Amor Vincit Omnia (Chapter IV)
Title: Amor Vincit Omnia (Love Conquers All)
Pairing: Yoosu, Jaesu, Yunjae, Minsu, brief mention of Hyukhae
Rating: PG/PG-13
Genre: Angst, action, drama, romance.
Length: Chaptered
Summary: In this world, there has always been a wide margin between the rich and the poor. Kim Junsu, second son of the rich Kim Corporations and Park Yoochun, a penniless young man with a warm and loving heart who is forced to join an illegal gang, are seemingly on opposite sides of the Earth. However, Fate plays a trick on both men and their paths cross in an unexpected twist of events.
A/N: Originally posted here at winglin. Reposted here at LJ for the benefit of all Yoosu fans :D
Chapter IV: Predicament
“Umma, be careful, it’s hot.” Blowing lightly on the spoonful of porridge, Yoochun brought it to his mother’s mouth, imitating her actions as she opened her mouth to receive it. He turned to pick up a tissue to dab away the bits at the corner of her mouth, and was surprised to see her eyes brimming with bright, unshed tears. “Umma, why are you crying? I’m sorry, your son cannot do anything more for you … I am useless …” Yoochun felt guilty at seeing his mother’s tears.
“No, Yoochun … my beloved son … You have done more than what I have ever expected of you. Even though we may not be rich, but at least we are happy. And that’s all I need, Yoochun, happiness. I am happy just having you feed me like this.” His mother caressed the side of his face, and this time, Yoochun felt his own tears stirring before his eyelids. “Umma …” He pulled his mother to him and buried his head in her arms, just like when he was a little kid … Because in her arms, he could always find solace, warmth, and … bliss.
* * *
He pulled away from his brother once the tears stopped flowing. “Hyung … I’m sorry. I know this was one of your favourite shirts.” Junsu looked at the damage his tears had done to Jaejoong’s top, but Jaejoong smiled gently, “Junsu, you should know that I value you more than any shirt ever.” Junsu was touched by the simple statement, but he pulled away, still feeling the lingering envy and bitterness at the bottom of his heart. “I know.” Junsu stood up, rubbing his tearstained cheeks with the back of his hands. Resuming a serene expression, he murmured, “Let’s go to the company before Appa gets angry again.” Without looking at Jaejoong, Junsu left the room quietly.
Jaejoong remained frozen for a moment, then let his breath out in a huff, burying his head in his hands as he remembered Junsu’s tears. What wrong had he ever done to Junsu to cause him to be in so much sorrow? He merely wanted to be the perfect role model and someone whom Junsu could love and look up to, cherish and live together with, but things seemed to be going in the opposite direction of what he wanted. Jaejoong felt terribly confused and torn at the thought of Junsu’s actions; one moment, he treated him as his source of comfort, and the next, he pretended as though nothing had happened.
Seizing his car keys in an iron grip, he strode out of the Kim mansion and headed off to work, hoping that mundane company matters would distract him from the internal chatter in his mind.
* * *
Yoochun smiled at the old woman behind the counter. “Here’s your change, Ma’am. Please come again.” Earning an infatuated beam from the old woman, Yoochun handed her the coins and her items before hurriedly turning around on the pretext of being busy, his heart pounding nervously at the memory of her hideous eyes that were filled with admirable hearts. Young, clingy whores he could handle, but creepy old women crushing on him was something that freaked him out of his wits.
“Yoochun!” Hearing a voice behind him, Yoochun turned back with a courteous smile to face the next customer … but the smile slipped off his face when he saw a heavily-panting Yunho leaning on the counter for support. “Yunho? What happened?” He could tell from his friend’s face that something had happened … and it was not good news at all.
“Yoochun … Your mother’s in hospital.”
The words barely registered in Yoochun’s mind before he dropped everything in his hands and dashed out of the convenience store, Yunho hot at his heels.
* * *
The seconds ticked by slowly and endlessly, each feeling like an hour, no, a day to Yoochun. He felt almost numb with the anxiety and his senses were clogged, detached from the outer world. He no longer cared about anything else. Yoochun sat with his hands clasped together and his eyes closed, and for the first time in his life, he was praying very hard to God, hoping that his mother would be fine. If things could be different, he would much rather be the one in the emergency room than be outside of it.
