fic: What It All Means {part 1}
Title: What It All Means
Pairings: Jinki/OC
Genre: Romance, AU
Warnings: The graphic sex is all the warning I can give you. Pretty fluffy/mild other than that. If you don't count the drinking and stuff...eh lol >.<
Rating: PG leading up to NC-17
Summary: There’s something about this young lady he wants to understand.There’s something about this young man, she knows, can eventually figure her out.All is needed is the right time and the right place. All they need is one night. To figure out what it all means...
Disclaimer: I don’t own Shinee.
a/n: There aren’t too many interracial fics in the Shinee fandom, and there are even less blasian fics. So I am a happy contributor. :3
It is well after the comeback of Shinee with Sherlock. The group now holds four contests a year to choose 5 lucky girls to spend one special night with them. Not many know what this special night entails, but to Onew who knows, it isn't anything special in his eyes-quite the opposite. But when she is chosen, some of his perspectives change...
After the concert, the five winners branched off with the idols into the limo. At first they were all together in the hotel lobby, laughing and greeting. Cameras clicked, bodies charged and desperate attempts were made despite security’s efforts to hold back the hoards of fan girls and paparazzi.But eventually, everyone was kept back at bay, most told to leave the premises with the threat of being handcuffed and taken into custody. Some were arrested. Others took a hint and left the hotel, hoping that the aftermath of tonight’s “meet-n-greet” with Shinee would show up on allkpop or some other famous Korean site/blog on the Web.
The ten were led to the top floor of the hotel-the rooms up there were so luxurious and spacious, they were to be considered penthouses. The bellhop opened the door to one and guided them in, the chosen girls giggling amongst themselves or staring around quietly with red cheeks and nervous fluttering hearts.
Shinee tried to make the occasion as comfortable as possible by offering them various beverages, foods, etc. Really, they were almost totally different people once the public were out of sight. Jonghyun was obviously more relaxed as he grew more touchy feely with their guests and immediately sought after a bottle of wine once they were in the room. Key’s tongue was less polite-in fact, he downright cursed even if he didn’t need to, as if it were normal for him; for some reason, he spoke in a deeper voice that the girls definitely weren’t used to and it was even more compelling when he spoke English. Minho excused himself and went to the bathroom to freshen up. Because it was totally nerve-wracking to be in the presence of five foreign fans. And sweating wasn’t exactly an attractive first-impression. To gather himself together and psyche himself out from becoming so shy, he repeatedly splashed water in his face, sprayed his mouth with the peppermint mouthwash the hotel provided and rubbed scented lotion on his skin. While the rapper freaked out in the bathroom, the maknae stole his role as flaming charisma, taking the noonas hands with animated talking and showing them the modern, state-of-the-art architecture and interior of the room selected. It was as if Minho and Taemin were each other’s opposites behind closed doors.
Earlier, Onew was all smiles, as usual. He was the perfect leader, perfect spokesperson for Shinee, perfectly polite and warm. Now, he had alienated himself completely from everyone, mouth not a frown but not a smile either. The leader had kicked off his shoes and wandered over to the furthest part of the room, where there was a window that took up the whole wall-it was really a huge sliding door that led outside to a beautiful balcony decorated with plush chairs, exotic plants, and a pebbled waterfall feature that had purple and blue lights. The latter was what Onew stared at, the cool colors reflecting on his face. He’d stuffed his hands in his pocket with his jaw set thoughtfully. It was routinely like this for him whenever they’d come here with the winners picked season after season; even the carpet where he stood seemed indented with his footprints since he plant himself there every time. He’d get into this pensive mood that didn’t want to let up. His stomach would clench and unclench-not painfully, yet so uncomfortably, he could barely stand it.
Because of the night’s purpose.
In the glass, he could see his band mates and their guests with the help of the natural moonlight shining in though the skylights and the dim lighting of multiple ceiling spotlights. Jonghyun was offering the girls wine with the lazy smile already on his lips. That’s usually how he started. Key and Taemin were had their arms around two other girls, playing with their hair and whispering, occasionally making the girls giggle aloud from something Onew knew wasn’t all that funny. Minho had yet to emerge from the bathroom.
He was supposed to let them loosen the girls up before it was time. Since he was in charge-the “designated driver” so to speak-he was the one who took the briefcase from manager-hyung in the limo. Once the girls seemed to be complete putty in the other four’s grasp (not that it was a problem from the start) he’d gather them and they’d all go out on the balcony. In traditional Koreans style, they all would sit on the ground with large pillows catering to their butts. The round piece of glass in the middle made for the table.
Onew observed, in his mind calculating when it would be his cue to signal them. He tried not to let the unsettling feeling overwhelm him. Disgust couldn’t get in his way-if it did, it’d be selfish of him.
Jonghyun had the Australian girl on his lap. Check.
Taemin was caked up with that chick from Egypt. Check.
Key had Miss Venezuela and the girl from France. Check.
Of course he had to wait on Minho-as always. But…
Onew’s brow arched. Where was the fifth guest? Most times the leftover girl would join the others until the athlete pried himself from the bathroom. Then Minho would choose between her and the extra with another member. Like the French girl currently with Key. Then Onew was stuck with whomever because he couldn’t care one way or the other.
Yet he couldn’t spot her. Onew’s face stayed the same as he leaned left to right, trying to catch her reflection.
Only when Key began beckoning her over did he see her. She was in a corner, the corner where the dining room area was. It was shadowy over there so he couldn’t really see her face, but he did recognize that she was the African American girl from Canada. He also noticed how the silhouette of her head shook when Key pestered for her to come over. It didn’t take long for Key to get impatient and wave her off with a laugh, the alcohol clouding his system already. He went back to his lady, who already had her shirt off and was purring up his neck.
