No Show Fee: 22. Expected Time of Arrival [JaeMin, JaeHae, YehHae; DBSJ]
No Show Fee : 22. Expected Time of Arrival
yumeyana
dong bang shin ki / super junior | JaeMin, JaeHae, YehHae
PG-13 - NC-17 / drama, angst, humor, romance
They say love waits. But the question always is, until when? First days are always hard. But for Changmin, this one doesn't equal to his awkward and absolutely horrible first day as an SM trainee. This was a hundred times worse.
[crossposted at hug______, miracle______, _starcandy.]
Author’s Notes: It’s been so long since I last updated, I know, and I’m sorry. Life caught up with me and it’s been taking a toll on me. I hope I haven’t lost you in the process. Anyway, I’m trying to put all the pieces of this puzzle together. Hopefully, I’ll be able to write more in the future. :D
Disclaimers: None of the Dong Bang Shin Ki and Super Junior boys are mine, only the plot is.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
No Show Fee : Expected Time of Arrival
Where is he, Changmin asked no one as he waited for the rest of the cast and crew of his new drama to arrive. He had been the first of the cast to arrive, earning surprised looks from the crew who were already there. He couldn’t sleep last night, actually-that was the reason why he was at the location earlier than the call time-even though he drank two glasses of warm milk and even counted sheep. It was frustrating, really (he solved sudoku and crossword puzzles, played solitaire but it was a futile attempt) because he needed that sleep. So at four in the morning, he got up and took a shower. He was out of Yunho and Hyukjae’s apartment before he could wake anyone up.
This has got to be the longest time I’ve ever waited, Changmin thought as he finished another gym leader off. It was the latest Pokémon game, one he bought when he was still in Canada, and it was supposed to hold his attention for longer than the crossword puzzles he has already finished. But somehow, Pokémon wasn’t as interesting when he was on pins and needles. He saved the game and exited it, checking his watch afterwards. It was a little before six and he knew he would probably see Heechul’s car any minute now. He checked his appearance, making sure that he looked his best today. Casual, yes, but still the best. After all, wasn’t that his fashion sense-comfortable?
Changmin shook his head. He sounded like teenager waiting for his prom date.
True to his prediction, Heechul’s car arrived a few minutes later. It was followed by another car, a new one that Changmin hasn’t seen before. Everyone around Changmin was suddenly alert, all of them arranging their appearances while they approached the cars. Changmin stayed where he was, unable to decide if this was a ritual and if he was invited to take part in it.
Yehsung and Saitoh alighted from Heechul’s car first, closely followed by Leeteuk, who was sitting beside the driver’s seat. Heechul was the last one to alight from his car, shades protecting his eyes from the sun’s rays. Changmin fought back a snicker. He was quite sure it wasn’t really for protection, though; it was already November and the sun wasn’t as present as usual.
The unknown-for Changmin, that is-car parked right beside Heechul’s own. Changmin didn’t need to crane his neck to see who was there. There were only two missing people after all-Donghae and Jaejoong (The latter was driving and it took a while for Changmin to process that the car was probably something Jaejoong had bought while he was in Canada.). They alighted almost at the same time and Changmin couldn’t help but note how in sync they were. It wasn’t a big deal, really, because that has happened to them before but somehow this one was different. Perhaps it was also due to the fact that Donghae was chuckling at something that made Jaejoong blush madly.
And Jaejoong rarely blushed.
A string of ‘annyeong ha saeyo’s resonated inside the Incheon International Airport and Changmin was glad that the security was tighter than usual. That and this part of the airport was almost deserted, save for a few extras. Heechul smiled at everyone as he passed by, asking each of them if they had already prepared what he had asked them to do. The crew reported to him one by one and Heechul listened with incredible patience.
Now that was something new, Changmin thought.
Yehsung and Saitoh were in an animated conversation but they smiled at people who greeted them. Changmin walked forward, intending to greet them as well-“Jongwoon hyung!” he called out-but when Yehsung saw Changmin walking towards them, his smile disappeared. He whispered something to Saitoh then walked past Changmin without even looking at the latter.
The former Dong Bang Shin Ki magnae’s eyes widened.
For as long as he could remember, Yehsung had always been sweet to him. They had often hugged, not even needing a reason to do so. He could never recall a time where Yehsung brushed him off or ignored him. Yehsung had always welcomed him open arms, even when Jaejoong had first introduced them.
Wait.
Changmin’s eyes widened. Could it be that the reason why Yehsung acted the way he did was because of Jaejoong? After all, Yehsung had this reputation about being an overprotective hyung and Jaejoong was one of his closest friends and dearest dongsaeng. It would be quite natural for Yehsung to side with Jaejoong if that was the case.
