Remembrance - Chapter 17
Title: Remembrance
Author:
imaginarybulb
Pairing(s): Kyuhyun/Donghae, Kyuhyun/ZhouMi, Kyuhyun/Sungmin (yes, Kyuhyun is loved by three men >.<), Chaerin/Hyukjae, more pairings will be revealed in upcoming chapters
Rating: PG-13 to NC-17
Summary:
I love you,
Even if the world is shaking,
Even if the sky is falling,
Even if the ground is breaking,
Even if I was left alone,
Even if you leave,
Even if he's there,
Even if that beautiful smile isn't mine anymore
-Wanna know the truth all the truth-
He never likes dark places.
In dark places he wouldn’t be able to see, he wouldn’t know if there’s something dangerous out there waiting to get him. He wouldn’t be able to protect himself from everything ominous lurking the darkness.
He’s never safe in dark places.
“Coffee?”
Dongwoon jumped at Junhyung’s voice and he blinked rapidly, “Y-Yes, thank you.”
Junhyung smiled shortly before he placed the white cup onto the coffee table. Dongwoon stared at the black liquid, fear slowly creeping in his body and he trembles, “U-Uhm… I-I think I would like to have a glass of plain water instead, please?”
The older male raised his brows, taken aback at the sudden request. He picked up the cup, “Uh… Yeah, sure. I’ll get it for you.”
Dongwoon visibly relaxed when Junhyung went to the kitchen, before he looked up to Yunho. The male had been staring at him, reading his body language in silent. The tension came back to Dongwoon’s body as he squirmed underneath Yunho’s burning gaze. He scratched his arm roughly, the bad habit he picks up when he’s scared.
“You’re going to bleed yourself if you keep scratching like that,” Yunho said, breaking the uncomfortable silent between them.
Dongwoon’s movement stops and he looks at his arm littered with angry red lines and he sighed, “What do you want from me?”
Yunho clicked his tongue and opened a file before taking out a photo. He placed the photo onto the coffee table and pushed it to Dongwoon’s direction, “This.”
Dongwoon looked at the photo, his eyes widened at the photo of Kuixian while Yunho asked, “You know him?”
The young doctor nodded, “Yes, he’s my friend, Zhou Kuixian.”
“Zhou Kuixian… He was involved in a gunshot incident three years ago, am I correct?”
Dongwoon bit his bottom lip before answering, “…Yes, and he survived. I treated him.”
“He survived?” Yunho asked skeptically, “A gunshot to the head and he survived?”
Dongwoon tensed momentarily before he regained his composure, “No major blood vessels are hit and the region of the brain hit aren’t critical to that many function, so yes, he survived.”
“I’ve seen many people died being shot in the head, in fact, I’ve shot a couple people in the head and they died,” Yunho stares into Dongwoon’s eyes, “And this one, he survived?”
“Miracles happened,” the younger answers shortly.
“Do doctors believe in miracles? I thought you people believe in science?”
“You do not know about me, Mr. Jung,” Dongwoon stated with a smirk.
At this, Yunho laughed, surprising Dongwoon. The dark haired male took out another file and flipped it open, “Oh you’re wrong, Dr. Son Dongwoon. I know everything about you.”
When Dongwoon’s face contorted in confusion, Yunho read the content in the files, “Son Dongwoon, born in Seoul, on June 6. Your mother is Oh Dahae and daddy is Son Illak. Ah, and what’s this? Mommy died when you’re 7.”
Dongwoon’s head snapped up and his eyes widened, the tremor of fear run through his body as Yunho continues, “Your dad had been in and out of jail for quite a long time. Known to be a drunkard and a very short-tempered man. Involved in a few gang fights and had been arrested for drug dealing but escaped because of the lack of evidence. You had quite an interesting family background as a doctor.”
“Stop….”
“Your teachers reported that you always come to school looking beaten up. Why, doctor? Does daddy smacked you around because you didn’t listen to him?”
“I said stop,” Dongwoon threatened through gritted teeth, his fingers clawing his jeans, hot tears burning down its path on his cheeks.
“Should I read to you what happened when you’re 13?” Yunho smirked, waving the file in his hand.
“I SAID STOP!!” Dongwoon screamed, standing up and flipped the coffee table, breaking it into half. Yunho watched calmly from his seat as Dongwoon broke down in tears, falling onto the ground as his body shook. Hyunseung stood still behind Yunho, his own hands clenched in fist, angry at himself for not being able to protect Dongwoon like how he promised him. He watched as Yunho signaled Doojoon to pick Dongwoon up, the older male followed without a word.
“You know, Dongwoon, you should really learn how to listen to the people older than you,” Yunho said before telling Doojoon to take him away.
“Wai-What-Where are you taking me!? Let me go! LET ME GO!!” Hyunseung looked down, finding himself unable to watch the younger one being dragged away.
Yunho, who noticed Hyunseung’s reaction, let out a silent sigh, “We’re paid to do this,” he send the younger a side-glance, “Keep it together. This isn’t the first time.”
“…Yes.”
--
“Lee Donghae, age 26, is currently the chief marketing officer of Kim Group. He lives alone in his house in Seoul and had been most of his time being in his office and home. He never goes out with his friends or even goes for a date right after the death of his fiancé, Cho Kyuhyun three years ago.”
Jungsu nodded at Jonghyun’s information as the latter continues, “You ask me to find out about him during the three years period after his fiancé’s death, right hyung? But I didn’t find anything suspicious about him, except that he’s been drinking and involved in club fights during the first few months after the death, but after that he picks up his life and continue living like a normal, boring businessman.”
The older one sighed, he knew all that about Donghae, “Any information about him these past few days?”
“Ah, I asked his colleagues and they said Donghae had been absent for 10 days.”
“10 days?” Jungsu asked when Jonghyun nodded, he tapped his finger onto his desk, 10 days…That…
“He’s been absent since the day Zhou Kuixian was taken.”
“Really?” Jonghyun wondered out loud, his fingers twitching as he mentally tried to count the days but was abruptly stopped when Jungsu suddenly stood up and grabbed his keys and coat.
“H-Hyung? Where are you going?”
“Jonghyun, I want to burn all the information you found about Donghae and don’t tell the others,” Jungsu ordered quickly as he put on his coat.
“E-Even Youngwoon hyung?” Jonghyun stuttered, still confused at seeing Jungsu being in a hurry and the fact that he didn’t want to tell anyone about this guy Donghae.
“Especially Youngwoon. Never speak about this to him.”
“B-But what if he asked me? Youngwoon hyung would be asking, you know he's fast in picking up secrets right?”
Jungsu stopped right before his door and sighed, because Jonghyun was right. Youngwoon can smell secrets miles away, especially if Jungsu was involved. But it’s not like he has any choice. He can’t tell Youngwoon about this because for sure, the younger one would freak out. He would probably cursed out loud and attack Donghae verbally (or physically). And the last thing he wants is to scare Donghae off.
He turned to Jonghyun, flashing the younger one with the most charismatic smile, “But I know I can count on you, Jonghyun-ah. You’re the only person I can rely on. You won’t let hyung down, right?”
If there’s one reason why Jonghyun always following Jungsu like a little puppy (like Youngwoon had said), is because the endless amount of respect he had for the older male.
Jonghyun’s body straightened as he saluted enthusiastically, “Yes, sir!”
Jungsu smiled one last time before he exited the room, not minding the looks Minho, Donghee and Youngwoon sent him (and he swears Youngwoon is going to burn a hole on his head soon).
Jonghyun’s dreamy smile fell when he noticed Youngwoon was staring at him. He swallowed.
This is going to be hard.
--
“Let me go! Please! Let me go!”
He begged as the unknown buff male dragged him through the dimly lit hallway. The music was booming loud in his ears, another reason why the unknown male ignoring his endless pleas. He looked around him through teary and puffy eyes, there are a lot of half-naked people, moving their body to the music, their heads lolling as if they’re on drugs, skin against skin and he just couldn’t take in the scene.
He’s not supposed to be here.
“P-Please, let me go!” Dongwoon cried out, struggling in vain as Doojoon dragged him further to a secluded place in the manor. He tried to plant his feet to the carpeted floor, jerking his arm from Doojoon grip, but to no avail. The older male was much stronger than him.
