[fic] My Best Friend's Boyfriend - Chapter 24
This chapter is for: pinksparkles14
Chapter 24: Happiness is not Love
Jaejoong has been nothing better each day that passes. He appears to even have no plans to go to work leaving Yunho afraid to leave him behind. Once in a while, Jaejoong would stare at the piano, would walk at the piano, but will eventually stop halfway through. The piano is how he met Changmin. And the thought of remembering, makes him feel sad, anger to himself rises up and guilt starts to grow worst.
“Jaejoong, dinner’s ready.” Yunho softly said, unable to say anything for the past days since the incident.
What should he say? That everything’s alright? It is not. And only a stupid person would not know that. Changmin has been nothing but very kind to them. He sees to it that they are fine. That they are happy. But they broke not only his trust but everything. Even their most treasured connection. It was painful to bare. The guilt that is printed all over their heads could not be removed easily. They want this. To be free. To love each other without thinking of anything else. They are now free. But why are they not happy?
“I’m not hungry,” Jaejoong said smiling at Yunho before staring at the piano again.
Yunho sighed and figured this would be Jaejoong’s answer. He knew he doesn’t know how to cook but with Jaejoong like this, all he could do is try his best to cook only to be rejected. Yunho sat beside his lover and pulled Jaejoong into a warm hug. “I’m here.” He reminded. He reminded something that Jaejoong seemed to be forgetting. “I will not leave you.”
Jaejoong closed his eyes to smell the Yunho’s scent. It was one of Yunho’s wonders as to how his scent could calm Jaejoong. Maybe it’s not the scent. But his whole being. His presence. He calms Jaejoong.
“Junsu!” Yoochun called out from the kitchen.
It is now Junsu’s turn to visit Yoochun’s apartment. It was twice as spacious as the one he has. Also the apartment screams how Yoochun is rich now and how luxurious his life was. Junsu knew he loves Yoochun, and he is willing to spend the rest of his life with this man. However Junsu still wants to live with a simple life. A simple house and a simple family and not as how Yoochun lives it.
“What?” Junsu said peeking his head out of Yoochun’s bedroom. “You have school right? Come on, eat your breakfast. I’ll call out some people to clean up the house. You don’t have to do it.”
“But Yoochun…” Junsu said giving a pout. He wants to do this. “Just a little more second okay? I’m almost done anyway.” Junsu smiled before going back inside Yoochun’s room.
“Aish.” Yoochun only said as he went back in preparing their breakfast.
He has work today, and since Ye Eun left the company, he felt that his work has been twice as the one he has before. The new secretary he has is very new and is still coping up stuff so she’s really not that big of a help. Yoochun wasn’t planning to keep her for long anyway. He still wants to persuade Ye Eun to come back. Beside, Yoochun is good at it. Making people work for him. It’s only Jaejoong that proves him he’s not.
“Yoochun-ah, you’re phone is ringing.” Junsu called as he ran towards the kitchen to give Yoochun his call.
“Thanks.” Yoochun grabbed it and answered.
Junsu stayed and watched the food on the table. He waited for Yoochun to finish his call before he digs in.
“EH?! Since when??” Yoochun exclaimed sitting down across Junsu. “Alright. We’ll be there after breakfast.” Then the phone was shut.
“Who’s that?” Junsu asked.
“Changmin, he’s in Seoul.”
“since when?!”
“Last week.”
“Ah… Jaejoong-hyung must be happy to see him.” Junsu said grinning widely with his wild imaginations of how Jaejoong welcomed Changmin home. Not knowing it was far worse than what he thought.
Jaejoong knew that when he doesn’t show he’s fine, Yunho will stay with him but he couldn’t afford that. Yunho, although both of them knew it’s going to be hard, has to go back to work. he’s the boss. And if the boss is out, it’s gonna make a huge change than when a simple employee is out. They both knew that the biggest hell waiting for them is the company. They don’t know what is waiting for them there, since the incident, both of them was with each other, in the apartment, neither going back to work, neither having plans of going back.
But Jaejoong made up his mind. Since what’s done is done, all that is left for them to do is be strong and live with it. They knew they have each other… that’s enough to make things go right. This guilt will fade away… some time sooner, their happiness will come back again.
“Are you sure? I can stay a bit longer.” Yunho said as he watched Jaejoong sending him off for work.
“Just come home as soon as work is done. I’ll be fine.” Jaejoong smiled, a weak one, before placing a peck on Yunho’s lips.
