Missed Connections; Chapter 17 [17/??]
Title: Missed Connections: Chapter 17
Pairing: Junbros / MinorTaecsung / Onesided Minhoon?
Rating : PG13 For swearing
Summary: Junsu spends a little quality time with the boys and Jinwoon over hears something he shouldn't
Warnings: Minor swears
Notes: Sorry this chapter took me so long~~~ T.T Appearances from Suhoon (Mika), Hyuncheol (Karam) and Hyunmin from Daeguknamah/The Boss and Jonghoon and Minhwan from F.T.Island
Chansung and Taecyeon stay with Junho for two nights before Taecyeon manages to pull Chansung away. It kills Chansung inside, seeing his best friend so emotionally wrecked but Taecyeon insists that Junho needs time to himself to get back into a normal routine. Junsu will be home in a few days and things will be better but that doesn't stop Chansung from visiting after work every night, just in case.
Now that he's not watching Junho's every move, Chansung realises that Junsu's house, usually filled with music from Junsu's laptop or Ipod or CD player, is unusually silent save for the excited bark of the small retriever puppy as he steps through the door. The lights are off in every room and the house isn't much warmer than the crisp early spring air outside. Junki's food bowl is full and the water is fresh which is at least one positive.
'Yah, Junho! Where are you?' Chansung scoops the small dog into one of his arms, he's bigger now but still tiny in comparison to Chansung's thick limbs. His free hand brushes over his pocket, hovering near his cell phone as he checks each room on the ground floor of the house. The deep purple curtains in the living room are closed, as they had been last night and the night before but Junho is no longer curled in the corner of Junsu's couch watching TV. He checks the kitchen, bypassing the fridge for the first time in favour to look into Junsu's dining room. The sandwich Chansung made Junho yesterday still sat on the kitchen table. He clucks his tongue, ignoring the way his stomach drops. Junho's not eating.
Once he's dumped it into the trashcan, he makes his way upstairs, checking Junsu's bedroom and studio. Neither room seem to be inhabited, Junsu's bed is unmade and there's a fine layer of dust beginning to settle on Junsu's keyboard and drum set. He's about to leave Junsu's bedroom when he notices the ensuite door is ajar. Junki squirms in his arms and before he knows it he's following the yellow puppy into the ensuite.
Chansung flips the switch and instantly jumps back. There's a dark shadow in the bottom of the shower and it takes him a few minutes to realise it's Junho, complete with freshly-dyed black hair. His clothes are wet, a partially see-through t-shirt stuck to his skin and he can't help but wonder how long his friend has been sat like this for. His hair has dried, standing up in wayward clumps and Chansung can't seem to get a towel around his trembling shoulders fast enough.
---
'Hiking'
'Hiking?' Junsu repeats, staring at his cousin with wide eyes. It's too early for this. 'Yes, it was Hyunmin's idea to see the temples of Gatwabi' Suhoon shrugs, looking a little rueful. Who's idea was it to let Hyunmin decide on an activity? 'Hiking' He repeats again. Suhoon merely nods and it sinks in that no, this isn't some sick joke. 'We're leaving at 10' Suhoon grins and retreats back down his aunt's stairs.
Mrs Kim is just taking stock of the fridge contents when a phone vibrates to life beside her on the counter. She glances around, not recognising the ring tone until her eyes fall on Junsu's blackberry as it creeps closer and closer to the edge. She drops the note pad in her hand and reaches for the phone, barely catching it in time as it takes a freefall over the counter edge. She exhales, relieved, and glances down at the still ringing phone.
The caller ID flashes the name 'Junho' and there's a picture of a handsome young man with small eyes and bright orange hair. She clucks her tongue, kids these days are always trying to change the colour of their hair or skin but she can't help but think her son keeps rather attractive company. She's seen pictures of his friends whilst he's been away, and even thinking back to friends he kept at school, his friends have always had handsome faces.
She hesitates for a moment and calls for her son but Junsu doesn't reply and phones don't ring for long. 'Ah, H-hello?' She has no idea how to work his phone and presses one of the large buttons, holding it to her ear. There's an intake of breath, and the boy speaks. 'Oh, hello. I'm sorry, I was calling for Junsu?' The boy on the phone chokes on his words and clears his throat. Her motherly instincts kick into action and she's about to ask if he's ok when the boy starts again. 'Is he busy? I can call back later' She holds the phone away from her face for a moment and glances towards the ceiling. There's a thud, followed by another and she can just hear Junsu growl in frustration. 'He's just getting ready to go on a hike with some friends right now. Can I give him a message?' The boy hums in the background and lets out a defeated sigh. 'No, It's ok. I'll see him when he gets back. I'm sorry to have bothered you' they say their goodbyes and the boy hangs up. She waits for the screen to return to it's background, not knowing how to cancel the call herself and is somewhat surprised to see a picture of her son smiling amorously at the same boy. She furrows her brows and sets down the phone on the dining room table, just in time for Junsu to come rumbling down the stairs.
'Junsu, you just had a-' She's cut off by Junsu as he barrels into the living room, pulling on a short jacket. 'Have you seen my-' He stops mid sentence and bee-lines towards the table where his precious blackberry sits. 'Oh, never mind. I won't be back late' He smiles and moves close enough to brush his lips against her cheek and before she has chance to tell him about the call, her son is out of the door.
---
When 10am arrives, Junsu has somehow convinced himself that maybe hiking will be a good idea and joins the others outside. He could use the exercise after all the recent visits to cafe's with Hyuncheol, the sweet toothed fiend. Outside, Jonghoon is busy fussing over Minhwan, tightening the straps of his backpack whilst standing unnecessarily close to the other. Minhwan, blissfully aware in a land of his own just smiles appreciatively. Suhoon is standing in a circle with Hyunmin and Hyuncheol; trading things between their back packs, presumably trying to even the weight. They all turn as he closes the front door with an audible click of the lock and steps out into the courtyard between the two houses. Hyuncheol tilts his head in confusion. 'Where's your backpack?'