“So,” Saitoh said, suddenly appearing beside him. “You’ll be my source of amusement from now on, hm?” The Japanese actor had said it in drawling Japanese, making Changmin take a step back. Saitoh laughed and just shook his head before strutting over to where Yehsung went. Before Changmin could process that scene, Leeteuk greeted him with a tight hug. “Changmin ah~!” His voice was so full of life, contrary to the look on Yehsung’s face when he walked past the younger one.
“Hey hyung,” he greeted, hugging him back. “No more jetlag?” Leeteuk chuckled. “Who-me? Seriously, Changmin, you should know better that we,” he gestured to himself and Changmin. “Don’t experience jetlag.” Then he added in a whisper, “At least that’s what we tell everyone.” Changmin was midway through laughing about that little jetlag comment, when he saw Jaejoong and Donghae walking towards their direction-they were hand-in-hand, Changmin noted bitterly, and he was trying hard not to walk over and snatch Jaejoong away (no, Jaejoong would’ve had his head if he ever did that).
He stopped short, almost choking on his own laughter.
“Jaejoong hyung, Donghae hyung,” he greeted, giving the older one his most beautiful smile. Changmin’s greeting fell on deaf ears, though, what with Donghae whispering in Jaejoong’s ear, and they just walked past him-a little like how Yehsung did it a while ago-only this time, this made him feel cold.
Very, very cold.
*
Leeteuk was impressed at how everyone followed Heechul’s every command. His friend seemed to have earned the staff and crew’s respect and he felt proud that this was the Heechul his friend had become. Heechul almost didn’t do anything but inspect and supervise. Every person there knew what they were supposed to do without anyone telling what it was.
Thirty minutes after they arrived, Heechul picked up his megaphone and told everyone that the shooting would start in five minutes. Heechul approached his actors, briefed them on where they’re supposed to be. The actors nodded, concentration heightened. It seemed that Heechul’s charisma on screen had somehow turned out to be useful behind the camera.
“Maybe we need some popcorn,” Changmin whispered, settling down beside Leeteuk.
The former Super Junior leader laughed softly. “Maybe we could ask the staff to get us some?”
Changmin grinned. “Maybe,” he said but didn’t ask anyone for some popcorn. He watched Heechul call everyone’s attention and the actors were slipping into their characters and they were doing so with ease. Jaejoong was still holding Donghae’s hand, but this time there was something professional in it-like they’ve fully established how this should look on film.
“They’re good, ne?”
Changmin nodded. “Yeah. It’s almost as if it’s not Jaejoong hyung.”
Leeteuk raised an eyebrow. He was sure he said they, not just Jaejoong. Somehow, they translated to Jaejoong in Changmin’s mind. He sighed, trying to focus his attention at the shoot-Heechul was sitting on the director’s chair, eyes trained on the monitors in front of him. It was starting, the shoot, and everyone was quiet; sans the actors, of course-but his mind was elsewhere. He knew that this was one complicated love story but he never knew it was this complicated.
He should’ve been here earlier, really.
*
“Okay! That’s a wrap for now. Lunch time,” Heechul announced over the megaphone. Everyone visibly relaxed. “Jaejoong made lun-” Changmin grinned at how everyone reacted. Apparently, everyone was still crazy about Jaejoong’s cooking.
Jaejoong was blushing profusely as everyone cheered at Heechul’s announcement. His hyung didn’t have to say that, really; but-Heechul ruffled his hair (earning a tired sigh from the hairstylist; “We’re not having a sex scene after this, director,” she said and Heechul stuck his tongue out) and put an arm around him-what was done, was done. “Hey, Changmin!” Heechul called out at the boy who was standing a few meters away from them. Jaejoong raised an eyebrow; why the hell was Heechul calling him, he didn’t know.
“Yes, hyung?”
“Fall in line, idiot. You’ll miss lunch if you stay there.”
Jaejoong purposely stomped on Heechul’s foot, earning a glare from the latter. “What the fu-” The younger one stomped on the same foot again. “No, Heechul hyung. My turn. What the fuck was that?” he hissed. “Why did you invite him for lunch?”
Heechul stomped on his dongsaeng’s foot. “Revenge. And I told you to be civil, Jaejoong.”
“Civil doesn’t mean he has to-” (“Jaejoong ssi, thwishishdelishuz.” “Don’t talk with your mouth full, babo.”) “-eat something I’ve prepared for everyone else but him!” Heechul sighed and pulled him closer. “Civil means you have to forget your personal hatred towards Changmin and start acting like a professional. Yes, even when the cameras are off.” There was a pause; Jaejoong obviously didn’t like it but that was what the situation called for and Heechul was the director. Whatever he said was the law.
