“Mina! Where are the sesame seeds?? I don't see them here in the pantry.” I yell from the kitchen.

A few days have passed since our previous conversation at the Korean restaurant and it's a good thing we were on good terms with the owners, otherwise we would've been temporarily banned after that inappropriate display of vocal outbursts. Surprisingly, Mina has not uttered a word regarding Zack since then and I'm not sure whether to feel relieved or suspicious. She never did take heed of my words; they would simply just slide off instead of adhering to her brain, but this was out of the ordinary for her. I almost miss her probing questions about my personal life...it was the fuel that kept her her normal everyday hyperactive self as deranged as that sounds. I'm not used to her acting indifferent around me, but I suppose it's nothing I need to worry about. Additionally, our rehearsal from the other day went surprisingly well and was also productive. There was no arguing or threats to strangle each other with one of our strings. I guess the fact I was in a good mood had something to do with it.

It's late in the afternoon and currently I am in the process of making my homemade Japchae and pork dumplings for the guys. They had been working nonstop on their upcoming album and I thought they would appreciate a real home cooked meal instead of the takeout crap they had been engulfing down the past couple of weeks. I rarely, if ever, cook Korean food, especially from scratch, mainly because it's an all day process. The very few times I ever make kimchi, it's mandatory for me to get up no later than 6 'o clock in the morning to begin if I want to be anywhere near close to finishing before heading to bed. While Japchae does take a while to prepare, it doesn't come close to the time frame for kimchi and luckily I had already premade the dumplings (filling and all) the other day. All I had to do was take them out of the freezer and boil them, but right now my time is being stalled because I can't locate the sesame seeds which is an essential embellishment for almost every Korean dish out there.

“I moved it over to the spice rack next to the coffee maker.” Her voice reverberated from down the hallway but then became dense once she appeared from around the corner, making her presence known.

I shot her a puzzled look. “Why would you move it over there??”

“I don't know, easier access? Why does it matter?” She shrugged back, not understanding my frantic expression.

My puzzled look quickly morphed into sheer displeasure. “It does matter. Sesame seeds aren't categorized as a 'spice.'”

Her face finally displayed some kind of emotion as she rolls her eyes. “Oh God, seriously? Your OCD gets worse by the minute I swear.”

“It's not OCD, it's common sense Mina,” I state matter of factly before shuffling over to the spice rack to retrieve the small shaker jar containing said seeds.

“Calm down, I'm pretty sure the Police Department of Misplaced Garnishes has an off day today.” She giggles softly, finally showing off that prominent cheeky smile of hers that I've grown accustomed to.

“Har dee har. Why don't you make yourself useful and scoop out the rest of those dumplings from the boiling water...they should be done by now.” I order her while sprinkling a generous amount of sesame seeds atop the Japchae making it officially done.

“Yes ma'am,” she teases fully aware that she is being a smart-ass.

I shoot her the middle finger as I screw the cap to the shaker back on and waltz over to the pantry and place the sesame seeds inside where they belong. Before putting it away, I hold it up and shake it vigorously, gaining her attention, then firmly place it on the middle shelf reminding her not to remove it from this spot again. She shakes her head in amusement then turns back around to continue fishing out the last of the dumplings from the boiling pot and places them on a plate to cool. Before closing the pantry door, I quickly rummaged through the box on the floor that held all the plastic containers and lids. I find the appropriate lid that matched then walk back to the kitchen counter to place the lid atop the container that held the Japchae. While Mina was packing up the dumplings for me, I head over to the fridge and take out my homemade dumpling dipping sauce, making sure not to forget the extra batch in the back that I made especially for Zack. I know what you're thinking and no, I didn't do it as a flirtatious gesture...I did it simply because last time I didn't make enough for everyone and I'd prefer not to hear him bitch and moan again. As soon as I see all the food is neatly packed away in their own containers, I begin to place them in plastic bags, stacking them on each other from biggest to smallest, then tie the bags tightly to prevent anything from spilling out. I then put the bags into a bigger brown bag to limit the amount of stuff I had to carry.

I let out a big sigh, relieved that I'm finally done and walk over to sit the bags near the front door so I don't forget them when I leave. As I go to grab my purse that was sitting on top of the breakfast table, I spot Mina lazily sprawled out on the couch. She looked a bit gloomy and it was seriously starting to weird me out so I walked over to the couch, lifted her feet so I could sit next to her, then lowered them back down so they were laying across my lap. Unlike her, I wasn't going to drill her until she finally expressed what was bothering her. So I went another route and thought of the one thing that I knew would lift her spirits, if not just a little.

