Happy Holidays magalix3! Exchange fic: "Evenfall"
Title: Evenfall
Rating: pg-13
Genre: alternative universe, drama, romance
Beta: kyungtak
Summary: Stealing once from the wrong person might not be so terrible, but twice...?
wc 7789
For magalix3: The story somehow skids a little bit from the original plotline I drew back in September, nevertheless I hope it meet your expectations.
Tonight was not different from any of the previous nights. The same busy people walked past him, absent-minded, and going to their set destination. The same cars rushed in front of him to somewhere. And just like any other night, he leaned his back against the cold brick wall in one of the many alleys in the area. The snow fell slowly and languidly, leaving a slim layer of crystal white coat on the ground, contrasting with the somber colors of the old urban city. Thick clouds successfully hid the moon from people’s view, and the only source of lights came from the street lamp flicking from time to time.
A sigh escaped from his red lips as he fished out a pack of cigarettes. “Just another night.” He thought as he placed one to his mouth and took a deep breath to burn the tip with a lighter.
He glanced down and took a look of his wristwatch before taking another smoke. In the distance, bells from some monument resonated in the darkness. Twelve times, twelve for midnight.
He run his hand through his golden locks, removing the layer of snow on his head before walking out of the alley, heading to the main street. He looked to his right and then his left, trying to figure out where he should go to start his round. He glanced on his right side again as he took one last smoke, throwing the cigarette butt in the white carpet. He rearranged his coat around his body, keeping a thin line between the warmth and cool air, and headed to the opposite side.
As his feet led him forward, he bumped into a few people, strangers. A weak whisper of “I’m sorry” came out of his crimson lips spontaneously, coming along with a flirtatious and irresistible smile that had many speechless. While those strangers were temporarily captured by the beautiful sight, he discreetly slipped his hand inside the jacket, purse, bag, taking away wallet, he ran his hand around the wrist for watches and bracelet. All the items ended up inside his bag.
After roaming about a dozen blocks away, he halted abruptly. His eyes stopped at the slickly black Lexus parked by the sidewalk. To think that he was about to conclude his night, he just caught the big fish.
He watched a man with wine colored hair in a black suit and equal black long coat stepped out of the passenger side and opened the back door for his boss. A tall man with dark chestnut hair styled up in the latest fashion trend stood up, straightening his expensive marine suit under his trench coat. They looked way too opulent for such a downscaled place.
They walked side by side toward the blonde-haired man who smirked upon seeing their unguarded state, or he thought so. He stomped forward with difficulty and stumbled when his right foot was caught behind his left one. He closed his eyes as he prepared himself to meet the hard surface when a strong arm circled his waist, preventing himself to get hurt.
“Are you alright?” A deep and rich voice with an undertone of sexy spoke up.
Hearing it so close to his ear, feeling the hot breath brushing his cheeks. The fire spread across his cheeks, and shyly the blond pushed the arm away from his body without missing the expensive looking watch on the other’s wrist. “Thank you, Sir.” He said in a rather soft voice. “My clumsiness is such a bother sometimes.”
And for a brief moment their eyes met as the blond-haired man looked up, his breath hitched and his heart skipped a few beats. He quickly bowed down in apology and disappeared in a dark alley without another word.
“This is the first time I see you helping someone, Yunho-ah.” The person beside him said. “That’s a great change.”
“That was out of reflex, and I should have controlled myself.” The man with chestnut hair replied with indifference. He extended his arm and showed to his assistant the wallet in his hand. “Find me his whereabouts from the last few years.”
Junsu took the object when he noticed something different. “Your watch...”
“He has it.” Yunho sneered. “He’s stupid to think that I haven’t notice it.”
“To think about it, why do you want to know Kim Jaejoong’s whereabouts?” Junsu pouted and slipped the object inside Yunho’s trench coat after checking the ID card. “Someone finally met your standards after all.”
“Jaejoong... I like his face.”
“Of course you do, otherwise he would be on the ground with a bullet in his head.”
Yunho rolled his eyes at the comment and mentally cursing himself that Junsu got used to talking back to him. He should have never let that happen in the first place, but sometimes, without Junsu, life would just be too boring and meaningless.
♜♘♝♔♛♗♞♖
Jaejoong’s mind was completely blank when he forced his feet to stop running. He leaned his back again the brick wall, trying to catch his breath. Why did run like his life depended on it? He doesn’t know, but he sensed the uneasiness floating around that man. And those eyes, somewhat familiar, yet they were filled with darkness and the coldest that he had ever seen, something about them seemed to say ‘scram and don’t look back ’.
He looked at the watch he just stole, white gold strap and a black face with golden letters engraving Rolex stood out. When he turned the timepiece, the words “Life is a game that must be played.” could be read on the back. A thousand of thoughts came rushing inside his mind, questions without any answers.
The tick-tack sound of the watch resonated in the serenity of the night, louder by each minute. He shook his head, chasing away his thoughts and putting it inside his pant pocket. He straightened his back and headed to the abandoned factory at the border of the district.
The ‘No trespassing’ placard laid a few feet away from the opening of the abdicated property. He pushed the grid of the fence and walked inside the site toward his so-called “friends” who are huddled around the fire. The crunching sound of the snow under his sneakers brought a few eyes on him while some are too wasted or too high to care.
Jaejoong threw his bag on the ground in front of his gang leader, waiting for the last word before going home. TOP let out a chuckle and looked at Jaejoong as he flicked whatever he just smoke in the fire.
“That looks empty, I am disappointed Jaejoongie.”
“Well luck doesn’t seem to be on my side today.” He shrugged, hands inside his pockets, his fingers brushing against the cold metal of the watch which felt suddenly heavier. “Plus it’s snowing, and it’s Christmas Eve.”
“You better catch up tomorrow.” TOP said in a threatening voice. “Or I’ll put that pretty face in better use.”
“What will you do? Whoring me to other gang leaders so they will leave your pathetic ass unharmed?”
“Really funny Jaejoong, why don’t you get out of my face before some cops stop by and bring you home?” TOP waved him away.
Jaejoong shrugged his shoulders and turned away. This comment no longer affected him since he had the feeling that the cops were already used to his constant presence around this abandoned manufactory. Plus, if not like his foster parents actually cared about him or anything. Maybe that’s the main reason why he’s still doing errands outside on Christmas Eve, no, Christmas.
He stopped in front of an old, low-priced apartment building. He let out a deep sigh as he walked passed the front gate. He had enough of the household, and if he could actually choose, he would prefer staying at the orphanage instead of this creepy family. However, he had to leave, and he did it for Aleyna.
It all started three years ago, on his way back from school when he found Aleyna outside in the snow on Christmas Eve. She was crying, sitting in the snow with a quilt over her freezing body despite the cozy looking winter coat. Jaejoong was the first person who stopped and talked to her. As soon as he crouched in front of her, lowering himself on the same level as her, she jumped into his arms, tightening her little arms around his neck and resting her head on his shoulder. She refused to move no matter what Jaejoong did. So in the end, he cuddled her in his arms and brought her to the orphanage with him. They did try to find her parents or relatives, but it was all in vain. Since that day, she stayed glued by his side.
That’s why his foster family hated him so much. They wanted to adopt Aleyna and Jaejoong came along. She refused to leave, grabbing onto Jaejoong’s leg and hid behind him whenever they came to coo her and take her. The repugnance that Kim Heechul felt toward him only became more noticeable with time. He would slave him to do every chore inside the house as a payment of his ‘kindness’ for taking him in. Choi Siwon seemed to be infatuated with Jaejoong and had some problem about keeping his hands to himself. The only escape he found in the end was staying away as much as possible from their eyes.
His keys jingled against the door and he hoped that everybody’s sleeping. When he pushed the door open, only darkness greeted him. The corner of his lips lifted up for a little grateful smile. Kicking off his shoes, he went directly to Aleyna’s room. Right in front of the white door, he paused a moment, hesitating a little bit before turning the knot. The bedside lamp was still on, projecting stars on the purple walls. The little girl was on the bed with her blanket around her shoulder, a cartoon book on her crossed legs.
“Sweetheart, why aren’t you sleeping? Santa Claus won’t drop by if you don’t sleep.” He said softly as he caressed her brown locks, taking the book away and settled it on the nightstand as he sat on the bed..
“I just wanted to tell you ‘Merry Christmas’ mama.”
“Aleyna, you should stop calling me that, Heechul is taking over that role now. I’m your brother.” Jaejoong sighed.
“But I have always called you that. I don’t know how I should call you beside ‘mama’.” Aleyna pushed her lips up in an unhappy pout.
“Say sweetheart, do you like this place? Staying with Heechul and Siwon?” He asked, trying to change the subject. He suddenly had the urge to run away with his sister.
“No!” She replied firmly, nodding her head in affirmation. “They are not nice to you, so I hate them and you are not here anymore.”
Jaejoong never thought that his constant absence would affect her this much, but it’s inevitable since he used to be always with her. They barely saw each other in the last six months. He gave her an apologizing smile and took her blanket off her shoulders and covered her with it, pushing her down in the bed. Seeing her so reclusive to go back to sleep, he laid down beside her on her soft mattress. She scoot near him and fell asleep instantly in arms, her little body snuggling against his chest.
When her breathing evened, he kissed the side of her head and whispered “Merry Christmas, sweetheart. I’m sorry that I’m still unable to give you a gift.”
