A Promise of Forever Chapter 28 Part 1 (Last Chapter)
Title: A Promise of Forever
Pairings: Yunjae, Yoosu, Junki/Jaejoong, Changmin/GaIn
Rating: PG-13 (for boy to boy pairing)
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
A/N: Readers, I know that you are very curious to know if Yunho survived or not. But I want you to feel the suspense in reading, so please, start reading from the beginning of this chapter until the very end. No jumping! ^-^ Thanks!
Chapter 28: Always Keep the Faith
A month had already passed since the painful incident in Yunho’s hometown. Everything was back to normal. Jaejoong went back to Siwon’s restaurant to work as the head chef. Junsu, Yoochun, and Changmin went to work as usual. Junsu and Changmin still teased each other, and Yoochun always became their referee.
It was a beautiful Sunday morning. The sun was at its height and its bright rays were shining down on the city of Seoul. People were minding their own business. It was just like any other ordinary day, but it wasn’t the case for two people. That Sunday was a very special day for the two of them.
“Where is Jae?” Junsu asked as he took a glance at his watch. “The wedding will start in a few minutes.”
“I called him earlier. He said that he was on his way.” Changmin said.
“Su, don’t worry about Jae. He will be here sooner or later.” Yoochun said as he leisurely put his arm on Junsu’s back.
“You’re right. Let’s go inside.” Junsu said. The three of them were still outside the church. People were starting to head inside. Junsu grabbed Yoochun’s hand and they followed the throng of people entering the church.
“Changmin, what are you still doing there? You’re not going in?” Yoochun asked curiously when he noticed that Changmin wasn’t following them.
“I’m waiting for GaIn.” Changmin said and smiled shyly.
“Oh. Alright. We’ll go inside first.” Yoochun said and smiled back. Changmin turned with his back facing the entrance to the church. He continued on looking around for a hint of GaIn. After a few minutes of waiting, he saw a woman hurriedly running towards the church.
“Changmin, I’m sorry for being late. I...I got caught in the traffic.” GaIn explained and stopped to catch her breath. Even though she was slightly sweating from running, she was as stunning and beautiful as ever. She was wearing a very pretty blue dress that matched her well. Looking at her and Changmin was like looking at a magazine. They were perfect for each other.
“GaIn, stay still.” Changmin said and put his hand inside his pocket. He retrieved out a handkerchief and started to dab it on the beads of sweat on GaIn’s forehead. GaIn couldn’t help but stare at Changmin’s concentrated face. It was one of the things that GaIn couldn’t resist when it comes to the man in front of him. When Changmin concentrates on doing something, he always had this very handsome expression on his face.
“Is there something on my face?” Changmin asked with a mischievous smile.
“Huh? Yes, I mean, no!” GaIn was caught off guard. Her face instantly turned red.
“You were staring at me, weren’t you?” Changmin accused.
“Yah, I wasn’t staring.” GaIn lied and couldn’t look straight into Changmin’s eyes. She was too embarrassed from being caught. Changmin chuckled at the very cute GaIn.
“Come on, let’s go inside.” Changmin said and they went inside the church together. When they entered, almost everyone was already seated. Changmin looked around for Junsu and Yoochun. He spotted them sitting on the third row. Changmin and GaIn made their way towards them and occupied the two seats beside Junsu.
“Hi GaIn!” Junsu greeted happily.
“Hi Junsu, Yoochun. Sorry for being late.” GaIn said. She sat between Junsu and Changmin.
“Why is your face so red?” Yoochun noticed GaIn’s flushed face. His expression instantly turned into a mischievous one. “Did something happen between you two?”
“Yoochun hyung, stop being nosy.” Changmin intervened.
“So something really happened?” Junsu joined in.
“Guys, nothing really happened. Uhm, it was just from running that my face turned red.” GaIn said to stop her two friends from digging deeper.
“See?” Changmin said.
“Alright, alright. We won’t ask anymore.” Yoochun said and laughed along with Junsu.
