Beauty and the Beast | Chapter 17/20
Beauty and the Beast
Author: love_cassiopeia
Summary: Jung Yunho - a gifted and successful actor. Kim Jaejoong - Yunho's biggest fan. After receiving the task to interview Yunho for his journalism assignment, Jaejoong realizes that his favourite actor just might transform him from a "fan" into something much more.
Rated: PG-13 ~ NC-17
Disclaimer: I don’t own the five members, I’m simply borrowing them.
Warning(s): NC-17 material, language
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Pairing(s): YunJae
Chapter 17: DVDs and Newspapers
17.
DVDs and Newspapers
Bedroom, Changmin’s vacation home. 10:46 AM Tokyo, Japan
A rainy day.
I would often find myself wrapped in an electric blanket, sitting by the fireplace with a warm cup of hot chocolate while I conversed with the innocent yet mischievous Junsu. The apartment was always warm on rainy days, filled with the fragrance of a steaming pot of Kimchi Jjigae I had assembled. Junsu and I would often eat at the same table, sharing the large pot of savoury soup as he entertained me with his humorous jokes. After our meal, the two of us would retire to the sofa to watch one of Yunho’s award-winning action movies, causing Junsu to fall asleep on the couch and leaving me breathless by Yunho’s remarkable talent.
But there was nothing of the sort here. The large empty house which I occupied was now filled with the frigid chill of the rain, allowing me to shiver uncontrollably. I opened the large windows and let the rain pierce its way into the house. The home had suffered from a foul stench-a scent that informed me that no one had inhabited the house for eras. I let the deluge of fresh air engulf my bedroom, allowing me to breathe for the first time in forty-eight hours.
So no, the house did not smell of Kimchi Jjigae or hot chocolate. Instead, it smelt of rain and nothing else but rain.
I wasn’t surprised by Junsu’s morose reaction as I informed him of my move the previous day. It was certainly a last minute detail; therefore the two of us could not say our final goodbyes face to face. I deplored the fact that I had detested the mirth within Junsu’s heap of futile jokes. If I knew I was going to move to Japan months earlier, I would’ve relished every single moment spent with him.
I didn’t have many friends in Seoul. It was a few loyal and compassionate ones who I usually turned to and relied on there. It was more than difficult having to say goodbye to them, and my family was an issue also. They were nearly on the verge of tears as I told them the horrifying news.
During the three hours that I had been awake, I couldn’t impel myself to do a single thing. I lay on the bed, the blankets surrounding my shivering body, attempting to protect me from the chill which penetrated through my skin.
It was difficult reminding myself that the actor was in absence, and that I would have no chance of experiencing what he and I shared on the island ever again.
Finally finding the strength to depart the mattress, I made my way over to the open window, feeling the rain drops plummet silently down onto my naked arm. I glanced up at the tainted sky, searching for an answer that would provide me with even an ounce of sanity.
I often enjoyed rainy days, mostly because they granted me an infinite amount of time indoors beside my precious companions. The outside world would not be able to interrupt us from the nirvana we created, leaving us together with the tender warmth we shared. Today, however, everything was quite the opposite. Instead of feeling warm and content, my spirits were lukewarm. The desired heat my body yearned for was replaced with melancholy, doubt, and a large amount of fear.
I wished the sun would emerge from within the clouds today. I wished I would be granted with extreme heat instead of the bitter chill which encircled the bedroom. I wanted my eyes to be blinded by sunlight, not fatigued from the many tears I had been shedding during the past hours.
I couldn’t find the energy to eat a single morsel, for my large appetite always disappeared when my emotions were in despair. The Kimchi Jjigae I craved would have no way of meeting my stomach now, even if the house was already filled with cooking utensils and a pantry full of canned foods.
Glancing out the window, my spirits were lifted by the breathtaking city that loomed below me. The rain which fell from the sky provided a unique lustre to the metropolis, one which was so different yet similar to the one in Paris. I found the energy to paint a smile upon my face, overjoyed that I had the opportunity to experience the spectacular sights of Tokyo, Japan.
I desired to leave the house. I had been imprisoned within the home for too long, not bothering to even move from my position on the mattress. I needed to leave the house-to explore Japan, to at least allow my lungs some fresh air. I wasn’t determined to spend my days within this hellhole, mourning over my past mistakes and my lost idol.
An umbrella in my hands and my wallet full with money, I strolled downstairs and departed the home, looking forward a rainy day out of doors.
I had quite a lot of money (and time) on my hands; it would be a waste to let it all go to waste, no?
