Mask - Chapter 6
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 Sixth Thread §
***
Tourists could often glance at the photos hung from the walls, photos of established and famed Kabuki actors. The final photo hung was that of his father. The next successor's print had yet to be hung.
Succeeding the Ahn name, that was still a topic murmured amongst the elders of the family. Jongwoon strode past them, knowing the whispers and hopeful glances were aimed towards him.
The primary roles in each act were given foremost to the sons of the distinguished families, the highest preference given to an Ahn. Yet if no one could fill the role, it'd be handed to another family's. A travesty the family could not accept.
Jongwoon had long declined the role. His younger brother wasn't suitable choice. The next option would be to adopt an outside actor with high talent and training, a possible consideration but still a reluctant choice. The talk only increased with his father's rumored retirement.
"You have been trained in your youth, you were quite exceptional, a quick learner." His grandmother told him, dressed in a purple flowered, formal black kimono. "You simply need to return to your studies."
"It is not for me." Jongwoon politely declined, knelt on the ground with his gaze lowered. "I cannot abandon my career now."
"Your career will only strengthen."
Jongwoon only bowed apologetically, once the paneled doors closed behind him, he felt the whispers resurface.
"You declined her yet again?" He glanced up at another actor's face from another family, a kind man who he associated with since his youth. "She is losing patience."
"We're all aware of that," A feminine voice said kindly. Jongwoon bowed lowly as the actor made his exit, whose spot was replaced by the woman who smiled politely. "I understand that at your age, you may not want to work in a traditional work as this. I truly do, but think of your poor grandmother. I'm sure even Kangta would enjoy having his son succeed his name."
Her softened fingertips brushed against his cheek in a gentle manner. "If you ever need to talk, know that I'm always around."
She waved her character smile that captured thousands and went about her way, Jongwoon paused on the spot.
He remained stoic as he walked the outside corridors of the home, hands clutching the wooden panels. Even with the harsh winds beating against him, his skin still burned.
-
The large poster advertising the play, set there for weeks, had been abruptly changed.
The main lead had change, only days before it was set to begin.
"It's unfortunate," A fellow nurse gossiped with her co-worker inside the building within the file room. "He didn't seem like that."
"The photos are disgusting. Kim Heechul should have known better,"
"But he's so pretty, maybe the Ahns will still adopt him to debut-"
"They won't."
Both nurses froze at the declaration, Kibum returned the files and left without another word, they exchanged curious looks.
"How would he know?" She asked. Her co-worker could only shrug.
-
Henry walked into the living room of Jongwoon's house, surprised to see Kibum sitting idly by. "What are you doing here?"
"Your brother invited me." Kibum smiled, Henry arched an eyebrow and glanced at his brother's fuming self. It was quite obvious that he didn't. Yet Henry seemed too distracted than to further interrogate the intruder.
"Why are you here?" Jongwoon asked, although he seemed relieved. Their conversation reverted to Mandarin.
"Just a small fight with Donghae."
"Ah, then you'll be moving back in?"
Henry furrowed his eyebrows. "Staying over for a few nights isn't moving in. And it's just a small fight, I left to clear off some steam and to let him suffer just a bit." He pursed his lips before replying, "Not every fight means we're breaking up Ge."
Jongwoon blinked. Henry settled on the couch without bothering to explain. He was unable to focus his attention on reading or music, the cell remaining on his lap although he refused to look at it.
Once it rang, Henry answered it. "If you want to see me, come over."
It was a while later when the door rang. Henry opened it to reveal a dejected Donghae standing there. "I'll be right back." Henry called out.
Kibum glanced out the window to see the two speak calmly to one another, within minutes Donghae had grappled Henry tightly in his embrace.
Kibum side-eye the reflection from the television, able to see Jongwoon standing behind him. "Why do you not like him?" No reply. "Do you think he's using him?"
"Maybe."
"Are you afraid Donghae won't be accepted by your grandmother?" Jongwoon turned away, averting his question as he reached for a much needed drink. "You still care for your brother's well-being, even after all this time."
Jongwoon slowly poured the drink into his glasses, his silence continued, able to choose which questions to answered as he pleased.
