{A/n: Kim Soo Hyun as Seon Young Gi  ＼(^▽^＠)ノ }

...

"Who the hell is ray of sunshine?" Young Gi spat, the irritation obvious in his tone.

The two young adults had finished the day's English lesson to the sick children. Now that they were free, they decided to go to the nearby noodle house. Their conversation ever since they left the hospital was only on one thing, and the male wasn't pleased one bit by any of it.

"Did you hook up with a guy? What's the story here?" he ranted on, the steamy noodles left untouched in front of him.

While Young Gi was in a frantic state, Dalnim couldn't have felt more at ease, or at least, right at the moment she was calmer than before. She slurped onto her noodles as if it'd be her last meal, but that's just how she usually scarfs down food. Once gulping down, she pestered her friend, "Oi, your noodles are going to get cold if you leave it there."

Young Gi glowered at the bowl and averted his annoyed gaze back at the girl. "Don't change the subject on me. Who's that flirtatious bastard?"

Dalnim laughed in response. "That flirtatious bastard was my childhood friend, Sunny. His parents were friends with mine long before we were both born. And he wasn't being flirtatious, that's just how he is."

Young Gi's stomach may be empty but his guts churned at the current situation. He didn't like how effortless it had been for the girl to be swayed. "Dalnim, how could you trust that number so easily, what if he's some stalker? And besides, what kind of weird name is Sunny?"

The raven-haired girl set her chopsticks down and stared at him intently. Young Gi's heart skipped at the intense gaze and jolted when Dalnim held up one finger. "First of all, Sunny was the nickname I gave him when we were like six. Because he was a bright and optimistic kid, I thought the English word fit him and it stuck ever since."

She held two fingers up. "Secondly, he was the ray of sunshine while I was the moonlight. Since my name was after the moon goddess, that's how we were. It was our own inside joke."

Three fingers. "And so lastly, it'd be impossible for a stranger to know that about me. It has to be Sunny who texted me. To add on to that, my sister wouldn't give away my number to just some bum," Dalnim finished off. She gave Young Gi a pleased grin and continued eating.

He only blankly stared back her. Ok, the facts were all pointing towards to the childhood friend theory, but a person can never be so sure. "Alright, so why now did he message you? If you claim how good friends you two were, why haven't you heard from him in years?"

Dalnim frowned as she thought back on the memory. They were both in high school together, but by that time, they were already distant. Completely unintentional. Dalnim became too busy with volleyball and her studies while Sunny started to focus on a music career. Before she knew it, he was going away to achieve his lifelong dream. As sad as the day was when they parted, Dalnim understood. They were both trying to reach their goal and she had no obligations to be in the way of that.

The two had tried to keep in touch while separated but as years trudged on and senior year of high school came around for Dalnim, all kind of contact had ceased. They were both so unbelievably busy. And soon enough, their friendship had been forgotten.

By that time, Dalnim's old phone had been passed down to her sister, Ha Neul. It made sense that Sunny had sent a message to her old phone before getting to her recent number.

She doesn't want to admit that she had forgotten all about her childhood friend, but it was true. "We both just became busy," Dalnim answered.

She reached forward on the table. With her handy chopstick skills, she took strands of noodles from Young Gi's bowl and slurped them up herself. "Yah! What do you think you're doing stealing my food?" The male nurse burst out, swatting his chopsticks to hers. He reached out to do the same but Dalnim was fast to protect her precious bowl. Young Gi persisted and tried his way to wedge his chopsticks in any opening within her arms. In fits of laughter, Dalnim blocked him.

SMACK.

Young Gi and Dalnim froze simultaneously at the hand slapped down in their table and glanced up to see the owner of the noodle shop towering before them. "Do I really need to kick you two out of here again? Huh?" He barked at them, his thick eyebrows knitted together.

"No sir," the two young adults sputtered out. They both hung their heads and ate from their own bowls. They continued on until the owner walked away to take care of the other customers. They sighed in relief. Now it'd really be embarrassing to be thrown out their favorite noodle shop for the third time that month.

"You're so immature, Dalnim," Young Gi grumbled as he sipped some of the warm broth.  The girl only scoffed before going back to focus on her own noodles.

Their meal had been mostly peaceful after that. It wasn't until an upbeat song began to play from the speakers above them that got the girl's attention away from the food. Dalnim picked up her head after gulping down everything from her bowl to get a better listen. She'll admit, the tune was pretty catchy. Soon enough, she was bobbing her head to the beat. "Hey, Young Gi-yah, do you know what song is playing right now?" She asked him.

Young Gi paused and turned his ear to the music. "It's just your typical boy band music," he replied with a shrug. He then smirked over at her. "Don't tell me you've finally fallen for one of the many male KPop groups. You're a bit of a late bloomer, ain't ya?"

Dalnim scrunched her nose in disgust. "Oh please. This song in particular just happens to be surprisingly good. Just tell me what it is!"