“What would I do with you two?” Changmin said and gave a sigh. He too laughed along with his two hyungs. It was a great feeling to be able to laugh carelessly.
“Guys, stop laughing anymore. The ceremony is about to start.” GaIn said as she noticed that the man behind the grand piano had started playing.
Near the church’s altar, Siwon was standing looking extremely gorgeous in his sleek black tuxedo. One would think that he had come straight from a fashion magazine featuring a wedding special. He looked very nervous as he waited for his bride.
A few seconds after the piano started playing, the church’s double doors made of very fine wood opened to reveal the bride’s entourage. First to enter were the flower girls. Four cute girls walked with smiling faces on the aisle to the altar while spreading white flower petals on the floor. Next were the bride’s maids, all of them wearing gold gowns, followed by the maid of honor, who was Seul Gi’s bestfriend. Last to enter the church’s premises was Seul Gi.
As Seul Gi walked along the aisle with her parents beside her, everyone’s eyes were focused on her. But she didn’t mind everyone’s stares, all she could notice was the man waiting for her near the altar. She looked straight into Siwon’s eyes with a smile on her face the whole time she walked towards the altar. Both Siwon and Seul Gi were very happy. It could be clearly seen on their faces.
******
“Oh shit! I’m very late!” Jaejoong cursed as he arrived outside the chuch. He could hear the priest talking inside and knew that the wedding had already started. He entered the church quietly and searched for his friends. He made his way to where Junsu and the others were and made sure to be as silent as he could manage. He didn’t want to attract attention because of being late.
“Yah, Jae!” Junsu started his scolding but shut his mouth when Jaejoong signalled for him to keep quiet. Jaejoong slipped himself on the empty seat beside Yoochun.
“Why are you so late?” Yoochun whispered.
“I woke up late. I forgot to set my alarm clock last night.” Jaejoong answered quietly with a slightly embarrassed face.
“Jae!” Junsu hissed beside Yoochun. Jaejoong looked at him with a curious expression.
“Your tie.” Junsu said and made a gesture as he put his hand on his own tie.
“My what?” Jaejoong said under his breath.
“Tie!” Junsu pointed at Jaejoong’s lopsided tie. Jaejoong looked down and figured out what Junsu was trying to say.
“Oh” Jaejoong said and laughed sheepishly.
“Guys, keep quiet. The ceremony is still going on.” Changmin reminded them.
“Sorry, Changmin.” Jaejoong apologized as he fixed his tie.
At that moment, Siwon and Seul Gi were exchanging their vows to each other. After the vows were said, the bride and the groom took turns putting the wedding rings on each other’s finger.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” the priest announced the newlyweds. He then turned to Siwon. “You may now kiss the bride.”
Siwon faced Seul Gi and looked straight into her eyes. He slowly leaned in and captured Seul Gi’s waiting lips. Bursts of excitement came from the guests. They all cheered and clapped for the happy couple.
The wedding ceremony ended successfully and everyone proceeded to the wedding reception. The venue was in the mansion of Siwon’s family. It was large enough to accommodate all of the guests. The Choi mansion had a very large lawn inside their house. Tables and chairs were put for the guests. Junsu, Yoochun, Changmin, GaIn, and Jaejoong had a table for themselves.
“Congratulations!” Jaejoong and the others greeted Siwon and Seul Gi who had come to their table.
“Thank you.” Seul Gi said happily. Even though it was a tiring and long day for her, her bright smile couldn’t be wiped out from her face.
“Guys, thank you for coming.” Siwon said his thanks.
“Of course. We need to be here for this very important day in your lives.” Jaejoong said. “And how could I not come to my boss’s wedding?”
Everyone laughed at Jaejoong’s statement. Siwon and Seul Gi left their table after chatting for a few minutes. They still had to attend to the other guests. Food was served after a short while and everyone indulged in the mouthwatering dishes. The waiters served the appetizers, then the main course, and lastly, the dessert. All of the guests were satisfied with the delicious food served to them.
