"of understated importance" [Flashfic]
Junsu..."Kamo-Butt"..."Candy"...there are so many nicknames for him, right? ^^ Well, more like pet-names, really... [ahahaha...] This one was actually the most fun to write. But I guess that's just Junsu's way, huh...?
Off to post these to the communities after I finish this. :')) Ummm, thanks in advance to all readers and commenters who stop by? :DD Other than that...onto the fic!
Title: of understated importance
Fandom: TVXQ
Rating: G
Genre: Gen
Summary: Kim Junsu; Xiah Junsu; "Dolphin," "Monkey," "Candy" -- he had as many nicknames as he did stage ones. He would still look up to the sound of any of them, though. It was like second nature to him now.
[of understated importance]
Kim Junsu; Xiah Junsu; “Dolphin,” “Monkey,” “Candy” - he had as many nicknames as he did stage ones. He would still look up to any of them, though. It was like second nature to him now.
That’s alright. He actually kind of liked pet names. Especially when it was the members making them up.
- Well, sometimes. “Candy” was a little off-putting for a guy.
But as long as there were cheering fans supporting them wherever they went to perform, he was fine with being Xiah Junsu: the lower tenor of the group, the husky yet surprisingly soft-spoken man-child with an unmatched zest for singing and an innocent look that made it easy for his hyung-deul - and Changmin - to tease him.
Because as long as there were red lights glowing in the sea of inky darkness searching for their constellation, he was fine with being “Candy” Kim Junsu: their most recognizable member, the idol with an unparalleled voice, a vital part of Dong Bang Shin Ki.
Because as long as Junho and his parents would cheer him on from afar, he was fine with letting himself be Kim Junsu: their shining star, the earnest son that loves soccer and singing, the boy who became a “charming man.”
But no matter what he was called, he still treasured those rare moments he was just “Junsu.” Just a twenty-two year old (each and every year lived is too precious of him to lose track of) man living in an apartment suite with four others he loved just as much as his family.
The Junsu that Yunho allowed selfish wishes like having Yunho stay awake late into the night talking about philosophy and music, that the leader treated less like his “daughter” and more like the brother he could be honest with above all else, that Junsu respected (Yunho ruffled his hair, gently wrapping Junsu in the folds of his jacket) just a little bit more than the others for his genuine altruism and loved despite his occasionally overbearing fatherly instincts.
The Junsu that Changmin only gave a hard time because he really worried about his hyung, that the youngest treated less like the butt of everyone’s jokes in private and more like a equivalent to a brother separated from him at birth, that Junsu respected (Changmin bumped shoulders with him, smirking as he handed Junsu another piece of toffee) just a little bit more than the others for his honest opinion on his singing and loved despite his condescending airs.
The Junsu that Jaejoong tried his hardest to please with treats and quality time over makeshift karaoke sessions in the living room, that the countertenor treated less like a child and more like an equal if only in spirit, that Junsu respected (Jaejoong displayed an ear-splitting grin as he nudged Junsu’s knee beneath the coffee table) just a little bit more than the others for his startling resourcefulness and loved for all his mulishness.
The Junsu that Yoochun hugged just for the sake of wanting someone warm to cuddle with, that the baritone treated less like a pet - sometimes - and more like the brother he surreptitiously called his favorite, that Junsu respected (Yoochun jostled his side of the piano bench a bit, leaning his head on the younger one’s shoulder) just a little bit more than the others for his receptiveness and loved for all his reclusive tendencies.
And no matter what they were doing or where they were headed - traveling by car, plane, or through the airport terminals (dangerously) on foot - he knew one thing was for certain:
Junsu felt safer with these four people than anyone else he had ever met in his entire life.
Especially in times when he would awake to nightmares, Changmin and Yunho at his side instantly with heavy-eyed but warm reassurances, Jaejoong bringing in milk and Yoochun’s company along for consolation.
Especially in times when they all were at lack of fighting spirit and Junsu would say something completely outlandish just to raise the mood, causing a ruckus purposely to get them to look and listen, reaching out to them in that special Junsu way that usually made Yoochun and Changmin laugh, the eldest two members close to following suite, helping them all forget what they were so depressed about in the first place.
Especially in times when they went up onstage to sing and all the notes, however wavering or off-key, would somehow blend in seamlessly to Junsu’s harmony and he would realize with a swell of pride and satisfaction that this was where he belonged - with these five that he would support emotionally and musically and follow to the ends of the earth to stand beside.
Especially in times they hit a dead end and no one can find their way - because even in the darkness night, Junsu’s unyielding faith shone a light on hope the others may not even realize they had all along - because he knew that, so long as they were together, they could do anything.
Together.
Kim Junsu; Xiah Junsu; “Dolphin,” “Monkey,” “Candy” - he had as many nicknames as he did nicknames. But he was attached to every single one of them. If only for the good memories that came with hearing them.
Even if it was childish, Junsu wanted to hear his members’ voices calling out to him - is only just to know that he was needed just as much as he needed them.
[fin]