Mask - Chapter 5
Mask
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: HenHae, YeBum
Genre: AU!Family, Drama/Minor!Angst, Romance
Length: Chaptered
Summary: Whisked in the arms of a wealthy and charming bachelor, its all smiles and sweeping happiness in front of the camera lenses. A fairy-tale ending that was short lived.
§ The Fifth Thread §
***
The two kids hovered above him.
"My dad said if you don't talk to us, I have permission to put this on your head."
The young Jongwoon glanced at the bag full of red mashed raspberries, sitting on the ground beside the fountain. He remained still however, making no expression when the kid turned the bag over. The red smashed goo fell in chucks from his head, he made no expression as the two ran in laughter.
He washed his hair in the fountain, walking to his mom who smiled, asking him what had happened. He replied effortlessly,
"Just played with some friends."
-
Jongwoon woke up, tired as he tried to recall the memory that played in his dream but couldn't fully remember. He shrugged it off as he groggily rose from the bed.
He dressed in a casual blazer over fitted jeans, reaching over the locked box that laid on the dresser, reaching for the expensive watch thrown carelessly beside it. He thought of his schedules that day and to his relief, he was quite free. He thought of visiting his mother, but the thought of that person held him back.
He scolded himself, and decided to shift that worrisome thought to the side.
He walked downstairs of his apartment, only to be welcomed by his younger brother lounging on the couch.
"You just arrived home?"
"Guilty." Henry drawled exhaustively. "But at least now you know where I am."
Jongwoon settled in, leaving his belongings on the floor beside the fireplace. "Isn't he too old for you?" Donghae had just celebrated his thirtieth birthday.
"It's never bothered me." Henry peered out of one eye, "I guess you want someone closer to your age then?"
Jongwoon didn't answer that and looked back, his brother now involved in a seemingly careless, yet committed, lifestyle.
"Marry someone suitable." His grandmother cautioned him since his youth. "It is a mistake to marry an outsider. This lesson should not be repeated."
Marry someone from Rien, that was the message he had to obey.
-
Donghae looked around at the large studio apartment, overlooking most of the urban city below from the large glass windows. The realtor smiled behind him, gesturing her hands. "As you can see, this is quite spacious despite its outer appearance."
She waited as Donghae continued to examine it, he seemed pleased with it. "Have you made a decision?"
"Ah, actually, my boyfriend is going to check the apartment out with me."
She nodded. "No problem, call me if you made a decision by then." She walked back to the vacant kitchen as she spoke on her cell.
Donghae gave a short smile, continuing to examine the polished interior when he heard distinct footsteps. He turned his head as Henry stepped inside.
The afternoon rays lit the pale blue colored low-lights. His leather jacket fit to his frame over his faded jeans, the sunglasses remained on from the bright lights within. Beside Donghae's flimsy suit, it was apparent how different they were.
"What do you think?" Donghae asked earnestly, the realtor quickly stepped towards them as Henry continued to look around, through his elaborate clothing, she could not recognize the celebrity standing in her place. An observation that relieved the writer.
"Is there anything specific you'd like to see?"
Henry overlooked her. "I mainly want to see the bedroom, after all, that's where we'll be spending the most time."
The realtor gave an awkward smile as Henry returned his own. "I'll...I'll leave you two to see around then."
"That's probably for the best." Henry added, she left them be. Henry remained on the spot however, standing on polished wooden floors. "You're moving?" He asked, glancing out the large glass windows.
"My lease will be up soon, so I thought of looking for a new place now."
"Studio apartments are pretty expensive, can you afford them?" He pressed a single hand on the glass, peering at the writer's pondering look.
After a long silence, Donghae sheepishly replied, "I'll attempt."
Henry crossed his arms. Beneath his intense and scrutinizing stare, Donghae crumbled within seconds. "I want to get a better apartment. After I saw your house, my apartment is so..."
Henry took that to offense. "Do you think that much of me?"
"No, it's just that... I thought you might like to come visit me in something nicer, more suitable."