“Okay. If you need anything, you can just call me. I’ll come home soon.” Yunho said not letting go of Jaejoong’s hand.
“Yunho… you’ve been absent for a whole week. Please don’t be late this time. I might visit my cousin for a while so I will be fine.”
“O…okay. Take care of yourself.” Yunho said kissing Jae softly before totally leaving him… but not forgetting to make sure he’ll come back.
And Jae knows he will.
Seulgi has cancelled practically all of Yunho’s appointments in the past days Yunho did not come to work. But none of them has been cancelled at all. Everyone knew too well that the appointments booked on those days are important to the company. But since Yunho told them to cancel it, they must. No matter how important the appointment were, if it’s Jaejoong that’s been keeping Yunho home then it’s Jaejoong he chooses. But it may be too good, or too bad, but since Changmin is back, things have been taken care of. Not for a friend, but for the company.
“So far, as the continuous economic crisis in the whole world, our industry still is not affected. Actually, if we look at this trend, we’re still holding up to the changes of the market and the sales have been improving.” Changmin said explaining things with the other businessmen.
Impressed, the other businessmen congratulated Changmin of his hard work and made him lead through the whole meeting while the president of the company is in absence without official leave. Although most of what Changmin said is in impromptu, he still did a good job. His flexibility came at handy to cover up the absence of their president. The absence that he knew he caused.
“Yunho.” Seulgi called as soon as Yunho came in.
“Yes, Ms. Bae?” Yunho said.
“You are…” She said looking at her watch. “You still can make it. The meeting is on the conference room.”
“What meeting? I thought I told you to cancel them all?” Yunho said putting down his suitcase.
“Well, Mr. Shim… he’s been leading all the important meetings since you’ve been away last week.
“Changmin??” Yunho said, his eyes widening.
“Yes. He’s been back since last week and the very first thing he did was rebook the appointments saying he couldn’t afford to leave those unsettled.
“Why did he do that?” Yunho mumbled to himself, rushing to get to the conference room.
Right the moment Yunho arrived at the conference room, he heard claps and as soon as the doors were opened, he could see how composed Changmin is. Shaking hands with everyone with a happy and proud expression plastered on his face. It seems to it that he did an excellent job. An excellent job all by himself.
“Ah Mr. Jung.” One of the businessmen said. “Mr. Shim did a good job. You are very lucky to have him.”
“Thank you. I appreciate.” Yunho said politely bowing at the compliments he received. Compliments that should be given to Changmin only.
Few more minutes have past, and it’s now both of them alone in the room.
Ye Eun saw this happening. She knew Changmin has to find out about Jaejoong and Yunho soon but what she wasn’t able to expect is how Changmin will find out. Hearing the whole sorry from Jaejoong and seeing Jaejoong so sad and guilty about it made Ye Eun speechless. the person who seems to know a lot of things about such issues, fell silent. Unable to give her advice. Unable to comfort. Because as he hears Jaejoong’s struggle to find words to tell her what happened, she felt as if her heart is aching for him.
She wanted Jaejoong to be happy and she clearly saw how happy Jaejoong is with both men he fell in love for. The difference is, Jaejoong, even in a shorter period of time, felt happier with Yunho. The first day they met, the trip to Gwangju, his mother… those wonderful events are printed in Jaejoong’s head clearly as how Jaejoong remembers Korean alphabet. These kinds of happiness is what he needed. Not only dinner in candle lights, flowers during anniversaries. He wanted, or in Ye Eun’s thoughts, Jaejoong needed someone to fix himself. To be a better person. To be independent. That’s what Ye Eun thought.
Ye Eun brought her hands to pat Jaejoong’s head. “You picked the right man. And Changmin made a good decision to let you go.”
Jaejoong looked up at her. “But I hurt him.”
“The hurt you brought made him realize how much he loves you. And how much you don’t love him to hurt him that bad. You don’t love Changmin as how you love Yunho to be able to turn down a five long year relationship. To throw away the very reason why uncle and auntie threw you off the family. Do you understand me?”
“I’m afraid… no.” Jaejoong said laying his head on her lap.
“I am telling you that it’s time for you to realize that what you feel for Changmin is happiness. Not love. He made sure things are taken care of. He made the two of you perfect. And what happened to you? You depended too much on him. Believed that things are going to be fine because of him. It was always you depending on him and him depending on himself to keep your relationship in contact. Then what’s the point of calling each other a couple?” She said calmly as she brushed her cousin’s hair.
