Chapter 15 - Unrevealed Catharsis.
The sharp tang of salt and brine settled thickly at the base of his tongue, stinging his sensitive nose as a light breeze weaved through the air. It ruffled his locks, tipping wispy strands to whip chaotically across his face, the merest whispering brush against his wind roughened cheeks. He felt the gritty surface of the rocks bite into his palm, their granite surface snagging and catching upon his loose cotton pants, twisting the fabric as he swung his legs over the side. Seagulls cawed overhead, their raucous din somehow nostalgic and utterly familiar. He tilted his head upwards, feeling the warm press of the afternoon’s sun bask across his face, his vision turned red behind closed lids.
“Yunho yah! Lunch is ready, come inside! Give the maids your sandals when you come in! We don’t want sand in the house...”A voice carried over the beach, startlingly clear despite the soft whoosh of the waves breaking against the shore or the excited yipping of their dog as it pranced along the coast, biting and snapping playfully at the retreating foam. He pried his eyes open, watching absentmindedly at the cartwheels and sudden dives of the long necked birds as they spiralled through the cobalt sky.
He huffed tiredly, heaving himself upwards from his precarious seat upon the ledge, his reed sandals scrapping over the sand, flicking bits of wet grains to stick onto his calves. He padded towards the house, clapping against his thighs, waiting momentarily for their dog to trot over to his side, its red tongue lolling to the side in its parted maw, as it panted heavily before they headed back within the cooled confines of his family’s summer estate. His father was already seated around their low dining table, chuckling at something his little brother had chirped up, who spoke with his mouth full whilst wolfing down his bibimbap, little individual white sticks of rice sticking to a corner of his chin. Yunho smiled softly, kneeling down at the opposite end, next to his mother, reaching a hand over to wipe away at his brothers grin, picking away the sticky grains.
They chatted together like any other family, despite the servants hovering about and the jade seal that hung to his father’s hip, declaring him a state general directly under Emperor Gojong. A teak, low end table dominated the room, its lacquered surface engraved with ripe lotuses, their curved petals reaching inwards to cusp a large honeycombed centre. A steaming bowl of kimchi-jjigae was settled in the middle, with various assorted pickled vegetables in little porcelain bowls dotting the sides. Yunho sat around them, assaulted by the homely sounds- the booming laughter that erupted from the bottom of his father’s rumbling belly, the gentle smiles his mother sighed as she tended to her sons, the cheeky giggles of his little brother as he whipped a cube of fried tofu of Yunho's plate- they swirled around him in a nostalgic melody.
***
Yunho frowned. A cooling streak shivered across his cheeks, the cold, dry air of the cosy bedroom freezing the wet trail into salty paths that crystallized upon his lashes. His found his lips still lifted in a tender smile, dismay coursing a brook through his heavy heart as he realised that it was just a dream.
A simple dream, and yet he felt a momentary exhilaration. He struggled to capture the memories, cherishing each shard into his clouded consciousness, their multicoloured pictures already faded and hazed, obscure faces that glimmered back at him through a murky gloom. They shifted and tossed through his clenched fists, trickling away like water through a sieve, until he was left with only a mere, vague recollection of the significant details, the feel and touch of his mothers loving hands desecrated beneath the gnarled fingers of time. Yunho let out an unbidden snarl, frustration tearing through his trembling frame.
He abruptly stilled, feeling a warm body pressed flush against him, shift and mumble incoherently before burrowing back into his side. Yunho pried his eyes agonisingly open, peering through narrowed lids at the serene visage of a fallen angel, his glistening wings of midnight ruffling together with each steady breath whooshing through his parted lips. A lazy arm was thrown carelessly across Yunho's chest, its owner curling into a spoon against his outstretched body, with a left leg hooking around his own pair of tangled limbs beneath the covers.
Strands of darkened cranberry feathered over Jaejoong's long lashes, brushing lightly across the tip of his nose, their streaked colours blazing into a fiery halo against his pale skin as the sun’s rays splashed into the room. His fingers clenched briefly, fisting a handful of Yunho's thin shirt, before he relaxed, a hesitant frown vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. Yunho waited with bated breaths for the deep, even rhythm of Jaejoong's breath to return, chuckling lightly as he shook his head in exasperation at the peaceful man. He seemed oddly innocent when he was asleep, angelically exquisite, untouched and unmarred by the toxic stink of humanity. Yunho smoothed away the wispy strands from his forehead, gently shifting Jaejoong closer with a slight tug, who then burrowed instinctively into the crook of Yunho's warm embrace.