“Ah, that was so delicious.” Jaejoong praised. “It feels good to be fed and not be the one to cook the food once in a while.”
“Well said Jae.” Junsu commented.
“Oh guys, GaIn and I will just be taking a walk in the garden.” Changmin said.
“Sure, sure. Off you go, you love birds.” Jaejoong said, sending off Changmin and GaIn.
“GaIn still hasn’t responded yet to Changmin’s feelings, right?” Junsu asked once Changmin and GaIn were out of earshot.
“That’s right.” Yoochun answered.
“Poor Min. Do you think GaIn would ever respond to his feelings?”
“Junsu, you seem to worry about everything lately.” Jaejoong chuckled. “You don’t need to worry about Changmin. I know that GaIn likes him. All she needs is time.”
“But, but they just look like friends.” Junsu whined.
“Yoochun, would you convince your boyfriend that there really is nothing to worry about?” Jaejoong said with a teasing face that screamed “unbelievable” to Junsu.
“Su, if GaIn only thinks of Changmin as a friend and nothing more, then we can’t do anything about that.” Yoochun explained.
“What about if we plan a surprise for the two of them?” Junsu said excitedly.
“We don’t need to do anything Su. If those two are meant for each other, they will be together no matter what. We don’t need to intervene.” Yoochun disagreed with Junsu’s suggestion.
“But it’s a good idea!” Junsu pressed on.
“Stop being stubborn.” Yoochun said.
“Yah, I’m not being stubborn! I just want to help.” Junsu retorted.
“Okay, guys, stop it now.” Jaejoong looked worriedly at his two friends.
“I’ll just get some fresh air.” Yoochun said in a very low voice and left Junsu and Jaejoong in their table. Both of them sensed that Yoochun left with a bad mood. Junsu watched Yoochun walk away from him with a guilty expression.
“Yah Junsu, follow him.” Jaejoong told him.
“Why would I follow him? I didn’t do anything wrong.” Junsu kept on being stubborn.
“Stop being stubborn.” Jaejoong imitated Yoochun.
“Stop making fun of me Jae.” Junsu said as he tried his best to prevent himself from laughing because of Jaejoong’s imitation of Yoochun.
“I’m not making fun of you. I’m trying to help.” Jaejoong said, his voice full of understanding. Junsu didn’t respond and stayed silent. Both of them didn’t talk to each other. Junsu was in deep thought, debating whether or not to follow Yoochun. Jaejoong on the other hand was observing Junsu with an amused face. It gave him a shock when Junsu suddenly stood up quickly from his chair.
Junsu looked at Jaejoong with a slightly embarrassed face while Jaejoong gave him a cheeky smile.
‘Just as I expected.’ Jaejoong thought and smiled. He watched as Junsu left their table to go look for Yoochun.
When Junsu was out of his sight, it was the time that Jaejoong noticed that he was all alone in their table. His friends all had their special someone with them. Changmin was with GaIn, Junsu was with Yoochun, and of course, Siwon was with Seul Gi. Love was all around Jaejoong and it reminded him of someone very special.
‘Yunho, I miss you.’ Jaejoong thought as he felt sadness in his heart.
******
In the genie world, a few days have passed since Junki was transported back. In those days, he prepared himself for the outcome of his actions. He had already decided to turn himself in to the chief of the High Society of Genies.
He entered the building of HSOG with careful steps. He slowly made his way to the chief of HSOG’s office. With his every step, all he thought about was Jaejoong and his extreme guilt at the hideous thing he did. In order to atone for his sin, he was prepared to accept any punishment. He knew that a bad person like him deserved to suffer.
After minutes of walking inside the building, he found himself in front of the chief’s office. He raised his hand and softly knocked on the finely polished wooden door.
“Enter” a very authoritative voice called out from inside the room. Junki, hearing the response, opened the door and entered the room. The chief’s office was exactly the same as he last saw it. The chief was sitting behind his desk when Junki entered.
