Watch The Throne

~Chapter 3~

Yunho massaged the fleshy area of his thumb while he waited. He had specifically told Jaejoong to come before the other students were notified of the assembly. Now all the students were piling into their seats and Jaejoong still wasn’t here. He felt uneasy as he watched the hall fill up.

Earlier Jaejoong had convinced the principle that a concert should be held. Yunho wasn’t surprised that the principle had agreed, what surprised him was how well Jaejoong was able to butter the old man up. Undeniably Jaejoong was very tactful, an area which Yunho himself liked to think he also did well in.

However the principle’s an old man, one who never differed from tradition so fortunately for Toho, the sport’s festival was still a go! The general agreement was that the sport’s festival would be in the morning, including the students of both schools. In the afternoon the concert would be held, though the principle had suggested they also add food booths for lunch so everyone could participate. After all, Shin Ki’s Art sector didn’t just contain music but also culinary.

“Yo!” a voice called out. Yunho instinctively turned to the voice and glared.

“Do you have any sense of responsibility?” Yunho snapped while his hands rested on his hips. Jaejoong took a sharp breath before giving a cold look to Yunho.

“I’m here now aren’t I?” He sighed. Yunho gawked as him before letting out a scoff.

“You’re too much, really,” Yunho muttered before he shook his head and fixed his uniform. “I’m going up to the stage, when I call you up, come! Don’t screw this up,” he bit out before entering the stage from the corner.

Yunho walked onto the center stage and bowed to the principle before he got up onto the podium. He let out a breath he hadn’t known he was holding before he smiled big.

“Good afternoon everyone!” He greeted. “Shin Ki High, you’ve been welcomed courteously, yeah?” he asked. Yunho paused as he awaited a reply. Kangta had always asked questions to the students, just to liven them up throughout the assemblies, so Toho was used to this, but Shin Ki might not be.

There were a few words of agreements but otherwise Shin Ki didn’t respond very well. Yunho kept his smile anyways.

“Toho you’ll do better right?” Yunho scolded before cracking a smile at the loud exclamations. “Good to hear! Before I announce some exciting upcoming activities, I want to introduce the new vice-president. Please welcome Shin Ki High’s Kim Jaejoong.”

Yunho turned to the side as he awaited Jaejoong to approach the stage. There was a loud cheer from the audience, as expected Shin Ki approved. Yunho felt a huge weight lift off of his shoulders upon seeing the brunette enter the stage. He walked timidly towards the podium while straightening his school uniform and giving Yunho a quick glance. Yunho pursed his lips as he stepped off the podium allowing Jaejoong to get on.

Jaejoong gave Yunho a look the latter couldn’t quite decipher but it gave him a bad feeling at the pit of his stomach. Something in him urged him to pull Jaejoong off the podium but his mind wouldn’t allow it, so he stood back and waited…

…

Jaejoong watched the time on the clock. Yunho had specifically asked him to come 15 minutes before the school would be called down to the hall; he still had half an hour before he had to leave. But Jaejoong’s mind wouldn’t rest. The entire lecture had gone to waste, as he had been worrying away about other things.

Almost as if someone else were controlling him, he got up and asked to leave, explaining that Yunho had requested him to be early for the assembly. Despite being incredibly early, the teacher didn’t question it as she nodded, motioning him to go ahead.

Just Yunho’s name alone had power… it was frightening really.

Jaejoong let out a sigh before turning the corner and entering the bathroom. His hands and feet were frozen cold while the reminder of his body was burning up, leaving him in a sweaty mess. To say he was nervous would be an understatement. Jaejoong rested his hands on the bathroom sink and looked himself in the mirror. Upon touching the cold ceramic sink his body shuddered, sending chills down his spine.

Jaejoong wasn’t sure how long he had been in that position while his thoughts clouded his mind and overtook reality but when they did subside his body felt stiff. He shook his head before stretching his back, trying to relax himself. It didn’t help so he clicked his tongue out of frustration and looked in the mirror. He studied his reflection. The thin, pale brunette gazing back looked like a mess. A thought crossed his mind causing his jaw to clench.

