Our Promise (Continue...)
Title: Our Promise
Rating:PG
Warning: I know its an uncommon pair, but knowing they have the same birthdate simply sparked off an idea. And my mind refuse to NOT let me write it. And the cheesy name for SiWon when he was young...well, i couldn't think of another name. Forgive me.
Pairing: Choi Si Won/ Choi Soo Young
Summery: Two childhood friends. One unfulfilled promise. Two brokeen hearts. What will the story be like...? Read on.
Note: Second try at writing a fic... and using a rare pairing. No bashing since ideas are generated through the thing I call a brain and I'm quite supportive of this pairing. So read with an open mind.
For flashback, the diffrent names used is not to confuse you, but because it is from different POV. So when the childhood names are used, it means that it's from with of their POV.
P.S: The whole story is too long to be completed in one single post, so I had to split it.
Part 1-6 is in the previous entry.
As the car jerked to a sudden stop, SooYoung became aware of her surroundings. SooYoung expected the usual ache of her head, neck and back from sleeping too long in a sitting position. Strangely, the only area that hurt was her back. Her neck was in a comfortable position, her head on sometime not soft, but not entirely uncomfortable. Thinking that someone must have placed something to cushion her head, she lifted her head, about to keep the cushion when she saw that whatever she leaned on was nothing remotely resembling a cushion. Instead, SiWon’ sleeping profile came to view.
Oh no…Oh no, no, no. He’ll never put this to rest! And I thought it was comfortable! SooYoung berated herself while her inner voice corrected her; you’re just pissed off that you couldn’t enjoy it throughout the whole ride since you were knocked out like a pig. Not wanting him to see her flushed face, SooYoung leaped out from the vehicle and ran straight into the studio, failing to see the grin spreading on SiWon’ face.
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In the busy recording studio everyone was bustling around the studio, setting up the equipments, arguing over the lighting, preparing the jewelry, checking the clothes and underneath all the tension of making the photo shoot a perfect one, everyone couldn’t deny the anticipation of seeing the two famous singer working together. For one, the photos will satisfy people’s imagination of the ‘perfect’ couple and for another, the jewelry will definitely be a hit.
In their individual changing room, stylist, make up artists and wardrobe coordinator are fussing over the two models, fussing hair to perfection, checking clothes for creases and adding the necessary touches to their faces.
SooYoung’ POV
“SooYoung ah, we’re starting in another 10 minutes. Get ready.” Her manager told her, his hands pointing to her necklace.
As a habit, SooYoung fingered the ring, as if to assure herself that everything will be fine. Unwilling to take it off till she have to, she walked out of the room, bracing herself to face the challenges that she knew would ensue.
SiWon’ POV
“SiWon, its time.” His manager indicated, signaling for him to get out of the room.
With effortless grace, SiWon got up of the chair and strode out of the room, unaware of the sighs trailing after him.
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“ SiWon, your necklace.” His manager stopped him before he went to take his shoots.
Unconsciously running his fingers over the ring, he reluctantly took it off and handed to his manager. The necklace has become so much as a part of him that he didn’t even realize he still had it on till his manager told him. Hearing the sudden commotion, he turned his head and saw SooYoung, wearing a pale blue dress which stopped short at her mid thighs with a belt clinched at the waist, sauntered in. He felt the monster in him start raging as the dress cover little and emphasize on her small waist. The urge to run over to her and cover her body up from the eyes of the rest of the world was so huge, he actually took a step in her direction before realizing what he was doing and stopped himself. He saw her took off a necklace she was wearing in exchange for the one they were promoting and did the same himself.
“Don’t lose this, hyung.” SiWon reminded his manager before he donned on his professional face and walked to where SooYoung stood waiting.
SooYoung subtly tugged at the edge of the dress, wanting it to be longer. She has never felt comfortable in a dress, let alone short ones. It just limits how she walks! Her eyes darted around the staff, hoping SiWon would hurry up so that she won’t be in the limelight. Her hands went up defensively to her throat in a nervous gesture, needing the comfort of the ring only to realize she’d just taken it off and gave it to her manager in exchange for the necklace they’ll be promoting. Her thought of nervousness evaporated immediately at the sight of SiWon clad in black jeans with a dress shirt open wide at the throat, giving a teasing hint of the nicely sculptured body. She licked her suddenly dry lips and managed to recover quick enough to compliment him.