“Good morning sir.” Junki greeted and bowed low. He stood in front of the chief with a determined expression on his face.
“Sit down.” the chief of HSOG said in a very calm voice.
“I’m sorry, but I have to decline that sir. It would be better for me to just stand up in front of you.” Junki politely replied.
“Alright.” the chief looked at Junki, giving him a stern look. “What brings you here?”
“I’m here to turn myself in because of something that I did.” Junki answered.
“And what would that be?”
Junki didn’t answer straight away. He gathered up all of his courage to confess his sin.
“I performed Oblivio on a human while I was on Earth.”
Silence filled the whole room. The chief went silent as he was thinking deeply about Junki’s confession. Junki didn’t know what lied ahead for him and his heart beat in an abnormal pace because of his nervousness.
“I won’t ask anymore why you used the forbidden spell on an unsuspecting human. The thing of my concern is that you used Oblivio and broke the code of genies.” the chief broke the silence. “What you did was unforgivable.”
Junki stayed silent. He already knew that what he did cannot be justified by any reason.
“You deserve to be punished for your actions. As the chief of the High Society of Genies, I sentence you to imprisonment.”
Junki wasn’t very shocked at the head of HSOG’s statement. He knew that there was a very high possibility of receiving imprisonment as his punishment. He didn’t protest or even change his expression. He just kept his head down.
“And...”
This time Junki lifted his head up and looked at the chief with slightly surprised eyes.
“This is not a simple crime Junki, so don’t expect that you would be treated like any other prisoner. Since you had the courage to use the forbidden spell, you should be ready for all of the heavy consequences.” the chief continued.
“You will be stripped off of your identity as a genie. From this day onward, you are officially a part of the lowest rank in our society. All of your powers will be taken away permanently and you will spend the rest of your life in prison...” the chief paused. “Until the day you die.”
Junki couldn’t believe what he just heard. His punishment had just been laid down in front of him as he heard the chief’s words. He didn’t think that he would pay such a very big price. One’s identity as a genie was something very important to a genie, and most of all, his powers. He had spent all of his life preparing to become an official genie, and just like that, his life’s work was all thrown away. But he had already sworn to take any punishment, and he was determined to stick with his word.
“I understand. I will accept my punishment.” Junki said despite the huge hole in his heart. He accepted his punishment even if it meant that he would suffer for the rest of his life. Because of his love for Jaejoong, he was prepared to bear everything to atone for his sins.
“You are willingly accepting everything? Just like that?” the chief asked, surprised at Junki’s reaction.
“Yes sir.”
******
“You aren’t allowed to pass through here.” the genie guarding Junki’s underground prison cell said and blocked Heechul’s way.
“I have permission from the chief.” Heechul said and handed the guard a letter sealed with the logo of HSOG. The guard opened it and read the content. After finishing, he immediately stepped aside and removed the protective spells that blocked anyone from entering. Heechul entered the torch lit corridor and walked until the end of the path. At the end of the corridor was Junki’s prison cell.
“Junki” Heechul said as he stood outside. The only thing separating them was the rusted metal bars of the prison cell. He waited until there was movement inside the cell. Junki couldn’t be seen because he was on the dark and unlit side. At first, his shadow indicated that he knew of Heechul’s presence. He finally moved towards the light and revealed himself to his visitor.
When Heechul saw Junki, he was shocked at first. Junki was very pale and he looked tired and drained. His eyes didn’t have that distinct shine in them. It was dull and lifeless. Heechul felt pity looking at Junki’s state.
After getting used to Junki’s appearance, Heechul realized that it was only natural for Junki to look like that. Junki lost everything. There was already no hope for him. He was going to be locked up in that underground prison cell for the rest of his life. He was no longer a genie and he was stripped off of his powers. Most of all, he lost the person that he loved, which was no other than Jaejoong.
“What are you doing here? You want to laugh at me?” Junki accused from inside his cell.
“No Junki. I’m here because I want to say something to you.” Heechul answered. Junki didn’t say anything so Heechul continued what he wanted to say.
