Chapter 24

Love Over Pride [A]

Yoochun sighed as he collectedly paced himself up the stairs to Junsu’s mansion. It hasn’t been at least forty eight hours since he last got kicked out of here but now, he’s finding himself entering this suffocating house once again. What if he sees that man again?

On impulse he allowed himself to think irrationally and just walk right over! It was a foolish mistake for him to decide and now he’s slowly regretting his verdict

Reaching the entrance, a guard approached him without any hesitation.

“Sir, are you here for the gathering?” the man interrogated him. “Or are you simply looking around?”

“Don’t worry. I’m a guest,” he cleanly replied with a bit of hesitation. There was no backing out now.

“A new face here I suppose?”

“Yes,” he replied with the same answer. “I’m from the States.”

The guard started to mumble as he flipped through the papers on his hand. “And your name sir?”

“Park—“ He stopped himself from busting his true identity already. “Jeo Chung-hee. A close friend of mine, Kim Jaejoong, has invited me to join him regarding business matters.”

“I’ll need to see your invitation, sir,” the guard told him as he stared at him skeptically.

Yoochun in turn gave it to him calmly and without any hesitance.

“Alright Mr. Jeo. Please hold while we look at your background information,” the guard said out loud as he flipped through paper after paper. After finding the name, he quickly smiled and bowed in front of him. “Sorry for my rudeness for forgetting sir. A note on your file has been placed here by Mr. Kim Jaejoong, and it seems you’re the man he has ordered me to brief for a moment before you enter.”

Yoochun in alarm raised his left brow.

“Since it’s your first time, Mr. Kim has ordered me to explain to you the expectations of this gathering. He also said that he had strict commands for you to follow.”

“Commands?” the blue eyed man asked with calmness of mind. “Excuse me?”

“As there are guests coming in, I don’t have enough time. But since it’s an order from above, I have to follow. So let me speak without interruptions.” He paused to continue on to his objective to give instructions. “First, you must go up the second floor as soon as you enter. That place is for the VIP’s only and it would be much appreciated if you remained upstairs for the majority of your time spent in this place. As you are a special guest and a big share holder of the Kim Enterprises, each VIP has a table for himself accompanied by his chosen guests. However, these guests have been especially picked by Mr. Kim Jaejoong himself, and he hopes that you will like your company and continue to entertain them. So I’ll open the doors for you and please don’t hesitate to relax in your environment.”

Yoochun’s knees could only shake in nervousness and at the same time frustration. Nervousness for not knowing what’s happening and what’s going to happen and frustration for letting Jaejoong toy with him like this. He could only watch as the guard opened the door for him.

Shaking his head, he walked on and up the stairs to find his seat and also this company the guard has mentioned to him. Was it Changmin? Or maybe was it Jung Yunho?

Finding his way to the stairs was a very difficult task. There were too many eyes staring at him. Too many men with at least a couple of women wrapped around their arms, giggling and smiling as they intently gazed at his every move.

It made him hesitant to swallow his saliva or even to breathe. Jaejoong was definitely right about this intimidation subject and holding his own ground. It was not a lie.

***************

Reaching the top of the stairs, one of the staff greeted him once again. “Jeo Chung-hee?” a woman dressed in almost like business attire called out his alias.

He breathed once again before responding to turn to her. His role play has now officially begun. “Is there a problem miss?” he asked as he took the girl’s hand and kissed it.

She blushed a flush red color as she quickly retracted her hand away. “If you excuse me, Mr. Jeo. Master Kim J-jaejoong has told me to lead you to your table.”

“Thank you for your time,” he smiled as he looked at her with those deep blue eyes of his. He knew everyone fell for him. He knew exactly that. And this was definitely something he was now grateful to have for this night. Although the reason that he came here is a bit perplex, the fact that he is here meant that he had the want and need to change himself. Maybe he also came here for answers…and maybe to see him…?

With his actions towards her, the girl could only cover up her smile with her hands as a response and walked ahead to lead him to his table.

As he walked, he took the chance to look around. There was definitely a great change within this mansion in a short time. It became brighter and became more flawless than ever before. There were now booths set up around the edge of the second floor to fit for at least eight people. Some were filled up, and some were just enjoyed alone. These were probably the tables they mentioned before.

There was definitely a change of perfection with the first floor to the second floor. As to the first, there were a lot of people gathered, standing around, chatting and talking. But as to the second, there weren’t any people standing but sitting inside their booths— a half circled black sofa with a table in the middle. This floor was refined perfection—a great indication of the change of class.

“Here’s your table Mr. Jeo,” the woman smiled at him professionally. “And Mr. Kim Jaejoong also wants me to remind you to stay in this table until the right moment comes.”

‘The right moment?’ What is the right moment? Even in confusion, Yoochun could only nod. But his calmness and patience only lasted until he saw the people sitting at his booth.

It wasn’t Changmin.

It wasn’t Yunho either.

There were six of them.

Six gorgeous women dressed in refined yet sultry clothes.

He could only shake his head sideways in frustration but for the purpose of this ‘game’, he pasted a gentle smile on his face as he presented himself to these women.“Sorry for the wait,” he spoke casually as he looked at the ground playfully running his index finger through his lips.

“Come sit,” one of the girls at the middle of the half circled sofa spoke. All of them made room for him to sit right at the middle.

He didn’t want to get into an awkward situation. Jeo Chung-hee is a player—a woman eater for crying out loud.

As if right on call, right when he crossed his legs and laid back, a girl on his right greeted him with a deep kiss. It surprised him. Usually, he’d push a girl away like this, but today, he wasn’t Park Yoochun. He was someone else. And so, to reply back with his own greeting, he kissed back. It took about thirty seconds for the girl to stop kissing him but when she finally did, he smiled at her and grabbed an empty wine glass to hold up. “Shall we drink?” he playfully smiled at his company.

It was going to be a long night.

*******************

“We’re late,” Junsu stated as he got off the black Ferrari Jaejoong owned. In his annoyance, he slammed the door shut, fixing his nicely tailored tux right after. “Damn it Jaejoong. You gave me a guarantee that we won’t be late.”

“You don’t need to worry about being ten minutes late,” the blonde haired man replied as he tossed the car keys to the guards for parking. “Men of our standards should always be fashionably late. And as a matter of fact,” he paused to pat Junsu’s back, “we both can use a dramatic entrance from time to time right?”

