-DON’T LET HIM SCAPE, DAMN IT!!!

-HE TURNED IN THE CORNER, KWANG! GET HIM!!

-, HE’S FAST!!

Three men were chasing a young boy who ran like a fawn trying to save his life from a pack of lions. The boy had been running for an hour and cold sweat could be felt sensing the end of his life was approaching. He had made the stupid mistake of taking his wallet in an open area and criminals who were walking on a close street came to take what little he had won in the week.

When the young man refused to give them what they asked (especially the wallet that was a memory of his older sister), the men intimidated him; and in less  than a second he was already running downhill in the great avenue.

The 17 year old reached an impasse and felt panic ading his nerves. He felt cornered as his big eyes scanned every corner of the passage looking for an escape.

When people had told him the city was dangerous indeed, they weren’t joking. But he never cared. He had worked since a young age in order to have something to eat. He had faced the street since a teenager.

Perhaps it was it natural to think a child abandoned by his parents should end on the street?

He listened as the voices were approaching and cursing about his prey making them exercise more of they can handle. What the guy feared the most at that time, wasn’t that they snatched his money or his precious wallet but the revenge they could take against him. Many wanted 'that’ from him. To have a pretty face had always made him a victim of crafty old women and erted men, but he had always got rid of them with some clever escape.

This time; however, he was at the criminal’s mercy.

Regretting many things, he thought it would be better to die in that place before he sees the face of his mother after having fallen into disgrace. He couldn’t go on living if he had to face such a situation. He hated the look of pity in people. He had received it since he could remember.

When he saw no escape, the guy looked around for rock with which he could use to break his head. It was the only thing he could think of.

"Damn ... something ... something ... something ..."

-HERE IS THE SCUM! - he heard a gruff voice calling his friends, standing in front of him.

The young man looked around, searching for a way out but found none. Then change his position and became defensive. If he was to receive the beating of his life, at least he could do it with honor. He was going to protect with all his forces what he valued the most about himself. And if things got worse, he could always fight to death.

-Look, look... Taekhyun, isn’t he lovely? hahahahaha- the leader of the gang mocked with one of his friends

-He even raises his arms ready to fight- said the older of all, who had a set of small earrings in both lobes.

-I hadn’t seen him properly- claimed a third voice coming close, wiping with the sleeve of his jacket, sweat running down his neck – is it a woman or a man?

-I think it's a man...

-A beautiful man... can I him brother and think it's a woman?

-Actually, I think you won’t see the difference

-Why don’t we check first if he’s a man

The scared boy stepped back until he felt a cold wall behind him. No Exit. Would he die there? Was this payback for having done what he did? Was this the moment when you see your life in a flash before your eyes? He was curious, though. He couldn’t see anything.

-GO TO HELL!! DO YOU WANT MONEY? TAKE IT!! – the young one shouted, throwing the wallet he was protecting against his chest - TAKE THE DAMN MONEY AND LEAVE ME ALONE!!

Certainly he would have to spend a couple of weeks on the road, but it did no longer matter.

-Hahahahaha what do you think, brat? We don’t want just your money now –said the guy who looked like the leader, ignoring the wallet on the floor- I think I have found something better…

He his lips and gave a step forward.

-After all, you made us work hard

-I promise you're going to enjoy it - said the big guy with piercings - You know, your quite a magnificent creature...  maybe I’ll you more than once… being a vigorous young man and ...

He couldn’t finish his sentence.

The frightened boy saw the man's head turned to one side, having been hit on the side. Punches and kicks were shot in different directions; as he ran, scared to death, to a corner where he could hide. Shouts, crashes, wailing, insults, blows, blood drops... everything came to him as a riot. He was shaking scared, covering his head with the hood, as if trying to disappear.

"Just go ... damn... wake up… wake up"

***

-GO AWAY!! GO AWAY, PLEASE!! LEAVE ME ALONEEEE!!!- the young man shouted with all his might, imagining he had gone from one hell to another; with no escape this time. His body was trembling more and more, trying by some miracle to vanish. If God really was as benevolent as everyone preached, he should grant him his wish. He prayed and prayed to die at that moment, or to be back at home, in the arms of his mother. Where nothing bad could happen.