He stole a lot since he joined TOP’s gang, however he could never bring himself to take that money to buy Aleyna anything. He didn’t want to give his sister something dirty and corrupt. He fished out the timepiece he took from the fierce looking businessman and thought that maybe by selling it he could run away with her, but she’s only six years old. He couldn’t put such hardship upon her shoulder. His thumb swept on the glass, trying to make it shinier and then put it back in his pocket. The thoughts about escaping were still lingering in his mind as he closed his eyes for some rest.
♜♘♝♔♛♗♞♖
“Jaejoong! Do you even know how to wash dishes?” Heechul shouted when he heard one of the many plates that needed to be cleaned shattered on the ground. “If you don't want to be here, you're free to leave. I had enough of wasting my money on you!”
“Your think I wanted to be here in the first place?” Jaejoong refuted with as much intensity. "If I had a chance, I would have never followed you in this dump!”
“Be my guest, leave!” Heechul pointed the front door, expecting Jaejoong to walk out right then and there. However, instead, Jaejoong kneeled on the cold ceramic floor, taking the shattered plate in his hands. He didn’t want Aleyna to run in here and hurt herself carelessly.
It didn’t take more than a second, the little girl ran out in pink teddy bear pajamas and bare feet, launching herself of Jaejoong, unhappy that he was yelled at again.
“Stay right there, sweetheart!” He said immediately, holding a hand up. On the process, a piece of glass on his left hand cut into his palm. He hissed in pain and gave his sister a reassuring smile before he dumped the pieces in the garbage.
Heechul sneered and picked up Aleyna to bring her back in her room, but she struggled in his arms, wanting Jaejoong to take her instead as she extended her arms toward him.
“Put me down!” She protested, eventually fall on the floor from Heechul’s arms. Tears made their way to her eyes as she rubbed her aching knees. “Mama...” She sobbed.
Jaejoong rushed to take Aleyna in his arms, smoothing her back, cooing her to calm down. Heechul literally saw red. After all the time, he tried so hard to get at least an ounce of Aleyna’s affection and he lost to a seventeen years old punk. Seeing Aleyna calm down so easily with Jaejoong, he finally flipped. All the hatred that he tried so hard to suppress and anger he bottled up resurfaced.
“What do you think you’re doing, Jaejoong?” He said low and menacing. “Give her back to me immediately.”
But Jaejoong only held her tighter against his chest, he could feel Aleyna’s tears wetting his old sweater. “Stop, you’re scaring her.”
“Give her back to me or else, I’m gonna call the Foster Care Center and send you away.”
“No need to call, I’m leaving! Who want to stay with a molester and a slavedriver anyway?” Jaejoong rolled his eyes, picking the little girl in his arms and stalked to the door, grabbing his coat and shoes on his feet. “I’m leaving and Aleyna is coming with me.”
At those words, he clacked the door shut and ignoring Heechul’s constant yelling and shouting. He ran, as fast as he could, draping his coat over Aleyna’s small frame to keep her from the freezing wind. His feet leading him back to abandoned manufacture, his mind was blank... It's more and less ok for him to be there with street gangs, but with his little sister in his arms, suddenly this place became a lot less appropriate. He looked down at her who eventually fell asleep. He didn't know exactly the time, it should be long past her bedtime. He cuddled her, wrapping his coat tightly around her when he felt her shivering. He walked at the nearest motel, silently cursing himself for dragging Aleyna inside this mess.
“I'm sorry sweetheart, hope that your family will come find you soon. I really don’t have the ability to take care of you, Aleyna.”
He pushed the door of the cheap motel open, stepping inside. His body shivered at the warm temperature, realizing that his fingers were numb from the cold weather and so was his whole body. He approached the front desk, asking for a room.
“Kid, what are you doing here?” The clerk asked suspiciously, eyeing his sleeping sister. “Are you running away from home?”
“My parents are fighting, I just don't want my sister to witness the ugly side of our family.” Jaejoong lied easily. “Please understand. Plus, I don't have any bag and my sister is in her pajamas. Does it look like we are gonna run far like this?”
The clerk nodded in affirmation, pressing on some letters on the keyboard. Unless, there's a miracle, they wouldn't be able to survive long in the middle of the winter.
“It’ll be 65 for the night” He said, putting a set of key on the counter. He looked up waiting for the money when Jaejoong hesitated.
“About that...” Jaejoong trailed off. “You see, we left in such a hurry, I kind of forgot my wallet.” Another lie, He didn’t forget it, he lost it. He never paid much attention to it, and the other day when a police officer came up to him asking for his ID card, he noticed it was not in his jacket pocket anymore. “I’ll go home and grab it, but can I put her in bed before?”
The clerk frowned, cocking his eyebrow and the suspicious look was back, but he pushed the key forward anyway. Jaejoong gave him a thankful smile, taking it with his right hand, carefully hiding his other bloody hand with his coat.
He had the room at the very end of the second floor, and while he passed the doors in the corridor, he heard noises, not so innocent moans clouded by lust. He hurried his steps and closed the door of his room as soon as he’s inside.
There one double bed in the middle of the room, leaning against the yellowish wallpaper with no other additional furniture. One little entrance on the side, leading to what he assumed to be the bathroom. A low-priced room with the only purpose of a momentary lust.
He pulled the covers on the bed, throwing it on the ground, and took the white quilt to tuck Aleyna in bed. He caressed her head, before shaking her a little. She blinked, barely able to open her eyes and hummed.
“Aleyna, I’m going out for a while. I’ll be back as soon as possible, so don’t be scared ok?” She nodded slightly and changed her position, falling in deep slumber again.
When he left the motel, there was no one in the hall. That night was strangely quiet. No passerby despite the usual relatively busy street. He considered about going on his usual round, trying to find some money. However if he did, TOP would know about it and he would have to give his ‘boss’ his yield.
To tell the truth, he wasn’t at all in the mood of being TOP’s little puppet. So he just ended up walking aimlessly in the street, with a cigarette between his lips, inhaling deeply, drawing the smoking into his lung, before blowing it from his nose. Knowing all the damages of smoking, he still couldn’t bring himself to stop. The nicotine gave him this light-headed pleasure hazy feeling that he slowing became addicted to and the burning of his lungs at each inhale reminded him that he’s still living.
He continued walking, and followed his usual path, only the crunching sound of his sneakers resonated in the silence. In distance, street cats meowed, looking for affection, as he was looking for money. His hands slipped inside his pocket after finishing his smoke. He tried to shield from the freezing wind.
He halted in mid-step when he saw a man dropping a black sports bag next to a lamppost, right in front of him, before driving away in his car. A part of him wanted to ignore it and walk away, but his curiosity forced him to approach it. Crouching down, he pulled the zipper open, packs of white powder were revealed, and there’s at least twenty of it inside.
‘Cocaine’ was the only thing that came in his mind. He grabbed the handle and headed to the factory. With this, he might be able to get some cash and eventually leave with Aleyna for something better, or just leave by himself, since Aleyna needed something better. Tomorrow January 26, he’ll turn 18, legally an adult and he’ll graduate from senior high by June. Afterward, foster care won’t be able to stop him anymore. A sparkle of hope burst in his heart.
Unbeknownst to him, someone was observing him through the darkened window of a black Mercedes. The window of passenger seat silently rolled down and a gun came into view, pointed out, aiming for Jaejoong’s head. The silencer was fixed, so nobody would know about this little incident. When the man was about to pull the trigger, a hand came from the back seat and lowered the gun.
“Follow him, but don’t hurt him.” A soprano-like voice said. The man bowed at the comment and went out to follow the teenager wordlessly.
The other man, whose looks were more delicate, gently took his phone from the inner pocket of his black coat and composed a number that he came to know by heart.
“Yunho, it’s me. Do you think you can come? There’s a little problem and you might want to handle it.” He said, watching the darkness swallowing both figures in the alley.
“As much as I would love to be more present for the organization. I still have a construction corporation to run, and as we’re speaking, I’m stuck at the board meeting.” He growled in frustration. “Take care of it, as my second-in-command, Junsu. If my presence is really required, call me in one hour.”
“Understood.” He answered when the line turning into a monotonous sound.
He opened his laptop and connected to the secured network, transferring the money for the drugs that was disposed by the lamp earlier. He waited patiently, eyes looking as the green transfer bar advancing towards the end.
When the money left DBSK Clan's bank into his dealer's, he shut the screen close and looked up to the driver.
♜♘♝♔♛♗♞♖
The same old scene around the fire, the same people high and lost, and there’s TOP, counting the money his gang members handed in up till now. Jaejoong threw the bag in front of his surprised boss and said: “I need money, a lot, and you can keep whatever’s in the bag.”
TOP raised an eyebrow mockingly as his lips curved up into an amused smirk. He reached out to open it and he felt his breath leaving him. His eyes sparkled and already his mind was thinking about his loaded saving.
“Nice catch, Jaejoongie. I guess you’re not useless after all.” TOP’s fingers ran over the plastic packages. “Now tell me how much you want.”
“Fifty thousand, a car, and I’m leaving the gang.” Jaejoong said, watching the blood strained from the elder man’s face.
“Fifty thousand...” TOP’s usually deep voice faltered. “You’re out of your mind!”
“Then, I’ll take that back and treat with someone who’s willing to pay.” Jaejoong said firmly, extending a hand toward the black bag.
They were not stupid. Both of them knew that the heavy load of white powder was worth much more than fifty thousand, but Jaejoong didn’t dare ask for more and secretly wish that it was indeed cocaine. They looked at each other, eyes challenging, mind running miles trying to come in a mutual agreement.
