Bound Series

Samantha's POV

"Je-fuck! Where the hell is it?!"

I cringed upon hearing my brother's voice raging from inside of his room. It is a good thing that his room is on the second floor and he can't see me.

Before I came in, I made sure to sneak in from the back door just in case he's at home. This is to ensure that I won't run into him.

The music coming from his room was so loud that I can even hear "Just Another Day" of his group playing.

"Ahhh, Mom! Did you find my blue sweatshirt? I really need it!"

I carefully put the things I bought from outside the country at the top of the kitchen counter. I saw my stepmom setting up the table. I forgot that it's almost dinner.

"Samantha, why do you keep on taking your brother's clothes?" She asked when she saw me taking a huge bite on the apple that I took at the basket.

I was sitting at the kitchen counter. "What did I tell you? Wash the apples first before you eat them." My stepmom added.

I smiled at her and gave her a wink. She laughed at my action and I just took another bite before responding. "It's okay mom. I know you always wash them for me." I winked at her before taking another bite. "Is Dad home by the way?" I asked.

She carefully put in another plate on the table before answering.

I took another bite while waiting for her to say something. I'm guessing that the last plate was for me.

She still does that every time even though she's aware that I can't stay that long.

My legs swing freely as I sat above the kitchen counter. The house still looks the same. I guess my step mom really like keeping it the way it is.

I don't believe that every stepmom is like that of Cinderella's. Or of those any other fairytales where the daughter was being trampled on by the new wife once their dad remarries. Or maybe I was just one of the lucky ones to have the kindest stepmom ever.

I'm not going to tell you the whole story because I don't want to bore you. Basically, my dad and mom broke up and now, each of them have their own family.

They did not get separated when I was a kid because technically, my father did not know about me till I was ten. My mom never told about me with my dad because she thought it didn't matter during that time. Plus, she didn't know she was pregnant before they part ways.

I was ten when my father learned about my existence. That's when I found out that I have a younger brother.

I was so lucky to have the best stepmom and stepdad in the world.

After my father found out about me, my mom decided to let me stay at my father's every vacation. Luckily, my stepmom was fine with it. She even insisted that I call her Mom as well.

"He called in and said he will be late. You should have called him to say that you are dropping by. You rarely see each other."

I sighed. She's right. When was the last time that I saw my father? I can't really remember. It's been three months I guess. He's always not here every time I drop by considering that I rarely do so every month. I already have my own place but I make sure to drop by the house every single time that I can.

"Mom, when will Jake be leaving? I heard VOELEVARD will have a tour again this year? He's rarely home. Whenever he is in the country, he always stays at their dorm." I can't help but ask about my brother.

You heard right. My younger brother is a famous celebrity. He is part of the famous boyband VOELEVARD who happen to have conquered the world. They have millions of fans.

But hey, we have a not so normal relationship.

At least now.

Me and my brother have a bittersweet relationship.

I was ten when I came home with my Dad with one big luggage with me. I remember being nervous since I know that I have a younger half-brother but once I came in, he runs in his pajamas and hugged me so tight.

To say that I was surprise was an understatement. Turns out that he really wanted to have a sibling. My stepmom had a complication when she had Jake that's why she cannot have another child.

Having me as his older sister is a blessing for Jake. Well, at least that's what he always tells me.

I'm only three years older than him. We were so tight back then. We slept on the same room till I was fourteen. I remember teasing him when I saw a picture of him and a girl under his pillow.

It's funny how he didn't mind that I found out about it and even asked me if the girl was pretty.

The girl is definitely pretty but I have a feeling that she's different. The girl looks like she would kill Jake in the picture. Jake was linking arms with the girl but it looks like the girl was trying to push him away.

Whenever I was with my real Mom, Jake would literally send me a message everyday asking me to meet him. I even remember him sneaking from his class to visit me one time.

I was Sixteen when I was given an opportunity to be an exchange student in America. I was first on National rankings during that time and got a scholarship to go abroad. That's when everything went downhill for both of us.

Jake got mad when he found out about it. I know he's happy for me but he clearly doesn't like the fact that I will be leaving.

After that, he never really talked to me. He even refused to send me off. I almost did not leave but my father said that I should as this is a very good opportunity. And that's how we fell apart.

A year after that, I found out that he started training to be an idol. I was so happy for him. When we were together, I would always catch him dancing his way to the restroom and I would literally burst out laughing seeing as he was always doing a poor representation of Moon walk.

Even if he's not talking to me, I would always call her mom and ask about him. I would always ask if I can speak with him but he refuses. When I got back, Jake had already debuted.

I am always happy watching him perform from afar and even went to their concert every time I am free, even those from out of the country.

It makes me feel so proud and happy every time I see him dancing and singing on the stage.

I was cut off from reminiscing when I heard my brother's voice coming in to the kitchen.