“The last thing I want right now is a dramatic entrance Jae,” Junsu annoyingly retorted as he swatted Jaejoong’s hands away from him. He started to rush up the stairs not wanting to be any second later than they already were. “Let’s go Jae. You can’t keep on spacing out like that. I already told you before. You’re going to get shot.”

“How exciting,” Jaejoong grinned as he took his time up the stairs following Junsu who was already in front of the closed doors.

“You really don’t have time to fool around Jae. You know that I know your exact thoughts right now.”

“But do you really think you know what you think I’m thinking?”

Junsu scoffed at his friend’s game. He decided to ignore him and talked to the guard before the entrance. “Open the door for us.”

“Yes sir,” the guards automatically followed directions. As he was about to turn to the door, he eyed the blonde haired man for a second and gave a slight signal of success with a thumbs up.

Jaejoong grinned as he walked towards Junsu with his head hung low.

There. He saw the signal.

Yoochun was here.

As the doors slowly opened, Jaejoong just casually talked to Junsu about everything light hearted to chill the mood. For immediately, as their faces were revealed to the crowd of people inside, the atmosphere grew bitter. So many familiar faces here but as predicted, Choi Siwon was nowhere in sight.

“Attention everyone!” the guard began to introduce the party’s important guest that had just arrived. “Let us welcome to the floor, the future heir of the Kim Enterprises, Kim Junsu and our organizer of the night, Kim Jaejoong.” Clapping was heard everywhere, and smiles were seen plastered across everyone’s faces.

“Well, well,” Jaejoong could only laugh coldly at Junsu’s ear. “Look at all those gossipers. People here really can’t mind their own business!”

“Does it bother you Jae?” Junsu whispered at his right ear as he also continued to walk.

“If it’s about my gorgeous looks then I don’t mind it at all Su,” the blonde haired man grinned and stood by his side. “All eyes on me.” He joked around.

“I’m going to the second floor already. I’d rather watch from above than become food to the wild boars here. Do whatever you want right now but don’t make too much of a ruckus.”

“You’re going to your seat already?” Jaejoong asked him in panic. Yoochun was in the second floor as well. Meeting too early might cause a lot of trouble. “I know the VIP’s are upstairs but why don’t you enjoy a different company this year.” He added on to secretly convince him not to go upstairs yet.

“I’ll come down when I have the need to,” Junsu sighed. “I need a drink.”

“Alright then,” Jaejoong sighed. Yoochun is in for the worst from Junsu tonight but if God wills that they meet now, then he could not do anything about it. They were bound to meet anyways.

Jaejoong looked a little to his left as he gave out a gaze of disappointment but that only lasted until his eye caught a familiar silhouette. “We still have more than an hour left to do whatever we want. So go do your thing in your own terms and I’ll do mine in my own terms.” He said this as he spotted a familiar figure at the bar just sipping away his troubles.

“Of course Jae,” Junsu smirked as he shook his head sideways, also eyeing what Jaejoong had found for himself. He headed for the stairs.

**************

Yunho sat cross legged at the glamorous bar of the party as he swirled and drank his wine to lighten up his mood. What an amazing sight this whole event was. It’s a gathering so perfect down to its last spec of finest dust. This was definitely going to be one hell of a night.

As soon as he took a step in this place, it felt as if he was already scanned by millions of solemn eyes judging him from afar. They were too heavy for just a simple greeting. Just from these, the seriousness of the atmosphere hit him with a slap the moment he stepped through those impenetrable doors.

There was definitely a mix of everything here—a mix well blended together that will make one sweat just by standing; A party so tense yet relaxed—ominous yet exciting—dangerous yet harmless—it all hit him in one go.

He classily took a sip on his drink once again drowning these apprehensive thoughts away.

Of course he had a choice whether he should go or not since he wasn’t a fan of these types of events. They were too overbearing for him. It also wasn’t his style.

But this year, he wanted to go.

He definitely had a motive alright.

To meet that high and mighty man to give him a piece of his mind, that’s what it was. Of all the people who could joke around with loving him, it had to be a man—and also a very persuasive guy too! Too many times, he had almost fallen for it. Everything about that jerk bugged his entire being! Why did ‘he’ have to say those words? Those three words—I love you—Pick me—I’ll protect you—shouldn’t be so carelessly thrown around! And as a man of common courtesy, you cannot just easily throw those promising things and then leave for more than three days without following up with something! What the hell was that bastard thinking?

He paused his rant and laughed at himself. He sounded like a girl in love.

And why the hell was he getting so worked up about it?

He couldn’t even say the jerk’s name. Every time he did, a picture of him smirking with that domineering presence would pop in his head! A lot of bothersome things have been bugging him these past few days and his sleepless nights have been too rough on him too. And it’s all thanks to a very conceited guy.

Kim Jaejoong.

Kim Jaejoong.

Kim.

Jaejoong!

There! He said it or at least mouthed it out loud.

Three times too!

“Kim Jaejoong must be a pretty lucky lover,” an anonymous blonde haired man spoke as he gently slid his slender finger up and down the stem of his wine glass.

Yunho turned around at the sudden comment. The voice sounded so familiar but he never really pinpointed it.

“Excuse me?” he scoffed.

“Is it nice?” another question was thrown at him from the man who didn’t even bother turning his way or even showing him the front view of his face. “Considering how this guy is managing to get under your skin so much, it must mean that you think about him numerous times in a day.” A soft laugh erupted from him.

“You know it’s pretty rude to chat about my personal life when we don’t even know each other,” Yunho bluntly answered as he scanned the guy. His features were stunning—platinum blond hair to bring out some color from his pale skin, his nose nicely structured, and eyes well suited for his face. Yunho’s heart started to race just at the sight of this anonymous man. His presence definitely is similar to someone he knew but there was no way this guy is the real Jaejoong. He would have been all over his face already like the annoying brat that he was.

“Well, since we’re only going to meet once, knowing my name would be such a waste. I prove a point right?” the man spoke breaking Yunho’s thoughts apart.

There was silence that filled the air in between them. It was rude to stare so Yunho just sat there beside the man he apparently didn’t know and sneaked glances whenever he could. He knew he should not get too curious because too much staring might cause him to be caught and questioned. Instead, he initiated a conversation realizing how rude he must have been.

“Jung Yunho, currently first in line for the Jung Enterprises,” he suddenly said to lighten up the mood between him and this surprisingly striking man. “I apologize for—“

“Save it for later… Mr. Jung, is it?” the man suavely rejected as he pushed away formally the hand that Yunho has reached out to him for a greeting. He didn’t even bother looking. He just stared at his drink, sat down like the rich man he was and charismatically drank it. “So this Kim Jaejoong…” the man paused to smile, “excuse me for this personal question but is he your lover?”

