[CHAPTERED] BOOMERANG'S (CH.6)
Title: Boomerang's
Rating: G-PG13-R-NC17
Pairing: YunJae
Summary: What if fate wasn’t a red string, but a boomerang instead? Yunho's first memory of being in love was when he was 7 years old. Meeting Kim JaeJoong was the start of a nearly 20 year long love that spanned many separations. After being unexpectedly ripped apart at 7, they meet again 10 years later as soccer players on opposing high school teams. On a tragic night, they are pulled a part once again only to find each other 11 years later as adults working at the same hospital. This time, their new complication resides in JaeJoong's memories; or the lack there of. The complications don't stop there. Yunho's fiancé, Song Hyun Gi, is less than pleased to have Yunho's first love back in his life and will stop at will stop at nothing to keep them a part. Will the boomerang return a 4th time, or will the distance finally become too far?
CHAPTER 6 - Closer
"Why didn't you tell me?" JaeJoong looked up from his textbook at Yunho.
"Huh?" Yunho shifted in his chair. Three days later, he and JaeJoong sat across from each other at Yunho's kitchen table. He was trying his best to concentrate but he knew it wasn't going to work until he asked.
"That we met at stay away camp 10 years ago?" JaeJoong put down the pencil and sighed.
"I don't know. I was nervous cause it's been so long and I just disappeared so suddenly." He shook his head. "And I guess I thought you wouldn't remember me." JaeJoong couldn't have been more wrong. Yunho hadn't forgotten a detail of the time they spent together despite of how short it was.
"For being so book smart, you sure are dumb. I haven't forgotten about you once." They held each other gazes for a while without speaking. "I've missed you." JaeJoong's infectious smile lit up his handsome face. Relucantly, Yunho looked down.
"I've missed you too. I haven't had a friend like you since." Yunho had no idea what JaeJoong had been going through or why he looked so tired and beat up. Whatever it was, the desire in Yunho to fix it was immediate and strong.
"I won't dig into what's going on with you or why you disappeared. I just want to know that you're going to be here and let me be your friend." JaeJoong looked up at Yunho and then back down at the textbook.
"I'm not going anywhere." Yunho smiled and leaned back in his chair. His mind was no longer on studying.
"Can we go somewhere to eat? Maybe I can make you something." JaeJoong tapped Yunho's notebook with his pen.
"You've got 10 more equations to work on." Yunho groaned making JaeJoong laugh.
"Yes, teacher Kim." JaeJoong rolled his eyes.
"Shut up."
-
JaeJoong packed his soccer uniform and an extra set of clean clothes before zipping up his backpack. He turned to check his reflection in the mirror. His dad would be home soon and he'd finally get to catch up and have dinner with him. Since their last blow out, JaeJoong had been careful to avoid Hong Do and any more confrontations that came with him. He was going to keep his promise and leave after dinner and not come back until his dad was gone.
Taking a deep breath, he headed down the stairs and into the dining room. Maids and cooks fussed as they set the table. JaeJoong took his spot towards the head but far away from where Hong Do and his step mother usually sat. Suddenly all the bustling stopped. JaeJoong looked towards the doorway and smiled.
"Dad." Kim Jae-Hwa was handsome and tall even at the age of 62. He didn't look like a man who had been tirelessly building a multi-billion dollar empire since his early twenties. JaeJoong stood up and greeted his father with a hug. It felt nice to be back in his arms after nearly 8 months.
"You're getting so tall." Jae-Hwa pulled back and looked "How are you?" JaeJoong shrugged. His relationship with his dad was by far the least troubling, but it was still complicated. He was an absent farther who was naive enough to think that he could leave the son he had with someone outside of his marriage, with his wife. When JaeJoong had asked to take his mothers last name when he turned 15, his father had been confused, but hadn't argued.
"I'm fine. Glad you're home." Jae-Hwa threw his arm around JaeJoong's shoulders and led him back to the table.
"It's been busy, but I think things are finally starting to settle down. I want to start spending more time at home." JaeJoong raised his eyebrows.
"That's new." The older man nodded.
"I'm not getting any younger and my sons are growing up without me. Hong-Do is almost finished with college and you'll be going to college next year. It's going be time to start prepping you guys for taking over the business."
"Dad, you're here." Both JaeJoong and Jae-Hwa turned as Hong-Do strolled in. He glanced at JaeJoong breiefly before hugging their dad.
"What's this I hear about you slowing down?" Jae-Hwa laughed.
"I'm getting old, son!" He patted Hong-Do on the shoulder. "I've got two healthy, and capable sons that can help me." JaeJoong looked at his half brother to note any change in his expression; there was none.
Moments later, Hae-Eun joined them. She barely even acknowledged JaeJoong as she took her seat at the table. As they ate, Jae-Hwa talked about his latest business endeavors and travels. JaeJoong listened, only slightly interested. He really wanted to have dinner tonight with the hopes to talk to his dad in private about the business and his inheritance. For the last couple of years, he had been considering what he would do once he got into college. It was going to be his opportunity to finally be free and make his own future. He wanted to tell his father that he wasn't interested in taking over the business and he didn't want any of his inheritance. All he wanted was complete independence as far away from this family.