"Mom! Have you seen my blue sweatshirt?"

I quickly jumped from the kitchen counter and rushed to my stepmom to give her a kiss in the cheeks. "I need to go, Mom. I have a meeting tomorrow and I haven't had a good sleep. See you soon. I love you." I told her before I run through the back door. I grabbed another apple before I left.

One I reached the gate, I get in my car just like every other time. I tried it so hard that Jake would not see me.

I don't want to make him feel upset.

I stopped trying after he locked himself inside the room for days when I decided to stay at home and he nearly died of hunger because of that.

I regret so much that we were not what we used to be before. Now, all we have is our messed up relationship.

After that incident, I promised myself that I will do everything to make sure my younger brother is happy.

Even if it means watching him from afar.

Josh's POV

I was staring right through the door before me contemplating if I should go first or let the others do it.

We are in front of the president's office.

Yes, the owner of the company's office. Don't ask me why because I don't know the full details myself but one thing is for sure, we are in trouble.

In my entire years of stay in this company since my training days, I was only called for two different reasons: one, is if I did a really good job and the second is if I cause any trouble that would be needing the owner's intervention.

Seeing that we haven't made any comeback yet and our manager isn't giddy about being called, it basically means we are here because of a very bad reason.

I can hear Jake and Rome bickering at the back. Apparently, Jake went back late last night.

I feel pity for him. He has Rome for a roommate.

Don't get me wrong. Rome is so kind and he always make sure to take care of us but being the leader is a lot for him that's why he is always worrying about us. Which literally means he nags a lot. I mean, a lot. He nags more than my mom.

"If this has to do anything with you being late last night Jake, I swear, I'm going to hit you in the butt."

It's funny how he's so pissed off but Jake is just leaning his head on Vash's left shoulder. Maybe he is too sleepy to even respond.

Being the happy pill that I am, I answered for our pitiful youngest member.

"Ah, Rome! Why are you even scolding him? Jake and I were practicing till midnight." I said proudly smiling. I even opened my arms waiting for our Jake's appreciation hug in return for saving him.

But I received a not so strong hit from Rome instead. I heard Jason laughing from behind.

"Hey, Rome! Why did you hit me? Is that how you should treat someone older than you?"

He smiled apologetically. He never fails to give me the chills. I shrugged at the thought.

"Hyung, how did you practice together when I saw you snoring last night in your room. Yohan hyung actually went inside our room because he can't sleep." Vash intervened.

Jason linked his arms with Yohan and faced me. "I came inside your room last night and I was this close into putting in some cottons on your nose last night. I though a war has broken out. Really!" Showing her two fingers an inch apart. "You need to go on surgery, ge'ez!"

I can see Vash's shoulders moving because he can't stop laughing. I turned to him. I smacked him on the head. "V, stop moving. Jake is sleeping." We call Vash as V sometimes. He insisted to call him that before and sometimes we do.

"Why don't you replace me instead if you are so worried?" He told me. "I wonder what you two both did last night that made this poor kid so exhausted." He added.

Yohan released Jason's arms from his and hit him but Jason refused.

I was about to respond when the president's secretary came and asked us to come inside. Jake immediately composed himself while we push Rome to go in first.

We didn't know though that being inside will lead us to some other place.

So right now, after we just talked with our president, we were sent to a house. Now, we were standing outside of a very huge house not knowing what to do. We were waiting for our manager because we don't have a key.

I was right when I said it's about to go down when we came in the president's office.

Apparently, an article came out linking Jake and Yerin into a dating scandal. There were some articles that are coming out saying they were out together. Yerin was Jake's friend and a fellow artist. Of course, we still have friends but being in this industry sometimes is infuriating. It's hard to simply be friends with the same gender.

It was pretty absurd actually but the president was concerned about it as there were negative response from the fans. Not that we care too much but sometimes, it upsets us too. We hurt our friends unintentionally and that what hurts us.

Yerin is even being hated on social media but we can't do anything about it. The management will release a statement but we were told to prepare for our comeback.

I'm not sure why but we were sent to a someplace we don't know to stay. They said something about cooling things off and starting fresh until all the issues cool down.

So here we are, the seven of us, patiently waiting inside the van.

I took a glance behind. I ran shotgun earlier so I was sitting in front.

Everyone is sleeping except for me and Vash. He is currently listening to some music while checking our social media accounts. I guess he is bored. We've been waiting here for around ten minutes already.

Jake is sleeping at the back while he was lying on Vash's lap. The two are the youngest so they are really close. It was Vash who helped Jake to be open to us because he was so timid back then. Jake rarely talks and is always shy around others. Jason was naturally friendly while Yohan was the rude one. I mean, the one who is always quiet but snaps when needed.

I took my phone from my back pocket and took a picture of the house from the outside.

