We Were Never Once Apart: Chapter 4
Ratings: R
Chapters: 4 / 18 (tentative)
Genre: Angst, Drama, Romance, Lawsuit!verse, Conspiracy Theory
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong, Yoochun/Changmin, BFF!Yunho/Junsu, Jaejoong/Yoochun
Characters: TVXQ, JUNO (Kim Junho, later chapters), Go Ara (later chapters), Kim Taeyeon (later chapters)
Warnings: Crude language
Disclaimers: (1) I do not own the boys, SM.E or anything from them, except for copies of their album. (2) This is merely a work of fiction. There might be some references to what happened, but using 'conspiracy theory' to twist things about. I know the lawsuit is something sensitive, and I am definitely not saying that this fiction is a work of analysis; it is, ultimately, a work of a fan with a mind that thinks a little, too much.
Summary: In an attempt to please their mentor and satisfy their ambitions, Dong Bang Shin Ki took on a route that is filled with misunderstandings, unanswered questions and uncertainties. Then as lies become seemingly true and the truth slowly turns to lies, the boys are trapped in a spidery mess that had them question about love, friendship, brotherhood; about their passion, dreams and promises. And before they knew it, they already split when they weren't; question is, what 'side' are they on?
A/N: This plot is woven into my head when I was reading about various rumours, news articles and readers' comments on the lawsuit, TV2XQ, JYJ and DB5K and I tried to play around with the possibilities of 'what if's.
Oh, it's unbeta-ed too.
>> A/N: In regards to the lawsuit and its correlation with WWNOA
Prologue || oo1 || oo2 || oo3 ||
Chapter 4: Trouble, trouble, trouble
Changmin slowly caress Yoochun's face, chuckling lightly as his boyfriend snored in response. Under the moonlight, Yoochun looked even more beautiful; smooth, white skin, lean muscles, sharp nose, and that sexy prominent collar bones and Adams apple. People call Jaejoong-hyung the pretty one, but to Changmin, Yoochun had always been the beautiful in the group; Jaejoong-hyung makes both male and female go green with envy, but Yoochun's features that make both male and female fall in love with him easily, on top of that innate charming personality.
Yoochun always seemed as if he doesn't really care, but deep down Changmin knew -- and he believed the other members too -- that Yoochun is always the one that worries over every single problem the most. On the surface that seems to be Jaejoong-hyung's job, fawning over the members, but Yoochun does that too in his little -- and sometimes odd and cheesy -- ways.
He hadn't need to ask the elder what his decision is; he long knew that he would leave with Junsu, the fact that Jaejoong is looking for a way out will definitely strengthen his resolve to leave. Yoosu, yoosu, sometimes he hated the affection the fans give to that pairing. It's times like these that makes him wonder the difference in love Yoochun had given to him and Junsu, but he threw that thought away. Shim Changmin is suppose to be calm and rationale and confident; he is the one that Yoochun chose to be with, on top of the fact that Junsu was a homophobe.
He sighed, snuggling closer to his lover, enjoying the warmth the other is providing. How long will this last, Changmin asked himself, and hugged the slim body closer. He'd take all the remaining time left down to the last second, because he couldn't imagine what would happen after that.
---
It was beyond quiet in the small room. Yunho had been staring at the computer screen for the past hour, knowing that he should at least be resting his eyes on that cold empty bed even if he won't be catching any decent sleep. It's not as if he is digesting any japanese words on the screen; he doubt if he would even be able to make any sense if it is in his native language.
Nothing pretty much makes much sense nowadays, Yunho though. It wasn't only later did he really came to understand the reality of that statement.
He switched off the computer, watching as the screen turns dark, but continued sitting in front of the desk. Jaejoong would probably give him a light scolding the next morning when he finds out, because Jaejoong always seem to know what Yunho is doing when the latter tries the hardest not to let his lover know; that's just Jaejoong for him, for them. Speaking of which, his said boyfriend was spending the night with Junsu, worrying about how Junsu will cope. He almost said 'what about me?' then, but shut his mouth at the last minute.
Jaejoong would stay if he asks, but he never asks, and Jaejoong never push him to. The brunette did give him a choice though, standing there for a full ten seconds more, staring straight into his own eyes, as if asking for permission.
It's times like this that makes him feel a tad lonely. Jung Yunho is not that much of a people person as everyone thinks he is. He has many friends, fact, but how many of them actually understand him? He's someone that gets lonely easily; the main reason he has many friends, because no matter how few the number of them that are close with him, he won't feel lonely.
Like now.
