It was Sunday night and for the nth time Jaejoong cleared his throat and sips water. He was inside his study of their home still buried under the mountains of paper work, preparing for the big presentation in three days. A knock was heard before the door swung open.

“I brought you some lemon lime juice.” Danmi said placing the juice on his table and taking a seat on the handle of his chair. Naturally Jaejoong’s arm went around his wife’s waist as if afraid she would fall any minute. “That’s a lot of papers and numbers.”

Deciding he needs to take a break Jaejoong leaned back while Danmi went behind him and started massaging his shoulders. “We’re still a few million’s short and this projected financial statement just doesn’t make any sense. If I showed this to the investors I would surely have a hard time convincing those business tycoons. I just have to find a few more resources.”

Her hands touch his forehead “Jagiya you have a slight fever. You should take a rest now.”

His eyes closed feeling his wife’s fingers massage his head. “I’m fine. I’ll finish this first.”

Danmi breathe out in disappointment. Her husband’s a workaholic and there’s no use arguing, it’s not like she’ll win. They’ll just get into a fight. She wasn’t the nagging type anyway. She continued massaging him for a bit looking over the paper works “let me see that sales plan. Maybe I can do something about it”

Jaejoong shrugged. He’s at the end of his wits. At this state, he’ll take help from anybody.

She pulled the computer towards her and did something Jaejoong swear he didn’t understand but would never admit. And after a not so few minutes and not so little typing and clicking, “here you go.”

Danmi explained it to him in a way his throbbing head would easily absorb. He forgot Danmi isn’t like most chaebol daughters, who have air inside their head. “But I don’t have that money.”

“Then liquidate some of your properties.” She advised, she’s a financial advisor after all, that’s what she does. Maybe she should ask him for a service fee?

“But that would take too long and would make things more complicated.” He answered.

“Not real estate properties, stocks.”

“I can’t” Jaejoong sighed. “If I sold any of my shares I’d be sitting in a board meeting the next day fighting for my seat as the CEO.” Closing his eyes he rested his head. Blame it on his headache but every solution doesn’t seem like an option to him.

“Then sell mine.” Ok, those words just made his eyes shoot open. Danmi looked at him it’s no big deal. “Nobody would notice since I’m a dormant share holder. I’m not in the spot light. I have no seat on the board. Nobody would suspect a thing.”

“But is that ok with you?” don’t get him wrong, it’s a great idea. Like he just found an investor who’d give him what he needs in a snap of a finger without any interest, contract or even a business presentation. Just like free money that dropped from heaven.

“Of course.” She grinned like a Cheshire cat. Why wouldn’t she? This scenario is the exact reason she changed her surname to Kim. This is the main purpose of their marriage after all. Lending each other a business hand so both businesses has nowhere to go but forward and up. “Jagiya, I know you can do this.”

“You believe in me that much?”

“If your wife doesn’t completely trust you then who would?” she put a hand on his shoulders on a smiling Jaejoong. “You want me to look on a few more documents? Management and accounting is my forte you know.”

“No it’s alright. You already did so much. I can take it from here” he was already fiddling with his papers, already a few ideas coming to mind.

Seeing she was getting ignored already and he started working again, she took that as her cue to disappear. “araso, just call me if you need me. I’ll be in my room.”  Jaejoong muttered a yes, too busy to even look up.

As if someone called her name Danmi’s eyes perked up at 2:30 in the morning. Thinking it was Jaejoong who called her she went to his room to find him sleeping with the blanket wrap around his body like a cocoon. Worry washed over her as she takes his temperature. Momentarily she left the room only to come back with thermometer, basin of water and towel. “39. 4 degrees. Jae” her eyes widened.

“You need to go to the hospital.” She shuffled him slightly trying to wake him up but he just grunted. “You have really high fever. Let’s go to the hospital.” She stood up preparing his clothes. “Jagiya, we have to go to the hospital.” She tried waking him up again taking of his blanket cocoon.

“I’m fine. No hospitals” his words only whisper with only his lips moving.

Seeing him so stubborn Danmi had no choice but make do of what she has. It’s not like she could carry him, load him in the car and take him to the hospital. She soak the towel in water mixed with alcohol and started wiping him. “no, it’s cold.” His hands tried to slap hers away.