"What's the point? You're going to forget all about by the time we go home," Young Gi chuckled. Just as Dalnim's cold gaze hardened, he answered, "Growl. That's the name of the song. It's pretty old."

Dalnim's eyebrows raised. "Is it really?"

"Is this seriously the first time you've heard this song? My god, Dalnim."

The girl pouted. "You know that I don't usually listen to Korean pop. It's usually English music for me."

"That's still really sad." Young Gi finished up his own bowl of noodles with a sigh of delight for the delicious meal. He set down the right amount of money for the food and a tip for the server. "Let's go."

Dalnim hopped up onto her feet as she scurried to get her wallet from the bag. "Wait a darn minute, you paid for our last meal, Young Gi. Stop using your money so carelessly. I said I was going to pay for this one," she nagged him.

Just as she was about to take money out from her wallet, Young Gi took hold of her wrist and dragged her out of the building. "Just pay next time," he simply told her. She clicked her tongue at him. "Aren't I just the bestest friend you've ever had?"

"Whatever, idiot."

The two both walked back to their apartment building with lighthearted chatter. And whenever the two ran out of stories to tell each other, Dalnim would softly hum Growl to herself, the song oddly having some kind of effect on her.

~*~*~*~

Dalnim was refreshed and comfortable on the couch of her living room. The television was on with the drama she had been following since it first aired, but that wasn't where her focus was on. It was on her cell phone on the coffee table in front of her.

Your ray of sunshine.

She hadn't been able to respond back to him since back in the hospital. She didn't want to keep the children waiting on her. Young Gi seething in anger next to her while she read the book may have also been a factor. And she couldn't bring herself to text him while she ate.

Why was she feeling nervous all of a sudden?

Sunny was her childhood friend, someone she had trusted wholeheartedly, someone who had always tried to make her smile in times of trouble, someone who was always there for her. They were once the inseparable duo.

Studies and volleyball were not the only ones why she had distanced herself from her childhood friend. She may have developed feelings for him and that scared her out of her wits. The increasing amount of thoughts of her and him... Together... She was terrified. She knew that they shared more of a sibling relationship. She wasn't going to ruin that because of such feelings.

But, she guessed that it worked too well. He had left her behind without much of a struggle. Sure, Dalnim was ecstatic to hear that he has the rare opportunity set out for him, but maybe she was expecting more tears. She wanted to hold onto him a little longer.

As much as she didn't want to believe it at first, but her childhood friend ended up being her first love.

"Why am I being a coward?" Dalnim questioned herself. She picked up her phone and held it in both her hands. The text messages were brightly lit, urging her to reply. "It's not like I still like him..."

She stiffened as her mind clouded with possibilities. For goodness sake, she hasn't seen him in seven years! He must've changed in some way. Hopefully, his personality was the same. His looks? Who even knows! She couldn't tell if she still had feelings. If she were to have them, it would be for the ray of sunshine she knew years ago. She can't say she's in love with the recent Sunny.

Dalnim shook her head to get rid of the useless thoughts. Letting out a breath, she finally got her thumbs to type.

To: Unknown Number
Sunny! God you scared me, I thought you were just some stranger.

She stared at the message for a good minute, not delighted over what she wrote. She deleted and retyped.

To: Unknown Number
Sunny, it's been way too long. How have you been?

She wrinkled her nose in annoyance. The message seemed too formal for her tastes. She was sure Sunny would think it'd be a weird reply too.

Now that she thought about it, maybe she should listen to Young Gi, who was trying to look out for her. Was it a possibility that some stranger who knew of their friendship kept him hostage and got all his information and act as him?...

Dalnim, what is wrong with you?

She made up her mind, she'd feel a bit better if she gotten some kind of evidence.

To: Unknown Number
<Prove to me you're Sunny. >

Finally, she sent it. At least, she got that done and over with. She sighed and threw her phone to the empty spot next to her. Maybe she can watch some of her drama in peace...

Buzz!

Dalnim pounced to get the phone again.

From: Unknown Number
>You don't text me after three agonizing hours and you send me this? Wow, I'm hurt! <

A grin spread into her face at the message. This definitely sounded like the Sunny she remembered.

He then sent another.

From: Unknown Number
>Well alright, I get it. It's all of a sudden. Let's see what embarrassing memory from our childhood should I bring up? <

There was a short pause after Dalnim received another message.

From: Unknown Number
>OH! I got one! Remember when we were 8 and you said that you wanted a unicorn for your birthday? <
>I painted your dog white, put a wig and a paper towel roll on his head! And you seriously believed I found you an unicorn. You were so happy!<
>That is until both our parents shouted at us for doing that to the dog. <

Dalnim laughed at the mere memory of that day.

Even if it wasn't her fault, she ended up being grounded as well. The grounding itself wasn't even bad, their parents had them share the room, since one would usually have to be left in one or the others house on free days. Her and Sunny never shared a bored day.

