Another Time - Chapter 4
Chapter 4
A/N: Hope no one’s forgotten about this fic! >__< really sorry for not updating! I was suffering from a bad case of writer’s block. :( I couldn’t exactly align the plot. Bits and bits came together, but it sure took a while lol.
Yunho knew all along his supermarket buddy was eavesdropping on his conversation with the elderly woman. He chuckled at their switched roles: Who was the stalker now he thought.
Of course, it’s not Jaejoong’s fault for having the gift to stand out. Even if he were to be thrown against a whole crowd, it wouldn’t even take 10 seconds for Yunho to spot him. It’s in the way the smaller man saunters; head lowered; and a stoic expression that attracts attention. Unfortunately in most cases, it brought more enemies than friends.
* * * * *
2001
From the first day he met him - in their previous life as trainees, Yunho thought Jaejoong was almost too pretty to be considered a male. Not wanting judge him by his looks, the young dancer once casually greeted the mysterious boy in their training rooms.
“Hey! My name’s Yunho. Jung Yunho. I officially started training just last year. What’s your name?” All he heard was a compressed “Kim Jaejoong” before walking briskly out the door. Yunho made several more attempts to speak to the silent trainee, but would only end up seeing the other teen exit as soon as he entered. Jaejoong’s unmannerly responses admittedly rubbed Yunho the wrong way after that encounter. Nevertheless, Yunho kept his composure and made sure to focus solely on his training. Befriending anyone would be a waste of time after all. The numbers of trainees dropping out were endless, many of which Yunho was well acquainted with. Fed up with their lack of dedication, Yunho blatantly began telling off every person to do themselves a favor and leave (even to a particularly introverted and younger trainee). The only priority in his life was surviving in a might-as-well-be-foreign city like Seoul and reaching the top - be it going solo or part of a group.
So as for that Kim Jaejoong? He won’t survive. I give him not even a week. Yunho declared.
But as fate would have it, Yunho never saw the last of the skinny trainee. Religiously signing in and out of the SM office, Yunho always saw a quaint signature above his that belonged to that of Kim Jaejoong. In between training hours, he saw the said boy diligently practicing his dance and vocals in a once-filled room. More than half the trainees were now gone, just as Yunho had predicted. But Jaejoong’s flushed cheeks and sweat dripping past his delicate chin disproved everyone’s doubts - including Yunho’s.
Looks like the kid can barely throw a punch..but how the hell is he still here? Yunho was bewildered at the sight in front of him. His arrogant side wanted this kid gone already, but his lingering compassionate side wanted to befriend this hard working person.
Although unknown at the time, Kim Jaejoong had slowly begun gaining Jung Yunho’s approval.
It was a late Friday evening and Yunho figured he should stay over the night in Seoul to save himself paying an extra train ticket. Trudging past loud, aromatic restaurants, temptation couldn’t be anymore malicious that night. When you are a trainee in high school and working in random part-time jobs away from home, you didn’t live off the money your parents sent to your bank account. You lived off the money you had in your pockets. Pulling out his spare change, Yunho could only frown at the meager amount and dismiss his growling stomach. He could ask Junsu if he could sleep over, but he didn’t have the guts to intrude, either. The Kims have shown nothing but kindness to Yunho, but pride always won; he’d rather be bereft of food than appear pitiful.
‘It’s ok. Every coin is worth it. You’ll get by, Jung Yunho’ he thought, cheerily hitting his chest for motivation. ‘Soon, I will repay everyone who has helped me. I’m a man of my word.’ It was getting dark, so he decided to look for place to camp out. As he searched further, he noticed a pair of large thug-looking guys pushing around a man half their size. Narrowing his eyes to see clearly, the dancer could faintly make out a familiar frail body trying to stand his ground. He recognized that face all too well by now; it was that ‘rude kid’ Kim Jaejoong. Unbelievable Yunho thought. That guy would get himself into trouble if he didn’t fix that cold behavior sooner or later.
As much as he would like to show off, Yunho had to be clever; he was not all that much bigger than Jaejoong now that he thought about it. The two thugs would break a good set of bones before he could land the first punch. So without much of a plan, Yunho messed up his hair, smudged some dirt on his cheek and began shouting like a mad man.