If it was raining, he'd probably be composing; at least writing something. But it wasn't, at least not outside his window. Yunho thought of what Yoochun said earlier that day. Jaejoong would never leave him, never leave the name of TVXQ as he had so proudly got them etched across his broad shoulders to remind himself constantly of the responsibilities he bore as a member. He'd give up everything for the group. Freedom. Love. Pride. Himself. Yunho may be the leader, but he never view himself to be as selfless as his other half, no matter what others always say. Hell, even Jaejoong would be laughing at that statement, because according to the world, Jung Yunho is the leader of Dong Bang Shin Ki, the selfless, most loving (and sappy), responsible and respected leader of Dong Bang Shin Ki.
But his heart was aching, as if telling him something is going to happen. Well, something is going to happen. He just hope that the ache would not be a foresight of more unseen circumstances.
---
The next few days were a rush; tour rehearsals were always a rush of adrenaline and blood pressure on them and the staff. Planning the schedule, lining up the performances, last minute practices of solos, more group rehearsals, last minute diet plans and work out in hope of looking good in the DVD to come out months later, costume checks, dress rehearsals, and then, more rehearsals. To the average audience it sounds pretty much like hell, but to a singer, it's a chance that everyone is waiting for.
It was so mentally and physically exhausting that none of them had mentioned anything about their future, nor even think about it. It was just work, work, meal, even more work, then sleep. Even the rare times where they finally have a little time to themselves, there's always a camera shoved in front of their faces. Rest indeed.
Deep down each and every one of them could feel the pressure of time more than ever, and it's not just because it's a country-wide tour. And soon enough, the heightened tension had taken its toll.
---
"Junsu!"
Junsu stiffen at the chorus of his members, rushing to greet him as he was wheeled out, crowding around him.
"Are you alright? You gave me a mini heart-attack back there!"
He looked up, biting back his own sobs at Yoochun's reddened eyes and the other members' obvious concern. Even the maknae showed his worries on his usually stoic or snarky face, reaching out to lend his support by squeezing his shoulders. The simple notion almost had him bursting into tears right then and there, but Junsu held it back, and their Japanese manager walked out of the consultation room right at the moment, distracting the members enough for him to wipe that few stray tears without them noticing.
"He's fine, although a little exhausted. He'd need to rest, and definitely no dancing for the next two weeks."
Junsu was about to protest, but his leader put a cap on it, nodding his head in agreement. "Go home and rest today. Don't even try to talk us out of it."
"I can sing-"
"Rest," Yunho cut him off, finality in his words, "you need it. If you want to return to the stage earlier, then take the doctor's advice. With the painkillers in you and the IV drip you just receive, I'm not allowing you near the hall today. If you insist, you're not coming in tomorrow too."
"Just go home and rest hyung," Changmin cut in, "because frankly, you look like shit. We all do, but you looked the worst. When is the last time you actually slept?"
The raven kept his silence, head bowed. He knew further protest were futile, and allowed himself to be wheeled out by his manager as the rest bid them goodbye, returning to the studio for rehearsals. He couldn't register anything his manager was ranting off, and before he knew it, he was back at the dorm, alone. Sigh, why isn't anything going well for me? Junsu thought, frustrated tears stung his eyes, but as the pain killers set in he felt his body relaxing for once in a long, long while.
---
It didn't feel right. One missing member is like one missing piece of a jigsaw; frustrating was an understatement, to see a void space right beside you. The mic-check was worst because there was one less voice in their supposed flawless harmony. If this is what happens when one of them isn't around, he couldn't even begin to think what would happen when-
"Jaejoong, focus!"
Fuck, Jaejoong muttered under his breath, eyes refocusing themselves to the concert hall. It definitely wasn't a good thing to find a fuming Yunho and a exasperated stage director less than a meter away. What did he missed again?
Yunho apologized, Jaejoong repeating after him, knowing that he's going to get a blast at later. It didn't matter if they are lovers; work is work and leader-sshi never liked anyone that doesn't treat work seriously. Like zoning out in the middle of an important discussion for they probably last tour ever in a long time to come.
"-Joong. Jae! Are you even listening?"
The lead singer double cursed. He looked up, ready to apologize automatically, but stopping himself when he found worry and concern laced with slight exasperation written on Yunho's face. Jaejoong felt like crying then. What was he doing, moping around at such an important time like this? He was suppose to work even harder, for Junsu's sake, but there he is, slowing everyone down and making them worry, as if they hadn't had enough to deal with?
