L.O.V.E.R [1/4]
Title : L.O.V.E.R (Sequel to L.O.V.E)
Characters : Myungsoo x Sungjong
Chapter: 1
L.O.V.E.R
It had been a week since Sungjong left L. No, he didn’t leave him, but he was forced to. Hoya persuaded him to come home and he did. His father didn’t get angry at him for he knew how much Sungjong objected his marriage with another woman. The cheerful Sungjong had already vanished.
Hoya didn’t know whether he was doing the right thing for breaking them apart or not because Sungjong was suffering. Although he only visited Sungjong for a while as a cousin, he could see how sad he was within his quiet eyes. Yet, every time he was around, Sungjong will fake a smile and act like nothing had happened. And it hurt Hoya to see what a fool Sungjong had become, lying to himself.
Sungjong thought he could survive by making his life busy and he didn’t want to go out for once. He was scared. Scared of meeting L. He had no clue how to face him anymore. He made a mistake. Still Sungjong found out he wasn’t feeling a least guilty for loving L, his own step-brother. He must have lost his mind already.
Everything will be all right now, right?
Every day Sungjong comforted himself by saying those words. But they won’t be any helpful anymore when his father told him that his new step-mother and her son will be living in their house starting tomorrow.
Hoya tried to give a call to Sungjong when he heard about the news. But Sungjong completely ignored the calls. He just lay on his bed, closing his eyes and put a hand on his forehead. His mind was blanked. Did he really blow it up this time until God is punishing him so hard? He didn’t want to see L again. Or stare into his cold yet charming eyes ever again. If he were given two choices whether to meet with L or die, with no doubt he will pick to die.
Sungjong hated the fact L was his step-brother. If only he could stop the weeding, and if he met L earlier than this, he won’t be in this bind. He was sick of thinking all of this. But only one he knew, he didn’t regret for loving L. Never once he thought of that.
*****
The next day, Sungjong locked himself in his room as he could hear his father greeting the honour guests in downstairs. He wrapped his knees closed to his chest and curled up into a ball on the bed. He forced his eyes to stay shut but he couldn’t when someone came banging at his door.
Pissed off due to noisy sound, he opened the door curtly and shouted,
‘What do you want?!’ He didn’t care at who he just shouted because he was used to it even if it was at his father.
But then his entire movement was halted as his eyes eyeing on a figure in front of him. It was L. He didn’t say a word as he was numb. And so did L. He just blinked watching Sungjong like that. He never knew he could be that stubborn.
Sungjong snapped himself back to reality and quickly averted his sight from L.
‘Come down to eat already. We have no time waiting for the stubborn princess.’ Hoya, who was behind L which Sungjong didn’t notice him, said.
Sungjong cleared his throat as his words were stuck. L was looking away with his hands in the pockets.
‘Sure. I’ll go down later on. And for your information I’m not a girl or stubborn!’ Managed to say something, Sungjong quickly closed back his door.
‘But you’re acting like one.’ He could hear Hoya shouting behind the door.
‘Shut up, hyung!’ Sungjong always pissed off on how his hyung bullied him so much.
But that wasn’t a problem for him now. It was L. The moment he saw L his heart beat so fast until he lost counts. Forgetting L was hard, but having him near Sungjong made him crazy. He calmed himself by taking a long breath, so his heart could beat in a normal pace. It took him 10 minutes to stop his crazy heart beating.
With a slight of courage, he went down to the dining table. He could see Hoya was sitting in front of his step-mother and like always he would have to sit beside Hoya. But this time Sungjong was having a problem with that because he had to sit in front of L.
‘I thought you’re having a diet or something, so I finished all your food already.’
‘It’s not funny, hyung. ‘Sungjong replied with a stern voice before giving a bow to his father and his step-mother.
As he sat beside Hoya, he wondered since when his hyung was so noisy before. But he could guess the answer already. Ever since that day, Sungjong started to stay silent. He didn’t make noises everywhere he goes like always. And he stopped complaining about everything which was very unusual to him. Hoya always tried to cheer up his mood ever since then.
Sungjong didn’t say a word but keep on putting rice in his mouth non-stop. Every single one at the table stopped eating, as their eyes were on Sungjong. Sungjong didn’t stop eating.
‘Yah, you’re going to choke yourself eating like that.’ Hoya was puzzled to his act.
But he knew why Sungjong was acting like that. Sungjong didn’t want to be around L. He didn’t want to be stared at and he didn’t want to be caught staring at L.
Sungjong refused to slow down eating. He wanted to finish his dinner fast so he could get his feet out from there. But then he really choked the food when his father said something,
‘You’ll be going to college same as Myungsoo tomorrow.’
