. He only stopped
midway when Yoona suddenly pulled away.
"What time is
it?" she asked.
Donghae pulled
back half-heartedly and glanced at his phone screen. "12.02, what's
wrong?"
"Hmm,"
Yoona hummed. The next second she was leaning closer, whispering into his ears.
"Happy 25th birthday, Lee Donghae."
The older man
frowned, looking at her in disbelief. "What? My birthday is
tomorrow."
Yoona smirked
amusedly. "Which is now."
Donghae blinked.
"So you prepared everything for this?"
"Yes,"
she smiled. "I have to go to Japan tomorrow so I guess I can't make it to
your birthday party."
"I can't see
my girlfriend on my birthday? Wow, this is gonna be good."
Yoona laughed at
his sarcasm and gave a peck on his lips. "I love you."
Donghae melted at
her sincere confession. He kissed her back with a long, soft kiss. "I love
you too."
2011
"What
happened this time? He's been quiet these days," Leeteuk asked as he took
a seat beside Yoona. He eyed her for a second and frowned. "And you're
unusually quiet as well."
Yoona heaved a
sigh, smiling weakly. "We broke up."
It took a whole
minute for Leeteuk to finally comprehend what was happening. He gaped, wanting
to say something but no words came out of his mouth.
"Like...for
real?" Yoona nodded. She then looked up at the ceiling, suppressing the
urge to cry. Her heart clenched every time she was reminded by the fact.
"We can't be
dating. This is all wrong. I'm promoting with Suju and you're busy with your
promotion as well. This way, we would hurt each other even more with the
longing, the jealousy, everything. I love you, but let's end this, Yoona."
Seeing the glint
of tears in her eyes, Leeteuk hugged her, stroking her back affectionately.
Yoona buried her head in his chest, breathing his scent. It was amazing how
Leeteuk could comfort her in the way others couldn't, even Donghae.
"Are you
going tonight?" he asked when Yoona finally released the hug.
"I can't
miss a party, can I?" she flashed a smile at him, telling him it was okay
for her to come, to meet him after months.
Four hours later,
Yoona found herself standing alone in Suju's dorm's kitchen. The party was
still on, the cheerful atmosphere was heard around the room. Holding a glass of
wine, Yoona smiled bitterly to herself. She was about to go back to her members
when her eyes met his.
Yoona stiffened,
suddenly feeling uncomfortable. Right in front of her was Donghae with his
charming smile and soft gaze.
"How have
you been, Yoona?" He was the first who broke the tense.
"Good. You,
Oppa?"
"Good."
There was a long,
awkward silent following after. Yoona fiddled with the hem of her dress, avoiding
his eyes.
"Thank you
for the scarf, I really like it."
Yoona raised her
head, smiling a little. She put some strands of her hair behind her ears before
answering him.
"I'm glad
you do. Happy birthday, Oppa," she said.
Donghae smiled,
muttering a 'thank you' under his breath. He then leant against the door frame,
looking at her who was still avoiding his gaze.
He sighed,
suddenly feeling tired. "Have you listened to the song?"
Yoona nodded
slowly. With one glace, she knew what song he meant. "It's a very
emotional song," she answered.
"It meant
for you."
"I
know."
Donghae took some
steps towards her. Yoona's eyes widened at the sudden closeness. Her breath
hitched when she felt Donghae's thumb gently caressing her cheek.
He looked into
her eyes; a single tear ran down on his cheek. Yoona was already crying when he
leant closer, placing a tender kiss on her forehead he loved so much.
"I'm
sorry," he whispered between his sobs.
2017
When you were on
your 30s, throwing a birthday party wouldn’t be necessary. That went for
Donghae as well. He was turning 31 this year, not to mention that he was no
longer active as Super Junior but as singer and actor Lee Donghae instead. The
Charming Prince of Super Junior was now an actor, a solo singer, and...a husband.
He pulled his
blanket closer to his body when he felt the sun rays radiating in his room. It
was Sunday, and he just had a busy schedule yesterday so he had the whole day
to lie on his bed. But that plan was almost impossible when his wife entered
their shared bedroom, forcefully pulling his blanket.
"Wake up,
Oppa!" the woman shouted.
Donghae groaned.
"10 more minutes, please."
Yoona shook her
head. She jumped on their bed and began to shake him. "No. Today is Sunday
and you'll be a good husband, spending the whole day with your wife."
Though SNSD was
disbanded last year, Yoona was still the busiest woman Donghae ever met. She
wouldn't be home before 10, mostly because of her drama or CF filming or just
simply wanted to go out with Yuri or Tiffany or Sooyoung. No wonder she wanted
this day to be theirs only, just the two of them.
"Why don't
you lay here beside me so we can spend this day on the bed, with me hugging
you?" he asked sheepishly, eyes were closed but smirked nevertheless.
Yoona ignored his
question and started to beg him. "Come on, love. You don't want to miss
your birthday present, do you?"
Donghae's eyes
fluttered open. "You have a present for me?"
She smiled.
"Only the best gift you can never imagine."
She handed him a
small box which he received with a confused look. He carefully opened it, and
found a long white thing inside. It looked like a thermometer, but Donghae
didn't see why his wife would give him a thermometer.
It was only when
he saw two red lines on the middle that he finally realized what actually it
is. He gasped, looking at Yoona with a disbelief look.
"Is this for
real?" his voice was barely a whisper.
A slight smile
appeared on Yoona's face, her eyes were tearing up. "Yes. You are going to
be a father," she unconsciously rubbed her stomach lovingly.
Donghae caught
the gesture and slowly put his hand on her stomach. He looked at it for a
moment before he exchanged glance with his wife.
"You're
going to be a great mother," he said, totally mesmerized by the image of
her hugging their baby in her arms.
"You are
right, Yoona," Donghae carefully pulled her to a rather awkward hug, for
he suddenly aware of what could happen if he hugged her too tight. "This
is the best gift ever."
He had
experienced different feelings every October 15th, and most of them were
because of the woman he had in his arms now. She made him feel special, loved,
and contented every time he was turning of age. Thousands days passed with her
by his side; a long journey of laughs and tears and broken hearts, but only on
his birthday, Donghae found his life was finally complete.