The other four boys nod as Junsu merges into the group. 'Didn't realise I needed one' He shrugs, adjusting the green scarf around his neck. A few of the boys notice his twitch, something they've noticed a few time through out the visit already but they put it down to an unconscious habit and leave things at that. 'How will you carry your things?' Minhwan asks, suddenly brightening. 'Want to put them in mine?' He offers, only to find Jonghoon pulling his straps even tighter. Junsu vaguely catches Jonghoon muttering something about his bag being too full already. Junsu pats down each of his pockets in turn, reciting the items out loud as if reading a checklist. Phone, Ipod, wallet and water bottle; he shakes the last for proof. 'No, I'm good' He smiles.
They wind up on the bus some time later, the hour long ride dragging. Junsu's Ipod can drown out the incessant chatter of the younger boys, but nothing can disguise the looks Jonghoon shoots him every time he takes out a headphone to answer one of Minhwan's questions, or when he shuffles along the dirty bus seats to make space for Minhwan beside him. It certainly doesn't help when the younger boy turns to him, lips drawn into a pout and eyes unusually large - an expression Junho has learnt will always get him his way- and asks him to adjust the too tight straps of his bag.
By lunchtime, the boys are part way up the trail and Junsu knows he's not going to find food anytime soon. The only things for sale on the way to the top are candles and offerings for Buddha. He slows down to watch a small girl balance a stone precariously on top of a tower of similar rocks, the rest of his group a little further up the path. He waits for the girl to finish her turn, a smile tugging at his lips as she manages to balance the last rock and quickly closes her eyes as she makes her wish. Her parents appear beside her, mother smiling politely to Junsu before they hurry her along. 'Remember not to tell anyone your wish or it won't come true' Her father grins, wagging his finger.
Junsu crouches, choosing a stone carefully, they're heavy in his hands but it's nothing compared to the weight in his stomach that's grown heavier with each day that Junho hasn't called. It's not that he's just waiting for Junho to call him, but when Junho doesn't answer his calls, there's nothing he can do but wait. Junsu's hands are unusually shaky as he tries to steady his rock. The tower of stones wobbles until they collapse under his hands, sending up a cloud of thick dust. 'Damn it, why won't he just call me?' Junsu yells, throwing his stone on top of the rubble. Suddenly his phone vibrates against his leg; he shoots up, pulling it from his pocket and presses it to his ear. 'Junho? Hello?' His palms are sweaty and his voice rings desperately in his own ears. 'Hyungie, where are you?' Junsu's hand slackens in his own disappointment and his phone crashes to the steps below.
An older couple a little way down notice the accident and the greying old man carefully picks up the pieces of Junsu's phone, passing it back apologetically. Junsu barely has time to thank him before a gleeful squeal comes from above. Minhwan is scurrying down towards him, dangerously fast for such awkward terrain. 'Slow down, Minhwannie' He calls, fearing for the other boy's safety. Junsu reaches Minhwan just as his foot catches a loose rock and he lurches forwards, his hands reaching out to brace himself against Junsu's chest and Junsu can do nothing but throw an arm around the younger to keep them upright.
Minhwan looks up at him, his heart thundering against Junsu's chest and the younger trembles in his arms, face flushed a rosy pink. Junsu is about to say something when he spots Jonghoon coming back around the bend, obviously looking for Minhwan. He stares at them for a second, a flash of something in his brown eyes when Minhwan remains pathetically pressed against his chest. His face says enough and Junsu feels even worse than he already does when Jonghoon turns sharply back up the stone stairs.
Another two hours and the group come to a halt in a clearing besides a candle stall. Jonghoon hasn't said a word or even glanced in Minhwan's direction and it's eating Junsu alive. Minhwan has still yet to notice. Instead, he strides at the front of the group with Hyunmin, talking loudly and pointing upwards tot he paths above. They're planning the next stretch of the hike, much to their friends' dismay. Suhoon and Jonghoon collapse onto a nearby wall complaining about muscles they've never used and Junsu feels nervous because it looks about as stable as his stone tower. Hyuncheol rearranges candles on a mat, much to the vendor's displeasure. 'We didn't make it to the statue yet. We can't stop now' Hyunmin insists. Besides him, Minhwan nods fervently in agreement. ' Oh no, we can't stop' He cries, bouncing on his heels. He turns his puppy dog face on the group and Hyuncheol whispers not so quietly that it's the first time Jonghoon has said no to that face. ' Oh yes, we can' Suhoon manages weakly before throwing himself at Hyunmin's feet.
The bus ride back home is even worse than the ride there. Hyunmin is busy texting for the majority of the journey, whilst Hyuncheol and Suhoon fall asleep, using his lap and shoulder as pillows. An awkward silence weighs in on them and Junsu looks between Jonghoon and Minhwan. Jonghoon still hasn't spoken a word to either of them and Minhwan seems to blush every time they meet eyes.
---
Jinwoon kicks a can, making his way to headquarters for an evening practice when he notices a familiar leather jacket and yellow puppy just ahead. There's a giddy jolt in his stomach. Junsu-Hyung was due to return from his trip to Daegu yesterday and it's been two and a half weeks since he last saw him. Maybe he brought presents. 'Hyung!' He calls, mouth working before he's already thought things through and he's running towards the older man. The dog turns at his shout but the man carries on walking and it doesn't occur to Jinwoon that his Hyung is walking too fast for a man who recently broke his leg. 'Hyung!' He calls again as he gets closer and closer to Junsu. The man doesn't respond and he internally shrugs it off. He's probably listening to his Ipod. Sometimes he thinks that Junsu will shrivel up and die without it.
He clamps his hand on Junsu's shoulder, turning the older man towards hum. 'Hyu-' He tries again, words quickly dying in his mouth as he realises it's not Junsu. 'Get off me' The other growls, jerking out of his grip and before he realises it, Jinwoon is sent cascading backwards, landing flat on his ass. His jaw throbs as the other retracts his arm and he finds himself looking up at a shell shocked Junho. They stay like that for a few moments, both in shock and it isn't until Junki bounces forwards to lick any available patch of skin that either moves.
