'Sorry the number you dialed is currently unavailable. Please try your call later'

YooChun sighed for the nth time as he stared at his phone "How come Junsu wouldn't pick up?"

He'd tried calling his best friend for how many times. And ever since from the other day, Junsu wouldn't return his calls. Is he really busy that he couldn't text or call YooChun and tell him himself?

Flipping his phone close and placing it on the table, YooChun's gaze moved from his phone towards the door of his office as his secretary, wearing a very bright smile, entered with a folder in one hand.

"Good Morning, Hyung" the younger man greeted when he was standing in front of his boss.

"Morning, Min. You seem to be in a good mood, eh? Is it because..." YooChun reached for the latest edition of his favorite mgazine on his table and waved it in front of Changmin's face "this?"

Changmin's smile got even brighter "Oh, you bought a copy? I was supposed to give you one. I guess, it's too late"

YooChun flipped the magazine open "Never thought that you're suited to become a model" his gaze fell on a picture where Changmin was wearing what he was wearing now "And I can't believe that they gave you.." YooChun pointed at Changmin's clothes "that".  

Changmin was wearing the suit that he first wore when they started the photoshoot. And it did fit him very well. It showed how perfect and lean his body structure is.

Slowly, YooChun shook his head in a pitiful manner "Life's really unfair"

"Yah!!! Don't you know that it's rude to talk to a handsome model like that?" Changmin overstated, rolling his eyes

YooChun just smirked as he continued to flip from page to page of the magazine. Once again scanning Changmin's pictures as a model.

"Hyung, I just called from Junsu hyung's office."  Hearing this, YooChun paused midway in flipping a page so that he could listen carefully

"A co-worker of his answered the phone and he said that Junsu hyung's working. And that's all"

Nodding his head, YooChun replied "I see. Thanks, Min"

"Oh, and this one. It's a new project proposal. Maybe, you'll get interested" Changmin handed YooChun the folder that he was holding a moment ago.

YooChun put the magazine away as he accepted the folder and mumbled a Thanks. Straightening his back and with a smirk on his face, Changmin urged;

"And hyung, I know that you're jealous since I had a 10 page cover of your favorite magazine. That only proves that I'm more handsome than you" Changmin laughed as he sashayed his way out of YooChun's office

YooChun was on the verge of throwing the pen that he's holding at his secretary but he missed his target as the young man ran out of his office before he could even throw the pen on his direction.

He just let out a loud sigh and a tiny grin as he returned his attention on the folder.  

But it seems like his mind wouldn't function and get immersed with his work. His eyes were reading the file that he was holding but his mind goes on a trip.

Remembering the events that happened during the past few days especially as to what happened to his best friend, YooChun just couldn't help but get really worried of Junsu. His best friend just got charged off from the hospital and he just wants to make sure that Junsu wouldn't return to that place sick ever again. Maybe, he's going to drop by at Junsu's place to check if he's doing good. YooChun wouldn't feel at ease as long as he's not sure that Junsu's safe and unless if his best friend, himself, tells him that he's doing good.

YooChun noticed his phone vibrating and without any seconds to spare, he reached for it and flipped it open. His whole face showed relief when the message was from Junsu.

[Chun, please don't call. I'm really busy]

YooChun's forehead could only crease as he read the message. Where are the smileys and all? Why is it just some plain old text?

Moving his fingers, YooChun typed [Sorry, Su. I just want to check if you're okay. Are you doing fine? Can I drop by your place later? :)]

Patiently, YooChun waited for his best friend's reply. And after five minutes he received one [I'm fine, Chun.. Sorry but you can't. I still need to work on something and I don't want any disturbances]

YooChun's face fell but he forced himself to smile. [Oh, okay. Take care, araso? ;) I'll miss you *hugs and kisses*]

A minute after, Junsu replied [I will. :)]

Seeing that little smiley on his phone screen, YooChun suddenly was assured that Junsu's safe. And he returned to his work with enough energy to finish them all.
------
With a heavy heart, Junsu flipped his phone close. Though, he knows that the last text he received from YooChun was just a simple text coming from a best friend but his heart fluttered while reading it. And before he could realize it, he was typing a short message and with a smiley that truly came from his heart. A smiley that reflected his feelings. But after a few good seconds, reality suddenly hit him and he just can't help but get really frustrated about it. If only those words mean something else besides from being friendly texts, that would make him feel a lot better.  Maybe, the ones he'd receive for the past ten years of his friendship with YooChun, maybe those ones meant something else. They were not just any simple messages but messages with hidden feelings. Why didn't he noticed it?
 