He could clearly hear the laughter of his sisters, and his father calling him to dinner loudly. Yes, everything would be fine. Mom would hug him when he returned home running, begging forgiveness for all the pain he had caused.

When he told her much he loved her and how he would never do it again, his mother would give him a kiss on the forehead and would take his hand to guide him until they were on the table, so he could sit with everyone.

-Hey, calm down... it’s ok now… it’s all right - said a soft voice above him; as the scared guy felt like a warm hand rested over his head. The new person his hand slightly, as if trying to calm a frightened puppy. The boy trembled but somehow didn’t reject the hand that touched him. It felt different from other hands that tried to touch him.

When the owner of the voice saw the tense body of the young guy was relaxed, he knelt by his side trying to make contact with his gaze, obligating him to look up.

-Hey! They're gone... you're all right now...

The other slowly raised his face hidden between his legs. His face was now stained with tears of helplessness and his lips were of a bright red color, as if in despair he had bitten them. His long lashes blinked repeatedly as a windshield to clear the view. He looked up and made eye contact with the young man in front of him.

And at this moment the world stopped for the rescuer.

He lost consciousness of time. The sounds stopped coming to his ears. He felt his smile twitched in a grimace like a squirrel, but he couldn’t be sure. Maybe he was having a heart attack. He couldn’t blink. His hands tingled and the tip of his fingers felt frozen. His hair, held up in a cool hairstyle for millions of products, seemed to have lost immunity. It hurt to swallow and his mouth was open slightly, revealing the trembling of his tongue.

Where did this creature come from?

The aroma of bright-eyed young guy in front of him filled him. Its essence was in the air, filling his lungs and those of their peers. The boy thought that at any moment his friends would come upon him as a prey. It was a trail of pheromones. He couldn’t allow it. Nobody could touch this baby.

-Did they leave? - the frightened boy sobbed

-Yes - whispered the other, trying to hold back the lump in his throat that wouldn’t let him say more than one syllable. The angel standing before him had the whitest skin he had ever seen, even in a woman. Large wood colored eyes glistening with tears at the corners. Red and pouting lips, which incentive to be kissed. Hair more black than black amber, plus straight. He always liked straight hair. The cheesy phrase where have you been all my life? came to his mind. All he ever asked in a lover, he had in front of him now.

-Let me help you- he said extending his hand

The other took it and... Oh my God.  His hands. His hands were soft and delicate. His skin was truly white. You could also see his veins through it. Its size was ideal, a couple of centimeters slightly lower than him. Perfect for when they kiss. KISS? GOD! But if you don’t even know his name!

"Not to mention he's a man!"

-Yunho. Jung Yunho - said smiling the taller man, feeling the words got stuck in the tip of his tongue as he said them quickly.

The young man in front of him looked around, more calm. They stood facing each other. His eyes fixed on that manly face. They were so close he could see a mole on his upper lip, small eyes and hair standing. A gangster without a doubt. But a good one. Why else would he save him?

-Jaejoong. Kim Jaejoong - answered the boy shaking hands with his rescuer.

Yunho smiled then showing his crooked teeth with pointed ends. It was really cute when it looked so close, and for some unknown reason, Jaejoong also thought was y. His appearance didn’t have anything to do with his personality. Jaejoong wondered if he would have to dress like that for an event.

-Hey Kim Jaejoong, why were they following you? - said a third voice coming close.

Immediately the boy called Yunho turned with a menacing look preventing his partner to get close near his angel. The boy stopped and Yunho turned frightened eyes toward the young Jaejoong.

-Hey Jaejoong, what happened? Why were they following you? - he asked with tender voice, as if he had the necessity to protect the beautiful and fragile man.

Jaejoong felt uneasy at the beginning when he realized suddenly his hand was still on Yunho’s. How did this happen? Normally you hold the hand that helps you and release it immediately if you have no ties that bound you. However Jaejoong’s hand was still clutching tightly to Yunho’s. Jaejoong released his hand abruptly causing a rough impression on the other, but continued as if nothing had happened.

-They wanted to rob me; they saw my wallet ... and well...

