#06

Plot: In which Joy is a part time childcare helper and Taehyung is the older brother of one of the kids there.

Warning:
101% of fluff 🙂

Story:

"Teacher Joy!"

I waved happily to the kids the minute I entered the room. My mother owns this one neighbourhood childcare centre. And since she had passed away, I had always been looking after the centre and helping out. Eventhough I got school and my father thinks that it's a "waste of time" because I could use this time for my University time.

"The kids really like you a lot, Sooyoung."

I smiled at Auntie Kang. She's one of my mother's best friend. They both were very close and friendship goals much. Auntie Kang actually have her own café to tend to. But ever since my mother had gone to a better place, she decided to spend her time here. My mother apparently "handed the place over to her temporarily" until I am able to handle it myself. But nearly everyone knows she would love to take over this place.

"Teacher Joy, can I ask how old are you?" One of the kids asked me.

"22, why?"

"Are you single?" He continued.

"Currently, yes. Why? Do you want to date me or set me up?" I joked getting to his eye level.

He didn't answer me and ran away instead. I laughed as I stood back up and checked the time.

"JoonHyung (hehehe) , is really something." Teacher Son (as in Son Seungwan 😂😂)
mentioned as I turned to her confused.

"He tries to set up his older brother with everyone he likes."

"Joonhyung has an older brother?" I questioned while tidying up the toys.

"Yeah, someone had adopted him last month. The family is really nice and they have a really good looking son."

I laughed at her while throwing away the sweet wrappers. It's weird for me to hear her say that when she is already engaged. Twice. I heard she broke off her last engagement because the guy cheated on her or something. It would be ironic if she broke off this engagement because of Joonhyung's older brother who's good looking.

On the other hand, I am thrilled to hear that Joonhyung was adopted into a nice family. His parents had abandoned him when he was a baby and my mother took care of him. She didn't want to adopt him because she feels like he would find a way better and well-off family who would care for him 24/7. My mother was basically an angel sent down from heaven.

"Thank you, teachers!" chorused the kids from the other room.

I stood by their lockers holding out each jacket and bags to everyone of them. Of course not to forget to give hugs, snacks and kisses (when they want it) to every single kid. It's a tradition my mother had started with all the kids enrolled here. I watched as each of them ran towards their parents, guardians and siblings happily. I can't help but give a motherly smile every single time I see this.

Suddenly, I felt someone tug on my sweater. I looked down and saw Joonhyung standing there smiling at me. He raised out his arms as I carried him and placed him on top of one of the lockers.

"Who's picking you up today?" I asked, tidying up his jacket.

"My brother! He promised that he would come and pick me up today."

"Is it? Is he late today?"

"There he is!"

I turned and saw him waving towards a familiar guy crossing the street from afar. Why is he wearing sunglasses while just coming over to pick his brother up? I squinted my eyes as the guy started to strut his way here. There's something oddly familiar with this dude.

"Yo~ Kim to the Joon to the Hyung~"

He high fived Joonhyung and fist bumped him on the spot after saying that. Even the voice is oddly familiar.

"Hyung, meet my favourite teacher! Teacher Joy!"

"Oh, I'm not exactly a teacher here. My real name is Park Sooyoung but the kids here call me Teacher Joy." I explained immediately as he said that.

Every single time a kid tells their parents that. I get questioned for whether Joy is my real name. Like uhmmm? No.

"Isn't it obvious your name is not Joy?" He replied a little bit sassily.

"Let's go, Joonhyung."

And like that he just left me dumbfounded. He seriously looks very familiar but I can't put my finger to it. Not to forget that attitude of his. If Joonhyung wasn't there, I would've said a word or two about his attitude. On contrary, Joonhyung seems really happy with him. Plus that guy seems to really adore and care for him. I guess that's all what matters.

"Oh? So you've met Joonhyung's brother? How is he?"  Teacher Son pointed out as she joined me.

"How is he? His attitude is shitty. And he seems like a childish kid." I replied entering the centre again.

"What?! You got to be kidding me. He doesn't have a bad attitude." She defended back.

"Seungwan unnie, I know what I saw. He was being rude to me. He dared to sass me and I saw how he rolled his eyes annoyingly when he saw my face."

"You must be terribly mistaken. Give him another chance. He really is a nice guy. I think you two fit well together."