He sighed as he eyed his finished works. Yes, he wasn't really that busy but he just wanted to avoid YooChun for the mean time. Maybe, his heart couldn't take it when he'll see YooChun's face. Just from the fact that he found out about YooChun's feelings for him and for lying and secretly seeing his best friend's father, Junsu just couldn't handle the pressure.

He did feel touched when YooChun asked if he was fine and if he could visit him. But something just reminded him that he should be alone and he needs time to think things over. He was looking forward in spending time with his best friend but he's sure that things between them will become awkward. That's why he needs space, he needs to be with himself. He'll practice on how to control his emotions when his around YooChun because he knows that things are going to be different from the way they are before.

How did YooChun managed to hide and control his feelings for him for such a long time?

That might sound absurd but Junsu just couldn't help but ponder about it. Has YooChun been hurting without him noticing about it? Maybe, his best friend did. But he was just too dense to even notice it. Even YooChun's father said so.

Ever since the day he visited Mr. Park and right after he found out about the truth, Junsu pays the old a man a visit right after he finishes his work. The reason which he turns his phone off so YooChun couldn't detect on where he is.

He'd bring along with him some photo albums to show to the old man. He'd tell him funny stories about his and YooChun's adventures just to make the old man could catch up with what happened to YooChun right after he ran away from home.

He even told him of the time when YooChun got his job and they both celebrated by having an eating contest. And the last time YooChun got drunk was when he attended a party in college that Junsu had to shake him for quite a few times just to make sure that he was still breathing and alive and when he did woke up the next day, Junsu scolded him continuously that YooChun promised to control his drinking so Junsu could stop from nagging him. Junsu showed YooChun's father on one of his best friends' graduation pictures and they both could clearly see the true happiness that was spreading all over the boy's face.

"You see this?" YooChun's father asked as he pointed on a picture of YooChun staring at Junsu during a group picture when they went to the beach

"Can't you see the way he looks at you? There's softness and adoration in my son's eyes. I can't believe that you missed this one"

Pointing to another picture in which YooChun was wiping off some icing from Junsu's face, Mr. Park urged "And this one too. Was this picture taken on your birthday?"

Junsu could only nod and Mr. Park proceeded to another picture.

It was clear from the expression on Mr. Park's face that he was happy seeing that his only son had a blast while he was not around. Though, he could feel a pang in his heart knowing that he wasn't there to be the cause or to even witness of how much YooChun enjoyed his life but knowing that his son was happy no matter what the reason was, he's happy too.

He flipped from page to page, staring and admiring each picture that was displayed. He envies Junsu who had been there by YooChun's side. The teenager he once treated like a boy, is now a grown up man and is now sitting beside him. Junsu just witnessed events in his son's life that he didn't and he just wished that he did. If he was just what the father YooChun had wanted, by now his son would have stayed by his side. If he didn't just hurt both his wife and son then everything would have turned out fine. But it can't be helped, the damaged has been done.

YooChun's father closed the photo album as he finished looking at every picture, he made sure that he didn't miss even just one, he turned to Junsu and smiled "You know Junsu-ah, the funny thing is that I, YooChun's father, had missed almost half of my son's life but you, you were there the whole time. And you didn't even had the tiniest clue that my son was gaga and was so in love with you. I can't believe that you're too dense" Mr. Park lifted his hand as he playfully flicked Junsu's forehead.

It didn't even hurt one bit since it wasn't full of force but Junsu let out a yelp. Maybe, it was because he was taken by surprise. The old man just laughed and now that Junsu noticed it, he knows where YooChun got that hearty laugh and boyish grin of his from.