'Shit, I'm so sorry' Junho says, tugging out his earphones and already bending to take a look at Jinwoon's face. His eyes are large, so much larger than Jinwoon thought capable and he clears his throat a few times to rid the gloss of unshed tears from his eyes. 'Hyung' He pauses, feeling awkward now Junho is so close. 'Are you ok?' The other nods, shoulders stiff and Jinwoon can tell he's strung up, ready to snap and he's not sure he wants to be around when it happens. 'I'm fine' Junho placates, pushing himself up. He offers a hand and Jinwoon glances up at him for a moment before accepting it. 'I'm so sorry, Jinwoon-sshi, you caught me off guard. Are you ok?' Junho looks honestly concerned now, lower lip worked between his teeth and Jinwoon gives a nod. 'I'm good Hyung'
'I thought you were Junsu-Hyung. Where is he?' Jinwoon asks as he brushes the dirt from his pants. Junki gives a soft yip, tugging at his lead and Junho bends to pick him up. He's holding the puppy all wrong but he doesn't seem to mind so Jinwoon keeps quiet. Junho seems to sadden at the mention of Junsu, shoulders sagging and Jinwoon instantly regrets saying anything. 'He's extending his stay. He'll be back in a week, I suppose' He scuffs his shoe on the pavement and it's easy to see that he misses the older man. There's something really off about Junho and he can't quite place it so he puts it down to Junho being lonely.
'Ah! Hyung, you're a dance teacher right?' Jinwoon already knows the answer and doesn't given Junho time to think as he grabs the older boy's wrist. 'You're just what we need! Come on' Jinwoon straightens up till he's towering over Junho and gives him a firm yank, pulling him in the direction of Junsu's company Head Quarters. 'What? Jinwoon-ah, What's going on?' Junho tries to resist, tugging firmly against the maknae's vice-like grip but soon gives up when he feels Junki tugging on the leash wrapped around his other wrist. He's out numbered.
'We're preparing an edgier song, a dance number but we don't have any dance experience. Well, there's Jo Kwon-Hyung but he only knows girl dances. We really need the help, Hyung and you'd be perfect' Jinwoon slows once the building comes into sight, grip on Junho relaxing a little. He doesn't try to break free of Jinwoon's grasp anymore, already resigned to his fate.
---
The rest of the group filter into the practice room some ten minutes later, instantly stopping in the doorway when a yellow ball of fluff skids across the laminate flooring towards them. The puppy barrels into Jo Kwon's ankles and the singer is almost sent flying if not for Changmin's hands reaching to steady him. 'That's Junsu's puppy' Seulong states, a little curious and the group all look up towards Junho. He flushes at the attention until Junki bounds back to him. 'Guys, this is Ju-' Jinwoon gestures towards him. 'Lee Junho-sshi' Changmin interrupts, striding across the room. 'Nice to meet you again' He pulls Junho into a hug, much to the others' surprise. 'Junsu's boyfriend' Jinwoon finishes dumbly.
Junho shrugs him off after he decides it's polite to do so, a shiver running up his spine. He's met Changmin a few times now and with every meeting the man seems a little stranger. He wondered vaguely if Junsu had noticed that and made not to ask him. It wasn't often they talked about the other trainee's.
'Oh!' Seulong pipes up, his and Jo Kwon's interest peaking at the new information. 'The dance teacher?' They quickly join the others, shaking hands with Junho and introducing themselves. 'You're a dance teacher?' Jo Kwon repeats, expression a little disbelieving as he saunters to the benches and drops his bag beside Jinwoon's. It's pink with a large sparkly G on one of the pockets and Junho quirks a brow. 'Ga-in's going to kill you if she notices that's missing' Seulong chuckles as he and Changmin deposit their bags too. The group quickly shed their jackets. 'Junho-sshi's agreed to help with our choreography' Jinwoon grins, an arm comfortably around his shoulder. The group maknae squeezes the shorter boy against his side. 'If that's ok' Junho adds on.
Jo Kwon's pained expression clearly signals that he's as far down as he can go into the splits, a tearing sound only confirming things. 'Oh my... Hyung, did you.. You didn't just rip your pants did you?' Jinwoon gasps. Junho turns back to the mirrors, watching their reflections. His chest heaves slightly, enjoying the gentle burn in his muscles the way he always does when he practices. He lets out a soft chuckle as Seulong scrambles over and stoops to help Jo Kwon up whilst he and Jinwoon try to prevent him from exposing anything.
His eyes drop to the floor and the reflection of Junki running in circles. Thick arms wrap around the puppy's middle, he's hoisted up to a broad chest and his eyes follow until he reaches Changmin's face. He doesn't know why or what but there's something deeply unsettling about that man. Changmin catches his eye and winks. Junho wonders for a moment but no, he did definitely wink. He feels a strange sensation in his stomach. Anxiety. Changmin's tongue darts out of his mouth, scraping across rough dry lips, eyes still locked with Junho's. Junho suddenly feels queasy and it would probably have only gotten worse if high pitched laughter hadn't broken out between the trio behind him. Jo Kwon hadn't ripped his pants after all.
---
Jinwoon is just leaving practice, the last to leave after taking an extra long shower in the trainee bathroom. It feels good to scrub all that sweat and dirt off. It's still cold outside and even the concrete stairwell has yet to begin to grow warm making him wish he'd remembered to bring an extra layering of clothing for his walk home. He pauses just outside the door, searching through his bag for his Ipod when he hears them. Two voices, one male and one female floating down from the very top platform. The same floor as the rooftop. He pauses, leaving his bag unzipped as the male voice sighs forlornly.
'Junsu's boyfriend was here' Says one, tone bordering pissy. There's a rustling of fabric and Jinwoon thinks one of them shrugged in response. 'Is that all you're going to say?' The first asks, more of an edge to their voice. A sneaker scuffs pavement. 'Jinwoon brought him to practice' Another squeaking of rubber on cement. 'I haven't seen him around here in a while' Jinwoon steps closer to the stairs, trying to move as silently as possible. Why would someone be talking about Junsu?