He coughed; trying to not let the food to block his throat and even drank a glass of water as Hoya patted his shoulder with the face ‘I told you so.’
‘But we never discuss this before, appa. And why must I be in the same college as him?’ Sungjong said as he finally able to speak his words out.
‘That’s because we never had a chance to discuss. And watch your words, the guy you’re referring as ‘him’ is your brother.’ His father replied with a stern voice, making Sungjong unable to stand up for himself.
Hoya on the other hand decided to stay on the fence; didn’t want to take any sides. If he took Sungjong’s side, what will his uncle says about him. And if he took his uncle’s side, Sungjong will surely thinks that he betrays him. So, he stayed quiet as Sungjong was hoping that Hoya will help him.
Going to college wasn’t a problem. But it was a problem because he will be in college in L!
‘I won’t go!’ Sungjong raised his voice.
‘Sungjongie, don’t be like this. Your appa is thinking about the best for you.’ L’s mother spoke just to calm Sungjong down.
Meanwhile L was sipping his cup of tea. He seemed not bothered in this situation.
‘It’s only the best for him, ahjumma.’ Sungjong replied to his step-mother, voice low. Because somehow he had a feeling she is a kind person.
Sungjong knew his father won’t let him the chance to register on his own because when he was in high school he quietly changed his high school and entered an art high school. His father was furious after he found out, but he let Sungjong off the hook as Hoya begged him for Sungjong’s forgiveness by taking all the blame on him. He lied to Sungjong’s father, saying he was the one who told him to change school even though he didn’t have a clue about this.
Sungjong owed Hoya a lot ever since they were little that’s for sure.
‘You’re going to go to college with L, plus Hoya is in the college too.’ His father kept on forcing him.
Dumbfounded, Sungjong stood up and decided to walk from the place. But as he was making his way, his pace stopped when his father uttered,
‘Where do you think you’re going? You’re not allowed to leave the dining table until you’re finish with your food, young boy. Family’s rules, remember?’
Sungjong bit his lips. How he hated those stupid family’s rules that his father made up just after his mother died. And he despised when he get punished every time he broke the rules accidentally or purposely.
‘Go outside and kneel in front of the main door with your hands up until I forgive you for being so rude.’ That was his punishment.
Sungjong looked at Hoya, hoping that he will help him, but Hoya couldn’t give him a lending hand in this situation. He was already 20 and yet his father still making him to obey all the rules inside the house.
With a mix of anger and dissatisfaction in his feeling, Sungjong stomped his way out of the house and kneeled in front of the door just like his father told him to. It was so damn cold. And wearing a thin shirt was his regret the most that night. He wondered how long he will have to be punished.
From his experiences, the longest time he was in punishment was 3 days day when he accidentally broke his father’s favourite vase. Sungjong still hold a grudge on that vase. Only for that vase, he was forbid to eat or drink for three days. To add the worst, the vase was not expensive at all or pretty.
Sungjong sighed. And so did Hoya, who was still in the dining room.
‘Ahjusshi, forgive Sungjong, please? He didn’t mean to act like that. There must be something in his food that made him crazy like that.’ Hoya tried to help Sungjong but his efforts were futile when Mr. Lee replied,
‘It’s enough Hoya. No need to protect him anymore. You’ve done a lot for him. It’s time for him to be independent.’
Hoya couldn’t say a word after that. A few minutes later, L stood up and walked away. But just before he could, his mother asked,
‘Myungie dear, where are you going?’
L didn’t turn his back to face his mother. Before he walked out, he only said,
‘Joining Sungjong for the punishment.’
The three at the dining table were shocked, especially Hoya. They looked at L’s bowl. He didn’t finish it. His mother frowned looking at his son’s weird act. Sungjong’s father who was perplexed on what had happened decided to rest in his bedroom and Myungsoo’s mother accompanied him, leaving Hoya alone.
Hoya smiled a bit, playing his food with the spoon. He was blind before. But now he could see it clearly. L, he really loved Sungjong and not as his dongsaeng. L was observing Sungjong ever since he sat at the dining table. But because of his ability of having an expressionless face, he was able to do that without anyone knowing. Yet, Hoya noticed it. L’s way of protecting Sungjong from pain was a weird way.
‘I’m sorry, Sungjongie.’ Hoya didn’t know how to put out his feeling of guilt for tearing the two lovers apart.
He should believe Dongwoo’s words when he said L really loved Sungjong. But he couldn’t blame himself for it. He blamed L for being so expressionless. He should have trusted him.
