Chapter 15

 

It was December and the weather was colder than usual, however, some shops and school itself was starting to get decorated more and more everyday. Right now, Jaejoong was training Yeonseok as he ordered his roommate to run track three times, "Okay, come on, shorty. You only have five seconds left and stop."

 

Yuri managed to cross the finish line and threw herself onto the floor as she laid on her back, panting. Jaejoong walked over to his friend and smile, "You did it just on time shorty, now you need to..."

 

Putting her up finger into the air, Yuri signal for a minute, "Please let me relax for just a minute? Phew."

 

Jaejoong laughed and sat down next to him, "Alright, take all the time you need."

 

Yuri raised an eyebrow and sat up before placing her hand on his forehead. Jaejoong was taken aback by this but smirked and tapped his hand away, "What are you doing, shorty?"

 

Yuri blinked once, twice before asking, "Do you have a fever? You just allowed me to take a break. Are you feeling okay?"

 

Jaejoong rolled his eyes as he smiled gently, "Yeah, just happy."

 

"Oh? Why is that?" Yuri asked, smiling back.

 

Jaejoong smiled as he looked down, "Well, I'm meeting Yul on Saturday and we have been kinda getting closer." Jaejoong said, scratching the back of his head a little, embarrassed by showing his soft side.

 

Yuri blushed, knowing that he wasn't looking. It was true that Jaejoong and her had gotten much closer. They saw each other practically every weekend now and they started to spend more time with each other. They would play basketball every now and then, she even started to go to the dorm while they watched movies, went to the cinema, nice cheap restaurants, the park. Yuri loved every moment of it. She loved it when they hugged, laughed and played in the park, laughed with friends in the restaurants and even cuddled up a few times while watching movies. However, she knew that this was dangerous. Hyoyeon would always tell her to be careful but Yuri couldn't help but say yes to him whenever he invited her to meet up. It was almost instinctual to just get up and meet him as herself and not Yeonseok. Whenever they went to hang out, Jaejoong would always talk about Yeonseok, always said things like he was a type of friend he never had, that if it wasn't for him, he wouldn't have had the courage to talk to her. Yuri silently cried, scared of the outcome that was going to come from this, yet willing to enjoy every moment she could. She didn't want to carry this on for so long but it seemed that every time he asked her to meet, she just couldn't say no.

 

"Oh, well, that's good. It's nice that your friends with her." Yuri said, smiling. However, when she didn't get a responses, she turned her head to find Jaejoong blushing as he looked down at the ground, "What's wrong?" Yuri asked, confused.

 

Jaejoong smiled as he turned to her and said, "Nothing." Yuri just nodded and saw him stand up before giving her a hand. Smiling, Yuri accepted the gesture. Soon, both started to walk off towards the dorms to get ready for PE.

 

"Okay boys. Do eighty pushups, no exceptions. Let's go."

 

Yuri bent down and up at least thirty times without groaning and getting tired. She smiled as she turned her head to look at Jaejoong who was already finished. He winked at her as he gave her a thumbs up. Smiling even more, Yuri carried on. It was amazing how a little practice every morning, some muscle work in the gym and some good rest and a lot of water could build up her muscles in her biceps and ankle. Yuri continued to smiled as she bent down then up and saw her arms flex and smirked. She was doing it. She was finally able to do it. She was finally able to do something and not fail. She was on fifty-eight as she kept getting slower and slower but for once, she didn't fall on her chest, panting for breath and for once, she didn't cry out from bruises and muscle pain. She was happy and as she turned to see Yunho, she smirked, 'I'm weak? Your nothing but a bastard! I will show you who's weak and my revenge isn't over yet.'

 

Yuri finished her eighty pushups and when she looked up, she saw the teacher there, smiling down at her before outstretching his hand. Yuri took it and was confused. Then he spoke, "Your getting better and better each week. You signing up for track?"

 

Yuri looked down for a moment. Should she? Maybe running is a good source of exercise, right? "I will think about it." The teacher smiled back and nodded before turning back around.

 

"Okay boys. Time for some basketball. Since the weather is pretty chilly, we will break teams using coloured vests instead. So, everyone on the right will be red and everyone on the left will be blue. Get moving."

 

Jaejoong grabbed Yuri's hand unexpectedly and instructed her to follow him. Yuri did and couldn't wait till she was Yuri again, in order to do this, 'His hand is so warm, so soft, so...' "Hey Yeonseok, ready?"

 

Yuri snapped out of her daydream and simply looked away with a blush, "Y...Yeah."