However their thoughts were cut short when Jaejoong heard footsteps approaching them. TOP looked passed the blonde's shoulder, glaring at the strangers.
“This is my territory.”
“Oh really? I thought we own the whole district.” Junsu smirked, not at all intimidated by TOP or his gang who circled them with metal bars in their hand. “We are here to collect something this kid stole from us.” He continued, examining Jaejoong from head to toe.
Jaejoong spun around, looking at the man. His eyes widen in shock, words stuck in his throat. He had seen this man before, red wine colored hair, dressed in black. He must be the assistance of the person whom he stole the Rolex watch from. He dug his hand inside his pocket, about to take out the timepiece that he had kept hidden since last month. He was about to pull it out when Junsu nodded to one of his subordinates to go take the bag instead.
TOP grabbed the handle first, shaking his hand in disapproval as he draw out a gun ready to shoot anytime. Then everything went chaos. Fists, kicks, the fighting started and ended absurdly when someone pull the trigger, the echo resonated in the darkness. The cartridge felt in the snow with a soft thump. Everyone froze, turning toward the red-haired man, waiting.
“I’m here to forward a package to my boss, Jung Yunho, so please kindly hand it back.” Junsu asked again, with his voice low and menacing. The gunshot most certainly alerted the police whom could stop by at any moment. The siren will soon be heard.
TOP stood still in his position, but a few of his members seemed to hesitate. Some had already lowered their weapon, ready to run away at any moment. Jaejoong, on the other hand, was already walking away from the scene. He always had enough troubles for the moment and been caught by the police with mafia would only make thing worst.
“And where do you think you’re going, pretty boy?” Junsu asked, turning to face the teen, whose steps never faltered. “Can you hand me the bag?” He continued, pointing the object with his gun.
“This situation has nothing to do with me anymore, I’m out of the gang as we are speaking.”
“Why don’t you come with us then?” Junsu said, waving his man to take the drugs. “We will settle this little accident between us, I’m sure Aleyna won’t be happy to see her brother in jail.”
The sound of sirens approached them, resonating in the night, Junsu gave one last glare at TOP and left. Even though everything just happened to hurt TOP’s pride, the little street gang and pickpockets can’t rival again Seoul’s godfather. He kicked the snow in frustration, losing the biggest source of money he could possibly dream about
Jaejoong narrowed his eyes and stopped mid-step. Aleyna... but how? Junsu walked past him, purposely dumping into Jaejoong’s shoulder, smirking and said mockingly: “Aren’t you coming?”
As if on impulse, Jaejoong launched himself that the red-haired man wanting to punch the hell out of him. His first was halted just inches away from Junsu’s head. The man didn’t even bother to turn around. His subordinate caught the offensive hand and twisted behind his back.
“Bastard! What did you do to her?” Jaejoong yelled on the top of his lungs, as the man pushed him toward the cars outside the fence.
“I can assure you that she’s safer where she is than in that crappy room.”
Once outside the fence, Junsu slid inside the black Lexus and the back hood popped open. Jaejoong’s eyes widened in disbelief at the thought of being shoved inside the back like a mere object. He kicked, fighting back, there’s no way he’s going to go inside there.
The tainted window rolled down and Junsu looked out with a mocking smile. “Hurry, we don’t have all night.”
The next thing Jaejoong knew there was a blow on his head and his world went black. As he fell in total unconsciousness, he heard the hood closed harshly and the faint scent of blood reaching his nose.
♜♘♝♔♛♗♞♖
The board meeting, which should have been three hours long, took over seven hours. They just couldn’t reach a settlement and the directors were all too stubborn to compromise. There were some who would monopolize everything, refuse to listen and those who kept talking nonstop. Yunho was delighted that it didn’t turn into a fistfight.
“Damn, those old men, don’t they have anything better to do on a Friday night?” He cursed, storming out of the conference room the second he dismissed the directors.
The drive to the base was short without traffic, which lightened his mood a little bit. He planned to make a short stop there, finalizing the latest agreement over territories occupation. However, his mind was preoccupied by Junsu’s previous call that triggered his curiosity. Since he didn’t get a second call, he assumed that Junsu did take care of everything, and the operation was successful.
He lazily entered inside his office back at the base. To his surprise, the pretty boy, Kim Jaejoong was also there on top of his pool table with both hands resting on his stomach and cuffed together. The boy was wearing one of his spare shirts and he assumed that there’s nothing underneath. The alabaster, soft-looking skin contrasted with the red carpet of the pool, making the teen glow under the light.
There’s trace of dry blood on the side of his head, which didn’t surprised Yunho at all. His men had never been known for been nice or merciful to the guilty ones or the troublesome ones. If Jaejoong’s still alive, it was only because Junsu ordered them not to pull the trigger.
He caught a gleam of his watch pecking out of the sleeve, he smiled, relieved that Jaejoong hadn’t sold it. If the teen liked it, he may contemplate on giving it to him. He sighed and tugged lazily on his tied, loosening the loop as he approached the still unconscious boy. There’s a yellow post-it note on the table, half-hidden by the relatively large dress shirt.
‘I thought you would like to deal with the little troublemaker yourself. Junsu.’
Yunho took one last glare at the teen before he settled behind his desk, looking through the latest negotiation with an allied clan. Observing every little detail, he wanted to make sure that the deal was an advantage of both groups. He was nearly at the end of the thick document when he heard a low groan followed by the jingling sound of handcuffs knocking.
“Hello, sleeping beauty.” He said in annoyance without looking up, disliking the disturbance. “Oh and you better stop, I don’t want you to leave any more dents on my watch.”
Jaejoong’s movements halted midway and turned to look at the source of the voice. It was one month ago when they met and that voice sounded deep, bewitching and sexy. This time, his voice was full of money and there was inexhaustible arrogance and danger that rose and fell in it. And Jaejoong suddenly didn’t know how to react anymore.
He watched Yunho turning the remaining pages, taking notes on the margins, underlining important parts. When Yunho finally came to the end, he carefully closed the document and shoved it down the drawer before looking up at Jaejoong.
“Why am I here?” Jaejoong asked tentatively, pulling his shirt down to hide his naked thighs. “Where are my clothes?”
“I should ask you that question, why are you here? Wearing my shirt, handcuffed on my poll table?”
“I... I-”
“Do you know what the outcome of a thief is?” Yunho continued to look at the teen who wriggled uncomfortably under his unnerving eyes. “We kill them.”
“Then should I feel special since I’m still pretty much alive?” Jaejoong voiced out loud with a newly found courage that would probably put him into more troubles. “Or do you want me to pay in other ways?”
“That’s a really dangerous suggestion, Jaejoong.” The man said, shifting his weight forward as he rested his chin on his joined hands. “Considering the fact that you’re more exposed than usual and I’m a hot-blooded man.”
“That’s rape and on a minor!”
“Oh trust me, I can make you more than willing.” The corner of his lips lifted to a smirk with a hint of amusement. “But, let’s not talk about that now.”
A firm knock on the door effectively grabbed both of their attention and the person waited exactly five seconds before pushing it open.
“Good evening boss.” A tall man walked in, gawking at the beautiful teen. “Your new ornament looks good, where did you get it?”
“Glad to see that the view is at your liking, Changmin.”
“Pleasant view.” Changmin said as he stepped near the desk and handed the folder to Yunho, doing all this without taking his eyes away from Jaejoong. “So he’s the little guy who almost jeopardized our one year worth negotiation? Why is he still alive?”
“Don’t worry his time will come soon enough.” Yunho looked up at Jaejoong one last time before switching to business mode as he scanned through the pages. “You found some nice recruits for the Red District.”
“The seven girls would be ready to receive their first client after the final medical examination. The five boys for male clients still need more training and I’m thinking about putting the youngest one for display until next year.” The tall man reported, pointing at one of the pictures.
“The information is confidential.” Jaejoong coughed awkwardly, recalling all the horror he had heard from the news that was somewhat related to the DBSK Clan, even though there’s no concrete proof about the crimes. “Human trafficking, organized crimes, I shouldn’t be listening to them.”
“You’re going towards your death sentence anyway, so why don’t you just enjoy the few minutes you have?” Changmin turned, faking a sad smile on his face. “Come closer. What I’m going to say next would surely interest you.”
Jaejoong sneered and looked away. Mentally, he was calculating his chance of escaping from this place, a highly secured mafia base. He reclusively concluded that in this appeal, it would be one hundred percent under zero. Nevertheless, while he was cursing himself for being in this mess, the name of Choi Siwon got his attention.
“... handing us his foster son in exchange of his debt.”
“Then call the foster care first thing in the morning and report this unacceptable behavior.” Yunho stated in disgust.
“I would love to, but the boy will turn eighteen tomorrow and will no longer be eligible for protective service.” Changmin withdraw a picture from the envelop that he was holding and put it in front of his boss as both men directed their gaze toward Jaejoong.
The teen could feel his blood boiling, stream coming out of his ears. He jumped off the table where he had been sitting so quietly and snatched the envelope out of the tallest man’s hand. He wanted to read what was inside but with his linked hand, he could only stare at the brownish envelope hoping it would vanish. Yunho sighed, taking it from Jaejoong’s trembling hand. He laid the papers on the desk, before looking back at blond. He never knew that Siwon had gambling problems, hell if only the system knew beforehand. If Siwon is so willingly giving him away, who knew when he’d also sell Aleyna away?