“Come on, doc. We have a nice place to you,” Doojoon said sinisterly and Dongwoon panicked even more, because he knows this situation all too well. He struggled harder, his throat sore as he screamed harder, eyes burned as he cried harder.
Doojoon dragged him down a basement, the place dark and Dongwoon felt his heart pounding hard against his ribcage. The older male stopped at a small door and Dongwoon’s eyes widened in horror when Doojoon opened the door, exposing him to a dark and small space.
“N-No! No! Don’t put me in there! P-Please, I’m begging you please-” his pleas were cut short when Doojoon jerked him forward roughly and shoved him into the cramped space. He scrambled for an escape but was met with a banged door.
Dongwoon trembled fists pound the door repeatedly, his aching throat begging Doojoon to let him out. It was starting. The fear was crawling on his body and as it gets deeper underneath his skin, his heart beats even faster to the point he felt a stinging pain on his chest. His breath fastened and he felt his lungs burned as they tried to take in more and more oxygen for his body.
His knees weakened and Dongwoon fell onto the ground with a dull ‘thud’. His head feels light and his vision spun, “I-I don’t want to die…P-Please…”
“Doojoon, what are you doing!?”
Doojoon turned to Hyunseung with a smirk, “Teaching the doctor how to be good.”
“Let him go,” Hyunseung ordered, a frown settled itself between his brows.
Doojoon cocked an eyebrow and tilted his head to the side, “Why? Have you forgotten why we brought him hear in the first place?”
“He won’t be useful if he’s dead,” Hyunseung retaliates and when Doojoon huffed and backed away from the door, he hurried opened it, almost detaching it from the amount of force he did. He ignores how Doojoon scoffed at him and went to Dongwoon’s rescue. The young doctor was hyperventilating and he scoops him into his arms, “It’s okay, Dongwoon. I’m here.”
Dongwoon sobbed harder, clutching Hyunseung’s shirt for dear life, “Hyung’s here.”
--
When Dongwoon had calmed down, Hyunseung offered him a glass of plain water, which he accepted with a small and tired smile. Hyunseung watched as he sipped the drink slowly, his hands still trembling slightly. He took the glass from Dongwoon, placing it onto the table lamp beside him.
“Look, Dongwoon. We really need your help,” Hyunseung begins slowly, “Can you help us?”
Dongwoon said nothing, just looking up to Doojoon who was standing by the door with his arms crossed over his chest before his gaze went to Yunho, who’s sitting in front of him. Hyunseung followed his eyes before sighing and grabbing Dongwoon’s hand, feeling it trembles even in his grip, “Dongwoon, if you help us, I promise we’ll send you back to China, unharmed. Everything will be okay. Just help me with this okay?”
The doctor looked at Hyunseung before nodding slowly and the light brown haired male smiled softly, “Zhou Kuixian. We want to know about him.”
Dongwoon breathe out, a drop of tear fell from his eyes, “K-Kuixian ge is my f-friend,” Dongwoon sobbed, “I knew him from A-Auntie Yuki. H-Her nephew, Mi ge is Kuixian ge’s boyfriend. W-We’ve been friends since the day I came to China.”
“Is there anything else?”
Dongwoon quickly shook his head, his dirty brown hair ruffled messily, “Kuixian ge and Mi ge were supposed to get married soon. They’re kind people. All they want is to be happy and live a normal life,” he looked at Hyunseung, “They never hurt anybody.”
Hyunseung sighed silently before looking at Yunho. The older male nodded before standing up and exits the room with Doojoon following suit. Hyunseung looked at Dongwoon and send him a comforting smile while caressing his hair, calming the younger one.
“What do you think, hyung?” Doojoon asked as they both exit the room.
Yunho stopped and turned to Doojoon, his expression forlorn, “He’s not lying,” and Doojoon nodded in agreement.
“But he’s hiding something.”
--
Jungsu never liked the guy.
When Kyuhyun introduce Heechul to him, he felt the immediate hate towards the other male.
He didn’t know why, but he just hates him.
“Come on, hyung. Heechul hyung is not that bad. He’s very nice to me!”
Okay, maybe it was because Kyuhyun is too fond with this Heechul hyung.
“Yeah hyung, beside, Heechul hyung adores Kyuhyun so much! Kyuhyun is his favorite dongsaeng!”
And also because it’s Donghae introducing Heechul to Kyuhyun in the first place. But that would add to his list on ‘Why Lee Donghae is Not for My Kyuhyunnie’ though. Oh well, that would be a different story.
Anyway, he still hates Heechul.
“Hi, I’m Kim Heechul,” Heechul smiled, his pretty face glowing, and pale-skinned hand extended to Jungsu.
Jungsu looked at Heechul, black silky hair ended just above his shoulder, his school uniform still crisp and neat even though it’s after school, his leather shoes polished and shining and Jungsu looked at himself, dust-covered apron, his shirt sticks to his body because of the sweats, his hair messy and he found another 101 reasons to hate this perfect, rich man.
“I-I’m Park Jungsu,” he hastily wiped his hand and took Heechul’s to give it a brief shake. Heechul was the first one to pull away, a look of mild disgust appeared on his face as he wiped his hand onto the jacket of his school uniform.
Another 101 reasons to be added.
“So, you’re working at the bookstore as a part-timer?” Heechul questioned, looking around the small bookstore in mild interest.
“Yes,” Jungsu answered with a smile, I’m sorry I’m not a rich ass kid with parents to pay for everything.
“No, no, all is forgiven,” Heechul suddenly said and smirked, “But I’m sorry for being born with silver spoon shoved down my throat. I can’t help it.”
Jungsu did a double-take.
He’s signing up as the official anti-fan of Kim Heechul.
Stepping into the Kim Group’s building, Jungsu felt a lot of emotions slapping onto his skin, penetrating into his bloodstreams and rushing through his body. But mostly, he was anxious. It’s been a while since he met Heechul and Donghae properly, the last time being the day of Kyuhyun’s funeral.
He was formulating all sorts of greetings in his head; the casual way, the normal way or the straight-to-business way. He couldn’t decide. Heechul and Donghae are his friends, not strangers but Jungsu wasn’t here to say hi and catch up with their lives.
He’s here to investigate a kidnapping case.
“Mr. Kim is ready to meet you now, sir,” Jessica smiled politely as she guides Jungsu to Heechul’s office. He smiled and bowed shortly to the younger female and when she closed the door, he looked at Heechul.
He was still the same Kim Heechul he met years ago. His hair is still silky black, though it was cut shorter, he’s still wearing expensive, crisp suit, his leather shoes still shining and Jungsu’s still looking as shabby as before.
But he didn’t miss how Heechul’s eyes slowly lose its light, how his smile is not eerie or hides something sinister behind it, how his shoulders slightly slump from all the heavy burdens. Jungsu was the one to approach him first, “Hey, Chul.”
“Hey,” Heechul breathe out, a tired smile tugged on his lips, “It’s been awhile.”
“Yeah…”
“Um… Please, take a seat,” Heechul offered which Jungsu silently complies to.
“What can I help you with?”
“Look, Heechul,” Jungsu started, “I’m here as your friend, okay? Just, drop all the formality and be normal like we used to.”
As Heechul was still wondering what he meant, Jungsu asked, “I want to know about Donghae.”
A flash of discomfort appeared on Heechul’s face and it didn’t go unnoticed by Jungsu. His years as a private investigator taught him to catch the micro expressions on other people’s face in a blink of eyes. But Heechul was also quick to hide it, “What about him?”
“How is he doing? Is he doing fine? What does he up to these days?”
“He’s fine,” hesitation, “He’s been indulging himself in work. Which I think is better than him being a drunkard and gets involve in fights.”
Jungsu sighed heavily, it’s obvious that Heechul lied to him. The other one had always been a good liar, Jungsu wondered what had happened for him to lose his spice.
“Okay, then I’m here as a private investigator.”
“What?”
“I’m here, as Park Jungsu, the private investigator. I’m here to ask you a few questions regarding my client’s case.”
Heechul frowned, “What are you talking about?”