 

Jaejoong was a little worried. Ever since he had met Yuri, Yeonseok had started to be...well, distant so to speak. He would always look away every now and then and he would be daydreaming everyday. However, Jaejoong didn't ask why. Soon, the small game started with Jaejoong in the centre and Yunho on the opposite side of him, "So, I see you have been seeing someone during the weekend, eh?" Yunho , smirking.

 

"What makes you say that?" Jaejoong asked, chuckling.

 

"Because I hardly see you on the weekends now. So, who's the lucky girl?" Yunho said smiling, wiggling his eyebrows.

 

The whistle blew and the teacher threw the ball into the air. Both, Jaejoong and Yunho jumped up for the ball but Jaejoong managed to smack it hard, causing it to fall onto poor Yuri's section. Yuri had the ball and dribbled it, trying to find someone to throw it to, however, she was too slow as Yunho ran past her and snatched the ball from her. Cursing quietly, Yuri stayed in her section as she saw Jaejoong run towards the hoop where Yunho was about to score and when she saw Yunho jump up, Jaejoong as fast as lightening, jumped even higher and grabbed the ball before throwing it far on the other side. Hyukjuae had the ball this time and dribbled it easily and quick before seeing Yeonseok who was the closest to their hoop and threw it over to once again, poor Yeonseok. However, Yeonseok wouldn't back down. She wouldn't be so easily defeated as beforehand and with as much strength as she could, she jumped up high and to her shocked, she caught the ball and started to dribble the ball as she ran towards the hoop, surrounded by many people, tall people. Closing her eyes, she threw it as high as she could to the hoop. However, she saw the ball roll around the hoop and as it was about to fall off and miss its target, players from the other team ready to grab it, she saw something run past her and smiled as Jaejoong saved the ball and with his super speed and high jump, he dunked the ball, scoring red a point. Yuri smiled and ran up to him, "Nice work, Mr. arrogant."

 

Jaejoong smirked and ruffled her hair. Yuri melted as she saw his y lips tilted in an awfully provocative style, "Good work yourself, shorty."

 

The teacher blew the whistle and the game had come to a stop, "Okay guys, everybody grab some water and then I want you all to jog around to brush off the tension then hit the showers."

 

Yuri groaned when she heard the word 'Shower'. She used to always welcome showers and now, she hated it because she could never enjoy one other than during the weekends. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see a smiling Jaejoong, "Come on shorty, stop daydreaming."

 

Yuri blushed a little at being caught and walked over to the bleachers where she hung out with Yunho and Hyukjae. Hyukjae was drinking his water before talking, "So, first match for the championship is this Saturday and the whole school will see it. Think we are ready?" Hyukjae asked, smirking.

 

"More than ready Eunhyuk." Jaejoong said, laughing.

 

"Of course, man." Yunho said, grinning.

 

Yuri saw them shake hands and felt a pang of guilt overwhelm her heart. She didn't know why though. Was it because she felt bad about her living a double life? Jaejoong was so good to her and treated her with respect and honour and for god sake, he was even a sweetheart to her male visage. Yet, she went and practically confused his life. Sighing, she then heard the bell ring for the showers. She quickly found an excuses and showered in the dorms, thinking about how her life was at that very moment.

 

Soon, it was the end of the day and Yuri was getting ready as she was about to head to the dorms. She had hardly seen Jaejoong as he was busy running and preparing for the basketball match on Saturday. She then felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped a little as she turned and smiled sadly at the face, hoping it was Jaejoong but no luck, "Hey Ki Oppa." Yuri said glumly.

 

Kibum smiled back but then frowned, "Yul, what's wrong?" He asked, cupping one of her cheeks gently and then walking with her towards a bench to sit down on. Sighing, Yuri fiddled with her fingers, "Oppa, am I a bad person?"

 

"No, why would you say that?" Kibum asked, confused at the question.

 

"Because I thought." Yuri said, sighing "God damnit, I thought I could live a double life and after this morning, after the fight and the blood and the words and..."

 

Kibum shushed her as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "Calm down Yul, just relax and tell me slowly what's wrong."