“Why do you care? Human life is nothing but flies in your hands.” He hissed under his breath. “You force youngsters into prostitution, disturbing drugs in the streets, corrupting the politics.”
Yunho ignored Jaejoong’s words knowing that the teen may not mean what he just said. However Changmin was more than offended by them. Unknown to the outside world, they have been protecting this city that had been left out by the government.
“Watch what you’re saying kid.” A voice by the door warned Jaejoong. “We may be criminals like you said, but we still have some common sense.”
Junsu closed the door silently behind him and put some clothing on the pool table. “Here kid, some decent clothes.”
“How nice of you, dressing me up for my funeral.” Jaejoong said, with a mocking gratitude voice. “If you guys want to punish me for stealing your drugs, then go on, but I’m not paying one cent for that bastard and you don’t touch a single hair from my sister’s head.”
The red-haired man cocked an eyebrow, looking slightly confused.
“His foster father sold him to us.” Changmin answered.
“That’s good, we don’t have to kill you anymore.” Junsu said, smiling. He walked near Jaejoong and removed the handcuffs around his wrist. “Now, you’ll have to work for your life.”
“He can work at the brothel, his face isn’t that bad.” Changmin said, index under the teen’s chin, lifting his face up. However Yunho waved him away, sending him back to his post.
When the tall man disappeared behind the door, Yunho stood up from his chair, gathering the papers into a neat pile. Once he was ready to leave too, he said: “Junsu, I’ll be waiting for Jaejoong in my car.”
Junsu nodded knowingly and turned to Jaejoong who looked longingly on the pool table.
“They might be a bit large for you.” He said, urging the blond to dress up.
“Is he going to bring me somewhere reclusive and dig a grave for me?”
“Come on kid, does he seem that scary to you?” Junsu laughed, amused by the question. “He may take you somewhere calm and intimate, so he can enjoy your company. Don’t let yourself be fooled by his piercing ice-cold eyes.”
“He kinda looks scary, but you looked pretty dangerous too, barking order to your men.” Jaejoong said as he hurried pulling the pair of jeans, grimacing at the feeling of tough material against his skin. “But looking at you now, you seem almost normal.”
“Hmm… Thank you?”
“So... about my sister...?”
“At her uncle’s place, so you don’t have to worry.” Junsu said gently, walking the teen out of the building using the back door. A sleek dark grey Mercedes was waiting there for Jaejoong. He opened the passenger side for the teen who climbed in without any protest.
The ride was definitely the most awkward and uncomfortable one ever. The air was dense and Jaejoong used all his might to suppress the urge to jump on the other man, but this would also mean accident and injuries, which weren’t at his advantage after all.
When the car pulled out on the driveway in front of a massive villa, Jaejoong finally opened his mouth. “Long time no see, hyung.”
“I missed you, Jaejoong.” Yunho turned to the teen, extending a hand to caress his golden hair and Jaejoong unconsciously leaned in the touch. The words hung in the air between them, sounding more sincere than what Jaejoong had hoped.
“If so, why didn’t you come find me sooner?” He asked softly. “I thought you no longer remembered me and you erased me from your life.”
Yunho opened his mouth, thinking about something intelligent to say, but nothing came into his mind. For the first time in his life, he had lost his words. Why did he leave in the first place? Why didn’t he stay by Jaejoong’s side? He didn’t know. Common sense, maybe... After all, he was much older and it made their relationship inappropriate.
Still, that didn’t mean he was wholeheartedly congratulating himself for doing so. He knew that he had hurt Jaejoong badly years ago when he left the teen alone on the backseat of his car, naked and sore.
“It had been two years and half since you disappeared.” Jaejoong said sorrowfully. “I thought that maybe you truly felt something for me, instead of being grateful because I took care of your niece. For months, you followed me, wooed me with your charm just to spend some time with your niece, who doesn’t know your connection to her. You’re heartless.”
“Come on Jaejoong, I know I was at fault. However, what we had back then was wrong, you were still a kid and I shouldn’t have taken advantage of you.”
“So you decided to ditch me there after sex!?”
“Love-making actually.” Yunho corrected. “And I was just halting our relationship until you reach eighteen. But we can continue where we left off?”
Despite the ongoing argument, Jaejoong couldn’t resist smiling from ear-to-ear, eyes sparkling with mischief as he climbed onto the driver seat. He easily made his way on Yunho’s lap, squeezing himself between the other’s broad chest and the wheel. Hesitantly, he put a hand behind the tall man’s neck, lowered himself, letting their lips touch, and barely kissing.
He opened his mouth to say something, however his words were cut off as the other’s lips suddenly crashed down onto his own. Yunho forced the teen’s body back, grinding his hips against Jaejoong’s and showing him all the desires that he had stored in.
Jaejoong let out a painful howl as the wheel dug into his lower back and with his hands, he pushed the man away.
“There’s not enough space for me anymore.” Jaejoong shook his head and returned to his seat, leaving behind a rather frustrated Yunho. “And we need to talk, don’t you have anything to tell me?”
“Oh no, you’re not going to walk out of this so easily.”
“No!” Jaejoong protested, holding a hand in front of him to stop the other to come near him. “You told me that you worked at a construction company. What happened?”
“I own that company, I am an architect and a businessman.” Yunho confirmed, firmly. But the blond just looked at him, waiting for more. “... and I happen to run an underground organization.”
“Oh I guess you just forgot to tell me that little detail.” He nodded acknowledgedly, before his expression changed completely to something unreadable. “And you chose me, a stupid kid who would willingly give you everything you asked.”
“Jaejoong, you know it’s not like that.”
“You walk around with a gun, gaining dirty money, beating shit out of people. Damn.” He cursed. “That explain, why you’re always so secretive, how you can predict someone’s action so precisely, that explain everything, and Aleyna is...” He paled just by think about it. Back when he first found the little girl, the police, the government workers reached for her records during days, but nothing, no birth records, no related parents, nothing. He clearly remembered the screen flashing ‘No Data’ as he accompanied the little girl through the process. In the end, they concluded that maybe she was a foreigner, but there’s not Aleyna Jung in any customhouse.
“How many people know about your niece’s existence?”
“You and me.”
“But the redhead knows”
“He found out recently when I asked him to watch over you.” Yunho said casually.
“You spied on me.” Jaejoong shouted in disbelief and turned to look at the older man’s calm face as if he did nothing wrong. “You... argh!”
“You were stealing and part of a street gang. Do I need to mention that you stole drugs? You could have gone to the prison or worse dead!”
“Said the drug dealer himself...” Jaejoong mumbled as he rolled his eyes. “Then I should consider myself lucky that I stole from you.”
“No, you should consider yourself grateful that Junsu was supervising the operation.” Yunho argued back, grateful that they weren’t inside otherwise his niece would be long awake. “If it was anyone else, you would have a hole in your skull.”
Jaejoong lowered his head in shame, Yunho was right, damn. Yunho was always right. Things could have turned ugly and he would lose everything he cared about. He ruffled his hair in frustration, and took a deep breath to calm himself down.
“Look, I’m sorry.” He smiled faintly, scared to look up. “Sometimes, I can be really careless and reckless. But I just wanted to get away from them.”
“Impatient troublemaker! If you had waited, I would be at your doorstep the day you would turn eighteen, which is tomorrow, asking you to come live with me. And Aleyna would have come with us.” Yunho gently took Jae’s hand, dropping a gentle kiss on the inside of his palm. Jaejoong simpered at a chaste gesture, a habit that he missed.
“But Aleyna is legally adopted by Choi Siwon and Kim Heechul, you can’t do anything now.”
“Don’t underestimate the resources of the Jung, lovely.” Yunho smirked. “I always get what I want.”
The teen rolled his eyes, he knew it better than anyone else. He, himself, had been manipulated by this powerful man into submission and love. A part of him hated Yunho, but his heart and body were captivated by the eerie charm radiating from the older man.
“And right now, I want nothing more than you.” Yunho whispered sensually into Jaejoong’s ear, nibbling his earlobe with his underlip.
♜♘♝♔♛♗♞♖
Jaejoong lay back comfortably on the feather pillows, pulling the warm blanket up to shelter himself from the cold. He ran his tongue over his swollen lips, moistening them.
“So, habits never change after all.” He sighed deeply as his sink deeper in the bed. The soreness spread over his body as the desire and passion started to fade. “Can’t you come back here and let me cuddle against you?”
Yunho just hummed absently, never looking up from his laptop, which frustrated Jaejoong to no end.
“Fine, just ignore me!” Jaejoong gave up and turned his back to Yunho, pulling the blanket higher, under his chin.
His heavy eyelids didn’t take long to close, his mind wanting nothing more but some sleep before affronting the world again. When he’ll open his eyes again, he would be an adult, independent and free.
With this thought, he slowly drifted in a deep slumber. The bed shifted under additional weight and an arm snaked around his waist, lips dropping light kisses on his shoulder blade as the cover slid down. He shivered, brushing away whatever that bothered him and pulled the sheets up again. Surely there were still things that needed to be settled between them, but that could wait until he woke up.
He finally escaped from his miserable life. From now on, he would be leaving with his lover and his little sister who could never stopped calling him ‘mama’. He was no longer involved in any street gangs since he found himself being involuntarily and indirectly mixed with something much more dangerous, the underground criminal organization: 東方神起.
If he gladly accepted Yunho back in his life, there was still disagreement over Yunho’s business, because he can’t approve what all the wrongdoings.