Yunho was pacing up and down the squeaky-clean corridor outside the emergency room, the crease in between his eyebrows getting deeper and deeper as the time passed. Glancing over at the tensed Yoochun who had not moved from his position since they had gotten there, he knew that if anything happened to his mother, Yoochun would probably be unable to live on as well.
Signaling the end of their continuous wait, the emergency room door opened, and a doctor and several nurses stepped out with a clipboard in their hands. As though all the life had returned to him, Yoochun sprang up from his seat and grabbed the doctor firmly by the shoulders.
“Doctor, please tell me now, how is my mother?” He asked frantically.
The doctor was slightly taken aback by Yoochun’s iron grip, but straightened his glasses calmly and replied, “At the moment, her condition has stabilised. We have discovered that your mother has contradicted a hereditary disease known as hereditary hemochromatosis. It causes the body to absorb and store too much iron and the iron levels in her body to rise, and it can be fatal. We have drawn blood from her body and her iron level has temporarily dropped to normal. We will continue to observe her condition until she is ready to be discharged.”
Yoochun visibly relaxed at the doctor’s words and his grip slackened. “Thank you, Doctor.” Yunho slid an arm around his friend’s shoulders and guided him to the room. “Let’s go and see your mother now, Yoochun.” They entered the room quietly, trying not to wake the sleeping figure on the bed. Yoochun’s heart clenched as he sat down softly beside his mother, noticing her worn out, pale-looking face and chapped lips, a picture of fatigue against the already-white pillow. He felt a strong, prickly sense of guilt and shame for not taking enough care of his mother.
As if reading his thoughts, Yunho placed his hand on Yoochun’s shoulder. “Yoochun, this is not your fault. You can’t control hereditary diseases, and man cannot contradict God’s wishes. This is God’s will.” Yoochun made no response, but he knew Yunho was right.
Because God willed it so.
* * *
Junsu massaged the bridge of his nose once the meeting was over. It had been a long and tensed discussion about tactics and strategies to clinch the deal with Lee Holdings, as they were now neck-in-neck with their rival company, Kang Enterprises, who were notorious for their underhanded means in achieving their aims. However, with their power and status, no one dared to contradict them in the ways of business.
“The key figure in the Kang Enterprises is their CEO, Kang-In. He’s well-known for having close connections with the mafia. Our situation is precarious right now. If we win and clinch the deal, we might suffer the aftermath of Kang-In’s wrath; but if we lose, we might not have an easy life as well. Knowing him, I’m sure he would go all out to humiliate and crush us utterly.” Jaejoong’s mellifluous voice accentuated the risks at stake.
“Director, I still say we give our shot at getting the deal. If we don’t, our company will incur heavy losses. We still have a high chance of winning, giving Junsu’s close relationship with Eunhyuk.” Advisor Lee piped up.
“Father, let’s not pull strings -” Junsu tried to say, but was stopped by a held-up hand.
“Enough said. I now declare that we will fight for the working deal with the Lee Holdings.” Junsu saw the fierce determination in his father’s eyes, and knew that it would be no good to argue at this point in time. He was too far gone.
Everyone stood up from their seats and filed out of the room slowly, leaving the three Kims in the room. Old Mr Kim surveyed his two sons before speaking. “Junsu, I know that you dislike the fact that we use your relations with Eunhyuk to our advantage, but in the business world, we have to make hard choices if we want to strike our mark. However, I assure you that if we do establish good working relations with the Lee Holdings, your friendship with him will not be affected.”
Junsu did not dare to argue. He nodded and murmured a “Very well.”.
“You two may leave. I will see you at home.” Glancing purposefully at Junsu, Jaejoong hurried his brother out of the room and the two of them strode down the carpeted hallway noiselessly, making for the elevator.
“Su, are you alright?” Jaejoong asked carefully.
“Do you think I’m alright?” Jaejoong could read Junsu’s face like a book - he never bothered to mask his emotions in front of him.
“Su, forgive Appa for his actions. He has our company’s benefits at heart.” Jaejoong tried to soothe Junsu’s anger, but to no avail.
“I know that. Apparently, he does not have my interests at heart.” Junsu snapped, his nerves already stretched to breaking point at the thought of Eunhyuk. Then he spied Jaejoong’s expression. He knew that his brother never liked how he regarded his father’s relationship with him, but he could not help it. “I’m sorry. I take that back.”
“It’s okay, Su. It’s okay.” Jaejoong patted his back understandingly and stepped into the lift with Junsu beside him.
