Kyuhyun and Victoria were having dinner with their parents at a Chinese restaurant. They were having a discussion about the couple’s wedding as Victoria acted as a translator between both set of parents. Kyuhyun would every now and then heaped food onto the plates of his and Victoria’s parents.

It was agreed that the wedding ceremony will be held during fall in Seoul. Some of Victoria’s closest relatives and friends would be flown in from China to participate. A dinner will follow the same evening. Kyuhyun and Victoria would later travel to China the following week to hold another dinner for the rest of Victoria’s friends and relatives.

Both sets of parents were beaming with joy and pride while Victoria was glowing at the talk of her wedding.

Kyuhyun wondered to himself whether marriage was really what he wanted. A year ago, he would be all excited and eager, but after the brush with death, he found himself to be a different person.

He still loves his job. He loves Victoria enough to want to get married to her, but he wanted a simple wedding ceremony – just the couple, their respective parents, some close relatives and friends. Kyuhyun disliked the idea of jetting over to China – not that he hated the country or had any disrespect for her relatives, but he just wanted everything to be simple and fuss free.

“So are you two going anywhere on a honeymoon immediately after the wedding?” Victoria’s parents asked in Mandarin.

Victoria translated the question for Kyuhyun. He shook his head and asked her to reply that they would probably delay their honeymoon for a few months as both of them would be busy with work.

Meanwhile her mother commented that Kyuhyun and Victoria look matching and compatible in terms of talents and looks which Victoria translated into Korean for Kyuhyun and his parents. Kyuhyun forced a smile while his parents burst out into laughter with his mum nodding her head in agreement.

And then his mum suddenly popped a question, “So when will the both of you give us grandchildren?”

This caused the couple to be taken aback. Kyuhyun stared wide-eyed as his mother while Victoria blushed and shifted her glance away.

Kyuhyun grumbled, “Umma, must you bring this topic up?”

Victoria’s mother could notice the awkwardness and she asked Victoria what was going on. After Victoria explained the situation, she said something in Mandarin and glanced expectantly at both Kyuhyun and Victoria.

“My mum wants to know the same thing,” she whispered into Kyuhyun. “What should we tell them?”

“Will you follow my lead?” Kyuhyun asked.

She nodded.

Taking Victoria’s hand firmly, Kyuhyun said, “We would of course like to have kids in the future. And we know that we’re not getting any much younger. But Victoria is still in the prime of her career. She has yet to reach her peak and is pretty much in demand. Victoria getting pregnant now might kill her career prematurely. Anyway, she enjoys what she is doing, so let enjoy her work for a while more, say two to three years. Is this okay with you Vic?”

Victoria was a disappointed with his words, but she flashed a forced smile and with a sweet voice, chimed in, “I agree with Kyuhyun. I would like to work for another year or two and we could enjoy some quality time together as a couple. But if we do get a child, I’m sure we would welcome this with joy, wouldn’t be Kyuhyun?”

Kyuhyun had no choice but to agree.

Victoria was not too upset about giving up her modelling career in two to three years. She was more upset that Kyuhyun did not discuss anything about their plans for children before hand before making the decision on his own. Victoria was really keen for them to have children of their own soon. She did not find giving up her career as a sacrifice.

Meanwhile the dinner continued with the parents talking amongst themselves with Victoria continuing to play translator. Kyuhyun merely focused on his meal as his mind drifted to the meeting he had with Sungmin earlier.

......

Kyuhyun was checking himself in the mirror to make sure that his bangs were in perfect place – none of his stands were standing out. He then ensured that his shirt and pants were crease and wrinkle free. He quickly slapped on some BB Cream on his face and smoothed it evenly over his face. Kyuhyun then sprayed some cologne on himself and sat down at his desk. He glanced at his watch. There was still some 10 minutes to their appointed time.

He drummed his fingers on his desk as he waited for time to pass. Feeling bored, he decided to get some work done as he grabbed an article and started reading through its content, but he just could not concentrate on his work.