“Look, Jae; I know you hate this being-civil-with-the-person-who-broke-your-heart thing but just do this as a favor for everyone, okay? If the crew gets wind of this hostility, everything gets shattered. I can’t risk that-we can’t risk that.”
It was too much, too soon-that Heechul knew very well-but they were professionals. In the eyes of everyone else, they weren’t entitled to a personal life. They had resigned themselves to this fate a long time ago. Jaejoong had to remember that.
“You’re still the best cook I know, Jaejoong hyung,” came Changmin’s voice from somewhere near them.
Jaejoong closed his eyes. Being civil didn’t mean he needed to answer that, right? He gave the younger one a curt nod and untangled himself from Heechul. “Fine,” he said before leaving the director alone. He had never hated that word so much until today.
He needed to write to Mr. Webster and ask him to take that word off the dictionary, dammit.
*
Tomorrow started a day all too soon and Changmin found himself wishing that he could just replay yesterday so that he could prepare for this better. But he didn’t have Hermione’s Time-Turner (they should’ve made one for the public-the muggles-so that he’d have something, anything) and he’ll have to deal with the pressure of today.
Jaejoong had been ignoring him all day long-first, when he arrived hand in hand with Donghae; then, when they were eating the lunch Jaejoong made-and to be honest, Changmin was tired of putting up that big smile and be calm about this when there was chaos inside his heart and mind. He sighed; tired but never giving up, he reminded himself. He has so much in stake here.
But he was nervous, too damn nervous, that he botched up the first twenty or so takes.
He could still hear Heechul’s voice in his ears-what happened to you out there, Changmin; where did all those years of training go, huh; when Kibum gets wind of how awful that was, seriously Changmin (Kibum? Did Heechul just mention Kibum?)-and its message rang clear. He sucked-and definitely not in a good way.
“I’m sorry,” was the only thing he could think about saying.
“Stop apologizing, you idiot,” he heard Jaejoong say. His breath hitched; he had almost forgotten that Heechul had left Jaejoong there with him. He thought he was apologizing to the director, not to Jaejoong. “Second-” (If there was a first, he had missed it.) “-stop acting like a fumbling magnae you never were and be the smart-ass-pain-in-the-butt Shim Changmin you’re known for.
“If he’s not going to make an appearance, might as well give up.”
*
Donghae was watching Jaejoong’s every move since Heechul dragged him and Changmin out of the set. He had deliberately stirred up a conversation with Yehsung who was in the perfect position-somewhere he could still watch over his boyfriend without looking like a deranged stalker. He was actually hitting two birds with one stone; by talking with Yehsung, he was eliminating any possibility of Saitoh being within five meters of his hyung.
“You’re not looking at me.”
He blinked. “Say what, hyung?” he asked; perhaps, he had heard Yehsung wrong (ah, Jaejoong was saying something to the brat). “I said, you’re here because you want to keep watch over Jae and not because you wanted to practice our next scene.” Donghae gulped, looking away from Jaejoong for the first time. His eyes focused on Yehsung, apologetic and ashamed.
“I-”
Yehsung shrugged. This time, he was the one who looked away. “Never mind, Hae. Just-just remember that jealousy may be alright once in a while but it isn’t entirely healthy for a relationship.” Yehsung put his hands on his pockets. “He’s going to have a million scenes with Changmin, you know. You can’t watch over him like a hawk forever.”
Donghae sighed. “I know, hyung. It’s just that I feel restless. I trust Jaejoong hyung but Changmin is a different case altogether.” Yehsung met his gaze, holding it in a way that made Donghae feel solid ground again. That was his hyung, he thought; always the one who could keep you from diving in a pool without water. “He’s always been a different case, Lee Donghae. But his case has been tried and he’s been found guilty of indifference and stupidity.”
The younger one laughed. “Do you really have to use that metaphor, hyung?”
Yehsung smiled, ruffling Donghae’s hair. “If I can make you laugh like that, yes.”
“You’re a dork.” Donghae said, grinning from ear to ear. “Maybe the reason why Onyu has that sangtae of his is because he hung around you too much-ACK!.” The younger one suddenly found his head in a headlock courtesy of Yehsung; damn, he had forgotten how strong the smaller one could be when he wanted to. “Yah, Lee Donghae! Is that the way to talk to your hyung?”
“Only for my favorite hyung, yes.”
*
Daehyun’s eyes widened. Was this true, he thought; was that really Junhae?
“Junhae yah,” he called. He sounded like a frigging teenager or a movie star but he didn’t care. Junhae-yes, it was him-turned around, eyes blinking. He didn’t look like he recognized him but he would soon, Daehyun swore; he would. “Junhae yah!” he called, louder this time, before he swooped in and hugged Junhae.