When Taemin got up to retrieve the remote for the stereo system, he approached the girl with a low voice so that no one heard. His Egyptian partner watched with obvious jealousy as the maknae tried to seduce the other girl with his slender, young body. He backed her into the corner even more with his chest and hips, trying to kiss her. Unfortunately for him, she slide out of his proximity as quickly as he had come on to her, making Taemin hit his forehead on the wall kinda painfully. He cursed, but smiled like a good sport anyway in his intoxicated state. She leaned back a tad when Taemin, as he walked past her back to the love seat, pointed at her and said in broken English that she’d come around soon. All the while, the tipsy others laughed at his attempt.
Onew smiled secretly to himself. Not because of Taemin’s fail, but because of the girl’s rejection. Despite himself, he found that he was rooting for her. He was glad she didn’t fall for it…glad she was the first not to.
And now that she was out of the corner, he could really see her. All of the girls were pretty, of course. So it was no surprise that she was. From where he was, he could see she had long ebony waves that swooped outward. Wide, marshmellowy brown eyes. A dainty nose. Plump lips. Her chocolate brown skin looked soft in the light. Her clothes were simple and casual, unlike the short skirts and flashy, exposing tops the other girls wore-and that went for all the girls they’d ever brought to the hotel. Onew thought about it. No, no other girl came dressed like this one. She wasn’t caked with make-up and fake lashes and glaring jewelry. She had an authentic baby face, which he always found most attractive on a female. She was all natural.
At the word natural, his eyes “naturally” meandered down her body. Oh yeah. That was another thing that differed between her and her fellow winners: Her stature was small but her body was all soft, voluptuous curves whereas the others were statuesque with the same body type: stick. Not saying that the girls who normally won were slim. It was just that Onew knew they never had one with so much…much.
He stopped staring, face heating. He let his head fall bashfully as ankles crossed. It wasn’t long, though, before he was looking back up again, bottom lip bit. The girl was watching the others drinking, laughing, flirting, touching. Her pose was stiff. It was hard to tell what emotion was written on her face, yet Onew knew it had to be anything but longing. Strange…
Then it vaguely clicked that the girl had been like this the whole time: reserved. From the time they met all the way to now. She smiled and shook hands. She embraced them. She was cordial. But she never spoke.
And that odd notebook she hugged to her chest. How could he overlook that? She had it now, tucked under her arm.
Onew struggled to remember her name. These “contests” were many and he honestly only remembered fans names for the sake of the first meeting and after that, he purposely let the names clear his head. So it was weird for him to try to recall. He’d never been interested enough in a guests to recall a name.
As he wracked his brain, two things happened. Minho finally left the bathroom, somehow his re-found confidence glowing and smile like a million bucks. Only one glance was enough for him to pick the half-naked French blonde over the conservative-looking seemingly intimidated Canadian girl. Over the soothing contemporary music, Onew heard Minho greet the girl deeply with a kiss to the side of her lips as he “stole” her from a nearly bare-chested Key. But Key was too occupied with swallowing face with his Latina friend to care.
The second thing that happened was that Jonghyun decided to be an ass. His special select was still in his lap, grinding and catering to his neck-blood now surfaced darkly on his peachy skin. You’d think he’d be content with that bit of an appetizer. Yet it was apparent, from the way he turned his head back at the “outcast” with hazy, devious eyes and licked lips that he’d noticed what Onew noticed. The swollen curves that went in sync with a pretty face. The heavy breasts her knitted top concealed. Cleavage that was subtly exposed yet was just enough of a feast for the vocalist’s viewing pleasure.
The girl was within arm’s reach. Onew barely had time to comprehend what was going to happen before Jonghyun’s hand lashed out and grabbed the girl’s wrist in a tight grip. She gasped loudly, struggling immediately. But Jonghyun was stronger. With an expression between malice, amusement and want, he began to drag the girl over-meanwhile, everyone else was chuckling. Taemin laughed the cruelest, perhaps seeing it as payback for his own advances being thwarted. Or maybe the wine was churning within and slowly turning him into a creep. Whatever it was, Onew hated it.
He also hated hearing the girl make that frantic whine. He hated to see her thrash. He hated that she was being hurt. He hated how freakishly strong Jonghyun got whenever he became drunk. He hated that the younger was so greedy at this moment.
But mostly, he hated that the girl that was left for him-designated for him- was being come on to. Whatever happened between the time Taemin tried her and now had Onew angry and feeling overprotective. Dare say it…envious.
This also didn’t happen.
He whirled around quickly, irritation evident in his dark tone. It was time to cut this lewd, pre-party short.
“We need to go outside now,” he said sternly, using his “leader” voice. Tight, almond eyes were fixated on Jonghyun. The other eyes on him, Onew didn’t care about. Except for hers. Hers were still wide in fear and frustration. When she spotted her chance, she snatched away from Jonghyun and cradled her hand to her mid-section. Slightly teary, mocha orbs then dissolved into silent thanks to the eldest member. Onew briefly absorbed it before he watched Jonghyun shove the girl off his lap and get to his feet, staring back at his hyung leeringly.
They all filed after Jonghyun and Australia, out the sliding door. Some leaned on each other for support as they stumbled into the cool night air, some holding hands. Onew and the Canadian girl were last. She was still gazing at him, even when Onew straightened back up from picking up her notebook. He shifted his hold on the briefcase handle as he presented the spiral rectangle to its owner, mustering a smile that came out awkward since he was still upset. She took it graciously and, to his astonishment, hugged it to her chest and swung from side to side with her head down. She held it as if it were a precious child, a prodigal son returned home. Onew realized it meant a lot to her, more than he thought. That thought ignited his anger even more thinking about Jonghyun’s attack but he willed himself calm, at least for her sake. He didn’t need her scared of him too.
Onew pretty much expected it when she bowed repeatedly instead of voicing her thanks. She hadn’t spoken any other time, why would she now?