He felt large, warm hands wrapped around his own, squeezing them in comfort. It was Yunho's little way of reassuring him, seeing how he couldn't just grab and kiss him right there and then in front of everyone else. "I'm sorry. You're tired, I'm tired, we all are. We're pretty much done for the day, let's go home." And Jaejoong was never more appreciative when Yunho never once let go.
---
He woke up to a soaked pillow. Was I crying? Junsu sat up, wincing at the slight pain coursing through his leg. Right, he was kind of knocked out after coming back. He spared a glance at the opposite bed, not at all surprised to find it empty. Checking his phone in the dark room, he realised that it was merely eight. They wouldn't be back anytime soon, based on past experiences.
Junsu groaned as his stomach grumbled, and reach over to turn the bedside lamp on. In his current state, he just want to lay in bed, but a grumbling stomach won't stop unless he filled it up with decent food and not plain water, which is the only thing he had in the room. The raven reached out to grab the crutches he vaguely remembered his manager left it, and before he could even lift that ass of his off the bed, his phone rang.
Great timing.
He made a grab at the phone, answering it without looking at the phone ID. "Hello," he huff, leaning back into his squishy pillows.
"Junsu! I've been trying to call you several hours ago-" Junsu pulled the phone away and looked at the screen. This isn't good, how the hell did he manage to misse all those calls and the obvious missed calls icon when he checked the time just moments ago? "Hello, Junsu? Junsu!"
"I'm here, alive, kicking. Why did you call?"
"I don't feel good. I called home, and our parents are fine. So I reckoned it be you. What happened?"
Junsu sighed. He really didn't want to talk about it, but he could never keep something like this long from his dear brother, especially when news like this is bound to spread all over the net. "I just hurt my leg. I'm fine-"
"You what?! What about the concert? Oh my god, what did you try to do?"
"I just, well, fell. It's not a fracture or anything, I'd be dancing in a week's time."
"So you'd be put off for the next half-a-month? Geez, why can't you take better care of yourself? Alright, go rest. I'm reporting it back to mum."
"What? I'm old enough to take care of myself!" Junsu almost yelled, exasperated and embarrassed all at the same time.
"Right. She's worried when I called just now. You know my sixth sense almost never goes wrong."
"Right."Junsu snorted, and hung up before his brother could say bye, just to get back at him for a little. But as he puts the phone down, frustration filled him, replacing the previously felt hunger. Something tells him it's not going to end up well.
---
"What?! Is he fine...alright, alright, I'm calm. Alright, you take care too. Love you."
"So what happened?"
Junsu's mother sighed as she sat down on the sofa beside her husband, "Junsu hurt his leg. He won't be dancing for the first few concerts."
"Junsu hurt himself?" Mr Kim replied, surprised, before a look of anger took over.
Mrs Kim nodded, face laced with worry. "Our Junsu is always meticulous and careful especially during this period of time. I'm really worried for him, getting hurt in some foreign country."
"It must be the company! Pushing Junsu beyond his limits!" Mr Kim barked, throwing his newspapers onto the coffee table.
"...You think, Junsu cracked under pressure?"
"Of course! They must have been pressuring him about his involvement with Cre-beau. Do you know that Jaejoong and Yoochun are withdrawing their investments as well?"
Mrs Kim looked surprised as she stared at her husband, "but I just talked to Mrs Park two days ago on her Cre-beau shop, are you sure?"
Junsu's father turned to look at his wife, digesting the new information. "So, you mean, the boys haven't told their families yet?"
"Well, all I know is that Mrs Park's plans in opening the branch is going underway. I just visited the store location. Who are you calling all of the sudden?"
Mr Kim scrolled down the list of contacts in his phone. "Well then, maybe it is time for a little chat with our co-partners don't you think?"
---
Jaejoong frowned. He did not like the conversation with his sister at all. A yelling noona to end an exhausting day is the last thing he had expected. He didn't have neither the energy nor time to explain anything, and all he could do was just to reassure her that he'd deal with it sooner or later, missing out on the approach to do so in effort not to anger her even more.
"Yoochun!" He whispered harshly as he locked the room to their dorm's work studio, and the said man just looked up with a surprised look, headphones still on his head as he cocked his head to the side. Jaejoong's frown deepen, and took a few strides towards his soul-mate. Yoochun tugged his expensive headphones off before his hyung would yank it out, "Woah, what happened?"
"Did you tell?"
"What? Tell what to whom?"
"So it's Junsu?"
"Hyung, can you please ex-"
"Someone told my noona about investments withdrawing. Now my noonas are all fretting and the last thing I need before the concert is the few of them demanding answers from me!" Jaejoong hissed, and Yoochun sighed, taking in all the additional information.