(This, Changmin thought, was the closest thing he had to being in close contact with Jaejoong. He breathed in him in, every last part of him. He had missed this, missed him so much.)
“Daehyun? Son Daehyun?”
Daehyun closed his eyes, burying his head on Junhae’s shoulder. He bit his lower lip; he could feel tears stinging his eyes. He can’t cry now, dammit, but-but how long has it been, he thought; how long has it been since he last heard his name being uttered by the only one he had ever loved?
(For a moment there, he wanted to say something, anything that wouldn’t be in the script. But he could feel everyone’s eyes on him, Jaejoong’s eyes on him, and could not botch this up again. No.)
“Yes, Jun,” he said and it almost sounded like he was sobbing. “Yes, it’s me. It’s me.”
He heard Junhae laugh, feel Junhae’s fingers wiping away his tears. “Oh, Hyun. Why are you crying?”
“Because-because it’s you, Junhae. Because you’re here with me. Because it’s going to be us again.”
“Us?” Junhae choked, eyes widening. There was something in voice, a hitch-an uncertainty that Daehyun shrugged off as surprise. “Yes, Jun-us.” Daehyun cocked his head sideways. “Why? What’s the matter, Jun?”
Junhae’s lips curved in a small smile, one that reminded Daehyun of those days when Junhae was about to say something that would change everything. He could read his friend just like that. Maybe it was a bad idea to rush towards him like that while wearing his heart on his sleeve.
(It felt like he was it was him, not Daehyun, who was saying those things-feeling everything. He knew it was wrong-he was an actor, dammit; a professional!-and yet, it all seemed so real.)
“I-Daehyun, there’s something you need to-”
“Baby?” An unfamiliar voice, Daehyun noted and he willed himself not to look-don’t look, dammit-but, “Hey, baby,” he heard Junhae say as he disentangled himself from Daehyun. “Remember the childhood friend hyung and I had before we went to Japan? This is him, Son Daehyun.
“Hyun ah, this is Kim Jinhyun-my boyfriend.”
(His heart was breaking again.)
*
The rest of the day went on without much of a glitch. Changmin had improved greatly (to everyone’s happiness) and Jaejoong had even given him a nod for a job well done. By ten that night, everyone had packed up and they were all saying their goodbyes. Heechul had given the car keys to Yehsung, instructing him to drive safely (Leeteuk had argued that he could drive them home but Heechul carried him over his shoulder and placed him on the backseat). “I still want to live a little longer, Jungsu,” he said, before sitting on the passenger seat.
Saitoh slipped in the backseat with a sulking Leeteuk. “What’s so bad about letting Jungsu-kun drive?”
Jaejoong closed his eyes, letting the world pass him by. They were home and they were finally away from the pressures of the real world. He can catch up again tomorrow; he wasn’t in a hurry to cross out another day off the calendar. Ah, he thought; bubble baths were the reason why he launched Crebeau-Jeff. Everyone needed to be pampered once in a while.
The water stirred.
His eyes flew open, surprised when he saw Donghae hovering above him. Before he could ask what this was about-he loved the prospect of sharing a bath with Donghae but he was just too tired right now-when Donghae’s lips met his, sealing them (and he closed his eyes instinctively, too, dammit). He felt Donghae slowly prop him up, trying as much as possible not to let his hands wander. He moaned as his boyfriend sat on his lap, totally ignoring the fact that this could turn into a very messy bath.
“Baby-”
“I love you, Jaejoong.”
There were probably a million things he could say right now-like, I want you, Jaejoong; or, fuck me, baby-but never in a million years did Jaejoong imagine that Donghae would say those four words while they were naked in a bathtub.
“That was very much a turn on, baby,” he said, grinning widely.
Donghae’s eyes widened. “It wasn’t meant to be a pick up li-”
“I know, love. But it sure sounded like one.”
“It was supposed to be romantic, hyung.” He pouted. “You just ruined a perfectly romantic moment.” Jaejoong took that opportunity to turn the tables around and pinned Donghae down the bathtub. Now, he was in the mood for things. “I did, didn’t I? Can I make up for it, somehow?”
Donghae bit his lower lip, pretending to consider it. “Maybe?”
Jaejoong laughed. Lee Donghae, he thought; he had never thought he would be having this kind of conversation with this particular dongsaeng ever. He lowered his body to meet Donghae’s, capturing his lips in a matter of seconds. Donghae slowly snaked his arms around Jaejoong’s waist, holding him still. The latter crossed his legs behind Donghae, causing the younger one to sit upright.
He somehow understood why Donghae was acting all possessive. With Changmin there, anything was possible. That magnae was a threat to the happy world they have tried so hard to create. Donghae was afraid, and honestly, so was he. Changmin presented so many unknown variables and Jaejoong hated Algebra with all his heart.