* * *
Once again, night had fallen and the stars were twinkling brightly in the night sky. Entrusting his mother to Yunho’s care, Yoochun had stepped out for a smoke to clear his thoughts … and to think of a way to earn more money for the hospital bills. Giving the current low-paying jobs, he was unable to sustain for long. He was desperate, but he also had pride. Yoochun knew that Yunho would empty his bank and go to the extremes for him, but he did not want to trouble his friend in this plight.
Yoochun was so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he had not spied a group of men surrounding him. Giving a start, his brain shot to defensive mode and the leader stepped out powerfully. Initially, Yoochun thought that they were the people whom he had borrowed money from, but he did not recognise the foremost man when he stepped out to meet his eyes.
“Well, boy, how about it?”
Yoochun felt perplexed. “How about what?”
“How about joining our gang?” The leader gestured to the group of men behind him.
“Joining your gang?!” Yoochun spluttered. “Why?”
“First, you look desperate. Second, you don’t look like you have money. Thirdly, I bet you’re worrying about hospital fees, aren’t you?” The man raked his figure up and down.
“H-H-How in the world did you manage to -”
“Boy, you’re leaning on the walls of a hospital. And you don’t exactly look like the happiest man on earth, do you?” The man snatched away Yoochun’s cigarette and crushed it underneath his heel. “Don’t smoke. It’s bad for your lungs.”
Yoochun gaped at him. It was the first time someone from the underworld had ever told him something beneficial for his health.
“I can help you financially. All you have to do is join us. We need men now. So … how about it?” The man extended a hand. Yoochun’s brains had started to work again, his cells squealing in agreement and his body telling him to take the hand.
“I can promise you that we do not get involved in killings, money-extortion or street fighting. All we do is work for the wealthy if there a need.” The man had a lop-sided grin on his face now.
The image of his mother shot into his head. Immediately, Yoochun knew that this was his one-way ticket to getting his mother well and healthy again. With one shaking hand, he grabbed the extended one and shook it in a firm grip.
“Very good. Let me introduce myself. I am Choi Siwon, and these are our brothers. And you are …?”
“Micky Park. Pleased to meet you.” Yoochun now had a satisfied smile upon his face. There was hope for his mother now.
* * *
Chapter V
Pairing: Yoosu, Jaesu, Yunjae, Minsu, brief mention of Hyukhae
Rating: PG/PG-13
Genre: Angst, action, drama, romance.
Length: Chaptered
Summary: In this world, there has always been a wide margin between the rich and the poor. Kim Junsu, second son of the rich Kim Corporations and Park Yoochun, a penniless young man with a warm and loving heart who is forced to join an illegal gang, are seemingly on opposite sides of the Earth. However, Fate plays a trick on both men and their paths cross in an unexpected twist of events.
A/N: Originally posted here at winglin. Reposted here at LJ for the benefit of all Yoosu fans :D
Chapter IV: Predicament
“Umma, be careful, it’s hot.” Blowing lightly on the spoonful of porridge, Yoochun brought it to his mother’s mouth, imitating her actions as she opened her mouth to receive it. He turned to pick up a tissue to dab away the bits at the corner of her mouth, and was surprised to see her eyes brimming with bright, unshed tears. “Umma, why are you crying? I’m sorry, your son cannot do anything more for you … I am useless …” Yoochun felt guilty at seeing his mother’s tears.
“No, Yoochun … my beloved son … You have done more than what I have ever expected of you. Even though we may not be rich, but at least we are happy. And that’s all I need, Yoochun, happiness. I am happy just having you feed me like this.” His mother caressed the side of his face, and this time, Yoochun felt his own tears stirring before his eyelids. “Umma …” He pulled his mother to him and buried his head in her arms, just like when he was a little kid … Because in her arms, he could always find solace, warmth, and … bliss.
* * *
He pulled away from his brother once the tears stopped flowing. “Hyung … I’m sorry. I know this was one of your favourite shirts.” Junsu looked at the damage his tears had done to Jaejoong’s top, but Jaejoong smiled gently, “Junsu, you should know that I value you more than any shirt ever.” Junsu was touched by the simple statement, but he pulled away, still feeling the lingering envy and bitterness at the bottom of his heart. “I know.” Junsu stood up, rubbing his tearstained cheeks with the back of his hands. Resuming a serene expression, he murmured, “Let’s go to the company before Appa gets angry again.” Without looking at Jaejoong, Junsu left the room quietly.