‘Who would take you seriously?’ Jaejoong bit his lip trying to hold the other thoughts back but failing. The boy looking back, he doesn’t have anything to offer. That’s why people like Yunho always win, because people like you are too weak…

Trying to block out the voices he took a sharp inhale before straightening his posture.

“What will you do?” He mumbled to his reflection. He looked up at himself before looking away. What could he do? True that Yunho had earned his position but so had Jaejoong… He had spent his entire second year trying to win over the student body and when he would finally claim his title; it was snatched away from him. It wasn’t Yunho’s fault… But it also wasn’t his.

“You won’t do anything wrong, let them vote again…” he urged while looking himself in the eye and giving a firm nod. “I’ll make this right…”

He straightened his tie and unrolled the cuffs of his shirt, he then mentally reminded himself to pull on his school blazer, which hung in his locker. If he walked onto stage looking like he normally did, Yunho would definitely throw a tantrum. Once he felt a little more at ease, Jaejoong exited the bathrooms but with met with his own class walking past him.

“Hey Jaejoong, shouldn’t you be at the hall? We’re heading there now,” Yoochun called out after giving him a quick wave to get his attention. That feeling of at ease left Jaejoong in a snap of a finger. His eyes widened as he pushed past Yoochun and booked it to his locker. He needed that blazer but he also needed to get to Yunho as quickly as possible. 

Once he had grabbed his blazer he pulled it on and ran to the hall while trying to button up the uniform. When he was less then a couple feet away he slowed down and tried to relax. He couldn’t explain this to Yunho. There was no way he would let Yunho know how confused and terrified he really was. So with a quick gulp Jaejoong entered the backstage and greeted Yunho with a ‘Yo!’

…

Yunho took in several deep breaths as he tried to calm himself. Something just didn’t feel right. He looked at Jaejoong who could now actually pass as the student body president. Since coming here this morning, Jaejoong hadn’t worn his entire uniform but now that he was, he looked the part.

Yunho blinked a couple times really fast before turning his body and attention towards Jaejoong. He watched as the boy smiled and rambled about how thankful Shin Ki was to Toho.

“It means a lot and on behalf of Shin Ki High, I once again thank you,” Jaejoong smiled. Yunho almost jumped when Jaejoong thanked him. “Yunho was kind enough to understand that I too am the student president, and though the schools have conjoined we’ve decided to play fair.”

‘We have?’ Yunho thought to himself.

“By the end of this month, once we’ve each displayed our skills we will hold a revote and together Shin Ki and Toho will choose the new president!”

Yunho’s eyes widened but his body stood frozen while watching as Jaejoong made false claims. He felt like everything became hazy. He was furious! How could Jaejoong do that? What’s more is that he knew Jaejoong was a snake and yet he didn’t foresee this, how? There was a loud cheer from the audience while others, probably Toho, booed but Yunho could barely hear a thing as his mind was scrambling for words. He couldn’t undo this…

“Now I’ll give the stage back to our current President, Jung Yunho!” Jaejoong smiled stepping off. Yunho took a deep breath but he still felt as though he was suffocating. He didn’t spare a look towards Jaejoong who stepped aside while he got onto the podium

“Uh…” He mumbled. His voice echoed back at him from the audience. He had to make this right, but how? He pretended to cough as he whipped his head towards Jaejoong and sent him a glare. Using that time Yunho pushed his thoughts away and forced himself to remain calm.

“Right!” he began forcing a smile. “Now I’m sure you’re all excited to hear that this year we will be combining the sports festival with Shin Ki’s annual concert. We think it will be a good idea to show everyone’s abilities, our school now holds students of various skills, all which should be recognized. Toho, you each have incredible talents, the awards outside this hall are proof of that. Shin Ki while I don’t know each and every one of you yet; I’ve heard many things! Your school holds some of the greatest voices, visual artists, dancers and chefs. Let’s use our passion as our connection with each other. That passion is what we share!” He took a deep breath while maintaining his fake smile.