Then, there was Yehsung. Jaejoong could not shake the feeling that perhaps, he was missing something. Or maybe, he was reading something wrong. He sighed inwardly; like Harry and Ron, he was never good at Divination, too.
Donghae moved under him, hands finally where they should be. Jaejoong’s lips left Donghae’s own, traveling down his neck. He heard his dongsaeng moan his name, low and throaty. Heechul would have their heads in the morning (this was going to be a very noisy bath, he could tell) but that didn’t matter right now. All that mattered right now was him and Donghae. Yes, that was right; Jaejoong and Donghae. Just Jaejoong and Donghae.
“I love you, Donghae,” Jaejoong said, looking straight into his boyfriend’s eyes. “I love you.”
And he meant it.
21 | 23
Check-in. Check-out.
No Show Fee: o1 | o2 | o3 | o4 | o5.a | o5.b | o6 | st, boarding pass | o7.a | o7.b. | o7.c | o7.d | o8.a | o8.b | o8.c | o8.d | o8.e | o9 | 1o | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 2o | 21
yumeyana
dong bang shin ki / super junior | JaeMin, JaeHae, YehHae
PG-13 - NC-17 / drama, angst, humor, romance
They say love waits. But the question always is, until when? First days are always hard. But for Changmin, this one doesn't equal to his awkward and absolutely horrible first day as an SM trainee. This was a hundred times worse.
[crossposted at hug______, miracle______, _starcandy.]
Author’s Notes: It’s been so long since I last updated, I know, and I’m sorry. Life caught up with me and it’s been taking a toll on me. I hope I haven’t lost you in the process. Anyway, I’m trying to put all the pieces of this puzzle together. Hopefully, I’ll be able to write more in the future. :D
Disclaimers: None of the Dong Bang Shin Ki and Super Junior boys are mine, only the plot is.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
No Show Fee : Expected Time of Arrival
Where is he, Changmin asked no one as he waited for the rest of the cast and crew of his new drama to arrive. He had been the first of the cast to arrive, earning surprised looks from the crew who were already there. He couldn’t sleep last night, actually-that was the reason why he was at the location earlier than the call time-even though he drank two glasses of warm milk and even counted sheep. It was frustrating, really (he solved sudoku and crossword puzzles, played solitaire but it was a futile attempt) because he needed that sleep. So at four in the morning, he got up and took a shower. He was out of Yunho and Hyukjae’s apartment before he could wake anyone up.
This has got to be the longest time I’ve ever waited, Changmin thought as he finished another gym leader off. It was the latest Pokémon game, one he bought when he was still in Canada, and it was supposed to hold his attention for longer than the crossword puzzles he has already finished. But somehow, Pokémon wasn’t as interesting when he was on pins and needles. He saved the game and exited it, checking his watch afterwards. It was a little before six and he knew he would probably see Heechul’s car any minute now. He checked his appearance, making sure that he looked his best today. Casual, yes, but still the best. After all, wasn’t that his fashion sense-comfortable?
Changmin shook his head. He sounded like teenager waiting for his prom date.
True to his prediction, Heechul’s car arrived a few minutes later. It was followed by another car, a new one that Changmin hasn’t seen before. Everyone around Changmin was suddenly alert, all of them arranging their appearances while they approached the cars. Changmin stayed where he was, unable to decide if this was a ritual and if he was invited to take part in it.
Yehsung and Saitoh alighted from Heechul’s car first, closely followed by Leeteuk, who was sitting beside the driver’s seat. Heechul was the last one to alight from his car, shades protecting his eyes from the sun’s rays. Changmin fought back a snicker. He was quite sure it wasn’t really for protection, though; it was already November and the sun wasn’t as present as usual.
The unknown-for Changmin, that is-car parked right beside Heechul’s own. Changmin didn’t need to crane his neck to see who was there. There were only two missing people after all-Donghae and Jaejoong (The latter was driving and it took a while for Changmin to process that the car was probably something Jaejoong had bought while he was in Canada.). They alighted almost at the same time and Changmin couldn’t help but note how in sync they were. It wasn’t a big deal, really, because that has happened to them before but somehow this one was different. Perhaps it was also due to the fact that Donghae was chuckling at something that made Jaejoong blush madly.
And Jaejoong rarely blushed.
A string of ‘annyeong ha saeyo’s resonated inside the Incheon International Airport and Changmin was glad that the security was tighter than usual. That and this part of the airport was almost deserted, save for a few extras. Heechul smiled at everyone as he passed by, asking each of them if they had already prepared what he had asked them to do. The crew reported to him one by one and Heechul listened with incredible patience.