The door opened afterward as the two walked in, Jongwoon's intent gaze then shifted to Donghae who instantly bowed. The writer noted the exchange of glances between the brothers and a short sentence he had yet to understand.
"It's a force of habit, I guess." Jongwoon replied in Mandarin, his voice evicted of all emotion. Henry smiled weakly as Jongwoon continued to stare down Donghae, the intense stare clearly making the man nervous.
"You have a show to do tonight, remember that." Henry reminded his older brother who vaguely nodded. Kibum observed as Henry reached over to the selection of films that were beside the unused fireplace beneath the television.
"I thought you preferred reading to watching movies?" Donghae asked.
"There's subtitles, almost the same experience." Henry cheekily replied.
The movie began to play. Henry and Donghae settled on the ground, with Henry's back to Donghae's chest. Jongwoon sat on the couch opposite of Kibum, keeping his distance and sitting at the far end of it.
Kibum knew Jongwoon for much longer, they had delved their secrets and understood each other's ugly sides from the past. Yet he envied the pair across, as Henry paid attention to the film, Donghae unconsciously held him closer and adjusted himself. They were far more comfortable despite how little they knew. Or maybe he was simply being presumptuous.
Henry, like his brother, was as difficult to approach. The fact that Henry bothered to reconcile with Donghae was a signal of that change.
Kibum's gaze trailed to Jongwoon who sat at the other end of the couch. He was this physically close, but the man still held up a barrier he couldn't cross. His chances of attaining the relationship, the one he craved, wanted desperately with Jongwoon, were growing slimmer by the day.
"What do you, compared to everyone else, have to offer me?"
The nineteen year old Kibum held him back that night, Jongwoon's back turned against him, the faint light illuminating their intertwined shadows. With his wrist firmly in his grip, Kibum replied sincerely, simply,
"Love."
Jongwoon didn't take that deeply, his expression unreadable as he pulled away from his grasp.
"That doesn't benefit me."
Donghae and Henry remained close throughout the film, the writer's attention remained on the younger who laid in his grasp.
Kibum could only stare at the short yet blatant distance between Jongwoon and him. That even if they both held out their hands, they wouldn't be able to reach.
-
Donghae stood by the dresser, rooted to the spot within Henry's bedroom. He had initially planned to leave after the movie, once he had settled with Henry. Yet at the pouring rain, Henry had insisted he stay. Donghae had declined politely... at first.
He was pulled into a long kiss that nearly swayed him on the spot. The man couldn't offer another objection as he willingly followed.
He surveyed the unfamiliar setting absentmindedly, considering they had mainly stayed at his place. He looked about when he stopped at the bedside table, his eyes widening slightly.
'Ruby of Fire' laid sprawled on the bedside table. The name beneath the picture gleamed by the dim lights and read, 'By Lee Donghae.'
He bit back a smile and looked up, Henry's focus on his reflection before the full length mirror. Had Donghae bother to shift his attention elsewhere, he would have noticed the stack of books beside it, each book with his name as either an author or co-author. But with Henry before him, his attention stubbornly remained in place.
Henry shifted his bangs and asked himself. "Should I cut my hair?" Donghae stared at him a long while, Henry side-eyed him. "Wondering if I'd look bad with a short haircut?"
"N-no, you'd look good in anything."
Henry blinked. "Even if I decide to go bald?"
"...Yes.."
"A large snake tattoo running across my face?"
"...You're teasing me again, aren't you?"
"You make it too easy." Henry said to Donghae's sigh. Donghae was taken from his train of thought when sheets of paper were smacked against his chest and began to look them over.
"Are these lyrics?" He was given a curt nod. "Are you going to return to singing?"
Henry changed into a different set of clothes. "No, singing isn't for me." He added with a sly smile, "A lyricist for a boyfriend isn't such a bad thing, is it?"
Donghae shook his head, sitting on the bed when Henry laid against the bed after, his head on the writer's lap with peace of mind.
The last thing Henry wanted was his face in the spotlight, a place he could not find comfort in. He didn't want to wash his hands of the music scene either however, not completely at least.