The entire hall was cheering, it may have been Jaejoong’s idea but Yunho would be credited, his speech would ensure it. Yunho sent a side-glance towards Jaejoong who still had that innocent smile upon his face. He turned back to the audience trying to keep his irritation out of his posture.

“See you all tomorrow morning!” He dismissed before hopping off the podium and facing Jaejoong. He feigned a smile before placing a hand on Jaejoong’s lower back.

“Bow,” he gritted out in a low tone while looking back at the audience before he pushed the boy into a 90-degree bow. They stayed like that for a couple minutes. The blood rushed to their heads while their hearts pounded heavily against their chests. Yunho then straightened up followed by Jaejoong who seemed surprised. Yunho pulled his hand away from the other before he marched off the stage, his anger becoming harder to control.
 

…                                                                                                           

Jaejoong bowed towards the teachers who had begun to empty the backstage. He didn’t want to face Yunho, he really didn’t. The one word he had said to Jaejoong on stage had sent shivers down his spine.

Yunho was talking to some of the teachers; his usual smile plastered his face. Bright and gentlemanlike… It was strange but Jaejoong was sure that despite knowing full well about the façade, if Yunho were to glance over towards him with that same smile, Jaejoong would become an easy victim. But he also knew that the mask would fall the second they were alone. Within, Yunho was seething, anxiously waiting to lash out.

Jaejoong gave a quick bow to the last teacher who returned his smile before stepping out. He took another glimpse towards Yunho who also bowed before closing the door, leaving them all by themselves. The silence was heavy and thick. Jaejoong could barely breath considering how stiffing the air had become. Yunho let out a snigger, which caused Jaejoong to jump, scrambling to recompose himself.

“I don’t know how I didn’t see this coming…” Yunho drifted off as he went over to his school bag and placed a stack of papers on top of it. Jaejoong swallowed thickly, his throat had begun to dry up. He heard the other click his tongue before finally turning around to face him.

“Yunho… I –”

“Don’t!” Yunho barked with his finger straight in the air, cutting Jaejoong off. “What was it that you said on stage? You wanted to play fair, was it? How is this playing fair?” He snapped taking a step forward.

“I spent all year trying to earn this position! I deserve this title!” Jaejoong yelled back trying to be heard over Yunho’s coarse, rigid breathing.

“This is my school! Don’t screw me over because your school couldn’t manage it’s own building,” Yunho fumed, his eyes narrowed, daring Jaejoong to fight back.

“ you! I’m not this giving up,” Jaejoong snarled back, his own temper taking control. Yunho seemed thrown off for a second before he pushed Jaejoong against the wall, resting his hands on either sides of Jaejoong’s shoulders, trapping him.

“I have been nothing but nice to you but if you want to play dirty, fine! I’ll play it your way,” Yunho growled, his voice barely above a whisper. Jaejoong held his breath, keeping his own body pressed against the wall, as far away as Yunho as he could get.

“Fine,” he replied sourly before using all his effort to shove Yunho away. Of course he wasn’t nearly as strong so Yunho didn’t lose his balance, but he had moved him enough to exit the area Yunho had him confined in.

“Just so you know, more than half of this school is already on my side. Shin Ki first years are quite impressionable you see, especially since they haven’t gotten to even know you yet. I’m the only president they’ve ever known,” Yunho smirked as he walked past Jaejoong, purposing shouldering him as he did. The smirk didn’t leave Yunho’s face as he pulled on his school bag and exited the room.

Jaejoong felt his body heat up while a wave of panic overcame him. It wasn’t so much so that Yunho was exceptionally observant, but more so that Jaejoong was below average. There were so many things he hadn’t taken into account. The Shin Ki first years didn’t even know him. They weren’t even the ones who had voted for him considering they were still middle school third years last year when the vote took place.

He was in trouble… Attaining the title of student body president had been rather easy, but maintaining it would be the hardest thing he’d have to do. Worst of all Yunho would be a difficult opponent.