Suddenly, his office phone sounded and Kyuhyun nearly leapt with excitement. It was the receptionist who informed him that he had a visitor and Kyuhyun quickly asked her to send him in.   

As he heard footsteps nearing his office, Kyuhyun trembled as he stood up. He straightened himself and took strides towards the door. He could feel his heart pounding harder at his chest as the footsteps grew louder. His heart was about to burst out from his chest when there was a knock on the door which brought him back to his senses.

“Come in,” Kyuhyun said.

And the door swung open to reveal the person that he had been expecting – Lee Sungmin.  Kyuhyun beckoned Sungmin to the sofa which was at a corner of the room.

“Have a seat. Do you want a drink?”

“That’s okay. I’m fine. I just had a drink before I came up,” the guest replied courteously.

“But I insist,” Kyuhyun insisted. “How about some tea? Or would you prefer coffee?”

“Tea would be fine.”

Kyuhyun then paged for the receptionist to bring in two cups of tea along with some biscuits. He then walked towards the sofa and settled himself in with Sungmin who had already made himself comfortable in the sofa.

As Sungmin studied the fashionably dressed Kyuhyun in his luxury wear and his shiny leather shoes, “You know something Kyuhyun-ssi? It’s still hard for me to imagine that you were that geeky-looking student I knew from the school press club more than 10 years ago. The transformation is really huge.”

“Time really makes a difference, doesn’t it?” Kyuhyun remarked. 

Sungmin nodded in agreement. “Do you still remember my parting words to you?”

“I do. Wait a minute, you remember too?” Kyuhyun exclaimed.

“Kyuhyun, I’m sure you’ll become a good journalist and writer. Continue with the good work. It’s a pity I didn’t get to work much with you here in school. Maybe we might work together again someday if both of us enter the media industry,” both of them chorused.

When they finished the sentence, they gazed into each other while marvelling at their ‘telepathy’ before they broke into a hearty laugh.

“That was amazing,” Kyuhyun gushed.

“And my words actually came true,” Sungmin chuckled.

“We have actually worked together,” Kyuhyun continued.

“Who would have thought? I didn’t expect a maths whiz like you to end up on the media industry. I thought that you would have done something like computing or science, computing, statistics or even economics. It looks like you followed your passion after all,” Sungmin gushed.

“How did you know that I was a maths genius?” Kyuhyun queried. “Did you go ask around about me or stalk me or something?”

“Junsu and several others who knew about you winning those Olympiads told me,” Sungmin shrugged. “I heard that someone had asked about me though.”

Kyuhyun blushed out of embarrassment and Sungmin did not say anything more. It was a while before he spoke, “Well, you followed your passion too.”

Sungmin nodded. “And I don’t regret it one bit. I may not be earning a lot of money, but at least I enjoy what I do.”

Sungmin then reached for his bag and pulled out and envelope and handed it to Kyuhyun. “This is for you.”

Kyuhyun received it with a curious look. “What is this?”

“Open and see,” Sungmin replied.

Kyuhyun tore the seal of envelope and reached for its contents. He pulled the contents out to reveal pictures of himself. There was a look of surprise on his face before giving into a frown. Sungmin, who was studying Kyuhyun’s expression, became worried.

“I’m sorry,” the older male mumbled, as he attempted to snatch the photos away from Kyuhyun’s grip, but his grip was tight that Sungmin was unable to grab it from Kyuhyun.

“I’m sorry,” Sungmin apologised again. “I didn’t know that this would offend you or make you angry. If I had known, I wouldn’t have given you the photos. Please return them to me.”

But Kyuhyun didn’t respond.

“Kyuhyun-ssi,” Sungmin repeated himself.

“I’m sorry,” Kyuhyun said as he relaxed his grasp on the photos and Sungmin promptly swiped them from Kyuhyun.

“Wait, why are you taking them away?” Kyuhyun asked in surprise.

“You didn’t seem to like them,” Sungmin replied.

“Well, that is because I’m not too used to seeing myself in photos,” Kyuhyun laughed. “I’m kind of camera shy.”