Just like that he became Jung Yunho’s weakness, his Achilles’ heel, his evenfall.
Rating: pg-13
Genre: alternative universe, drama, romance
Beta: kyungtak
Summary: Stealing once from the wrong person might not be so terrible, but twice...?
wc 7789
For magalix3: The story somehow skids a little bit from the original plotline I drew back in September, nevertheless I hope it meet your expectations.
Tonight was not different from any of the previous nights. The same busy people walked past him, absent-minded, and going to their set destination. The same cars rushed in front of him to somewhere. And just like any other night, he leaned his back against the cold brick wall in one of the many alleys in the area. The snow fell slowly and languidly, leaving a slim layer of crystal white coat on the ground, contrasting with the somber colors of the old urban city. Thick clouds successfully hid the moon from people’s view, and the only source of lights came from the street lamp flicking from time to time.
A sigh escaped from his red lips as he fished out a pack of cigarettes. “Just another night.” He thought as he placed one to his mouth and took a deep breath to burn the tip with a lighter.
He glanced down and took a look of his wristwatch before taking another smoke. In the distance, bells from some monument resonated in the darkness. Twelve times, twelve for midnight.
He run his hand through his golden locks, removing the layer of snow on his head before walking out of the alley, heading to the main street. He looked to his right and then his left, trying to figure out where he should go to start his round. He glanced on his right side again as he took one last smoke, throwing the cigarette butt in the white carpet. He rearranged his coat around his body, keeping a thin line between the warmth and cool air, and headed to the opposite side.
As his feet led him forward, he bumped into a few people, strangers. A weak whisper of “I’m sorry” came out of his crimson lips spontaneously, coming along with a flirtatious and irresistible smile that had many speechless. While those strangers were temporarily captured by the beautiful sight, he discreetly slipped his hand inside the jacket, purse, bag, taking away wallet, he ran his hand around the wrist for watches and bracelet. All the items ended up inside his bag.
After roaming about a dozen blocks away, he halted abruptly. His eyes stopped at the slickly black Lexus parked by the sidewalk. To think that he was about to conclude his night, he just caught the big fish.
He watched a man with wine colored hair in a black suit and equal black long coat stepped out of the passenger side and opened the back door for his boss. A tall man with dark chestnut hair styled up in the latest fashion trend stood up, straightening his expensive marine suit under his trench coat. They looked way too opulent for such a downscaled place.
They walked side by side toward the blonde-haired man who smirked upon seeing their unguarded state, or he thought so. He stomped forward with difficulty and stumbled when his right foot was caught behind his left one. He closed his eyes as he prepared himself to meet the hard surface when a strong arm circled his waist, preventing himself to get hurt.
“Are you alright?” A deep and rich voice with an undertone of sexy spoke up.
Hearing it so close to his ear, feeling the hot breath brushing his cheeks. The fire spread across his cheeks, and shyly the blond pushed the arm away from his body without missing the expensive looking watch on the other’s wrist. “Thank you, Sir.” He said in a rather soft voice. “My clumsiness is such a bother sometimes.”
And for a brief moment their eyes met as the blond-haired man looked up, his breath hitched and his heart skipped a few beats. He quickly bowed down in apology and disappeared in a dark alley without another word.
“This is the first time I see you helping someone, Yunho-ah.” The person beside him said. “That’s a great change.”
“That was out of reflex, and I should have controlled myself.” The man with chestnut hair replied with indifference. He extended his arm and showed to his assistant the wallet in his hand. “Find me his whereabouts from the last few years.”
Junsu took the object when he noticed something different. “Your watch...”
“He has it.” Yunho sneered. “He’s stupid to think that I haven’t notice it.”
“To think about it, why do you want to know Kim Jaejoong’s whereabouts?” Junsu pouted and slipped the object inside Yunho’s trench coat after checking the ID card. “Someone finally met your standards after all.”
“Jaejoong... I like his face.”
“Of course you do, otherwise he would be on the ground with a bullet in his head.”
Yunho rolled his eyes at the comment and mentally cursing himself that Junsu got used to talking back to him. He should have never let that happen in the first place, but sometimes, without Junsu, life would just be too boring and meaningless.
♜♘♝♔♛♗♞♖
Jaejoong’s mind was completely blank when he forced his feet to stop running. He leaned his back again the brick wall, trying to catch his breath. Why did run like his life depended on it? He doesn’t know, but he sensed the uneasiness floating around that man. And those eyes, somewhat familiar, yet they were filled with darkness and the coldest that he had ever seen, something about them seemed to say ‘scram and don’t look back ’.
He looked at the watch he just stole, white gold strap and a black face with golden letters engraving Rolex stood out. When he turned the timepiece, the words “Life is a game that must be played.” could be read on the back. A thousand of thoughts came rushing inside his mind, questions without any answers.
The tick-tack sound of the watch resonated in the serenity of the night, louder by each minute. He shook his head, chasing away his thoughts and putting it inside his pant pocket. He straightened his back and headed to the abandoned factory at the border of the district.
The ‘No trespassing’ placard laid a few feet away from the opening of the abdicated property. He pushed the grid of the fence and walked inside the site toward his so-called “friends” who are huddled around the fire. The crunching sound of the snow under his sneakers brought a few eyes on him while some are too wasted or too high to care.
Jaejoong threw his bag on the ground in front of his gang leader, waiting for the last word before going home. TOP let out a chuckle and looked at Jaejoong as he flicked whatever he just smoke in the fire.
“That looks empty, I am disappointed Jaejoongie.”
“Well luck doesn’t seem to be on my side today.” He shrugged, hands inside his pockets, his fingers brushing against the cold metal of the watch which felt suddenly heavier. “Plus it’s snowing, and it’s Christmas Eve.”
“You better catch up tomorrow.” TOP said in a threatening voice. “Or I’ll put that pretty face in better use.”
“What will you do? Whoring me to other gang leaders so they will leave your pathetic ass unharmed?”
“Really funny Jaejoong, why don’t you get out of my face before some cops stop by and bring you home?” TOP waved him away.
Jaejoong shrugged his shoulders and turned away. This comment no longer affected him since he had the feeling that the cops were already used to his constant presence around this abandoned manufactory. Plus, if not like his foster parents actually cared about him or anything. Maybe that’s the main reason why he’s still doing errands outside on Christmas Eve, no, Christmas.
He stopped in front of an old, low-priced apartment building. He let out a deep sigh as he walked passed the front gate. He had enough of the household, and if he could actually choose, he would prefer staying at the orphanage instead of this creepy family. However, he had to leave, and he did it for Aleyna.
It all started three years ago, on his way back from school when he found Aleyna outside in the snow on Christmas Eve. She was crying, sitting in the snow with a quilt over her freezing body despite the cozy looking winter coat. Jaejoong was the first person who stopped and talked to her. As soon as he crouched in front of her, lowering himself on the same level as her, she jumped into his arms, tightening her little arms around his neck and resting her head on his shoulder. She refused to move no matter what Jaejoong did. So in the end, he cuddled her in his arms and brought her to the orphanage with him. They did try to find her parents or relatives, but it was all in vain. Since that day, she stayed glued by his side.
That’s why his foster family hated him so much. They wanted to adopt Aleyna and Jaejoong came along. She refused to leave, grabbing onto Jaejoong’s leg and hid behind him whenever they came to coo her and take her. The repugnance that Kim Heechul felt toward him only became more noticeable with time. He would slave him to do every chore inside the house as a payment of his ‘kindness’ for taking him in. Choi Siwon seemed to be infatuated with Jaejoong and had some problem about keeping his hands to himself. The only escape he found in the end was staying away as much as possible from their eyes.
His keys jingled against the door and he hoped that everybody’s sleeping. When he pushed the door open, only darkness greeted him. The corner of his lips lifted up for a little grateful smile. Kicking off his shoes, he went directly to Aleyna’s room. Right in front of the white door, he paused a moment, hesitating a little bit before turning the knot. The bedside lamp was still on, projecting stars on the purple walls. The little girl was on the bed with her blanket around her shoulder, a cartoon book on her crossed legs.
“Sweetheart, why aren’t you sleeping? Santa Claus won’t drop by if you don’t sleep.” He said softly as he caressed her brown locks, taking the book away and settled it on the nightstand as he sat on the bed..
“I just wanted to tell you ‘Merry Christmas’ mama.”
“Aleyna, you should stop calling me that, Heechul is taking over that role now. I’m your brother.” Jaejoong sighed.
“But I have always called you that. I don’t know how I should call you beside ‘mama’.” Aleyna pushed her lips up in an unhappy pout.
“Say sweetheart, do you like this place? Staying with Heechul and Siwon?” He asked, trying to change the subject. He suddenly had the urge to run away with his sister.
“No!” She replied firmly, nodding her head in affirmation. “They are not nice to you, so I hate them and you are not here anymore.”
Jaejoong never thought that his constant absence would affect her this much, but it’s inevitable since he used to be always with her. They barely saw each other in the last six months. He gave her an apologizing smile and took her blanket off her shoulders and covered her with it, pushing her down in the bed. Seeing her so reclusive to go back to sleep, he laid down beside her on her soft mattress. She scoot near him and fell asleep instantly in arms, her little body snuggling against his chest.
When her breathing evened, he kissed the side of her head and whispered “Merry Christmas, sweetheart. I’m sorry that I’m still unable to give you a gift.”