Jungsu took out a photo of Kuixian, “This. This is Zhou Kuixian, an innocent Chinese kid. He was kidnapped ten days ago.”
Heechul maintained his cool façade, but Jungsu caught the irritate twitch of his face muscles, “You know he looks like who, right?”
Getting no answer from the Kim heir, Jungsu explained, “My client informed me that Lee Donghae had been harassing his fiancé, Zhou Kuixian, a couple times before he was kidnapped. And I know that Lee Donghae hasn’t come in for work for exactly 10 days. Now, Kim Heechul-ssi, where is Lee Donghae?”
Heechul flinched at the way Jungsu addressed him formally, but no words left his mouth. Jungsu waited before he huffed. The private investigator stood up, “I’m going to find him, Heechul. One way or another. Donghae is my dongsaeng, but this kid,” he shoved the photo in his hand to Heechul’s face, “he’s just an innocent kid. Something happens to him, and I won’t forgive Donghae or you.”
Without another word, Jungsu left, leaving Heechul with his scrambled mind.
--
“I’m going to find him, Heechul. One way or another. Donghae is my dongsaeng, but this kid, he’s just an innocent kid. Something happens to him, and I won’t forgive Donghae or you.”
Chaerin quickly hides when she heard Jungsu stomping his way to the door of Heechul’s office, pressing her index finger to her lips as a sign for Jessica to keep silent, which the secretary nodded at. She came to Kim Group building to see Heechul, to discuss about Donghae when Jessica told her Heechul has a guest named Park Jungsu in his office.
Of course Chaerin knows Jungsu, and when she thought it was a great time to finally meet her old friend, she overheard Jungsu’s conversation with Heechul.
So, Jungsu oppa is looking for Donghae oppa? she thought as she watched Jungsu exiting Heechul’s office, anger scrawled all over his face. She came out from her hiding place when Jungsu was out of sight, a delicate frown formed on her face as she calculate her next actions.
Sparing a glance to the closed door of Heechul’s office, Chaerin went to the elevator, knowing very well whom she should meet now.
--
He was walking through a beautiful place.
He was walking through a familiar but unfamiliar large green field filled with flowers and sunshine. He was closing his eyes as he breathes in the fresh air, a small smile tugged on his lips. He felt like he’s in heaven or some sort-or maybe he was dreaming, but that couldn’t be it, because he could feel the sunshine and the wind, could smell the grass and an intangible scent and everything felt so real.
He stopped walking as he opened his eyes slowly and he stared blankly at the breathtaking view in front of him.
Why do I feel lonely?
A sudden wave of sorrow and fear surged through his body and he looked around him frantically, eyes searching for something he’s not sure what.
“Hyu-”
He was cut off when he found Donghae standing behind him, a soft smile on his lips, “Hey, Kyu.”
I’m not Kyuhyun.
“So, do you like this place?” Donghae asked and he turned around slowly, facing the large green field behind the manor Donghae bought for them. It was simply breath-taking and he wished he can capture this moment and save it in his head to relive this memory anytime he wants.
Suddenly, Donghae wraps a pair of strong arms around his lean waist. He didn’t know why, but his smile widened and he relaxed into the older male’s embrace.
He felt the Donghae’s breathe in his scent, low and husky chuckles followed suit, “Enjoying yourself?”
He wanted to say ‘yes’, but he just nodded because this feels too good to be true and he didn’t want this moment to disappear.
The older male smiled (he can feel it), “I’m glad you like this place, Kyuhyun.”
He turns around and smiled sweetly, his arms around Donghae’s neck, “Thank you for everything, Donghae hyung.”
Kuixian gasped as he jerked awake, his chest pumped in and out rapidly as his breath came out labored. The loud thundering of his heart is deafening in his ears and his sweaty shirt sticks messily to his back. As his breath slowed down, he ran his fingers through his haphazardly messy hair and rubbed his face, a tired sigh escaped his lips.
He jumped when Donghae entered the room, a handsome smile graced his face, “Hey, Kyuhyun. Breakfas-” he stopped when he noticed the state Kuixian was in, a worried look replaced his smile.
“Are you okay?” he asked as he approached the younger one, only to stop midway when Kuixian looked at him, terrified.
“Kyu-”
Kuixian threw the covers off his body and jumped off the bed before he made a run passed Donghae and exits the room. Donghae hurriedly followed him from behind, uneasiness creeping his insides at Kuixian’s behavior.
The young Chinese run down the stairs, he wasn’t sure where he was going; his head was still in vague colors of dreams (or memories, he didn’t know) and he just let his feet carry him to wherever that feels right. He passed through rooms and hallways and he didn’t realize his hand pushing open a wooden door to reveal a wide green field with yellow buttercups growing across the field.
The same…
He stepped outside, one, two, three, baby steps, and stood still, eyes wide as he scanned the scenery before him.
Breath-taking.
“I’m glad you like this place, Ky-”
“Kyuhyun.”
He snapped his head towards Donghae, still the same bewildered look on his face. Everything was the same, the scenery, the smell of buttercups, the warmth of sun, the Donghae. Tears filled his eyes as well as the nostalgic feelings but he holds them in, because of the confusion that clouded his mind.
“Who are you?” he questioned, more to himself.
Who am I?
--
Donghae watched silently as Kuixian stares emptily to the cup of hot chocolate in front of him. The younger one’s hair was still bird nest messy and he instinctively reached out to smooth them out. He stopped with his fingers between the strands of Kuixian’s hair when the younger one looked up, sad eyes meeting his orbs. There were no words, not even a flinch and Donghae was feeling a pinch of fear at the sudden change in Kuixian’s reaction towards his affection.
Did he remember anything?
But he didn’t dare to ask. Receiving ‘no’ as the answer brings a whole new fear to him. So he stayed silent, slowly retracting his hand back, his fingertips ached to feel the softness of Kuixian’s hair.
“It’s beautiful,” Kuixian croaked out and when Donghae said nothing he smiled softly, “The scenery was beautiful.”
“Yeah… Thanks.”
“Does….”Kuixian swallowed thickly, “Does…Kyuhyun loves it? The scenery?”
Donghae’s eyes widened slightly, perplexed at Kuixian’s question, “Y-Yeah. He…He really loves it. He always go there when he’s stressed out or something. It’s his sanctuary.”
“…I see…” Kuixian’s eyes downcast, “…I-I like it too… It was calming.”
The silence become pregnant and as much as Donghae wants to say something, anything, he couldn’t find any courage to utter the words. He was afraid to make any assumptions because even though Kyuhyun is getting nearer, he also feels relatively distant.
“…You were in my dream,” Kuixian suddenly spoke up, voice so soft as if he’s afraid to say it out loud, afraid of spilling dirty little secrets he wished to erase, “Everything was so clear. Vivid. As if...As if it was a…”
Memory.
Kuixian bit his bottom lip, no, it’s not. It’s impossible. Mi won’t lie to me. He loves me.
He looked up, to see Donghae gazing at him with hopes and loves and he felt a tug and-
No. Kuixian stood up, sending Donghae a conflicted look before turning around and left.
I love Zhou Mi.
--
“Whatever happens, I want you to trust me, okay?”
“And for the umpteenth time, yes, Zhou Mi,” Kuixian huffed as he rolled his eyes and a small smile tugged on Zhou Mi’s lips. He lightly caressed the younger brunette’s hair, a look of love in his gaze, mine.
“So, when can I meet your friends?”
Zhou Mi snapped from his trance, “Oh, um, they’re waiting at the café. They’re a bit weird and loud but they’re kind people.”
Kuixian nodded, “I know, you said that before.”
“And if they ask you anything about the accident, just tell them what I’ve told you, okay? Don’t bother forcing your head remembering the other details. If you don’t know, just say-”
“I don’t know, yeah, I got it,” a mild annoyance flickered across Kuixian’s face, he hates it when people keep repeating the same thing over and over again. But the love in Zhou Mi’s gaze never falters and he cupped Kuixian’s face in his hand.
“Thank you, Kuixian.”
“For what?”
“For coming back to me.”
“So…wait,” Victoria’s voice interrupt his flashback, “You’re saying there’s a creepy dude harassing Kuixian?”
“Yeah.”