Sneezing for the twice time, Sungjong was already tired. But then his tiredness was washed away due to the shock when L abruptly went out the door and kneeled beside him. Sungjong couldn’t stop eyeing on him in perplexity.
Noticing Sungjong’s eyes were still on him, L found his staring was uncomfortable so he said,
‘Staring at me isn’t free, you know?’
Hearing those words, Sungjong quickly shifted his eyes and looked at other direction.
‘What are you doing here?’ Sungjong finally uttered.
‘Receiving my punishment.’ L’s answer gave a surge of shock in Sungjong’s vein.
Sungjong never thought his father will punish L also for not finishing his food. Even if Hoya didn’t finish his, his father will let him go. So it was impossible for L being punished by his father as he was new in this house, not knowing the rules yet.
Both of them kept quiet. Sungjong was in bind, whether he should crack a conversation with L or just keep his mouth shut. He wanted to talk to L. He wanted to hear L's voice. He missed the way L called his name.
Even so, Sungjong didn’t manage to say a word. It had been two hours they kneeled. And Sungjong could feel his legs starting to get numb. He was sure L was feeling the same as he glimpsed L biting his lips a bit.
Enduring the pain, Sungjong was trying his hard. But he felt so weird this time. He found that the punishment was a blessing for him. Having L beside him felt so warm and it was if he was in paradise. He wasn’t mind being punish forever as long as L was with him.
A few minutes later, Hoya opened the main door and said,
‘How long you two going to be on the floor? Your appa already asleep.’
Sungjong heaved a sigh of relief. So did L. Hoya helped Sungjong to stand up at first before offering his hand to L. L lifted his head, eyes locked on Hoya. Why was the person who broke him and Sungjong tried to help him? But L knew he couldn’t stay forever mad at Hoya.
‘Mad at me?’ Hoya asked him, cracking a conversation only the two of them could understand.
Sungjong frowned to Hoya’s words.
‘Do I even get a chance to do that?’ L shook his head a bit and creased a smile on his face before reaching for Hoya’s hand.
L went ahead to his bedroom which was just opposite with Sungjong’s. Meanwhile, Hoya was still trying to help Sungjong walking into his room by holding his hand.
‘What happened back then? How can appa punish him?’ Sungjong’s curiosity devoured the latter.
‘He didn’t punish him.’
Sungjong puzzled even more.
‘Then?’
Hoya didn’t know how to explain to him as it was a bit complicated.
‘Hmm… you can say he volunteered to join you for the punishment.’
*****
Tomorrow had finally come. Sungjong had no choice to go to college. L already went to college with his bicycle. The college was not far from their house actually. As he waiting for the bus, he kept on thinking about the advantages and disadvantages going to the college.
Advantage is Hoya is in the same college and disadvantage is L is in the college too.
He sighed.
I’m doomed.
First day at college, Sungjong tried his hard to keep himself from meeting L. And he succeeded doing that. He found out that L was taking music as his major course.
And how lucky he was to know it for he could avoid him by not taking the same course as him. But Sungjong loved music or more like he loved the stage. He loved to be the center of attention. Even so, he rather takes another course.
Tick tock tick tock and his classes were over already for that day. He wondered where he could find Hoya. Hoya is in dance major and so is Dongwoo. Hoya told him he always practices with Dongwoo after college or if they have free time.
Sungjong rummaged his pocket when he felt his phone vibrated. It was a text message from Hoya.
‘Let’s have a drink. Come to Dongwoo’s café at 7.’
Due to that message, Sungjong quickly walked out the college and went to Dongwoo’s café which was only 5 minutes from the college. He needed to be fast or he will make Hoya waited for him like always.
15 minutes after 7pm, Sungjong who stood in front of Hoya now, received a glare from Hoya for being late again.
‘Sorry, hyung.’ Sungjong begged for his forgiveness as Dongwoo put two glasses of lemon juice on the table.
As soon as Dongwoo sat beside Hoya and Sungjong took his place in front of Hoya, Sungjong noticed someone was on the stage, checking the drum there. And there were many people here.
‘Is someone performing tonight?’ Sungjong was so curios about it.
‘Yup.It’s a popular group in our college named, ‘The Flower Boys’. I hired them to perform here on weeknights. ‘Dongwoo explained to Sungjong, who was new to all of this.
Sungjong sipped his lemon juice but then he was about to spill his juice when the group called ‘The Flower Boys’ came up on the stage. He was shocked to see that ‘The Flower Boys’ was L and his other three friends. Soon he heard the beat of drum and the sound of guitars being played, turning into a masterpiece.