Jaejoong remained frozen for a moment, then let his breath out in a huff, burying his head in his hands as he remembered Junsu’s tears. What wrong had he ever done to Junsu to cause him to be in so much sorrow? He merely wanted to be the perfect role model and someone whom Junsu could love and look up to, cherish and live together with, but things seemed to be going in the opposite direction of what he wanted. Jaejoong felt terribly confused and torn at the thought of Junsu’s actions; one moment, he treated him as his source of comfort, and the next, he pretended as though nothing had happened.
Seizing his car keys in an iron grip, he strode out of the Kim mansion and headed off to work, hoping that mundane company matters would distract him from the internal chatter in his mind.
* * *
Yoochun smiled at the old woman behind the counter. “Here’s your change, Ma’am. Please come again.” Earning an infatuated beam from the old woman, Yoochun handed her the coins and her items before hurriedly turning around on the pretext of being busy, his heart pounding nervously at the memory of her hideous eyes that were filled with admirable hearts. Young, clingy whores he could handle, but creepy old women crushing on him was something that freaked him out of his wits.
“Yoochun!” Hearing a voice behind him, Yoochun turned back with a courteous smile to face the next customer … but the smile slipped off his face when he saw a heavily-panting Yunho leaning on the counter for support. “Yunho? What happened?” He could tell from his friend’s face that something had happened … and it was not good news at all.
“Yoochun … Your mother’s in hospital.”
The words barely registered in Yoochun’s mind before he dropped everything in his hands and dashed out of the convenience store, Yunho hot at his heels.
* * *
The seconds ticked by slowly and endlessly, each feeling like an hour, no, a day to Yoochun. He felt almost numb with the anxiety and his senses were clogged, detached from the outer world. He no longer cared about anything else. Yoochun sat with his hands clasped together and his eyes closed, and for the first time in his life, he was praying very hard to God, hoping that his mother would be fine. If things could be different, he would much rather be the one in the emergency room than be outside of it.
Yunho was pacing up and down the squeaky-clean corridor outside the emergency room, the crease in between his eyebrows getting deeper and deeper as the time passed. Glancing over at the tensed Yoochun who had not moved from his position since they had gotten there, he knew that if anything happened to his mother, Yoochun would probably be unable to live on as well.
Signaling the end of their continuous wait, the emergency room door opened, and a doctor and several nurses stepped out with a clipboard in their hands. As though all the life had returned to him, Yoochun sprang up from his seat and grabbed the doctor firmly by the shoulders.
“Doctor, please tell me now, how is my mother?” He asked frantically.
The doctor was slightly taken aback by Yoochun’s iron grip, but straightened his glasses calmly and replied, “At the moment, her condition has stabilised. We have discovered that your mother has contradicted a hereditary disease known as hereditary hemochromatosis. It causes the body to absorb and store too much iron and the iron levels in her body to rise, and it can be fatal. We have drawn blood from her body and her iron level has temporarily dropped to normal. We will continue to observe her condition until she is ready to be discharged.”
Yoochun visibly relaxed at the doctor’s words and his grip slackened. “Thank you, Doctor.” Yunho slid an arm around his friend’s shoulders and guided him to the room. “Let’s go and see your mother now, Yoochun.” They entered the room quietly, trying not to wake the sleeping figure on the bed. Yoochun’s heart clenched as he sat down softly beside his mother, noticing her worn out, pale-looking face and chapped lips, a picture of fatigue against the already-white pillow. He felt a strong, prickly sense of guilt and shame for not taking enough care of his mother.
As if reading his thoughts, Yunho placed his hand on Yoochun’s shoulder. “Yoochun, this is not your fault. You can’t control hereditary diseases, and man cannot contradict God’s wishes. This is God’s will.” Yoochun made no response, but he knew Yunho was right.
Because God willed it so.
* * *
Junsu massaged the bridge of his nose once the meeting was over. It had been a long and tensed discussion about tactics and strategies to clinch the deal with Lee Holdings, as they were now neck-in-neck with their rival company, Kang Enterprises, who were notorious for their underhanded means in achieving their aims. However, with their power and status, no one dared to contradict them in the ways of business.