“It’s going to be a tough road for you and Yunho. But I am sure you will be fine.” She continued. “You two will be fine.”
“Changmin… we have to talk.” Yunho said grabbing Changmin’s arm before he leaves.
Changmin stopped, stood, and stared at him as if waiting for Yunho speak fast… as if telling Yunho he’s taking too much of his time. And that has never been an issue for the two of them before. Yunho is always welcome to take Changmin’s time. Yunho is always welcome to lean on Changmin. It’s always fine with Changmin. but now, things have changed.
“I love Jaejoong and I will take care of him.” Yunho said.
Changmin just stared, is eyes were cold and his face is nothing better.
“I’m sorry.” Yunho breathed out, letting go of Changmin’s arm.
Changmin smirked before ironing the folds of his suit brought by Yunho’s grip. As he left, he told Yunho one thing. “I don’t care if you hurt him. He’s all yours so you can do whatever you want to do with him.” Then he left the room making sure Yunho felt how angry he is.
Changmin went inside his office to loosen up a bit. His anger is rushing back up again as he realized how tightly closed his hands were. He needs to be strong. He needs to move on. Even though very deep inside him, he wanted Jaejoong back. That he wanted to catch Jaejoong if Yunho will break him. He still wanted Jaejoong back. “Damn it!” He cursed feeling another set of tears crawling down his cheeks.
Yunho made sure he finishes his job in time and went to check Changmin who left the company very early. Yunho now felt that he really lost Changmin. He really lost the only friend he has since forever. And though there is regret, he still just wouldn’t give up. He wants to keep Jaejoong longer. And this time, Yunho felt he knew what Jaejoong felt when Jaejoong returned to him that time. He know felt how broken Jaejoong felt for Changmin. but neither of them wanting to go back.
They’re selfish for wanting to keep their love.
Yunho opened the knob to find Jaejoong sitting on the floor waiting patiently for him. He smiled. Jaejoong’s eyes are still sore but Jaejoong stood up to greet him. “Dinner’s ready.” And there was a happy smile across his face.
You chose the right person. Were the very words from Ye Eun that made Jaejoong smile again.
Chapter 24: Happiness is not Love
Jaejoong has been nothing better each day that passes. He appears to even have no plans to go to work leaving Yunho afraid to leave him behind. Once in a while, Jaejoong would stare at the piano, would walk at the piano, but will eventually stop halfway through. The piano is how he met Changmin. And the thought of remembering, makes him feel sad, anger to himself rises up and guilt starts to grow worst.
“Jaejoong, dinner’s ready.” Yunho softly said, unable to say anything for the past days since the incident.
What should he say? That everything’s alright? It is not. And only a stupid person would not know that. Changmin has been nothing but very kind to them. He sees to it that they are fine. That they are happy. But they broke not only his trust but everything. Even their most treasured connection. It was painful to bare. The guilt that is printed all over their heads could not be removed easily. They want this. To be free. To love each other without thinking of anything else. They are now free. But why are they not happy?
“I’m not hungry,” Jaejoong said smiling at Yunho before staring at the piano again.
Yunho sighed and figured this would be Jaejoong’s answer. He knew he doesn’t know how to cook but with Jaejoong like this, all he could do is try his best to cook only to be rejected. Yunho sat beside his lover and pulled Jaejoong into a warm hug. “I’m here.” He reminded. He reminded something that Jaejoong seemed to be forgetting. “I will not leave you.”
Jaejoong closed his eyes to smell the Yunho’s scent. It was one of Yunho’s wonders as to how his scent could calm Jaejoong. Maybe it’s not the scent. But his whole being. His presence. He calms Jaejoong.
“Junsu!” Yoochun called out from the kitchen.
It is now Junsu’s turn to visit Yoochun’s apartment. It was twice as spacious as the one he has. Also the apartment screams how Yoochun is rich now and how luxurious his life was. Junsu knew he loves Yoochun, and he is willing to spend the rest of his life with this man. However Junsu still wants to live with a simple life. A simple house and a simple family and not as how Yoochun lives it.
“What?” Junsu said peeking his head out of Yoochun’s bedroom. “You have school right? Come on, eat your breakfast. I’ll call out some people to clean up the house. You don’t have to do it.”
