Game over 4
A tingling headache managed to wake me up, despite my tiredness. There was someone clinging onto me, in a deep slumber. My gaze rested on the figure, not rejoicing from the sight: it wasn’t the one I longed for, again. A loud sigh silently escaped from my lips. It wasn’t like I fully enjoyed sleeping around, but if given the opportunity to release my needs why not accept it? Girls already fawned over me as my career was already at its peak, even though I was only 22 years old.
After abandoning the girl - she was a newcomer in the industry - I spared her another glance, unsure if she deserved being pitied, because she had the honor of my company after all. My mind drifted towards more important matters, as a small smile made its way to my lips when I stared at my cellphone’s screen: 21th June. Heading outside the hotel, fully disguised, I went towards my car planning what to buy for Ryeowook, completely forgetting about the person I’ve slept with yesterday.
Seemingly, we would drink tonight (like always) to celebrate his birthday. It was so surreal to think already 2 years passed by, since I foolishly wanted to play with Ryeowook, but ended up falling in love instead. Ironic, isn’t it? While searching for a suitable present, my eyes landed on a particular display window of a jewelry shop - a necklace with two pendants: puzzle pieces made of steel that fit perfectly together. Perhaps it wasn’t the prettiest one, neither the most expensive in the shop, but the meaningful message behind it was more important. Without any doubts, I bought it, but secretly removed one of the pendants to keep for myself, because Ryeowook probably wouldn’t accept it if he knew what was implied.
Once my cellphone started to annoyingly ring, my mood fell after noticing the caller id: Heechul. Reluctantly, I pressed the button to answer it; otherwise he would definitely get his sweet revenge later. “What?” I snapped humorlessly, knowing Heechul never called to speak about insignificant matters, either he would mock me or give moral lessons (like he was one to talk).
“Besides being hypocrite, you’re also rude? You are definitely lacking virtues” Heechul pointed out nonchalantly, not actually bothered by the way he was greeted. I rolled my eyes in annoyance, wondering what he wanted from me in this exact moment. “At least I am not lacking in stamina, like the old ones.” I replied back, which made him to growl in dissatisfaction - his age was a sensitive issue. “At least my stamina is spent in useful things, unlike you who waste it with your whores.” Heechul used his sharp tongue in order to shut me. It was always successful, mainly because I was afraid he would tell Ryeowook that specific fact.
“You win” I surrendered, fully knowing he could be very vengeful - also quite scary, if I may add. “I always win.” Heechul arrogantly stated, like always. “But, going direct to the reason I called you…” he finally decided to tell me the reason for the sudden call, thing that deserved to be celebrated “Finally!” I sarcastically spoke, causing him to start hissing again about how rude I was for interrupting him. I cursed myself mentally, knowing this talk would definitely drag for a long time.
“Anyway, before someone rudely interrupted me…” he moodily criticized me, while returning to the main subject “... I was going to say your beloved one is spending the entire day alone, while you were out with a random whore.” Heechul informed me, causing me to quirk my eyebrows confusedly, failing to understand his point. “So? Aren’t we going to meet him tonight?” I questioned him, only to regret - Heechul started to ramble about I was such a failure in love.
Already tired from this boring chat, I actually considered throwing my cellphone in the trash bin. However, my eyes widened in realization: during daytime family would celebrate that special date with you, but he had none of them anymore. “Thank you, hyung” I interfered his long speech again, finally hanging up this time. Most likely Heechul cursed me, but I couldn’t care about it in that particular moment.
Immediately, I drove towards Ryeowook’s apartment, only wondering if I was supposed to inform him about my sudden visit when I was already in front of the giant building. Nah. Surprises are lovely, I suppose. Although I had the key to open the door (everyone had), it would be politer to at least knock the door instead of going inside without any warning. Once the door opened, I came upon the sight of a drowsy Ryeowook, with hair disheveled. “Am I late?” he yawned amidst his short question, confused by my sudden appearance.
He stepped aside, inviting me to enter in the apartment. “No, I am here to give your present” I informed him, grinning widely, but nervously tightening my grip around the small box hidden inside my pocket. Ryeowook furrowed his eyebrows while eyeing me suspiciously. Last year he tried to refuse my present, because it was too expensive according to his humble opinion. “What is it?” Relieved for not seeing any large package, he curiously questioned. “Me” I teasingly replied, enjoying how he eyed me indignantly.
“So cheap” he muttered jokingly, cutely giggling. “How can an idol star be cheap? I am very expensive” I added feigning to be hurt, nudging him lightly. “Close your eyes” I calmly commanded, causing Ryeowook to suddenly stare alarmed at me. Despite feeling unsure about such act, he obediently shut his eyelids. The sight was very appealing, those lips were enticing me, but I had to contain myself. I wouldn’t do anything that could possibly go against his will. Anxiously, I went behind his petite body and put the necklace around his neck. “Happy birthday” I huskily whispered near his ear, sending shivers through his body.
His eyelids promptly opened. Ryeowook held the lone pendant, admiring it. My arms wrapped around him, taking advantage of his distracted state. Fortunately, he did not struggle, because he was still trying to figure out the meaning of the puzzle. “Why a puzzle?” he inquired while comfortably resting on my chest, seemingly very tired. “Because you are complicated” I mocked him a little bit, enjoying our closeness. “Idiot” he muttered humorlessly while placing a gentle kiss on the cold steel object. What a tease.