“Nice outfit.” She blurted. She blames her suddenly dry throat if her voice sounded just a tad husky.
“You’re not so bad yourself” he returned, his eyes doing a once over as if seeing her outfit for the first time.
She felt the flush crept up her neck but hid her reaction by fanning herself and commenting on the humidity of the room when the room is air-conditioned.
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“Ok, SiWon, wrap your arms around SooYoung’ waist. That’s right! And SooYoung, circle your arms around SiWon’s neck, tilt your face towards the camera and rest the side of your face lightly against SiWon’ chest. Yes, yes. Make sure the earring is visible and the bracelet is not blocked. SiWon, lean your head down towards SooYoung’s , your lips near her ears. Good! Excellent!” the photographer once again fired his demands as a series of shots were taken. This was not the first instruction he gave, neither will it be the last. The photo shoot was a long way from finished.
SiWon’ manager went over to have a chat with SooYoung’ manager. As he near the latter, he saw the chain protruding out of his hands.
“Hey, what’s that in your hand?” SiWon’ manager pointed out.
“This?” SooYoung’ manager let the ring dangle in the air showing the other the ring before continuing, “is SooYoung’ most valued object.
Shock registered on SiWon’ manager’s face as he scrutinized the ring and realized it’s the exact replica of the one he’s holding on to, just that SooYoung’ is smaller and instead of SiWon, its carving is S.W. He let the similar ring he was holding on to dangle as well, showing the other what he just discovered.
“Is…Isn’t it the same one?!” SooYoung’ manager gasp.
“ I sense something going on… But… when they first meet, they seem genuinely clueless about who each other is.” SiWon’ manager said.
“Let’s just not talk about it. I don’t want the press to catch any gist of this. In any case, Mr. Shin is trying to get our attention and it seems like we need to do labor work again. Let’s just find a place to put this first.” Spotting a relatively clear table, they placed the necklace beside each other before responding to Mr. Shin’ command.
Unknown to them, as they walked away, the wardrobe coordinator placed a pile of shirts on the table, causing the objects on the table to scatter everywhere, including the pair of rings which softly clattered to the back corner of the table.
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“SooYoung, lie down on SiWon’ chest please.” The photographer command, his hands indicating to where SiWon lay on the clusters of pillow.
SooYoung was exhausted from the relentless demands of the photographer and the constant change in clothes, accessories and make-up. It doesn’t help that her partner seems to be taking everything in stride, not even breaking out in a sweat after each shoot, looking composed and confident. SooYoung squished the urge to scream at the photographer for all the actions she had to do. Touching him in intimate places as he did to hers, yet she knew that his touch was impersonal while hers were more than that. Not wanting to annoy the photographer any further, SooYoung walked to where SiWon is, draping herself carefully over him to avoid as much body contact as she can.
“Erm… SooYoung. You do know the concept of this photo shoot, right? Not to insult you, but the vibe you give off are basically telling people that you loath the guy. Come on, show me your professionalism. Slide your legs between SiWon’… Yes, that’s good. And lay your hand on his chest. SiWon, place your hands on her hip, the other one on her face. Yes, tilt her head towards yours as if you guys were going to kiss. Good!” the snap of the camera went off, yet SooYoung was oblivious to it, mesmerized by SiWon’ intense gaze staring back at her, as if she’s the only woman he sees. She found herself leaning slightly forward, but SiWon help her back.
Stupid! What are you doing! You’ve just humiliated yourself in front of him. Worse, he was the one who stopped you! Get it into your head that he is NOT interested. SooYoung berated herself as she tried to pull away from him even in the midst of the photo shoot. SiWon’ hand bit into her hips, holding her prisoner as the hands resting on her face tighten to keep her in place. She refused to look at him, darting her eyes away.
“SooYoung. Think. Do not think I wasn’t tempted even for a second with you dressed so skimpily. But you realize we’re in the middle of a shoot. What will happen if our kiss is captured on film?” SiWon hissed into SooYoung’ ear, all the while maintaining the image of intimacy.