He had to admit their music was very good. And the main vocalist which he never met before had a nice voice. Sungyeol if he wasn’t mistaken was playing the drum as Woohyun and L were playing the guitars. After singing three songs, they went off the stage and walked towards where they were sitting.
‘That was great a performance.’ Dongwoo said to Sungyeol.
‘We’re still lacking due to the long semester break.’ Woohyun said as he grabbed Hoya’s drink and drank it.
‘I was drinking that.’ Hoya’s words just received a smile from Woohyun.
L, who was the only one who noticed Sungjong’s presence there only stayed quiet and sat beside Dongwoo. Just a few moments after day, the main vocalist asked,
‘Who’s this?’
Sungjong didn’t wait for the two to introduce him to the others,
‘Annyeong, I’m Lee Sungjong.’
‘I never saw his face before.’ Sungyeol said.
‘He’s a new kid and also Hoya’s cousin.’ Dongwoo explained.
‘Woww! Then we should throw a welcome party for Sungjongie.’ Sungyeol shouted as he was closed to Sungjong.
‘I’m Sunggyu.’ The main vocalist said, pouring some mineral water in his class.
‘This is Sungyeol, the chubby kid in town.’ Dongwoo laughed as he introduced Sungyeol by tapping his stomach and the other one is Woohyun.
‘Nice to meet all of you.’ Sungjong could only smile.
‘Hyung, you’re forgetting Myungsoo.’ Woohyun’s words shut Dongwoo and Hoya.
They forgot that L was there too. Should they be introducing them to each other? Well they already knew each other.
‘Oh yeah. I forgot.’ Dongwoo dumbly smiled and scratched his head. ‘Sungjong ah, this is Myungsoo.’
The moment Sungjong wanted to greet him like a stranger he never met before, L suddenly stood up and got his feet from the place he was sitting.
‘What’s wrong with him?’ Sungyeol complained.
‘Don’t blame him.’ Hoya replied. ‘It’s time for his solo song.’
Sungjong’s attention at Hoya was distracted to the stage when he heard a soft melody produce by a base guitar. His eyes were on the figure who was sitting on a chair, holding a guitar around his neck and microphone in front of him.
♫Maybe it’s true,
I caught up for you,
Maybe there’s a chance,
That you stop coming too,
Maybe I’m wrong and
It’s all in my head,
Maybe we’re unaware
With what we both had said
I really want you,
I really need you,
Baby I miss you,
I’m thinking of you.♫
Sungjong was speechless hearing L’s voice. He never though he had such an amazing voice. Everyone was enjoying the song. He wondered if he was the only one to notice that the song felt so sad.
As L finished singing, he didn’t even bother to go back to the table which the others were sitting as his part time work was over. Plus he didn’t want to go there because of Sungjong. Sungjong knew why L went straight out of the café. Coming here was a bad choice for Sungjong.
He sighed before he received a phone call from his dad. Not wanting the loud noise interrupt their conversation, he answered his phone just outside the café. He pouted as he had to hear to his appa’s long lecture for forgetting to make his bed this morning before going to college.
‘Araso appa. It won’t happen again.’ A few minutes after that, he managed to get his dad off the phone.
‘Seriously I can be deaf hearing him shouting over the phone.’ Sungjong mumbled as he deleted some messages in his inbox.
His hand stopped when his finger accidentally tapped on a message. The message he received from L when they were still together.
‘Good morning, candy ♥’
Reading it, Sungjong looked down and brought the phone to his chest. He took a few steps backwards until his spine touched the hard concrete wall. Slowly, he slid down on the floor, head still down. He wrapped his knees.
Hurt was he to remember all of it. He still couldn’t accept the fact that they couldn’t be together. He wanted to be with L again. Can’t they run away? Sungjong snickered a bit to the thought because he knew L won’t do something like that for this stupid reason.
He didn’t realize when tears were staining his cheeks. He didn’t realize it was getting dark. And he obviously didn’t realize when someone perched in front of him.
He only noticed the presence of someone when he felt someone’s breath just above his head, brushing his hair. He knew whose breath it belongs to so well. He didn’t want to raise his head because of the tears he was shedding. L hated to see him crying, that’s why he didn’t want him to see him like that.
Sungjong then felt a piece of cloth on his head and soon the breath was gone. Knowing, L must already went away; he tilted his head and took something on his head. It was a handkerchief. Without consent, he burst into tears again clenching the handkerchief tight.
‘Sungjong, what happened?’ Hoya and the others came out as Sungjong was taking a long time answering the phone.
The others were perplexed as much as Hoya. Sungjong kept on silent. He didn’t answer anything the others asked or say anything.