A single window pane adorned the side of their wall, its clear glass insets allowing the sun’s last burst of molten gold to spill past the whitewashed wooden rims and glow across the snowy sheets, painting the room in hues of ochre and sepia. Her honeyed mane flushed through the skies, spooling and unravelling in one last sprint through the heavens to blossom blushing clouds that unfurled into fluffy rosettes, lining the horizon with a sprinkle of lilac which signalled the coming of muted dusk. A flaming sphere of copper peeked over the rim of the horizon, wreathed with a crown of bittersweet apricot, its radiance breathtaking in all its wordless glory. Yunho had finally appreciated the full ripeness of a sunset. He wondered why he had never taken the time to simply notice.
A cautious rap of knuckles against the door dragged Yunho away from his musings, as he turned his head to stare at the closed frame in slight confusion. “Yunho? Jaejoong? I need to talk to you…” A muffled voice sounded lightly over the stout wooden door, but the words rang clear and the message understood. Yunho recognised the distinct cadence within the lilting stream of words and bit down upon his bottom lip, his brows furrowing together in a predicament. Loathe being the one to wake Jaejoong up, Yunho fretted for a moment, glancing down distractedly at his blissful features before a firm bang upon the door by Lily's impatient foot made up his mind.
“Hang on a second Kit!” Yunho croaked hoarsely, his voice cracked and gravelly, his throat closing up tightly as he sought to move his leaden legs. He bit back a curse as Jaejoong stirred within his arms, eyelashes fluttering in a vain attempt to lift his heavy lids open, a whimper bubbling up past his pouted lips as Yunho threw away the blanket, allowing a cool rush of air to whisper over their tangled limbs. “Sorry Jae…” Yunho whispered before regretfully leaving the warm pocket of Jaejoong's embrace to stumble wearily to creak the door open.
His blurred vision met Lily's worried frown, her limber arms folded together, hugging tightly around her dishevelled robe, her bare feet clad only in a pair of soft woollen slippers. Kit fared slightly better, her glossy mane of fiery red brushed hastily into a tousled stream unwinding down her back. An elegant Japanese kimono robe was wrapped around her lithe body- minute butterflies that flitted across a lavender expanse of spun silk, their graceful wings blinking a myriad of patterns back at him- a single white sash clinched tightly about her small waist. She stifled a yawn, peeking over Yunho's shoulder at Jaejoong's writhing body upon the bed, his arms casting about in a struggle to get up. Yunho answered her rueful grin with a chagrined smile.
“Well,” Lily arched her brow, taking in Yunho's hunched shoulders, the simple white wife beater that hugged tightly to his body, his long legs clad simply in a loose pair of cotton track pants, as he hunkered at the doorway, staring back at the two women with slightly unfocused eyes. “You guys obviously look like crap as well… we need to speak to Jaejoong.” She stated blithely, her hawkish gaze pinning Yunho to the door.
“Jaejae?” Kit called out softly, a motherly smile gracing her full lips as Jaejoong whipped his head over his shoulder, his eyes widening in surprise as he took in their early morning visitors. Well, it really could not be considered as morning. Jaejoong slipped ungainly off the bed, his feet catching momentarily upon the ruffled sheets, before he padded awkwardly to the door. “There’s someone here to see you. He says it’s very important and that it can’t wait till we open for business. He's waiting in the common room right now, and Yoochun and Junsu are already there. They woke up because of the noise too…” Kit quirked her lips up in a grimace.
Jaejoong nodded hesitantly, rubbing unconsciously at his heavy lids, moving his tongue about his mouth, feeling the familiar ridge of his sharp incisors graze lightly upon the tip. His head still felt fuzzy, his thoughts hazy and indistinct. “Sure, I’ll be right there umma, just give me… uh… five minutes…” Jaejoong mumbled softly, heaving out a tired sigh. Kit smiled kindly at her son, before padding down the dim hallway with Lily tugging impatiently at their linked hands.
Yunho simple turned and closed the door, disappearing past an arched doorframe into the muted confines of Jaejoong's study, peeking over the upturned flaps of the cardboard box to check upon Yozo. Jaejoong glanced about the room, his gaze touching fleetingly over the strewn covers, the black and white heap of clothes piled up messily upon a cushioned chair, his expensive suits reduced to a crumpled mass. Kit would kill him for doing that. Jaejoong lifted a leaden arm, pulling open his teak dresser and perusing the neat press of clothes that hung upon wire hangers, before pulling over a simple shirt of loose cotton, a corner of his sleeve dotted with a wine stain. He glanced down briefly at his grey track pants, deciding that he looked presentable enough.