"I've got some ulterior motives for why I came home so suddenly. There's some important things to discuss while I'm here." Jae-Hwa began. Hae-Eun put down her fork and knife.
"We're all ears, honey." The older man adjusted himself so that he was even taller in his seat.
"I'm tired. I am ready to pass on my legacy to my sons." JaeJoong closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Well dad, you know I'm ready. Whatever you-"
"I know Hong-Do." Their father interrupted him. "But I think that you need to finish up your college education as planned before stepping in." He turned his attention to JaeJoong.
"Jae, you have not faltered in your education. You're at the top of your class, are a leader, and have already had several colleges offer you a full ride. That coupled with your ability to speak multiple languages, you are primed and ready to get into the international business market in my place." JaeJoong wanted to dissolve into his chair. Hong-Do got up and stormed out of the dinning area.
"Hong-Do!" Hae-Eun got up and went after her son, leaving just JaeJoong and his father at the table. Jae-Hwa relaxed back in his chair and sighed.
"He's the older one, but he was never good at behaving like it." He sighed again. "Well since it's just us, what do you think? Are you ready for all of this?" JaeJoong shook his head.
"That's what I was going to talk to you about. I want to take one of my scholarships and go straight to college." He he cleared his throat. "Give everything to Hong-Do. He wants it. You can even give him my inheritance." Jae-Hwa grunted.
"Hong-Do is not ready and I most certainly will not give him your inheritance when he has his own. I made a promise, JaeJoong." His eyes turned sad. "I told your mother that I would take care of you." JaeJoong shook his head. He didn't want to think about his mother, an honest woman who worked hard for her family and cared about everyone else but herself. Her only flaw was loving a man who was never going to love her the way she deserved. She died waiting for him which was, in JaeJoong's book, unfogivable.
"If you insist on giving it to me, just put it in an account somewhere. I may never touch it, but if that's you want I won't fight you. But I do not want your legacy. Hong-Do will be furious. He's wanted this his whole life." He would beg if he had to. Jae-Hwa sighed and rubbed his hands over his face.
"Is there anyway I can change your mind?" JaeJoong shook his head.
"No. I'm sorry." Jae-Hwa made a frustrated noise.
"I wish I could say I understand, but I don't. However, I will respect your decision. But I'll tell you this: at any point you want in, all you have to do is say the word." JaeJoong nodded, knowing that that time would never come.
"Thank you, dad." A weight had finally been lifted and he felt like he could finally breathe for the first time in his life.
....
Hong-Do had stopped listening after hearing his father tell JaeJoong that he didn't think he was ready. He turned and went down the hall back to his room. JaeJoong clearly hadn't been taught a proper lesson. He was still trying to take what didn't belong to him.
The games were over now. He needed to take real action to make JaeJoong get it.
--
Yunho smiled as he clutched his math test retake. 89 percent was enough to make him practice and game compliant once again. In just a week with JaeJoong had completely turned his grade around and bettered his math skills. All he wanted was to get to other boy and tell him the great news.
He left school right after practice and called JaeJoong and asked him to meet him at his house. He wanted to celebrate with his tutor. When he got home, he showered and ordered Italian before JaeJoong arrived. As he set up the food in the living room and cleaned up, he only half thought about how much this felt like a date. He was fully aware of his feelings for and attraction to Jae. It wasn't rocket science that wanting to spend every minute of the day with someone meant something deeper than just friendship. He knew that he was gay, but he had no idea about JaeJoong.
The doorbell rang forcing Yunho to refocus his thoughts. He answered the door and found JaeJoong standing there looking sweaty and gorgeous, still in his uniform.
"I smell ravioli. What are we celebrating?" Yunho pulled his rolled up math test out of his back pocket and handed it JaeJoong. He unrolled it and screamed as soon as he saw the grade.
"That's because of you." JaeJoong was about to launch at him for a hug when he stopped.
"I'm going to hug but after I'm not so gross." He smiled sheepishly. "Can I borrow your shower?" Yunho laughed.
"Sure. I'll cover the food up until you're ready to eat." JaeJoong nodded and passed Yunho on his way up the stairs. He watched as JaeJoong disappeared, feeling a bundle of nerves in his stomach. Something about tonight was going to be different but he couldn't place what it would be.
Yunho waited downstairs and watched tv while JaeJoong showered. 15 minutes later, JaeJoong was back, his hair wet and in sweat pants and a white t-shirt. Yunho looked away, embarrassed by his lack of control of thinking about JaeJoong sexually all the time. Because there was so much more to him than that and more than anything Yunho wanted to know if all.
JaeJoong took his place next to Yunho on the couch and bumped shoulders with him.
“I’m proud of you.” Yunho smiled, feeling overly bashful.
“You’re just a great teacher, Jae. Always have been.” He leaned over and grabbed the container of ravioli and handed it to JaeJoong.
“So how are we going to celebrate tonight?” Yunho shrugged teasingly.
“Well this is a good start. I figured we could watch some movies or maybe go out for dessert.” He smiled. “I’m flexible.” JaeJoong hummed around a mouthful of food.