He stole a lot since he joined TOP’s gang, however he could never bring himself to take that money to buy Aleyna anything. He didn’t want to give his sister something dirty and corrupt. He fished out the timepiece he took from the fierce looking businessman and thought that maybe by selling it he could run away with her, but she’s only six years old. He couldn’t put such hardship upon her shoulder. His thumb swept on the glass, trying to make it shinier and then put it back in his pocket. The thoughts about escaping were still lingering in his mind as he closed his eyes for some rest.
♜♘♝♔♛♗♞♖
“Jaejoong! Do you even know how to wash dishes?” Heechul shouted when he heard one of the many plates that needed to be cleaned shattered on the ground. “If you don't want to be here, you're free to leave. I had enough of wasting my money on you!”
“Your think I wanted to be here in the first place?” Jaejoong refuted with as much intensity. "If I had a chance, I would have never followed you in this dump!”
“Be my guest, leave!” Heechul pointed the front door, expecting Jaejoong to walk out right then and there. However, instead, Jaejoong kneeled on the cold ceramic floor, taking the shattered plate in his hands. He didn’t want Aleyna to run in here and hurt herself carelessly.
It didn’t take more than a second, the little girl ran out in pink teddy bear pajamas and bare feet, launching herself of Jaejoong, unhappy that he was yelled at again.
“Stay right there, sweetheart!” He said immediately, holding a hand up. On the process, a piece of glass on his left hand cut into his palm. He hissed in pain and gave his sister a reassuring smile before he dumped the pieces in the garbage.
Heechul sneered and picked up Aleyna to bring her back in her room, but she struggled in his arms, wanting Jaejoong to take her instead as she extended her arms toward him.
“Put me down!” She protested, eventually fall on the floor from Heechul’s arms. Tears made their way to her eyes as she rubbed her aching knees. “Mama...” She sobbed.
Jaejoong rushed to take Aleyna in his arms, smoothing her back, cooing her to calm down. Heechul literally saw red. After all the time, he tried so hard to get at least an ounce of Aleyna’s affection and he lost to a seventeen years old punk. Seeing Aleyna calm down so easily with Jaejoong, he finally flipped. All the hatred that he tried so hard to suppress and anger he bottled up resurfaced.
“What do you think you’re doing, Jaejoong?” He said low and menacing. “Give her back to me immediately.”
But Jaejoong only held her tighter against his chest, he could feel Aleyna’s tears wetting his old sweater. “Stop, you’re scaring her.”
“Give her back to me or else, I’m gonna call the Foster Care Center and send you away.”
“No need to call, I’m leaving! Who want to stay with a molester and a slavedriver anyway?” Jaejoong rolled his eyes, picking the little girl in his arms and stalked to the door, grabbing his coat and shoes on his feet. “I’m leaving and Aleyna is coming with me.”
At those words, he clacked the door shut and ignoring Heechul’s constant yelling and shouting. He ran, as fast as he could, draping his coat over Aleyna’s small frame to keep her from the freezing wind. His feet leading him back to abandoned manufacture, his mind was blank... It's more and less ok for him to be there with street gangs, but with his little sister in his arms, suddenly this place became a lot less appropriate. He looked down at her who eventually fell asleep. He didn't know exactly the time, it should be long past her bedtime. He cuddled her, wrapping his coat tightly around her when he felt her shivering. He walked at the nearest motel, silently cursing himself for dragging Aleyna inside this mess.
“I'm sorry sweetheart, hope that your family will come find you soon. I really don’t have the ability to take care of you, Aleyna.”
He pushed the door of the cheap motel open, stepping inside. His body shivered at the warm temperature, realizing that his fingers were numb from the cold weather and so was his whole body. He approached the front desk, asking for a room.
“Kid, what are you doing here?” The clerk asked suspiciously, eyeing his sleeping sister. “Are you running away from home?”
“My parents are fighting, I just don't want my sister to witness the ugly side of our family.” Jaejoong lied easily. “Please understand. Plus, I don't have any bag and my sister is in her pajamas. Does it look like we are gonna run far like this?”
The clerk nodded in affirmation, pressing on some letters on the keyboard. Unless, there's a miracle, they wouldn't be able to survive long in the middle of the winter.
“It’ll be 65 for the night” He said, putting a set of key on the counter. He looked up waiting for the money when Jaejoong hesitated.
“About that...” Jaejoong trailed off. “You see, we left in such a hurry, I kind of forgot my wallet.” Another lie, He didn’t forget it, he lost it. He never paid much attention to it, and the other day when a police officer came up to him asking for his ID card, he noticed it was not in his jacket pocket anymore. “I’ll go home and grab it, but can I put her in bed before?”
The clerk frowned, cocking his eyebrow and the suspicious look was back, but he pushed the key forward anyway. Jaejoong gave him a thankful smile, taking it with his right hand, carefully hiding his other bloody hand with his coat.
He had the room at the very end of the second floor, and while he passed the doors in the corridor, he heard noises, not so innocent moans clouded by lust. He hurried his steps and closed the door of his room as soon as he’s inside.
There one double bed in the middle of the room, leaning against the yellowish wallpaper with no other additional furniture. One little entrance on the side, leading to what he assumed to be the bathroom. A low-priced room with the only purpose of a momentary lust.
He pulled the covers on the bed, throwing it on the ground, and took the white quilt to tuck Aleyna in bed. He caressed her head, before shaking her a little. She blinked, barely able to open her eyes and hummed.
“Aleyna, I’m going out for a while. I’ll be back as soon as possible, so don’t be scared ok?” She nodded slightly and changed her position, falling in deep slumber again.
When he left the motel, there was no one in the hall. That night was strangely quiet. No passerby despite the usual relatively busy street. He considered about going on his usual round, trying to find some money. However if he did, TOP would know about it and he would have to give his ‘boss’ his yield.
To tell the truth, he wasn’t at all in the mood of being TOP’s little puppet. So he just ended up walking aimlessly in the street, with a cigarette between his lips, inhaling deeply, drawing the smoking into his lung, before blowing it from his nose. Knowing all the damages of smoking, he still couldn’t bring himself to stop. The nicotine gave him this light-headed pleasure hazy feeling that he slowing became addicted to and the burning of his lungs at each inhale reminded him that he’s still living.
He continued walking, and followed his usual path, only the crunching sound of his sneakers resonated in the silence. In distance, street cats meowed, looking for affection, as he was looking for money. His hands slipped inside his pocket after finishing his smoke. He tried to shield from the freezing wind.
He halted in mid-step when he saw a man dropping a black sports bag next to a lamppost, right in front of him, before driving away in his car. A part of him wanted to ignore it and walk away, but his curiosity forced him to approach it. Crouching down, he pulled the zipper open, packs of white powder were revealed, and there’s at least twenty of it inside.
‘Cocaine’ was the only thing that came in his mind. He grabbed the handle and headed to the factory. With this, he might be able to get some cash and eventually leave with Aleyna for something better, or just leave by himself, since Aleyna needed something better. Tomorrow January 26, he’ll turn 18, legally an adult and he’ll graduate from senior high by June. Afterward, foster care won’t be able to stop him anymore. A sparkle of hope burst in his heart.
Unbeknownst to him, someone was observing him through the darkened window of a black Mercedes. The window of passenger seat silently rolled down and a gun came into view, pointed out, aiming for Jaejoong’s head. The silencer was fixed, so nobody would know about this little incident. When the man was about to pull the trigger, a hand came from the back seat and lowered the gun.
“Follow him, but don’t hurt him.” A soprano-like voice said. The man bowed at the comment and went out to follow the teenager wordlessly.
The other man, whose looks were more delicate, gently took his phone from the inner pocket of his black coat and composed a number that he came to know by heart.
“Yunho, it’s me. Do you think you can come? There’s a little problem and you might want to handle it.” He said, watching the darkness swallowing both figures in the alley.
“As much as I would love to be more present for the organization. I still have a construction corporation to run, and as we’re speaking, I’m stuck at the board meeting.” He growled in frustration. “Take care of it, as my second-in-command, Junsu. If my presence is really required, call me in one hour.”
“Understood.” He answered when the line turning into a monotonous sound.
He opened his laptop and connected to the secured network, transferring the money for the drugs that was disposed by the lamp earlier. He waited patiently, eyes looking as the green transfer bar advancing towards the end.
When the money left DBSK Clan's bank into his dealer's, he shut the screen close and looked up to the driver.
♜♘♝♔♛♗♞♖
The same old scene around the fire, the same people high and lost, and there’s TOP, counting the money his gang members handed in up till now. Jaejoong threw the bag in front of his surprised boss and said: “I need money, a lot, and you can keep whatever’s in the bag.”
TOP raised an eyebrow mockingly as his lips curved up into an amused smirk. He reached out to open it and he felt his breath leaving him. His eyes sparkled and already his mind was thinking about his loaded saving.
“Nice catch, Jaejoongie. I guess you’re not useless after all.” TOP’s fingers ran over the plastic packages. “Now tell me how much you want.”
“Fifty thousand, a car, and I’m leaving the gang.” Jaejoong said, watching the blood strained from the elder man’s face.
“Fifty thousand...” TOP’s usually deep voice faltered. “You’re out of your mind!”
“Then, I’ll take that back and treat with someone who’s willing to pay.” Jaejoong said firmly, extending a hand toward the black bag.
They were not stupid. Both of them knew that the heavy load of white powder was worth much more than fifty thousand, but Jaejoong didn’t dare ask for more and secretly wish that it was indeed cocaine. They looked at each other, eyes challenging, mind running miles trying to come in a mutual agreement.