Something occurred to him then.
She was about to walk away when he lightly touched her shoulder. Thankfully, she wasn’t too scarred from Jonghyun so she didn’t flinch or freak or anything. Those doll eyes looked at him inquisitively, face-to-face with him again…or not quite. She really was short.
“Your name…it is Mercedes, yes?” He remembered now. She had a car name. That’s the only reason he could remember. She nodded, smiling faintly at his pronunciation of her name. It was contagious, that simple motion of her mouth. “That is pretty...uh…uni…unique! Yes, unique. I like it.”
Her head went down, concealing her stronger smile. Her hands folded together in front of her. Onew found it cute.
For once, the “least desired” that he was always stuck with was, in his eyes, the most desirable of them all.
“Mercedes, do you really want to be here?” he suddenly whispered between them. He motioned towards to the others with a flicker of his eyes. For some reason, he was getting cotton mouth. It had to be the disgrace in his heart. “I’m sure you see that…this is no ordinary meet and greet.”
She twisted her neck to the same scene Onew had gestured to. Taemin’s half naked body flashed by as he chased his equally exposed partner. Somehow the girl ran into a bushel of purple flowers and ended up falling in the small pool of the waterfall feature. Taemin just laughed as hard she did when he splashed in with her. Their kissing was rushed and rough. A nipple caught between his teeth when her back hit the edge; from that, she arched against the stone perimeter of the pool. The two were only interrupted when the tickling of the swimming koi fish got the best of them.
“You could leave right now if you wanted to,” he continued, biting his lip. She turned back to him. His features were twisted in desperation. “You could leave now and I wouldn’t mind. I can call my manager and have him take you back to your own hotel. You…” Onew fought with how to say what he wanted to say next-and not because his English abilities were limited.
Her innocent gaze seemed to encourage him.
“You don’t look like the type…to be doing these kinds of things. You’re a good girl, I can tell that.” He exhaled audibly, waiting for her reaction. He hadn’t meant it to be offensive, yet to him, it still came out that way.
There was nothing to worry about, though, as he soon found out. She blinked and slowly, a hand rose in front of them. It hesitated, seeming to ask his permission. Onew nodded without wait. Then the palm of her small hand was cool against his blushing cheek.
His voice grew more delicate, as delicate as her touch. “You can leave…its okay. Really.”
Mercedes’s thumb rubbed back and forth on his skin. Onew’s gaze at her intensified. Was she…comforting him? Reassuring him? Was the concerned look on her face really for him?
It was so unexpected and he didn’t mean to chuckle. As if he’d done it all his life, he reached his own hand up to cover her smaller one. “Are you worried about me?”
Her head bobbed about five times, very quickly. Onew chuckled for a second time. How old was she again? Over 18 most certainly-that was one of the requirements. He’d have to check her papers again once they went out on the balcony…
Speaking of which, they’d have to hurry. Eight drunk and horny idiots on the top floor balcony of a 20-something floor hotel wasn’t something to take lightly.
“You are very sweet. But you shouldn’t worry Mercedes. I’ll be fine.” He snorted lightly. “I mean, does it look like I take part in these things myself?”
This time, her eyes turned into crescents with that smile. With her puffy cheeks and kitten-ish mouth, Onew had the sudden urge to squeal.
But he understood. She was telling him that she’d stay. And when she took a paler hand that didn’t hold the briefcase, tugging him to the sliding door, he understood that she didn’t mind.
They left the confinements of the room that was doused in scents of fruit, fragranced oils and that new furniture smell. In their stead was the fresh smell of musky flowers, the crispness of the night air and various flavors of smoky incense once the pair stepped barefoot out onto the terra-cotta path of the terrace. While everyone took their places at the table, Onew made sure that Mercedes was right next to him-and away from the obnoxious vocalist. From across the table, Jonghyun sipped white wine from his glass, smirking at his hyung’s sudden change in attitude about their seasonal “rendezvous.” It figured he’d finally take a liking to one who was awkward as himself. The alcohol clouding his head decided he should share his thoughts.
“Look who’s decided to join the fun,” he slurred. Onew could feel the girl cringe next to him even though they weren’t even touching. He glared at the younger.
“Yeah, for once,” Key remarked in a raspy voice. He rubbed his hand down his partner’s legs that were settled across his lap. When he got to wiggling her pinky toes, she exploded in giggles and swatted at his hands, but he only grinned and kept them there.
Onew shook his head, unlocking the briefcase and purposely letting the lid bang on the table.
“If you all don’t mind, I’d like to get started.”
“Jinkiiii baby! Come on, what’s the rush? Business shmizzness.” Jonghyun’s alternation between Korean and English in his drunk voice would have, at another time, been amusing to Onew. Now, it was just annoying.
“You know why,” he replied patiently. “We actually should have started earlier.”
Jonghyun sniffed, dazedly setting his glass on the table. His shifty eyes locked on the Canadian girl (seeing three of her) as he unabashedly reached for the warm inner thighs of the redhead next to him. “Why did you bring that?” he asked impolitely, pointing at Mercedes’s notebook. Instinctively she held the notebook closer. “Why the hell do you not talk?”
“Jonghyun.”
“What?” the younger protested, transitioning to full Korean. “It’s just a question. If she wanted to be here why doesn’t she talk? Pretty stupid if you ask me.”
“And no one asked you. So just shut up Jonghyun-ah,” Onew said between his teeth. Taemin’s shielded eyes danced between the four. There was rarely drama at this type of occasion, especially since guests were in the vicinity. He was all ears.
“Damn. So its like that. Wow.” Jonghyun burst out with spastic laughter, startling them all. His mouth pursed up as a finger went in drunk circles, going back and forth between Mercedes and Onew. “So you’re not going to share this time? You’re actually going to fuck her?”