SiWon saw the realization dawn unto her face, but along with it, was anger at his accusation of her lack of professionalism. Although his mind screamed at him for not taking what SooYoung- whether consciously or not- offered, he couldn’t prevent his pride from swelling at the fact that SooYoung is also attracted to him. Throughout the photo shoot, SiWon took the advantage of touching her whenever he can, a brush of hands here, a lingering of hands there. He could see the visible effort it took for her to not respond to him and he chuckled at that.
It was till late in the night that the job came to an end.
“Good job everyone!” Mr. Shin declared, turning towards the two models.
“ I’m above grateful towards the two of you for doing this for me. You guys are perfect. You two really pulled off the concept flawlessly. From the photos I’ve seen, it almost looks like you two are in love. Well, if you need any jewelry, feel free to find me and I’ll do my best to repay you.” With a firm handshake to the two of them, Mr. Shin left.
From the photos I’ve seen, it almost looks like you two are in love.
The sentence hung between the two of them as silence enveloped the studio, the staffs already finished packing and most, if not all of them, had left the place. SooYoung regretted asking her manager to leave and not wait for her since she feels bad whenever people had to wait on her and it seemed like SiWon did that to. Needing to break the silence, SooYoung turned in the direction of her changing room with a slight wave to SiWon to indicate she’ll see him later, intending to escape his presence.
In the changing room, SooYoung wiped off the last of her makeup and stared at herself in the mirror. Were my emotions that blatant? She sighed, about to turn away from the mirror when she noticed her bare neck. Her gasp was loud in the empty room as she hastily rummage in her bag for her hand phone, dialing her manager’ number.
“Oppa, is my necklace with you?” SooYoung demanded her voice harsh.
There was a pause before he replied.
“I left it on the table nearest to the side entrance, the one with a streak of white paint at the side. SooYoung ah-“He didn’t get to finish his sentence before she disconnected, her long legs eating up yards as she raced into the empty studio. Spotting the table, she saw that it was clear of everything. Is he sure he left it here? Knowing her manager was shrewd in remembering things, she immediately rejected the thought soon as in entered her mind. She went onto all four and started to search on the floor near the table, checking the surrounding of the table as well as underneath the table. Yet, all she saw was the empty floor coated with dust. SooYoung felt her heart sank at the thought of losing something so precious, yet she knew all along that she should have long given up on him. Perhaps it’s God’ way of telling her to move on and leave the past as it is. As she started to get up, something caught her eyes at the very corner of the table, hidden behind the layer of wood which has peeled off the table. SooYoung reached in and retrieved two identical rings, each attached to a chain. She felt her heart stop beating as air whooshed out of her.
She could easily recognize her own necklace, but it was the other necklace that sets the alarms shrieking in her mind. The other necklace looked so foreign yet familiar to her. The knowledge slammed into her like a lightning bolt and she felt the past years rush back at her. The laughter, the fun, the love. Although she had only seen the ring once, she knew... she’ll always know this ring… and its owner, she thought.
SooYoung didn’t even realize she was gasping for breath till a pair of arms wrapped around her as a deep voice soothe her to breath and calm down. SooYoung did as she was told, her fingers grabbing SiWon’ forearm, leaving marks on it. Soon SooYoung was calm enough to read the carvings in the ring to confirm what she knows.
SiWon didn’t know what was going on, nor had he seen the slap coming. Before coming into the studio, he was phoning his manager, asking for his necklace only to be told that it was placed on a table in the studio. As he entered the studio, fear overwhelmed him when he saw SooYoung on the floor, her breath coming in little pants as he realized she was hyperventilating. He immediately ran to calm her down, soothing her till she raised the ring that look suspiciously like his for inspection and saw the carvings inside.
“Summer & SiWon ” he heard her whisper.
“SooYoung, I…” The loud smack echoed in the studio.
“When did you know? When are you ever going to tell me who you are? S.W. I should have known. It stands for SiWon, isn't it. And all the time I was stupid enough to not be suspicious of you. I was stupid enough to not pester you for your real name. Wonnie. Good one.” Tears ran down SooYoung’ face as she angrily wiped it away.