Although I was not a neophyte in speaking Japanese, I was a bit fretful on the thought of getting job here and making a living for myself. The amount of uncertainty within me was nearly enough to drive me all the way back to the house. But I was not resolute to allow such a farcical thing to occur, especially because I made a vow to myself that I would be able to live on, ignoring my past wrong-doings.
It wasn’t a long walk to Tokyo’s town square, for the vacation home was situated in a place convenient for travel and entertainment. I let my eyes scrutinize over the tall buildings and the large hordes of people, realizing that this metropolis was where my life was situated now.
I got a hold of my Japanese currency (ones which I received after I traded in my Korean prize money), and strolled around the main street of Shibuya while searching for a reasonable place to spend my large amount of money.
I could recognize the large designer clothing stores, presenting stylish mannequins in their displays, urging my wallet to empty itself. There were also stores which showcased Japan’s most current electronics, most of which were far more advanced that that of South Korea’s. MP3 players, cell phones, game systems, laptops… Everything a male could possibly want was situated within the store.
I decided not to tackle the electronics store, mostly because I knew such toys would not come close to exhilarating my dismal mindset. After all, I had a horrible impression of electronics. I was a novice at figuring out how to use them, and I didn’t want to spend my day reading manuals, trying to adapt to a device that I would never understand.
The legion of designer clothing stores was another option. I would purchase a new outfit for myself, to change my overall look in order to forget the irksome memories which lingered throughout me. I rolled my eyes at the option, knowing that I, myself, did not pay much attention to fashion or trends.
On my way through Shibuya, I often came across opulent eateries specializing in gourmet Japanese cuisine. I considered spending my allowance there-purchasing a large savoury meal that would enlighten my taste buds to the extreme. My appetite, however, was not at its heights, reminding me that I had not eaten a thing during the last forty-eight hours. I wasn’t very determined to so, either.
My shoes later brought me to a luxurious watch store, one that was filled head to toe with outrageously expensive diamond embedded watches. Furore instantly rose inside me as I recalled the urbane businessmen who populated the lobby of Sony Film Studios Korea. The watches they wore were exact duplicates of that displayed in the store windows.
I departed the deluxe watch store, knowing that I was an idiot for thinking such things would possibly enrapture me. If I had no Yunho and all the money in the world, I wouldn’t feel satisfied-not the least bit.
Acting like an idiot, I strolled around the streets of Shibuya empty handed. Where could I possibly spend my full wallet of money? Did all my interests in life die, leaving me with nothing to treasure?
That’s when I stumbled upon the video store.
I blatantly strolled in, hoping that there was a movie inside that would please my dismal spirits.
My body immediately brought me to the Korean section of the video store. After all, those were the movies which I could fully understand. Japanese movies were most interesting, but only Korean movies would provide me with amusement now during my sombre state.
As soon as I walked straight into the Korean section, I caught a glimpse of a few current, popular movies which came out on DVD recently. And that’s when I saw it-the sight that was so familiar to me that I almost leaped out of my skin!
There on the shelf, was one of Jung Yunho’s up to date movies, ones which I had watched multiple times-ones which I could memorize all the lines of.
I leaped over to the shelf, claiming the movie as mine and holding it close to my chest. I would certainly purchase this and watch the film when I arrived back home. My movies were left behind in Seoul with Junsu, too bulky to fit into my small suitcases. Henceforth, I was desperate for one of his movies at the moment.
I immediately began to search around the video store, hunting for more of Yunho’s unforgettable movies.
I came across about fifteen or twenty movies, ranging from the year 1999-when Yunho was still a teenager-to 2009. I eagerly stacked the movies into my palms despite if they were old or new. I was fervent to purchase all of the films, even if Yunho only played a minor role in most of them.
I could feel my inner fan-boy reviving, replaying the times when I had loved Yunho from a distance; when I had overlooked the fact that the actor had any flaws. During that time, I had memorized all the movies Yunho had been in, and now, I was summoning those memories to assist me in my outrageous shopping spree.
The twenty movies eventually turned to thirty as I scrutinized the shelves. I knew that Changmin’s vacation home had the possession of a full entertainment system: DVD, TV, and all. With that thought, I approached the check-out counter, placing my thirty-three DVDs on the counter before an astonished salesman.
I purchased my DVDs with ease, mostly because I had taken the time to review my Japanese before I left Seoul. The only problem was carrying the movies all the way back to the house. I was forced to summon up all my strength in order to make it back. By the time I arrived back at the house, my stomach was growling, desperate for food after my strenuous exercise.