From: Unknown Number
>How about this one?<
>Remember that one guy you liked that one time? Hyun something?? You wanted to confess to him and you had ME to play the guitar and sing him a song for you while you watched around the corner of the hallway!<
>You know embarrassing that was for me??<
>And when I gave him the note, he thought someone else confessed to him bc you didn't write your name! And by the end of that day, he ended up dating someone who thought sent that confession! <

Why did he have to bring up that day? Dalnim thought with a cringe. A middle school romance like that wouldn't have lasted anyway, but the young, innocent adoration she had was a little too overwhelming at that time.

Dalnim couldn't mistake him now. This was definitely her ray of sunshine, just as he claimed. A wave of happiness showered her. It was about time that they catch up in each other's lives. She quickly saved his number on her phone.

To: Ray of Sunshine 🌞
<Ha, I get it, you're you! It's really great to hear from you again, Chanyeol. >

The two went off to talk about anything that came up to the top of their heads, mostly of nostalgic memories of their childhood. The more and more they sent texts back and forth, Dalnim realized how much she really missed him. She was worried for nothing. So far, Chanyeol had been the same as he always been; goofy, bright, and an absolute delight. Talking to him was as fun as it always been. No half-assed, one-answer reply, he was very engaged to whatever she said, and responds back with as much excitement as she puts in.

Before they both knew it, the time reached 11. Dalnim was a yawning mess, but she tried her best to keep her eyes open and reply back to him. Yet, the speed of her replies have decreased greatly.

From: Ray of Sunshine 🌞
>Is a certain someone falling asleep?<

{A/n: From now on, >text< will be from Chanyeol, while <text> are from Dalnim. I hope this isn't too confusing, but it'll be easier on my part.}

<What? No way..>

>Your texts have been coming later and later, Dalnim. Don't even try to lie to me <

<Ok, so I'm a little sleepy. >

>Then go to sleep, NimNim. <
>Actually, are you free at all tomorrow? <

Dalnim's heart leapt at the text and in that moment, she was much more awake. She sat up from her couch and responded back.

<Tomorrow's a free practice when we get to practice on our own. >
<So, I'm basically free whenever I want. Why >

>Let's meet up for lunch! I have a little bit of time in between my schedule. <
>I want to see you. <

"Sunny, why did you have to text me that?" Dalnim moaned, throwing her head back. Her heart was undeniably beating faster now. Why did he still have that effect after all these years? Unbelievable.

<You're in Seoul? >

>Yeah, most of the time. I do a lot of traveling, though. So, is this a yes to that lunch? <

<Yeah, totally. Where should we meet? >

There was a short pause at Chanyeol's end. Just as Dalnim was about to text him something else, he replied.

>This is going to sound weird but let's meet at your place <

Dalnim froze, scanning her living room. She was normally a clean person, but a few stray shirts, pants, jackets, and even bras scattered about the place. There may also be some dust accumulating here and there.

She glanced in her kitchen. Dishes were beginning to pile up in the sink. Empty water bottles and snack bags littered the counter and table. She winced at the mess she was just now noticing.

<Yeah, ok, that's fine >

>Seriously? I don't want to inconvenience you or anything...<

<Yeah, seriously. You're free to come over. Just don't judge me too much on my apartment! >

>Judging you is a given, haha! But awesome. I cannot wait :D <

Dalnim sent him her address and they bid their good nights. She slumped back in her seat, gazing up at her ceiling.

Just to think that her morning had been filled with so much unneeded drama and on the same day, she comes into contact with her childhood friend for the first time in years. To add onto the fortunate events, he was just as Dalnim remembered him.

She silently thanked the gods for having the day make such a wonderful turn around.

"Ok, I better start cleaning!" Dalnim cheered as she hopped up onto her feet. Looking around once again at her home, she let out a aggravated sigh. "This is going to take a while."

But, that was fine, because Park Chanyeol is back in her life and maybe that's what she needed this whole time. There's no way she's going to give that up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/n: Chapter 2! This was way too fun to type even though it's not as eventful as I wanted it to be. But we got to see Dalnim's friendships with both Chanyeol and Young Gi. Also, why did I Sunny for the first half of the story while most of yall already knew the childhood friend was Chanyeol? I don't know. Fight me.

I am so in love with this story rn, no joke XD Do lemme know if there are some confusing parts in this story, I'll be more than happy to edit!

I'll hopefully write more of this soon since I got some free time before my exams this upcoming Thursday and Monday. I AM THEN A FREE WOMAN AFTER MONDAY. WINTER BREAK BABY.

Speaking of winter and stuff, LET'S ALL TALK ABOUT HOW BEAUTIFUL OUR EXO BABES LOOK IN THOSE TEASER PICS FOR THEIR CHRISTMAS ALBUM. I AM IN LOOOOVE.

Ok, anyway, I'll try to work on that chapter for my Kyungsoo story, but I might end up writing more on this one. Oh well.

Until next time!