“Jonghyun!” The leader roared, fist tightening at his sides. He really hated when Jonghyun was this drunk. He took “different personality” to another level.
The younger wasn’t even fazed. He casually propped his feet up on the table, still attempting to finger the ginger as she helped him out of his shirt.
“I really think you should share. I don’t think you’re going to do anything, you prude.” He licked his lips at Mercedes yet was still talking to Onew since he still spoke in Korean. “I don’t like fat girls, but I can make an exception for this one. Those tits are about to explode out of that shirt. Hyung you know I can’t resist a perfect pair of tits. Hers…” He squinted at her chest, paying no heed to Onew’s outraged shaking. “They look like they sit up on their own. Ooohh, perky,” he added, rubbing his own bare nipples.
As Jonghyun turned to ask his partner if she would mind including another in their party, Minho stopped making out with the blonde long enough to huff, “God, just ignore him hyung. Let’s get this over with.”
“I second that,” Key piped, picking up his wine glass to toast with Minho.
Jonghyun rolled his eyes at them. “I think it’s a waste. Let me have her, Jinki. Sign off on her.”
“No,” Onew growled. He decided to try to listen to Minho and began pulling out the contracts. He started to left, where the Egyptian girl sat, and passed them down. “All of you ladies will receive a contract. Please take one and pass it down.”
“Hyung you’re so embarrassing,” Taemin interjected with a giggle, referring to Jonghyun.
“Thank you. Say, Minnie, you know what I want to do?” He pointed at Mercedes and smirked. “I want to suck all over her, even the fat parts. I want to suck until I suck all of the chocolate out her skin. Then…hahaha….she’d be Korean like us!” He elbowed the Taemin harder than Taemin would have liked, yet the maknae laughed anyway, though a bit uneasily. To be honest, he thought the statement was more racist than anything. Besides not making any sense.
Onew, on the other hand, whether it was racist or ignorant, found it degrading as hell. The only relief he had was that it was all in Korean-though, it was also technically rude for Jonghyun to carry on a Korean conversation amongst mostly English speaking guests. But that little fact, that is WAS in Korean and thus, Mercedes couldn’t understand, was the only thing that held him back from pouncing across the table and punching Jonghyun’s lights out. He couldn’t wait until the vocalist was sober, when he was back in his right mind. He was by far the worst.
When Mercedes received her contract, Onew spoke again. “Great. Now, all of you please take your time and read over your contracts. Even the written part we, Shinee, are supposed to read and sign. Make sure you read carefully. Make sure your contact information is correct and up to date. If you do not agree with something in this contract, you have the option of discussing it with me or taking your leave; we will not hold it against you.” He gathered additional papers and straightened them out, hitting them on the table. He didn’t miss a beat. After all, he’d had this memorized. “As soon as you’re done reading and signing, please pass the contract to the member you are with so he can sign.” The first time he’d done it, he was stuttering and messing up his English. He felt utterly ridiculous. Who ever heard of having a serious contract signing for consensual sex?
Apparently his band. Their vote was unanimous. And like a sucker, he voted for it just to please them. Because he was their self-less leader.
Onew frowned as he placed the now neatly stacked papers into the suede interior of the brief case. Playing “passive appa” all the time wasn’t paying off in the least.
Especially now. Jonghyun was still running his trap. It was to the point where Australia kept smacking him aside the head for the disrespectful comments he said in English and Key almost threw his drink at him for the ones in Korean. Onew steadily ignored the second eldest’s requests that he “hand over” Mercedes for the night, and even if Onew didn’t have any kind of interest towards the girl, there was no way he’d let him put his hands on her. He wished the younger couldn’t touch any one of them.
By now, Onew expected her to lash back out at his band mate or leave. By the way she hid her face from everyone he could tell she was sensitive. Yet…not sensitive enough to retaliate or flee. When it got to the point where she whimpered and ducked her head behind Onew’s shoulder, the leader lost his patience.
“YAH, enough! She’s not anyone’s property!” He eyed everyone at the table tiredly, irritably. “Are all the contracts signed yet?”
“Not quite,” Taemin hiccupped, immune to the confrontation. Reason being that his drunk friend had a hard time signing the line and needed his help; his hand was on hers as they ripped across the paper with unsteady strokes. Both giggled, which clued Onew in that she probably saw the words as marching ants-and whatever signature was on the paper resembled a kindergarten portrait.
Jonghyun laughed at them before he turned back to his hyung with a sneer. “You must be holding out on me. You must know she’s a good lay. Jinki-hyung has that pussy radar, eh? Haha. Should we switch then? I like big butts too-
“Taemin just hand it over, that’s good enough. The rest of you too.”
The remainder of the “meeting” proceeded quickly after that, and it was mostly because the majority of them were ready to separate to their individual rooms. Jonghyun wished Onew luck with a few vulgar hip thrusts before he staggered off with his girl. That left only Onew and Mercedes at the table. Alone with her, Onew was relieved yet it was just as much of a fragile situation as the few minutes before they came outside.
“So do you…want to go inside?”
She released her death grip on his sleeve, gazing up at him. She nodded, let him go and rubbed up and down her arms.
“Ah, it is pretty chilly,” he agreed, his smile faltering a second later. “I’m very sorry for Jonghyun. He’s not….like that at all.” Onew offered his hand to help her up, mentally trembling because he somehow felt she’d shy away from him. Mercedes, however, let herself be pulled to her feet, notebook securely under her arm. A half-hearted thumbs up let Onew know she was a good sport about it. It was just that she didn’t trust Jonghyun at all. Possibly disliked him. Could anyone blame her?
Onew smiled at her. “Are you sleepy?”
She shook her head, but made a frantic “drinking” gesture. Gentle laughter accompanied his smile.
“Ara, we’ll get you something to drink first.”