“Are you not bothered about gay people?” Yunho questioned him raising a brow.

“It all depends on love right? Well it must be love for you,” the blonde haired man gently and boldly spoke. Not once did he stare at Yunho, the man who he talked to. It felt like he was talking to his wine glass rather than to him. The striking man began to talk again breaking Yunho’s thoughts. “I mean, at the end of the day, it all comes down to how much you love and care for that special someone.”

So this guy is a romanticist. Yunho scoffed on the inside. He could not believe he was talking about personal matters with a random man and also at a pompous party like this. But after hearing those last words, he couldn’t help but agree to it—he couldn’t help but feel comfortable believing those words. The man had a mature front that he admired.

“So do you love this Kim Jaejoong?” the nameless high class man asked in curiosity starting the conversation once again.

“Well…” Yunho paused and was hesitant to just go along with the conversation. But with a huge sigh, he finally gave in. “I really don’t know if I’m in denial but the truth is, I have no plans of falling in love so early in my life,” he answered pretty openly. “I’ve been into so many relationships but no one by far has been able to meet my expectations. Most of the time, I find them so pointless and…” he stopped to find the right word, “how should I say…bland?”

“It seems as if the legendary secretary does not succeed in the line of love.” He laughed and spoke so casually as if he already knew him. “No one is meeting your expectations? Hmm… You know there’s only one solution to that right?”

“What do you suggest?” Yunho laughed, intrigued by the notion.

“If no one is meeting your expectations, then don’t expect! I think that’s all there is to it,” the man said with a tinge of a joking tone. “Take it as it is and just enjoy it. Maybe by looking at what they have and not what you want, you might find love in that don’t you think?”

“And see that?” Yunho scoffed, accepting the words that he heard. “That’s true and yet sometimes, it just really doesn’t work out. I’ve come to accept the reality of the love that doesn’t exist.”

“And that is also very true,” the man continued to face his drink, smiling at it as he swirled the wine in his glass. “Do you find Kim Jaejoong bland?” he continued. “I’m very curious to know why a man of such high status like him is in love with someone like you. Could it be that he is such a sweet guy after all?”

“Are you kidding? Sweet?” Yunho blurted out. “I don’t want to spoil his perfect figure but I can summarize him in three words.”

“And those words are…?”

“ert. Brat. . My summary of everyone’s highly regarded secretary. I really don’t understand why someone of high caliber as him is in love with someone not so great like me. He casually says the words “I love you” which I’m sure he doesn’t mean since he never took the chance to call me and explain himself. How could he say that to someone he barely knows…heck I barely know him. He’s too playful about relationships to the point where I don’t know if he’s kidding, bluffing or if he’s actually serious. And…” Before he could say anymore, he realized that he was talking too much for his own good. Seizing this awkward opportunity, he took a hold of his sanity and grasped it tight. His lips followed in pursuit and were zipped together in an instant. “Sorry for that very passionate speech,” he gently laughed for making a fool out of himself in front of this man.

The unidentified man could only cover his mouth with the back of his hand and laughed. “A ert, a brat and an ? Good descriptions.”

Yunho frowned at his stupidity. If only he could walk away now, he would take it in a flash.

“Now I definitely understand why he is so into you. You have the greatest reactions. Only a straight man would not fall in love with you. And fortunately for you,” the man paused for an instant but continued to smile widely in amusement, “I’m not straight. And I’m honestly falling in love with you the more we talk. You, Jung Yunho, I feel, is the most compatible with me. And what do you say?”

There was a pause once again. However this time, it wasn’t awkward. Their presence blended well with each other as if blowing away the tense atmosphere around them. It was as if there was only the two of them existing in their own little world.

“Thanks I guess,” Yunho oblivious to the situation and took it as a joke.

“Very amusing indeed,” the man continued to laugh some more. “You are really out of it,” he commented.

“Amusing?” Yunho raised his brow.

“Don’t mind me,” the man smiled. “But hearing you passionate rant about this guy did make me realize something a bit important.”

Another moment of silence hit them both. A conversation of personal love life did not exactly fit the atmosphere of this gathering.

“So what if he is serious about you?” the man finally asked. “Because from the sound of it, you’re just afraid to get hurt.”

Yunho smiled a sincere smile and the other man noticed it as well. But it soon faded as he held on firmly to reality. “He wouldn’t be. He’s an ,” Yunho finally said out loud. “And of course, I still have to be cautious right? Because for the most part, I’m pretty sure everyone at some general point is afraid to get hurt.

The man laughed. “An again huh?” He shook his head sideways still highly amused. “But what if he is?” he further on questioned.

“Then it will probably become a relationship that can be given a chance. But that is just probably though and only if he is serious,” Yunho answered back making sure he was emphasizing the right words to the guy who was listening to him. He continued on. “However in this case, I’m 99.9% sure he will never be and I guess the reason why I’m so frustrated is because his words make me waver but I perfectly know he’s just playing around with me.”

“So you are in love,” the man said bluntly. “It takes 100% for you to reject someone. A chance is a chance as I say, if it’s not zero then it can still turn into something big. Small as it is, I would jump for that chance any day,” the man laughed pinpointing his exact feelings. “Don’t worry,” he continued to sound so sure, “I’m positive this Kim Jaejoong knows what he’s doing and that he wouldn’t do anything he hasn’t given a thought to. I mean, how could an intelligent man do something so irrational right?” the man set down his finished wine glass for the last time and stood up to leave. “From my biased opinion though, I’m pretty sure he takes you quite seriously!” And as he said this, he charismatically straightened up his slightly wrinkled suit and walked along, away from Yunho.

“Leaving now?” Yunho questioned trying to get a glance at the man’s face but failed for he could only see the man’s back.

“Yeah, I don’t want to stay in one place too long. This party is too big of a place to stay and chat with only one man right?” And without any good byes, the man just left with his back towards him for the whole entire time.

Yunho scoffed and shook his head sideways. It surprised him how well he was able to open up to this guy who will forever be a complete stranger to him.

He sat there for a bit just thinking. Maybe it’s about time he gave Jaejoong a chance. His heart fluttered at his decision and a smile formed on his face. All his frustrations just seemed to disappear with one decision. He was scared but maybe that 0.01% chance might just turn into something significant later.