However their thoughts were cut short when Jaejoong heard footsteps approaching them. TOP looked passed the blonde's shoulder, glaring at the strangers.
“This is my territory.”
“Oh really? I thought we own the whole district.” Junsu smirked, not at all intimidated by TOP or his gang who circled them with metal bars in their hand. “We are here to collect something this kid stole from us.” He continued, examining Jaejoong from head to toe.
Jaejoong spun around, looking at the man. His eyes widen in shock, words stuck in his throat. He had seen this man before, red wine colored hair, dressed in black. He must be the assistance of the person whom he stole the Rolex watch from. He dug his hand inside his pocket, about to take out the timepiece that he had kept hidden since last month. He was about to pull it out when Junsu nodded to one of his subordinates to go take the bag instead.
TOP grabbed the handle first, shaking his hand in disapproval as he draw out a gun ready to shoot anytime. Then everything went chaos. Fists, kicks, the fighting started and ended absurdly when someone pull the trigger, the echo resonated in the darkness. The cartridge felt in the snow with a soft thump. Everyone froze, turning toward the red-haired man, waiting.
“I’m here to forward a package to my boss, Jung Yunho, so please kindly hand it back.” Junsu asked again, with his voice low and menacing. The gunshot most certainly alerted the police whom could stop by at any moment. The siren will soon be heard.
TOP stood still in his position, but a few of his members seemed to hesitate. Some had already lowered their weapon, ready to run away at any moment. Jaejoong, on the other hand, was already walking away from the scene. He always had enough troubles for the moment and been caught by the police with mafia would only make thing worst.
“And where do you think you’re going, pretty boy?” Junsu asked, turning to face the teen, whose steps never faltered. “Can you hand me the bag?” He continued, pointing the object with his gun.
“This situation has nothing to do with me anymore, I’m out of the gang as we are speaking.”
“Why don’t you come with us then?” Junsu said, waving his man to take the drugs. “We will settle this little accident between us, I’m sure Aleyna won’t be happy to see her brother in jail.”
The sound of sirens approached them, resonating in the night, Junsu gave one last glare at TOP and left. Even though everything just happened to hurt TOP’s pride, the little street gang and pickpockets can’t rival again Seoul’s godfather. He kicked the snow in frustration, losing the biggest source of money he could possibly dream about
Jaejoong narrowed his eyes and stopped mid-step. Aleyna... but how? Junsu walked past him, purposely dumping into Jaejoong’s shoulder, smirking and said mockingly: “Aren’t you coming?”
As if on impulse, Jaejoong launched himself that the red-haired man wanting to punch the hell out of him. His first was halted just inches away from Junsu’s head. The man didn’t even bother to turn around. His subordinate caught the offensive hand and twisted behind his back.
“Bastard! What did you do to her?” Jaejoong yelled on the top of his lungs, as the man pushed him toward the cars outside the fence.
“I can assure you that she’s safer where she is than in that crappy room.”
Once outside the fence, Junsu slid inside the black Lexus and the back hood popped open. Jaejoong’s eyes widened in disbelief at the thought of being shoved inside the back like a mere object. He kicked, fighting back, there’s no way he’s going to go inside there.
The tainted window rolled down and Junsu looked out with a mocking smile. “Hurry, we don’t have all night.”
The next thing Jaejoong knew there was a blow on his head and his world went black. As he fell in total unconsciousness, he heard the hood closed harshly and the faint scent of blood reaching his nose.
♜♘♝♔♛♗♞♖
The board meeting, which should have been three hours long, took over seven hours. They just couldn’t reach a settlement and the directors were all too stubborn to compromise. There were some who would monopolize everything, refuse to listen and those who kept talking nonstop. Yunho was delighted that it didn’t turn into a fistfight.
“Damn, those old men, don’t they have anything better to do on a Friday night?” He cursed, storming out of the conference room the second he dismissed the directors.
The drive to the base was short without traffic, which lightened his mood a little bit. He planned to make a short stop there, finalizing the latest agreement over territories occupation. However, his mind was preoccupied by Junsu’s previous call that triggered his curiosity. Since he didn’t get a second call, he assumed that Junsu did take care of everything, and the operation was successful.
He lazily entered inside his office back at the base. To his surprise, the pretty boy, Kim Jaejoong was also there on top of his pool table with both hands resting on his stomach and cuffed together. The boy was wearing one of his spare shirts and he assumed that there’s nothing underneath. The alabaster, soft-looking skin contrasted with the red carpet of the pool, making the teen glow under the light.
There’s trace of dry blood on the side of his head, which didn’t surprised Yunho at all. His men had never been known for been nice or merciful to the guilty ones or the troublesome ones. If Jaejoong’s still alive, it was only because Junsu ordered them not to pull the trigger.
He caught a gleam of his watch pecking out of the sleeve, he smiled, relieved that Jaejoong hadn’t sold it. If the teen liked it, he may contemplate on giving it to him. He sighed and tugged lazily on his tied, loosening the loop as he approached the still unconscious boy. There’s a yellow post-it note on the table, half-hidden by the relatively large dress shirt.
‘I thought you would like to deal with the little troublemaker yourself. Junsu.’
Yunho took one last glare at the teen before he settled behind his desk, looking through the latest negotiation with an allied clan. Observing every little detail, he wanted to make sure that the deal was an advantage of both groups. He was nearly at the end of the thick document when he heard a low groan followed by the jingling sound of handcuffs knocking.
“Hello, sleeping beauty.” He said in annoyance without looking up, disliking the disturbance. “Oh and you better stop, I don’t want you to leave any more dents on my watch.”
Jaejoong’s movements halted midway and turned to look at the source of the voice. It was one month ago when they met and that voice sounded deep, bewitching and sexy. This time, his voice was full of money and there was inexhaustible arrogance and danger that rose and fell in it. And Jaejoong suddenly didn’t know how to react anymore.
He watched Yunho turning the remaining pages, taking notes on the margins, underlining important parts. When Yunho finally came to the end, he carefully closed the document and shoved it down the drawer before looking up at Jaejoong.
“Why am I here?” Jaejoong asked tentatively, pulling his shirt down to hide his naked thighs. “Where are my clothes?”
“I should ask you that question, why are you here? Wearing my shirt, handcuffed on my poll table?”
“I... I-”
“Do you know what the outcome of a thief is?” Yunho continued to look at the teen who wriggled uncomfortably under his unnerving eyes. “We kill them.”
“Then should I feel special since I’m still pretty much alive?” Jaejoong voiced out loud with a newly found courage that would probably put him into more troubles. “Or do you want me to pay in other ways?”
“That’s a really dangerous suggestion, Jaejoong.” The man said, shifting his weight forward as he rested his chin on his joined hands. “Considering the fact that you’re more exposed than usual and I’m a hot-blooded man.”
“That’s rape and on a minor!”
“Oh trust me, I can make you more than willing.” The corner of his lips lifted to a smirk with a hint of amusement. “But, let’s not talk about that now.”
A firm knock on the door effectively grabbed both of their attention and the person waited exactly five seconds before pushing it open.
“Good evening boss.” A tall man walked in, gawking at the beautiful teen. “Your new ornament looks good, where did you get it?”
“Glad to see that the view is at your liking, Changmin.”
“Pleasant view.” Changmin said as he stepped near the desk and handed the folder to Yunho, doing all this without taking his eyes away from Jaejoong. “So he’s the little guy who almost jeopardized our one year worth negotiation? Why is he still alive?”
“Don’t worry his time will come soon enough.” Yunho looked up at Jaejoong one last time before switching to business mode as he scanned through the pages. “You found some nice recruits for the Red District.”
“The seven girls would be ready to receive their first client after the final medical examination. The five boys for male clients still need more training and I’m thinking about putting the youngest one for display until next year.” The tall man reported, pointing at one of the pictures.
“The information is confidential.” Jaejoong coughed awkwardly, recalling all the horror he had heard from the news that was somewhat related to the DBSK Clan, even though there’s no concrete proof about the crimes. “Human trafficking, organized crimes, I shouldn’t be listening to them.”
“You’re going towards your death sentence anyway, so why don’t you just enjoy the few minutes you have?” Changmin turned, faking a sad smile on his face. “Come closer. What I’m going to say next would surely interest you.”
Jaejoong sneered and looked away. Mentally, he was calculating his chance of escaping from this place, a highly secured mafia base. He reclusively concluded that in this appeal, it would be one hundred percent under zero. Nevertheless, while he was cursing himself for being in this mess, the name of Choi Siwon got his attention.
“... handing us his foster son in exchange of his debt.”
“Then call the foster care first thing in the morning and report this unacceptable behavior.” Yunho stated in disgust.
“I would love to, but the boy will turn eighteen tomorrow and will no longer be eligible for protective service.” Changmin withdraw a picture from the envelop that he was holding and put it in front of his boss as both men directed their gaze toward Jaejoong.
The teen could feel his blood boiling, stream coming out of his ears. He jumped off the table where he had been sitting so quietly and snatched the envelope out of the tallest man’s hand. He wanted to read what was inside but with his linked hand, he could only stare at the brownish envelope hoping it would vanish. Yunho sighed, taking it from Jaejoong’s trembling hand. He laid the papers on the desk, before looking back at blond. He never knew that Siwon had gambling problems, hell if only the system knew beforehand. If Siwon is so willingly giving him away, who knew when he’d also sell Aleyna away?