He could not help but think of the people behind the scenes, the ones who did not serve the spotlight of the stage in theatre. Yet the men who helped to set the stage, adjust the costumes. Alongside the group of musicians blatantly hidden within a black room, accompanying sound effects and music; the hidden orchestra.
The writer returned the pages onto the desk without disturbing the younger, against the tranquil scene, he felt the need to say it then.
"I'm sorry."
Henry adjusted himself, fingertips against his chest. "I'm the one with the temper." He rationalized quietly, but was able to sense his guilt.
"...I was taking classes." Donghae admitted, Henry opened his eyes and returned a blank look. "Mandarin." He added.
Henry slowly sat up, "That's where you've been going without telling me?" Donghae nodded. "Why do you want to? From what I understand, your job doesn't require it."
"My job doesn't." Donghae affirmed with a small smile.
Henry pondered over his answer, and gradually realized his intent. His phone rang from his desk and stood up to answer the text. With the phone tucked away, Donghae felt himself being studied intently.
It was then Henry spoke a single phrase, Donghae responded with a dejected look.
"I... I still don't understand most of what you just said, yet at least."
Henry smiled, "You'll learn it eventually." And the day Donghae understood, he hoped the meaning would come across.
His hands clutched the desk's edge, Donghae stood up and obeyed his command to stand beside him. Henry reached over and brushed his lips over Donghae's cheek.
Was he allowed to be this happy? Henry contemplated that thought often, interrupted as Donghae's hands supported his back and pulled him closer with caution and care. The writer then initiated his own softened kiss.
-
Jongwoon's back harshly met the wall. "What are you-"
Jongwoon was silenced as Kibum smashed his lips against his. The man was done with merely watching from afar, from just teasing, something within him snapped.
"Stop!" Jongwoon ordered once he had a chance to breathe. He couldn't move as Kibum seized his wrists, pushing him on the wall as he furiously kissed him.
Jongwoon shoved him as harshly as he could, breaking free from his grip. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Taking the only chance that you refused to ever give me."
Jongwoon faced away from him, Kibum narrowed his eyes at the demeaning gesture.
"I don't understand you. I make a more than a decent wage, I have a respectable career, attended one of the most rigorous schools in the country. I've done everything to make myself into a better person but none of it means anything to you."
"You should have done it for yourself, not for me." Jongwoon said sternly.
Kibum clenched his jaw. "You know that anything, everything I've ever done, was for you."
"Your mistake was placing me first." Jongwoon uttered coldly, their eyes locked. "I never asked for this, for any of it."
Kibum clutched his fist as Jongwoon turned his back on him, a sight all too familiar. The man was as cold-hearted as ever, maintaining distance he didn't want.
"You'll only hold me back."
The declaration ended in silence as Jongwoon left the room, leaving the fuming Kibum seething.
What did Kibum hope for? That things would change simply because of a change in title? For the other to realize he had more to offer, more than he ever had?
He hopelessly wished it did.
-
Li Yin performed a complex move, the 5-year-old child stared in quiet awe. "Don't worry, I'll teach you everything there is to know."
"Really?... Do I have to wear the makeup daddy wears?" Jongwoon asked, thinking of the red and black stripes.
Li Yin laughed. "Not unless you really want to."
"I don't." Jongwoon stated without hesitance. Li Yin smiled, then showing a single move as Jongwoon imitated her. The folded fan remained before the wall, left forgotten as the two continued on.
This was the memories he enjoyed most, the videos of them practicing together, mimicking her famous moves and watching as she clapped. Encouraging him proudly.
"You'll be a big star." She told him, her hands on his cheeks.
Even if he couldn't smile often, his eyes lit at her praise. There was a soft thud behind them.
As a toddler, Henry attempted to copy their moves but fell to the ground, his mother's worried expression was lifted once Henry tilted his head naively. Her laughter brought about as she held them both.
He wished those days lasted.
"Don't listen to them. You're good, you're normal, you're going to be okay." She murmured in a daze as she sank to the ground, continuing her mantra.
The once strongheld conviction was losing ground, it dwindled until the one day he no longer heard her say it. But instead avoid the mirror as she clutched her head, tears pouring down her cheeks, believing their taunts, their loathsome words. She hid them once she left the room, grinning widely as she greeted the family, pretending they held nothing on her. But they already had.