 

Sighing again, Yuri calmly told Kibum all about that morning, making him smiled a little as he leaned forward, seeing Yuri with both hands supporting her head as she leaned into them, "You know, my mom told me about how my great great great etc,. grandmother invented a remedy for a broken heart and star crossed love. It was called the recipe of matches. She would always tell me, that in us, we have the ability to light a match out of a box that was engraved within our hearts whenever we found passion or love or happiness. Our body created enough oxygen to light up every match whenever the person felt longing and desire. However, when some people find a person they loved and cared for, for over years and thought that no matter what happened, that person was to be their life mate, they would take it to the extreme as the amount of passion they felt, would light up every match in the box quickly and we eventually get blinded by such passion and such desire that we don't see past that. You are so enamoured with your fantasy of what you wish was real and what you believe is, rather than thinking realistically beyond. Eventually, all the matches die down and turn damp from the quick uses before lighting out and fading away, breaking the person in two but if you slowly light up a match one at a time, you would see through rather than pass all the difficulties and obstacles that would come your way by the decision you make. You would fight for that love and when you do have it, you have no unsuspecting surprises and no guilt, you would have no problems because you had that person's single match bond with yours, creating a love so pure and strong that can overcome anything and only when you slowly take time into lighting every match, will you truly feel happiness."

 

Yuri looked down at the ground, listening to the beautiful story Kibum had just told her. Yuri then turned to him slowly, "So, you think that maybe I lit up all my matches to fast with Yunho?"

 

"I know you did Yul, but it's not your fault. No matter if you lit up all of those matches, no matter if they are damp, doesn't rain dry away eventually because of the sun? I believe that if you find that person that could cure and dry away all those tears and sadness that are ruining those matches inside of you, then you will truly be happy."

 

"What should I do then?"

 

"You have to figure that out on your own Yul." Kibum said, smiling gently and wrapped an arm around her before gently rubbing her shoulder with his thumb, "Think about it." Kibum added softly, before leaning and bumping his forehead with hers quickly then bounded off to his dorm room, his bag on his shoulder.

 

Yuri couldn't help but smile. She knew he was right. She knew that she had to rekindle those damp matches inside of her and knew that she might have to do the same to Jaejoong.

 

Once Yuri got to the dorm, she saw Jaejoong laying on his bunk, asleep. Smiling gently, Yuri put her bag down on her bed before slowly walking up the stairs of the two beds and saw him face up with one arm on his chest and the other behind his head, his head tilted to one side a little, causing his fringe to no doubt tickle his eyelashes. Yuri smiled and walked a little further up so she could get a closer look. She saw how peaceful his face seemed to be when he was away from all the commotion and all the stress. He looked so innocent, so young and free and wild. The man that only showed himself around Yuri and her male visage. Slowly, however, she saw him turn his head, most likely sensing a presence nearby. Slowly, Jaejoong opened his eyes and saw Yeonseok in front of him. He sighed and sat up slowly, "Hey, your back."

 

Yuri smiled and nodded as she climbed up a bit more before sitting and letting her legs dangle over the edge, her eyes looking at his tired, y glistening ones, "Yeah. Sorry, I thought you were getting ready for your basketball practice?"

 

"Yeah, but I decided to rest before I went. Hey shorty, can I ask you a question?"

 

Yuri nodded and smiled, "Yeah, sure."

 

"Do you think I should ask Yul to come and see me this Saturday?" Jaejoong asked, blushing a little.

 

Yuri was startled. What? She hadn't planned this far. How was she and the Yeonseok person meant to be there on the same day? Yuri was stuttering for a moment before knowing that she had to say something and quick, "Uh...Well...uh, I...I don't...S...Sure, go ahead." ', what have I done?!'

 

"I will ask her to come over then but how should I say it? I don't want to sound as if I'm begging, you know?" "Yeah, I do." Yuri said, smiling "Um...j...just say something on the lines of 'Hey, you remember I told you I played basketball' and then just invite her from there." Yuri said, as she walked down the ladder.

 

Jaejoong nodded and jumped down, smiling as he ruffled her hair while grabbing her in a head lock, "Your the best shorty, you know that." Jaejoong said.

 

Yuri blushed and when he let her go, she saw him get ready for his basketball practice for the big event on Saturday, 'Oh boy, I need to talk to Hyo.'

 

It was finally Saturday and Yuri was freaking out as she had received the message from Jaejoong and she had obviously said yes, wanting the real her to also be supportive. However, she was practically biting her nails of right now as she was scared and lost about what to do.

 

"Look Yul, just relaxed. Everything will be alright, okay? We just need to come up with some sort of strategy." Hyoyeon said.

 

"Yeah Yul, just relax." Heechul also said, sitting with his legs crossed on the chair by the desk.

 

"You don't understand guys! I need to be Yeonseok but I also need to be Yuri! What am I going to do?! I can't just swap genders whenever I feel like it! Plus, there is a massive crowd and the whole school Hyo! How can I camouflage in that?! And what if he wants to see both, Yuri and Yeonseok next to each other to meet or something?! Then I'm screwed!" Yuri cried out.

 

"Hey Yuri, why all the yelling?" Xiumin asked, walking into the room.