*****
A/N : The sequel is tooooo long so I need to post it like this. ------> Chapter 2
Characters : Myungsoo x Sungjong
Chapter: 1
L.O.V.E.R
It had been a week since Sungjong left L. No, he didn’t leave him, but he was forced to. Hoya persuaded him to come home and he did. His father didn’t get angry at him for he knew how much Sungjong objected his marriage with another woman. The cheerful Sungjong had already vanished.
Hoya didn’t know whether he was doing the right thing for breaking them apart or not because Sungjong was suffering. Although he only visited Sungjong for a while as a cousin, he could see how sad he was within his quiet eyes. Yet, every time he was around, Sungjong will fake a smile and act like nothing had happened. And it hurt Hoya to see what a fool Sungjong had become, lying to himself.
Sungjong thought he could survive by making his life busy and he didn’t want to go out for once. He was scared. Scared of meeting L. He had no clue how to face him anymore. He made a mistake. Still Sungjong found out he wasn’t feeling a least guilty for loving L, his own step-brother. He must have lost his mind already.
Everything will be all right now, right?
Every day Sungjong comforted himself by saying those words. But they won’t be any helpful anymore when his father told him that his new step-mother and her son will be living in their house starting tomorrow.
Hoya tried to give a call to Sungjong when he heard about the news. But Sungjong completely ignored the calls. He just lay on his bed, closing his eyes and put a hand on his forehead. His mind was blanked. Did he really blow it up this time until God is punishing him so hard? He didn’t want to see L again. Or stare into his cold yet charming eyes ever again. If he were given two choices whether to meet with L or die, with no doubt he will pick to die.
Sungjong hated the fact L was his step-brother. If only he could stop the weeding, and if he met L earlier than this, he won’t be in this bind. He was sick of thinking all of this. But only one he knew, he didn’t regret for loving L. Never once he thought of that.
*****
The next day, Sungjong locked himself in his room as he could hear his father greeting the honour guests in downstairs. He wrapped his knees closed to his chest and curled up into a ball on the bed. He forced his eyes to stay shut but he couldn’t when someone came banging at his door.
Pissed off due to noisy sound, he opened the door curtly and shouted,
‘What do you want?!’ He didn’t care at who he just shouted because he was used to it even if it was at his father.
But then his entire movement was halted as his eyes eyeing on a figure in front of him. It was L. He didn’t say a word as he was numb. And so did L. He just blinked watching Sungjong like that. He never knew he could be that stubborn.
Sungjong snapped himself back to reality and quickly averted his sight from L.
‘Come down to eat already. We have no time waiting for the stubborn princess.’ Hoya, who was behind L which Sungjong didn’t notice him, said.
Sungjong cleared his throat as his words were stuck. L was looking away with his hands in the pockets.
‘Sure. I’ll go down later on. And for your information I’m not a girl or stubborn!’ Managed to say something, Sungjong quickly closed back his door.
‘But you’re acting like one.’ He could hear Hoya shouting behind the door.
‘Shut up, hyung!’ Sungjong always pissed off on how his hyung bullied him so much.
But that wasn’t a problem for him now. It was L. The moment he saw L his heart beat so fast until he lost counts. Forgetting L was hard, but having him near Sungjong made him crazy. He calmed himself by taking a long breath, so his heart could beat in a normal pace. It took him 10 minutes to stop his crazy heart beating.
With a slight of courage, he went down to the dining table. He could see Hoya was sitting in front of his step-mother and like always he would have to sit beside Hoya. But this time Sungjong was having a problem with that because he had to sit in front of L.
‘I thought you’re having a diet or something, so I finished all your food already.’
‘It’s not funny, hyung. ‘Sungjong replied with a stern voice before giving a bow to his father and his step-mother.
As he sat beside Hoya, he wondered since when his hyung was so noisy before. But he could guess the answer already. Ever since that day, Sungjong started to stay silent. He didn’t make noises everywhere he goes like always. And he stopped complaining about everything which was very unusual to him. Hoya always tried to cheer up his mood ever since then.
Sungjong didn’t say a word but keep on putting rice in his mouth non-stop. Every single one at the table stopped eating, as their eyes were on Sungjong. Sungjong didn’t stop eating.
‘Yah, you’re going to choke yourself eating like that.’ Hoya was puzzled to his act.
But he knew why Sungjong was acting like that. Sungjong didn’t want to be around L. He didn’t want to be stared at and he didn’t want to be caught staring at L.
Sungjong refused to slow down eating. He wanted to finish his dinner fast so he could get his feet out from there. But then he really choked the food when his father said something,
‘You’ll be going to college same as Myungsoo tomorrow.’