…

Yunho felt like he could breath easier once he got outside the school gates and was on his way home. Fortunately he was a good thinker on his feet. It wasn’t too hard taking the reigns over a situation. He was adapting. While a ball of worry lingered at the back of his mind, he decided to use Jaejoong’s challenge as a way to better himself as a leader. He could only get better from here, right?

“Yah, Jung Yunho!” A voice called out. Yunho snapped his head towards the owner of the voice, Kwon Boa.   

“Hey!” Yunho greeted as he waved casually towards her while she approached him. Yunho had known Boa since the first year of middle school; this year marked their 6^th year as friends. Since he had known her so long he also knew Boa’s face never revealed how she felt within. She was good at keeping her emotions intact and inside.

Yunho was pretty sure he could tell how she felt anyways, not by her face but her aura. And right now her aura told him she was pissed.

“What’s wrong?” he asked as they walked alongside one another. Boa whipped her head to face him, giving him a look of disbelief before huffing.

“I can’t believe you,” she grumbled as she began to walk a step ahead. Yunho’s brow crinkled as he fell a step behind. He bit his lip and tilted his head looking deep in thought before giving up and pulling at her elbow, forcing her to stop. Boa spun on her heels and shot a glare towards him once she caught her balance.

“Seriously, what’s wrong?” he asked, a look of genuine concern crossing his face. She jerked her jaw sideways, causing a cringe worthy crack to sound before pulling her arm away from his grasp.

“You completely betrayed me and you’re asking me what’s wrong?” She finally spoke while her hip jutted out sideways, allowing her hand to rest over it. Yunho’s forehead crinkled once again.

“I-I don’t understand?” he stammered, his confusion adding tenfold. Boa let out another huff, this time she let her emotions be seen, loud and clear upon her face. She shook her head before looking away giving a painful laugh shortly after.

“I told you Soo Man University won’t accept me if I don’t attain a higher position in the council…” she began, a hand resting at the crook of her neck. “I told you… And you said if I helped you become student body president you would appoint me vice-president, didn’t you?” She scowled while her eyes became dangerous slits. “I did everything for your campaign and I didn’t ask for a single word of acknowledgment, I worked my off and you betrayed me!”

“I didn’t mean to,” Yunho assured as he shook his head. “With Shin Ki suddenly transferred to Toho, I couldn’t do anything else,” he explained.

“Right, well my life is over!” she shouted. “My grades won’t get me into a decent university and my athletic skills are practically a joke. Vice-president was my one wildcard! And you took it away from me, how could you do that? How could you use me and throw me away?”

“I didn’t have a choice,” Yunho replied grimly, frozen in place.

“No! You always had a choice, and each and every time you chose to screw me over!” She took a quick inhale of breath before spinning around and marching off, her hair whipping wildly behind her.

Yunho felt like he had been slapped. Her words stung, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He regretted what he had done to her, he really did; but clearly she hadn’t forgiven him entirely on the prior issue either. He let out a sigh as he followed her. He wouldn’t let their 6 years of friendship end like this. All the while he found himself cursing out Jaejoong for causing him to forget his promise and instead making the awful decision to give vice-presidency to him.

‘Kim Jaejoong, how are you doing this to me?’

Hello everyone!

I'm super sorry I'm late in updating. >.<

I just couldn't get the story onto the paper, or well.. onto the computer. 

Anyways I'm hoping this chapter gave a little more insight on Jaejoong's mindset. Please dont hate him~! I really like doing this switch point-of-view style. Personally I find it unfair if the story is in only one person's point-of-view... And it's fun, no?

Hmm... I felt like I had a lot to say but now that I'm typing I have no clue what to say... 0_0

Ooh right! Sorry if I don't reply to some of your questions, hopefully most of them were answered throughout this chapter... Also I'm not too good at replying without giving key ideas away. 0_o

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I was thinking of making SHINee the first years... but I think the fic would become too overbearing... I mean I've only barely brushed up on Yoochun and Junsu... and Changmin hasn't even been introduced yet... 

Forgive me Lord Voldemin~! T_T
 

As always thank you so much for your support! It means a lot!! Enjoy!!