"Do you think you can keep the children? The sons of the Ahn family?" Li Yin dropped to her knees, her long hair covering her face, her suitcase overthrown.
Henry was pulled inside the closet, his ears covered to fruitlessly to hide the scathing words, but he could still hear clearly. The woman stood in the corner of the room, watching with appraising eyes as the grandmother came to light of the plan.
"As if I will leave you with anything that is under my name, my blood."
Jongwoon stared through the thin cracks of the closet doors.
The threat had been placed. If she dared to leave, if the media got wind of her attempt, she'd be convicted as an incompetent mother by the courts. Using every possible connection the family could have to separate her from her sons. A failed marriage would ruin the family, that was the main concern.
She had pleaded with that woman to let her go when she was caught, but the woman shed light on the plan to their grandmother. His mother was now under constant watch, house arrest.
His father caught up in tight schedules, unaware of the on-goings in the house. That when he did arrive, his mother put on a brave face.
He asked her if she was happy, she claimed she was.
His father foolishly believed her.
Kangta looked back as the wooden paneled door opened, and revealed the young Jongwoon staring.
"Mommy... isn't getting up."
"I will take care of it." The grandmother spoke, Kangta turned his head towards her. She stepped forward. "You have an important show this evening." His grandmother said sternly. "Do not forget your brunch with the ambassador tomorrow morning as well, do not lose face for the family."
His father soon left, once assured that she would take care of his wife, followed by the grandmother out of the room.
Jongwoon returned to the room where his mother laid on the ground, her eyes still. He knelt down and waited that entire night, but no one had come in.
| Chapter 5 | - | Chapter 7 |
A/N: Families tend to have this "aura." I read an article on an actor who despite his charges, the media had to (should) cut him some slack because of his succession. An article once wrote- "Though outsiders can enter kabuki they can never ascend to the summit, regardless of their talent. Only members of a handful of kabuki families can do that, either by blood or through adoption."
A/N2: This is fiction. Many Kabuki actors are respected, distinguished individuals. Just wanted to clarify that ^^;
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 Sixth Thread §
***
Tourists could often glance at the photos hung from the walls, photos of established and famed Kabuki actors. The final photo hung was that of his father. The next successor's print had yet to be hung.
Succeeding the Ahn name, that was still a topic murmured amongst the elders of the family. Jongwoon strode past them, knowing the whispers and hopeful glances were aimed towards him.
The primary roles in each act were given foremost to the sons of the distinguished families, the highest preference given to an Ahn. Yet if no one could fill the role, it'd be handed to another family's. A travesty the family could not accept.
Jongwoon had long declined the role. His younger brother wasn't suitable choice. The next option would be to adopt an outside actor with high talent and training, a possible consideration but still a reluctant choice. The talk only increased with his father's rumored retirement.
"You have been trained in your youth, you were quite exceptional, a quick learner." His grandmother told him, dressed in a purple flowered, formal black kimono. "You simply need to return to your studies."
"It is not for me." Jongwoon politely declined, knelt on the ground with his gaze lowered. "I cannot abandon my career now."
"Your career will only strengthen."
Jongwoon only bowed apologetically, once the paneled doors closed behind him, he felt the whispers resurface.
"You declined her yet again?" He glanced up at another actor's face from another family, a kind man who he associated with since his youth. "She is losing patience."
"We're all aware of that," A feminine voice said kindly. Jongwoon bowed lowly as the actor made his exit, whose spot was replaced by the woman who smiled politely. "I understand that at your age, you may not want to work in a traditional work as this. I truly do, but think of your poor grandmother. I'm sure even Kangta would enjoy having his son succeed his name."
Her softened fingertips brushed against his cheek in a gentle manner. "If you ever need to talk, know that I'm always around."
She waved her character smile that captured thousands and went about her way, Jongwoon paused on the spot.
He remained stoic as he walked the outside corridors of the home, hands clutching the wooden panels. Even with the harsh winds beating against him, his skin still burned.
-
The large poster advertising the play, set there for weeks, had been abruptly changed.
The main lead had change, only days before it was set to begin.