"I don't visit because someone has a nice place. It's the person I look forward to seeing." Donghae nodded once more as Henry exhaled, lifting himself off the glass. He strolled to spare a few seconds examining the interior with Donghae in tow.
He lifted his bangs absentmindedly, revealing the fuchsia tint beneath his raven black hair.
"Instead, I rather you spend that extra money on a new bed, one more week and it'll break."
The flustered Donghae nearly stumbled forward.
-
"How is my mother's condition?" Jongwoon asked, now settled before the desk. His tone leveled, his actions professional. He kept his gaze guarded, averted from making possible eye contact.
"She's doing fine." Kibum responded, looking from the files to the man sitting across from him. "The treatment can be altered."
"I want my mother better, but not to turn her into a lifeless person." The very thought made him on edge. Kibum nodded, scribbling down on the pages. It was only as Kibum turned his attention elsewhere did Jongwoon dare to look up.
"I didn't think you'd be a doctor." He commented, studying him closely.
"You said you'd never be with someone who didn't make something of themselves. Haven't I done that?" Jongwoon thinned his lips. Kibum looked up just as Jongwoon looked away. "Why the look? You were the one who claimed my heart was worthless."
Jongwoon abruptly stood up from his seat, "We're done here, aren't we?"
"If you say we are, then I guess we must be."
Jongwoon hardened his gaze and stepped out of the office with Kibum in tow. Kibum explained to the swift glare sent his way. "I have patients to check up to too, you just happen to be in the same path as I."
A cart abruptly steered through the hallway, Jongwoon turned around with raised hands. He accidentally pressed his hands against Kibum's chest, the familiar smirk made its way to his lips.
"A chance to feel up what you could have had."
Jongwoon glared as he withdrew his hands. The doctor maintained his persona as the man left his sight. He couldn't help but observe the grace that came with each of the singer's steps.
Jongwoon resumed his composure once within the room. His mother looked up and grinned at his presence, her son glanced at the photo album in his hand.
"Henry brought all the books?" Jongwoon realized, staring at the abundance inside the drawer. He reached inside and opened a small one that was delicately put together. His mother glanced at each page he flipped through, when she forced her hand between a page in particular.
"Dad is busy right now." Jongwoon replied, his mother continued to touch the photo. She looked behind him, as if he were hiding. Jongwoon then reached into the bag he brought with him, beneath the food he took out the object.
Jongwoon put on a red and white mask, and sang in a particularly low voice as his hands moved in precise direction. His mom stopped and grinned wildly.
The door opened. "Mom- THE HELL!"
Jongwoon looked straight at him, the mask still covering his face as Henry nearly fell back against the wall in shock. His hand over his heart. "Don't wear those things."
Jongwoon took off the mask and handed it to his mom, who stared at it with glee.
"I didn't think you still had that." Henry took a deep breath as he patted his chest. The door opened once more and Jongwoon looked past his brother at the second arrival.
"Good evening." Donghae bowed at his lowest, Jongwoon gave a short bow of the head.
"I'll be leaving then." Jongwoon uttered, kissing his distracted mom on the cheek and then leaving the room, not bothering with a second glance towards Donghae. A gesture that went widely noticed.
Henry scratched the back of his neck when he turned around. His mother tilted her head, both her hands held the mask that covered her face.
"Mom... That isn't flattering." Henry commented with a softened smile.
Li Yin's smiling eyes appeared through the mask.
-
The photos sprawled across the glass desk, eyes examining the subjects within, unaware of the photographer that kept by.
The amber drink clinked as it was set on the glass, atop of their faces, obscuring their repulsive bodies from his view.
Their true colors had yet to be seen.
-
Henry sat across from Donghae in the casual cafe, observing the writer's somber expression.
"...Will your family accept me?" Donghae chose to ask after a long silence.
"Does it matter to you?" Henry countered calmly, looking up at the blatant concern that displayed itself. Henry twirled the straw in his drink. "The only person you have to impress is my mother, and you've already gained her liking. And my father will accept you."
Truth remained, Henry had never brought anyone home, and could only hope he was right on his father's assumption. "As for my brother, so far, he doesn't seem to mind you... as much."