"Alright, so it seems like someone told them. Do you think Junsu would actually phone your sister? He might have talked to his parents, and that's nothing wrong about it. What are you going to do, confront him? He's not having a good day too, especially today."
The lead singer gaped, and pursed his lips. Yoochun was right; he usually is anyway, calm and rationale just like Changmin, switching out the snark with an added block of cheese. A short rapping on the door interrupted them, and the duo looked up. Yoochun got up to open the door, pushing Jaejoong out into Yunho's arms.
"Hyung, just go rest, alright. We have a tour to go. The last thing we want is to wheel both you and Junsu up the stage."
---
Mr Kim bowed as his two guests as they walked into his office, offering his hand out as a greeting. "I'm so glad you could come," he started, gesturing for the two ladies to take their seat.
"No, I'd thank you for informing us," Mrs Park replied, as Jaejoong's noona nodded in agreement, "it's a shock that we weren't informed about it. And my store's going to be ready in the next month!"
"One of my noonas tried contacting Jaejoong, but at the current moment he doesn't have the luxury of explaining it all to us. I believe that you contacted us because you have some information?"
Mr Kim nodded, seriousness in his tone as he continued, "I might have them. But before I start, I want to ask if the two of you are actually have ongoing plans in bring this label to Korea right?"
The two looked at each other, than nodded.
"It would certainly be a waste if the investments were withdrawn now," Mrs Park said, "As of now I don't have enough for the store, Yoochun's really helping me out a lot on this."
"Same here," Ms Kim sighed, "it would incur a loss if we were to withdraw now."
"So now we know that we're on the same boat, there are some things we'd need to address. If you want to ensure your share of this pie, we need to work together," Mr Kim said, bringing out several documents to onto the table, "I'd be having a meeting with SM's CEO two days later on this Cre-beau issue. Apparently my son met with some troubles with the authorities; you two knew that he just recovered from an accident recently don't you?" A gasp sounded in the room and Mrs Park widened her eyes at the implied statement. "Would either of you be coming down with me and my wife to sort things out?"
---
The next few days spare the boys no rest. With the tour officially started and the stage undergoing additional preparations taking into account of Junsu's current status, the song lineup are changed, as with the type of rehearsals. It's a chain effect, and all five of them felt the toll of the injury. Junsu was beyond sorry, and the rest knew better than to rub any more salt into his wound. Out of them all he had taken the biggest hit, but physically and mentally.
It hurts when he couldn't be of any help. It hurts when his teammates have to accommodate to his condition under such a tight deadline. But nothing hurts more than having to stay backstage and 'out of trouble' when the rest are on it, singing and dancing and pouring their hearts out to the waiting fans.
He tried his best during turns that he was wheeled onto the stage, but it felt weird to be seated as his fellow team mates belt out their notes with all their might. It was an obstruction to his otherwise flawless singing, Junsu realised. Sitting down, his intake of air isn't as good as it is standing up, his pitch seemed to fall just that bit short off the line and their harmony just doesn't sound amazing.
Dong Band Shin Ki should always sound amazing.
But above all, his fans are still cheering for him, him who screwed everything up, concert or not. He shook his head, clearing him of all the negative thoughts crashing down on him. The raven gave a short prayer as the staff gave him the hand signals. Five minutes before his members would come running backstage to wheel him out.
He'd do them all a favour by throwing everything, every burden on his shoulders when he step onto that stage. A tour is suppose to give them great memories to relish on, not something that becomes too painful to watch. Especially this one tour.
The singer vaguely hear the tired exchanges of his members and the staff, and felt a hand on his shoulder. Junsu didn't even bother to open his eyes, knowing that it is Changmin's special way of encouraging him. He ended his prayer with a whispered 'amen', and opened his eyes to the red ocean in front of him. He smiled as the fans cheered, blushing a little in embarrassment as Yoochun poked fun at him, and laughed when Jaejoong started running while pushing his wheelchair, getting a short concerned yell by their worry-wart leader.
A concert should be like this, not literally, but filled with joy, cheers and passion. As the lights dimmed for the second, and all Junsu could see the pearl red lightsticks, waving in the dark stadium, whispering their comforts in his ear, he pressed on his armrest and pushed himself up. Leg injury be damned, he is going to perfect the concert if that's the last thing he has to do, for the team, for the fans, for himself.
---
A/N: Just wanna ask, is this fiction/my writing boring? I haven't been writing consistently since my last series, and this is a different style that I'm exploring. Just wanna get some feedback. :)
And do you guys need a timeline of the story or something?