"It's unfortunate," A fellow nurse gossiped with her co-worker inside the building within the file room. "He didn't seem like that."
"The photos are disgusting. Kim Heechul should have known better,"
"But he's so pretty, maybe the Ahns will still adopt him to debut-"
"They won't."
Both nurses froze at the declaration, Kibum returned the files and left without another word, they exchanged curious looks.
"How would he know?" She asked. Her co-worker could only shrug.
-
Henry walked into the living room of Jongwoon's house, surprised to see Kibum sitting idly by. "What are you doing here?"
"Your brother invited me." Kibum smiled, Henry arched an eyebrow and glanced at his brother's fuming self. It was quite obvious that he didn't. Yet Henry seemed too distracted than to further interrogate the intruder.
"Why are you here?" Jongwoon asked, although he seemed relieved. Their conversation reverted to Mandarin.
"Just a small fight with Donghae."
"Ah, then you'll be moving back in?"
Henry furrowed his eyebrows. "Staying over for a few nights isn't moving in. And it's just a small fight, I left to clear off some steam and to let him suffer just a bit." He pursed his lips before replying, "Not every fight means we're breaking up Ge."
Jongwoon blinked. Henry settled on the couch without bothering to explain. He was unable to focus his attention on reading or music, the cell remaining on his lap although he refused to look at it.
Once it rang, Henry answered it. "If you want to see me, come over."
It was a while later when the door rang. Henry opened it to reveal a dejected Donghae standing there. "I'll be right back." Henry called out.
Kibum glanced out the window to see the two speak calmly to one another, within minutes Donghae had grappled Henry tightly in his embrace.
Kibum side-eye the reflection from the television, able to see Jongwoon standing behind him. "Why do you not like him?" No reply. "Do you think he's using him?"
"Maybe."
"Are you afraid Donghae won't be accepted by your grandmother?" Jongwoon turned away, averting his question as he reached for a much needed drink. "You still care for your brother's well-being, even after all this time."
Jongwoon slowly poured the drink into his glasses, his silence continued, able to choose which questions to answered as he pleased.
The door opened afterward as the two walked in, Jongwoon's intent gaze then shifted to Donghae who instantly bowed. The writer noted the exchange of glances between the brothers and a short sentence he had yet to understand.
"It's a force of habit, I guess." Jongwoon replied in Mandarin, his voice evicted of all emotion. Henry smiled weakly as Jongwoon continued to stare down Donghae, the intense stare clearly making the man nervous.
"You have a show to do tonight, remember that." Henry reminded his older brother who vaguely nodded. Kibum observed as Henry reached over to the selection of films that were beside the unused fireplace beneath the television.
"I thought you preferred reading to watching movies?" Donghae asked.
"There's subtitles, almost the same experience." Henry cheekily replied.
The movie began to play. Henry and Donghae settled on the ground, with Henry's back to Donghae's chest. Jongwoon sat on the couch opposite of Kibum, keeping his distance and sitting at the far end of it.
Kibum knew Jongwoon for much longer, they had delved their secrets and understood each other's ugly sides from the past. Yet he envied the pair across, as Henry paid attention to the film, Donghae unconsciously held him closer and adjusted himself. They were far more comfortable despite how little they knew. Or maybe he was simply being presumptuous.
Henry, like his brother, was as difficult to approach. The fact that Henry bothered to reconcile with Donghae was a signal of that change.
Kibum's gaze trailed to Jongwoon who sat at the other end of the couch. He was this physically close, but the man still held up a barrier he couldn't cross. His chances of attaining the relationship, the one he craved, wanted desperately with Jongwoon, were growing slimmer by the day.
"What do you, compared to everyone else, have to offer me?"
The nineteen year old Kibum held him back that night, Jongwoon's back turned against him, the faint light illuminating their intertwined shadows. With his wrist firmly in his grip, Kibum replied sincerely, simply,
"Love."
Jongwoon didn't take that deeply, his expression unreadable as he pulled away from his grasp.
"That doesn't benefit me."
Donghae and Henry remained close throughout the film, the writer's attention remained on the younger who laid in his grasp.
Kibum could only stare at the short yet blatant distance between Jongwoon and him. That even if they both held out their hands, they wouldn't be able to reach.