“Why didn’t you tell us before?” the female asked, furious, “Zhou Mi, this could be a lead to find Kuixian!”
“I didn’t think about it,” Zhou Mi defended, “I thought he’s just a random dude taking advantage on Kuixian because he’s pretty. That happens before.”
A scoff and Victoria looked at him in disbelieve, “That happens once, Mi. And that’s because he thought Kuixian is a girl. And, the guy apologized and said he didn’t mean it. This is different, Mi. It happened twice and look what happened.”
Zhou Mi sighed at Victoria’s nag but said nothing as response because everything she said is the truth. Henry calm down the younger female, “What’s important is that he told us about it.”
Victoria relaxed, but her hands were crossed over her chest as she shoots Zhou Mi with an accusing look, “What if he’s still keeping secrets from us?”
“Victoria…”
“From the day we met, I knew you’re keeping something from us, Mi. I let it pass because we just known each other and I don’t want to be seen as a busybody bitch. But we’ve been friends for three years, Mi. If our friendship means something to you, tell us!”
“Song Qian, Mi is tired with Kuixian’s disappearance. Don’t push him like this,” Hangeng interrupt, placing gentle hand on the female’s shoulder.
However, she brushed it off roughly, “Easy for you to say because you know his secrets. You don’t have to be left in the dark, wondering what the hell is going on in your best friend’s head.”
She huffed, wiping the fallen tears with the back of her hand before stomping to her room. Hangeng was about to go after her when Zhou Mi step in, giving him an assuring smile.
They first met at a bar.
Victoria and Henry were celebrating after getting themselves fired from the company that had been treating them like shit. Even though they still have to find some jobs to pay for the rent and to feed them food, they decided to hell with it and drink themselves to oblivion.
It was when Victoria was about to chug down her third glass of whiskey when a stranger suddenly fall onto her back, causing her drink to spill onto Henry’s dress shirt.
“Hey, watch it,” she glares disapprovingly at the culprit, only to find a handsome male sobbing on the floor.
Feeling odd at the sight, she and Henry helped him to get on his feet, sat him down and offer a tissue to wipe his flowing tears. Victoria was always the type to help people in need. And the stranger in front of her looks like he’s in a deep shit.
“Hey, are you okay?” she asked softly when his cries reduced to silent sobs.
“He’s going to leave,” the male chocked out, “H-He’s going to leave me…”
Love problem? “It’s okay. It’s his loss. You’re very handsome, I’m sure you’ll find anoth-”
“I love him!!” the stranger argued, fists slamming the bar, surprising Victoria, Henry and some of the customers, “I-I love him so much… I can’t live without him. He’s my everything.”
Victoria hesitantly rubbed the crying male’s back, hoping that it’ll calm him down. Her method works when she found the stranger sleeping, soft snores escaped his lips.
“He slept?” Henry asked, curiously peeking over Victoria’s shoulder.
“Yeah, looks like a baby,” she giggled, “What a lovesick fool.”
“There he is,” another voice chimed in and both Henry and Victoria’s head snapped towards the owner of the voice. Another handsome male, with short, spiky black hair. He walked straight to the sleeping male and smiled softly, “Knock out cold again?”
“Um…He was crying earlier,” Victoria informed, though she finds no reason to tell that. Unless this male is his lover.
“Ah… I see,” his look saddened, “Poor Mi…” he sighed and the smile was back as he faced Victoria and Henry, “Thank you for taking care of him. He can be quite a handful when he’s drunk.”
“Oh, no, no. It’s okay. We’re glad to help.”
“I’m Hangeng by the way,” the male, Hangeng, introduced, hand extended.
She grabbed the hand, smiling, “I’m Victoria.”
When Zhou Mi received no answer from Victoria after he knocked on the door, he quietly enters the room, silently sighed at the sight of the waitress sobbing silently on her bed. He walked to her direction and sat beside her silently, the bed creaked at his movement.
“I’m sorry,” he said softly.
Victoria’s sobs stopped and she wiped her tears, “It’s my fault. I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s mine,” Zhou Mi argued softly with a sigh, “I should’ve told you everything.”
“You have every right to keep secrets. I’m just anxious with Kuixian’s disappearance and I let it get into my head. I’m sor-”
“I,” Zhou Mi interrupted, “I have a secret about my past that I wished to erase.”
Silence ensued between them as Victoria looked at Zhou Mi, “I’ve done something…terrible…and if you know about it…I’m sure you will never forgive me. You’ll hate me for it.”
“Did…Did you kill someone?” she cautiously asked.
To her relieve, a hearty laughter escaped Zhou Mi’s throat, “No…” he stopped to sigh with a pained smile, “I did something worse.”
Confusion flashed across Victoria’s face, what could be worse than murdering someone?
“I become…selfish,” Zhou Mi confessed, fingers fiddling, “I did something for the sake of my happiness.”
He looked at Victoria, “That’s how terrible I am.”
Under normal circumstances, Victoria would laugh and pat Zhou Mi’s back tad a bit too hard because being selfish is normal to everyone. You ought to do something for the sake of your benefit no matter how much of a saint you are. But the look in Zhou Mi’s eyes tells a whole different story. A sad story. A pained one and she found herself looking at him with the same look because finally, even just a little, she feels the pain Zhou Mi was in, carry the burden he had on his shoulders for so many years.
“One day, I will tell you everything,” he said truthfully, “When I finally had the strength and courage, I promise I’ll tell you everything. Until then, can you wait a little more?”
Victoria smiled softly and nodded and grabbed Zhou Mi’s hand in assurance and she felt him relaxed under her fingers,
“Okay, I’ll wait.”
--
“Did you know you snore when you sleep?”
Kyuhyun’s hand stopped mid-air, mouth still open and the toast an inch away from his mouth. He puts the toast away and looked at smirking Donghae, scandalized, “I did not!”
“Yes, you did,” Donghae teased, “It’s not loud. But you snore, kinda like babies.”
“I do not snore. And I do not snore like babies!” the younger male argued, “You have no evidence against me!”
“Yeah, I do,” Donghae shrugged, “I watch you sleep all the time.”
This time, Kyuhyun’s look was that of horror, “Hyung, that’s creepy!”
“What? You looked cute when you sleep, and you snore too.”
“For the last time, I do not snore!”
“Okay, next time I’ll record you sleeping,” Donghae said indifferently.
Kyuhyun’s eyes narrowed dangerously, “You wouldn’t.”
A smirk and a kiss, “Try me.”
Donghae opened his eyes, a smile tugged on his lips when he heard Kyuhyun’s soft snores from inside the room. The younger male was never a noisy sleeper but Donghae’s ears are always sharp to any noise Kyuhyun is making.
“Good night, Kyuhyun,” he whispered against the door, the physical barrier between him and his beloved. Even though he could easily go through the barrier, there is still a huge emotion barrier, an unseen barrier between him and Kyuhyun. Donghae was tired of trying and failing to cross that barrier so he decided to wait on the other side.
Wait for Kyuhyun to come to him.
It was close, he knew that. The bridge was staring to show up in the thick mist and he just need to wait for Kyuhyun to see that bridge and have the courage to cross it.
His train of thoughts was cut off short when the bell rang across the silent manor. He went to the door, opening it to the expected guest, “Chaerin.”
“Hey oppa,” the younger Lee greeted him, a tight smile on her face.
Donghae felt uneasy seeing the look, was it Sungmin? Does the oldest Lee decided to make a move or anything?
“I have something to tell you,” Chaerin speaks as she entered the manor under Donghae’s invitation, “It’s very important.”
“What is it?” he inquires, nervous for what Chaerin had for him.
“It’s Jungsu oppa.”
The nervousness was replaced by perplexity upon the mentioning of the name he hadn’t heard for years, “Jungsu hyung? What’s with him?”