Next: Part 2
Pairings: Jinki/OC
Genre: Romance, AU
Warnings: The graphic sex is all the warning I can give you. Pretty fluffy/mild other than that. If you don't count the drinking and stuff...eh lol >.<
Rating: PG leading up to NC-17
Summary: There’s something about this young lady he wants to understand.There’s something about this young man, she knows, can eventually figure her out.All is needed is the right time and the right place. All they need is one night. To figure out what it all means...
Disclaimer: I don’t own Shinee.
a/n: There aren’t too many interracial fics in the Shinee fandom, and there are even less blasian fics. So I am a happy contributor. :3
It is well after the comeback of Shinee with Sherlock. The group now holds four contests a year to choose 5 lucky girls to spend one special night with them. Not many know what this special night entails, but to Onew who knows, it isn't anything special in his eyes-quite the opposite. But when she is chosen, some of his perspectives change...
After the concert, the five winners branched off with the idols into the limo. At first they were all together in the hotel lobby, laughing and greeting. Cameras clicked, bodies charged and desperate attempts were made despite security’s efforts to hold back the hoards of fan girls and paparazzi.But eventually, everyone was kept back at bay, most told to leave the premises with the threat of being handcuffed and taken into custody. Some were arrested. Others took a hint and left the hotel, hoping that the aftermath of tonight’s “meet-n-greet” with Shinee would show up on allkpop or some other famous Korean site/blog on the Web.
The ten were led to the top floor of the hotel-the rooms up there were so luxurious and spacious, they were to be considered penthouses. The bellhop opened the door to one and guided them in, the chosen girls giggling amongst themselves or staring around quietly with red cheeks and nervous fluttering hearts.
Shinee tried to make the occasion as comfortable as possible by offering them various beverages, foods, etc. Really, they were almost totally different people once the public were out of sight. Jonghyun was obviously more relaxed as he grew more touchy feely with their guests and immediately sought after a bottle of wine once they were in the room. Key’s tongue was less polite-in fact, he downright cursed even if he didn’t need to, as if it were normal for him; for some reason, he spoke in a deeper voice that the girls definitely weren’t used to and it was even more compelling when he spoke English. Minho excused himself and went to the bathroom to freshen up. Because it was totally nerve-wracking to be in the presence of five foreign fans. And sweating wasn’t exactly an attractive first-impression. To gather himself together and psyche himself out from becoming so shy, he repeatedly splashed water in his face, sprayed his mouth with the peppermint mouthwash the hotel provided and rubbed scented lotion on his skin. While the rapper freaked out in the bathroom, the maknae stole his role as flaming charisma, taking the noonas hands with animated talking and showing them the modern, state-of-the-art architecture and interior of the room selected. It was as if Minho and Taemin were each other’s opposites behind closed doors.
Earlier, Onew was all smiles, as usual. He was the perfect leader, perfect spokesperson for Shinee, perfectly polite and warm. Now, he had alienated himself completely from everyone, mouth not a frown but not a smile either. The leader had kicked off his shoes and wandered over to the furthest part of the room, where there was a window that took up the whole wall-it was really a huge sliding door that led outside to a beautiful balcony decorated with plush chairs, exotic plants, and a pebbled waterfall feature that had purple and blue lights. The latter was what Onew stared at, the cool colors reflecting on his face. He’d stuffed his hands in his pocket with his jaw set thoughtfully. It was routinely like this for him whenever they’d come here with the winners picked season after season; even the carpet where he stood seemed indented with his footprints since he plant himself there every time. He’d get into this pensive mood that didn’t want to let up. His stomach would clench and unclench-not painfully, yet so uncomfortably, he could barely stand it.
Because of the night’s purpose.
In the glass, he could see his band mates and their guests with the help of the natural moonlight shining in though the skylights and the dim lighting of multiple ceiling spotlights. Jonghyun was offering the girls wine with the lazy smile already on his lips. That’s usually how he started. Key and Taemin were had their arms around two other girls, playing with their hair and whispering, occasionally making the girls giggle aloud from something Onew knew wasn’t all that funny. Minho had yet to emerge from the bathroom.
He was supposed to let them loosen the girls up before it was time. Since he was in charge-the “designated driver” so to speak-he was the one who took the briefcase from manager-hyung in the limo. Once the girls seemed to be complete putty in the other four’s grasp (not that it was a problem from the start) he’d gather them and they’d all go out on the balcony. In traditional Koreans style, they all would sit on the ground with large pillows catering to their butts. The round piece of glass in the middle made for the table.
Onew observed, in his mind calculating when it would be his cue to signal them. He tried not to let the unsettling feeling overwhelm him. Disgust couldn’t get in his way-if it did, it’d be selfish of him.
Jonghyun had the Australian girl on his lap. Check.
Taemin was caked up with that chick from Egypt. Check.
Key had Miss Venezuela and the girl from France. Check.
Of course he had to wait on Minho-as always. But…
Onew’s brow arched. Where was the fifth guest? Most times the leftover girl would join the others until the athlete pried himself from the bathroom. Then Minho would choose between her and the extra with another member. Like the French girl currently with Key. Then Onew was stuck with whomever because he couldn’t care one way or the other.
Yet he couldn’t spot her. Onew’s face stayed the same as he leaned left to right, trying to catch her reflection.
Only when Key began beckoning her over did he see her. She was in a corner, the corner where the dining room area was. It was shadowy over there so he couldn’t really see her face, but he did recognize that she was the African American girl from Canada. He also noticed how the silhouette of her head shook when Key pestered for her to come over. It didn’t take long for Key to get impatient and wave her off with a laugh, the alcohol clouding his system already. He went back to his lady, who already had her shirt off and was purring up his neck.