“This would make you feel better. It’s good for you.” She stated wiping his hand as fast and thoroughly as possible not wanting to expose him in the cold air too long since she took his shirt off.

“Cold” he muttered swatting her hands away again still with his eyes shut close.

“It’s either this or the hospital.” That did the trick. He stopped fidgeting and let Danmi wipe his entire body. By the time she finished, sweat rolled down her forehead. She dressed him with new pj’s. She helped him up placing the glass on his lips with the medicine on the other.

After tucking him in, she was about to leave and get something but his hand stopped her. Through half lidded eyes with a towel on his forehead he mumbled “stay for a while.”

With her back on the head board she laid beside him. Jaejoong fully closed his eyes feeling her hands brush his forehead to his hair, in a matter of second Jaejoong was already deep in slumber.

When he opened his eyes Danmi’s eyes greeted him. Remembering how she took care of him last night made him feel all giddy inside. Just like a jigsaw puzzle, it’s like the curve of their bodies are a perfect fit. He stared at her face studying her features. From her brows to the length of her lashes. From the arc of her nose to the curve of her lips. His fingers caressed her white skin and suddenly he felt an urge to kiss her plump lips. She nuzzled to the warmth of his hands and Jaejoong couldn’t help but smile. Creepy, he knows right?

His arms went around her waist as he moved closer. She shifted a bit on his embrace but snuggle even more. Unconsciously her arms went over his chest with her head using his muscular chest as a pillow. Just like every time she’s around, Jaejoong felt contented, relaxed. He kissed the top of her, he would smell her too if his nose wasn’t stuffy.  He doesn’t mind them staying like this. In fact he have never slept so comfortable before. Unlike the usual where he just closes his eyes out of fatigue or drunkenness, Jaejoong actually had a good night sleep. He can’t remember when was the last time he slept in like th--. Wait, what time is it?

Seeing the clock Jaejoong jolted up also waking the other. “What? What’s wrong?” she asked rubbing her eyes.

“I’m late for work. I have a meeting to attend.” Slowly he took the covers off him. He was about to stand up and prepare when she grabbed and stopped him.

“I already called in and said you’re sick. You don’t have to go to work today.”

“Mwo? Why did you do that? The presentation’s in a few days. Don’t you know how important that meeting is?”

Danmi was slightly taken back with the tone he used. She was only concerned for his wellbeing and he’s actually mad at her? “Then are you going to work in that state?”

“I’m perfectly fine” as if to prove his point he stood up. But his hands grabbed the head board as his world spins.

“Yeah perfectly fine.” She said sarcastically. “Sure go to work and attend that meting and spread your germs to other people. I bet they’ll be calling in sick in no time too.”  Tidying the covers of his bed, she went on. “I can’t do anything if you don’t want to miss the meeting. It’s your choice if you want to make your situation worst and be confined on your presentation day. I’m sure someone could do the presentation while you get an IV in the hospital.”

Knowing she has a point and he could not put the whole project in jeopardy by having someone do the presentation for him, Jaejoong sunk back to the bed. “I’m hungry.” He declared not wanting to admit she’s right.

Seeing the waving white flag Danmi smiled. “I’ll cook something.” She declared before leaving Jaejoong who’s tucking himself to bed again.

“Aren’t you supposed to cook porridge, chicken soup or something?” Jaejoong hugged himself as he visibly shivers.

“This soup is good for your throat. The flavor would help you clear your nose. And eat the vegetables; I made everything easy to chew.” She filled his bowl and served it to him.

Weakly Jaejoong started sipping the soup but leaving all the other contents behind. Danmi noticing his bowl “you should fill your stomach with something aside for soup.”

“I’m too weak to cut these long vegetables.” He answered playing with the broccoli.

“Here.” She said handing out a bite size vegetable. Jaejoong opened his mouth as she feeds him, slowly chewing solid food.

“You look cute when you’re sick” they were lying on the sofa watching TV with Jaejoong’s head on Danmi’s lap.

Embarrassed Jaejoong covered his blushing face with his hands, burying his face on her lap “don’t say that.”

Danmi giggled ever harder at his aegyo. “Aigoo, but you really are cute” she tried to pry his hands away only for him to cover his face again.

Dropping his hands to the said, he squint his eyes and looked at her. “You’re making fun of me. Taking advantage when I’m sick tch” he said before clicking his tongue making Danmi laugh harder.