“Oh! But you were frowning. You seemed displeased...so I thought...”

“I would like to keep the photos if that is okay with you,” Kyuhyun said.

And Sungmin handed the photos back to Kyuhyun.

“Thank you Sungmin-ssi for the photos. They were wonderfully taken,” Kyuhyun praised.

“Could I ask you something?” Sungmin asked.

Kyuhyun nodded.

“I know I shouldn’t be asking this...but you seemed a little subdued in the photo...was something weighing heavily on your mind that day?” Sungmin treaded gingerly with his words.

“Kind of,” Kyuhyun forced a smile.

“The feel of the photo turned out pretty well. The brooding mood was a stark contrast to the sunrise,” Sungmin said.

“You really have an artistic flair. You made me into a model with those shots,” Kyuhyun complimented. “Too bad we can’t use them for the magazine. But still thank you for the photographs. I will treasure them. You won’t publish them anywhere as you promised me that day, right?”

“I won’t,” Sungmin affirmed.

“Great, thanks.”

Kyuhyun paused for a while before he continued to speak, “Actually I’ve asked you here because I would like to invite you to work on another photo shoot for our magazine.”

“I’m all ears.”

“Well, the shoot would take place in Hokkaido. You’ll be working with the models Yoona and Kris this time round.”

“Kris...as in Kris Wu?” Sungmin asked wide-eyed.

Kyuhyun nodded. “Do you know him?”

“We’ve worked on some shoots together before,” Sungmin explained.

“That’s great. Since you’re familiar with him, I guess you would be able to handle him and do a good job. This guy can be quite difficult at times, but he’s really photogenic. Although he’s Chinese, he’s one of the rising stars in the industry.”

“He was just starting out when I worked with him. He’s quite a nice guy. He’s just misunderstood because of his serious look. He has good work ethics,” Sungmin tried to put in a good word for Kris. “He’s also a friendly person if you get to know him.”

Kyuhyun laughed. “I don’t know all the models well enough to gauge their characters well enough. I’m not always on the set. I guess you photographers would know better.”

Sungmin nodded. “But naturally we won’t bad-mouth them. Anyway the majority of them are very professional, so it’s not a problem.”

“But this Kris...” Kyuhyun pondered aloud.

“It’ll be fine,” Sungmin reassured.

“So I take it that you’re willing to take the job?”

“Yes.”

“Great, I’ll get Donghae to call you. He will discuss the payment and contract details with you. You might have to make another trip down here if that’s alright with you,” Kyuhyun informed.

Sungmin nodded.

“The fees would be the same around last time. Expenses and air ticket would be paid for. You could travel together with us. I’ll get Donghae to make the arrangements for you. It will save you the hassle and trouble. Would that be fine?”

“That’ll be great, Kyuhyun-ssi. Thank you so much”

“My pleasure. I’ll be looking forward to your work. Oh, let me explain the concept for this shoot.”

And Kyuhyun went on to explain his visualisation for the shoot as Sungmin took up his pen and notepad to take notes.

Kyuhyun sighed which did not go unnoticed by Sungmin.

“What’s wrong?” the older male enquired.

“Well, it’s a pity we couldn’t get this model to do this shoot. He would have suited Yoona much better.”

“Was it because he could not make it? There will always be a next time,” Sungmin pointed out.

“He’s no longer around,” Kyuhyun replied.

“You mean he left the industry?”

“No, he’s dead,” Kyuhyun said pointedly.

Just then, both Kyuhyun and Sungmin felt their hearts pounding faster and they fell silent as a feeling of dread overpowered them.

Both of them squirmed in their seats as their expressions froze. Sungmin was quite expecting and dreading that name to be mentioned, but somehow the name was unable to roll of Kyuhyun’s tongue.   

After a minute or more of uneasy silence, Kyuhyun finally broke the silence, “Why are we speaking about unpleasant things?”

Sungmin did not know to react appropriately and so forced a laugh which came off as rather unnatural. Kyuhyun decided to change the topic and switch to small talk. “So will your friend or business partner be joining us on this trip?”