Now she's defending him and matchmaking me at the same time. I know your love life background and it ain't pretty.

"I don't even give all my ex-boyfriends a second chance. What makes you think I'd give this stranger another chance? Also, I have zero intentions of dating someone again. Especially not some rude ass dude."

She didn't bother to defend him again and left me there in the playroom alone. I am not letting her defend this kid's rude ass. I'm going to spill some tea and drag him down. Every. Single. Day.

-

The next day passed by so quickly. I did the same exact routine with each imof the children again. Once it reached Joonhyung, I looked out for his brother. Sure enough, the brother just arrived and was waiting outside the gate.

"Joonhyung, give noona a hug and a kiss." I purposely pleaded kneeling at his level.

Joonhyung, of course, didn't hesitate and did so. I made a quick look at his brother who just gave a bitch face.

"Joonhyung, let's go. I'll get you some ice cream on the way back."

He is deliberately ignoring me. Does he even notice my presence here? I stared at him angrily as Joonhyung hugged the other teachers.

"Teacher Joy, do you want to join us?" Joonhyung offered.

I took a quick glance at the brother who looked as if I invaded his privacy. I grabbed my bag and my coat as I turned to Joonhyung.

"Sure! Let's go!" I cheered as I grabbed Joonhyung's hand.

-

The entire time the brother was basically ignoring my presence. I'm hundred percent sure he is doing it on purpose. When I offered to order the ice cream, he ignored me and ordered on his own. I get maybe he might feel like interacting with a stranger is awkward but still.

We're currently just sitting at a nearby table devouring the sweet taste. I took a bite of the ice cream while also wiping Joonhyung's mouth every now and then. I managed to find time to sneak a peek at his brother. He was being all sentimental looking out the window while abandoning his ice cream. It doesn't fit the current mood considering how the ice cream parlor is blasting "Boom Boom".

"Uhmm... are you just going to stare into blank space like that? Have some pity for the food." I interrupted his train of thoughts.

He turned to me with a sour face before placing his ice cream down.

"I'm heading to the washroom. Joonhyung, do you need to go too?"

Joonhyung probably shook his head as the brother standing up and walking away. I don't know what led me here but now I'm secretly looking out for him. I waited nearby the washroom trying to not make it obvious what I was doing there.

"How is it that she hasn't changed at all?" A voice sounding real similar to Joonhyung's older brother's voice.

Wait if it is.... Who's the she? Was he staring at someone else in the parlor? OH! Maybe his first love or something! I ran back to the seat as he returned not long after. I watched every one of his moves as he tried to avoid looking anywhere my direction. I made a not so obvious turn to see who he could be looking at.

It all made sense when I saw my old high school senior, Joohyun. I forgot that she works here. I used to visit here everyday after school but stopped because of my mother's death. She had been my greatest comfort after my mother's death but I didn't want to burden her.

-

The ice cream outing took very long. We ended up leaving after an hour there. I walked next to Joonhyung holding his hand. Behind us, his brother was just walking in silence. As if he isn't there. His presence is both scary and silent.

"Teacher Joy, why are you still single?" Joonhyung asked all of a sudden

"Wh-what?"

"Joonhyung, it's rude to suddenly ask your teacher that." He nagged at him

"Actually it's okay." I smiled.

"I always tell stories of my love life to these kids whenever they want." I continued smiling happily.

I heard him mumble something as I turned around. Immediately, he tried to feign ignorance and avoided my eye. I rolled my eyes as I continued talking with Joonhyung.

"Aren't you kids getting a child a little too early?"

I turned to the source of the voice. Only to find an old couple sitting at the bench nearby. Mannerly, I bowed and greeted them making Joonhyung and his brother do the same.

"Uhmmm but sorry? Getting a child?" The brother countered confused.

"Isn't that cute kid your child? And why are you two walking far away from each other? Shouldn't husband and wife be next to each other?"

I coughed loudly in shock and sarcasm as Joonhyung's brother seemed so offended.

"We're not married. Nor are we dating. He is ny younger brother. She is just his childcare teacher." He explained somehow.

"But Grandma, Grandpa! Don't they fit with each other?" Joonhyung added.

I laughed sarcastically and carried Joonhyung up covering his mouth. We awkwardly bid farewell as we walked away from the place as fast as possible. The minute we were far gone, I let go of Joonhyung and passed him to his brother.