-This one? - Yunho asked Jaejoong showing the wallet he had thrown to his offenders with the faint hope of being left in peace

Jaejoong received it and checked the interior. Everything was intact, but could he trust the guy who was in front of him? He was scared. How could he know they were trying to rob him too?

-It seems that you've been having a hard time Kim Jaejoong. Don’t worry; you can come with us if you want...

-Huh?

-We’re going to eat in the market which is two blocks away from here. Do you want to go? This city is very dangerous if you walk alone at this time of the night.

-But...

-Come, we all can protect each other! - Called the voice of one of Yunho’s friends who was already a few steps ahead - Come on!

-But ... – a restless Jaejoong began

-Are you scared? - asked Yunho

-Is not that...

-Then what?

-I don’t have money. What I gathered is to pay the rent of my apartment, this is all for that...-confessed Jaejoong shamelessly showing the inside of his wallet and then hided it inside his jacket.

-Oh, I see...

The boys had begun to move, leaving Yunho and Jaejoong steps back.

-Come on, Yunho! You've done your good deed for the day! I’m starving!! Hurry! - shouted his friend

-We better leave this place, Yunho... if those guys come back they’ll do it with reinforcements... let him go home- added another friend of Yunho

-Yes, you don’t want problems, remember your audition!

Jaejoong looked down at his feet and walked slowly, taking steps backward. It was better to leave; his department was not so far happily. He expected not to find the criminals, though.

-I better...

Suddenly he felt Yunho's hand taking his, pulling in the direction where all his friends were going. Jaejoong had no time to react and was carried away. That hand was warm and somehow feel correct to hold it.

-I invite!

-But...

-No ‘buts’! Come on!

Jaejoong drifted. The sound of the trains sounded close to the station as they walked. A sound so classic, Jaejoong will remember the cold night of November until the end of his days. Specially because in in their way, Yunho never released his hand.

***

-Why did you save me?

-What do you mean why? Because it's the right thing to do- said Yunho pouring his drink in two glasses

-I know is right... but is not normal

-Normal?

- It’s not normal to meddle in other people's problems. Many people choose to ignore the weak even if they’re by their beside, why did you defend me?

-Mmm , can’t say exactly... I guess I'm abnormal hahaha

-....

Jaejoong seriously looked at the young man. He seemed to have a really grounded curiosity.

-It’s what my parents taught me, maybe… to always be kind to everyone, especially those who need you. You seemed to need help and we were more than those guys. Perhaps in other circumstances I wouldn’t have involved, what do I know... I can sometimes be a coward

-Did you hear me screaming? - Jaejoong asked blushing. In his rush to get away he had lost all control, afraid of being robbed of the last reserves he had.

-Actually only I heard you... how curious, right?

-Mmm ... Curious

-I suppose there was a reason... people don’t meet in vain. My dad says that

Yunho and Jaejoong were sitting in a position close to the exit, where Mrs. Kan had a small food stand which had the reputation of ‘the best ramen soup in the area’. Diners from everywhere visit her every night just to get a taste of the famous homemade recipe.

-Your dad?

-Yeah, my dad's a doctor... ajhuma thanks - Yunho said, addressing to the lady who gave him two plate of food – would you have the sweet sauce again?

-Yah! I told you it was just for once! It’s extra for the sauce!

-Aishhh, ajhuma!! Come on!! Be good!! I could be your son starving... but ajhuma is so young that actually she could be my sister - Yunho wore a soft voice, blinking his eyes

-Aish, cute brat! Okay okay! Just this once ...

Saying this, she reached a pot of sauce hidden behind a shelf. Yunho poured a generous amount in his and Jaejoong’s dishes, returning it immediately.

-Try it! The other time she invited me this sauce and I couldn’t help it. I loved!!  Its tastes good with noodles... try it

-Thank you- Jaejoong said, taking his sticks to start eating

-Come on! Come on eat! You're a bag of bones

-Yah!