“Mr. Kim Jaejoong!” Yunho heaerd a short stout man called out just right beside where he sat. Right after hearing this, Yunho’s smile disappeared as if, literally put into words, erased from his face. Instead, he was flustered. He knew that Jaejoong was close but he wasn’t ready to tell him of his decision since he just made it. Yunho’s eyes scanned the room like a hawk looking quickly for traces of this man that he wanted to see

“Mr. Kim Jaejoong!” he heard again from a big rounded man who called out right beside him. Jaejoong must be close but why the hell couldn’t he see him?

He scanned the room for a charismatic raven haired man and also for a response from the crowd.

There was nothing. His eyes couldn’t easily spot him as quickly as he usually did. His eyes kept on getting drawn to that strange blond haired man that just stood still at the center of the room. If only he could just get a good look at his face. He looked strangely familiar to him.

“Secretary Kim!” the man once again shouted out but this time, walked towards his destination. And as if right on cue, Yunho curiously looked and noticed where the man was heading. “Kim Jaejoong!” he heard the man say once again as he reached out his hand for a greeting towards the blonde haired man at the center of the crowd.

The shock came like a glass shattering into pieces.

Kim Jaejoong is the guy—the ing guy he was foolishly pouring out his feelings at.

He is now, for a fact, the biggest fool of this party.

He watched flabbergasted with his jaw reaching the ground as Jaejoong greeted, shook hands and talked with his guests that quickly surrounded him so easily and flawlessly. It seems his new hairdo has made people spot him so easily but he was the only one who wasn’t up to date with this new look.

They caught each other’s eye.

The words ‘What the ?’ and ‘What the hell just happened?’ rang and boiled out of his mind. And without realizing it due to his anger and shock, his feet automatically stood up and headed for the door. There was no point of continuously making a fool of himself any longer. There were no longer any words he wished to believe.

Pushing his chair out forcefully to get up, he looked at the ground with tears of anger and disappointment about to fall from his eyes.

Jaejoong had fooled him till the very end and fooled him hard.

He needed to get out of here. He knew he was hurt but the reason was still shapeless to him. What was he expecting anyways from a player and the most famous secretary in all of Korea?

Kim Jaejoong would forever be the joker and he would be forever the fool who knew and yet believed.

With long strides, Yunho walked in a hurry out of this foreboding place. He took it step after step but with the upcoming tears welling up in his eye, he failed to notice the waiter in front of him. All of a sudden, he was knocked down on the ground along with glasses of wine spilling over most of the areas of his white shirt.

And down he went. He was completely wet. His hair, his face, his shirt and pants were all covered by a layer of different types of alcohol. Today was not a very good day for him.

Yunho could only breathe in embarrassment, anger and hurt.

He could feel the waiter trying to wipe his face, his shirt, his sleeves…everything. He could hear the muffled sorry and whispers coming from the waiter but he didn’t care about those at all. Those voices felt so distant to him.

Kim Jaejoong had played with him once again and succeeded. Relationships weren’t meant to last. Love is just pain sugar coated by millions of layers. They would always be just simple add ons to relieve carnal pleasures.

“Alright,” a voice spoke from behind him. “Let’s not make this the centre of the party shall we?” Jaejoong clapped twice which got everyone’s attention to him. “As we get cleaned up here, let’s take this time to listen to the live band we have hired all the way from France.”

As the band started to play it’s sweet jazz music, the man took this time to face Yunho and kneeled in one leg as he got down to his level. They looked each other in the eye but did not speak for that moment in time.

“Sorry about that Mr. Jung,” he told him with a smile. Jaejoong’s words were loud and crisp to Yunho’s ears compared to everyone’s murmurs. “Let’s go upstairs so that you can clean up alright? Follow me.”

Noticing how he didn’t respond to anything, Jaejoong took a hold of his hand. But Yunho did not budge at all. Instead, a tear fell from his eyes.

Shocked at this reaction, Jaejoong’s smile disappeared and a look of worry overcame his face. His jokes went too far today it seemed. “Are you alright, Mr. Jung? Would you like to get cleaned?”

Getting tired from all these lies, Yunho just told him off and as much as he could, kindly and calmly rejected his offer. “I think I’m done for the night. I’ll retire early.” And as soon as he said these words, he got up and attempted to turn around and leave but Jaejoong wasn’t willing to back off.

“Sir!” the waiter yelled out and bowed at him. “I’m deeply sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you.”

“No need to apologize,” Yunho smiled at him trying to hold back the anger that was welling up. “It was I who was the foolish one bumping into you.”

But why was he so sad? He felt like a girl that got her heart broken even though nothing really happened. He felt terribly disappointed.

Tears started to pool. But before they could fall, a hand reached out from behind and forcefully took hold of his hand.

In shock, Yunho’s feelings numbed to the point where the sadness and the hurt that overflowed his senses were blown away by the wind. A strong arm pulled his body so that he would face the other way.

“Mr. Jung, please let me take care of you,” Jaejoong smiled gently as he hid his desperation to keep Yunho beside him. He knew if he lets go of this hand now, Yunho will be gone from him and will be out of reach.

Trying to hide his heart, Yunho hardened it so that not a single thing could be able to affect it. And so with the emptiest words he could muster up, he said, “there is no need for you to worry. I’ll be fine. So, I’ll decline your offer.” As he let out these words, he brushed off Jaejoong’s hands off his own. He was tired. He knew at this point, they would easily be brushed away.

But once again, he thought wrong.

Instead, this Kim Jaejoong held his hands tighter as if almost crushing it. It held him in place as the blond haired man got closer to him. And once close enough, he whispered words that only the two of them could hear.

“If you leave now, I will ravage your lips in front of these people until they are swollen, then I’ll make sure your father’s company goes bankrupt by the end of tonight. So stay. Let’s chat,” Jaejoong’s threatening words were desperate. There was no way he could let Yunho go now.

Those words did not sound like the cool and calm Jaejoong. They were icy to the point where each word pricked and froze his heart.

Yunho stopped at the sound of those threatening words. It sent chills down his spine as if the devil itself got a hold of his heart, his gut, and his mind. “Have it your way then.”

It was a cry of desperation. All Jaejoong needed was Yunho to hear him out.

“I really insist you get cleaned up,” he now spoke out loud so that everyone was able to hear his request. “Just follow me.”

Flabbergasted, Yunho silently followed. There were no more words left to speak. He knew he had to harden his heart so that this won’t happen to him again. He was not willing to trust this joker any more.

*************

As soon as the doors closed to the vacant room, Jaejoong’s hands were immediately thrown off by Yunho’s arms. He could see the man’s blank and emotionless face.