"I guess I should go now. Bye, Joonhyung-ie~ See you tomorrow!" I waved getting ready to leave.

"Uhmm... aren't you going to ask for my name? Or ask to see me tomorrow too?"

"Uh... no? See you Joonhyung-ie~" I called out as I walked away.

-

It had been days since Joonhyung's brother came to pick him up. Not that I missed him or something. It's just that I expected him to come the next day so maybe we can go out to eat again. But after that ice cream outing of ours, he never visited the childcare anymore. I stared at the calendar for a while. It was nearly five days since he had last came over.

"Teacher Joy! Are you free today?"

I turned and saw Joonhyung smiling at me. I smiled back and messed his hair a bit.

"Of course I do. Why?"

"My parents aren't picking me up today!" He said cheerfully.

"Oh? Does that mean your older brother is coming then?" I asked a little bit more interested.

"Ah... no." He replied sadly

I watched as his face dropped almost immediately when I asked him that. Did something happe to his brother? Before I could ask him, I heard the office phone ring. Quickly, I grabbed it as Joonhyung walked away to play with his friends.

"Hi! This is Hogwarts Childcare Centre! (HAH. YASSS) Teacher Joy's speaking. How may I help you?" I cheerfully greeted through the phone.

"Oh? Sooyoung? Thank goodness." The receiver sighed in relief.

I checked the phone number before realising that it was Joonhyung's mother's number.

"Oh! Mdm Kim!" I responded happily.

"I heard from Joonhyung earlier that you guys aren't picking up from here. May I ask who is?" I continued while trying to handle the kids at the same time.

"Ah... that's what I wanted to ask you about. Are you able to send Joonhyung home today? We tried calling a babysitter but none are available and Joonhyung's brother is not free either."

"Oh? Of course I can!" I replied almost immediately.

I love Joonhyung and honestly wouldn't mind seeing how his new life with the family is like. I hung the phone after many agreements with the mother and the directions to the house.

"Joonhyung~ guess who's sending you home today?" I cooed out while stroking his hair.

"Taehyung hyung?"

My face froze as he mentioned that name. Oh my god. It is so oddly familiar.

"Tae-taehyung hyung?" I questioned back.

He nodded before joining the rest of his friends over the other side. I swear that name sounded very familiar.

-

"Ahh~ so Teacher Joy is the one sending me home? That's great then! Joonhyungie is happy." He grinned widely as I messed his hair.

I grabbed hold of his tiny little hands tightly but not so tight. He kept wanting to run away to other places and all while I'm struggling yo catch up with his pace. He wasn't this active a few days ago when I walked with him too.

"Oh! My brother likes that!"

I followed his tiny fingers as he pointed towards a shop selling those do-it-yourself toys. I never knew he was the kind who'd indulged himself in stuff like that. I guess first impressions make a lot of difference.

"Let's go." I smiled while softly pulling his hand.

Joonhyung is the type who likes making jokes and having fun while walking. It's as if there should never be a dull moment in his life. We soon reached his house. It was so short that I felt we may have taken a shortcut back or something.

"Is your mother okay with you being left alone?" I began to ask.

"Hmmm... I think Grandma should be coming tonight! But you can stay with me until my grandma comes?" He pouted cutely.

I can never say no to cute things like that. I smiled as he led the way inside. He's so natural with me being here with him. Well I guess that pays being his favourite teacher there.

"Joonhyung!! It's about time you're back~"

I looked ahead as his older brother darted out of his room inmediately. Firstly, why does it seem like he was waiting for him to come back? Secondly, I thought he was supposed to be like somewhere else?

"Oh? You brought him home?"

"Uh...yeah. His- I mean, your mother called and told me that no one was available to pick him up. So she asked me to do a favour and send him home. I couldn't say no to her so yeah...." I answered almost quickly without taking a breath.

"Oh... thanks. Do you want something to eat? Or drink? Joonhyung, go to your room and change first before I take out your snacks."

I stared in disbelief. Joonhyung immediately followed his orders as the older brother walked to the kitchen. I swear, since when was he ever this responsible and not rude? Did something happened within those days he was gone? I trailed him to the kitchen as he swung the fridge door open.

"So... why haven't you been picking Joonhyung up lately?"

"I had business to do in Japan."

I nodded and nearly wowed at his reply. What does he do to have business to do in Japan?

"You noticed?"