-hahahahahah

Jaejoong caught a glimpse of the owner who was smiling tenderly looking at Yunho, and couldn’t help to feel a slight wave of jealousy. It was hard to explain but somehow the boy had caught the attention of Yunho in that last hour. He couldn’t help to feel he owned his time. Even Yunho sat away from his other friends to accompany him, something that Jaejoong couldn’t help but be thankful for. The others seemed to be good people but still felt nervous about making new friends (not that he already considered Yunho as a friend). That shyness that some mistook as vanity.

-Do you know her for a long time?

-Who?

-Ajhumma

-I came a couple of times - Yunho had already begun to eat

-I've been here a few times, too and she never invite me any special sauce - Jaejoong said biting his cold noodles, with a slight note of resentment.

-Ah! That?! Hahaha let’s say it was a fluke

-Fluke?

-The first time I came here, his son was sitting too - said Yunho - Of course I didn’t know it was his son but as I looked carefully around I realized the kid was special so...  I kind of sense it

He absorbed a mouthful of noodles, and when finished chewing them, took a big sip of water before continuing.

-I went over and started talking. It was a very interesting guy, he is in his final year of primary school and his mother is very proud of him. Because it’s only a family of two he always comes for lunch and dinner... whenever I see when I come here and help him with his homework. After twice to see him we became friends, and his mother recognized me now. The first time she offered the sauce was in one of those conversations I had with his son. So every time I come, I ask for it... have you never seen her son?

-Maybe, I haven’t noticed...

-Don’t you have friends here? Where are you from?

-Chungnam... And no. In fact, I am living alone

-Oh!

-I ran away from home

Yunho was silent with half eaten noodles hanging from one side of his mouth. He turned his frightened face toward Jaejoong while the other tasted the sauce with the tip of one of his sticks.

-DID YOU RUN AWAY FROM HOME?! – yelled Yunho splattering pieces of noodles while talking

-Yes – answered Jaejoong calmed, cleaning the dirt with a napkin

-Why?

-Because they don’t understand me

-Ah?!

-I ... I ... - Jaejoong was in the edge of cry. Yunho was surely going to condemn his behavior, as most adults. All adults used to reproach his actions when he told them what he did. And Yunho seemed to be older. He didn’t like to listen to advices. His eyes filled with tears thinking of the words that were to come

He wasn’t sorry for himself. He was sorry for what he had done to others. He never wanted to make his mother cry. He never wanted his noonas to worry about him. He never wanted his dad to suffered, especially now that he had a weak heart. They had done so much for him that was not a fair pay back.

Jaejoong understood that in the eyes of any stranger he was a bad kid. He was playing the cocky, misunderstood and typical child. But he couldn’t make them understand. His mom always ignored his pleas to leave the school. His dad always made plans for his future and talks on about what he expected from him. His sisters always spoke of him as the head of household; the successor...

And Jaejoong just wanted to be an artist.

The school wasn’t for him. The classes were boring, the people abusive, the male teachers, stalkers and the female teachers were dirty old women. When he finally thought he had found a light in hell when he start dating his first girlfriend, all finished in the ravine again. She cheated on him with one of the thugs from a close school, resulting in Jaejoong having a particular hatred for all women; and a fragile self-esteem.

-I’m sure they miss you, you can come back when you're ready - Yunho said

Jaejoong didn’t quite understand what had just happened.

Yunho had placed his hand on his head, patting his hair, as if he understood the situation in which he found himself. He hadn’t tried, nor had given advice. He had assumed that Jaejoong made the right decision. And immediately, without anything else distracting him, Yunho returned to his noodles.

For some reason this reassured that Jaejoong. A person who could understand you without words was always his greatest wish, that after seeing the magic with which their parents were driving their marriage.

-They mentioned something about an audition .. - Jaejoong continued, changing the subject

-Ah! Yes... SM auditions

-SM Entertainment?

-Yes. Do you know it?

-Aren’t they the producers of H.O.T?!

-The same

-And they’re auditioning? Here? - Jaejoong forgot about his noodles and continued his interrogation

-Well, not just here but in Seoul. My friends and I have gotten to a dance studio to prepare ourselves... do you want to be an idol?

-Are you kidding? That's why I came here!

-Ohhhh ... why don’t you come to the audition with us? It will be next year

-Really?