When Taemin got up to retrieve the remote for the stereo system, he approached the girl with a low voice so that no one heard. His Egyptian partner watched with obvious jealousy as the maknae tried to seduce the other girl with his slender, young body. He backed her into the corner even more with his chest and hips, trying to kiss her. Unfortunately for him, she slide out of his proximity as quickly as he had come on to her, making Taemin hit his forehead on the wall kinda painfully. He cursed, but smiled like a good sport anyway in his intoxicated state. She leaned back a tad when Taemin, as he walked past her back to the love seat, pointed at her and said in broken English that she’d come around soon. All the while, the tipsy others laughed at his attempt.
Onew smiled secretly to himself. Not because of Taemin’s fail, but because of the girl’s rejection. Despite himself, he found that he was rooting for her. He was glad she didn’t fall for it…glad she was the first not to.
And now that she was out of the corner, he could really see her. All of the girls were pretty, of course. So it was no surprise that she was. From where he was, he could see she had long ebony waves that swooped outward. Wide, marshmellowy brown eyes. A dainty nose. Plump lips. Her chocolate brown skin looked soft in the light. Her clothes were simple and casual, unlike the short skirts and flashy, exposing tops the other girls wore-and that went for all the girls they’d ever brought to the hotel. Onew thought about it. No, no other girl came dressed like this one. She wasn’t caked with make-up and fake lashes and glaring jewelry. She had an authentic baby face, which he always found most attractive on a female. She was all natural.
At the word natural, his eyes “naturally” meandered down her body. Oh yeah. That was another thing that differed between her and her fellow winners: Her stature was small but her body was all soft, voluptuous curves whereas the others were statuesque with the same body type: stick. Not saying that the girls who normally won were slim. It was just that Onew knew they never had one with so much…much.
He stopped staring, face heating. He let his head fall bashfully as ankles crossed. It wasn’t long, though, before he was looking back up again, bottom lip bit. The girl was watching the others drinking, laughing, flirting, touching. Her pose was stiff. It was hard to tell what emotion was written on her face, yet Onew knew it had to be anything but longing. Strange…
Then it vaguely clicked that the girl had been like this the whole time: reserved. From the time they met all the way to now. She smiled and shook hands. She embraced them. She was cordial. But she never spoke.
And that odd notebook she hugged to her chest. How could he overlook that? She had it now, tucked under her arm.
Onew struggled to remember her name. These “contests” were many and he honestly only remembered fans names for the sake of the first meeting and after that, he purposely let the names clear his head. So it was weird for him to try to recall. He’d never been interested enough in a guests to recall a name.
As he wracked his brain, two things happened. Minho finally left the bathroom, somehow his re-found confidence glowing and smile like a million bucks. Only one glance was enough for him to pick the half-naked French blonde over the conservative-looking seemingly intimidated Canadian girl. Over the soothing contemporary music, Onew heard Minho greet the girl deeply with a kiss to the side of her lips as he “stole” her from a nearly bare-chested Key. But Key was too occupied with swallowing face with his Latina friend to care.
The second thing that happened was that Jonghyun decided to be an ass. His special select was still in his lap, grinding and catering to his neck-blood now surfaced darkly on his peachy skin. You’d think he’d be content with that bit of an appetizer. Yet it was apparent, from the way he turned his head back at the “outcast” with hazy, devious eyes and licked lips that he’d noticed what Onew noticed. The swollen curves that went in sync with a pretty face. The heavy breasts her knitted top concealed. Cleavage that was subtly exposed yet was just enough of a feast for the vocalist’s viewing pleasure.
The girl was within arm’s reach. Onew barely had time to comprehend what was going to happen before Jonghyun’s hand lashed out and grabbed the girl’s wrist in a tight grip. She gasped loudly, struggling immediately. But Jonghyun was stronger. With an expression between malice, amusement and want, he began to drag the girl over-meanwhile, everyone else was chuckling. Taemin laughed the cruelest, perhaps seeing it as payback for his own advances being thwarted. Or maybe the wine was churning within and slowly turning him into a creep. Whatever it was, Onew hated it.
He also hated hearing the girl make that frantic whine. He hated to see her thrash. He hated that she was being hurt. He hated how freakishly strong Jonghyun got whenever he became drunk. He hated that the younger was so greedy at this moment.
But mostly, he hated that the girl that was left for him-designated for him- was being come on to. Whatever happened between the time Taemin tried her and now had Onew angry and feeling overprotective. Dare say it…envious.
This also didn’t happen.
He whirled around quickly, irritation evident in his dark tone. It was time to cut this lewd, pre-party short.
“We need to go outside now,” he said sternly, using his “leader” voice. Tight, almond eyes were fixated on Jonghyun. The other eyes on him, Onew didn’t care about. Except for hers. Hers were still wide in fear and frustration. When she spotted her chance, she snatched away from Jonghyun and cradled her hand to her mid-section. Slightly teary, mocha orbs then dissolved into silent thanks to the eldest member. Onew briefly absorbed it before he watched Jonghyun shove the girl off his lap and get to his feet, staring back at his hyung leeringly.
They all filed after Jonghyun and Australia, out the sliding door. Some leaned on each other for support as they stumbled into the cool night air, some holding hands. Onew and the Canadian girl were last. She was still gazing at him, even when Onew straightened back up from picking up her notebook. He shifted his hold on the briefcase handle as he presented the spiral rectangle to its owner, mustering a smile that came out awkward since he was still upset. She took it graciously and, to his astonishment, hugged it to her chest and swung from side to side with her head down. She held it as if it were a precious child, a prodigal son returned home. Onew realized it meant a lot to her, more than he thought. That thought ignited his anger even more thinking about Jonghyun’s attack but he willed himself calm, at least for her sake. He didn’t need her scared of him too.
Onew pretty much expected it when she bowed repeatedly instead of voicing her thanks. She hadn’t spoken any other time, why would she now?