Chaerin sighed and looked up at him with worry,
“He’s looking for you.”
a/n: oh yeahhhh it’s done! woot woot!
sorry for the late update, i have something important to be settled -,- geez, i can’t even have my holiday in peace
anyhoo, here’s the new chapter, i hope you like it :3 any questions you can ask me, i’ll be happy to answer it all ^^
and again, comments are welcomed with hugs and kisses :*
psst, this chapter is unbeta-ed >.<
Author:
imaginarybulb
Pairing(s): Kyuhyun/Donghae, Kyuhyun/ZhouMi, Kyuhyun/Sungmin (yes, Kyuhyun is loved by three men >.<), Chaerin/Hyukjae, more pairings will be revealed in upcoming chapters
Rating: PG-13 to NC-17
Summary:
I love you,
Even if the world is shaking,
Even if the sky is falling,
Even if the ground is breaking,
Even if I was left alone,
Even if you leave,
Even if he's there,
Even if that beautiful smile isn't mine anymore
-Wanna know the truth all the truth-
He never likes dark places.
In dark places he wouldn’t be able to see, he wouldn’t know if there’s something dangerous out there waiting to get him. He wouldn’t be able to protect himself from everything ominous lurking the darkness.
He’s never safe in dark places.
“Coffee?”
Dongwoon jumped at Junhyung’s voice and he blinked rapidly, “Y-Yes, thank you.”
Junhyung smiled shortly before he placed the white cup onto the coffee table. Dongwoon stared at the black liquid, fear slowly creeping in his body and he trembles, “U-Uhm… I-I think I would like to have a glass of plain water instead, please?”
The older male raised his brows, taken aback at the sudden request. He picked up the cup, “Uh… Yeah, sure. I’ll get it for you.”
Dongwoon visibly relaxed when Junhyung went to the kitchen, before he looked up to Yunho. The male had been staring at him, reading his body language in silent. The tension came back to Dongwoon’s body as he squirmed underneath Yunho’s burning gaze. He scratched his arm roughly, the bad habit he picks up when he’s scared.
“You’re going to bleed yourself if you keep scratching like that,” Yunho said, breaking the uncomfortable silent between them.
Dongwoon’s movement stops and he looks at his arm littered with angry red lines and he sighed, “What do you want from me?”
Yunho clicked his tongue and opened a file before taking out a photo. He placed the photo onto the coffee table and pushed it to Dongwoon’s direction, “This.”
Dongwoon looked at the photo, his eyes widened at the photo of Kuixian while Yunho asked, “You know him?”
The young doctor nodded, “Yes, he’s my friend, Zhou Kuixian.”
“Zhou Kuixian… He was involved in a gunshot incident three years ago, am I correct?”
Dongwoon bit his bottom lip before answering, “…Yes, and he survived. I treated him.”
“He survived?” Yunho asked skeptically, “A gunshot to the head and he survived?”
Dongwoon tensed momentarily before he regained his composure, “No major blood vessels are hit and the region of the brain hit aren’t critical to that many function, so yes, he survived.”
“I’ve seen many people died being shot in the head, in fact, I’ve shot a couple people in the head and they died,” Yunho stares into Dongwoon’s eyes, “And this one, he survived?”
“Miracles happened,” the younger answers shortly.
“Do doctors believe in miracles? I thought you people believe in science?”
“You do not know about me, Mr. Jung,” Dongwoon stated with a smirk.
At this, Yunho laughed, surprising Dongwoon. The dark haired male took out another file and flipped it open, “Oh you’re wrong, Dr. Son Dongwoon. I know everything about you.”
When Dongwoon’s face contorted in confusion, Yunho read the content in the files, “Son Dongwoon, born in Seoul, on June 6. Your mother is Oh Dahae and daddy is Son Illak. Ah, and what’s this? Mommy died when you’re 7.”
Dongwoon’s head snapped up and his eyes widened, the tremor of fear run through his body as Yunho continues, “Your dad had been in and out of jail for quite a long time. Known to be a drunkard and a very short-tempered man. Involved in a few gang fights and had been arrested for drug dealing but escaped because of the lack of evidence. You had quite an interesting family background as a doctor.”
“Stop….”
“Your teachers reported that you always come to school looking beaten up. Why, doctor? Does daddy smacked you around because you didn’t listen to him?”
“I said stop,” Dongwoon threatened through gritted teeth, his fingers clawing his jeans, hot tears burning down its path on his cheeks.
“Should I read to you what happened when you’re 13?” Yunho smirked, waving the file in his hand.
“I SAID STOP!!” Dongwoon screamed, standing up and flipped the coffee table, breaking it into half. Yunho watched calmly from his seat as Dongwoon broke down in tears, falling onto the ground as his body shook. Hyunseung stood still behind Yunho, his own hands clenched in fist, angry at himself for not being able to protect Dongwoon like how he promised him. He watched as Yunho signaled Doojoon to pick Dongwoon up, the older male followed without a word.
“You know, Dongwoon, you should really learn how to listen to the people older than you,” Yunho said before telling Doojoon to take him away.
“Wai-What-Where are you taking me!? Let me go! LET ME GO!!” Hyunseung looked down, finding himself unable to watch the younger one being dragged away.
Yunho, who noticed Hyunseung’s reaction, let out a silent sigh, “We’re paid to do this,” he send the younger a side-glance, “Keep it together. This isn’t the first time.”
“…Yes.”
--
“Lee Donghae, age 26, is currently the chief marketing officer of Kim Group. He lives alone in his house in Seoul and had been most of his time being in his office and home. He never goes out with his friends or even goes for a date right after the death of his fiancé, Cho Kyuhyun three years ago.”
Jungsu nodded at Jonghyun’s information as the latter continues, “You ask me to find out about him during the three years period after his fiancé’s death, right hyung? But I didn’t find anything suspicious about him, except that he’s been drinking and involved in club fights during the first few months after the death, but after that he picks up his life and continue living like a normal, boring businessman.”
The older one sighed, he knew all that about Donghae, “Any information about him these past few days?”
“Ah, I asked his colleagues and they said Donghae had been absent for 10 days.”
“10 days?” Jungsu asked when Jonghyun nodded, he tapped his finger onto his desk, 10 days…That…
“He’s been absent since the day Zhou Kuixian was taken.”
“Really?” Jonghyun wondered out loud, his fingers twitching as he mentally tried to count the days but was abruptly stopped when Jungsu suddenly stood up and grabbed his keys and coat.
“H-Hyung? Where are you going?”
“Jonghyun, I want to burn all the information you found about Donghae and don’t tell the others,” Jungsu ordered quickly as he put on his coat.
“E-Even Youngwoon hyung?” Jonghyun stuttered, still confused at seeing Jungsu being in a hurry and the fact that he didn’t want to tell anyone about this guy Donghae.
“Especially Youngwoon. Never speak about this to him.”
“B-But what if he asked me? Youngwoon hyung would be asking, you know he's fast in picking up secrets right?”
Jungsu stopped right before his door and sighed, because Jonghyun was right. Youngwoon can smell secrets miles away, especially if Jungsu was involved. But it’s not like he has any choice. He can’t tell Youngwoon about this because for sure, the younger one would freak out. He would probably cursed out loud and attack Donghae verbally (or physically). And the last thing he wants is to scare Donghae off.
He turned to Jonghyun, flashing the younger one with the most charismatic smile, “But I know I can count on you, Jonghyun-ah. You’re the only person I can rely on. You won’t let hyung down, right?”
If there’s one reason why Jonghyun always following Jungsu like a little puppy (like Youngwoon had said), is because the endless amount of respect he had for the older male.
Jonghyun’s body straightened as he saluted enthusiastically, “Yes, sir!”
Jungsu smiled one last time before he exited the room, not minding the looks Minho, Donghee and Youngwoon sent him (and he swears Youngwoon is going to burn a hole on his head soon).
Jonghyun’s dreamy smile fell when he noticed Youngwoon was staring at him. He swallowed.
This is going to be hard.
--
“Let me go! Please! Let me go!”
He begged as the unknown buff male dragged him through the dimly lit hallway. The music was booming loud in his ears, another reason why the unknown male ignoring his endless pleas. He looked around him through teary and puffy eyes, there are a lot of half-naked people, moving their body to the music, their heads lolling as if they’re on drugs, skin against skin and he just couldn’t take in the scene.
He’s not supposed to be here.
“P-Please, let me go!” Dongwoon cried out, struggling in vain as Doojoon dragged him further to a secluded place in the manor. He tried to plant his feet to the carpeted floor, jerking his arm from Doojoon grip, but to no avail. The older male was much stronger than him.