-What can you do?! What is your talent? Do you dance? Do you sing? Do you act?  Model?

-....

'That's new. Modeling'

Jaejoong was not sure if it was a compliment or not. Until then he had always considered his face a double-edged sword. It was useful for some things, like getting favors. But if he wanted to be the next Kangta, he had to have appeal for women, and seeing how his last girlfriend had treated him, he wasn’t sure if he had that.

Jaejoong imagined that if women were to fantasize with a singer in their dreams, they should do it with someone very manly. Someone like that Yunho who was sit in front of him. There was no doubt that many women will fall at his feet if he decided to become a singer.

He didn’t consider singing one of his strengths, but he liked. He had practiced a lot in those free classes which were given by the church near his home, but wasn’t sure if it was enough. Even the first time he appeared, was told he was totally deaf by his inability to distinguish the notes in the same song. That saddened him so he didn’t go to school for two weeks.

The few friends he had had, went to see him at his home three times and when he told them what had happened, they laughed. So taking that into consideration, maybe singing was not something he should tell Yunho if he displayed as a future star.

Did he dance? Jaejoong couldn’t remember if he could put both feet correctly on the ground when a song sounded. The only times he danced with music was with his mother. As she cleaned the house or cooking, Jaejoong the radio and he danced to the sound of the old tunes with his mom. Just to see her laugh.

Did he act? Once he had participated in a workshop when he was 8 years. He made as a tree. Dis that count?

-Ehhhh... I model? – answered Jaejoong unsure, tempting only the last option

-Really? Ahhh, I imagine...

-Huh?!

-Well, you're small and you have a pretty face so it was logical...

-....

Jaejoong blushed. Yunho had said he was pretty!? Pretty?! PRETTY? LIKE P.R.E.T.T.Y???

He wasn’t pretty, damn it! He was manly! If they wanted to say, he was handsome but not pretty. Handsome! That he liked. Why someone would call him 'pretty face'? Suddenly the opening phrase every one said when he went to a bar came to his mind.

"Hey beautiful, do you want me to buy you a drink?"

OK. Maybe he did have a pretty face. But it wasn’t necessary to tell him so all the time. He didn’t want to be 'pretty'.

Then why are you blushing? Why don’t you telling to don’t say that?

Because maybe I don’t care when he says it.

Yunho saw Jaejoong's silence as discomfort and changed the subject. He had already finished his plate, so he took his water glass, signaling the lady to fill it.

-It doesn’t really matter. They will train you...

-They?

-SM

-Oh ... well, I like to sing...

-You have a very soft voice; you must have a beautiful voice

-I don’t know, to be honest... I haven’t sung for anyone

-Would you like to sing for me?

-What?!

Yunho realized that it must have sounded bad and tried to fix it.

-To practice hahaha... you can sing and I listen. If you’re ok, of course.

-I'm not sure

Jaejoong continued listen to Yunho as he spoke of his training in those last months. He told him about his family. The word 'Dad' was repeated again and again, occasionally replacing it with 'Mom' or 'my sister'. Definitely a child of his home. After talking about his family he mentioned the dance classes and how they gave him a small part in a musical show, and that's why he changed his hairstyle.

Indeed Jaejoong thought he looked pretty cool with hairstyle and clothes. But these thoughts he put them away.

While Yunho went on and on, talking, Jaejoong was more and more immersed in his voice.

Maybe it was because he was his savior, or because he was the first voice that sooth him after one of the scariest moments of his life. He didn’t know why but Jaejoong was simply fascinated. He listened intently as he hadn’t done it in time. He wondered all the names Yunho was mentioning 'Who is he?' 'How did you meet him?' 'Where do you know him?' and 'Now where is him? Jaejoong knew more about Yunho in the hour he had sat there, than any of his classmates.

Jaejoong finally realized the hour, and thought it was time to go home. The next day he had to go to work early.

-Do you want me to walk you home? - asked Yunho quickly

Perhaps he saw him vulnerable. Perhaps he didn’t know where to look once those piercing eyes were staring at him.