“Are you sure don't want to come with? Even if it's just to see 'Bri-Bri?'” I questioned while giving her a genuine smile. I knew the mention of Brian's name would cause the clouds to lift above her head.

She smiled softly but I could tell she was still bummed. “Wish I could but I have a student coming over for a lesson in about 15 minutes.”

I knit my eyebrows together, perplexed by her answer. “Today? I thought you didn't teach on Thursdays.”

Aside from the quartet, all four of us taught private lessons on the side for extra money. It's not something people should be surprised about. We can't just fully depend on the quartet becoming a huge success like in the next week...we have to have something to fall back on in case this doesn't work out for us. But we're not going to stop trying and though we started from the bottom we have to work our way to the top. Sure we have put on some public performances and have gotten paid enough to live off of, but it isn't enough. Unfortunately it will take us longer to get there compared to the guy's band simply because not a lot of people listen or appreciate classical music anymore. This upcoming gig we have in less than 2 weeks will hopefully make up for all that lost time. We've managed to sell a generous amount of tickets so far, so on a positive note, at least there will be an ample amount of people in the audience...but I digress. Thursdays were considered as our off days. It was the only day out of the entire week where we didn't have rehearsals or have to teach, so it confused me when Mina informed she had a lesson planned for tonight.

“I don't...but he's going to be out of town this weekend to visit extended family so we both agreed it would be best to just have his lesson today and out of the way.” She answers but I notice the end of her sentence taper off like she doesn't want to finish her statement.

It doesn't take me long to realize why she's avoiding the subject. “Lemme guess....Marc?”

“Yes...and shut-up,” she answers monotonously, still looking forward not wanting to make eye contact.

I know I shouldn't but I try to fight back a smile. Ever since Mina took Marc in as her student, he has become absolutely smitten when he first layed eyes on her and to this day she regrets her decision to be his teacher. Now I understand why she's in such a mood......I'm starting to piece all of this together now. She was probably planning on coming with me to see the guys tonight, or rather Brian, but her plans were fucked up because of Marc needing to re-schedule. But I think she's more pissed off at the fact that she has to spend one long agonizing hour with 'lover boy.' Once I see she isn't the slightest bit amused, given the deadpan look on her face, I press my lips tightly in a thin line to rid the grin still tugging at the corners of my mouth. After regaining my composure, I switch gears and try to relate to her situation.

“You're too soft on your students. If mine had pulled that crap, I would've told them 'tough shit' and made them take their violin with them on the trip.” I say rather harshly, making it clear that I don't sugarcoat anything when it comes to my students.

“I'm not like that with all my students, just him. I've found that he tends to focus more and put in a lot of practice hours if his lesson is rescheduled beforehand not after. That way he won't have to worry about it. Plus it's not like I let him do this all the time. The only reason I gave him some lee way this time is because I just want to get his lesson done with.” She says compassionately, having a sudden change of heart.

I can't help myself as I feel the smile creeping up on me again. “Yea, but we both know the REAL reason why-”

“Don't say it.” She warns, her eyes piercing into mine.

“Oh come on, you gotta admit it's funny. It's no secret the kid has a little boy crush on you.” I'm honestly just trying to make her smile so she'll lighten up.

“He's 14 years old...” She says flatly, still not seeing the humor in any of this, but that only increases my laughter.

“And that's what makes it funny! The poor sap can't be around you for 5 minutes without turning beet red.” I'm lightly slapping her legs repeatedly now, still in a fit of giggles. This is why I screen every student before accepting them into my studio, so I don't have to put up with this nonsense. It makes it easier to sift out the bad apples.

“Look, I would've let him go as one of my students ages ago but he's one of my best students and one of very few who takes this seriously. I honestly just want to help him succeed.” She keeps defending him which only builds up more ammo for me to fire at her.

“Uh-huh...well you two have fun, I gotta start making my way to the studio. I'll just tell Brian you couldn't make it because you have a date.” Obviously I have no filter today as my mouth keeps running like it has a mind of its own, but I don't seem to care. Not wanting her to have the chance to kick me in the face, I quickly remove her feet from my lap and stand up from the couch, my laughter tapering off now.