“Fine fine, I’m playing with you. I can’t help it. You are so weak and vulnerable. I can’t let this pass and not tease you.” she playfully pinched his nose only for Jaejoong to grab the tissue to wipe the sticky something that came off.

“Eww,” she shouted teasingly making fun of his runny nose only to pinch his nose again and laughing wealthily.

“Hajima” he protested trying to stop her hands but being the weak creature he temporarily is, Danmi’s having so much fun pinching his faucet like nose. “hajima”

“Aigoo, your nose looks like a cherry tomato. Haha”

Abruptly his hand covered his nose “that’s because you keep pinching it!”

All his words weren’t heard at all as Danmi played with his puffed cheek next. “Should I take a picture and post it to the company’s website? I bet they would save it so that they could stare at your miserable picture every time you lecture their souls to the ground. I bet your secretary would print multiple copies.”

“You wouldn’t dare!!” he stared up at her in disbelief.

“Hehe, don’t make me.” She said wiggling her eye brows.

“Are you really this evil?” he smiled amused at her behaviour.

“I’m way worst.” Just like the night before her hand brushed his head Jaejoong felt butterflies in his stomach as he stare at her caressing his head. Maybe it’s just the fever but his face feels hot and his heart played drums.

“Who’s Cha Min Jung?” She didn’t want to ask at first but she got annoyed and curious. “She’s been calling you till your battery died.”

Jaejoong chuckled. “She’s the daughter of Cha Marketing. We went out for a couple of weeks but she demands too much. Her father wants to get a contract of full distribution to some of our areas and he’s using her to get on my good side and favour him. You know the drill,  same old story.”

“Gold digger or social climber?” she asked still massaging his head.

“Both? I don’t know. They’re the same to me. She’s pretty desperate, gonna do whatever it takes” He grunted with eyes closed as he shifted and turned so that he was facing her. “She wants me, my money and my y body.”

Danmi couldn’t help but chuckle. He’s sick so he’s popping jokes here and there. “I was right. The five of you have prince disease.”

“There’s nothing wrong with loving yourself.” He argued as he opened his eyes and stared at her as she watched TV still caressing his head with slow . “How can you love other if you don’t love yourself? So i’m just being co--” his words were cut short her finger on his lips.

“SHhhhh” she shushed with eyes glued to the TV in front. “Who do you think I am?  Makino” Jaejoong stared at her in disbelief. Actually he should be used to it by now. “Close your eyes.” It’s not the first time she’s done it. In fact, they’ve watched this drama more than he could count. “Eh?” He bet she watched it a few hundreds more before seeing she already memorized the actors line. “Just close them.”

 “Yah, can’t we watch something el--”

“No” she said flat out. She was too engrossed with the movie Jaejoong couldn’t do anything but shut up and watch with her. She likes this movie so much they watch it more often they watched the news(to Jaejoong it felt like that). It’s her comfort drama. Hana Yori Dango, boys over flowers the Japanese version. If she’s watching it and eating ice cream, he must have done something over. If she’s watching it and drinking beer, he must have done something bad and would probably have to kneel for forgiveness and swipe his card for something shiny and expensive.

But seeing his head is still on her lap, she must have been in a good mood. Did he mention that Danmi has this huge crush on Matsumoto Jun? “Ya, if that curly curly perm guy and I were drowning who would you save?”

Danmi looked at him disappointedly “You know when guys gets annoyed when girls asked them ‘Why me?’ or ‘How much do you love me?’ girls gets annoyed with that kind of question too.” looking back at the TV screen not wanting to miss even a second of the scene. “These punches, doesn’t hurt at all. Aissh,” she said in sync with the drama’s character. “why is he so manly..”

“Can’t you just answer the question?” Jaejoong getting pissed that he was being ignored and annoyed that despite having a conversation with him, all she can think about is the guy on the TV screen.

“Araso, since you’re the one asking, even if I knew you could swim, I’ll save you.” She answered her eyes still glued to the TV.

“Wait, you mean if that curly curly perm guy asked you the same question you would save him?”

“If he were drowning, I would take my time saving him so that when he’s unconscious I could hug him all I want and perform CPR.”

He clicked his tongue. Really he should’ve saw that coming. Why did he even bother asking. Jaejoong watched as Danmi’s favourite actor get beat up for the girl. No matter how they’ve watched it, why she like this drama so much is still a question to him. “What’s with this drama anyway?”