“The key figure in the Kang Enterprises is their CEO, Kang-In. He’s well-known for having close connections with the mafia. Our situation is precarious right now. If we win and clinch the deal, we might suffer the aftermath of Kang-In’s wrath; but if we lose, we might not have an easy life as well. Knowing him, I’m sure he would go all out to humiliate and crush us utterly.” Jaejoong’s mellifluous voice accentuated the risks at stake.
“Director, I still say we give our shot at getting the deal. If we don’t, our company will incur heavy losses. We still have a high chance of winning, giving Junsu’s close relationship with Eunhyuk.” Advisor Lee piped up.
“Father, let’s not pull strings -” Junsu tried to say, but was stopped by a held-up hand.
“Enough said. I now declare that we will fight for the working deal with the Lee Holdings.” Junsu saw the fierce determination in his father’s eyes, and knew that it would be no good to argue at this point in time. He was too far gone.
Everyone stood up from their seats and filed out of the room slowly, leaving the three Kims in the room. Old Mr Kim surveyed his two sons before speaking. “Junsu, I know that you dislike the fact that we use your relations with Eunhyuk to our advantage, but in the business world, we have to make hard choices if we want to strike our mark. However, I assure you that if we do establish good working relations with the Lee Holdings, your friendship with him will not be affected.”
Junsu did not dare to argue. He nodded and murmured a “Very well.”.
“You two may leave. I will see you at home.” Glancing purposefully at Junsu, Jaejoong hurried his brother out of the room and the two of them strode down the carpeted hallway noiselessly, making for the elevator.
“Su, are you alright?” Jaejoong asked carefully.
“Do you think I’m alright?” Jaejoong could read Junsu’s face like a book - he never bothered to mask his emotions in front of him.
“Su, forgive Appa for his actions. He has our company’s benefits at heart.” Jaejoong tried to soothe Junsu’s anger, but to no avail.
“I know that. Apparently, he does not have my interests at heart.” Junsu snapped, his nerves already stretched to breaking point at the thought of Eunhyuk. Then he spied Jaejoong’s expression. He knew that his brother never liked how he regarded his father’s relationship with him, but he could not help it. “I’m sorry. I take that back.”
“It’s okay, Su. It’s okay.” Jaejoong patted his back understandingly and stepped into the lift with Junsu beside him.
* * *
Once again, night had fallen and the stars were twinkling brightly in the night sky. Entrusting his mother to Yunho’s care, Yoochun had stepped out for a smoke to clear his thoughts … and to think of a way to earn more money for the hospital bills. Giving the current low-paying jobs, he was unable to sustain for long. He was desperate, but he also had pride. Yoochun knew that Yunho would empty his bank and go to the extremes for him, but he did not want to trouble his friend in this plight.
Yoochun was so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he had not spied a group of men surrounding him. Giving a start, his brain shot to defensive mode and the leader stepped out powerfully. Initially, Yoochun thought that they were the people whom he had borrowed money from, but he did not recognise the foremost man when he stepped out to meet his eyes.
“Well, boy, how about it?”
Yoochun felt perplexed. “How about what?”
“How about joining our gang?” The leader gestured to the group of men behind him.
“Joining your gang?!” Yoochun spluttered. “Why?”
“First, you look desperate. Second, you don’t look like you have money. Thirdly, I bet you’re worrying about hospital fees, aren’t you?” The man raked his figure up and down.
“H-H-How in the world did you manage to -”
“Boy, you’re leaning on the walls of a hospital. And you don’t exactly look like the happiest man on earth, do you?” The man snatched away Yoochun’s cigarette and crushed it underneath his heel. “Don’t smoke. It’s bad for your lungs.”
Yoochun gaped at him. It was the first time someone from the underworld had ever told him something beneficial for his health.
“I can help you financially. All you have to do is join us. We need men now. So … how about it?” The man extended a hand. Yoochun’s brains had started to work again, his cells squealing in agreement and his body telling him to take the hand.
“I can promise you that we do not get involved in killings, money-extortion or street fighting. All we do is work for the wealthy if there a need.” The man had a lop-sided grin on his face now.
The image of his mother shot into his head. Immediately, Yoochun knew that this was his one-way ticket to getting his mother well and healthy again. With one shaking hand, he grabbed the extended one and shook it in a firm grip.
“Very good. Let me introduce myself. I am Choi Siwon, and these are our brothers. And you are …?”
“Micky Park. Pleased to meet you.” Yoochun now had a satisfied smile upon his face. There was hope for his mother now.
* * *
Chapter V