“You mean Eunhyuk?”

“Him, or whatever his name is,” Kyuhyun replied rather dismissively.

“Not sure. But most probably not.”

“So have you been to Hokkaido before?” Kyuhyun asked. “It’s summer now. The flowers are in full bloom.”

Sungmin then remembered a few years that Siwon had planned a winter trip to Hokkaido which never did materialise due to their hectic work schedules. Come to think of it, Sungmin felt a little regretful that they did not put in their best effort to make time for the trip.

“Not yet. I did plan to go with a friend, but the plans fell through,” Sungmin uttered.

Kyuhyun suddenly felt a bit of pain gnawing at his chest as he gushed out, “What kind of friend was that?”

Sungmin was startled by the sudden question as he stammered, “Uh...uh...a good friend whom I had known from university.”

“Was it a guy?” Kyuhyun fired.

Sungmin was getting a little flustered as he shifted about in his seat. “Uh...uh...”

It was then Kyuhyun realised that his questions were making Sungmin uncomfortable and he hastily apologised to Sungmin for going overboard which the older graciously accepted and was grateful for.

As the atmosphere had somewhat soured, Kyuhyun thought it would be time to end their meeting as he indicated that he had to get back to work and told Sungmin that they would see other soon on the work trip.

They finished their tea and as Kyuhyun saw Sungmin off, he said, “It was really nice to meet up with you again, Sungmin-ssi. And thank you for the photos. It was indeed a pleasant surprise.”

“And thank you having the faith in me and inviting me to participate in such an important shoot.”

“That’s my pleasure. I recognise talent when I see one, and you Sungmin-ssi, are talented,” Kyuhyun praised causing Sungmin to blush.

“So I’ll see you in two weeks time,” Kyuhyun smiled.

Sungmin nodded and he turned away and headed off.

......

Eunhyuk and Sungmin were working out in a gym.

“You’re going to Hokkaido and you’re not taking me along with you?” Eunhyuk exclaimed.

Sungmin try to shush Eunhyuk. “Hyukkie, not so loud! This is a public place. People might misunderstand.”

“Ya! Lee Sungmin. What’s the meaning of this? Am I not your friend? Am I not your partner? How could you do this to me?” Eunhyuk complained as he stomped his foot on the ground like a kid throwing a tantrum.

“Hyukkie!” Sungmin could feel his palms getting sweaty. “Please, not so loud.”

“What do you have to say in your defence?” Eunhyuk glared at Sungmin.

“I...I...didn’t think...that...there would be a need for you to accompany me?” Sungmin stuttered as he was unsure of what to say.

Eunhyuk could only continue glaring at Sungmin but deep inside he felt really hurt – hurt that Sungmin had used such words on him.

Guessing that he might have hurt Eunhyuk’s with his words, Sungmin scrambled to rescue the situation. “Hyukkie, please don’t misunderstand. I’m grateful for your company during that time in Jeju as well as for those months helping me cope with my grief after Wonnie’s death. I’m really glad that you’re still hanging out with me. Anyway I’m fine now. I’m not saying that I don’t need you or don’t appreciate you, but this is really a working trip. I can manage on my own. Besides you’ve already cancelled your classes just to accompany me to Jeju not too long ago, I can’t let you cancel your classes again. What will happen to your reputation as an instructor?”

“I’ll do anything for you Lee Sungmin, don’t you know that?” Eunhyuk shouted silently from within. However, Eunhyuk managed a forced smile and nodded his head at Sungmin’s explanation. He could see that Sungmin’s body had visibly loosened up from the tense and worried self and his face visibly brightened up.

......

The gym was rather crowded that evening. Sungmin and Eunhyuk could only mill around as they waited to use some of the exercise machines as Eunhyuk grumbled to Sungmin how inconsiderate some people are inconsiderate to hog the machines.

One of the benches was currently unoccupied but there was a towel on it. Just as Eunhyuk moved forward to occupy the space but a figure stealthily snuck by and plonked himself on the bench which earned a scowl on Eunhyuk’s face.