“Are you quite done?” She asks in an annoying tone.

I finally collect myself, but keep smiling at her. “Now you know how I feel when you rag on me with this shit. Karma's a bitch ain't it?”

I bend down to pick up my purse from the floor and place it over my shoulder feeling mighty proud of myself that I'm able to call Mina on her shit not once, not twice but three times this week which is rare for me considering the roles are usually reversed.

“You suck. Go away.” She retorts back but this time I see her smile leaving me feeling content knowing she is able to laugh about the situation.

I lean down and give her a hug, but her arms stay stationary by her sides. I begin to squeeze her tightly with my arms causing her to playfully push me off her adding a small chuckle at the end. I head to the front door, grab only my black hoodie given the fair weather outside, grab the bag of food and say one last goodbye to Mina before disappearing out the door.

---

I'm driving down the highway, allowing my Atreyu CD blast through my speakers. It's not often I get to listen to my music mainly because Mina is usually in the passenger seat and she never could stand the type of music I listen to. We may be sisters but we were like water and oil given the difference in personalities. Aside from earlier, Mina is looked at as a giddy, hyperactive, girly, always looking on the bright side of things with unicorns and rainbows and shit. I almost find it hard to believe she and Brian are together....well not yet anyway, but they may as well be with their incessant flirting. They could almost be considered complete opposites....I mean, what the hell do they actually talk about when alone?? Jimmy seems more up her alley than Brian. I notice the recording studio coming into full view up ahead causing me to sigh lightly. This always happens...I get so caught up in my thoughts while driving that by the time I reach my destination I ponder to myself on how I even got there. I remember leaving and arriving, but the middle section is always a blur. I swear one day I'm going to end up on the bottom of the ocean if I'm not careful.

I put all of my focus back onto the road, not that it really matters since I was currently pulling into the small parking lot where the rest of the guys' cars lined up close behind one another. I parked right behind Brian's BMW...or maybe it was Zacks, I don't know, they both owned the same car model. As I turned the car off, I looked over towards the entrance of the building and spotted two familiar figures sitting outside on the patio furniture. They were clearly deep in conversation as they hadn't even noticed the heavy slamming noise caused by me shutting the car door. I turned back around to retrieve the bags of food from the backseat and as I turned back to face the front of the building, I saw they were no longer sitting. Jimmy was flamboyantly throwing his arms around in front of Matt's face making him stagger backwards while trying to block him with his hands. Based on their movements I could only guess Jimmy wanted to show off his samurai skills. I chuckled to myself, shaking my head as I pointed the small keyless entry remote to my car, pressed the lock button, locking the doors and ended with a light beeping sound. I felt so lucky to be able to have all of them not just as my friends but as my family and I honestly can't picture my life without them in it. For some odd reason, the faint beep was what caught the guy's attention, making them turn their heads in the direction the noise was emitting from. It wasn't until I came closer into view that their faces began to beam once they recognized me.

“KEEELLLLSSS!!!!” Jimmy screams as he comes charging towards me like a hyperactive puppy, or in his case a bull-mastiff.

The once ant sized figure from afar, that could figuratively be crushed between my thumb and forefinger, gradually became bigger in size as he got closer, causing the open gap in-between us decrease in size. Matt is not too far behind him but his pace picks up once he realizes Jimmy took off like a bat outta hell. I feel my body stiffen as I physically brace myself for the sudden impact that was about to happen. He finally reaches me and wastes no time in bending down to wrap his long arms around my waist, pick me up, holding my body close to his and proceeds to spin me around in circles. Ah Jimbo...always displaying nonverbal self-confidence, but I guess that's what makes him so likeable.

“Put me down Jimmy, the bags are slipping from my grasp!” I shout but continue to laugh until he gently sets me down and loosens his grip from my torso. I stagger a bit from the dizziness so I steadily place the bags on the ground so I am able to hold my head in place with a free hand until the nausea subsides. Once I sense it fading, I look up to see Jimmy towering over me, his figure still wobbly from the fact that my eyes haven't fully adjusted to the stillness of the environment around me.

“Sorry, I just missed youuu!” He pouted before pulling me into another tight hug forcing my chin to rest atop his left shoulder. Matt must have caught up quickly as I noticed he was standing behind us, amusement displayed on his face.

“Dude, she was just here like two days ago.” Matt chuckled while playfully shoving the back of Jimmy's head causing him to stumble forward and release his tight grip around me. Matt then made his way around the front of us and kindly offered to carry the bags for me.