A quick swipe through his unkempt bed head, evened out the brambles and stubborn knots, till his bangs fell casually over his forehead, swept stylishly to the side. A tiny mewl drew Jaejoong's distracted gaze to fall upon a single white forepaw, placed gingerly upon the edge of the box, perked ears flicking to the side quickly as Yozo stood upon his hind legs, surveying with curious orbs of ink around the study room. Yunho returned moments later, a dish of warmed milk settled gently within the box, a tender smile crinkling his tawny orbs as he watched Yozo lap eagerly at the sweetened milk. Yunho flicked his head up suddenly to meet Jaejoong's silent form, standing beneath the door frame, just like many nights ago, within a dank alleyway.
“Follow me? I want you to be there.” Jaejoong whispered softly, staring back hopefully at Yunho crouched upon the ground, a single hand draped lazily over the roughened edges of the cardboard box. Yunho nodded wordlessly, straightening up fluidly to join Jaejoong by the wooden frame. He was rewarded with a bright smile, Jaejoong's mellow orbs of plum wine widening as Yunho slipped his warm fingers into Jaejoong's lax palm, entwining their fingers tightly together.
“Let’s go.” Yunho breathed out softly.
***
Junsu cocked his head to the side, staring curiously at the crimson slash that adorned the man’s pale lips, a nasty split that had already hardened into a sliver of cracked blood. His sharp amber orbs picked out the telltale signs- slightly rapid breaths as the man shifted nervously within his seat, the quick flicker of his agitated eyes to the wooden door, his hooded gaze tightening a minor fraction as he glanced about at the interior, never once meeting Junsu's friendly gaze. Junsu frowned imperceptibly, following the man’s gaze that rested more than once upon the slim back of his lover, as Yoochun bent over a raised counter, concentrating upon brewing enough coffee for the whole party that had congregated within the room. God knows they needed it.
The sun was still up, a miniscule skim off the top of her head, peering over the horizon, but there nevertheless shining her golden rays into the room. He could already see the draining effects upon Yoochun's furrowed brow, an ominous cloud settling over his shoulders, his eyes narrowing in annoyance as his lover blinked momentarily, careful calculated movements that sought to prevent any of the bitter liquid from sloshing over the side. The various occupants that milled about the room sported similar purplish bruises under their tightly drawn eyes, their steps hesitant and tentative.
Junsu suppressed a sigh of exasperation to escape his lips, irritation chafing against his nerves as Changmin strolled comfortably about, his sleep cycle still unused to their nocturnal habits, which granted him a reprieve from the sluggish haze that seeped through their limbs. Junsu was tucked into a corner of the plush sofa, his head buried miserably between his drawn knees, his arms hugging tightly around his compact body. “Here, babe.” Yoochun murmured gently, placing a wonderfully warm mug of steaming coffee within Junsu's outstretched palms. He placed a gentle kiss upon Junsu's brow, smoothing away the messy tuft of hair that draped across his forehead.
Junsu murmured his thanks, sipping delicately at the caffeinated brew with pursed lips, his unfocused gaze settling upon the silvery ribbons of steam wafting forth from the rippling surface in wispy curls. Yoochun sat down heavily next to Junsu, his hands nursing a similar mug, its lacquered surface slightly cracked and chipped. Yoochun breathed out a weary sigh, unknowing of the slightly confused gaze that the quiet man kept placing upon his sprawled frame. Junsu felt a flash of irritation course through his frazzled nerves. Today was definitely not starting so well.
“Hey guys, I'm sorry I took so long.” Jaejoong's distinct voice carried through the room, a delicate huskiness that sent shivers down many backs. Junsu craned his neck over the backrest and peered at Jaejoong's shadowed silhouette, his hands connected with Yunho's larger palm. Yoochun smirked at that. Junsu simply widened his eyes. Changmin grinned mischievously, flashing a pointed look Yunho's way, who returned the favour with a heated glare. Lily's stoic façade remained impassive. Kit beamed.