Now that was something new, Changmin thought.
Yehsung and Saitoh were in an animated conversation but they smiled at people who greeted them. Changmin walked forward, intending to greet them as well-“Jongwoon hyung!” he called out-but when Yehsung saw Changmin walking towards them, his smile disappeared. He whispered something to Saitoh then walked past Changmin without even looking at the latter.
The former Dong Bang Shin Ki magnae’s eyes widened.
For as long as he could remember, Yehsung had always been sweet to him. They had often hugged, not even needing a reason to do so. He could never recall a time where Yehsung brushed him off or ignored him. Yehsung had always welcomed him open arms, even when Jaejoong had first introduced them.
Wait.
Changmin’s eyes widened. Could it be that the reason why Yehsung acted the way he did was because of Jaejoong? After all, Yehsung had this reputation about being an overprotective hyung and Jaejoong was one of his closest friends and dearest dongsaeng. It would be quite natural for Yehsung to side with Jaejoong if that was the case.
“So,” Saitoh said, suddenly appearing beside him. “You’ll be my source of amusement from now on, hm?” The Japanese actor had said it in drawling Japanese, making Changmin take a step back. Saitoh laughed and just shook his head before strutting over to where Yehsung went. Before Changmin could process that scene, Leeteuk greeted him with a tight hug. “Changmin ah~!” His voice was so full of life, contrary to the look on Yehsung’s face when he walked past the younger one.
“Hey hyung,” he greeted, hugging him back. “No more jetlag?” Leeteuk chuckled. “Who-me? Seriously, Changmin, you should know better that we,” he gestured to himself and Changmin. “Don’t experience jetlag.” Then he added in a whisper, “At least that’s what we tell everyone.” Changmin was midway through laughing about that little jetlag comment, when he saw Jaejoong and Donghae walking towards their direction-they were hand-in-hand, Changmin noted bitterly, and he was trying hard not to walk over and snatch Jaejoong away (no, Jaejoong would’ve had his head if he ever did that).
He stopped short, almost choking on his own laughter.
“Jaejoong hyung, Donghae hyung,” he greeted, giving the older one his most beautiful smile. Changmin’s greeting fell on deaf ears, though, what with Donghae whispering in Jaejoong’s ear, and they just walked past him-a little like how Yehsung did it a while ago-only this time, this made him feel cold.
Very, very cold.
*
Leeteuk was impressed at how everyone followed Heechul’s every command. His friend seemed to have earned the staff and crew’s respect and he felt proud that this was the Heechul his friend had become. Heechul almost didn’t do anything but inspect and supervise. Every person there knew what they were supposed to do without anyone telling what it was.
Thirty minutes after they arrived, Heechul picked up his megaphone and told everyone that the shooting would start in five minutes. Heechul approached his actors, briefed them on where they’re supposed to be. The actors nodded, concentration heightened. It seemed that Heechul’s charisma on screen had somehow turned out to be useful behind the camera.
“Maybe we need some popcorn,” Changmin whispered, settling down beside Leeteuk.
The former Super Junior leader laughed softly. “Maybe we could ask the staff to get us some?”
Changmin grinned. “Maybe,” he said but didn’t ask anyone for some popcorn. He watched Heechul call everyone’s attention and the actors were slipping into their characters and they were doing so with ease. Jaejoong was still holding Donghae’s hand, but this time there was something professional in it-like they’ve fully established how this should look on film.
“They’re good, ne?”
Changmin nodded. “Yeah. It’s almost as if it’s not Jaejoong hyung.”
Leeteuk raised an eyebrow. He was sure he said they, not just Jaejoong. Somehow, they translated to Jaejoong in Changmin’s mind. He sighed, trying to focus his attention at the shoot-Heechul was sitting on the director’s chair, eyes trained on the monitors in front of him. It was starting, the shoot, and everyone was quiet; sans the actors, of course-but his mind was elsewhere. He knew that this was one complicated love story but he never knew it was this complicated.
He should’ve been here earlier, really.
*
“Okay! That’s a wrap for now. Lunch time,” Heechul announced over the megaphone. Everyone visibly relaxed. “Jaejoong made lun-” Changmin grinned at how everyone reacted. Apparently, everyone was still crazy about Jaejoong’s cooking.
Jaejoong was blushing profusely as everyone cheered at Heechul’s announcement. His hyung didn’t have to say that, really; but-Heechul ruffled his hair (earning a tired sigh from the hairstylist; “We’re not having a sex scene after this, director,” she said and Heechul stuck his tongue out) and put an arm around him-what was done, was done. “Hey, Changmin!” Heechul called out at the boy who was standing a few meters away from them. Jaejoong raised an eyebrow; why the hell was Heechul calling him, he didn’t know.
