October 15th

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.