I grin slyly up at Jimmy and firmly place both hands on top of my hips. “You're just happy to see me because I brought food.”

Jimmy began rapidly shaking his head side to side like a child being accused for stealing a cookie from the cookie jar. “No I really did miss-...okay yea, but take it as a compliment. You know I won't turn down your home cooking.”

“You won't turn down food in general you bottomless pit,” Matt taunted.

“Shove it fuck face,” he tells Matt sternly before turning back to me with a grin spread across his face. “Come m'lady, let us onward, I'm dying here! I can literally feel the lining of my stomach being eaten away from all the acid building up inside me.”

My face grimaced as my brain instinctively flashed a detailed picture from the description.“Thank you for that mental image darlin.”

“Damn, you always sound sexy as hell whenever your southern accent comes out.” Jimmy teases while wiggling his eyebrows suggestively at me.

I just playfully roll my eyes at him and attempt to push him forward with both my hands pressed into his back while repeatedly ordering him to 'go on.' Jimmy picks up on my assertiveness and begins skipping merrily alongside Matt and I as we headed towards the building. When we enter the front door I can already hear muffled voices coming from the control room and I start to feel my heart flutter once I identify one of the voices to be Zack, but my brain quickly reacts by restraining my heart with heavy duty chains and a padlock.You're letting your emotions run your life again, don't be a dumbass. Just be yourself like you always have been, I tell myself. The three of us finally enter the main control room, I see Brian listening to a playback he must have just recorded and then all the way in the back, sitting on the couch was Zack working on his laptop.

“Food's here guys, come get it before Jim scarfs it all down!” Matt yells while holding up the bags of food instantly grabbing the two guitarist's attention. Brian 'woo-hooed' excitedly, throwing his arms straight up in the air and quickly made his way over to Matt, Jimmy and I. He helped Matt take out the food and place the containers neatly on one of the tables. I saw his face beam with joy once his eye caught sight of something familiar.

“Aw sweet! You made your special dumplings! Man, whoever ends up marrying you is going to be one lucky bastard.” He adds a little wink at the end causing my cheeks to flush a light shade of red.

I smile nervously as an attempt to hide my embarrassment when I suddenly see Zack walking rather quickly and....somewhat annoyed from what I can tell. I didn't move an inch as he made a straight bee line towards me and as he reaches me the awkward silence that Brian initially caused, breaks once Zack opens his mouth.

“Give me your phone,” Zack demands, holding out his hand in front of me.

I look up at him, genuinely confused. “Huh? Why?”

“Don't give it to him, he's going to try and delete that picture I took of him the other day,” Brian quickly interjects while making himself a plate of food. Given the smile plastered all over his face, I could sense the joke hadn't gotten old yet.

My eyes shift from Brian over to a now mildly pissed Zack. I know I shouldn't tease him any further but I can't stop myself. “Awww, Zack, why? I think you look adorable!” He scowls at me as I boldly pinch his cheek ever so lightly but I can tell he isn't that bothered.

“See? She thinks you're adorable, now stop sulking and acting like a diva.” Brian keeps pushing and I wince, fully expecting for Zack to lose his shit.

“Dude, what is your issue?? Haven't I been humiliated enough the past 2 days?” Zack spats back while glaring at both Matt and Jimmy, making it clear that Brian wasn't the only culprit here involved.

I quirk an eyebrow, questioning the four men around me. “Do I even want to know?”

“Yes.” “No.” Both Brian and Zack reply simultaneously causing their heads to quickly turn to one another. Brian gave him a sly grin while Zack on the other hand was noticeably livid.

Zack shoves his pointer finger in Brian's face as a final warning. “Brian I swear, if you say anything-”

“Babe, I think she has a right to know.” Brian cuts him short, then slings his arm around Zack's shoulder, giving me a deadpan look.

My confusion only increases after hearing the seriousness in Brian's tone, which rarely happened. “What's going on?”

“Brian and Zack's little love affair.” Matt butts in before Zack even has the chance to try and defend himself.

“MATT!!” Zack literally shrieks causing the entire room to fill with laughter.

“Oh now I gotta hear this.” I say while trying to hold back a grin.

“No, you really don't need to. Jimmy help me out here...” Zack turns to Jimmy with pleading eyes, knowing his drummer friend was his last chance to help restore his dignity.