“Puzzles need pieces to be completed…” I hesitantly uttered preparing another confession, but once the boy between my arms tensed I thought it might be a bad idea - for tonight I’ll graciously step down. “I’ll give you the other pieces so you can entertain yourself in your boring life” I blurted out teasingly, which made him groan in dissatisfaction. “I am sorry if I am boring” He indignantly spoke, rolling his eyes in annoyance. I chuckled, slowly releasing him.
How I enjoyed his company, it could easily brighten my mood, unlike Heechul.
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Night time hastily arrived. Heechul maliciously smirked when he noticed I was with the birthday boy. Unfortunately, some couldn’t attend, because of schedules (Donghae and Sungmin) - such a sad life we had. Ryeowook was busy happily chatting with Eunhyuk, while Heechul took the day to annoy me (that was probably the only thing he was good at). “Hypocrite prince finally turned into a prince today?” he viciously asked, a wicked smile tainting his features. “Nothing happened.” I tormented myself over the fact I couldn’t have him yet, but longed so much for him.
Heechul frowned upon realizing the obvious fact, very distressed that Ryeowook still wouldn’t accept me. He was a good hyung, despite being annoying most of the times. “Isn’t that necklace your present? I thought the meaning would be quite obvious, even I can tell” Heechul muttered while analyzing the small pendant hanging around Ryeowook’s neck. “It is. Don’t tell him, it would ruin his birthday” I warned Heechul, carefully drowning myself on the alcohol taste. I needed to numb my senses, even if in small bits - I had to drive, so I couldn’t consume much.
“Why would a confession ruin his night?” Heechul hissed humorlessly probably wishing he could hit me in the head for being such a wimp. After noticing my sulky state, hyung finally decided to stay quiet. “The newcomers nowadays are so inexperienced. I never expected to find someone who danced worse than Kyuhyun.” I happened to catch a single part of their talk, which was Eunhyuk playfully saying it for Ryeowook, who was laughing.
“You!” I immediately snapped, sending a menacing glare directed to my ‘beloved’ friend. “The truth hurts, isn’t it?” Eunhyuk spared me a glance while smiling innocently. Somehow, I found it hurtful because it reminded me about the current situation I was going through with Ryeowook. However, I never allowed the smile to fade from my features, because it was his night. After dawn replaced the early hours of night, Ryeowook was already drunk.
Worriedly, we watched him giggle without any reason. Ryeowook actually had a high alcohol tolerance, yet he was so wasted already. It was quite evident for me now: he was hiding his inner feelings again. He clung onto me, saying empty words. “I love you, Kyu” he muttered with his intoxicating breath hitting my neck skin, lips dangerously pressing lightly onto it. I could sense Heechul and Eunhyuk silently exchanging doubtful stares.
“Don’t raise your hopes, he tells anyone that once he is drunk” Eunhyuk carefully warned before I ended up heartbroken once realization hit me again. Although I was rejoicing from those words, I knew there was absolutely no deeper meaning into them. “He won’t raise them, since he already knows it. Actually, Kyuhyun nearly killed the waiter last time when we went out to drink, because Ryeowook started mumbling I love you to the unknown man.” Heechul answered for me, revealing my embarrassing jealous side for Eunhyuk. The latter simply started laughing while imagining the priceless scene inside his mind.
“I’ll take him with me” I informed both while cautiously holding a sleeping Ryeowook in my arms. Both nodded, accepting the idea. “Don’t abuse him, okay?” Heechul teased with his devilish grin, causing me to roll my eyes. Eunhyuk laughed while adding mockingly “Rape is a crime” I furrowed my eyebrows while sending death glares. “Shut up” I refrained them from saying more non sense things then left the place holding the smaller very gently.
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With much difficulty, I carried his small figure on my arms. Although there were spare rooms, I made sure to place him in my bed, this way, once he woke up, he’d sense the faint scent of my covers - hopefully, it would be engraved in his mind. My thumb caressed his cheekbones lightly, gaze resting on the small puzzle pendant. “Can’t I be the one to complete it?” I muttered sulkily, the unconscious boy groaned during his sleep.
I leaned down gently pressing my lips against his. A nearly inaudible chuckle made its way outside from my mouth. “It tastes like… alcohol” I commented after savoring it thoroughly, memorizing the sensation of his lips. I was leaving my seat once a hand reached mine’s. To my surprise, Ryeowook’s eyes were wide open, with a sheepishly smile adorning his delicate features. This cute drunkard… probably won’t remember a thing in the next day. “I love you” he repeated, obviously unable to fully comprehend the situation, since his mind was completely intoxicated by the alcohol.
“I love you too” I recomposed myself, managing to calmly answer as the hold around his small hand tightened. Just saying those words like the feeling was indeed reciprocated soothed me a bit. It felt natural. Aware of my longing being awakened, I immediately stood up from my spot on the bed - his sweet act could indeed be dangerous. Sparing a glance at him made me want to return to his side, but I only uttered a simple “Good night”.
Unwillingly, I left my room heading towards one of the spare rooms. My hand caught the hidden pendant underneath my t-shirt, admiring its beauty - not visual beauty, but its meaning.
There will be one day when he’ll surrender to me, maybe not tonight, but I always get what I want in the end…
…even if the path to attain it; is a hurtful one.