Jaejoong sighed at the mess he created. “You know Mr. Jung, as much as I love you, we can’t talk properly if you’re as blank as a white sheet of paper,” Jaejoong said as he approached the irritated Yunho.

“I love you? What do those words mean to you for you to let them go so casually? Jaejoong…” Yunho paused to recollect his sanity, “or should I say Mr. Kim Jaejoong, I’ve really had enough of you for tonight and for the rest of my life so I’m going to make a request.”

There was silence once more for Jaejoong. As much as he could, he tried not to interrupt Yunho to hear him out well. He was really at fault for playing around too much.

“I know this is all just a game to you. And I know its fun making a fool of someone with a lower status like me. There are plenty of guys better than I so I suggest giving up now. Plus, I’m also sick and tired of myself always wondering if what you tell me is true or not. I’m sick and tired of you always treating me like someone less than you that you can toy with everyday. And I’m ing sick and tired of this bull. So please, Jaejoong, for the sake of my sanity, don’t ever show your face in front of me again.” Yunho stopped to breathe and as he closed his eyes shut with his finger at his temple. He breathed and calmed himself down. He breathed and let his emotions sink down into the abyss of his heart.

Seeing no response from Jaejoong, Yunho shook his head sideways in disappointment and turned around. But before he could reach for the doorknob, he heard those sharp words again that made him stop in his tracks.

“Did you get everything off your chest Yunho?” Jaejoong with a sharp tongue said to him. “Satisfied? Happy even?”

Brushing these words off, Yunho just continued to walk away as he now twisted the knob of the door.

“This is an unfair situation Yunho,” Jaejoong in defeat sat down on the nearest chair at the bedside. “I let you speak your hurtful words towards me and then you leave without any given explanation from me. How about let’s both settle this love problem like mature people and just talk without anyone walking out? Just hear me out. I know I still have that 0.1% chance and like I said, I’m holding on to it strongly. Although I was joking around with you, my words were not a lie. None of them were.”

Yunho turned his way and bit his lip as he decided whether he should stay or not.

“Come on,” Jaejoong smiled gently at him. He knew it wasn’t the time to act like his playful self. It would have been fun but Yunho seemed like he was at his wits end already. It’s time for a break.

“Sit,” he said as he pointed to the other empty chair at the wall opposite from him. “I can’t do anything to you but shoot you with a gun from the distance between you and I. So, if you’re cautious about me, be rest assured that you’re still safe from my overbearing self. I can’t even touch you either or bite your ear or do anything you dislike. So, sit.”

Yunho was torn but hearing this unusual tone of voice from Jaejoong made him want to reconsider. If he stays, then it would only be just out of pity. It’s not for himself. He’s just giving the man the chance to talk.

And so making this decision, he slowly let go of the door knob and walked to the seat directly opposite of where Jaejoong was sitting.

“Have it your way,” Yunho sighed. And like what he was commanded to do, he sat like an obedient boy and surprisingly, it calmed his breathing to a slow.

“Alright. Thank you for kindly giving me the pity service,” Jaejoong laughed at himself as he stood up to pour himself a glass of hard liquor at the table beside him. “Since I have time, let’s play a game. The winner gets to decide the final outcome to this relationship of ours.”

Yunho sighed. “Jaejoong, you know I sat so we could talk. I’m not in whatsoever in the mood to play games at all.”

“Hey it’s your call,” Jaejoong simply talked as he leaned on the table. “I just thought that since you are unwilling to speak now, it would be better to find out your feelings through my words and actions. I think you might be surprised with the result. Until I’m given the permission, I won’t touch you so don’t worry.”

“So what is this game?” Yunho curiously asked. As much as he questioned Jaejoong, there was really no spark in his eye to keep on going at this moment in time.

“It’s easy. I’m just going to explain myself and also answer your questions. But as I do, I will walk closer to where you are. If you want to reject me or dislike my explanation and answers, feel free to say the word ‘stop’ and you can just walk out of here without any explanations what-so-ever. However, once I hold your hand, I win.” Jaejoong explained. Fair game right?”

Yunho sighed with his eyes looking low. “Alright, you win. Let’s play then.” He shrugged his shoulders not expecting much of it at all.

Hearing the approval that Jaejoong wished for, Jaejoong quickly sipped his liquor and placed the glass down back at the table. He stood from his chair and took slow small steps as he breathed and talked.

“I love you Yunho. That’s all there is to it.”

Jaejoong took that first step and with that first step and first opening line, Yunho’s eyes widened. There was no turning back now.

“I’m not sure why you’re so confused about my feelings. But I guess, only knowing each other for a short amount of time can be a good enough reason. But I’m sincere,” Jaejoong looked at him in the eye and sighed as a way to pass seconds in time. “Every word I said, even if they didn’t sound the way you wanted it to be, I was ing serious…” Jaejoong laughed. He was embarrassed at the thought of this game but he it up even if it went against his personality. He took more steps as slowly as he could. “I was being immature about it but that’s how I built myself. It’s a personality I’ve built and fit in so well that it all became too easy for me to act it out...and at times, it’s become natural,” Jaejoong stopped his steps for a bit, turned around facing away from Yunho, squatted and covered his face with his hands in attempts to hide his emotions.

“It looks like I didn’t have to say stop,” Yunho chuckled at his attempt. “Is the game over? You only took two steps.” Yunho swayed his head sideways in disappointment and was ready to head out but a sudden laugh came from Jaejoong who was still across the room.

Jaejoong laughed and continued to laugh. Half a minute passed and finally, he stood up slowly and looked at Yunho, meeting his eyes with much more determination.

“I must be ing crazy. So crazy,” Jaejoong spoke as he shook his head as an action of disgust with what he was doing. “What am I doing, a wealthy famous man, walking on a thin line, begging and almost kneeling just to get a man’s approval!” Jaejoong continued to silently chuckle as he made fun of himself. “Never in my lifetime have I dreamed of this happening but that’s just it!” he continued on, “I am crazy! I’ve been so crazy about you that all I could do was hold onto my status quo tighter and that meant, to try to not let you inside my head. I know from experience that I could not trust anyone. I cannot trust anyone because this is how people like me become successful! And that look on your face right now is the exact same look I have but now, I’m ing petrified since you’re aiming this look at me! At this stage of my life, I’ve been bruised and beaten up to the ground but after I wore this fake mask… guess what? Nobody was able to take advantage of me and I always had the upper hand. People couldn’t read my thoughts and there was no way they could enter…” Jaejoong paused to recollect his thoughts. “But I’ve become so lonely Yunho. I’ve become a man who only has money!” Jaejoong took more steps and closed his eyes to stop the coming tears from even pooling. He was getting fidgety but he gritted his teeth and took them nice and slow.