 

"Yul's stuck on how to change during the basketball match this afternoon." Hyoyeon said, rolling her eyes.

 

Xiumin sighed but then his eyes twinkled, "I have an idea. Heechul, think you can help me with it? You too, Hyoyeon."

 

Yuri was confused, yet a little hopeful that unfortunately, her younger brother by a good couple of years had managed to come up with a plan. Man, intelligence doesn't change by age.

 

Seeing Hyoyeon and Heechul smiled, Xiumin nodded, "Okay Hyoyeon, I need you to be in charge of picking out Yuri's normal clothes and Heechul, you pack her male clothes. We need to make sure that the clothes are easy to change from in at least a minute or three, maximum."

 

Yuri was confused as were the others but they got up and prepared the items. Hyoyeon came out with a grey linen-blend boyfriend tank top, flaming tulip jersey circle skirt and black nine west jumbalia platform wedge sandals. While Heechul came out with a pair of light wash low loose-fit jeans, a bright white slub-knit pocket tee shirt and a green trademark zip-front hoodie.

 

"Nice Hyoyeon." Xiumin said, smiling "Why choose a skirt?"

 

"Well, you did say something she could change quickly out of. Skirt are so easy. You can put pants underneath and take off the skirt or you can simply tuck the skirt into the pants automatically changing, much more shorter time."

 

Xiumin nodded but then added, "Hyoyeon, grab a pair of converses."

 

"What? But you don't wear converses with skirts."

 

"Hyoyeon, trust me on this." Xiumin said, groaning.

 

"Alright alright." Hyoyeon said, growling.

 

Yuri was even more confused now.

 

Xiumin then inspected Heechul's clothes and gave a thumbs up. Soon, Hyoyeon came back with a pair of black canvas sneakers then spoke, "Okay, what is this plan of yours Xiumin? Tell us now before Yul has a panic attack." Yuri groaned and hit her head on her pillow as she flopped down on her bed, not caring.

 

"Basically, the only thing Yuri can do is to change at least every ten minutes or so, from a boy to a girl. There is a half hour game on the first half then there is a ten minute break before starting the next half which will also be half an hour then if it is a draw, they will do penalty shooting to see who can win. Yuri has to change at least three times throughout that so every ten minutes, she would change from a boy to a girl. It has to be ten minutes because Jaejoong has really good reflexes, he could easily remember where Yuri was standing and where she is. He will look for both, Yeonseok and Yuri no doubt in order to gain some encouragement. You, Yuri, need to be able to change at least in five minutes. I will be there to help you. I will be at the back of the bleachers and guarding the changing rooms. No one goes into the changing room throughout the whole game, meaning that you can easily put on your jeans and tuck in your skirt as Hyoyeon suggested then I will stand guard to make sure nothing wrong happens and Hyoyeon and Heechul could entertain Jaejoong for a bit when you get changed." Everyone looked at one another then to the teenage boy in front of them. They all had their mouths wide open and were shell shocked at the idea. It was so simple and the only thing they could possibly do.

 

Yuri ran up to her adopted brother and embraced the living daylights out of him, "Thank you Xiumin, thank you, thank you, thank you."

 

"Anytime Yuri." Xiumin said, smiling and patted her back, "Now, let's get going. It's three already and the game starts at five so we need to be there early to cheer them on. Yuri, you will go as Yeonseok for now. Hyoyeon, Heechul and I will be wandering around until the game starts then you say good luck quickly, come back and get changed and instantly, Jaejoong will think you have arrived on time. So, it's a busy night but for everything you have done for me, it's the least I can do."

 

Yuri felt like crying while Hyoyeon and Heechul both awwed. Xiumin wrinkled his nose at the cheesiness of it all, "Okay, let's get to work."

 

Yuri was soon ready as Heechul helped with all the preparations. Soon, they all jumped into Heechul's car, their parents at work, knowing that they were going to the match. Yuri was nervous since tonight was going to be very hard but she had to. She had to do this for Jaejoong. She knew it made him happy and if it made him happy, she had do it gladly.

 

They were soon at the school and you could already see swarms of people hanging around in the entrance of the gym. Everybody from SM high and Sangin high, the first school the seaside were up against. There were cheerleaders from the school as it was a mix. All the car parks were full so Heechul had to park a street down from the school. Once he found a parking space, they all got out and Yuri, who embraced everyone, started running towards Jaejoong. He needed her and she would be there as Yeonseok and Yuri. She didn't care. She knew that he wanted to see her before the game started. She squeezed past the crowd, however, she kept getting thrown onto the floor. Then she turned her head and found the long way which was around the school. Groaning, she ran around the whole school before entering through the back entrance and was amazed to see so many people here to, however, it wasn't as crowded. Crawling in between people, she finally managed to enter. She then quickly ran towards the changing room. God, she sincerely hoped that they were all changed. She walked in with her eyes closed and when she opened them, she was thankful that they were all dressed and ready, all laughing and joking around.