“Domyouji would do anything and give up everything for Makino. He’s all tough and mean on the outside but all mushy and childish on the inside. He doesn’t look at any other girl and acts like Makino is the only girl in the world. He’s mean to anyone but treats his girl like she’s a princess.”

“Phssh, am I not like that?”

“Yah, you look like a kid in candy land every time we go clubbing.”

“So not true.”

“Face it, you’re like Nishikado Soujiro” she named another character. Pinching his nose in a threatening manner “You can play all you want, just don’t get caught. I’m gonna castrate you. I’m not the forgiving type. Araso?”

Jaejoong can only smile bitterly, how come their conversation went from her favourite drama to him drowning and then getting castrated by his wife.

“Why can’t just pick one? They’re both rich, good looking and head over heels over her. Either way she’s not on the losing side.”

Danmi looked down on him and gave a ‘you just don’t get it look’. Maybe he shouldn’t just have said anything and let her watched her favourite drama in peace. “The other is a knight in shining armour who is willing to risk his anything and everything for her and the other  is a prince in a white horse who is always there whenever she needs him the most and understands her the most.”

Jaejoong gave up. He really should’ve just shut his mouth or slept through. He should’ve known better, that drama is something she’s willing to get into a cat fight for. “You know.” Danmi looked down at his cheeky smile. “What’s better than a knight in shining armour and prince in a white horse?” His wife must look at those drama characters like they’re superman but he’s Kim Jaejoong, no way is he losing. “Me in my silver Lamborghini.” 

“Why didn’t you tell me you’re adopted?” The question obviously caught her off guard as her hand stopped on the top of his head and was dropped to her side. She looked down at him and was taken aback. How did he know? “I met Eunhyuk before; he was a friend of Junsu. We played connect the dots after that.”

Jaejoong saw her lips hesitate. Like the subject was one of the files of her Pandora’s Box. Not being able to look him in the eye she stared back at the television screen. Nobody’s supposed to know. It’s not that it was a part of her life that she wants to leave behind. No, she’s not ashamed of being an orphan from Whammy house. In fact under different circumstances with the Whammy house’s reputation, she would be proudly bragging what orphanage she came from. She treats the people there like real family. To others it might just be an orphanage where unwanted children are dumped but to her that place is home. It might be different from the normal orphanage where kids were thought abc’s and math but that place became her shelter. It became the place where she found people she treasured and that treasured her. 

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“We’re not supposed to tell anybody.”

Jaejoong could see how serious this part of her life is. “Yeah, Onew said something about that.”

 “Onew said it’s different from your average orphanage.”

“He did?” she looked back at him and Jaejoong nodded. Danmi stifled a laugh “it’s different alright”. Tucking her hair behind her ear. “That place is truly something. I can’t talk about it much since there are rules about that but I can say that that place is one of a kind.”

“One of a kind?”

“Yeah, there’s no place like that in this world.” She smiled from ear to ear reminiscing the place in her head.

Feeling the atmosphere lighten, Jaejoong shifted to her side with his head still on her lap. “What do you mean?”

She started ruffling his hair again chuckling a bit seeing him wipe his nose for the nth time. “Things that other people would find weird would be normal there.”

Jaejoong’s eyes were starting to drop already, all the drama is making him sleepy. He shifted to the side and closed his eyes “Like what?”

“Lots of things” a few more  and Jaejoong’s already back to his lala land.

Jaejoong opened his eyes and sat up. He didn’t know how long he slept, they slept actually. He glanced at Danmi and sees her peacefully sleeping. His hand reached out and touches her slightly swollen face. His thumb caressed her cheeks thinking what kind of things she has gone through.

Sighing, he picked her up and carried her to her room. Gently as if he was afraid to break her, he placed her on the bed. She pulled the covers above her and lay beside her, with one arm propped to support his weight. Removing a few strands of hair covering her face, he watched over her. He can’t believe a cheerful person like her would have a pass like that. He didn’t look at her as less of a person. In fact he respected her even more.

If he was on her place, he has no idea what kind of person he would turn out to be. First time in his second generation chaebol life, he realized how lucky he is. Lucky to be born from a very loving family, from a wealthy family and a family nonetheless.

“Don’t worry. I’m your family now.”