"This is beautiful. " I said to myself. I wonder who owns the house.

The president told us that we can stay here until we have our comeback and no one will bother us here. I was about to take another one when a knock came from the window. The car was tinted but I can clearly see our manager outside.

"Finally." I was sitting in front so I immediately alerted the guys.

"Hey guys, I think we can go outside. There's not much people so no one's probably going to see us." I happily wake the guys up. This may look like a private area but you'll never know. Some family with a teenager here might be one of our fans.

They wake up one by one except for Yohan. As always. Everyone is scared with Yohan. Well, even though I am the oldest, sometimes I don't really mess with him either. Though I appreciate how he shows his respect to me as well. And somehow, we share the same interest so I really like hanging out with him.

I threw my mask at him and he immediately woke up once he was hit on the nose. I laughed as he threw my mask back. I'm pretty sure he will get me back later for this.

We all went outside and took out our things. Everyone's sleepy except for me.

I happily cheered. "Guys! I think we will enjoy on this place. Look!" I told them.

There is so much to appreciate on the place. A picturesque landscape came before us. It was perfect. Anyone can tell that the owner is taking care of the place, or at least they have someone to take care of the place.

Despite its beauty, no one from my members bothered to check the place. I guess they are really tired as Rome gave us a killer practice last night because of what happened. Everybody must have wanted to rest.

Jake practically begged last night asking for forgiveness just so we can go home. And that was Jake who's like as diligent as Jason in practicing, so him begging for us to stop is really something. I thought I would pass out to be honest.

We followed our manager inside. He swiped the card on the door and we entered one by one.

I put my things on the cushion and looked around.

The house was very beautiful. I can see the glass door from the back and I exclaimed upon seeing an indoor pool installed outside.

"Whoa! This is awesome." I exclaimed.

Vash also took his time admiring the place while Yohan and Jake immediately lay down the sofa for a good rest.

Rome was talking with our manager. I didn't bother to listen as I saw some clothes hanging outside of the doorknob. I can hear some soft music coming from the room.

I turned to my manager but he's gone while Haiden is trying to wake up the two. I almost laughed when I saw Yohan kicking Haiden when the other was trying to wake him up.

No one wakes up Yohan. He can be a little devil sometimes.

I turned to our manager. "Wait, Rome, someone is here." I told him.

"What?"

I must have caught everyone's attention as they all look at me.

I pointed at the door on the right side.

"I think someone is inside that room. I can hear some music playing."

They all look at the door I'm pointing at and tried to listen. The tune sounded familiar. Someone was humming along with the song.

Vash gave me a knowing look. He must have thought the same because I'm sure our song "Butterfly" was the one playing. Are we going to live with a fan? We gave each other some looks when the door suddenly opens.

I was frozen in place when I saw a girl coming out of the room wearing only an oversized VOELEVARD shirt.

It's obvious that she did not dry her hair. There's still some water dripping down her clothes.

I gulped. She's not wearing any pants.

I must have been dreaming. This girl is no joke. Even with her hair disheveled, anyone can tell that she's close to being a goddess.

She has a pair of deep set eyes that I'm sure you will never have stopped on staring. Her nose was pointed which complimented her pale thin lips. She may be few meters apart from me but I'm sure she's a few inches shorter than Jason.

I can't help but give her a stare down. I'm pretty sure she's wearing a pair of black undies from the inside as I can see it because of the light.

I stopped checking the girl out after I heard a very loud scream.

The girl must have been shocked as she screamed at the topped of her lungs while Jake immediately jump from the sofa and push the girl back inside the bathroom.

We were all standing frozen.

"Wait a moment." I started but I can't seem to put a phrase on it.

The next thing I knew is Jake shouting. He seemed to be scolding the girl inside of the room. I never knew Jake can jump over a sofa before.

Ooops, he probably can, as expected from our youngest member.

Right, I'm sure I saw Jake's name at the back of the VOELEVARD shirt.

She can't be Jake's girlfriend, right? I hope not.

Samantha's POV

"Can you cook?"

I was busy watching Jake dancing inside of the practice hall when his annoying friend came in to disturb me.

I am at the door making sure not to get Jake's attention. He might get pissed off.

"Can you cook for us? I am really hungry. "He said while smiling. I wonder how he manage to keep on smiling even though I haven't really responded to him since they came back from their agency.

After they got back, he went to me asking for a lot of stupid things while the others immediately find an available room to rest. That is aside from my brother who immediately went inside the practice hall to relieve his stress.

Yes, I have a practice hall inside my house because I dance as a workout.

When they came in, I tried to get my brother's attention but he just brushed me off.

My heart ached a little. This is the closest I ever had with him since I went to US.

Then there is this guy, I think his name is Josh who kept on following me around the house.