“The reason why you’re so compatible with me is because out of every overbearing thing that I’ve done to you—knowing my brutality and ruthlessness, I still found you because you kept yourself within my reach. And being with you as a part of my adventure, my life has had another level of excitement. So for once in my life, I actually enjoyed living!” Jaejoong this whole time smiled. But it was not just a smile of happiness. It was a smile full of fear, embarrassment, determination and desperation. “I’m not going to give up my mask. That much I can tell you because I want to challenge this cruel world that I was placed in. But most importantly, playing this game, I just wanted to tell you the truth and to probably straighten up your thoughts about me…” Jaejoong took a second to breathe and then continued on with a slightly annoyed face at the memory he recalled. “So, you said earlier that I’m a ing ert?” He laughed. “But you know, that’s only because you leave your guard down so much when I’m around that I get so tempted to steal you away from everyone…” Jaejoong paused and again recalled more complaints that Yunho ranted to him when they had their first encounter at the bar. He laughed but continued on and took more steps towards Yunho. “You also said that I was an which I think is ing right but I’m an that loves you. I don’t think I’ll be an overbearing for long but you’d rather prefer nice guys? Boring nice guys? Maybe that’s why you think relationships are so bland. Nice guys and nice girls are too cliché. And what you probably want is someone like me. I’ll be the adventure of your ing life.” Jaejoong breathed and took more steps. “You say that I didn’t contact you but why am I the only one that has the right to call you? Why couldn’t you take the hint that I was also waiting for your call? It’s not like I didn’t give you my phone number!” Another pause occurred as silence engulfed them both into deep thought.

Yunho tried to absorb it. What Jaejoong was telling him was true. He was always looking for someone who would spark a fire within him. Boring nice guys wouldn’t be the best and obedient and annoying girls like Seulgi would just drive him to suicide. He wasn’t really doing much work since he expected Jaejoong to do everything. He could have definitely called if he was unsure but didn’t. Jaejoong gave the ball to his court by saying the words ‘I love you’ but how could he not have thought of it that way before?

“You say that you’re not even fit because you don’t belong in my caliber—And once again you’re ing right because you’ve mistaken me for some high pedigreed horse! But in fact I’m the lowest of the lowly human being out there and I’m the one unfit to be with you. And right now…” Jaejoong spoke as he continued to let every complaint go out of his lips as he walked closer and closer, “I, Kim Jaejoong, don’t have anything but money, fame and pride. That’s all there is to me. And so the most expensive thing you can buy from me is my pride and it’s not even anything that money can buy. But I will bet this pride with my 0.01% chance in an all or nothing game with you. I will bet this just for you to realize that I’m so ing in love with you!” Jaejoong breathed all these words out. It was an all or nothing battle for him. “It might look as if I say it so casually but you make it easy for me to say it. I say these words with no hesitations because give my all to things I’m passionate for. I don’t just give 10 or 50. This is all or nothing.”

“Jaejoong…” Yunho spoke out his name after hearing all of this. He was in a state of surprise as if someone just punched him out of his state. “I get it so just—”

“No, you ing don’t! You don’t ing get it!” Jaejoong continued to curse and curse. “And it’s because I haven’t even said these words enough so that they’ll be etched into your mind! And until it does, I’m going to keep on saying this to you so that you understand that I, Kim Jaejoong, love you.”

With that last step that he took, Jaejoong leaned in towards the sitting down Yunho and gently rested his arm to the wall beside his face. And as Yunho looked up to Jaejoong, their eyes met and a calming sensation hit the both of them as if all the shapeless emotions and answers finally came together and created a clear picture.

“I love you Jung Yunho. I love you. I love you…I love you… I lo—” Jaejoong was cut off before he could reach out to his hand.

“Stop,” Yunho evenly spoke this word out of his lips. “The game is over. Stop. No more. I don’t want to hear it anymore. Stop.” And with these words, Yunho could only push gently the surprised man away along with his outreached hand.

Jaejoong could only scoff. It was the biggest disappointment of his life. He was in complete utter shock that he couldn’t even retort back.

“What…?” he breathed out for he was sure Yunho understood perfectly. He could only back away slowly as he tried to breathe calmly. As tough as he could have made himself to be right now, his knees told the truth and gave in causing him to sit on the floor in shock. And as he looked down, Jaejoong listened as Yunho stood up and straightened out his suit.

“My god Jaejoong…” Yunho spoke as he just stood there looking at the defeated man in front of him. “Before getting all depressed like that you should hear out why I told you to stop. I get it. You ing love me. And that’s the reason why I said stop. If I hear anymore sincere I love you’s then I won’t be able to let you go.” Yunho chuckled. “You really need your self confidence back. Right now, you’re acting like a nice guy. And I find that boring. Sorry, better luck next time,” Yunho chuckled as he headed towards the door. “I made myself too easy for you to fool. I’m smarter now that I know how you think. I’m So for the near future, you need to work harder, maybe even give me more than you 100.”

Jaejoong could only stare at the man flabbergasted at his actions and tone of voice.

Did he succeed or did he not succeed?

Jaejoong could only watch as Yunho walked out of the door. What the hell just happened? What was the conclusion? What the ?

He said all that he could. And to him, that was the best he could do. Maybe he failed…?

His thoughts were placed on a halt as the door opened once again. He looked at the direction of where the sound came from just to see Yunho’s head peaking in.

“I know I told you to stop. And you’re probably confused but I can also play games and be its referee. It was cute… your whole spill. Cute. Appreciated but at the same time, I also wanted to say. Thank you…” Yunho smiled and looked away from Jaejoong’s eyes. “And maybe I do love you too. Maybe.”

And the head that Jaejoong saw peaking out, disappeared quickly before he could even process all of what Yunho said.

His face formed a smile, then a chuckle which led to a laugh full of happiness and excitement. “Damn. Jung Yunho, you clearly are perfect for me. .”

****************

As Junsu trod up the stairs to the second floor for a drink, he was already greeted by a crowd of men inviting him to sit with them.

He could only sigh on the inside at his disinterest with business at this moment in time. In fact, he could even care less. But like usual, he was always driven by the wave of pressure that he always just ends up following these kinds of men anyways.