Something occurred to him then.
She was about to walk away when he lightly touched her shoulder. Thankfully, she wasn’t too scarred from Jonghyun so she didn’t flinch or freak or anything. Those doll eyes looked at him inquisitively, face-to-face with him again…or not quite. She really was short.
“Your name…it is Mercedes, yes?” He remembered now. She had a car name. That’s the only reason he could remember. She nodded, smiling faintly at his pronunciation of her name. It was contagious, that simple motion of her mouth. “That is pretty...uh…uni…unique! Yes, unique. I like it.”
Her head went down, concealing her stronger smile. Her hands folded together in front of her. Onew found it cute.
For once, the “least desired” that he was always stuck with was, in his eyes, the most desirable of them all.
“Mercedes, do you really want to be here?” he suddenly whispered between them. He motioned towards to the others with a flicker of his eyes. For some reason, he was getting cotton mouth. It had to be the disgrace in his heart. “I’m sure you see that…this is no ordinary meet and greet.”
She twisted her neck to the same scene Onew had gestured to. Taemin’s half naked body flashed by as he chased his equally exposed partner. Somehow the girl ran into a bushel of purple flowers and ended up falling in the small pool of the waterfall feature. Taemin just laughed as hard she did when he splashed in with her. Their kissing was rushed and rough. A nipple caught between his teeth when her back hit the edge; from that, she arched against the stone perimeter of the pool. The two were only interrupted when the tickling of the swimming koi fish got the best of them.
“You could leave right now if you wanted to,” he continued, biting his lip. She turned back to him. His features were twisted in desperation. “You could leave now and I wouldn’t mind. I can call my manager and have him take you back to your own hotel. You…” Onew fought with how to say what he wanted to say next-and not because his English abilities were limited.
Her innocent gaze seemed to encourage him.
“You don’t look like the type…to be doing these kinds of things. You’re a good girl, I can tell that.” He exhaled audibly, waiting for her reaction. He hadn’t meant it to be offensive, yet to him, it still came out that way.
There was nothing to worry about, though, as he soon found out. She blinked and slowly, a hand rose in front of them. It hesitated, seeming to ask his permission. Onew nodded without wait. Then the palm of her small hand was cool against his blushing cheek.
His voice grew more delicate, as delicate as her touch. “You can leave…its okay. Really.”
Mercedes’s thumb rubbed back and forth on his skin. Onew’s gaze at her intensified. Was she…comforting him? Reassuring him? Was the concerned look on her face really for him?
It was so unexpected and he didn’t mean to chuckle. As if he’d done it all his life, he reached his own hand up to cover her smaller one. “Are you worried about me?”
Her head bobbed about five times, very quickly. Onew chuckled for a second time. How old was she again? Over 18 most certainly-that was one of the requirements. He’d have to check her papers again once they went out on the balcony…
Speaking of which, they’d have to hurry. Eight drunk and horny idiots on the top floor balcony of a 20-something floor hotel wasn’t something to take lightly.
“You are very sweet. But you shouldn’t worry Mercedes. I’ll be fine.” He snorted lightly. “I mean, does it look like I take part in these things myself?”
This time, her eyes turned into crescents with that smile. With her puffy cheeks and kitten-ish mouth, Onew had the sudden urge to squeal.
But he understood. She was telling him that she’d stay. And when she took a paler hand that didn’t hold the briefcase, tugging him to the sliding door, he understood that she didn’t mind.
They left the confinements of the room that was doused in scents of fruit, fragranced oils and that new furniture smell. In their stead was the fresh smell of musky flowers, the crispness of the night air and various flavors of smoky incense once the pair stepped barefoot out onto the terra-cotta path of the terrace. While everyone took their places at the table, Onew made sure that Mercedes was right next to him-and away from the obnoxious vocalist. From across the table, Jonghyun sipped white wine from his glass, smirking at his hyung’s sudden change in attitude about their seasonal “rendezvous.” It figured he’d finally take a liking to one who was awkward as himself. The alcohol clouding his head decided he should share his thoughts.
“Look who’s decided to join the fun,” he slurred. Onew could feel the girl cringe next to him even though they weren’t even touching. He glared at the younger.
“Yeah, for once,” Key remarked in a raspy voice. He rubbed his hand down his partner’s legs that were settled across his lap. When he got to wiggling her pinky toes, she exploded in giggles and swatted at his hands, but he only grinned and kept them there.
Onew shook his head, unlocking the briefcase and purposely letting the lid bang on the table.
“If you all don’t mind, I’d like to get started.”
“Jinkiiii baby! Come on, what’s the rush? Business shmizzness.” Jonghyun’s alternation between Korean and English in his drunk voice would have, at another time, been amusing to Onew. Now, it was just annoying.
“You know why,” he replied patiently. “We actually should have started earlier.”
Jonghyun sniffed, dazedly setting his glass on the table. His shifty eyes locked on the Canadian girl (seeing three of her) as he unabashedly reached for the warm inner thighs of the redhead next to him. “Why did you bring that?” he asked impolitely, pointing at Mercedes’s notebook. Instinctively she held the notebook closer. “Why the hell do you not talk?”
“Jonghyun.”
“What?” the younger protested, transitioning to full Korean. “It’s just a question. If she wanted to be here why doesn’t she talk? Pretty stupid if you ask me.”
“And no one asked you. So just shut up Jonghyun-ah,” Onew said between his teeth. Taemin’s shielded eyes danced between the four. There was rarely drama at this type of occasion, especially since guests were in the vicinity. He was all ears.
“Damn. So its like that. Wow.” Jonghyun burst out with spastic laughter, startling them all. His mouth pursed up as a finger went in drunk circles, going back and forth between Mercedes and Onew. “So you’re not going to share this time? You’re actually going to fuck her?”