"I need a better job? It's because of my salary isn't it-"
"No." Henry interjected. "My brother doesn't care about one's salary. In fact, the higher it is, the more he tends to hate you."
"...I should have rejected my raise then." Henry laughed when he realized Donghae was serious.
He gestured for the writer to place his hand on the table. Once laid, Henry reached out and squeezed it reassuringly, the corners of the writer's lips twitched upwards at the gesture.
"What of your family members then?" Donghae asked as their hands parted once his tea arrived.
The younger's gaze hardened at the mere mention. "Reputation is the only thing that matters to them."
The family's crest acted as a shield against the wrongdoings committed within the household. Never once was an outsider able to incriminate the family.
He stared at Donghae for a long while, as if debating whether to speak his thoughts. He shifted his eyes before lifting his drink, his finger on the straw. "Ge had always been the calm one, the one the Ahn family had preferred. A natural, but it never once got to his head."
Donghae gave a sympathetic glance. Henry, however, didn't seem put off by his own words. Rather, his gaze softened as he confided. "I never realized the extent he went to protect me."
"Your brother is a good person." Henry glanced upwards as Donghae mixed his tea. "I know he must be, the way he cares for you and your mother despite the family. I admire him."
Henry stared blankly for a while longer. To be frank, he never met anyone who assumed the best of his brother, particularly those snubbed by him, even if Henry had known it to be true.
Then his thoughts drifted to the doctor his brother notably avoided at all costs. It was a past Jongwoon hadn't explained, Henry decided he wouldn't ask.
He sipped his drink when he recalled an observation from earlier. "What did my mother give you?"
Donghae lowered his gaze to his hands, unable to meet Henry's studious one that narrowed suspiciously. The man couldn't lie, and simply chose not to say anything of the matter. He instead redirected the question.
"Do you know how to put a kimono on?"
Henry blinked, "Yes. It's such a hassle to put on though... But if you take it off for me, I don't see why not."
The straw remained between his lips as he looked up, a keen glint that heightened as he observed the soft reddened hue that filled the writer's cheeks.
In his pocket was a single photo, the same one Li Yin repeatedly forced into his hand that he couldn't refuse.
Within the photo was the child Henry in an over-sized kimono, knelt on the ground with distorted pale red paint on his skin, and his small fist to his cheek. Beside him Jongwoon, with mild gray paint on his chin, had stumbled over the robe, the picture taken moments before he hit the ground.
Then there was a third child, his face obscured, whose arm held out before Jongwoon to break his fall.
-
"Gege!" The young Henry called out excitedly, running towards the fountain. Jongwoon's hair was soaking wet. Henry noticed the two kids who ran away, snickering loudly.
"Did you get what you wanted?" Li Yin asked, having just given him some change to buy a snack. Jongwoon nodded and held her hand, Henry reached for his.
"But we didn't steal anything!"
Henry looked back and recognized the two kids from earlier, this time paired with worried looks as the shopkeeper held a few priced items in his hand.
"Then how do you explain this then?" The shopkeeper uttered, pointing to the merchandise that appeared in their pockets.
"We-We..." They both faltered as they were taken in by their parents, given a harsh scolding.
Jongwoon tugged his younger brother's hand as they left the park.
-
"What are you doing?" A co-worker asked, Eunhyuk sighed.
"Adding the final touches to my interview." He still recalled the singer who answered each question without nothing new, a private individual. The singer didn't set himself apart from the others, but he still gained a large following.
He hid his disappointment, but almost relieved to have it end. Something about the idol edged him, and he couldn't place why.
He then opened his laptop to check some files when he noticed a numbered file he didn't recognize.
He clicked on the folder and there, in plain but newsworthy view, laid hundreds of photos.
| Chapter 4 | - | Chapter 6 |
A/N: Rien is another term for the Kabuki world.
Each color mentioned in this story symbolizes a meaning in Kabuki, Henry's highlights also correlate to the meaning as well.
Since the laptop had been out of use for the past 4 updates, shall post each chap within hours of each other. Chapter 7B should have been regularly posted today and the epilogue on Monday.