“So Mr. Kim, I was thinking of investing in your company in support of your growth as a whole,” one man stated as they walked together alone with three other men to their table.

“If you’re only thinking then I suggest finding a different company. I need people with resolute decisions. I don’t settle for “I was thinking” but more of “let’s do it”. So which company are you running?”

“Well, excuse me Mr. Kim,” the man apologized but annoyance was clearly painted on his face. “I’m Jun Lee the CEO of Starlite and I hope to become one of your business partner in the near future.”

“Listen, Jun Lee?” Junsu rubbed the back of his ear in annoyance. “Thinking and hoping are just futile words. Doing and taking action are the fists for a fist fight. I really don’t care for your business right now since your company will neither do us any good or bad. I don’t believe in safe travels. If I was interested in your company, I would be the one approaching you and not the other way around. So, if you may kindly leave, it’ll be greatly appreciated.”

Looking at each other eye to eye, Junsu never backed down and scoffed back instead. Following that, he snapped his finger.

“Maybe—“ the man tried to retort back but was cut off too early in the game.

“Enough,” Junsu said with a clear icy command.

Within a second and no delays at all, two bodyguards came to his bidding.

“Please take these four gentlemen down to the first floor. I have no intention in doing business right now.”

And without any hesitation at all, Junsu’s request was fulfilled. People with no ambition did not belong in his world.

After escorting those guests down to the main floor, the bodyguards came running back to him in a flash. “Is there anything else you need Mr. Kim Junsu?”

As Junsu was about to turn and dismiss his bodyguards, a man in a white suit two tables away caught his eye. It couldn’t be…

“Come with me,” Junsu commanded them as he walked towards this man with raging anger. “Get those women out of here. Quickly.”

Junsu watched as his body guards took the women by their hands roughly from the booth and dragged them out of there.

What the hell was he doing here?

Who let him in?

Jaejoong?

Junsu sighed as he headed towards the scene.

“Who are you guys?” the man in the white suit said out loud as he went out the booth trying to stop the commotion. “You should be gentle with women. They’re not as—”

“So be gentle with women?” Kim Junsu spoke coldly. “Does that mean I don’t have to be gentle with a man like you?” There was great silence as Yoochun soaked up all those words thrown at him. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“It’s none of your business…” Yoochun mumbled out as he looked away and broke eye contact with Junsu who now stood in front of him. Playing his role as Jeo Chung-hee now became even more challenging.

“Why are you here and who let you in?” he interrogated furiously as he walked closer Yoochun trying to catch his eye.

“Jaejoong…” Yoochun mumbled out again. “But I assure you he did not mean any harm…”

“You are already in harm! I let you walk away because I didn’t want you to stay in this never ending hole!” he explained still trying to catch Yoochun’s eyes from his face that looked away from him.

Yoochun couldn’t say anything and therefore, did not say anything. In truth, he just wanted to see him but he couldn’t say that now could he? What should he do? He couldn’t even look at his eyes. How does Jeo Chung-hee interact with someone of high status? There were too many people that caught this commotion and he didn’t want to give up his disguise and be known as Park Yoochun. People will realize and not even Jaejoong nor Junsu could help him. Heck, Junsu didn’t even know of this scheme Jaejoong put together since this guy has been bombarding him with questions already.

“Look at me,” Junsu commanded him as he questioned to why this man in front of him was here now. There was definitely no way he could get past the guards without the accompaniment of Jaejoong or himself unless…

Junsu smirked as he figured out this scheme. “Introduce yourself.”

"What?" Yoochun's eyes widened.

He was flabbergasted.

"Introduce yourself." Junsu commanded Yoochun as he figured out this scheme.

Yoochun ouldn’t say his real name in a conversation that attracted the attention of people within the 5 meter radius. It’s going to tarnish Junsu’s name for here in this party, everyone knew of each other. The name is what is important.

“Is this how you treat your friend, Kim Junsu?” He acted confidently, trying to hide his quivering lips. “Just because I didn’t tell you I was going to come, you start to lose your temper. Is this really the Kim Junsu I know?”

“What the hell are you doing?” Junsu questioned calculatingly, trying to place the pieces together.

“Well, you’re hurting my ladies so let’s start by ordering your guards to let go of their fragile hands and let’s talk,” Yoochun smiled, “privately, may I suggest?” He reached for Junsu’s hand and kissed it.

Junsu greatly shocked and offended, pulled his hand away from Yoochun’s and gave him a quick yet nipping slap on the face.

Junsu could only laugh. That kiss on the hand… there was only one man who would have the guts to do that in front of everyone and to him as well, first and foremost.

"That hurt," Yoochun smiled like a playboy, trying to hint Junsu of who he was.

“Oh God, you're supposed to be Jeo Chung-hee?” Junsu chuckled as placed the tips of his fingers at his temple. “God, what game are we playing here!”

And right when Junsu said his name, the level of whispers and murmurs increased. The name Jeo Chung-hee is acquainted with a billion dollar international trading company.

Yoochun could only clench his fist to stop his shaking hands. If Junsu didn’t figure this act out, he didn’t know what he could have done.

Junsu could only breathe out heavily and decided to go along with this crazy idea.

Accepting this situation and calming down as well, he waved his hand to the guards which released the girls they held roughly by the hand.

“Alright, now that this misunderstanding is solved, let’s talk privately. Follow me.” He stared deep into Yoochun’s eyes in search for answers as he said this but all he could see was great sincerity and gentleness radiating out of his face. He could not see a single bad intention what so ever.

********************

As they got into Junsu’s private room, silence dominated the atmosphere. The both of them didn’t know where to begin, how to begin or even when to begin.

“Shut the door,” Junsu commanded the now timid Yoochun.

“Ah sorry,” Yoochun quickly apologized. He knew he was in big trouble and Junsu’s mood wasn’t comforting. It almost felt as if he was a complete stranger.

Before beginning the conversation, Junsu took a deep breath in order to regain his senses. “Alright, Jeo Chung-hee, or should I say Park Yoochun, what brings you to this horrifying dwelling?” Sarcasm completely covered his words.

Yoochun wanted to cry or at least have a nervous breakdown. The man felt so distant to him, so foreign, to the point where he felt out of place or dumb for wanting to be there just so that he could see him.

“I don’t have much time Yoochun,” Junsu sighed. “I don’t know what to do with you now that you’re here. Heck, I don’t even know what you are doing here.”

“I…Junsu…” Yoochun tried to speak, but he didn’t even know what to say. He just wanted to…see him? To talk maybe. But, the other man didn’t even allow for that kind of atmosphere.

