FOUR - {Keepsake}

For the past 5 hours or so, Yunho had not taken a break from his hiking expedition. It was the only way that could keep his mind secluded. He had refused to eat and refused to rest, taking only sips of water periodically.  Attaining the tough and grueling role of a leader in DBSK, there were several times Yunho had to vent his anger and stress to the wild, and thus, being a frequent, he knew the mountain's terrain at the back of his hand. There was not a single soul around that day and the yellowed autumn leaves had been buried beneath the snow. The birds had long migrated to a different land and the animals were hibernating in their cozy homes. But it was precisely this serenity Yunho loved and the mountain was often his getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. He would stand at the peak of the mountain and release his emotions to the vast land but since he found himself void of willpower and determination to do so that day, Yunho lingered on. Amidst the blistering cold, the only companion Yunho had was Taepoong, but he had not even uttered a single word to the freezing canine. Taepoong is a pet which held great importance to the masculine man as it was a birthday present given to him by the members a couple of years back. Yunho adored the animal and often brought the active boy with him during his hiking expeditions.

However today, the usually compliant canine was exceptionally adamant and restless. Finally, it decided to stop completely in its tracks and refused to walk on. "Taepoong-ah let's walk," Yunho persuaded but it refused to budge. "Taepoong..." Yunho attempted a second time but still to no avail. "Fine then, leave me like the others. I did not bring you home from the pet store originally anyway. Go back to your rightful owners. Leave me alone." With that, Yunho unleashed the dog and ran straight for the bushes downhill. He had lost his patience and for the first time ever, he lashed out at Taepoong.

Unfortunately, halfway down the steep slope, the charismatic leader lost his footing in the slippery snow and tumbled downwards. He did not bother to resist the fall nor cry for help but allowed himself to freefall downwards. By that time, his knees were grazed and blood dyed his fall path red. "Ruff ruff" Taepoong barked as he cascaded like a fall of water from the peak of the mountain. He leaned on his owner and started the wound as if to soothe it, whilst staring at Yunho with pitiful eyes, filled with remorse and apology. Instantaneously, Yunho embraced the Siberian Husky in his arms, closed his eyes and whispered "Please don't leave me. I love you."

Meanwhile, a hummingbird had braved the cold and whistled into the wilderness, calling it yet another day.

"This is called happiness. To me, TVXQ is just like a family, a home." -Yunho