 

She spotted Jaejoong with Yunho and Hyukjae and smiled as she ran towards him. She thought he looked amazing in their full red and white uniform. He had the sleeveless white shirt with the number one on the front. She saw his head whip to see her and she waved as she saw him stand up. He was also wearing red knee-length shorts, "Hey shorty, you made it."

 

Yuri smiled as he grabbed her hand before giving her a manly hug, "Yeah. Damn, there are so many people. I don't remember there being so many."

 

"That's because this year isn't just a trophy we win." Hyukjae said, smiling.

 

"Oh?" Yuri said, confused.

 

"We win a grand tour around Japan, competing around the world and maybe even becoming famous, we had earn good money doing that."

 

Yuri was impressed, yet sad that Jaejoong would have to travel around, meaning she would hardly see him. If she ever did again, "I'm sure we had win. Come on, guys."

 

Jaejoong smiled and ruffled his hair, "Thanks for being here, shorty." Jaejoong said, blushing a little. God, was Yeonseok becoming a really important part of his friendship now. It was almost as if he hoped they could be good friends for years to come and probably, even until they both have their own families. Jaejoong laughed at that notion. He jumped up and hopped on one leg then the other. Soon, the coach came in and shouted, "Okay! Seaside, ready up! The audience are seated and the cheerleaders are about to start! The other team are getting ready so let's win this boys!" Everybody put their fist up into the air, cheering. Yuri did the same and smiled as Jaejoong nudged her playfully. Yuri nudged him back and soon, everyone was starting to leave. This was her cue to meet Xiumin and get changed.

 

Jaejoong was a little worried and Yuri knew why. Putting a hand on his shoulder as they walked out, she said, "Don't worry, she will be here."

 

Smiling a little, Jaejoong nodded before standing in the formation, him leading the team. They were situated right in the corner, ready to run into the court when the cheerleaders on the other team were done. Yuri smiled proudly and quickly ran back to find Xiumin. She ran towards the back of the bleachers and saw Xiumin there. She quickly took off her jeans, revealing the skirt she bunched up. She then took off her hoodie then her shirt to reveal a tank top at the bottom. Yuri took off the wig, allowing her hair to roam wild. She then kissed his cheek as she ran to stand on top of the bleachers.

 

Jaejoong was afraid. What if she didn't come? What if she couldn't make it? However, before he could think anymore, the whistle rang and his eyes turned from worried to determination as the whole gym holding two different schools cheered and booed as they ran out, "Presenting the seasides." The referee said, on the sidelines. He then ran first, leading the rest and once they entered, everybody cheered and screamed. Jaejoong ran around the gym once, putting his arms in the air along with the other players before situating themselves on one side of the gym.

 

Jaejoong turned around and when he did, his eyes scanned the crowd and his frown turned into a grin as he spotted Yuri.

 

Yuri smiled widely as his eyes made contact with hers. She was standing in the middle, making sure Jaejoong could see her and she could see him. She waved happily as she spoke, knowing he could hear, "You can do it Jae Oppa. Be careful okay?"

 

Jaejoong heard her words and blushed but smirked as he nodded and mouthed, "I will." Yuri smiled and blushed. Jaejoong grinned and suddenly, the referee spoke again, "Welcome to SM High, Sangin high." Jaejoong then saw Sangin high basketball players, running into the gym. The next championships were always held in the school of the previous winner so Jaejoong knew this gym like the back of his head. Every slippery part on the floor and every secret of the hoop. He smirked as he saw how skinny they all were, 'Not much competition but I will do this for Yeonseok and Yul.'

 

The referee blew his whistle and soon, Jaejoong walked up to the middle as he saw the tallest one in the bunch walk up. He saw the referee with the ball and the gym suddenly went quiet. The referee spoke out the fouls, "Okay, there isn't allowed to be hitting, pushing, slapping, holding, illegal pic/screen meaning no tripping the other on purposes. You can't walk or travel with the ball, no double dribbling and passes need to be quick, no time consuming and no back court violation. If anyone breaks any of these rules, then the team will have a warning. Three warnings throughout this whole journey and you are disqualified." The referee said, getting ready to throw the ball into the air.

 

Jaejoong looked into the eyes of his opponent and smirked as he was ready to jump. The referee blew the whistle, starting the game.