He coughed; trying to not let the food to block his throat and even drank a glass of water as Hoya patted his shoulder with the face ‘I told you so.’
‘But we never discuss this before, appa. And why must I be in the same college as him?’ Sungjong said as he finally able to speak his words out.
‘That’s because we never had a chance to discuss. And watch your words, the guy you’re referring as ‘him’ is your brother.’ His father replied with a stern voice, making Sungjong unable to stand up for himself.
Hoya on the other hand decided to stay on the fence; didn’t want to take any sides. If he took Sungjong’s side, what will his uncle says about him. And if he took his uncle’s side, Sungjong will surely thinks that he betrays him. So, he stayed quiet as Sungjong was hoping that Hoya will help him.
Going to college wasn’t a problem. But it was a problem because he will be in college in L!
‘I won’t go!’ Sungjong raised his voice.
‘Sungjongie, don’t be like this. Your appa is thinking about the best for you.’ L’s mother spoke just to calm Sungjong down.
Meanwhile L was sipping his cup of tea. He seemed not bothered in this situation.
‘It’s only the best for him, ahjumma.’ Sungjong replied to his step-mother, voice low. Because somehow he had a feeling she is a kind person.
Sungjong knew his father won’t let him the chance to register on his own because when he was in high school he quietly changed his high school and entered an art high school. His father was furious after he found out, but he let Sungjong off the hook as Hoya begged him for Sungjong’s forgiveness by taking all the blame on him. He lied to Sungjong’s father, saying he was the one who told him to change school even though he didn’t have a clue about this.
Sungjong owed Hoya a lot ever since they were little that’s for sure.
‘You’re going to go to college with L, plus Hoya is in the college too.’ His father kept on forcing him.
Dumbfounded, Sungjong stood up and decided to walk from the place. But as he was making his way, his pace stopped when his father uttered,
‘Where do you think you’re going? You’re not allowed to leave the dining table until you’re finish with your food, young boy. Family’s rules, remember?’
Sungjong bit his lips. How he hated those stupid family’s rules that his father made up just after his mother died. And he despised when he get punished every time he broke the rules accidentally or purposely.
‘Go outside and kneel in front of the main door with your hands up until I forgive you for being so rude.’ That was his punishment.
Sungjong looked at Hoya, hoping that he will help him, but Hoya couldn’t give him a lending hand in this situation. He was already 20 and yet his father still making him to obey all the rules inside the house.
With a mix of anger and dissatisfaction in his feeling, Sungjong stomped his way out of the house and kneeled in front of the door just like his father told him to. It was so damn cold. And wearing a thin shirt was his regret the most that night. He wondered how long he will have to be punished.
From his experiences, the longest time he was in punishment was 3 days day when he accidentally broke his father’s favourite vase. Sungjong still hold a grudge on that vase. Only for that vase, he was forbid to eat or drink for three days. To add the worst, the vase was not expensive at all or pretty.
Sungjong sighed. And so did Hoya, who was still in the dining room.
‘Ahjusshi, forgive Sungjong, please? He didn’t mean to act like that. There must be something in his food that made him crazy like that.’ Hoya tried to help Sungjong but his efforts were futile when Mr. Lee replied,
‘It’s enough Hoya. No need to protect him anymore. You’ve done a lot for him. It’s time for him to be independent.’
Hoya couldn’t say a word after that. A few minutes later, L stood up and walked away. But just before he could, his mother asked,
‘Myungie dear, where are you going?’
L didn’t turn his back to face his mother. Before he walked out, he only said,
‘Joining Sungjong for the punishment.’
The three at the dining table were shocked, especially Hoya. They looked at L’s bowl. He didn’t finish it. His mother frowned looking at his son’s weird act. Sungjong’s father who was perplexed on what had happened decided to rest in his bedroom and Myungsoo’s mother accompanied him, leaving Hoya alone.
Hoya smiled a bit, playing his food with the spoon. He was blind before. But now he could see it clearly. L, he really loved Sungjong and not as his dongsaeng. L was observing Sungjong ever since he sat at the dining table. But because of his ability of having an expressionless face, he was able to do that without anyone knowing. Yet, Hoya noticed it. L’s way of protecting Sungjong from pain was a weird way.
‘I’m sorry, Sungjongie.’ Hoya didn’t know how to put out his feeling of guilt for tearing the two lovers apart.
He should believe Dongwoo’s words when he said L really loved Sungjong. But he couldn’t blame himself for it. He blamed L for being so expressionless. He should have trusted him.