“Yes, hyung?”
“Fall in line, idiot. You’ll miss lunch if you stay there.”
Jaejoong purposely stomped on Heechul’s foot, earning a glare from the latter. “What the fu-” The younger one stomped on the same foot again. “No, Heechul hyung. My turn. What the fuck was that?” he hissed. “Why did you invite him for lunch?”
Heechul stomped on his dongsaeng’s foot. “Revenge. And I told you to be civil, Jaejoong.”
“Civil doesn’t mean he has to-” (“Jaejoong ssi, thwishishdelishuz.” “Don’t talk with your mouth full, babo.”) “-eat something I’ve prepared for everyone else but him!” Heechul sighed and pulled him closer. “Civil means you have to forget your personal hatred towards Changmin and start acting like a professional. Yes, even when the cameras are off.” There was a pause; Jaejoong obviously didn’t like it but that was what the situation called for and Heechul was the director. Whatever he said was the law.
“Look, Jae; I know you hate this being-civil-with-the-person-who-broke-your-heart thing but just do this as a favor for everyone, okay? If the crew gets wind of this hostility, everything gets shattered. I can’t risk that-we can’t risk that.”
It was too much, too soon-that Heechul knew very well-but they were professionals. In the eyes of everyone else, they weren’t entitled to a personal life. They had resigned themselves to this fate a long time ago. Jaejoong had to remember that.
“You’re still the best cook I know, Jaejoong hyung,” came Changmin’s voice from somewhere near them.
Jaejoong closed his eyes. Being civil didn’t mean he needed to answer that, right? He gave the younger one a curt nod and untangled himself from Heechul. “Fine,” he said before leaving the director alone. He had never hated that word so much until today.
He needed to write to Mr. Webster and ask him to take that word off the dictionary, dammit.
*
Tomorrow started a day all too soon and Changmin found himself wishing that he could just replay yesterday so that he could prepare for this better. But he didn’t have Hermione’s Time-Turner (they should’ve made one for the public-the muggles-so that he’d have something, anything) and he’ll have to deal with the pressure of today.
Jaejoong had been ignoring him all day long-first, when he arrived hand in hand with Donghae; then, when they were eating the lunch Jaejoong made-and to be honest, Changmin was tired of putting up that big smile and be calm about this when there was chaos inside his heart and mind. He sighed; tired but never giving up, he reminded himself. He has so much in stake here.
But he was nervous, too damn nervous, that he botched up the first twenty or so takes.
He could still hear Heechul’s voice in his ears-what happened to you out there, Changmin; where did all those years of training go, huh; when Kibum gets wind of how awful that was, seriously Changmin (Kibum? Did Heechul just mention Kibum?)-and its message rang clear. He sucked-and definitely not in a good way.
“I’m sorry,” was the only thing he could think about saying.
“Stop apologizing, you idiot,” he heard Jaejoong say. His breath hitched; he had almost forgotten that Heechul had left Jaejoong there with him. He thought he was apologizing to the director, not to Jaejoong. “Second-” (If there was a first, he had missed it.) “-stop acting like a fumbling magnae you never were and be the smart-ass-pain-in-the-butt Shim Changmin you’re known for.
“If he’s not going to make an appearance, might as well give up.”
*
Donghae was watching Jaejoong’s every move since Heechul dragged him and Changmin out of the set. He had deliberately stirred up a conversation with Yehsung who was in the perfect position-somewhere he could still watch over his boyfriend without looking like a deranged stalker. He was actually hitting two birds with one stone; by talking with Yehsung, he was eliminating any possibility of Saitoh being within five meters of his hyung.
“You’re not looking at me.”
He blinked. “Say what, hyung?” he asked; perhaps, he had heard Yehsung wrong (ah, Jaejoong was saying something to the brat). “I said, you’re here because you want to keep watch over Jae and not because you wanted to practice our next scene.” Donghae gulped, looking away from Jaejoong for the first time. His eyes focused on Yehsung, apologetic and ashamed.
“I-”
Yehsung shrugged. This time, he was the one who looked away. “Never mind, Hae. Just-just remember that jealousy may be alright once in a while but it isn’t entirely healthy for a relationship.” Yehsung put his hands on his pockets. “He’s going to have a million scenes with Changmin, you know. You can’t watch over him like a hawk forever.”
Donghae sighed. “I know, hyung. It’s just that I feel restless. I trust Jaejoong hyung but Changmin is a different case altogether.” Yehsung met his gaze, holding it in a way that made Donghae feel solid ground again. That was his hyung, he thought; always the one who could keep you from diving in a pool without water. “He’s always been a different case, Lee Donghae. But his case has been tried and he’s been found guilty of indifference and stupidity.”