'One of the newbies - that ugly American said he's on holiday' The voice sounds uninterested and Jinwoon hears the rooftop door being opened. Ugly American? The only American to have joined lately was that new rapper, San-E or something. 'Is that so?' One of them says, the voice growing more distant. 'And here was little old me thinking we'd managed to get rid of him' Jinwoon claps both hands over his mouth, head reeling sudden wave of nausea over comes him. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. People within his own company, trying to physically hurt other trainees to get rid of the competition. The voices break into laughter, one disappearing only to be replaced by the sound of footsteps on gravel. 'It's not like we haven't tried hard enough' The second murmurs, so low that Jinwoon barely catches it. The door to the roof swings shut behind the second person and Jinwoon turns on his heels, rushing back to the practice room toilets to empty his stomach.
---
Junsu wakes up to scratchy nylon and biting cold. The futon beneath him is thin and worn, providing very little protection from the uneven ground beneath him. There's a head of dark hair just in front of him, a wide nose and thick lips that are oh so inviting to his sleep-laden brain. He'd be warmer if he were kissing he decides, wriggling down in the sleeping bag to move closer to his boyfriend. The other seems to sense his thoughts and the grip on his jacket tightens, moving unconsciously closer together. He hums sleepily to himself, just some random tune he'd heard on the radio earlier that day. It's nice to be back with Junho, even if they're stuck in a shabby little tent on a campsite in Daegu.
And then Junsu wakes up. His lips are mere inches away from the boy curled around him and this is all so wrong. It isn't Junho but Minhwan in the tent with him, a very much younger and unknowingly taken Minhwan. Shit. Shit. Shit. Junsu reels backwards, carefully prying Minhwan's warm hands from the front of his jacket. Don't wake up. Don't wake up. In the darkness he doesn't see Minhwan's smile drop. He's quietly stuffs his feet into his boots, silently cursing Jonghoon for even suggesting camping in the first place. 'Hnn.. Hyung?' There's a soft murmur and a shuffle of blankets and Junsu glances in the darkness to the younger boy, watching as he curls up into a ball. 'It's ok, Minhwannie' He placates, rubbing the boy's shin through the thin blankets. 'I'm just going for some fresh air' He doesn't hear Minhwan's disappointed sigh over the tent zipper.
He clutches his jacket to his chest as he treads over towards the dwindling fire. He stubs his toe on an extra large rock and curses without thinking. There's a rustle from the tent besides them and Junsu bites down on his knuckles to muffle his groan. The air out here is even cooler than the tent and Junsu zips up his body warmer, jamming his hands into his pockets. It's pitch black outside, save for the moon and a handful of twinkling stars. It's still too early to wake up properly but the near kiss won't allow him to fall back to sleep just yet.
So he pokes his head into Suhoon and Hyuncheol's tent, not entirely sure whether he's surprised or not to find the pair clinging to each other. Suhoon's arms are wrapped around the younger, holding him close to his chest and it's only thanks to a small lamp in the corner that he notices Hyuncheol is sucking his own thumb. Junsu sighs wistfully, his chest a little tight with the ache of being separated from Junho and as though Hyuncheol can sense his presence, he promptly slaps Suhoon across the face and rolls over. Suhoon smacks his lips, once, twice and takes hold of him again.
Junsu leaves the tent, making sure to firmly pull the zipper closed to block out the cold when it dawns on him that there's a light coming from the third tent. Hyunmin and Jonghoon's tent. He strides over to their tent and crouches just outside the entrance. 'Hey, are you guys awake?' It's a stupid question to ask, he can hear low voices coming from within the tent but there's a pause in the conversation and Hyunmin's head pops out from the opening. 'Oh man! It's freezing' He hisses, quickly moving back inside. 'Get in. Hurry, hurry!' He gestures and Junsu doesn't think twice about slipping inside.
Jonghoon seems to shrink back into the far corner but his body language is defensive, arms crossed over his chest and face filled with tension. Junsu swallows the lump in his throat. 'Who's bright idea was this again?' He jokes, and his laughter splutters as a shiver runs up his spine. Hyunmin chuckles awkwardly and rolls across to sit beside Jonghoon. He pats the newly vacated space, barely big enough for Junsu to fit in and it takes a few moments of Junsu's consideration. Hyunmin quickly grows tired of waiting and drags Junsu to the futon with them, huddling together as best they can to share body heat.
'Wait, if you're here, where's Minhwannie?' The blonde asks, suddenly bolting up on the other side of Hyunmin. Junsu bites his lip, glancing to Hyunmin and jerks numb fingers back in the direction of his tent. 'He's still asleep' He shrugs, noticing the way Hyunmin's eyes light up. Jonghoon opens his mouth but Hyunmin beats him to it, gently shoving him back to the futon as he sits up. 'Oh~ you couldn't sleep right? We forgot to warn you about Minhwan-ah's snoring' Junsu nods, not really following on but Hyunmin's eyes are dancing in the dim light and Junsu thinks he's spent too much time with Hyuncheol. Jonghoon sits up and Hyunmin twists awkwardly between them. 'Minhwannie doesn't snore' Jonghoon states, a little too defensively. It only makes Hyunmin grin wider. 'Well in that case you won't mind swapping tents with Junsu-Hyung, Right?' His large hands situate themselves against Jonghoon's shoulder blades and he's pushing the blonde to his feet.
'What?' Jonghoon squawks, even as Hyunmin continues to push him out of the tent. He's not quite dressed to be outside and Hyunmin takes pity on him, flinging his jacket in Jonghoon's face. 'Hurry up will you! Minhwan's probably getting cold all alone in that tent and all your yammering' will wake the others up' He pulls at the zipper before Jonghoon can respond, closing himself and Junsu into the small two-man tent. Neither says anything else as Hyunmin settles down beside him, close enough to feel the heat of another body but not enough to touch and they listen gleefully as Jonghoon trudges along to the other tent. Suddenly Junsu feels very tired.