“Thank you for doing the right thing.” Heechul said sincerely.
“It’s the least that I can do for Jae.” Junki said, his gaze focused on the dirty ground. An awkward silence dominated and the two of them stood still for a while.
“How is he?” Junki spoke first.
“He’s doing fine. Don’t worry.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Junki said and smiled for the first time since his lifetime of imprisonment started.
“He must really hate me so much.” Junki said as sadness filled him.
Heechul didn’t say anything because he didn’t want Junki to feel any more guilt. It was true that Junki did something unforgivable to his friend, but he believed that Junki wasn’t that bad. Behind the person who used the forbidden spell to ruin a relationship for his own gain was a good heart.
“Time heals everything Junki. I know Jae. He isn’t someone to hold a grudge for a very long time. Sooner or later, he would find it in his heart to forgive you.” Heechul said.
“I hope so.”
******
The garden inside the Choi mansion was a very beautiful one. When Changmin and GaIn saw it, both of them were amazed of its beauty. Different flowers with varied colors bloomed everywhere in the garden. The most abundant of the flowers was white roses. It was such a splendid sight.
“It’s so beautiful here!” GaIn said happily. She was walking beside Changmin.
“Yeah, and there are lots of white roses. You like them right?” Changmin said as he looked at the full bloomed white roses.
“I like them...”GaIn said and then lowered her voice, so low that Changmin barely heard what she spoke next. “But I like you the most.”
“What was that?” Changmin asked.
“Huh? Nothing.” GaIn said and smiled sweetly. Changmin gave her a suspicious look.
“Yah, tell me already.” Changmin whined like a child.
“It’s not important.” GaIn said with a mischievous smile which made Changmin more curious. She walked away from the confused Changmin while laughing.
“Ah, GaIn. Please~~~~~” Changmin begged as he followed GaIn.
“You don’t need to hear it. Trust me.” GaIn said and her laughter filled the air.
“This is so unfair!” Changmin said and pouted cutely. He stopped following GaIn. GaIn continued on walking but stopped when she sensed that Changmin was no longer behind her.
‘He’s like a child.’ GaIn thought as she saw the pouting and upset Changmin. She smiled at how lovable Changmin could be. She slowly walked back to where Changmin was and stopped in front of him.
“Don’t be upset anymore Changmin.” GaIn said and flashed her lovely smile. Changmin was quite stubborn and didn’t change his upset expression.
“Yah, you’ll get wrinkles if you stay like that. You’ll look even older.” GaIn teased.
“I don’t look old!” Changmin denied and GaIn laughed again.
“Aww Changmin! You make me laugh all the time.” GaIn said and couldn’t stop her laughter.
“Yah, do I look like a clown to you?” Changmin said sarcastically.
“That was a compliment.”
“Well, it doesn’t make me feel good.”
“You’re still upset with me?”
Changmin didn’t answer which meant that he was still upset.
“Come on, smile for me.” GaIn asked of Changmin. She waited for a hint of a smile in Changmin’s face but was unsuccessful.
“Alright, don’t be upset anymore and give me a smile, then I’ll tell you what I said earlier.” GaIn bargained.
“Really?” Changmin’s face relaxed a bit and he had a hopeful expression.
“Yes.”
Changmin’s upset expression disappeared and was replaced by a bright smile.
“Gotcha!” GaIn said and shaked with laughter.
“Yah, GaIn! T-that was too much! I really thought...” Changmin started on his complaints but was instantly silenced when GaIn put her hand on Changmin’s nape, pulled him towards her, and gave him a kiss.
Their lips touched for only a short while. GaIn released Changmin after a few seconds and their eyes met. Both of them instantly turned red, especially Changmin. It was his first kiss with his first love.
‘I can’t believe I did that.’ GaIn thought as she avoided Changmin’s gaze.
‘Was that real? Am I just dreaming?’ Changmin thought as he couldn’t believe what just happened.
******
This chapter is cut into two parts. Read on to the next part ^-^