Maybe I just wanted to meet you and I did unconsciously. Maybe my soul heard you in the distance. Maybe I wanted to be good, so I saved you. Maybe only my heart was open to hear your voice. Maybe God put us in the same way for something. Maybe... it’s destiny.

-Um - Jaejoong nodded, the same thoughts running through his mind.

***

-So, do you live alone here?

Yunho walked Jaejoong back to his house in the last half hour. After they finished eating, Yunho parted from his friends and walked in the opposite direction to the restaurant following Jaejoong. Jae felt uncomfortable at the beginning by the look Yunho's friends gave him, but gradually the feeling dissipated as he was more immersed in the conversation with his new friend.

When they finally arrived at the complex where Jaejoong lived, Yunho couldn’t help looking to look around, concerned. Fortunately Jaejoong lived on the first floor which allowed him a quick escape if there was a dangerous situation. However Yunho still felt restless.

-Yes, I started to live here recently

-Aren't you afraid? The neighborhood is not that...

Jaejoong shivered under Yunho’s gaze, embarrassed because he couldn’t deny it. The apartment he had rented was, according to his possibilities, the best option but definitively not the safer. Fortunately nothing bad had happened on the way back home, but he always feared he could be robbed. "Except for the little problem of a few hours ago"

-I'll be fine, I can take care of myself... today was a slip...

-No, I didn’t mean to say a bad thing of your home; I imagine it’s what you could get...

-Actually I don’t like it either but is what I can pay

-Sure... – answered Yunho feeling like the color on his cheeks spread over his face because of his impertinence

-It’s not even final I'll stay here, I was thinking about going home in the future to get some clothes, I have nothing yet...

-Sure! Your parents will be happy to see you...

-I hope so

-You think they won’t?

-I think they would be annoyed

-My dad says that a father can never be upset with his child forever. Eventually, they’ll forgive you

-I hope so

-You’ll see. When you come back they’ll receive you with open arms

-Sure...

-Sure...

-Then...

-Well then ~~ - Yunho was about to say goodbye when he saw Jaejoong bouncing back and forth looking for, perhaps, a way to end the conversation.

Jaejoong on the other hand, was in a whirlwind of emotions thinking what else to ask to make Yunho stay longer. Suddenly, and without thinking in the possibilities, he blurted

-Do you want to come in?

-Ah? - Yunho was caught by surprise, giving him no time to react properly.

Jaejoong on the other hand was about to pull his hair in despair.

Did I say that? Maybe I should have waited to know him more. What kind of person invites a stranger into his home the same day he meet him? Or is it just a rule for women? The two were men so it shouldn’t be bad, weren’t?

Jaejoong remembered how his mom always taught her sisters to be very careful with men they knew. Taught them to respect themselves and always be a model of dignified woman, letting the man court them as they deserved.

Jaejoong thought he should treat women in the same way. And him? It wasn’t expected to be treated like that? Respect was indifferent to gender.

-Maybe next time, it seems you're tired... I don’t want to bother

Yunho tried to sound as polite as possible. He was dying to get inside his new friend’s house because that would mean more hours talking, but he didn’t want to be invasive. Somehow, the heart told him they were going to meet more than they thought.

-Oh, yes ... Maybe is not a good idea... In fact, now that I think about it, I have nothing to offer...- replied nervous Jaejoong

-Don’t worry about it, I really think you're tired, don’t wanna interrupt you... After the persecution and all that ... you might want to rest

-Sure ... - Jaejoong then opened wide the door of his apartment and held it to say goodbye.

He raised his hand to shake Yunho’s.

-Well, thanks Yunho. You really saved me today. I don’t think I could ever repay you... Really, thank you. Thank you very much.

Yunho took the offered hand and shake it. There was that feeling again. There were the sparks going through his body, his lips trembling, and lacks of breath. Suddenly he was shivering like it happened when they were in that dark alley.

Was it the softness of his hands? No. Was his sad eyes? No. His voice? His hair? Or his scent? His... Sensuality? How could he think that Jaejoong was sensual? It was almost a child! How old  would he be?

And before he could stop his tongue, he said:

-Can I come tomorrow?

-Huh?

Yunho started to think. There was still time to give an excuse. Just he didn’t want to give any.