Pairing: Junbros / MinorTaecsung / Onesided Minhoon?
Rating : PG13 For swearing
Summary: Junsu spends a little quality time with the boys and Jinwoon over hears something he shouldn't
Warnings: Minor swears
Notes: Sorry this chapter took me so long~~~ T.T Appearances from Suhoon (Mika), Hyuncheol (Karam) and Hyunmin from Daeguknamah/The Boss and Jonghoon and Minhwan from F.T.Island
Chansung and Taecyeon stay with Junho for two nights before Taecyeon manages to pull Chansung away. It kills Chansung inside, seeing his best friend so emotionally wrecked but Taecyeon insists that Junho needs time to himself to get back into a normal routine. Junsu will be home in a few days and things will be better but that doesn't stop Chansung from visiting after work every night, just in case.
Now that he's not watching Junho's every move, Chansung realises that Junsu's house, usually filled with music from Junsu's laptop or Ipod or CD player, is unusually silent save for the excited bark of the small retriever puppy as he steps through the door. The lights are off in every room and the house isn't much warmer than the crisp early spring air outside. Junki's food bowl is full and the water is fresh which is at least one positive.
'Yah, Junho! Where are you?' Chansung scoops the small dog into one of his arms, he's bigger now but still tiny in comparison to Chansung's thick limbs. His free hand brushes over his pocket, hovering near his cell phone as he checks each room on the ground floor of the house. The deep purple curtains in the living room are closed, as they had been last night and the night before but Junho is no longer curled in the corner of Junsu's couch watching TV. He checks the kitchen, bypassing the fridge for the first time in favour to look into Junsu's dining room. The sandwich Chansung made Junho yesterday still sat on the kitchen table. He clucks his tongue, ignoring the way his stomach drops. Junho's not eating.
Once he's dumped it into the trashcan, he makes his way upstairs, checking Junsu's bedroom and studio. Neither room seem to be inhabited, Junsu's bed is unmade and there's a fine layer of dust beginning to settle on Junsu's keyboard and drum set. He's about to leave Junsu's bedroom when he notices the ensuite door is ajar. Junki squirms in his arms and before he knows it he's following the yellow puppy into the ensuite.
Chansung flips the switch and instantly jumps back. There's a dark shadow in the bottom of the shower and it takes him a few minutes to realise it's Junho, complete with freshly-dyed black hair. His clothes are wet, a partially see-through t-shirt stuck to his skin and he can't help but wonder how long his friend has been sat like this for. His hair has dried, standing up in wayward clumps and Chansung can't seem to get a towel around his trembling shoulders fast enough.
---
'Hiking'
'Hiking?' Junsu repeats, staring at his cousin with wide eyes. It's too early for this. 'Yes, it was Hyunmin's idea to see the temples of Gatwabi' Suhoon shrugs, looking a little rueful. Who's idea was it to let Hyunmin decide on an activity? 'Hiking' He repeats again. Suhoon merely nods and it sinks in that no, this isn't some sick joke. 'We're leaving at 10' Suhoon grins and retreats back down his aunt's stairs.
Mrs Kim is just taking stock of the fridge contents when a phone vibrates to life beside her on the counter. She glances around, not recognising the ring tone until her eyes fall on Junsu's blackberry as it creeps closer and closer to the edge. She drops the note pad in her hand and reaches for the phone, barely catching it in time as it takes a freefall over the counter edge. She exhales, relieved, and glances down at the still ringing phone.
The caller ID flashes the name 'Junho' and there's a picture of a handsome young man with small eyes and bright orange hair. She clucks her tongue, kids these days are always trying to change the colour of their hair or skin but she can't help but think her son keeps rather attractive company. She's seen pictures of his friends whilst he's been away, and even thinking back to friends he kept at school, his friends have always had handsome faces.
She hesitates for a moment and calls for her son but Junsu doesn't reply and phones don't ring for long. 'Ah, H-hello?' She has no idea how to work his phone and presses one of the large buttons, holding it to her ear. There's an intake of breath, and the boy speaks. 'Oh, hello. I'm sorry, I was calling for Junsu?' The boy on the phone chokes on his words and clears his throat. Her motherly instincts kick into action and she's about to ask if he's ok when the boy starts again. 'Is he busy? I can call back later' She holds the phone away from her face for a moment and glances towards the ceiling. There's a thud, followed by another and she can just hear Junsu growl in frustration. 'He's just getting ready to go on a hike with some friends right now. Can I give him a message?' The boy hums in the background and lets out a defeated sigh. 'No, It's ok. I'll see him when he gets back. I'm sorry to have bothered you' they say their goodbyes and the boy hangs up. She waits for the screen to return to it's background, not knowing how to cancel the call herself and is somewhat surprised to see a picture of her son smiling amorously at the same boy. She furrows her brows and sets down the phone on the dining room table, just in time for Junsu to come rumbling down the stairs.
'Junsu, you just had a-' She's cut off by Junsu as he barrels into the living room, pulling on a short jacket. 'Have you seen my-' He stops mid sentence and bee-lines towards the table where his precious blackberry sits. 'Oh, never mind. I won't be back late' He smiles and moves close enough to brush his lips against her cheek and before she has chance to tell him about the call, her son is out of the door.
---
When 10am arrives, Junsu has somehow convinced himself that maybe hiking will be a good idea and joins the others outside. He could use the exercise after all the recent visits to cafe's with Hyuncheol, the sweet toothed fiend. Outside, Jonghoon is busy fussing over Minhwan, tightening the straps of his backpack whilst standing unnecessarily close to the other. Minhwan, blissfully aware in a land of his own just smiles appreciatively. Suhoon is standing in a circle with Hyunmin and Hyuncheol; trading things between their back packs, presumably trying to even the weight. They all turn as he closes the front door with an audible click of the lock and steps out into the courtyard between the two houses. Hyuncheol tilts his head in confusion. 'Where's your backpack?'