“Wait. What are you… “ SiWon halted in mid-sentence.
“Summer” he whispered, the one name that has always haunted him, the only name that has ever mattered to him.
“ Oh, don’t pretend. Don’t tell me you didn’t know who I am. And all the while I thought I could get over you. I even felt myself falling for you, Choi Si Won. But I guess I was stupid enough NOT to see that I was falling for the same guy all over again.” SooYoung spat out, her hands warding him off as he advanced on her.
“ I didn’t know! Honestly. I swear I didn’t know you were Summer at all! It was the nickname that tipped me off. No one uses the name except Summer.” SiWon tried to get into her good grace, ignoring the fact that she was pushing him away as he caught her tight into him embrace.
SooYoung struggled against the solid wall of muscle. She knew she was weaker against him, yet it didn’t stop her from hitting at him with her fist as she blindly strikes out at him. The years of waiting, of buried hopes, of resentment and lastly of broken heart, all the emotions broke free as she sobbed against him, rapping him on the chest several times.
SiWon felt the hot tears soaking his shirt as he held her closer, wanting to take the pain away from her. Every tear she shed matched his unshed ones, every hit she gave was a terrible blow to his heart. He knew that things won’t be easy when he reunite with Summer, but he never expected that cute and lively little girl would turn up to be the fiery Amazon he held in his arms.
SiWon held SooYoung till her tears were dried. Ashamed at her weakness in front of him, she quickly pulled back, wanting to get away from him yet it was like pushing against a mountain that refuse to budge.
“Release me. Now.” SooYoung purposely use the haughty tone she rarely use.
“No. Not until you listen to my side of the story. Summ- I mean, SooYoung- you knew very well that it wasn’t my choice to leave you back then. My parents forced me to move even when I rebelled against the idea from the day I knew of the plan. Leaving you was the hardest thing I’ve ever done! Once I reached America, I tried to use my connection to get more information about you, to get in contact with you. Yet, all I know was that the girl I knew, Summer Choi, no longer exist. It’s like you dropped off the face of Earth or something! You know why I became a singer although you knew I hate the limelight? It’s all because of you! I had to find you and this is the only way since you’ve always wanted to be a singer. Can’t you see I’ve never forgotten you at all? Not even once.” SiWon confessed, his voice rough with emotions as his eyes begged her to believe him.
SooYoung felt tears burn in her eyes and her throat clogged up.
“I…I’ve never gotten over you too. I thought I did, but the necklace was a constant reminder of you. Did you know ever since you left, I starved myself, having no appetite at all till I fainted and was sent to the hospital? Seeing my family members crying their heart out at my stupidity made me so ashamed of myself that I’ve decided to stop wallowing in my self-pity. After which I decided to realize my dream by working hard and going for auditions, thinking you’ll recognize me when I gained fame. As for the name ‘Summer’, I’ve decided not to use it anymore. It brings back the memories of you whenever someone calls me that so I decided to use my Korean name instead.” SooYoung looked up at SiWon and she saw the sincerity in his eyes.
Bringing her hands up, she framed his face before going up on her toes to press a kiss against his lips. Not willing to let the kiss end, SiWon cupped the nape of her neck, tilting his head in a better position for a deeper kiss, sliding his tongue along the seam of her lips. SooYoung parted her lips on cue and granted him access to her sweet mouth. SiWon groaned when Sooyoung tangled her tongue with his. Before long, each of them were panting for air.
“ I take it that you forgive me and that we’re official?” SiWon murmured against her lips as his he used the pad of his thumb to stroke her high cheekbone, moving down to brush across her swollen lower lips.
“I guess so… But promise me, that you’ll not leave me this time. I don’t think my heart could take it if you decide to walk out on me again. I’ll shatter.” He heard the tremble in her voice and his heart broke with it.
Stroking her hair back from her face, he leaned his brows against her.
“On top of this new promise, I’ll also start to keep the old promise that I’ve made to you. From today onwards I , Choi Si Won, will not leave or walk out on you, Choi Soo Young, ever again. Also We’ll always spend our birthday together… I promise.” With that he leaned down to capture her mouth and sealed the promise with a kiss.