-
Donghae stood by the dresser, rooted to the spot within Henry's bedroom. He had initially planned to leave after the movie, once he had settled with Henry. Yet at the pouring rain, Henry had insisted he stay. Donghae had declined politely... at first.
He was pulled into a long kiss that nearly swayed him on the spot. The man couldn't offer another objection as he willingly followed.
He surveyed the unfamiliar setting absentmindedly, considering they had mainly stayed at his place. He looked about when he stopped at the bedside table, his eyes widening slightly.
'Ruby of Fire' laid sprawled on the bedside table. The name beneath the picture gleamed by the dim lights and read, 'By Lee Donghae.'
He bit back a smile and looked up, Henry's focus on his reflection before the full length mirror. Had Donghae bother to shift his attention elsewhere, he would have noticed the stack of books beside it, each book with his name as either an author or co-author. But with Henry before him, his attention stubbornly remained in place.
Henry shifted his bangs and asked himself. "Should I cut my hair?" Donghae stared at him a long while, Henry side-eyed him. "Wondering if I'd look bad with a short haircut?"
"N-no, you'd look good in anything."
Henry blinked. "Even if I decide to go bald?"
"...Yes.."
"A large snake tattoo running across my face?"
"...You're teasing me again, aren't you?"
"You make it too easy." Henry said to Donghae's sigh. Donghae was taken from his train of thought when sheets of paper were smacked against his chest and began to look them over.
"Are these lyrics?" He was given a curt nod. "Are you going to return to singing?"
Henry changed into a different set of clothes. "No, singing isn't for me." He added with a sly smile, "A lyricist for a boyfriend isn't such a bad thing, is it?"
Donghae shook his head, sitting on the bed when Henry laid against the bed after, his head on the writer's lap with peace of mind.
The last thing Henry wanted was his face in the spotlight, a place he could not find comfort in. He didn't want to wash his hands of the music scene either however, not completely at least.
He could not help but think of the people behind the scenes, the ones who did not serve the spotlight of the stage in theatre. Yet the men who helped to set the stage, adjust the costumes. Alongside the group of musicians blatantly hidden within a black room, accompanying sound effects and music; the hidden orchestra.
The writer returned the pages onto the desk without disturbing the younger, against the tranquil scene, he felt the need to say it then.
"I'm sorry."
Henry adjusted himself, fingertips against his chest. "I'm the one with the temper." He rationalized quietly, but was able to sense his guilt.
"...I was taking classes." Donghae admitted, Henry opened his eyes and returned a blank look. "Mandarin." He added.
Henry slowly sat up, "That's where you've been going without telling me?" Donghae nodded. "Why do you want to? From what I understand, your job doesn't require it."
"My job doesn't." Donghae affirmed with a small smile.
Henry pondered over his answer, and gradually realized his intent. His phone rang from his desk and stood up to answer the text. With the phone tucked away, Donghae felt himself being studied intently.
It was then Henry spoke a single phrase, Donghae responded with a dejected look.
"I... I still don't understand most of what you just said, yet at least."
Henry smiled, "You'll learn it eventually." And the day Donghae understood, he hoped the meaning would come across.
His hands clutched the desk's edge, Donghae stood up and obeyed his command to stand beside him. Henry reached over and brushed his lips over Donghae's cheek.
Was he allowed to be this happy? Henry contemplated that thought often, interrupted as Donghae's hands supported his back and pulled him closer with caution and care. The writer then initiated his own softened kiss.
-
Jongwoon's back harshly met the wall. "What are you-"
Jongwoon was silenced as Kibum smashed his lips against his. The man was done with merely watching from afar, from just teasing, something within him snapped.
"Stop!" Jongwoon ordered once he had a chance to breathe. He couldn't move as Kibum seized his wrists, pushing him on the wall as he furiously kissed him.
Jongwoon shoved him as harshly as he could, breaking free from his grip. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Taking the only chance that you refused to ever give me."
Jongwoon faced away from him, Kibum narrowed his eyes at the demeaning gesture.
"I don't understand you. I make a more than a decent wage, I have a respectable career, attended one of the most rigorous schools in the country. I've done everything to make myself into a better person but none of it means anything to you."