The other four boys nod as Junsu merges into the group. 'Didn't realise I needed one' He shrugs, adjusting the green scarf around his neck. A few of the boys notice his twitch, something they've noticed a few time through out the visit already but they put it down to an unconscious habit and leave things at that. 'How will you carry your things?' Minhwan asks, suddenly brightening. 'Want to put them in mine?' He offers, only to find Jonghoon pulling his straps even tighter. Junsu vaguely catches Jonghoon muttering something about his bag being too full already. Junsu pats down each of his pockets in turn, reciting the items out loud as if reading a checklist. Phone, Ipod, wallet and water bottle; he shakes the last for proof. 'No, I'm good' He smiles.
They wind up on the bus some time later, the hour long ride dragging. Junsu's Ipod can drown out the incessant chatter of the younger boys, but nothing can disguise the looks Jonghoon shoots him every time he takes out a headphone to answer one of Minhwan's questions, or when he shuffles along the dirty bus seats to make space for Minhwan beside him. It certainly doesn't help when the younger boy turns to him, lips drawn into a pout and eyes unusually large - an expression Junho has learnt will always get him his way- and asks him to adjust the too tight straps of his bag.
By lunchtime, the boys are part way up the trail and Junsu knows he's not going to find food anytime soon. The only things for sale on the way to the top are candles and offerings for Buddha. He slows down to watch a small girl balance a stone precariously on top of a tower of similar rocks, the rest of his group a little further up the path. He waits for the girl to finish her turn, a smile tugging at his lips as she manages to balance the last rock and quickly closes her eyes as she makes her wish. Her parents appear beside her, mother smiling politely to Junsu before they hurry her along. 'Remember not to tell anyone your wish or it won't come true' Her father grins, wagging his finger.
Junsu crouches, choosing a stone carefully, they're heavy in his hands but it's nothing compared to the weight in his stomach that's grown heavier with each day that Junho hasn't called. It's not that he's just waiting for Junho to call him, but when Junho doesn't answer his calls, there's nothing he can do but wait. Junsu's hands are unusually shaky as he tries to steady his rock. The tower of stones wobbles until they collapse under his hands, sending up a cloud of thick dust. 'Damn it, why won't he just call me?' Junsu yells, throwing his stone on top of the rubble. Suddenly his phone vibrates against his leg; he shoots up, pulling it from his pocket and presses it to his ear. 'Junho? Hello?' His palms are sweaty and his voice rings desperately in his own ears. 'Hyungie, where are you?' Junsu's hand slackens in his own disappointment and his phone crashes to the steps below.
An older couple a little way down notice the accident and the greying old man carefully picks up the pieces of Junsu's phone, passing it back apologetically. Junsu barely has time to thank him before a gleeful squeal comes from above. Minhwan is scurrying down towards him, dangerously fast for such awkward terrain. 'Slow down, Minhwannie' He calls, fearing for the other boy's safety. Junsu reaches Minhwan just as his foot catches a loose rock and he lurches forwards, his hands reaching out to brace himself against Junsu's chest and Junsu can do nothing but throw an arm around the younger to keep them upright.
Minhwan looks up at him, his heart thundering against Junsu's chest and the younger trembles in his arms, face flushed a rosy pink. Junsu is about to say something when he spots Jonghoon coming back around the bend, obviously looking for Minhwan. He stares at them for a second, a flash of something in his brown eyes when Minhwan remains pathetically pressed against his chest. His face says enough and Junsu feels even worse than he already does when Jonghoon turns sharply back up the stone stairs.
Another two hours and the group come to a halt in a clearing besides a candle stall. Jonghoon hasn't said a word or even glanced in Minhwan's direction and it's eating Junsu alive. Minhwan has still yet to notice. Instead, he strides at the front of the group with Hyunmin, talking loudly and pointing upwards tot he paths above. They're planning the next stretch of the hike, much to their friends' dismay. Suhoon and Jonghoon collapse onto a nearby wall complaining about muscles they've never used and Junsu feels nervous because it looks about as stable as his stone tower. Hyuncheol rearranges candles on a mat, much to the vendor's displeasure. 'We didn't make it to the statue yet. We can't stop now' Hyunmin insists. Besides him, Minhwan nods fervently in agreement. ' Oh no, we can't stop' He cries, bouncing on his heels. He turns his puppy dog face on the group and Hyuncheol whispers not so quietly that it's the first time Jonghoon has said no to that face. ' Oh yes, we can' Suhoon manages weakly before throwing himself at Hyunmin's feet.
The bus ride back home is even worse than the ride there. Hyunmin is busy texting for the majority of the journey, whilst Hyuncheol and Suhoon fall asleep, using his lap and shoulder as pillows. An awkward silence weighs in on them and Junsu looks between Jonghoon and Minhwan. Jonghoon still hasn't spoken a word to either of them and Minhwan seems to blush every time they meet eyes.
---
Jinwoon kicks a can, making his way to headquarters for an evening practice when he notices a familiar leather jacket and yellow puppy just ahead. There's a giddy jolt in his stomach. Junsu-Hyung was due to return from his trip to Daegu yesterday and it's been two and a half weeks since he last saw him. Maybe he brought presents. 'Hyung!' He calls, mouth working before he's already thought things through and he's running towards the older man. The dog turns at his shout but the man carries on walking and it doesn't occur to Jinwoon that his Hyung is walking too fast for a man who recently broke his leg. 'Hyung!' He calls again as he gets closer and closer to Junsu. The man doesn't respond and he internally shrugs it off. He's probably listening to his Ipod. Sometimes he thinks that Junsu will shrivel up and die without it.
He clamps his hand on Junsu's shoulder, turning the older man towards hum. 'Hyu-' He tries again, words quickly dying in his mouth as he realises it's not Junsu. 'Get off me' The other growls, jerking out of his grip and before he realises it, Jinwoon is sent cascading backwards, landing flat on his ass. His jaw throbs as the other retracts his arm and he finds himself looking up at a shell shocked Junho. They stay like that for a few moments, both in shock and it isn't until Junki bounces forwards to lick any available patch of skin that either moves.