Junsu didn't expect that a bond would build up between him and the man he once hated so much. For such a small span of time, he and Mr. Park managed to catch up with each other's lives. The old man shared that when YooChun ran away from home he already knew that that would happen. He also knew on where YooChun would run off to but he just didn't had the courage to go after his son. A year after YooChun's running away, Mr. Park made himself believe that YooChun would return and forgive him but that was just wishful thinking. He decided to find himself a descent job so that if YooChun ever returns, he'll have the chance to prove to his son that he changed and that he became a better person.

A year turned into 3, into 5, and up until he got tired of counting. And YooChun never returned. But Mr. Park never lost his hope, he still believed that YooChun would return and would one day forgive him. The old man lost his job 3 years ago, not because he wasn't doing good but it was because he got diagnosed with liver cancer. It was the result of his never ending drinking but he did stop that bad habit of his right after YooChun left. He knew that it was too late for a change but there wasn't a day that Mr. Park wouldn't pray that before he dies, his son, YooChun would forgive him. His son's forgiveness is one of the things that will make his soul at peace.

Junsu also told YooChun's father of what happened after he visited YooChun few weeks ago.

"Did the hospital allowed you to go out that day?"

The old man could only give Junsu a smile. And just by looking at it, Junsu knows the answer.
-----
Today, right after Junsu left his work, he made sure that his co-workers won't go out telling YooChun what he's been up to. It's not only YooChun that he's been avoiding but also Yunho, his other dearest friend. It's not because he doesn't want to see their faces but it's just that he needs time to be alone. He just needs space. That's why he's shunning himself from them.

Junsu entered Mr. Park's room. It was like he got accustomed to the scent and to the aura that the room has. Though it wasn't that homey since nothing compares to the comfort that only a real home could give but to Junsu, this place is what Mr. Park had considered home ever since he got confined in here.

"Oh, you're a bit late today, Junsu-ah" The old man looked away from the sudoku he was solving as he eyed the man who just entered his room

Junsu bowed a bit before replying "I made sure to finish all of my work before coming here"

Junsu took an apple out from the basket that was placed on the table near Mr. Park's bed and carefully, he washed it in the sink. He took his usual seat which was at the right side of the bed before he started peeling the apple and slicing it into bite-size pieces.

"Here" He handed Mr. Park the plate which contains the apple he just peeled

The old man gave out an insecure smile before accepting the plate with a Thanks.

Taking a bite, the man asked "How are you and YooChun doing?"

Junsu abruptly stopped from peeling another apple as he heard the question.

YooChun's father could only look at the Junsu suspiciously "Don't tell me that you've been avoiding him ever since I told you about the truth"

Junsu stiffened but he managed to reply defensively "Well, it's not only him. I've been avoiding Yunho too"

"Both are different cases Junsu-ah. YooChun's your best friend who had feelings for you before or maybe up until now. And Yunho is just a good friend of yours. Even, you, yourself said that"

Junsu lowered his head as he tried to ponder what the old man just said. He forced himself not to ask the question he had in mind but Junsu's heart just betrayed him "How are you sure Mr. Park that YooChun still has feelings for me? I mean, he's with Jae Joong now and..."

"It doesn't mean that once a person finds someone else to be with, he'll forget the feelings he had for the previous person he'd loved. We just don't know that he's blindly in love with Jae Joong for the mean time but the truth is, he still has feelings for you. That he still loves you. It's just hidden somewhere down there inside him. Maybe, what I said only applies to some people and I know my son, Junsu-ah"

For the past few days that Junsu had visited Mr. Park, he also told the old man about what's happening in YooChun's present life. And that includes Kim Jae Joong, his best friends' first ever boy friend. Junsu told YooChun's father of how beautiful and of how nice Jae Joong is. And that he should really meet the pretty man.

"And why are you so sure about that?"

The old man just grinned. That boyish grin which YooChun got from him "Trust me. I just know. I'm YooChun's father after all"

Junsu could only stare at the old man. Could it be true?
-----
That night, when Junsu got home. His voice mail was filled with messages, there was one from Yunho asking if he was alright and that if he needs any help or he needs someone to talk to he could just visit or call Yunho. Junsu was touched hearing what his good friend said and he feels guilty for avoiding Yunho this past few days.