“YAHHHHHHHHH! H-H-HYUNG!” Everyone turned upon hearing the shrill cry. The bullied teen’s eyes widened in shock at the screaming man coming his way. The thugs were just as flabbergasted at the sight of a shabby-looking boy budding in between them and their target.
“Who is this kid?!” One of the thugs demanded.
Yunho quickly turned to face Jaejoong and secretly mouthed to play along. Jaejoong nodded in acquiescence seconds before seeing the boy in front of him break into a shrilling cry.
“I thought y-y-you were lost, hyung! P-please c-come home! I n-n-need food! I’ll die without y-you!” Yunho stuttered, fabricating a mentally handicapped boy who was in dire need to be fed.
“I-I’m s-sorry.. but I caused trouble with these guys...I can’t come home right now and cook for you.” Jaejoong responded, gently caressing his “brother”’s hair.
As if on cue, Yunho struggled to get up and with glossy eyes, begged the guys for mercy. “Please.. l-let him go! He’s the only relative I have left!”
“What’s wrong with this kid?! Get him off me!” The thug yelled towards Jaejoong as Yunho gripped onto his clothes while panting hard.
“If he dies then who is going to feed me?! YOU?!” Yunho tried acting out his most threatening glare as he clung to the thug’s sleeve even harder.
Jaejoong added oil to the fuel by sending out a frantic warning. “If you don’t leave now, he’ll burst! He doesn’t have the ability to hold back once he’s mad!”
Contemplating over the consequences and social shame from abusing a kid with special needs, the thugs eventually turned tail and left the two “siblings” in peace.
Relieved to have gotten out of trouble, the two dashed out and found a park. Both panting for air after their escape. Heads leaning against the bench, looking up at the trees. Neither of the two knew what to say; they never really had a conversation before despite training in the same agency, let alone were they on good footing. After a while, Jaejoong broke the silence. “Um, thank you for helping me out there. And I guess for entertaining me, too. I would have been kicked from SM if they found out I got into a fight.”
“Hah. They wouldn’t even believe you could fight. You’re practically a twig.” Yunho scoffed. “But, what was it that you did though? Must’ve been something bad.”
“It’s embarrassing to say.. but I was in the middle of selling candy to make some money. But these guys started acting as if my spot was their turf, so I told them to leave.. and yeah, they took my my candy and smashed them.” Jaejoong lowered his head in shame.
“Candy?! Are you serious? Even if you were trying to make money, that’s no reason to get into a fight though! You shouldn’t have provoked them even more!”
“I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t just let them do what they wanted.” Jaejoong pouted. “Glad you helped me still.”
Although Yunho couldn’t see the other man’s expression since he covered his mouth, he at least heard his sincerity. “Don’t mention it. I would do the same for anyone.”
Jaejoong lifted his head at the taller man’s statement; doubt written on his face. “Honestly, I’m surprised, too. I thought you didn’t like me.”
“What? What would--wait, how do you know? You noticed?” Yunho asked, pointing at himself. A bit embarrassed at the accusation.
"Of course I do. You are a popular guy after all. Everyone envies your dancing skills. So, wherever you go, you will be recognized instantly..especially when you are constantly glaring at others..” Jaejoong’s voice trailing when he revealed this.
Yunho sighed. “It’s not that I don’t like you. I mean, I hardly even know you. It’s just that I had a bad impression of you. Which I hope you care to explain why, hm?”
“I know..that’s always my problem. People usually avoid me for some reason. And when a popular guy like you suddenly comes up to me, I couldn’t help but feel suspicious, so I avoided you as much as possible. Sorry about that.” Jaejoong bashfully smiled.
“It’s that stoic face of yours. If you smiled like how you do now, I’m positive people would approach you more.”
“Deal. And stop following people around so much, they'll think you're up to no good. Oh, one more favor. Stop being such an asshole to other trainees. You probably made some cry and eternally hate you.” The smaller man joked.
“Deal! Although I can’t promise you on the second one. If anything, I helped them realize that show biz wasn’t for them. Now they can move on with their their destined careers.” Yunho grinned while Jaejoong shook his head. “Anyway, I guess that makes us even?” Yunho continued, holding out his hand. “Let’s re-do our intros, shall we?”