'Shit, I'm so sorry' Junho says, tugging out his earphones and already bending to take a look at Jinwoon's face. His eyes are large, so much larger than Jinwoon thought capable and he clears his throat a few times to rid the gloss of unshed tears from his eyes. 'Hyung' He pauses, feeling awkward now Junho is so close. 'Are you ok?' The other nods, shoulders stiff and Jinwoon can tell he's strung up, ready to snap and he's not sure he wants to be around when it happens. 'I'm fine' Junho placates, pushing himself up. He offers a hand and Jinwoon glances up at him for a moment before accepting it. 'I'm so sorry, Jinwoon-sshi, you caught me off guard. Are you ok?' Junho looks honestly concerned now, lower lip worked between his teeth and Jinwoon gives a nod. 'I'm good Hyung'
'I thought you were Junsu-Hyung. Where is he?' Jinwoon asks as he brushes the dirt from his pants. Junki gives a soft yip, tugging at his lead and Junho bends to pick him up. He's holding the puppy all wrong but he doesn't seem to mind so Jinwoon keeps quiet. Junho seems to sadden at the mention of Junsu, shoulders sagging and Jinwoon instantly regrets saying anything. 'He's extending his stay. He'll be back in a week, I suppose' He scuffs his shoe on the pavement and it's easy to see that he misses the older man. There's something really off about Junho and he can't quite place it so he puts it down to Junho being lonely.
'Ah! Hyung, you're a dance teacher right?' Jinwoon already knows the answer and doesn't given Junho time to think as he grabs the older boy's wrist. 'You're just what we need! Come on' Jinwoon straightens up till he's towering over Junho and gives him a firm yank, pulling him in the direction of Junsu's company Head Quarters. 'What? Jinwoon-ah, What's going on?' Junho tries to resist, tugging firmly against the maknae's vice-like grip but soon gives up when he feels Junki tugging on the leash wrapped around his other wrist. He's out numbered.
'We're preparing an edgier song, a dance number but we don't have any dance experience. Well, there's Jo Kwon-Hyung but he only knows girl dances. We really need the help, Hyung and you'd be perfect' Jinwoon slows once the building comes into sight, grip on Junho relaxing a little. He doesn't try to break free of Jinwoon's grasp anymore, already resigned to his fate.
---
The rest of the group filter into the practice room some ten minutes later, instantly stopping in the doorway when a yellow ball of fluff skids across the laminate flooring towards them. The puppy barrels into Jo Kwon's ankles and the singer is almost sent flying if not for Changmin's hands reaching to steady him. 'That's Junsu's puppy' Seulong states, a little curious and the group all look up towards Junho. He flushes at the attention until Junki bounds back to him. 'Guys, this is Ju-' Jinwoon gestures towards him. 'Lee Junho-sshi' Changmin interrupts, striding across the room. 'Nice to meet you again' He pulls Junho into a hug, much to the others' surprise. 'Junsu's boyfriend' Jinwoon finishes dumbly.
Junho shrugs him off after he decides it's polite to do so, a shiver running up his spine. He's met Changmin a few times now and with every meeting the man seems a little stranger. He wondered vaguely if Junsu had noticed that and made not to ask him. It wasn't often they talked about the other trainee's.
'Oh!' Seulong pipes up, his and Jo Kwon's interest peaking at the new information. 'The dance teacher?' They quickly join the others, shaking hands with Junho and introducing themselves. 'You're a dance teacher?' Jo Kwon repeats, expression a little disbelieving as he saunters to the benches and drops his bag beside Jinwoon's. It's pink with a large sparkly G on one of the pockets and Junho quirks a brow. 'Ga-in's going to kill you if she notices that's missing' Seulong chuckles as he and Changmin deposit their bags too. The group quickly shed their jackets. 'Junho-sshi's agreed to help with our choreography' Jinwoon grins, an arm comfortably around his shoulder. The group maknae squeezes the shorter boy against his side. 'If that's ok' Junho adds on.
Jo Kwon's pained expression clearly signals that he's as far down as he can go into the splits, a tearing sound only confirming things. 'Oh my... Hyung, did you.. You didn't just rip your pants did you?' Jinwoon gasps. Junho turns back to the mirrors, watching their reflections. His chest heaves slightly, enjoying the gentle burn in his muscles the way he always does when he practices. He lets out a soft chuckle as Seulong scrambles over and stoops to help Jo Kwon up whilst he and Jinwoon try to prevent him from exposing anything.
His eyes drop to the floor and the reflection of Junki running in circles. Thick arms wrap around the puppy's middle, he's hoisted up to a broad chest and his eyes follow until he reaches Changmin's face. He doesn't know why or what but there's something deeply unsettling about that man. Changmin catches his eye and winks. Junho wonders for a moment but no, he did definitely wink. He feels a strange sensation in his stomach. Anxiety. Changmin's tongue darts out of his mouth, scraping across rough dry lips, eyes still locked with Junho's. Junho suddenly feels queasy and it would probably have only gotten worse if high pitched laughter hadn't broken out between the trio behind him. Jo Kwon hadn't ripped his pants after all.
---
Jinwoon is just leaving practice, the last to leave after taking an extra long shower in the trainee bathroom. It feels good to scrub all that sweat and dirt off. It's still cold outside and even the concrete stairwell has yet to begin to grow warm making him wish he'd remembered to bring an extra layering of clothing for his walk home. He pauses just outside the door, searching through his bag for his Ipod when he hears them. Two voices, one male and one female floating down from the very top platform. The same floor as the rooftop. He pauses, leaving his bag unzipped as the male voice sighs forlornly.
'Junsu's boyfriend was here' Says one, tone bordering pissy. There's a rustling of fabric and Jinwoon thinks one of them shrugged in response. 'Is that all you're going to say?' The first asks, more of an edge to their voice. A sneaker scuffs pavement. 'Jinwoon brought him to practice' Another squeaking of rubber on cement. 'I haven't seen him around here in a while' Jinwoon steps closer to the stairs, trying to move as silently as possible. Why would someone be talking about Junsu?