“Huh? Oh yea yea, uh, something about Zack wanting Brian to jerk him off or some shit. My God these are so orgasmic.” Jimmy seemed more interested in the dumplings he was currently shoving into his mouth to really pay attention to the conversation that was going on.

Zack huffed and threw his arms up in the air, showing off his frustrations. “Thanks Jim, I knew I could always count on you to have my back.”

“It's cool Zack, I've always known about the 'bromance' y'all had going on. Just promise me you won't break his heart Brian.” What was wrong with me today? The last thing I wanted was to end up on Zack's shit list.

“Don't worry, I know how 'oh so sensitive' he can be. But it's just one of the many quirks he has that made me fall for him,” Brian adds before nudging Zack's shoulder with his own, almost flirtatiously. The laughter was still resonating throughout the entire room.

“Yea yea, laugh it up assholes. I give up so fuck it.” Zack had obviously had enough and began to walk away, admitting defeat.

I felt guilty for joining in on the mockery towards Zack and I didn't want him to be upset so I ran after him. “Oh come on, I'm sorry Zack, don't be like that. I get ragged on all the time especially by Mina and I guess I got carried away because for once I caught a break.”

“Feh, no surprise there. It's no wonder she and Brian get along so well, they were practically made for each other.” He perks up a bit but his smile is still weak.

Luckily I knew what would cheer him up rather quickly. “Would you feel better knowing I brought you an extra side of my homemade dipping sauce? I know how much you like to pour it over everything even though you're really not supposed to, but I always pack extra for you anyway....just in case Jimmy decides to hoard all of it again.”

My assumptions proved to be correct as I witnessed his expression turn into pure elation. “You know me too well Kels. You didn't have to go through all this trouble, you're the best.”

I shrugged showing a bit of modesty. “It's no big deal. I figured y'all were getting burnt out on take out and fast food. I know when you are cooped up in this studio for days, you rarely have the chance to eat a home cooked meal.”

“Remind me to bring you along with us during our tours,” he whispered, not wanting to be overheard by the others.

“Ha ha, I think I'll pass. I've heard too many horror stories of what goes on on that tour bus. The uncleanliness, random groupies coming in and out of the bunk area after each show and you guys have some weird habit of running around bare-ass naked when hammered...and that's just naming a few. I honestly don't know how Val survived.” I joked to him, but really I wouldn't mind traveling with them. Though the possibility (possibility? There was none.... it would happen regardless) of my eyes catching a glimpse of the guys' naughty bits by accident, is something I'd rather not witness. Well....Zack on the other hand....

“Well she was the band's tour manager for a while back when we were just starting and of course we all know she and Matt are attached to the hip. I guess she got used to it over time.” Zack's words interrupted my thoughts, lifting my head out of the gutter.

We continued chatting, making our way back where the others were currently eating and involved with their own little conversations. That gave me the chance to pull out the extra sauce hidden within my purse and quickly hand it over to Zack. He smiled, mouthing a 'thanks' and walked towards the table to make himself a plate. As usual that sexy smile of his has gotten me all hot and bothered so I hastily walk away, making a beeline over to where the others were. Without thinking I plop down on the couch right next Brian, leaving Zack to occupy the vacant chair in front of the control panel. Thankfully he doesn't seem bothered by this so he grabs the chair, wheels it over to an open space adjacent to the couch where I sat. I soon find myself reclining back into the squishy couch with my arms crossed one another and knees pulled up to my chest. I felt my phone vibrate and groaned to myself because I had found a comfortable sitting position. I pulled it out of my purse and became puzzled when I saw it was a text from Grace. It must be pretty damn important seeing how she rarely ever uses the text messaging feature on her phone. She thinks people have become way too dependent on technology and believes it has led to a sudden decrease in intelligence and human interaction. I wave it off and open the message only to read three simple words, 'call me later.' I mentally curse her and decide not to respond back. She really couldn't just type out what she wanted to tell me? I turned the screen off and tossed it next to me before attempting to curl back up to the comfortable position I was in earlier.

Notes

A/N: Hey y'all! So this chapter ended up way longer than I expected so I had to split it up into 2 parts. I hope y'all are still reading and again feedback is always appreciated!

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**Japchae- a noodle dish (vermacelli noodles) consisting of sesame oil, sesame seeds, assorted vegetables, beef all stir fried and then flavored with soy sauce and sugar.