"You should have done it for yourself, not for me." Jongwoon said sternly.
Kibum clenched his jaw. "You know that anything, everything I've ever done, was for you."
"Your mistake was placing me first." Jongwoon uttered coldly, their eyes locked. "I never asked for this, for any of it."
Kibum clutched his fist as Jongwoon turned his back on him, a sight all too familiar. The man was as cold-hearted as ever, maintaining distance he didn't want.
"You'll only hold me back."
The declaration ended in silence as Jongwoon left the room, leaving the fuming Kibum seething.
What did Kibum hope for? That things would change simply because of a change in title? For the other to realize he had more to offer, more than he ever had?
He hopelessly wished it did.
-
Li Yin performed a complex move, the 5-year-old child stared in quiet awe. "Don't worry, I'll teach you everything there is to know."
"Really?... Do I have to wear the makeup daddy wears?" Jongwoon asked, thinking of the red and black stripes.
Li Yin laughed. "Not unless you really want to."
"I don't." Jongwoon stated without hesitance. Li Yin smiled, then showing a single move as Jongwoon imitated her. The folded fan remained before the wall, left forgotten as the two continued on.
This was the memories he enjoyed most, the videos of them practicing together, mimicking her famous moves and watching as she clapped. Encouraging him proudly.
"You'll be a big star." She told him, her hands on his cheeks.
Even if he couldn't smile often, his eyes lit at her praise. There was a soft thud behind them.
As a toddler, Henry attempted to copy their moves but fell to the ground, his mother's worried expression was lifted once Henry tilted his head naively. Her laughter brought about as she held them both.
He wished those days lasted.
"Don't listen to them. You're good, you're normal, you're going to be okay." She murmured in a daze as she sank to the ground, continuing her mantra.
The once strongheld conviction was losing ground, it dwindled until the one day he no longer heard her say it. But instead avoid the mirror as she clutched her head, tears pouring down her cheeks, believing their taunts, their loathsome words. She hid them once she left the room, grinning widely as she greeted the family, pretending they held nothing on her. But they already had.
"Do you think you can keep the children? The sons of the Ahn family?" Li Yin dropped to her knees, her long hair covering her face, her suitcase overthrown.
Henry was pulled inside the closet, his ears covered to fruitlessly to hide the scathing words, but he could still hear clearly. The woman stood in the corner of the room, watching with appraising eyes as the grandmother came to light of the plan.
"As if I will leave you with anything that is under my name, my blood."
Jongwoon stared through the thin cracks of the closet doors.
The threat had been placed. If she dared to leave, if the media got wind of her attempt, she'd be convicted as an incompetent mother by the courts. Using every possible connection the family could have to separate her from her sons. A failed marriage would ruin the family, that was the main concern.
She had pleaded with that woman to let her go when she was caught, but the woman shed light on the plan to their grandmother. His mother was now under constant watch, house arrest.
His father caught up in tight schedules, unaware of the on-goings in the house. That when he did arrive, his mother put on a brave face.
He asked her if she was happy, she claimed she was.
His father foolishly believed her.
Kangta looked back as the wooden paneled door opened, and revealed the young Jongwoon staring.
"Mommy... isn't getting up."
"I will take care of it." The grandmother spoke, Kangta turned his head towards her. She stepped forward. "You have an important show this evening." His grandmother said sternly. "Do not forget your brunch with the ambassador tomorrow morning as well, do not lose face for the family."
His father soon left, once assured that she would take care of his wife, followed by the grandmother out of the room.
Jongwoon returned to the room where his mother laid on the ground, her eyes still. He knelt down and waited that entire night, but no one had come in.
| Chapter 5 | - | Chapter 7 |
A/N: Families tend to have this "aura." I read an article on an actor who despite his charges, the media had to (should) cut him some slack because of his succession. An article once wrote- "Though outsiders can enter kabuki they can never ascend to the summit, regardless of their talent. Only members of a handful of kabuki families can do that, either by blood or through adoption."
A/N2: This is fiction. Many Kabuki actors are respected, distinguished individuals. Just wanted to clarify that ^^;