“Come on, doc. We have a nice place to you,” Doojoon said sinisterly and Dongwoon panicked even more, because he knows this situation all too well. He struggled harder, his throat sore as he screamed harder, eyes burned as he cried harder.
Doojoon dragged him down a basement, the place dark and Dongwoon felt his heart pounding hard against his ribcage. The older male stopped at a small door and Dongwoon’s eyes widened in horror when Doojoon opened the door, exposing him to a dark and small space.
“N-No! No! Don’t put me in there! P-Please, I’m begging you please-” his pleas were cut short when Doojoon jerked him forward roughly and shoved him into the cramped space. He scrambled for an escape but was met with a banged door.
Dongwoon trembled fists pound the door repeatedly, his aching throat begging Doojoon to let him out. It was starting. The fear was crawling on his body and as it gets deeper underneath his skin, his heart beats even faster to the point he felt a stinging pain on his chest. His breath fastened and he felt his lungs burned as they tried to take in more and more oxygen for his body.
His knees weakened and Dongwoon fell onto the ground with a dull ‘thud’. His head feels light and his vision spun, “I-I don’t want to die…P-Please…”
“Doojoon, what are you doing!?”
Doojoon turned to Hyunseung with a smirk, “Teaching the doctor how to be good.”
“Let him go,” Hyunseung ordered, a frown settled itself between his brows.
Doojoon cocked an eyebrow and tilted his head to the side, “Why? Have you forgotten why we brought him hear in the first place?”
“He won’t be useful if he’s dead,” Hyunseung retaliates and when Doojoon huffed and backed away from the door, he hurried opened it, almost detaching it from the amount of force he did. He ignores how Doojoon scoffed at him and went to Dongwoon’s rescue. The young doctor was hyperventilating and he scoops him into his arms, “It’s okay, Dongwoon. I’m here.”
Dongwoon sobbed harder, clutching Hyunseung’s shirt for dear life, “Hyung’s here.”
--
When Dongwoon had calmed down, Hyunseung offered him a glass of plain water, which he accepted with a small and tired smile. Hyunseung watched as he sipped the drink slowly, his hands still trembling slightly. He took the glass from Dongwoon, placing it onto the table lamp beside him.
“Look, Dongwoon. We really need your help,” Hyunseung begins slowly, “Can you help us?”
Dongwoon said nothing, just looking up to Doojoon who was standing by the door with his arms crossed over his chest before his gaze went to Yunho, who’s sitting in front of him. Hyunseung followed his eyes before sighing and grabbing Dongwoon’s hand, feeling it trembles even in his grip, “Dongwoon, if you help us, I promise we’ll send you back to China, unharmed. Everything will be okay. Just help me with this okay?”
The doctor looked at Hyunseung before nodding slowly and the light brown haired male smiled softly, “Zhou Kuixian. We want to know about him.”
Dongwoon breathe out, a drop of tear fell from his eyes, “K-Kuixian ge is my f-friend,” Dongwoon sobbed, “I knew him from A-Auntie Yuki. H-Her nephew, Mi ge is Kuixian ge’s boyfriend. W-We’ve been friends since the day I came to China.”
“Is there anything else?”
Dongwoon quickly shook his head, his dirty brown hair ruffled messily, “Kuixian ge and Mi ge were supposed to get married soon. They’re kind people. All they want is to be happy and live a normal life,” he looked at Hyunseung, “They never hurt anybody.”
Hyunseung sighed silently before looking at Yunho. The older male nodded before standing up and exits the room with Doojoon following suit. Hyunseung looked at Dongwoon and send him a comforting smile while caressing his hair, calming the younger one.
“What do you think, hyung?” Doojoon asked as they both exit the room.
Yunho stopped and turned to Doojoon, his expression forlorn, “He’s not lying,” and Doojoon nodded in agreement.
“But he’s hiding something.”
--
Jungsu never liked the guy.
When Kyuhyun introduce Heechul to him, he felt the immediate hate towards the other male.
He didn’t know why, but he just hates him.
“Come on, hyung. Heechul hyung is not that bad. He’s very nice to me!”
Okay, maybe it was because Kyuhyun is too fond with this Heechul hyung.
“Yeah hyung, beside, Heechul hyung adores Kyuhyun so much! Kyuhyun is his favorite dongsaeng!”
And also because it’s Donghae introducing Heechul to Kyuhyun in the first place. But that would add to his list on ‘Why Lee Donghae is Not for My Kyuhyunnie’ though. Oh well, that would be a different story.
Anyway, he still hates Heechul.
“Hi, I’m Kim Heechul,” Heechul smiled, his pretty face glowing, and pale-skinned hand extended to Jungsu.
Jungsu looked at Heechul, black silky hair ended just above his shoulder, his school uniform still crisp and neat even though it’s after school, his leather shoes polished and shining and Jungsu looked at himself, dust-covered apron, his shirt sticks to his body because of the sweats, his hair messy and he found another 101 reasons to hate this perfect, rich man.
“I-I’m Park Jungsu,” he hastily wiped his hand and took Heechul’s to give it a brief shake. Heechul was the first one to pull away, a look of mild disgust appeared on his face as he wiped his hand onto the jacket of his school uniform.
Another 101 reasons to be added.
“So, you’re working at the bookstore as a part-timer?” Heechul questioned, looking around the small bookstore in mild interest.
“Yes,” Jungsu answered with a smile, I’m sorry I’m not a rich ass kid with parents to pay for everything.
“No, no, all is forgiven,” Heechul suddenly said and smirked, “But I’m sorry for being born with silver spoon shoved down my throat. I can’t help it.”
Jungsu did a double-take.
He’s signing up as the official anti-fan of Kim Heechul.
Stepping into the Kim Group’s building, Jungsu felt a lot of emotions slapping onto his skin, penetrating into his bloodstreams and rushing through his body. But mostly, he was anxious. It’s been a while since he met Heechul and Donghae properly, the last time being the day of Kyuhyun’s funeral.
He was formulating all sorts of greetings in his head; the casual way, the normal way or the straight-to-business way. He couldn’t decide. Heechul and Donghae are his friends, not strangers but Jungsu wasn’t here to say hi and catch up with their lives.
He’s here to investigate a kidnapping case.
“Mr. Kim is ready to meet you now, sir,” Jessica smiled politely as she guides Jungsu to Heechul’s office. He smiled and bowed shortly to the younger female and when she closed the door, he looked at Heechul.
He was still the same Kim Heechul he met years ago. His hair is still silky black, though it was cut shorter, he’s still wearing expensive, crisp suit, his leather shoes still shining and Jungsu’s still looking as shabby as before.
But he didn’t miss how Heechul’s eyes slowly lose its light, how his smile is not eerie or hides something sinister behind it, how his shoulders slightly slump from all the heavy burdens. Jungsu was the one to approach him first, “Hey, Chul.”
“Hey,” Heechul breathe out, a tired smile tugged on his lips, “It’s been awhile.”
“Yeah…”
“Um… Please, take a seat,” Heechul offered which Jungsu silently complies to.
“What can I help you with?”
“Look, Heechul,” Jungsu started, “I’m here as your friend, okay? Just, drop all the formality and be normal like we used to.”
As Heechul was still wondering what he meant, Jungsu asked, “I want to know about Donghae.”
A flash of discomfort appeared on Heechul’s face and it didn’t go unnoticed by Jungsu. His years as a private investigator taught him to catch the micro expressions on other people’s face in a blink of eyes. But Heechul was also quick to hide it, “What about him?”
“How is he doing? Is he doing fine? What does he up to these days?”
“He’s fine,” hesitation, “He’s been indulging himself in work. Which I think is better than him being a drunkard and gets involve in fights.”
Jungsu sighed heavily, it’s obvious that Heechul lied to him. The other one had always been a good liar, Jungsu wondered what had happened for him to lose his spice.
“Okay, then I’m here as a private investigator.”
“What?”
“I’m here, as Park Jungsu, the private investigator. I’m here to ask you a few questions regarding my client’s case.”
Heechul frowned, “What are you talking about?”