Junsu shook his head side to side in disbelief. “Alright, while you get your thoughts straight, I’ll speak first.”

Figuring out where to start, Junsu walked to his desk and leaned against it to face Yoochun. “Alright, first and foremost, you know we are not connected anymore in any other physical or financial way right? I got my 1 hundred million dollar kiss from a man I bought from ion house and now you’re free! I confessed my heart wrenched feelings for you however; you flat out clearly rejected me. I let you go completely so I can recover but I don’t understand why you’re here tonight, in front of me, trying to initiate some sort of heartfelt conversation or expecting some sort of comfort when clearly, I should be the one getting comforted.” Junsu sighed again. “Tell me clearly Yoochun, why are you here?”

Junsu’s words were sharp knives that stabbed his heart. Yoochun could only listen in silence as his emotions ran rampantly wild to the point of exhaustion. Tears started to well up in his eyes. “I don’t know Junsu. Trust me, I really don’t know why I’m here. I questioned myself right in front of the doors of this house as if I stood at the gates of hell itself,” Yoochun spoke through his fear and hurt.

Hearing these words, Junsu sneered. “So then what business do we have with each other then? I don’t think I can read your mind of what you want at this point.”

“Junsu…” Yoochun said as he swallowed a huge lump welling up in his throat. He couldn’t bear the large distance he felt between him and Junsu. “I really just wanted to apologize. I came on impulse because the thought of seeing…”

Yoochun stopped his trail of thought. The thought of seeing Junsu was enough to allow himself to go. That’s what he wanted to say. But that’s just wrong and confusing to himself and probably to Kim Junsu! It also made him question why he was really there. Unconsciously, in the heat of his passion, he was about to say, he came because he wanted to see Junsu? But what happens from there? He already rejected him and now he’s just saying, I came to your party because I wanted to see you…to be your friend…hoping we can get close again… This was really a stupid idea. It was his greatest fault for even coming here.

“So you came on impulse at the thought of seeing…” Junsu raised his brow and stood up straight, taking a step out from his desk and towards Yoochun. “Seeing me, I suppose? So really, you came to see me. Is that why you’re here?”

Yoochun could not look at the blunt Junsu in the eye. For once, he backed down and looked at the ground in complete and utter defeat.

“Okay, so that explains why you’re here,” Junsu said in an interrogating fashion. “To see me. Now, what do you want to see me for?” Junsu asked as he walked over the Yoochun who just stared at the floor. “Yoochun?” Junsu leaned to the side in order to catch Yoochun’s gaze. “I really don’t have a lot of time Yoochun.”

“Junsu, I’m just being a sincere…friend,” Yoochun began to speak. “Just because I rejected you doesn’t mean that we have to cut our ties! I just want to be with you—to know if you’re doing well, to make you happy, and be there with you if you need help. I don’t understand why I can’t be with you or why can’t I come to see you anymore.” Yoochun’s tears began to fall.

Once again, the masked Junsu began to speak. Even if those words did sound nice, there was no point in them at all. There was no hope and it was frustrating. “Oh, the problems of naivety!” he said in great amusement as if he was not even affected by the words at all. “You know Yoochun, let me cut it out to you straight. It’s clear to me that you are in love with me. Your words, in a roundabout way, is confessing to me, I love you. I can read through the lines and if you don’t get what you’re trying to say, I definitely do. You sound like a girl helplessly in love.”

“Junsu, I don’t l—!” Yoochun was about to deny but somehow, a prick in his heart caused him to bite down his words. I can’t…fall…in love with you? Those words, he couldn’t say it as easily as before. Yoochun looked to the side, away from the gaze of Junsu’s eyes. Again, those words were hard to let go. Was love really the unknown pain and regret he decided to let go of? Truth be told, he really didn’t want to part away from Junsu and every time they did, there was only pain. Only when they were together was he able to find some sort of peace within himself and an order to his life. He felt warm. Was this love?

“What?” Junsu fought back with harsh words his feeling of sadness. “I can’t be friends with you Yoochun. You know I can’t. There is no use of having a commoner as a friend. It doesn’t benefit me at all. If you don’t love me, and I’m telling you, we also can’t be friends, why are you still here standing beside me? You can’t be anything to me so to not waste anymore time—“

Junsu stopped his words the moment Yoochun’s tears started to fall. His act and his cold heart that attempted to form a barrier between him and Yoochun just melted and his cruel intentions to place distance between himself and the other man just vanished.

Junsu frowned. The last thing he wanted to see was this. He didn’t know what to say or what to do. He was in no position to comfort at all. His clear goal was to drive Yoochun out of his life, this place…from danger… But what is he supposed to do if he cries because of a broken heart in front of him?

“Yoochun,” Junsu called out his name gently. Not being able to bear this sight and in fear of his shaking resolve, Junsu walked towards the door and opened it. “I’ll be the one to leave this time.”

“Wait,” Yoochun spoke. “Please hear me out.” He turned towards the door, and looked Junsu in the eye. “This seems a bit rushed for me to understand but what I do understand is that if I let you walk out that door, I won’t be able to see you again and that’s the opposite of what I’d like to happen. So even if I’m confused of what my feelings are, I want to say that you are special. I do feel something there and if it’s love, I’m willing to accept it! I still don’t understand but please stay. Please.” Yoochun begged through his shortening breath. “I promised myself to be more truthful but I’m completely confused! I’m sincere! I’m not lying so please believe me Junsu… I don’t mean any harm! I just…” Yoochun closed his eyes and turned away as if trying to calm down his hurt, his sadness and his frustrations. “I just know for a fact that I have this deep yearning to be with you every second of the day! I’m starting to think that’ it’s because I love you but if this is love…” Yoochun asked in great frustration, “why does it hurt so much?”

“You’re starting to get it Yoochun. It still sounds unbearably unreasonable but you’re getting close to your feelings,” Junsu breathed trying to hide his bending emotions and resolve. “But can give up these feelings now because even if you say you love me, I can’t stay. Maybe there was a point that we could have been together, but we missed that point and you missed your chance. It will work to your good fortune though. You don’t have to live this spiteful life I tread. I realized when I was rejected, that even if we do love each other, I can’t bring my misfortune to you. And because I love you Yoochun, I’m going to let you go. I’m going to move on without you,” Junsu said as he began to walk out the door. “It’s my cruel fate and your greater fortune.”

“Junsu…” Yoochun tried to call out to him.