The rest of the messages that were left were all from YooChun.  Each message keeps on asking if he was okay and if he's been stressing his self out. Unknown to him, he was unconciously smiling just by listening to his best friend's voice. Ever since he found out about YooChun's feelings for him and ever since Mr. Park pointed that out to him, Junsu noticed it for the first time, YooChun's voice was full of concern. Not just any concern that comes from a best friend but there was more to it.

And the last message had Junsu in tears.

['Su, it's me. I know I've been leaving lots of messages. Sorry, if I'm getting annoying'] there was an uncertain laugh ['But I just can't help but get really worried. Su, tell me if you're okay. You're text message wasn't convincing at all. Though, I did feel a bit relieved when your last text had a smiley but... Su, please.. Are you.. avoiding me? Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry if I can't hang out with you like before. I've been busy with work and I know that you are too. And I do admit that I'm getting busy with Jae Joong. I swear, I'll try to make it up to you. And no matter what happens, you'll always be my best, best, best friend. You'll always be my cute SuSu'] There was a pause and only YooChun's soft breath could be heard. Then with a tender voice ['I love you very much, Su. I miss you. Please call me back']

Junsu stood there for a while as he stared at the phone. He was having doubts if he'll ever pick it up or not. He was confused and was not certain of what to do.

But no matter how hard his brain tries on telling him not to but his heart couldn't just take it.

Screw it if YooChun said it in a friendly way or maybe the way he hoped it would be. But now, he's certain of one thing.. He's sure of this even if it will hurt him.  

Instantly, he picked the phone up and dialed YooChun's number. After a ring, his best friend's soft voice greeted him. And that somehow made him smile.

"Chun, it's me"

YooChun was beaming on the other line and was immediately flooding him with lots of questions. Junsu could only chuckle listening to all of them. But these are the only words that came out and failed to escape his mouth.

"I miss you too" and I love you. Very much.
-----
[FLASHBACK]

"Yun, why do you keep on giving me roses?" Jae Joong asked for the very first time

Both were hanging out on Jae Joong's place. And the pretty man just couldn't help but ask such question.

Who wouldn't want to ask? Every time he and Yunho would meet up the other man never fails in bringing a boquet of roses. And that just made him wonder, what's with all the roses? Well, he admits that he's not fond of roses but he doesn't hate it either.

"Why? you don't like them?" Yunho's gaze tore away from the television and landed on Jae Joong

"No, it's not because of that... It's just.." Jae Joong took a seat next to Yunho on the couch as he huffed "I just don't seem to like your favorite flower"

Yunho gave out a loud chuckle as he encircled his arms around Jae Joong's shoulder. The pretty man leaned back as he felt the warmth over his shoulders and faced Yunho with a pout.

"Why did you laugh?"

Clearing his throat, Yunho pinched his boy friend's nose "Rose is not my favorite flower, Joongie. And the reason why I'm always giving you roses is because..."

"Because?" Jae Joong repeated

Yunho shuffled in his seat so he could change his position and could face Jae Joong properly "You see, roses have thorns and they smell nice, right?" Jae Joong nodded hearing this.

"Okay, the rose is a beautiful flower. Just like you" Jae Joong managed to let out a soft chuckle which made Yunho grin "So, I am comparing you to a rose. You're so beautiful and so delicate"

Placing a hand on Jae Joong's right cheek, Yunho softly blew on his lover's nose. Giggling, Jae Joong asked "But roses have thorns and I don't"

"Ah, that's bothering you, eh? Hmmm.. how should I explain this." Yunho pursed his lips as he gathered his thoughts "You see, the reason why a rose has thorns it's because they protect theirselves from getting harmed. And I view you that way, Jae. No one would dare touch or grasp a rose in an instant because of its torns. And just like you Jae, no one could abruptly have you. But to tell you, I'm different"

"What do you mean that you're different, Yunnie?" Jae Joong cuddled closer to his boy friend

Yunho smiled "I'm different because even if you surround yourself with thorns, I'll hold and grasp you as tightly as I could so that you'll never go away"

"Why would you do that?"