The truth is, I was intimidated at first because this guy has a face that can make every girls swoon over him. The problem is, I think he thinks too highly of himself.

I was on my way to my room when he blocked my way. That's our first encounter.

He was staring to mush that I had to hit him on the shoulders which he just returned with a chuckle.

My eyes met his.

Wow.

His eyes are so beautiful. And his nose is pointed I almost got envy. I stared at his lips and I had to catch my breath, his lips are so inviting.

My mind was brought back to reality when I heard another chuckle. His laugh sounds music to my ears.

I disregard the though when I noticed that he's staring at me amusingly, his eyebrows playfully went up as if letting me now that he just caught me checking him out.

I mentally groan. Way to go Samantha.

"You're a fan right?" He asked, still looking at me intently.

"Huh?" I looked at him confused, still a little intimidated. My lips pouted while thinking.

Right. He must have mistaken me for a fan as I am wearing a VOELEVARD shirt earlier.

I blushed at the thought. These guys who I barely knew saw me almost naked.

"No." I just said then I brisk walk to where my brother is. But then this guy kept my trail like a dog, a handsome dog if I may put it.

To tell it simply, I'm not comfortable with being with any guy aside from my brother. But since this is a chance for me to be with my brother, I am giving in.

I can't remember when was the last time I stayed inside the house with my younger brother. It's been so long that I can't help but happily hummed while watching him with the others.

After that bathroom incident, the VOELEVARD members immediately called their manager to ask what is happening.

I had to stay for two hours inside of the bathroom because I can't go out with just my top on. After they left to go to their agency, I immediately went in my room to change and called the president of the company.

You might be wondering how I can just call the president; it is because I work in Healing Heart Entertainment.

After I graduated from U.S, I immediately applied for a job in the agency. Since I majored in Marketing Management, I easily passed the interview. I am a top student in the US and have already established my reputation in the marketing industry even before I graduated.

My job is to make sure that every group that the label has is being commercialized all over the world. I technically don't have to be in the office as I am especially appointed by the president and not too many people knew that I work for the company.

After I sent my application, the president personally did my final interview. I think it has something to do with the recommendation of one of my professors from U.S. Normally, I wouldn't have agreed with the recommendation but being with my brother is more important to me.

I was honest with him. I told him my motives in working in the company. That means he knew about me being Jake's older sister. But as a personal request, I ask him not to tell my brother.

I do a lot of travelling for the company as I also attend meetings outside of the country.

This house is one of the perks that I had. They bought this house for me and half of my earnings every month is being deposited as a payment for the house. I believe there's only six months left on the contract before I can finally be the sole owner. At least I will have something I can keep.

This incident, I wasn't aware of that VOELEVARD will be staying at my house. With my relationship with Jake, I will probably refuse but I can't argue now since technically, the company is still a part owner of the house.

I was at a loss for words when the president asked me if I want to miss this chance of being closer to my brother. I'm not sure what his intentions are but I can't say that I am not happy.

Right now, Jake is practically expressing his rebellion by staying in the practice room for almost two hours already. That is because he can't do anything about the situation.

And this guy over here wants me to cook for him because he is hungry.

Not being able to handle it anymore, I angrily faced him and then poked my index finger on his chest. "I.AM.NOT.YOUR.FAN!" I said out loud with conviction. "If you guys want to eat something, go cook for yourselves!"

I was caught off-guard when he suddenly bent down and look at me closely.

One thing that I hate about myself is being too small and Josh over here is really testing my patience.

I gulped. His face is too close. I can almost feel him breathing.

Being this close makes me see his face clearly. I never really paid attention with my brother's group mates before. I was only contented with watching my brother from afar.

Why do I feel like I'm getting myself to a trouble?

When I look down on his lips. I noticed how red they are. Is it even legal to be this perfect?

I heard someone clearing his throat from the back.

That's when I notice Josh smirking at me.

I blushed.

Again, why do I have to check him out?

"Are you two going to kiss? Because if you would, you should go find a room. You're actually blocking the way"

My face fell down the floor in embarrassment. I don't really have the time to be blushing around with these guys when I have a messed up relationship to begin with.

I'm sure that's Jason speaking.

I carefully turned around and I was right. It was Jason fighting out a smile. I swear to God if another member came to me smiling, I will throw heaven and earth to them.

I felt an arm around my shoulder. I looked at Josh.

"She is just telling me how she likes me and how she wants to kiss me. Isn't she sweet?"

My eyes probably got bigger that it has ever been.

I quickly put down his arm around my shoulder and hit his feet as hard as I could. What a good way to put me in an awkward situation.

I can't stand the humiliation. I quickly run away from the two of them to get out of this mess.

While running, I can hear Josh's painful cry and Jason's nonstop laughing.

Serve's him right.

This is tougher than I expected.