Comms: my-prection: SuJu Rare Pairs
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: HenHae, YeBum
Genre: AU!Family, Drama/Minor!Angst, Romance
Length: Chaptered
Summary: Whisked in the arms of a wealthy and charming bachelor, its all smiles and sweeping happiness in front of the camera lenses. A fairy-tale ending that was short lived.
§ The Fifth Thread §
***
The two kids hovered above him.
"My dad said if you don't talk to us, I have permission to put this on your head."
The young Jongwoon glanced at the bag full of red mashed raspberries, sitting on the ground beside the fountain. He remained still however, making no expression when the kid turned the bag over. The red smashed goo fell in chucks from his head, he made no expression as the two ran in laughter.
He washed his hair in the fountain, walking to his mom who smiled, asking him what had happened. He replied effortlessly,
"Just played with some friends."
-
Jongwoon woke up, tired as he tried to recall the memory that played in his dream but couldn't fully remember. He shrugged it off as he groggily rose from the bed.
He dressed in a casual blazer over fitted jeans, reaching over the locked box that laid on the dresser, reaching for the expensive watch thrown carelessly beside it. He thought of his schedules that day and to his relief, he was quite free. He thought of visiting his mother, but the thought of that person held him back.
He scolded himself, and decided to shift that worrisome thought to the side.
He walked downstairs of his apartment, only to be welcomed by his younger brother lounging on the couch.
"You just arrived home?"
"Guilty." Henry drawled exhaustively. "But at least now you know where I am."
Jongwoon settled in, leaving his belongings on the floor beside the fireplace. "Isn't he too old for you?" Donghae had just celebrated his thirtieth birthday.
"It's never bothered me." Henry peered out of one eye, "I guess you want someone closer to your age then?"
Jongwoon didn't answer that and looked back, his brother now involved in a seemingly careless, yet committed, lifestyle.
"Marry someone suitable." His grandmother cautioned him since his youth. "It is a mistake to marry an outsider. This lesson should not be repeated."
Marry someone from Rien, that was the message he had to obey.
-
Donghae looked around at the large studio apartment, overlooking most of the urban city below from the large glass windows. The realtor smiled behind him, gesturing her hands. "As you can see, this is quite spacious despite its outer appearance."
She waited as Donghae continued to examine it, he seemed pleased with it. "Have you made a decision?"
"Ah, actually, my boyfriend is going to check the apartment out with me."
She nodded. "No problem, call me if you made a decision by then." She walked back to the vacant kitchen as she spoke on her cell.
Donghae gave a short smile, continuing to examine the polished interior when he heard distinct footsteps. He turned his head as Henry stepped inside.
The afternoon rays lit the pale blue colored low-lights. His leather jacket fit to his frame over his faded jeans, the sunglasses remained on from the bright lights within. Beside Donghae's flimsy suit, it was apparent how different they were.
"What do you think?" Donghae asked earnestly, the realtor quickly stepped towards them as Henry continued to look around, through his elaborate clothing, she could not recognize the celebrity standing in her place. An observation that relieved the writer.
"Is there anything specific you'd like to see?"
Henry overlooked her. "I mainly want to see the bedroom, after all, that's where we'll be spending the most time."
The realtor gave an awkward smile as Henry returned his own. "I'll...I'll leave you two to see around then."
"That's probably for the best." Henry added, she left them be. Henry remained on the spot however, standing on polished wooden floors. "You're moving?" He asked, glancing out the large glass windows.
"My lease will be up soon, so I thought of looking for a new place now."
"Studio apartments are pretty expensive, can you afford them?" He pressed a single hand on the glass, peering at the writer's pondering look.
After a long silence, Donghae sheepishly replied, "I'll attempt."
Henry crossed his arms. Beneath his intense and scrutinizing stare, Donghae crumbled within seconds. "I want to get a better apartment. After I saw your house, my apartment is so..."
Henry took that to offense. "Do you think that much of me?"
"No, it's just that... I thought you might like to come visit me in something nicer, more suitable."
"I don't visit because someone has a nice place. It's the person I look forward to seeing." Donghae nodded once more as Henry exhaled, lifting himself off the glass. He strolled to spare a few seconds examining the interior with Donghae in tow.