Sneezing for the twice time, Sungjong was already tired. But then his tiredness was washed away due to the shock when L abruptly went out the door and kneeled beside him. Sungjong couldn’t stop eyeing on him in perplexity.
Noticing Sungjong’s eyes were still on him, L found his staring was uncomfortable so he said,
‘Staring at me isn’t free, you know?’
Hearing those words, Sungjong quickly shifted his eyes and looked at other direction.
‘What are you doing here?’ Sungjong finally uttered.
‘Receiving my punishment.’ L’s answer gave a surge of shock in Sungjong’s vein.
Sungjong never thought his father will punish L also for not finishing his food. Even if Hoya didn’t finish his, his father will let him go. So it was impossible for L being punished by his father as he was new in this house, not knowing the rules yet.
Both of them kept quiet. Sungjong was in bind, whether he should crack a conversation with L or just keep his mouth shut. He wanted to talk to L. He wanted to hear L's voice. He missed the way L called his name.
Even so, Sungjong didn’t manage to say a word. It had been two hours they kneeled. And Sungjong could feel his legs starting to get numb. He was sure L was feeling the same as he glimpsed L biting his lips a bit.
Enduring the pain, Sungjong was trying his hard. But he felt so weird this time. He found that the punishment was a blessing for him. Having L beside him felt so warm and it was if he was in paradise. He wasn’t mind being punish forever as long as L was with him.
A few minutes later, Hoya opened the main door and said,
‘How long you two going to be on the floor? Your appa already asleep.’
Sungjong heaved a sigh of relief. So did L. Hoya helped Sungjong to stand up at first before offering his hand to L. L lifted his head, eyes locked on Hoya. Why was the person who broke him and Sungjong tried to help him? But L knew he couldn’t stay forever mad at Hoya.
‘Mad at me?’ Hoya asked him, cracking a conversation only the two of them could understand.
Sungjong frowned to Hoya’s words.
‘Do I even get a chance to do that?’ L shook his head a bit and creased a smile on his face before reaching for Hoya’s hand.
L went ahead to his bedroom which was just opposite with Sungjong’s. Meanwhile, Hoya was still trying to help Sungjong walking into his room by holding his hand.
‘What happened back then? How can appa punish him?’ Sungjong’s curiosity devoured the latter.
‘He didn’t punish him.’
Sungjong puzzled even more.
‘Then?’
Hoya didn’t know how to explain to him as it was a bit complicated.
‘Hmm… you can say he volunteered to join you for the punishment.’
*****
Tomorrow had finally come. Sungjong had no choice to go to college. L already went to college with his bicycle. The college was not far from their house actually. As he waiting for the bus, he kept on thinking about the advantages and disadvantages going to the college.
Advantage is Hoya is in the same college and disadvantage is L is in the college too.
He sighed.
I’m doomed.
First day at college, Sungjong tried his hard to keep himself from meeting L. And he succeeded doing that. He found out that L was taking music as his major course.
And how lucky he was to know it for he could avoid him by not taking the same course as him. But Sungjong loved music or more like he loved the stage. He loved to be the center of attention. Even so, he rather takes another course.
Tick tock tick tock and his classes were over already for that day. He wondered where he could find Hoya. Hoya is in dance major and so is Dongwoo. Hoya told him he always practices with Dongwoo after college or if they have free time.
Sungjong rummaged his pocket when he felt his phone vibrated. It was a text message from Hoya.
‘Let’s have a drink. Come to Dongwoo’s café at 7.’
Due to that message, Sungjong quickly walked out the college and went to Dongwoo’s café which was only 5 minutes from the college. He needed to be fast or he will make Hoya waited for him like always.
15 minutes after 7pm, Sungjong who stood in front of Hoya now, received a glare from Hoya for being late again.
‘Sorry, hyung.’ Sungjong begged for his forgiveness as Dongwoo put two glasses of lemon juice on the table.
As soon as Dongwoo sat beside Hoya and Sungjong took his place in front of Hoya, Sungjong noticed someone was on the stage, checking the drum there. And there were many people here.
‘Is someone performing tonight?’ Sungjong was so curios about it.
‘Yup.It’s a popular group in our college named, ‘The Flower Boys’. I hired them to perform here on weeknights. ‘Dongwoo explained to Sungjong, who was new to all of this.
Sungjong sipped his lemon juice but then he was about to spill his juice when the group called ‘The Flower Boys’ came up on the stage. He was shocked to see that ‘The Flower Boys’ was L and his other three friends. Soon he heard the beat of drum and the sound of guitars being played, turning into a masterpiece.
He had to admit their music was very good. And the main vocalist which he never met before had a nice voice. Sungyeol if he wasn’t mistaken was playing the drum as Woohyun and L were playing the guitars. After singing three songs, they went off the stage and walked towards where they were sitting.