Jaejoong smiled and took his hand in a firm grip. “Kim Jaejoong.” Jaejoong couldn’t help but comment on Yunho’s curving knuckles and slender fingers. “Wow, I have to say this. You have really nice hands.”
“Hey, hey, hey. Paws off.” Yunho sputtered, yanking his hand away. “You may look like a girl but that doesn’t mean I’ll be interested in you.”
“Says the person who probably rubs hand lotion every morning.” Jaejoong scoffed, rolling his eyes. “It’s just a habit honestly. I can remember people’s hands better than their faces or names.” After his statement, he paused for a second, remembering something important. “Oh, man. It’s getting late. I have work tomorrow at 5! How could I forget!”
“That early?! No wonder you’re always the first to arrive and leave from training.” Yunho now understood Jaejoong better; even respected him for juggling both a job and training. “I’ll see you tomorrow then, Jaejoong.” He said, remaining seated as Jaejoong stood up.
“What about you? We might as well walk together, at least half-way.” Jaejoong stood waiting for Yunho to join him.
“Nah, you go on ahead. This bench is quite comfortable once you get used to it.” Yunho said, lying down on the bench, closing his eyes. He had nowhere to stay tonight, and he wanted Jaejoong to hurry up and leave so he wouldn’t laugh at his shameful predicament.
“It’s not safe here, Yunho. Get up and go home. I bet you haven’t even eaten yet, either.” Jaejoong was indeed a stubborn kid. But so was Yunho.
“I’m fine, Princess. Time’s ticking, you’re only wasting precious snooze hours.” Yunho replied, trying to sound convincing.
“You don’t have a place to stay, do you?” Jaejoong asked flatly. His words shot through Yunho who turned his head from his sleeping position to look at the standing man. Damn, he’s quick.
Yunho shut his eyes again and rolled over, away from Jaejoong’s interrogating eyes. He decided it was no use going back and forth.“It’s only for tonight, Jae. I live all the way in Gwangju, and why waste money when I’m coming back here the following morning?”
While Yunho was in the middle of his sentence, the older boy stalked over to the bench and took him by the hand. “Come on, little bro. You can crash at my place," he casually offered, dragging the taller man out the park.
"Really? We technically just met.." All Yunho could do was shake his head and comply. He truthfully took Jaejoong’s good intentions to heart, and was beginning to forget about his rude behavior from when they met.
"Oh yeah, you saved my life earlier just to kill me later. That's smart. I'm serious! It's totally fine." Jaejoong insisted. "Plus, didn’t you cry earlier because I hadn’t fed you?"
Yunho gasped, face reddened of being reminded of his earlier actions. "Don't you use that on me! I had no choice and you know that!" Eyes locked on the other man.
“Dare me, crybaby.” Jae smirked. "And what the hell am I still holding your hand for?! Gawd, I pity your poor parents for having a baby to worry about," he cried out, releasing Yunho’s hand.
“I take it back. Good intentions, my ass. Still the same rude kid.” Yunho muttered under his breath when he suddenly felt a smack on his shoulder. “Tag! You’re it!” The next thing he knew, he saw Jaejoong racing down the lit streets.
“OH! And you call me a baby?!” The other shouted, raising up his sleeves. “You won’t get away from me, Kim Jaejoong!”
And the chase continued for a while that night. Yunho and Jaejoong’s laughter filling the night air.
*****
“Sir, would you like more coffee?” The waitress’s soft voice echoed, sending Yunho back to the present.
“Ah, yes. Sorry. Can I order another to go, miss?” Yunho politely ordered. After the waitress left, he glanced back to his work. Eyebrows lowered in deep concentration.
“I may have won the race that night but I’m still chasing you.” And with determined reform, Yunho started gathering his things, until he caught eye of two familiar figures enjoying a conversation together. One, who was just in his thoughts - Jaejoong. And the other who was unbelievably tall. There was no mistake to who it was.
“Well, well, well. Cared enough to finally show yourself, eh Changdola?” He sipped his coffee, letting the black bitterness seep down his throat. Once satisfied, he called out to the same waitress, “Make that 2 extra coffees to go, please!”
A/N: I’m sorry if I have to make you guys wait a bit more for the real progress to begin; I felt it was crucial to add the flashback.
Sorry if it didn’t meet ur expectations! *bows*
I LOVE reading comments <3 so feel free to drop one for me to gush over! xD
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