He lifted his bangs absentmindedly, revealing the fuchsia tint beneath his raven black hair.
"Instead, I rather you spend that extra money on a new bed, one more week and it'll break."
The flustered Donghae nearly stumbled forward.
-
"How is my mother's condition?" Jongwoon asked, now settled before the desk. His tone leveled, his actions professional. He kept his gaze guarded, averted from making possible eye contact.
"She's doing fine." Kibum responded, looking from the files to the man sitting across from him. "The treatment can be altered."
"I want my mother better, but not to turn her into a lifeless person." The very thought made him on edge. Kibum nodded, scribbling down on the pages. It was only as Kibum turned his attention elsewhere did Jongwoon dare to look up.
"I didn't think you'd be a doctor." He commented, studying him closely.
"You said you'd never be with someone who didn't make something of themselves. Haven't I done that?" Jongwoon thinned his lips. Kibum looked up just as Jongwoon looked away. "Why the look? You were the one who claimed my heart was worthless."
Jongwoon abruptly stood up from his seat, "We're done here, aren't we?"
"If you say we are, then I guess we must be."
Jongwoon hardened his gaze and stepped out of the office with Kibum in tow. Kibum explained to the swift glare sent his way. "I have patients to check up to too, you just happen to be in the same path as I."
A cart abruptly steered through the hallway, Jongwoon turned around with raised hands. He accidentally pressed his hands against Kibum's chest, the familiar smirk made its way to his lips.
"A chance to feel up what you could have had."
Jongwoon glared as he withdrew his hands. The doctor maintained his persona as the man left his sight. He couldn't help but observe the grace that came with each of the singer's steps.
Jongwoon resumed his composure once within the room. His mother looked up and grinned at his presence, her son glanced at the photo album in his hand.
"Henry brought all the books?" Jongwoon realized, staring at the abundance inside the drawer. He reached inside and opened a small one that was delicately put together. His mother glanced at each page he flipped through, when she forced her hand between a page in particular.
"Dad is busy right now." Jongwoon replied, his mother continued to touch the photo. She looked behind him, as if he were hiding. Jongwoon then reached into the bag he brought with him, beneath the food he took out the object.
Jongwoon put on a red and white mask, and sang in a particularly low voice as his hands moved in precise direction. His mom stopped and grinned wildly.
The door opened. "Mom- THE HELL!"
Jongwoon looked straight at him, the mask still covering his face as Henry nearly fell back against the wall in shock. His hand over his heart. "Don't wear those things."
Jongwoon took off the mask and handed it to his mom, who stared at it with glee.
"I didn't think you still had that." Henry took a deep breath as he patted his chest. The door opened once more and Jongwoon looked past his brother at the second arrival.
"Good evening." Donghae bowed at his lowest, Jongwoon gave a short bow of the head.
"I'll be leaving then." Jongwoon uttered, kissing his distracted mom on the cheek and then leaving the room, not bothering with a second glance towards Donghae. A gesture that went widely noticed.
Henry scratched the back of his neck when he turned around. His mother tilted her head, both her hands held the mask that covered her face.
"Mom... That isn't flattering." Henry commented with a softened smile.
Li Yin's smiling eyes appeared through the mask.
-
The photos sprawled across the glass desk, eyes examining the subjects within, unaware of the photographer that kept by.
The amber drink clinked as it was set on the glass, atop of their faces, obscuring their repulsive bodies from his view.
Their true colors had yet to be seen.
-
Henry sat across from Donghae in the casual cafe, observing the writer's somber expression.
"...Will your family accept me?" Donghae chose to ask after a long silence.
"Does it matter to you?" Henry countered calmly, looking up at the blatant concern that displayed itself. Henry twirled the straw in his drink. "The only person you have to impress is my mother, and you've already gained her liking. And my father will accept you."
Truth remained, Henry had never brought anyone home, and could only hope he was right on his father's assumption. "As for my brother, so far, he doesn't seem to mind you... as much."