I spent a fourth of my reward money on today’s DVDs; the other portion, I attempted to save for food and living expenses. Not bothering to touch the stove, I dialled up a local take-out restaurant, ordering a meal that would satisfy my stomach after forty-eight hours of continuous lamenting.
Nightfall arrived by the time my order was delivered to my doorstep. I set a blanket over my shivering body and retired to the sofa, injecting one of the DVDs into the system. I pressed play and began to watch the memorable movie, letting the gentle rhythm of the rainfall to provide me with utter tranquillity.
It wasn’t all bad, my second day residing in Japan. In fact, I had progressed quite a lot by not allowing my valuable time go to waste.
But was I making any progress, trying to forget about the actor? No, not at all. In fact, I was paving a marble path for him, allowing him right back into my life.
I didn’t care. Deep down inside me, I knew I would rather die than have to live without trying to love him.
I pressed play, and immediately, the actor appeared on the small screen, enlightening my fatigued eyes.
It was obvious why that face was clearly unforgettable. Those coffee brown eyes that loomed below his beautifully sculpted eyebrows. And his lips-the ones which looked like a cherry upon that ice cream sundae-were completely desirable; not only by me, but by thousands of others as well.
The taste was now gone from my lips, and I was doubtful whether or not I would be rewarded with the flavour ever again.
I let the first five movies play on, allowing myself to chant a few ‘You bitch…’s as the female protagonist appeared onscreen. The familiar movies eventually lulled me to sleep, playing on as my weary eyelids dropped before me.
By the time I awoke, I was still amidst the same movie. The lengthy film perpetuated, the rain still refusing to stop, and my heart, unable to mend.
It was how ridiculous I felt that brought crystal tears to taint my face. Was this proof that I could not live on after this mistake? Was this proof that I, Kim Jaejoong, had no pride for myself?
It was two o’ clock in the morning. I was alone with my thirty-three DVDs with no one else beside me. The solitude which loomed inside me was like a leech that sucked the life from me. Forgetting about the idol that I’ve gotten so close to was a phenomenon unable to occur on this planet.
Could he possibly hear my heart shattering? It was so loud that I was sure that every human in the world would’ve been able to hear it.
Bedroom, Yunho’s home. 5:32 PM Seoul, South Korea
“Are you happy now?”
Perhaps it was the change in weather which brought about such uncertainty. Perhaps it was the sudden deviation from Bora Bora to Seoul that enervated his sprightly emotions, abolishing them completely. He couldn’t find himself to show any interest in acting as he did years ago, and it frightened the film company-even more than it terrified him. He showcased a large portion of bitterness towards Changmin, causing the manager to abhor his stubborn attitude even more. It seemed that nowadays, no one was on his side.
“Yes, I’m very happy.” He morosely responded the manager, sending him a bitter glare. “I’m very happy that I was wrong in the end, that Jaejoong had no intention to bring this upon me.”
The manager scoffed, incredulous. “Good.” He spoke dryly. “Forget about him.” He commanded. “I don’t want you to come in contact with him ever again. I never want Jaejoong to suffer from your mendacious assumptions ever again.”
The manager dismissed himself from the actor’s bedroom, leaving the actor by himself with his self-inflicted scars. The manager’s words were tremendously farcical. Jaejoong was Yunho’s lover, Changmin had no right to step between them and claim the beauty as if it was his own.
He wondered what he would be doing now. Jaejoong must have moved on by now, searching for a new idol that he would admire and relish. Jung Yunho was yesterday’s news, and Jaejoong would have no intention to return to him, no matter how many movies he would continue to film.
The manager informed him that he would be leaving for Paris once again in three days. After his escapade with Jaejoong to Bora Bora, Yunho was unable to film most of his scenes in the metropolis. He would return there within days, and the thought deprived him of bliss-mostly because the city brought back so many enthralling memories.
Going to Paris without Jaejoong was like going to heaven without any wings.
He would fall, right back into the cursed hands of hell.
Ignoring his labyrinthine thoughts, he turned on his laptop, hoping to find a bit of amusement within it. Once online, the actor usually navigated to his many fan sites, snooping around furtively and discovering what was going on with his colossal fan base.
That was just what he did today. He did feel guilty for stalking his own fan sites, but the usual comments from the fans enraptured him and made him feel valuable. To him, his fan base was the most precious thing in his life, even if it was made of usual, everyday, people.