Jungsu took out a photo of Kuixian, “This. This is Zhou Kuixian, an innocent Chinese kid. He was kidnapped ten days ago.”
Heechul maintained his cool façade, but Jungsu caught the irritate twitch of his face muscles, “You know he looks like who, right?”
Getting no answer from the Kim heir, Jungsu explained, “My client informed me that Lee Donghae had been harassing his fiancé, Zhou Kuixian, a couple times before he was kidnapped. And I know that Lee Donghae hasn’t come in for work for exactly 10 days. Now, Kim Heechul-ssi, where is Lee Donghae?”
Heechul flinched at the way Jungsu addressed him formally, but no words left his mouth. Jungsu waited before he huffed. The private investigator stood up, “I’m going to find him, Heechul. One way or another. Donghae is my dongsaeng, but this kid,” he shoved the photo in his hand to Heechul’s face, “he’s just an innocent kid. Something happens to him, and I won’t forgive Donghae or you.”
Without another word, Jungsu left, leaving Heechul with his scrambled mind.
--
“I’m going to find him, Heechul. One way or another. Donghae is my dongsaeng, but this kid, he’s just an innocent kid. Something happens to him, and I won’t forgive Donghae or you.”
Chaerin quickly hides when she heard Jungsu stomping his way to the door of Heechul’s office, pressing her index finger to her lips as a sign for Jessica to keep silent, which the secretary nodded at. She came to Kim Group building to see Heechul, to discuss about Donghae when Jessica told her Heechul has a guest named Park Jungsu in his office.
Of course Chaerin knows Jungsu, and when she thought it was a great time to finally meet her old friend, she overheard Jungsu’s conversation with Heechul.
So, Jungsu oppa is looking for Donghae oppa? she thought as she watched Jungsu exiting Heechul’s office, anger scrawled all over his face. She came out from her hiding place when Jungsu was out of sight, a delicate frown formed on her face as she calculate her next actions.
Sparing a glance to the closed door of Heechul’s office, Chaerin went to the elevator, knowing very well whom she should meet now.
--
He was walking through a beautiful place.
He was walking through a familiar but unfamiliar large green field filled with flowers and sunshine. He was closing his eyes as he breathes in the fresh air, a small smile tugged on his lips. He felt like he’s in heaven or some sort-or maybe he was dreaming, but that couldn’t be it, because he could feel the sunshine and the wind, could smell the grass and an intangible scent and everything felt so real.
He stopped walking as he opened his eyes slowly and he stared blankly at the breathtaking view in front of him.
Why do I feel lonely?
A sudden wave of sorrow and fear surged through his body and he looked around him frantically, eyes searching for something he’s not sure what.
“Hyu-”
He was cut off when he found Donghae standing behind him, a soft smile on his lips, “Hey, Kyu.”
I’m not Kyuhyun.
“So, do you like this place?” Donghae asked and he turned around slowly, facing the large green field behind the manor Donghae bought for them. It was simply breath-taking and he wished he can capture this moment and save it in his head to relive this memory anytime he wants.
Suddenly, Donghae wraps a pair of strong arms around his lean waist. He didn’t know why, but his smile widened and he relaxed into the older male’s embrace.
He felt the Donghae’s breathe in his scent, low and husky chuckles followed suit, “Enjoying yourself?”
He wanted to say ‘yes’, but he just nodded because this feels too good to be true and he didn’t want this moment to disappear.
The older male smiled (he can feel it), “I’m glad you like this place, Kyuhyun.”
He turns around and smiled sweetly, his arms around Donghae’s neck, “Thank you for everything, Donghae hyung.”
Kuixian gasped as he jerked awake, his chest pumped in and out rapidly as his breath came out labored. The loud thundering of his heart is deafening in his ears and his sweaty shirt sticks messily to his back. As his breath slowed down, he ran his fingers through his haphazardly messy hair and rubbed his face, a tired sigh escaped his lips.
He jumped when Donghae entered the room, a handsome smile graced his face, “Hey, Kyuhyun. Breakfas-” he stopped when he noticed the state Kuixian was in, a worried look replaced his smile.
“Are you okay?” he asked as he approached the younger one, only to stop midway when Kuixian looked at him, terrified.
“Kyu-”
Kuixian threw the covers off his body and jumped off the bed before he made a run passed Donghae and exits the room. Donghae hurriedly followed him from behind, uneasiness creeping his insides at Kuixian’s behavior.
The young Chinese run down the stairs, he wasn’t sure where he was going; his head was still in vague colors of dreams (or memories, he didn’t know) and he just let his feet carry him to wherever that feels right. He passed through rooms and hallways and he didn’t realize his hand pushing open a wooden door to reveal a wide green field with yellow buttercups growing across the field.
The same…
He stepped outside, one, two, three, baby steps, and stood still, eyes wide as he scanned the scenery before him.
Breath-taking.
“I’m glad you like this place, Ky-”
“Kyuhyun.”
He snapped his head towards Donghae, still the same bewildered look on his face. Everything was the same, the scenery, the smell of buttercups, the warmth of sun, the Donghae. Tears filled his eyes as well as the nostalgic feelings but he holds them in, because of the confusion that clouded his mind.
“Who are you?” he questioned, more to himself.
Who am I?
--
Donghae watched silently as Kuixian stares emptily to the cup of hot chocolate in front of him. The younger one’s hair was still bird nest messy and he instinctively reached out to smooth them out. He stopped with his fingers between the strands of Kuixian’s hair when the younger one looked up, sad eyes meeting his orbs. There were no words, not even a flinch and Donghae was feeling a pinch of fear at the sudden change in Kuixian’s reaction towards his affection.
Did he remember anything?
But he didn’t dare to ask. Receiving ‘no’ as the answer brings a whole new fear to him. So he stayed silent, slowly retracting his hand back, his fingertips ached to feel the softness of Kuixian’s hair.
“It’s beautiful,” Kuixian croaked out and when Donghae said nothing he smiled softly, “The scenery was beautiful.”
“Yeah… Thanks.”
“Does….”Kuixian swallowed thickly, “Does…Kyuhyun loves it? The scenery?”
Donghae’s eyes widened slightly, perplexed at Kuixian’s question, “Y-Yeah. He…He really loves it. He always go there when he’s stressed out or something. It’s his sanctuary.”
“…I see…” Kuixian’s eyes downcast, “…I-I like it too… It was calming.”
The silence become pregnant and as much as Donghae wants to say something, anything, he couldn’t find any courage to utter the words. He was afraid to make any assumptions because even though Kyuhyun is getting nearer, he also feels relatively distant.
“…You were in my dream,” Kuixian suddenly spoke up, voice so soft as if he’s afraid to say it out loud, afraid of spilling dirty little secrets he wished to erase, “Everything was so clear. Vivid. As if...As if it was a…”
Memory.
Kuixian bit his bottom lip, no, it’s not. It’s impossible. Mi won’t lie to me. He loves me.
He looked up, to see Donghae gazing at him with hopes and loves and he felt a tug and-
No. Kuixian stood up, sending Donghae a conflicted look before turning around and left.
I love Zhou Mi.
--
“Whatever happens, I want you to trust me, okay?”
“And for the umpteenth time, yes, Zhou Mi,” Kuixian huffed as he rolled his eyes and a small smile tugged on Zhou Mi’s lips. He lightly caressed the younger brunette’s hair, a look of love in his gaze, mine.
“So, when can I meet your friends?”
Zhou Mi snapped from his trance, “Oh, um, they’re waiting at the café. They’re a bit weird and loud but they’re kind people.”
Kuixian nodded, “I know, you said that before.”
“And if they ask you anything about the accident, just tell them what I’ve told you, okay? Don’t bother forcing your head remembering the other details. If you don’t know, just say-”
“I don’t know, yeah, I got it,” a mild annoyance flickered across Kuixian’s face, he hates it when people keep repeating the same thing over and over again. But the love in Zhou Mi’s gaze never falters and he cupped Kuixian’s face in his hand.
“Thank you, Kuixian.”
“For what?”
“For coming back to me.”
“So…wait,” Victoria’s voice interrupt his flashback, “You’re saying there’s a creepy dude harassing Kuixian?”
“Yeah.”