“But Yoochun…” Junsu said giving a pout. He wants to do this. “Just a little more second okay? I’m almost done anyway.” Junsu smiled before going back inside Yoochun’s room.
“Aish.” Yoochun only said as he went back in preparing their breakfast.
He has work today, and since Ye Eun left the company, he felt that his work has been twice as the one he has before. The new secretary he has is very new and is still coping up stuff so she’s really not that big of a help. Yoochun wasn’t planning to keep her for long anyway. He still wants to persuade Ye Eun to come back. Beside, Yoochun is good at it. Making people work for him. It’s only Jaejoong that proves him he’s not.
“Yoochun-ah, you’re phone is ringing.” Junsu called as he ran towards the kitchen to give Yoochun his call.
“Thanks.” Yoochun grabbed it and answered.
Junsu stayed and watched the food on the table. He waited for Yoochun to finish his call before he digs in.
“EH?! Since when??” Yoochun exclaimed sitting down across Junsu. “Alright. We’ll be there after breakfast.” Then the phone was shut.
“Who’s that?” Junsu asked.
“Changmin, he’s in Seoul.”
“since when?!”
“Last week.”
“Ah… Jaejoong-hyung must be happy to see him.” Junsu said grinning widely with his wild imaginations of how Jaejoong welcomed Changmin home. Not knowing it was far worse than what he thought.
Jaejoong knew that when he doesn’t show he’s fine, Yunho will stay with him but he couldn’t afford that. Yunho, although both of them knew it’s going to be hard, has to go back to work. he’s the boss. And if the boss is out, it’s gonna make a huge change than when a simple employee is out. They both knew that the biggest hell waiting for them is the company. They don’t know what is waiting for them there, since the incident, both of them was with each other, in the apartment, neither going back to work, neither having plans of going back.
But Jaejoong made up his mind. Since what’s done is done, all that is left for them to do is be strong and live with it. They knew they have each other… that’s enough to make things go right. This guilt will fade away… some time sooner, their happiness will come back again.
“Are you sure? I can stay a bit longer.” Yunho said as he watched Jaejoong sending him off for work.
“Just come home as soon as work is done. I’ll be fine.” Jaejoong smiled, a weak one, before placing a peck on Yunho’s lips.
“Okay. If you need anything, you can just call me. I’ll come home soon.” Yunho said not letting go of Jaejoong’s hand.
“Yunho… you’ve been absent for a whole week. Please don’t be late this time. I might visit my cousin for a while so I will be fine.”
“O…okay. Take care of yourself.” Yunho said kissing Jae softly before totally leaving him… but not forgetting to make sure he’ll come back.
And Jae knows he will.
Seulgi has cancelled practically all of Yunho’s appointments in the past days Yunho did not come to work. But none of them has been cancelled at all. Everyone knew too well that the appointments booked on those days are important to the company. But since Yunho told them to cancel it, they must. No matter how important the appointment were, if it’s Jaejoong that’s been keeping Yunho home then it’s Jaejoong he chooses. But it may be too good, or too bad, but since Changmin is back, things have been taken care of. Not for a friend, but for the company.
“So far, as the continuous economic crisis in the whole world, our industry still is not affected. Actually, if we look at this trend, we’re still holding up to the changes of the market and the sales have been improving.” Changmin said explaining things with the other businessmen.
Impressed, the other businessmen congratulated Changmin of his hard work and made him lead through the whole meeting while the president of the company is in absence without official leave. Although most of what Changmin said is in impromptu, he still did a good job. His flexibility came at handy to cover up the absence of their president. The absence that he knew he caused.
“Yunho.” Seulgi called as soon as Yunho came in.
“Yes, Ms. Bae?” Yunho said.
“You are…” She said looking at her watch. “You still can make it. The meeting is on the conference room.”
“What meeting? I thought I told you to cancel them all?” Yunho said putting down his suitcase.
“Well, Mr. Shim… he’s been leading all the important meetings since you’ve been away last week.
“Changmin??” Yunho said, his eyes widening.
“Yes. He’s been back since last week and the very first thing he did was rebook the appointments saying he couldn’t afford to leave those unsettled.
“Why did he do that?” Yunho mumbled to himself, rushing to get to the conference room.
Right the moment Yunho arrived at the conference room, he heard claps and as soon as the doors were opened, he could see how composed Changmin is. Shaking hands with everyone with a happy and proud expression plastered on his face. It seems to it that he did an excellent job. An excellent job all by himself.