The actor navigated to his most visited fan café, with over thousands of members. Within the message board, there was a heated discussion on Yunho’s appearance on the Seoul Times newspaper. Curious, the actor clicked on the topic, and followed the link.
Marvelled, Yunho widened his eyes immediately as he saw the hundreds of comments fill the topic. He scrolled down, reading every comment as if they were words of gold.
‘Yunho seems like a pretty down to earth guy’ a comment stated. ‘It’s wonderful to have such a non-materialistic man in the film industry.’
Yunho lifted an eyebrow. Surely this comment was a compliment, right?
‘I never expected such a handsome guy to act so humbly,’ declared another comment. ‘Yunho is amazing! Even with all that talent and charisma, he still has the personality of a normal man. Ahh… I’m falling more and more in love with him…’
Yunho chuckled, exhilarated by the typical comment.
He continued reading: ‘I’m so proud of our Yunnie! The writer Kim Jaejoong is quite lucky to spend a month with him. My god… I wanna have a silly argument with Yunho too!’
He rolled his eyes, remembering the inadequate arguments they had over the smallest things. He wanted to return to those days-to relive the mirth in those timeless moments.
‘Does this mean all the rumours are fake?’ Yunho halted at the comment, stunned by its words. ‘So Yunho’s not dating all those models in those movies he was filming? I’m quite relieved, actually, especially because I think Yunho deserves someone who can win his heart without fame or extravagance.’
He was overjoyed. The article Jaejoong wrote had definitely cleaned up the demeaning rumours-at least, to his fan club.
‘There needs to be more actors like Yunho in entertainment industry. He’s a definite hard worker, and yet, even after all this success, he doesn’t label himself as the ‘king.’ I wish all the entertainers were like this… but it’s clearly impossible now, right?’
Yunho nodded, realizing the ultimate truth behind the comment. Most entertainers he’s come across were greedy and selfish, spoiled by their fame and wealth. It was, however, the last comment which awed Yunho the most. He ogled at the words, unable to move a single muscle.
‘So we fans really have a chance with our idol?’ It wrote. ‘It seems quite impossible though, considering the wide gap between a fan and her idol. Will we ever succeed? Or will our love go to waste in the end?’
Deep down inside him, he sympathized greatly for his enormous fan base. Everyone had given him so much love, support-time. But were their efforts to go to waste in the end?
He wouldn’t let it.
Although he was prohibited to do so, the actor posted an anonymous comment responding to the previous comment.
‘Don’t worry.’ He typed, the fingers at the keyboard hesitant. ‘Your love will never go to waste. Yunho will always remember the love from his fans, no matter where he goes or how far is from them.’
He pressed ‘submit’ heedlessly, in no position to overanalyze his rebellious action. It was something he needed to do. Without it, he felt that he would easily turn into the entertainers whose hearts were tainted by their fame.
He needed to remind himself one last time that his love for the fans did not die just yet.
10:03 PM Seoul, South Korea
A footstep, two, three…
The mogul of the entertainment industry was certainly a disobedient rebel, for he snuck out of his home three minutes after ten, allowing himself to embark on his mission. Although there were no hints of the sun, the man wore sunglasses and a cap, making sure no one would be able to recognize his familiar countenance.
The cryptic night engulfed him, almost rendering him invisible as he slipped away into the absolute darkness.
He knew where he would go. Although there was no form of transportation to steer him anywhere, the actor had no problem whatsoever with walking-running-to his destination. He was willing to anything for love; for Jaejoong.
As he reached his destination: the newspaper stand. He wasn’t surprised to see today’s paper still within the stand. Unhesitant, the actor reached for his wallet, and dug out the required fee. Doing as he wished, he purchased up to fifty copies of the newspaper. If this was the last connection he had to Jaejoong, he would treasure every last bit of it.
With the fifty copies of the newspaper in his arms, he left the stand, making sure no one had recognized him at his best.
Like they always have, the beauty and the beast often shared a strange craving of insanity.
Ah yes, I know you guys were expecting Yunho to escape to Japan this chapter. But it’s not that simple, going to the airport without anyone catching a glimpse of him. And he still has a movie to finish up in Paris… so it’s quite complicated.
Still, I promise a lot will happen during these last chapters. Not physically, but emotionally. Hope you’ll be patient with me.
By the way, I'm planning to put together an OST for this fic just like my previous fic. If you have any suggestions, please share it with me.
Thank you for all helpful feedback in the previous chapter. I love you guys <3
-Cindy
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 Part 1 | Chapter 16 Part 2 | Chapter 17
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