“Why didn’t you tell us before?” the female asked, furious, “Zhou Mi, this could be a lead to find Kuixian!”
“I didn’t think about it,” Zhou Mi defended, “I thought he’s just a random dude taking advantage on Kuixian because he’s pretty. That happens before.”
A scoff and Victoria looked at him in disbelieve, “That happens once, Mi. And that’s because he thought Kuixian is a girl. And, the guy apologized and said he didn’t mean it. This is different, Mi. It happened twice and look what happened.”
Zhou Mi sighed at Victoria’s nag but said nothing as response because everything she said is the truth. Henry calm down the younger female, “What’s important is that he told us about it.”
Victoria relaxed, but her hands were crossed over her chest as she shoots Zhou Mi with an accusing look, “What if he’s still keeping secrets from us?”
“Victoria…”
“From the day we met, I knew you’re keeping something from us, Mi. I let it pass because we just known each other and I don’t want to be seen as a busybody bitch. But we’ve been friends for three years, Mi. If our friendship means something to you, tell us!”
“Song Qian, Mi is tired with Kuixian’s disappearance. Don’t push him like this,” Hangeng interrupt, placing gentle hand on the female’s shoulder.
However, she brushed it off roughly, “Easy for you to say because you know his secrets. You don’t have to be left in the dark, wondering what the hell is going on in your best friend’s head.”
She huffed, wiping the fallen tears with the back of her hand before stomping to her room. Hangeng was about to go after her when Zhou Mi step in, giving him an assuring smile.
They first met at a bar.
Victoria and Henry were celebrating after getting themselves fired from the company that had been treating them like shit. Even though they still have to find some jobs to pay for the rent and to feed them food, they decided to hell with it and drink themselves to oblivion.
It was when Victoria was about to chug down her third glass of whiskey when a stranger suddenly fall onto her back, causing her drink to spill onto Henry’s dress shirt.
“Hey, watch it,” she glares disapprovingly at the culprit, only to find a handsome male sobbing on the floor.
Feeling odd at the sight, she and Henry helped him to get on his feet, sat him down and offer a tissue to wipe his flowing tears. Victoria was always the type to help people in need. And the stranger in front of her looks like he’s in a deep shit.
“Hey, are you okay?” she asked softly when his cries reduced to silent sobs.
“He’s going to leave,” the male chocked out, “H-He’s going to leave me…”
Love problem? “It’s okay. It’s his loss. You’re very handsome, I’m sure you’ll find anoth-”
“I love him!!” the stranger argued, fists slamming the bar, surprising Victoria, Henry and some of the customers, “I-I love him so much… I can’t live without him. He’s my everything.”
Victoria hesitantly rubbed the crying male’s back, hoping that it’ll calm him down. Her method works when she found the stranger sleeping, soft snores escaped his lips.
“He slept?” Henry asked, curiously peeking over Victoria’s shoulder.
“Yeah, looks like a baby,” she giggled, “What a lovesick fool.”
“There he is,” another voice chimed in and both Henry and Victoria’s head snapped towards the owner of the voice. Another handsome male, with short, spiky black hair. He walked straight to the sleeping male and smiled softly, “Knock out cold again?”
“Um…He was crying earlier,” Victoria informed, though she finds no reason to tell that. Unless this male is his lover.
“Ah… I see,” his look saddened, “Poor Mi…” he sighed and the smile was back as he faced Victoria and Henry, “Thank you for taking care of him. He can be quite a handful when he’s drunk.”
“Oh, no, no. It’s okay. We’re glad to help.”
“I’m Hangeng by the way,” the male, Hangeng, introduced, hand extended.
She grabbed the hand, smiling, “I’m Victoria.”
When Zhou Mi received no answer from Victoria after he knocked on the door, he quietly enters the room, silently sighed at the sight of the waitress sobbing silently on her bed. He walked to her direction and sat beside her silently, the bed creaked at his movement.
“I’m sorry,” he said softly.
Victoria’s sobs stopped and she wiped her tears, “It’s my fault. I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s mine,” Zhou Mi argued softly with a sigh, “I should’ve told you everything.”
“You have every right to keep secrets. I’m just anxious with Kuixian’s disappearance and I let it get into my head. I’m sor-”
“I,” Zhou Mi interrupted, “I have a secret about my past that I wished to erase.”
Silence ensued between them as Victoria looked at Zhou Mi, “I’ve done something…terrible…and if you know about it…I’m sure you will never forgive me. You’ll hate me for it.”
“Did…Did you kill someone?” she cautiously asked.
To her relieve, a hearty laughter escaped Zhou Mi’s throat, “No…” he stopped to sigh with a pained smile, “I did something worse.”
Confusion flashed across Victoria’s face, what could be worse than murdering someone?
“I become…selfish,” Zhou Mi confessed, fingers fiddling, “I did something for the sake of my happiness.”
He looked at Victoria, “That’s how terrible I am.”
Under normal circumstances, Victoria would laugh and pat Zhou Mi’s back tad a bit too hard because being selfish is normal to everyone. You ought to do something for the sake of your benefit no matter how much of a saint you are. But the look in Zhou Mi’s eyes tells a whole different story. A sad story. A pained one and she found herself looking at him with the same look because finally, even just a little, she feels the pain Zhou Mi was in, carry the burden he had on his shoulders for so many years.
“One day, I will tell you everything,” he said truthfully, “When I finally had the strength and courage, I promise I’ll tell you everything. Until then, can you wait a little more?”
Victoria smiled softly and nodded and grabbed Zhou Mi’s hand in assurance and she felt him relaxed under her fingers,
“Okay, I’ll wait.”
--
“Did you know you snore when you sleep?”
Kyuhyun’s hand stopped mid-air, mouth still open and the toast an inch away from his mouth. He puts the toast away and looked at smirking Donghae, scandalized, “I did not!”
“Yes, you did,” Donghae teased, “It’s not loud. But you snore, kinda like babies.”
“I do not snore. And I do not snore like babies!” the younger male argued, “You have no evidence against me!”
“Yeah, I do,” Donghae shrugged, “I watch you sleep all the time.”
This time, Kyuhyun’s look was that of horror, “Hyung, that’s creepy!”
“What? You looked cute when you sleep, and you snore too.”
“For the last time, I do not snore!”
“Okay, next time I’ll record you sleeping,” Donghae said indifferently.
Kyuhyun’s eyes narrowed dangerously, “You wouldn’t.”
A smirk and a kiss, “Try me.”
Donghae opened his eyes, a smile tugged on his lips when he heard Kyuhyun’s soft snores from inside the room. The younger male was never a noisy sleeper but Donghae’s ears are always sharp to any noise Kyuhyun is making.
“Good night, Kyuhyun,” he whispered against the door, the physical barrier between him and his beloved. Even though he could easily go through the barrier, there is still a huge emotion barrier, an unseen barrier between him and Kyuhyun. Donghae was tired of trying and failing to cross that barrier so he decided to wait on the other side.
Wait for Kyuhyun to come to him.
It was close, he knew that. The bridge was staring to show up in the thick mist and he just need to wait for Kyuhyun to see that bridge and have the courage to cross it.
His train of thoughts was cut off short when the bell rang across the silent manor. He went to the door, opening it to the expected guest, “Chaerin.”
“Hey oppa,” the younger Lee greeted him, a tight smile on her face.
Donghae felt uneasy seeing the look, was it Sungmin? Does the oldest Lee decided to make a move or anything?
“I have something to tell you,” Chaerin speaks as she entered the manor under Donghae’s invitation, “It’s very important.”
“What is it?” he inquires, nervous for what Chaerin had for him.
“It’s Jungsu oppa.”
The nervousness was replaced by perplexity upon the mentioning of the name he hadn’t heard for years, “Jungsu hyung? What’s with him?”
Chaerin sighed and looked up at him with worry,
“He’s looking for you.”
a/n: oh yeahhhh it’s done! woot woot!
sorry for the late update, i have something important to be settled -,- geez, i can’t even have my holiday in peace
anyhoo, here’s the new chapter, i hope you like it :3 any questions you can ask me, i’ll be happy to answer it all ^^
and again, comments are welcomed with hugs and kisses :*
psst, this chapter is unbeta-ed >.<