Their momentary lapse in attention faded away as quickly as it had come, all eyes snapping to fixate upon the quivering frame of a nervous man, as he bowed awkwardly to Jaejoong's widened orbs. “Are you Mister Kim Jaejoong?” He stuttered, a note of desperation lacing his words. Jaejoong nodded uncertainly, staring down at the side swept mass of ebony locks that greeted his vision. “I'm Hongki, Lee Hongki. And I need your help. Your sister told me to come find you, should anything happen to her…” He trailed away in a broken whisper, squeezing his eyes tightly shut as he straightened up, his fists clenched at the side of his rigid frame.
Jaejoong stilled, his angled features frozen into an impeccable mask of silence, icy shards of pitch rose staring unseeingly at the man’s desolate frown. “My sister is alive.” He stated monotonously, taking not a step towards the man. Hongki nodded fervently, eyes roving timidly about the room, crumbling inwardly upon himself as he met complete utter silence, unmoving eyes fixed tensely upon both men. “Explain yourself.” Jaejoong uttered softly, his words all the more chilling for their lack of emotion, his tone bleak and cold.
Hongki winced, seating himself back down awkwardly upon the sofa, his mug of coffee left untouched upon the low table. “Your sister is still alive, and she’s… currently married. I'm… I'm- I was working under her husband. He's a mafia boss. I was the bodyguard assigned to protect her. We… We fell in love with each other. But then he found out about it and he's currently locked her inside their mansion. He's a brutal and violent man. He's beaten her before, but I don’t think he will let her live after this betrayal.” Hongki stuttered, his voice lowered to a barest whisper, pitched only for Jaejoong to hear, unaware that the occupants had picked up every single word.
Jaejoong blinked once, riveting the man to his seat with his piercing gaze. “That can’t be true,” Jaejoong said firmly. “I traced her myself to the ‘Rose Geishas’ brothel over at Cheongnyangni. They said that she had worked there briefly before she disappeared. The trail died there and I thought she was dead. Now, you’re telling me that she’s fucking alive? And in trouble?” Jaejoong's voice raised a fraction, strengthening as he spoke, his eyes flashing dangerously as they swirled a bittersweet rosette around coal irises.
Hongki nodded once, desperation ringing clear within his pleading gaze as he met Jaejoong's livid gaze unflinchingly. “Please, you have to help me. She told me to come find you. She’s been watching you all this while. But she couldn’t reveal herself to you without her husband finding out about your whereabouts and dragging you into paying off her debts as well. Please. I can’t do it by myself.” He whispered despairingly, distress lacing his words like wretched barbs.
Jaejoong turned away from the frantic man, meeting Yunho's strong, calm gaze. He let out a pent up breath, feeling an abrupt surge of quiet determination and composure assail his staggered mind. Jaejoong felt Yunho squeeze their joined hands briefly before letting go. Jaejoong smiled tightly, before turning back to the man, and nodding once. “I’ll help you. I have to.” He stated simply.
A thankful smile blossomed over the man’s lips, crinkled laugh lines showing as his eyes glimmered with unabashed gratefulness. He blinked momentarily, recalling something which he promptly blurted out. “Um… You might think I'm stupid for saying this,” Hongki reached a hand to scratch sheepishly behind his ears. “But there’s a legend among the clan that our rival gang’s founding leader’s last resting place was here. He's long dead, and it’s just a stupid myth so don’t pay it much mind. But I was just curious. Is it really true? I’ve noticed that my boss doesn’t frequent this area much and he once slapped a guy who mentioned your establishment before.” He stopped short, realising a tad too late that he was rambling. A faint blush coloured his cheeks, his black bangs falling over his forehead as he ducked his head down.
The room fell deathly still for the second time that evening. Well, it was well way into dusk by then, the indigo heavens lightly streaked with a light smattering of thin clouds. Jaejoong and Yunho stared back at him quizzically, exchanging puzzled glances. The remaining party held various degrees of stricken shock upon their faces, excluding one. Yoochun smirked lightly, amusement suavely lining the sides of his caramel orbs, as he set the mug down upon the coffee table. Its porcelain base clinked loudly within the room.
Yoochun slipped off his perch, bending down slightly to offer an outstretched hand in polite greeting. “Park Yoochun, founding leader of Gangpyo(snow leopards) at your service.”
“No.”
A fervent whisper trailed within the pervading hush. Junsu leaned forward heavily, resting his elbows upon his knees, crazed fingers strangling through his chestnut hair making them stick up in spiky tufts, his lids squeezed tightly shut. The puckered flesh turned white as his teeth bit down harshly upon his quivering bottom lip, a hiccupped whimper bubbling up from his chest.
“No, no, no.”
A single tear tracked down a side of his cheek.