“Ah Mr. Jung.” One of the businessmen said. “Mr. Shim did a good job. You are very lucky to have him.”
“Thank you. I appreciate.” Yunho said politely bowing at the compliments he received. Compliments that should be given to Changmin only.
Few more minutes have past, and it’s now both of them alone in the room.
Ye Eun saw this happening. She knew Changmin has to find out about Jaejoong and Yunho soon but what she wasn’t able to expect is how Changmin will find out. Hearing the whole sorry from Jaejoong and seeing Jaejoong so sad and guilty about it made Ye Eun speechless. the person who seems to know a lot of things about such issues, fell silent. Unable to give her advice. Unable to comfort. Because as he hears Jaejoong’s struggle to find words to tell her what happened, she felt as if her heart is aching for him.
She wanted Jaejoong to be happy and she clearly saw how happy Jaejoong is with both men he fell in love for. The difference is, Jaejoong, even in a shorter period of time, felt happier with Yunho. The first day they met, the trip to Gwangju, his mother… those wonderful events are printed in Jaejoong’s head clearly as how Jaejoong remembers Korean alphabet. These kinds of happiness is what he needed. Not only dinner in candle lights, flowers during anniversaries. He wanted, or in Ye Eun’s thoughts, Jaejoong needed someone to fix himself. To be a better person. To be independent. That’s what Ye Eun thought.
Ye Eun brought her hands to pat Jaejoong’s head. “You picked the right man. And Changmin made a good decision to let you go.”
Jaejoong looked up at her. “But I hurt him.”
“The hurt you brought made him realize how much he loves you. And how much you don’t love him to hurt him that bad. You don’t love Changmin as how you love Yunho to be able to turn down a five long year relationship. To throw away the very reason why uncle and auntie threw you off the family. Do you understand me?”
“I’m afraid… no.” Jaejoong said laying his head on her lap.
“I am telling you that it’s time for you to realize that what you feel for Changmin is happiness. Not love. He made sure things are taken care of. He made the two of you perfect. And what happened to you? You depended too much on him. Believed that things are going to be fine because of him. It was always you depending on him and him depending on himself to keep your relationship in contact. Then what’s the point of calling each other a couple?” She said calmly as she brushed her cousin’s hair.
“It’s going to be a tough road for you and Yunho. But I am sure you will be fine.” She continued. “You two will be fine.”
“Changmin… we have to talk.” Yunho said grabbing Changmin’s arm before he leaves.
Changmin stopped, stood, and stared at him as if waiting for Yunho speak fast… as if telling Yunho he’s taking too much of his time. And that has never been an issue for the two of them before. Yunho is always welcome to take Changmin’s time. Yunho is always welcome to lean on Changmin. It’s always fine with Changmin. but now, things have changed.
“I love Jaejoong and I will take care of him.” Yunho said.
Changmin just stared, is eyes were cold and his face is nothing better.
“I’m sorry.” Yunho breathed out, letting go of Changmin’s arm.
Changmin smirked before ironing the folds of his suit brought by Yunho’s grip. As he left, he told Yunho one thing. “I don’t care if you hurt him. He’s all yours so you can do whatever you want to do with him.” Then he left the room making sure Yunho felt how angry he is.
Changmin went inside his office to loosen up a bit. His anger is rushing back up again as he realized how tightly closed his hands were. He needs to be strong. He needs to move on. Even though very deep inside him, he wanted Jaejoong back. That he wanted to catch Jaejoong if Yunho will break him. He still wanted Jaejoong back. “Damn it!” He cursed feeling another set of tears crawling down his cheeks.
Yunho made sure he finishes his job in time and went to check Changmin who left the company very early. Yunho now felt that he really lost Changmin. He really lost the only friend he has since forever. And though there is regret, he still just wouldn’t give up. He wants to keep Jaejoong longer. And this time, Yunho felt he knew what Jaejoong felt when Jaejoong returned to him that time. He know felt how broken Jaejoong felt for Changmin. but neither of them wanting to go back.
They’re selfish for wanting to keep their love.
Yunho opened the knob to find Jaejoong sitting on the floor waiting patiently for him. He smiled. Jaejoong’s eyes are still sore but Jaejoong stood up to greet him. “Dinner’s ready.” And there was a happy smile across his face.
You chose the right person. Were the very words from Ye Eun that made Jaejoong smile again.