That earned a laugh from Yunho who softly flicked Jae Joong's forehead "Silly, because I Love You"

"Oh, Yunnie~"

(Days later)

"Hey, Jae!" Yunho yelled as soon as he entered Jae Joong's apartment

"I'm in the kitchen!" Jae Joong yelled back

Yunho didn't have to guess where Jae Joong was. The scent that was already lingering in the air proves that Jae Joong was cooking something really delicious. Immediately, Yunho made his way to the kitchen bringing something along with him. He placed that thing on top of the table and walked over to Jae Joong who was standing in front of the stove. He wrapped both of his arms on the slim waist as he planted a kiss on the pretty man's hair.

"Hmmm.. That smells good" Yunho remarked as he inhaled both the scent of Jae Joong's hair and his cooking

"It'll be ready within a minute" Jae Joong simply replied as he continued on stirring what he was cooking in the pot

"Can't I just eat you up? I'm really getting hungry"

Jae Joong stomped on Yunho's foot playfully and that made Yunho flinched a bit.

"Jung Yunho you gotta stop that. Or you're not getting anything" the smaller man warned

Yunho just pouted as he decided to just wait on the dining table "Fine"

Few minutes later, Jae Joong and Yunho were already having a hearty meal. They talked and ate until they finished what Jae Joong cooked. And Jae Joong wasn't even aware of the presence of the thing that Yunho brought with him.

When they were both finished in cleaning and putting the dishes away, Jae Joong turned to his boy friend with furrowed brows "It's unusual that you didn't give me a boquet of roses today"

Yunho could only smile "Well, close your eyes then."

"And why should I do that?"

Wiggling his brows, Yunho grinned "Because I have something for you"

Jae Joong couldn't do anything but to simply obey. Who in the world wouldn't like surprises? Well, Jae Joong's sure that he loves surprises. Especially if it's from Yunho since he's sure that it's something that's going to be really special.

Slowly closing his eyes and crossing his arms over his chest, Jae Joong waited for Yunho's surprise.

"Okay, stay still Joongie"

Jae Joong just nodded as he heard Yunho unwrapping something. He could feel his heart thumped in an excited manner since he can't wait to see what Yunho had in store for him.

"You're not peeking, are you?"

"No, I'm not peeking"

"Okay, open your eyes now"

Slowly and hesitantly, Jae Joong opened his eyes. He just hopes that it's not a lizard or a bug. He could still remember the last time Yunho surprised him when they were in high school only to find out that a beetle was facing him. He and Yunho had a fight that day and he didn't speak to Yunho for 3 days. But he finally gave up when he just couldn't take it anymore. Kim Jae Joong's the type of person who can't resist another type of person and that is Jung Yunho, his beloved boy friend.

"It's not a bug, is it?" Jae Joong blurted out

Yunho just laughed, shaking his head "No, Jae. I promised you that I won't surprise you like that ever again"

When Jae Joong's eyes were fully open he stood still on where he was as he stared at the thing that Yunho's holding.
 
"What is this?"

"Do you like it?" Yunho inquired as he made Jae Joong take a closer look on the thing that he was holding

"Like it? Oh Yunnie, this thing is beautiful!" Jae Joong exclaimed taking a step closer "Is this a flower?"

Yunho nodded as he handed Jae Joong the potted plant "Yeah, it's a Japanese Iris. The old lady at the flower shop was right. You would really like this one"

"How about roses?" Jae Joong asked, his gaze still on the plant

Yunho just scratched the back of his neck "They ran out of roses. So, the old lady there suggested that I should give you this one"

Jae Joong smiled widely as he snuggled to Yunho. Making sure that the plant wasn't going to get crushed in between them "Thank you, Yun. I swear, I'll take very good care of this Japanese Iris"

"I know you will, Jae" Yunho replied as he wrapped an arm around Jae Joong's small waist "But that doesn't stop me from giving you roses, okay?"

They both laughed for a few good seconds. When they stopped, Yunho could only think of one thing. And that is to never let this precious creature in front of him disappear from his sight.

"I love you so much, Jae"

"I love you too, Yun"

And they shared a passionate kiss which they both like so much.

And ever since that day, Jae Joong started to love the Japanese Iris.

[END OF FLASHBACK]
-----