-Tomorrow, can I come to see you?

-Oh....

What do I say? Should I say I won’t be here tomorrow? Or that I would come back late? Should I say that I don’t think is necessary? Should I ask for his number? Or his mail? Or...

-Um, of course - Jaejoong answered, his lips speaking by themselves, without even he realized.

"Damn!"

-Great - Yunho replied grinning from ear to ear - Maybe I can help with the lock on your house, you know... I have some tools in the house of my friends. We could put some traps and locks. They will help you feel secure...

-Do you know how to do that?

-Well, I installed the lock in my girlfriend’s house...

"GIRLFRIEND?!"

-Oh! I see...

"But of course he has a girlfriend, Kim Jaejoong!"

"Why are you looking at me like that?

"But what did you expect? What the did you expect?"

"What else could I say so we can talk one more time? Please let us talk one more time; I have to find out what is this…feeling"

-Yes, and so far nobody had assaulted her hahaha - Yunho laughed trying to maintain a comfortable environment. His efforts; however, were in vain.

-Um - Jaejoong nodded again

-I think it’s enough with two bolts at the top and a latch on the door. A magic eye so you can see before opening the door too...

-Um ...

Yunho saw his friend looked down and seemed to have lost the enthusiasm from a few seconds ago. It might be better to say goodbye now.

-Well, I see you tomorrow then?

-I don’t know what time I’ll come back home, Yunho - Jaejoong apologized- Maybe is not a good idea...

"Yes, it's not a good idea ... what was I thinking?"

-I'll wait; I'll come around 8... Like today. We can get something to eat and then I’ll install what you need...

-I don’t know how late I will work tomorrow, so ...

-Come on Jaejoong! Let me visit you... - begged Yunho

-Maybe you have things to do, Yunho, I don’t want to interrupt your dates or...

-I promise you'll be happy to see me again...

"Of course I will be happy; I don’t even want you to leave now"

"Say yes and I promise to not mention her again"

"But isn’t this wrong? Shouldn’t he spend time with his girlfriend"

"Let me see you again so I can find out what is this feeling"

-Besides, I kind of like you... I want to see you again - Yunho said achieving what he expected.

Jaejoong blushed again, opening his eyes wide.

Finally he nodded, agreeing to see him a second time.

***

Yunho: Where have you been little angel?

Jaejoong: What the hell happened to me?

Yunho: Was he really a man? Why is my heart beating so fast for a man?

Jaejoong:  Why I hold his hand after he helped me to stand up?

Yunho: Why did I grab his hand? What the hell! I didn’t even hold my girlfriend’s hand on our first date

Jaejoong:  He said he had a girlfriend...

Yunho: I said I had a girlfriend, shouldn’t I? Should I mention her again?

Jaejoong: But what am I thinking? ... Stupid! What do you care if he has a girlfriend?!

Yunho:  So what if I said I have a girlfriend? It’s not that I wanted something with him

Jaejoong: Why did I feel sad when he mentioned her...?

Yunho: He did look sad when I mention her. Did I imagine it?

Jaejoong: He said he would come tomorrow, I wonder if he'll come for sure

Yunho: I said I would go, maybe I shouldn’t... but...

Jaejoong: I want to see him…

Yunho: I want to see him...

Jaejoong: His eyes, his smile ... what the hell happened to me?

Yunho: His eyes, his lips, his nose, his skin ... what is wrong with this guy?!

Jaejoong: He looked like a bad guy but turned to be gentle

Yunho: I wonder if he was scared with my look

Jaejoong: I want to see you; you would come tomorrow, right?

Yunho: Why does my heart beats so hard thinking I'll see him tomorrow?

Jaejoong: My heart, God... I can’t stop it from beating like crazy

Yunho: What is this?

Jaejoong: No, it can’t be ...

Yunho: Could it be?

Jaejoong: For a boy?

Yunho: Maybe...

Jaejoong:  It is...

Yunho: Love?

Jaejoong: Love?

Yunho/ Jaejoong: at first sight...