‘That was great a performance.’ Dongwoo said to Sungyeol.
‘We’re still lacking due to the long semester break.’ Woohyun said as he grabbed Hoya’s drink and drank it.
‘I was drinking that.’ Hoya’s words just received a smile from Woohyun.
L, who was the only one who noticed Sungjong’s presence there only stayed quiet and sat beside Dongwoo. Just a few moments after day, the main vocalist asked,
‘Who’s this?’
Sungjong didn’t wait for the two to introduce him to the others,
‘Annyeong, I’m Lee Sungjong.’
‘I never saw his face before.’ Sungyeol said.
‘He’s a new kid and also Hoya’s cousin.’ Dongwoo explained.
‘Woww! Then we should throw a welcome party for Sungjongie.’ Sungyeol shouted as he was closed to Sungjong.
‘I’m Sunggyu.’ The main vocalist said, pouring some mineral water in his class.
‘This is Sungyeol, the chubby kid in town.’ Dongwoo laughed as he introduced Sungyeol by tapping his stomach and the other one is Woohyun.
‘Nice to meet all of you.’ Sungjong could only smile.
‘Hyung, you’re forgetting Myungsoo.’ Woohyun’s words shut Dongwoo and Hoya.
They forgot that L was there too. Should they be introducing them to each other? Well they already knew each other.
‘Oh yeah. I forgot.’ Dongwoo dumbly smiled and scratched his head. ‘Sungjong ah, this is Myungsoo.’
The moment Sungjong wanted to greet him like a stranger he never met before, L suddenly stood up and got his feet from the place he was sitting.
‘What’s wrong with him?’ Sungyeol complained.
‘Don’t blame him.’ Hoya replied. ‘It’s time for his solo song.’
Sungjong’s attention at Hoya was distracted to the stage when he heard a soft melody produce by a base guitar. His eyes were on the figure who was sitting on a chair, holding a guitar around his neck and microphone in front of him.
♫Maybe it’s true,
I caught up for you,
Maybe there’s a chance,
That you stop coming too,
Maybe I’m wrong and
It’s all in my head,
Maybe we’re unaware
With what we both had said
I really want you,
I really need you,
Baby I miss you,
I’m thinking of you.♫
Sungjong was speechless hearing L’s voice. He never though he had such an amazing voice. Everyone was enjoying the song. He wondered if he was the only one to notice that the song felt so sad.
As L finished singing, he didn’t even bother to go back to the table which the others were sitting as his part time work was over. Plus he didn’t want to go there because of Sungjong. Sungjong knew why L went straight out of the café. Coming here was a bad choice for Sungjong.
He sighed before he received a phone call from his dad. Not wanting the loud noise interrupt their conversation, he answered his phone just outside the café. He pouted as he had to hear to his appa’s long lecture for forgetting to make his bed this morning before going to college.
‘Araso appa. It won’t happen again.’ A few minutes after that, he managed to get his dad off the phone.
‘Seriously I can be deaf hearing him shouting over the phone.’ Sungjong mumbled as he deleted some messages in his inbox.
His hand stopped when his finger accidentally tapped on a message. The message he received from L when they were still together.
‘Good morning, candy ♥’
Reading it, Sungjong looked down and brought the phone to his chest. He took a few steps backwards until his spine touched the hard concrete wall. Slowly, he slid down on the floor, head still down. He wrapped his knees.
Hurt was he to remember all of it. He still couldn’t accept the fact that they couldn’t be together. He wanted to be with L again. Can’t they run away? Sungjong snickered a bit to the thought because he knew L won’t do something like that for this stupid reason.
He didn’t realize when tears were staining his cheeks. He didn’t realize it was getting dark. And he obviously didn’t realize when someone perched in front of him.
He only noticed the presence of someone when he felt someone’s breath just above his head, brushing his hair. He knew whose breath it belongs to so well. He didn’t want to raise his head because of the tears he was shedding. L hated to see him crying, that’s why he didn’t want him to see him like that.
Sungjong then felt a piece of cloth on his head and soon the breath was gone. Knowing, L must already went away; he tilted his head and took something on his head. It was a handkerchief. Without consent, he burst into tears again clenching the handkerchief tight.
‘Sungjong, what happened?’ Hoya and the others came out as Sungjong was taking a long time answering the phone.
The others were perplexed as much as Hoya. Sungjong kept on silent. He didn’t answer anything the others asked or say anything.
*****
A/N : The sequel is tooooo long so I need to post it like this. ------> Chapter 2