Fireworks and Shooting Stars - Chapter 1

Chapter 1: One Big Happy Family For Now

As Kelsi opened the door to their home, the first person she saw is Chun, who was busy making breakfast. It was six in the morning, and she just got home from work. Usually, at this time, Chun and Jiro would prepare for work and Aaron would still be sleeping like a log since he have a gig the night before. Kelsi just stayed by the door as she watched Chun. Somehow, she missed making breakfast for everyone. It used to be her job, but since her work as a researcher in a TV station requires her to work long hours, she was not able to do that. She missed taking care of her four boys - well, actually make that three since Calvin just got married 10 months ago, and he and his wife Ella now lives next door.

Since they were kids, the five of them are inseparable. The found a family in each other when they were still at the orphanage. When then day came that they have to leave the youngest, Aaron, to attend college, they did all they could to get his custody.

“Are you just going to watch me?” She heard Chun say. Kelsi smiled at him as she approached him. “Good morning, Chun.” She said. Chun smiled back at her. “Good Morning, Kelsi.” He said. She sat on a stool in front of him, and continued to watch him. “How’s work?” he asked. Kelsi just sighed. “As usual… it’s tiring but I’m having fun…”
”Are you sure you can handle that job?”
“Of course! I’ve always wanted to work in a TV station. I love my work there…”
“Good to hear that.”
Kelsi smiled at him again. She knows how worried Chun is about her work, since she works graveyard. Maybe that’s how all big brothers are… and she was glad Chun is her “big brother”.

Just then, Jiro came down. “Good Morning!” he said at the top of his lungs. The two looked at him and was surprised to see him in a business suit instead of his usual shirt-jeans-sneakers get up. Kelsi burst out laughing the moment she saw him, and Chun just smiled proudly at him. “What?” Jiro asked Kelsi in an annoyed tone. The last time he checked himself in the mirror before going down, he looks OK with the suit which he “borrowed” from Chun’s closet. “You… you look..” Kelsi said between laughs. “Look Kelsi, I don’t want to wear this but I have to, OK?” Jiro said, defending himself.

Kelsi continued to laugh. It was the first time she was Jiro wearing a suit, and she thinks he looks weird wearing it. But she must admit, he looked more handsome… if only he’s not sporting a golden brown highlights. “You look… err.. dashing, Jiro.” Chun finally said. Jiro then turned to Kelsi, who was trying to suppress her laughter. “See? I look dashing in Chun’s suit!” he said proudly. Upon hearing that, Chun looked up at him and gave him dagger looks. “Jiro Wang…” he said in an annoyed tone. Jiro then turned to Chun and smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll have these dry-cleaned before I return it to your closet.”

After a while, Aaron came down from the stairs. He was still yawning, and looked sleepy. “Good Morning…” he said groggily. He looked at Chun and Kelsi, but upon seeing Jiro looking neat in a business suit, he was awakened. He began to laugh at him, because like Kelsi, he thinks it’s weird seeing Jiro looked very professional. “You.. you… bwahahahaha!” he said. Jiro just shook his head in dismay. Chun tapped his shoulder and smiled. “Don’t mind them. You look good, trust me. You’ll wow the guys there with your presentation.” Chun assured them. They just watched at Kelsi and Aaron until their laughter dies down.

They were about to have breakfast when Calvin and his wife, Ella, dropped by. “Good Morning!” the couple said in unison. The four of them looked at them and smiled at the couple. “Calvin! Ella! Come, join us…” Kelsi said. Calvin took the seat next to Jiro while Ella sat beside Kelsi. “Whoa… you’re early today, huh Aaron?” Calvin said to Aaron. He was surprised to see this guy up early in the morning. “Exams and band practice.” Aaron explained. Calvin then turned to Jiro and was surprised to see him in a formal wear. “Whoa! Jiro… why a sudden change of style?” he asked. Jiro turned to him and gave him dagger looks. “Company presentation.” He explained. “And don’t laugh at me! I’ve had enough with these two!” he continued, pointing at Kelsi and Aaron. The two looked at each other and grinned sheepishly. Ella gave Jiro an assuring smile. “Actually, I think you look good. You look very… well… manly.” Ella commented. Calvin lovingly looked at his wife and smiled. She just know the right words to assure his “brother”. “I think you should always wear a suit so that you could get yourself a girlfriend.” She added. Then, it was Chun’s turn to give Jiro dagger looks. “Don’t think about raiding my closet.” He warned him. Jiro just ignored Chun. He smiled at Ella and thanked her.

“So, what brings Mr. and Mrs. Chen to our humble abode?” Aaron asked. “We don’t have food at home so we decided to visit you guys and eat breakfast for free.” Calvin said as he reached for the plat. Ella glared at her husband. “Calvin!”
“Sorry dear..” Calvin smiled at his wife. “Actually, my wife insisted on paying you guys a visit since we can’t get together as much as we want to.” He explained. “And I’m glad to see everyone’s up already.” Ella said. Chun nodded his head. “Come to think of it… we this is the first time in 5 moths that we had breakfast together…” he said. “Uh-huh… I agree…” Aaron said as he nod his head. “I think we should do this more often.” Kelsi suggested. Everyone agreed to her suggestion.

That morning, the had breakfast like one big happy family. Nobody knew that after that morning, the change challenges will start…