“Jonghyun!” The leader roared, fist tightening at his sides. He really hated when Jonghyun was this drunk. He took “different personality” to another level.
The younger wasn’t even fazed. He casually propped his feet up on the table, still attempting to finger the ginger as she helped him out of his shirt.
“I really think you should share. I don’t think you’re going to do anything, you prude.” He licked his lips at Mercedes yet was still talking to Onew since he still spoke in Korean. “I don’t like fat girls, but I can make an exception for this one. Those tits are about to explode out of that shirt. Hyung you know I can’t resist a perfect pair of tits. Hers…” He squinted at her chest, paying no heed to Onew’s outraged shaking. “They look like they sit up on their own. Ooohh, perky,” he added, rubbing his own bare nipples.
As Jonghyun turned to ask his partner if she would mind including another in their party, Minho stopped making out with the blonde long enough to huff, “God, just ignore him hyung. Let’s get this over with.”
“I second that,” Key piped, picking up his wine glass to toast with Minho.
Jonghyun rolled his eyes at them. “I think it’s a waste. Let me have her, Jinki. Sign off on her.”
“No,” Onew growled. He decided to try to listen to Minho and began pulling out the contracts. He started to left, where the Egyptian girl sat, and passed them down. “All of you ladies will receive a contract. Please take one and pass it down.”
“Hyung you’re so embarrassing,” Taemin interjected with a giggle, referring to Jonghyun.
“Thank you. Say, Minnie, you know what I want to do?” He pointed at Mercedes and smirked. “I want to suck all over her, even the fat parts. I want to suck until I suck all of the chocolate out her skin. Then…hahaha….she’d be Korean like us!” He elbowed the Taemin harder than Taemin would have liked, yet the maknae laughed anyway, though a bit uneasily. To be honest, he thought the statement was more racist than anything. Besides not making any sense.
Onew, on the other hand, whether it was racist or ignorant, found it degrading as hell. The only relief he had was that it was all in Korean-though, it was also technically rude for Jonghyun to carry on a Korean conversation amongst mostly English speaking guests. But that little fact, that is WAS in Korean and thus, Mercedes couldn’t understand, was the only thing that held him back from pouncing across the table and punching Jonghyun’s lights out. He couldn’t wait until the vocalist was sober, when he was back in his right mind. He was by far the worst.
When Mercedes received her contract, Onew spoke again. “Great. Now, all of you please take your time and read over your contracts. Even the written part we, Shinee, are supposed to read and sign. Make sure you read carefully. Make sure your contact information is correct and up to date. If you do not agree with something in this contract, you have the option of discussing it with me or taking your leave; we will not hold it against you.” He gathered additional papers and straightened them out, hitting them on the table. He didn’t miss a beat. After all, he’d had this memorized. “As soon as you’re done reading and signing, please pass the contract to the member you are with so he can sign.” The first time he’d done it, he was stuttering and messing up his English. He felt utterly ridiculous. Who ever heard of having a serious contract signing for consensual sex?
Apparently his band. Their vote was unanimous. And like a sucker, he voted for it just to please them. Because he was their self-less leader.
Onew frowned as he placed the now neatly stacked papers into the suede interior of the brief case. Playing “passive appa” all the time wasn’t paying off in the least.
Especially now. Jonghyun was still running his trap. It was to the point where Australia kept smacking him aside the head for the disrespectful comments he said in English and Key almost threw his drink at him for the ones in Korean. Onew steadily ignored the second eldest’s requests that he “hand over” Mercedes for the night, and even if Onew didn’t have any kind of interest towards the girl, there was no way he’d let him put his hands on her. He wished the younger couldn’t touch any one of them.
By now, Onew expected her to lash back out at his band mate or leave. By the way she hid her face from everyone he could tell she was sensitive. Yet…not sensitive enough to retaliate or flee. When it got to the point where she whimpered and ducked her head behind Onew’s shoulder, the leader lost his patience.
“YAH, enough! She’s not anyone’s property!” He eyed everyone at the table tiredly, irritably. “Are all the contracts signed yet?”
“Not quite,” Taemin hiccupped, immune to the confrontation. Reason being that his drunk friend had a hard time signing the line and needed his help; his hand was on hers as they ripped across the paper with unsteady strokes. Both giggled, which clued Onew in that she probably saw the words as marching ants-and whatever signature was on the paper resembled a kindergarten portrait.
Jonghyun laughed at them before he turned back to his hyung with a sneer. “You must be holding out on me. You must know she’s a good lay. Jinki-hyung has that pussy radar, eh? Haha. Should we switch then? I like big butts too-
“Taemin just hand it over, that’s good enough. The rest of you too.”
The remainder of the “meeting” proceeded quickly after that, and it was mostly because the majority of them were ready to separate to their individual rooms. Jonghyun wished Onew luck with a few vulgar hip thrusts before he staggered off with his girl. That left only Onew and Mercedes at the table. Alone with her, Onew was relieved yet it was just as much of a fragile situation as the few minutes before they came outside.
“So do you…want to go inside?”
She released her death grip on his sleeve, gazing up at him. She nodded, let him go and rubbed up and down her arms.
“Ah, it is pretty chilly,” he agreed, his smile faltering a second later. “I’m very sorry for Jonghyun. He’s not….like that at all.” Onew offered his hand to help her up, mentally trembling because he somehow felt she’d shy away from him. Mercedes, however, let herself be pulled to her feet, notebook securely under her arm. A half-hearted thumbs up let Onew know she was a good sport about it. It was just that she didn’t trust Jonghyun at all. Possibly disliked him. Could anyone blame her?
Onew smiled at her. “Are you sleepy?”
She shook her head, but made a frantic “drinking” gesture. Gentle laughter accompanied his smile.
“Ara, we’ll get you something to drink first.”
Next: Part 2