"Sorry?"

"That I haven't been picking Joonhyung. Were you perhaps, waiting for me everyday?"

I scoffed out loud and laughed. Me? Wait for him? Everyday? Do I look like I have no life or something?

"Excuse you~ I just happened to overheard my co-workers mentioned it." I lied.

"Oh! By the way, I heard from Joonhyung. Your name is Taehyung?" I questioned.

"Yeah, Kim Taehyung."

"Oh~ your name sounds so familiar" I replied back casually.

"Yeah. We went to same high school. I was your senior."

My eyes widened as he said that. We went to same high school? More importantly, he's my senior?

"Really? What a small world!" I commented totally oblivious to everything else.

"Sooyoung, I even asked you out at one point." He pointed out.

Sensing from his tone of voice, he does not sound pleased. When did he asked me out? I mean I was asked out a couple of times during my high school years but we all knew how that ended up.

"Ah... you did? Sorry! You know it too. I was asked out a lot but I always dumped them, broke up with them, got dumped or plainly ignored them. Though.... we haven't dated right?"

"I was one of those plainly ignored people." He replied back with a sad tone.

"I did? Me? Wh-what?!"

"Why do you sound so shocked hearing that?"

Oh, I don't know. Maybe it's because you look damn good looking now and actually quite nicer than the other guys I've dated?

"Oh, I didn't meant it that way. I mean you don't seem that bad to look at." I retorted back trying to deny the fact that I sort of fell for him.

"Teacher Joy! Let's go play some games!" Joonhyung cheered pulling me away from my embarrassment.

He grabbed my hand with his tiny ones and dragged me towards their playroom. I took a quick short glance over at Taehyung who just smiled shyly.

-

The minute I reached my apartment, I rummaged through all my high school yearbooks. How come I've never seemed to remember Taehyung before? I flipped through the pages till the student section and searched for his name.

"Kim Jihun... Kim Jiyeon... Kim Jisoo..." I muttered looking through the Kims. I flipped the page and searched again.

"Kim Mihyun... Kim Sojung... Aha! Kim Taehyung!" I screamed the minute I found his name.

"Uhmmm... yeah?"

I turned around and saw Taehyung standing near the doorway. I looked behind him trying ti wonder how the hell did he enetered and why he was here.

"You left your scarf earlier. I ran after you to pass it but you didn't heard me. Also you left your door open." He explained himself almost immediately.

"Oh... well isn't this awkward.." I commented rubbing my nape.

"What were you looking at?"

"Oh, just the yearbooks."

As if it was a taboo word, he dropped my scarf and stared at me cautiously.

"Uhmm... did you saw the picture?" He asked still being cautious.

"I saw your name but then you interrupted me earlier. So I haven't exactly managed to see it."

We both stared at each other awkwardly for like nearly a whole minute.

"Uhmmm... so yeah.... here's your scarf. Bye. See you next time."

Right when he left, I threw the scarf towards the sofa and locked the door. Straight away, I jumped towards the yearbook and continued where I left off.

"Kim Taehyung." I repeated while reading the name.

I followed my fingers as it moved upwards towards the picture. I but my lips to hold back the laughter before grabbing my phone immediately. I searched for his name and started typing like crazy.

Kim Taehyung (Joonhyung's bro)
Online

HAH! YOU LOOK SO DAMN DIFFERENT.

OMG I FORGOT.

Btw its called puberty

well then puberty didnt
hit you like a truck....
it crash landed onto you.

OMG i cant.

Yeah sure.... whatever.

but on the brighter side, you definitely look better now.

why thank you~

I found myself smiling instinctively as I laid down on my back and texted with him throughout the night. I guess I was wrong about my impression of him. He doesn't seem that bad....

-

It's been months since our first meeting. Now me and Taehyung are constantly meeting up for random outings with Joonhyung. Once in a while it would just be outings between the two of us. After talking with him several times, I found out he isn't such a douchebag afterall. He's nice, kind and loves to joke around. I even found out that he has a crush on our old senior, Joohyun unnie. And I may or may not have tried several attempts in making these two happen. But that's a whole other story.

I'M BACK WITH A TAEJOY ONE SHOT~ 😄 This was the longest I wrote and the longest I took to structure and really put in my thoughts. I don't know about you guys but I personally love this story. Anyways hint for next one shot: somewhere in this book. 😏👀