“I’m sorry, I’m still using this for a while more,” the person apologised as he looked up.

When the person’s gaze locked onto Eunhyuk’s, his eyes were bulging from their sockets and he was horrified.

Eunhyuk’s jaw dropped as he exclaimed, “Fish ahjusshi!”

Donghae exclaimed in disbelief, “Monkey?”

“What are you doing here?” both of them chimed at the same time much to Sungmin amusement as he couldn’t help but tease: “You guys have such good chemistry. Both of you should go get a room.”

“What?” they chorused as they glowered at Sungmin. “No way!”

“I’m not gay!” Donghae exclaimed. However, he could not help but be a little distracted by Eunhyuk. He did have quite a good physique – he did look muscular as seen from the bulging arm muscles. And for a moment, Donghae wondered what was underneath that tank top which Eunhyuk was wearing. He would probably have a tone body, Donghae thought to himself but his thoughts were interrupted by a visibly irate Eunhyuk.

“I don’t have anything to do with this ahjusshi,” Eunhyuk protested.

“I dislike monkeys,” Donghae spat as he frowned, causing his fine lines and wrinkles to show.

“You’re really an ahjusshi,” Eunhyuk remarked. “Your lines are as long as the train tracks in the country. Your face is sagging. You have eye bags and dark rings...”

“Mwoh-ra?” Donghae exclaimed. “At least this is the natural me. You face looks rubbery. Did you have a failed plastic surgery somewhere? I can recommend a good plastic surgeon to fix your face.”

“Alright, both of you stop it,” Sungmin ordered. “You’re not kids, neither you’re women. Why are you trading insults with each other? This is a public place. Behave yourselves.”

Sungmin and Eunhyuk huffed and they turned away from one another. Sungmin decided to talk to Donghae to diffuse the tension between the two.

“It’s nice seeing you here Donghae-ssi. Do you work out here often?”

“Three to four times a week. Usually in the evenings.”

“No wonder I’ve never seen you around. I usually work out in the mornings,” Sungmin remarked.

“With him...?” Donghae eyed Eunhyuk as the latter replied with a scowl.

“Well...sometimes...if we both happen to be free, then we’ll come together, just like this evening,” Sungmin explained.

“So he has membership I guess...” Donghae mumbled but Sungmin was able to hear what he said.

“Yes, Eunhyuk has membership here too,” Sungmin said.

Eunhyuk could bottle his annoyance any longer as he cut in, “Why are you surprise that I have a club membership and work out here?”

“I’m just wondering why people like you could...” Donghae retorted.

“What do you mean by ‘people like me’? You’re such a snob. Just because you work in the magazine industry or in some high class magazine doesn’t give you the right to be a snob. And for your info, I’m a dance instructor. I have my dance studio. I choreograph dances for celebrities. I may not rub shoulders with socialites or go to wine parties or fashion shows, but I rub shoulders with some of the top celebrities in town so eat your heart out fish,” Eunhyuk lashed out.

And with that Eunhyuk stomped off leaving an embarrassed and apologetic Sungmin with Donghae.

“Donghae-ssi, I’m so sorry at Eunhyuk’s outburst. He’s normally not like that. Please don’t be offended. I’m really sorry. I’ve got to go. I’ll catch up with you soon. You’ll be giving me a call or something, right?”

Donghae nodded in understanding and Sungmin quickly ran after Eunhyuk who had headed to the changing rooms.

Meanwhile Donghae resumed his workout, but he could not help but wonder what sort of treasures a topless Eunhyuk would reveal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well I hope you enjoyed this chapter. We see a hesitant Kyuhyun regarding his marriage to Victoria. Will the wedding still go ahead?

And well, seems Sungmin and Kyuhyun had a nice meeting. And Donghae and Eunhyuk have another brush in with one another. Do you think they will develop something for one another eventually?

Thanks for all the comments and subscriptions. Please keep them going. Appreciate those very much. 

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KyuMin: Almost a love story

KyuMin: 60 Days 

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