“Why do you care? Human life is nothing but flies in your hands.” He hissed under his breath. “You force youngsters into prostitution, disturbing drugs in the streets, corrupting the politics.”
Yunho ignored Jaejoong’s words knowing that the teen may not mean what he just said. However Changmin was more than offended by them. Unknown to the outside world, they have been protecting this city that had been left out by the government.
“Watch what you’re saying kid.” A voice by the door warned Jaejoong. “We may be criminals like you said, but we still have some common sense.”
Junsu closed the door silently behind him and put some clothing on the pool table. “Here kid, some decent clothes.”
“How nice of you, dressing me up for my funeral.” Jaejoong said, with a mocking gratitude voice. “If you guys want to punish me for stealing your drugs, then go on, but I’m not paying one cent for that bastard and you don’t touch a single hair from my sister’s head.”
The red-haired man cocked an eyebrow, looking slightly confused.
“His foster father sold him to us.” Changmin answered.
“That’s good, we don’t have to kill you anymore.” Junsu said, smiling. He walked near Jaejoong and removed the handcuffs around his wrist. “Now, you’ll have to work for your life.”
“He can work at the brothel, his face isn’t that bad.” Changmin said, index under the teen’s chin, lifting his face up. However Yunho waved him away, sending him back to his post.
When the tall man disappeared behind the door, Yunho stood up from his chair, gathering the papers into a neat pile. Once he was ready to leave too, he said: “Junsu, I’ll be waiting for Jaejoong in my car.”
Junsu nodded knowingly and turned to Jaejoong who looked longingly on the pool table.
“They might be a bit large for you.” He said, urging the blond to dress up.
“Is he going to bring me somewhere reclusive and dig a grave for me?”
“Come on kid, does he seem that scary to you?” Junsu laughed, amused by the question. “He may take you somewhere calm and intimate, so he can enjoy your company. Don’t let yourself be fooled by his piercing ice-cold eyes.”
“He kinda looks scary, but you looked pretty dangerous too, barking order to your men.” Jaejoong said as he hurried pulling the pair of jeans, grimacing at the feeling of tough material against his skin. “But looking at you now, you seem almost normal.”
“Hmm… Thank you?”
“So... about my sister...?”
“At her uncle’s place, so you don’t have to worry.” Junsu said gently, walking the teen out of the building using the back door. A sleek dark grey Mercedes was waiting there for Jaejoong. He opened the passenger side for the teen who climbed in without any protest.
The ride was definitely the most awkward and uncomfortable one ever. The air was dense and Jaejoong used all his might to suppress the urge to jump on the other man, but this would also mean accident and injuries, which weren’t at his advantage after all.
When the car pulled out on the driveway in front of a massive villa, Jaejoong finally opened his mouth. “Long time no see, hyung.”
“I missed you, Jaejoong.” Yunho turned to the teen, extending a hand to caress his golden hair and Jaejoong unconsciously leaned in the touch. The words hung in the air between them, sounding more sincere than what Jaejoong had hoped.
“If so, why didn’t you come find me sooner?” He asked softly. “I thought you no longer remembered me and you erased me from your life.”
Yunho opened his mouth, thinking about something intelligent to say, but nothing came into his mind. For the first time in his life, he had lost his words. Why did he leave in the first place? Why didn’t he stay by Jaejoong’s side? He didn’t know. Common sense, maybe... After all, he was much older and it made their relationship inappropriate.
Still, that didn’t mean he was wholeheartedly congratulating himself for doing so. He knew that he had hurt Jaejoong badly years ago when he left the teen alone on the backseat of his car, naked and sore.
“It had been two years and half since you disappeared.” Jaejoong said sorrowfully. “I thought that maybe you truly felt something for me, instead of being grateful because I took care of your niece. For months, you followed me, wooed me with your charm just to spend some time with your niece, who doesn’t know your connection to her. You’re heartless.”
“Come on Jaejoong, I know I was at fault. However, what we had back then was wrong, you were still a kid and I shouldn’t have taken advantage of you.”
“So you decided to ditch me there after sex!?”
“Love-making actually.” Yunho corrected. “And I was just halting our relationship until you reach eighteen. But we can continue where we left off?”
Despite the ongoing argument, Jaejoong couldn’t resist smiling from ear-to-ear, eyes sparkling with mischief as he climbed onto the driver seat. He easily made his way on Yunho’s lap, squeezing himself between the other’s broad chest and the wheel. Hesitantly, he put a hand behind the tall man’s neck, lowered himself, letting their lips touch, and barely kissing.
He opened his mouth to say something, however his words were cut off as the other’s lips suddenly crashed down onto his own. Yunho forced the teen’s body back, grinding his hips against Jaejoong’s and showing him all the desires that he had stored in.
Jaejoong let out a painful howl as the wheel dug into his lower back and with his hands, he pushed the man away.
“There’s not enough space for me anymore.” Jaejoong shook his head and returned to his seat, leaving behind a rather frustrated Yunho. “And we need to talk, don’t you have anything to tell me?”
“Oh no, you’re not going to walk out of this so easily.”
“No!” Jaejoong protested, holding a hand in front of him to stop the other to come near him. “You told me that you worked at a construction company. What happened?”
“I own that company, I am an architect and a businessman.” Yunho confirmed, firmly. But the blond just looked at him, waiting for more. “... and I happen to run an underground organization.”
“Oh I guess you just forgot to tell me that little detail.” He nodded acknowledgedly, before his expression changed completely to something unreadable. “And you chose me, a stupid kid who would willingly give you everything you asked.”
“Jaejoong, you know it’s not like that.”
“You walk around with a gun, gaining dirty money, beating shit out of people. Damn.” He cursed. “That explain, why you’re always so secretive, how you can predict someone’s action so precisely, that explain everything, and Aleyna is...” He paled just by think about it. Back when he first found the little girl, the police, the government workers reached for her records during days, but nothing, no birth records, no related parents, nothing. He clearly remembered the screen flashing ‘No Data’ as he accompanied the little girl through the process. In the end, they concluded that maybe she was a foreigner, but there’s not Aleyna Jung in any customhouse.
“How many people know about your niece’s existence?”
“You and me.”
“But the redhead knows”
“He found out recently when I asked him to watch over you.” Yunho said casually.
“You spied on me.” Jaejoong shouted in disbelief and turned to look at the older man’s calm face as if he did nothing wrong. “You... argh!”
“You were stealing and part of a street gang. Do I need to mention that you stole drugs? You could have gone to the prison or worse dead!”
“Said the drug dealer himself...” Jaejoong mumbled as he rolled his eyes. “Then I should consider myself lucky that I stole from you.”
“No, you should consider yourself grateful that Junsu was supervising the operation.” Yunho argued back, grateful that they weren’t inside otherwise his niece would be long awake. “If it was anyone else, you would have a hole in your skull.”
Jaejoong lowered his head in shame, Yunho was right, damn. Yunho was always right. Things could have turned ugly and he would lose everything he cared about. He ruffled his hair in frustration, and took a deep breath to calm himself down.
“Look, I’m sorry.” He smiled faintly, scared to look up. “Sometimes, I can be really careless and reckless. But I just wanted to get away from them.”
“Impatient troublemaker! If you had waited, I would be at your doorstep the day you would turn eighteen, which is tomorrow, asking you to come live with me. And Aleyna would have come with us.” Yunho gently took Jae’s hand, dropping a gentle kiss on the inside of his palm. Jaejoong simpered at a chaste gesture, a habit that he missed.
“But Aleyna is legally adopted by Choi Siwon and Kim Heechul, you can’t do anything now.”
“Don’t underestimate the resources of the Jung, lovely.” Yunho smirked. “I always get what I want.”
The teen rolled his eyes, he knew it better than anyone else. He, himself, had been manipulated by this powerful man into submission and love. A part of him hated Yunho, but his heart and body were captivated by the eerie charm radiating from the older man.
“And right now, I want nothing more than you.” Yunho whispered sensually into Jaejoong’s ear, nibbling his earlobe with his underlip.
♜♘♝♔♛♗♞♖
Jaejoong lay back comfortably on the feather pillows, pulling the warm blanket up to shelter himself from the cold. He ran his tongue over his swollen lips, moistening them.
“So, habits never change after all.” He sighed deeply as his sink deeper in the bed. The soreness spread over his body as the desire and passion started to fade. “Can’t you come back here and let me cuddle against you?”
Yunho just hummed absently, never looking up from his laptop, which frustrated Jaejoong to no end.
“Fine, just ignore me!” Jaejoong gave up and turned his back to Yunho, pulling the blanket higher, under his chin.
His heavy eyelids didn’t take long to close, his mind wanting nothing more but some sleep before affronting the world again. When he’ll open his eyes again, he would be an adult, independent and free.
With this thought, he slowly drifted in a deep slumber. The bed shifted under additional weight and an arm snaked around his waist, lips dropping light kisses on his shoulder blade as the cover slid down. He shivered, brushing away whatever that bothered him and pulled the sheets up again. Surely there were still things that needed to be settled between them, but that could wait until he woke up.
He finally escaped from his miserable life. From now on, he would be leaving with his lover and his little sister who could never stopped calling him ‘mama’. He was no longer involved in any street gangs since he found himself being involuntarily and indirectly mixed with something much more dangerous, the underground criminal organization: 東方神起.
If he gladly accepted Yunho back in his life, there was still disagreement over Yunho’s business, because he can’t approve what all the wrongdoings.
Just like that he became Jung Yunho’s weakness, his Achilles’ heel, his evenfall.