***

It burned. His face burned. Rather than burn, it was on fire. His face was on fire. The hand that had slapped him was still in the air, anxious and don’t knowing where to go. Jaejoong had lost the sense of direction for few seconds and his eyes were filled with tears, ready to come out at any moment. Partly by shame, partly because of the pain.

But neither the pain nor his burning cheek could be compared with his heavy heart at that moment. He didn’t want to see her cry like that, nor yell or lose her composure as a moment ago when she knocked on his door. For the first time in weeks, he saw her right through his watery eyes and all he could see was his mother had lost weight. Her always red cheeks were now pale and she had big grooves on each side of her face, made by her tears.

Mama Kim had arrived first thing in the morning, as soon as she find out where his youngest son was living. The son who had run away from home to pursue his dream. She had taken the first bus that came from his village and spent an hour asking over 20 people the correct way to Jaejoong’s neighborhood. As she was walking, she begged God to find her son alive. With each step she gradually realized the hell his beloved Jaejoong had come to lived.

She had knocked with all his might the door of Jaejoong’s apartment once the concierge confirmed his location. Jaejoong had run to open and was surprised to see his mother. His mother's words were stuck in . Mama Kim took him by the arm to deal with their problems away from the ears of the gossips; and once inside she released him, turned around and gave him a slap.

Maybe the slap hurt her more than his son. She had always heard that parents were more hurt when they punish their kids, and that day she proves it. Never in her life had she hit one of her daughters. Jaejoong was no exception. She had loved him so much since her husband brought him home that he was the light of her eyes. More even than any of his sisters. Mom’s little boy. The man of the family. The most beautiful child she could ask to the heavens... and today she had hit.

Mama Kim couldn’t stop herself, though. How he dare to make her feel that way? Didn’t he know how much she loved him? Didn’t he know how much she had suffered for him? Did he have any idea what she had gone through to find him? Did he know how sick his father was, not knowing where his son was?

-O... o... omma... - Jaejoong whispered.  Sobbing.

Jaejoong's hand went to his cheek, but before it made it too far, the same hand that had hit him, hold him and pushed him toward the small woman’s body. And Jaejoong felt a bucket of cold water. He felt his temperature back to normal, like someone just turn on the air conditioning. His mother cooled him off.

Mama Kim hugged him.

She hugged him so hard that Jaejoong thought his ribs would break. Short of breath and for a moment he didn’t know whether to embrace her too or left himself die in the arms of the only woman in his life.

-My little baby... oh my God, my baby.... my baby… Oh, my beautiful son… I’m sorry… - cried mama Kim inconsolably

-Omma - Jaejoong cried too, unable to hold it anymore

And they both wept in each other's arms.

Broken hearts, soulmates, connected minds.

Before Jaejoong knew was adopted, he knew he would never call ‘Mom’ to anyone than that woman. He never suspected she wasn’t his blood. For him, his mother would always be Mama Kim. Because only a true mother would be able to impersonate hell to heaven, in seconds; with a single embrace.

-I'm so sorry, mom... I’m so, so, so sorry… - Jaejoong repeated hugging her tightly

***

-Where are you going boy? - ask the concierge leaving his office.

The man wiped his bald, looking at the figure that had been running in front of his door.

-I'm looking for someone - Yunho replied, pointing to the department on the first floor

-Are you looking to that guy?

-Yes

-He left in the morning

-HE LEFT?

-Yes, his mother came and took him... they even paid for the month in advance

Yunho was silent. He had in one hand a bag with beer bottles and in the other, a toolbox.

"He left"

-Did he say where he was going? Do you know if he will come back?

-To be honest I have no idea, but they didn’t look like they would come back...

-No?

-His mother was very clear saying if her child came back I should get in touch with her right away

-Oh…

-Wait, what's your name?

-Jung Yunho- said the young guy with hope

-Ah! He left something for you... wait...

When the man returned he had an envelope in his hands. He handed it and Yunho gave him the thanks and shared his beer bottles with the man. He wouldn’t drink it anyway. He didn’t like beer but it was the only thing he saw Jaejoong had drink in the restaurant the day before.

Somehow received the letter filled him with happiness. He thought maybe he would find an address, a phone or any contact information.

But the letter was only compound sentences. A letter full of feeling, but also hope.