'One of the newbies - that ugly American said he's on holiday' The voice sounds uninterested and Jinwoon hears the rooftop door being opened. Ugly American? The only American to have joined lately was that new rapper, San-E or something. 'Is that so?' One of them says, the voice growing more distant. 'And here was little old me thinking we'd managed to get rid of him' Jinwoon claps both hands over his mouth, head reeling sudden wave of nausea over comes him. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. People within his own company, trying to physically hurt other trainees to get rid of the competition. The voices break into laughter, one disappearing only to be replaced by the sound of footsteps on gravel. 'It's not like we haven't tried hard enough' The second murmurs, so low that Jinwoon barely catches it. The door to the roof swings shut behind the second person and Jinwoon turns on his heels, rushing back to the practice room toilets to empty his stomach.
---
Junsu wakes up to scratchy nylon and biting cold. The futon beneath him is thin and worn, providing very little protection from the uneven ground beneath him. There's a head of dark hair just in front of him, a wide nose and thick lips that are oh so inviting to his sleep-laden brain. He'd be warmer if he were kissing he decides, wriggling down in the sleeping bag to move closer to his boyfriend. The other seems to sense his thoughts and the grip on his jacket tightens, moving unconsciously closer together. He hums sleepily to himself, just some random tune he'd heard on the radio earlier that day. It's nice to be back with Junho, even if they're stuck in a shabby little tent on a campsite in Daegu.
And then Junsu wakes up. His lips are mere inches away from the boy curled around him and this is all so wrong. It isn't Junho but Minhwan in the tent with him, a very much younger and unknowingly taken Minhwan. Shit. Shit. Shit. Junsu reels backwards, carefully prying Minhwan's warm hands from the front of his jacket. Don't wake up. Don't wake up. In the darkness he doesn't see Minhwan's smile drop. He's quietly stuffs his feet into his boots, silently cursing Jonghoon for even suggesting camping in the first place. 'Hnn.. Hyung?' There's a soft murmur and a shuffle of blankets and Junsu glances in the darkness to the younger boy, watching as he curls up into a ball. 'It's ok, Minhwannie' He placates, rubbing the boy's shin through the thin blankets. 'I'm just going for some fresh air' He doesn't hear Minhwan's disappointed sigh over the tent zipper.
He clutches his jacket to his chest as he treads over towards the dwindling fire. He stubs his toe on an extra large rock and curses without thinking. There's a rustle from the tent besides them and Junsu bites down on his knuckles to muffle his groan. The air out here is even cooler than the tent and Junsu zips up his body warmer, jamming his hands into his pockets. It's pitch black outside, save for the moon and a handful of twinkling stars. It's still too early to wake up properly but the near kiss won't allow him to fall back to sleep just yet.
So he pokes his head into Suhoon and Hyuncheol's tent, not entirely sure whether he's surprised or not to find the pair clinging to each other. Suhoon's arms are wrapped around the younger, holding him close to his chest and it's only thanks to a small lamp in the corner that he notices Hyuncheol is sucking his own thumb. Junsu sighs wistfully, his chest a little tight with the ache of being separated from Junho and as though Hyuncheol can sense his presence, he promptly slaps Suhoon across the face and rolls over. Suhoon smacks his lips, once, twice and takes hold of him again.
Junsu leaves the tent, making sure to firmly pull the zipper closed to block out the cold when it dawns on him that there's a light coming from the third tent. Hyunmin and Jonghoon's tent. He strides over to their tent and crouches just outside the entrance. 'Hey, are you guys awake?' It's a stupid question to ask, he can hear low voices coming from within the tent but there's a pause in the conversation and Hyunmin's head pops out from the opening. 'Oh man! It's freezing' He hisses, quickly moving back inside. 'Get in. Hurry, hurry!' He gestures and Junsu doesn't think twice about slipping inside.
Jonghoon seems to shrink back into the far corner but his body language is defensive, arms crossed over his chest and face filled with tension. Junsu swallows the lump in his throat. 'Who's bright idea was this again?' He jokes, and his laughter splutters as a shiver runs up his spine. Hyunmin chuckles awkwardly and rolls across to sit beside Jonghoon. He pats the newly vacated space, barely big enough for Junsu to fit in and it takes a few moments of Junsu's consideration. Hyunmin quickly grows tired of waiting and drags Junsu to the futon with them, huddling together as best they can to share body heat.
'Wait, if you're here, where's Minhwannie?' The blonde asks, suddenly bolting up on the other side of Hyunmin. Junsu bites his lip, glancing to Hyunmin and jerks numb fingers back in the direction of his tent. 'He's still asleep' He shrugs, noticing the way Hyunmin's eyes light up. Jonghoon opens his mouth but Hyunmin beats him to it, gently shoving him back to the futon as he sits up. 'Oh~ you couldn't sleep right? We forgot to warn you about Minhwan-ah's snoring' Junsu nods, not really following on but Hyunmin's eyes are dancing in the dim light and Junsu thinks he's spent too much time with Hyuncheol. Jonghoon sits up and Hyunmin twists awkwardly between them. 'Minhwannie doesn't snore' Jonghoon states, a little too defensively. It only makes Hyunmin grin wider. 'Well in that case you won't mind swapping tents with Junsu-Hyung, Right?' His large hands situate themselves against Jonghoon's shoulder blades and he's pushing the blonde to his feet.
'What?' Jonghoon squawks, even as Hyunmin continues to push him out of the tent. He's not quite dressed to be outside and Hyunmin takes pity on him, flinging his jacket in Jonghoon's face. 'Hurry up will you! Minhwan's probably getting cold all alone in that tent and all your yammering' will wake the others up' He pulls at the zipper before Jonghoon can respond, closing himself and Junsu into the small two-man tent. Neither says anything else as Hyunmin settles down beside him, close enough to feel the heat of another body but not enough to touch and they listen gleefully as Jonghoon trudges along to the other tent. Suddenly Junsu feels very tired.