"I need a better job? It's because of my salary isn't it-"
"No." Henry interjected. "My brother doesn't care about one's salary. In fact, the higher it is, the more he tends to hate you."
"...I should have rejected my raise then." Henry laughed when he realized Donghae was serious.
He gestured for the writer to place his hand on the table. Once laid, Henry reached out and squeezed it reassuringly, the corners of the writer's lips twitched upwards at the gesture.
"What of your family members then?" Donghae asked as their hands parted once his tea arrived.
The younger's gaze hardened at the mere mention. "Reputation is the only thing that matters to them."
The family's crest acted as a shield against the wrongdoings committed within the household. Never once was an outsider able to incriminate the family.
He stared at Donghae for a long while, as if debating whether to speak his thoughts. He shifted his eyes before lifting his drink, his finger on the straw. "Ge had always been the calm one, the one the Ahn family had preferred. A natural, but it never once got to his head."
Donghae gave a sympathetic glance. Henry, however, didn't seem put off by his own words. Rather, his gaze softened as he confided. "I never realized the extent he went to protect me."
"Your brother is a good person." Henry glanced upwards as Donghae mixed his tea. "I know he must be, the way he cares for you and your mother despite the family. I admire him."
Henry stared blankly for a while longer. To be frank, he never met anyone who assumed the best of his brother, particularly those snubbed by him, even if Henry had known it to be true.
Then his thoughts drifted to the doctor his brother notably avoided at all costs. It was a past Jongwoon hadn't explained, Henry decided he wouldn't ask.
He sipped his drink when he recalled an observation from earlier. "What did my mother give you?"
Donghae lowered his gaze to his hands, unable to meet Henry's studious one that narrowed suspiciously. The man couldn't lie, and simply chose not to say anything of the matter. He instead redirected the question.
"Do you know how to put a kimono on?"
Henry blinked, "Yes. It's such a hassle to put on though... But if you take it off for me, I don't see why not."
The straw remained between his lips as he looked up, a keen glint that heightened as he observed the soft reddened hue that filled the writer's cheeks.
In his pocket was a single photo, the same one Li Yin repeatedly forced into his hand that he couldn't refuse.
Within the photo was the child Henry in an over-sized kimono, knelt on the ground with distorted pale red paint on his skin, and his small fist to his cheek. Beside him Jongwoon, with mild gray paint on his chin, had stumbled over the robe, the picture taken moments before he hit the ground.
Then there was a third child, his face obscured, whose arm held out before Jongwoon to break his fall.
-
"Gege!" The young Henry called out excitedly, running towards the fountain. Jongwoon's hair was soaking wet. Henry noticed the two kids who ran away, snickering loudly.
"Did you get what you wanted?" Li Yin asked, having just given him some change to buy a snack. Jongwoon nodded and held her hand, Henry reached for his.
"But we didn't steal anything!"
Henry looked back and recognized the two kids from earlier, this time paired with worried looks as the shopkeeper held a few priced items in his hand.
"Then how do you explain this then?" The shopkeeper uttered, pointing to the merchandise that appeared in their pockets.
"We-We..." They both faltered as they were taken in by their parents, given a harsh scolding.
Jongwoon tugged his younger brother's hand as they left the park.
-
"What are you doing?" A co-worker asked, Eunhyuk sighed.
"Adding the final touches to my interview." He still recalled the singer who answered each question without nothing new, a private individual. The singer didn't set himself apart from the others, but he still gained a large following.
He hid his disappointment, but almost relieved to have it end. Something about the idol edged him, and he couldn't place why.
He then opened his laptop to check some files when he noticed a numbered file he didn't recognize.
He clicked on the folder and there, in plain but newsworthy view, laid hundreds of photos.
| Chapter 4 | - | Chapter 6 |
A/N: Rien is another term for the Kabuki world.
Each color mentioned in this story symbolizes a meaning in Kabuki, Henry's highlights also correlate to the meaning as well.
Since the laptop had been out of use for the past 4 updates, shall post each chap within hours of each other. Chapter 7B should have been regularly posted today and the epilogue on Monday.
Comms: my-prection: SuJu Rare Pairs