“Staying in and watching movies sounds like an amazing idea. And if you’ll have me, we can turn it into a sleepover since tomorrow’s Saturday.” Yunho shifted on the couch. Sharing a bed as kids was easy but doing it as teenagers was going to prove especially difficult.
....
Hours after finishing their dinner, Yunho held JaeJoong’s feet in his lap as they watched soccer. After finding out that Yunho had recoded a match from last week, they both decided it would be more fun to watch together.
“Alright, if you had to be locked in a room with any soccer player ever, who would it be?”
“David Beckham” Yunho replied with no thought. He immediately regretted the quickness of his response. JaeJoong nodded.
“I can see the appeal. But I’d have to chose Lionel Messi. There’s something about a guy with a beard.” Yunho picked up the remote and paused the game.
“Uh...so you’re gay?” JaeJoong nodded.
“It’s weird it wasn’t something that I always knew. I really only noticed when I got to high school and all the guys started talking about girls and I wasn’t. I was unsure for a little bit but then I got my first kiss from a guy and knew that it was for real.” Yunho was half relieved and half horrified. All this time JaeJoong must have been somewhat aware of his attraction.
“I’ve always known I think.” He shrugged. “It didn’t resonate as a sexuality thing when I was little bit I definitely knew that I loved you and didn’t care that you were a boy.” The confession slipped out easily. He waited for JaeJoong to say something, but he couldn’t look at him.
“I loved you too. Very much.” He finally looked up and met JaeJoong’s eyes. They were soft and warm and Yunho could have looked into them all night and not be bored.
“I missed you. I wondered what it would have been like to grow up together and experience birthdays and holidays together. I hated that you were gone.” Yunho couldn’t contain himself. He just wanted JaeJoong to know how much the last 10 years of his life had been affected by his absence; not to assign blame, just to let him know how much he cared.
“I always wondered the same thing.” He fiddled with the end of his shirt. “But I hope that we don’t have to miss any more important moments ever again.” Yunho slipped his hand under the hem of JaeJoong’s sweat pants and gently massaged his calf. JaeJoong relaxed into and let his head fall back against the couch.
“That feels good.” Yunho smiled and continued, alternating rubbing and gripping.
“I’m not going anywhere. Are you?” JaeJoong laughed.
“Never as long as you promise to keep doing that.” Yunho switched to the other leg and JaeJoong moaned.
“Your trainer is trash. He doesn’t take care of your calves after a game?” JaeJoong shook his head.
“I don’t let him touch me. He found out I was gay so every time he stretches me out he’s tougher than he needs to be.” Yunho continued his massage, being extra careful not to add too much pressure.
“Well I’ll be here to take care of you so you don’t have deal with him.” JaeJoong smiled.
“My hero.” His face turned serious. “Thank you, Yun.” Yunho’s massage turned into a soft caress. For a few long moments, he just held JaeJoong’s legs in his hands, letting the warmth from his hands sink in. He enjoyed the relaxed look on JaeJoong’s face. He enjoyed the fact that he was responsible for putting it there even more.
“Anytime. Are you ready for bed?” JaeJoong chuckled.
“It’s not even 11.” Yunho gently lifted JaeJoong’s legs out of his lap and stood up. He offered his hand to JaeJoong to help him stand.
“You’re busy everyday of the week; you need to sleep.” JaeJoong took Yunho’s hand and followed him up stairs to Yunho’s too. Like a sleepy kid, JaeJoong pulled off his shirt and climbed into bed.
“I’ll be up in a few hours so I can clean up downstairs.” Yunho shushed him and turned out the lights before heading back down to clean up. He threw away empty containers and put the leftovers in the refrigerator for his mom. When everything was clean, he went back up to get ready for bed. If someone had of told him week a go that JaeJoong would be shirtless in his bed, he would have punched them for telling such a cruel lie.
Taking off his own shirt, Yunho got into bed next to JaeJoong. JaeJoong shifted slightly and opened his eyes.
“Do I have to stay over here all night?” Yunho raised his eyebrows.
“What do you mean?” Instead of using words, JaeJoong showed him what he meant by closing the space between them. He reached out and touched Yunho’s bare chest.
“I don’t want to do anything to make you uncomfortable. I just wanna be close to you.” Yunho reached up and held his hand against his chest.
“You could never make me feel uncomfortable.” He tugged at JaeJoong. “Come here.” JaeJoong scooted in closer and Yunho wrapped his arms around his thin waist. JaeJoong hummed quietly. Yunho gently rubbed JaeJoong’s back, applying pressure to make it more therapeutic. Before he started to fall off to sleep, he swore he felt JaeJoong gently kiss his neck.
----
A/N: YUNJAE CUDDLES!! <3 I'm such a fangirl. But this is where I belong. So the ice has been broken, sexuality status' have been confirmed, and friendships have been rekindled. But JaeJoong's brother is looking to mess things up and we'll soon see what he's capable of. DUN DUN DUN! Once again, thanks so much for reading, commenting, and subscribing. I love talking with you all and seeing what you think. I hope you're all enjoying and will stay tuned until Sunday when Chapter 7 will be posted. See you soon!