The younger one laughed. “Do you really have to use that metaphor, hyung?”
Yehsung smiled, ruffling Donghae’s hair. “If I can make you laugh like that, yes.”
“You’re a dork.” Donghae said, grinning from ear to ear. “Maybe the reason why Onyu has that sangtae of his is because he hung around you too much-ACK!.” The younger one suddenly found his head in a headlock courtesy of Yehsung; damn, he had forgotten how strong the smaller one could be when he wanted to. “Yah, Lee Donghae! Is that the way to talk to your hyung?”
“Only for my favorite hyung, yes.”
*
Daehyun’s eyes widened. Was this true, he thought; was that really Junhae?
“Junhae yah,” he called. He sounded like a frigging teenager or a movie star but he didn’t care. Junhae-yes, it was him-turned around, eyes blinking. He didn’t look like he recognized him but he would soon, Daehyun swore; he would. “Junhae yah!” he called, louder this time, before he swooped in and hugged Junhae.
(This, Changmin thought, was the closest thing he had to being in close contact with Jaejoong. He breathed in him in, every last part of him. He had missed this, missed him so much.)
“Daehyun? Son Daehyun?”
Daehyun closed his eyes, burying his head on Junhae’s shoulder. He bit his lower lip; he could feel tears stinging his eyes. He can’t cry now, dammit, but-but how long has it been, he thought; how long has it been since he last heard his name being uttered by the only one he had ever loved?
(For a moment there, he wanted to say something, anything that wouldn’t be in the script. But he could feel everyone’s eyes on him, Jaejoong’s eyes on him, and could not botch this up again. No.)
“Yes, Jun,” he said and it almost sounded like he was sobbing. “Yes, it’s me. It’s me.”
He heard Junhae laugh, feel Junhae’s fingers wiping away his tears. “Oh, Hyun. Why are you crying?”
“Because-because it’s you, Junhae. Because you’re here with me. Because it’s going to be us again.”
“Us?” Junhae choked, eyes widening. There was something in voice, a hitch-an uncertainty that Daehyun shrugged off as surprise. “Yes, Jun-us.” Daehyun cocked his head sideways. “Why? What’s the matter, Jun?”
Junhae’s lips curved in a small smile, one that reminded Daehyun of those days when Junhae was about to say something that would change everything. He could read his friend just like that. Maybe it was a bad idea to rush towards him like that while wearing his heart on his sleeve.
(It felt like he was it was him, not Daehyun, who was saying those things-feeling everything. He knew it was wrong-he was an actor, dammit; a professional!-and yet, it all seemed so real.)
“I-Daehyun, there’s something you need to-”
“Baby?” An unfamiliar voice, Daehyun noted and he willed himself not to look-don’t look, dammit-but, “Hey, baby,” he heard Junhae say as he disentangled himself from Daehyun. “Remember the childhood friend hyung and I had before we went to Japan? This is him, Son Daehyun.
“Hyun ah, this is Kim Jinhyun-my boyfriend.”
(His heart was breaking again.)
*
The rest of the day went on without much of a glitch. Changmin had improved greatly (to everyone’s happiness) and Jaejoong had even given him a nod for a job well done. By ten that night, everyone had packed up and they were all saying their goodbyes. Heechul had given the car keys to Yehsung, instructing him to drive safely (Leeteuk had argued that he could drive them home but Heechul carried him over his shoulder and placed him on the backseat). “I still want to live a little longer, Jungsu,” he said, before sitting on the passenger seat.
Saitoh slipped in the backseat with a sulking Leeteuk. “What’s so bad about letting Jungsu-kun drive?”
Jaejoong closed his eyes, letting the world pass him by. They were home and they were finally away from the pressures of the real world. He can catch up again tomorrow; he wasn’t in a hurry to cross out another day off the calendar. Ah, he thought; bubble baths were the reason why he launched Crebeau-Jeff. Everyone needed to be pampered once in a while.
The water stirred.
His eyes flew open, surprised when he saw Donghae hovering above him. Before he could ask what this was about-he loved the prospect of sharing a bath with Donghae but he was just too tired right now-when Donghae’s lips met his, sealing them (and he closed his eyes instinctively, too, dammit). He felt Donghae slowly prop him up, trying as much as possible not to let his hands wander. He moaned as his boyfriend sat on his lap, totally ignoring the fact that this could turn into a very messy bath.
“Baby-”
“I love you, Jaejoong.”
There were probably a million things he could say right now-like, I want you, Jaejoong; or, fuck me, baby-but never in a million years did Jaejoong imagine that Donghae would say those four words while they were naked in a bathtub.
“That was very much a turn on, baby,” he said, grinning widely.
Donghae’s eyes widened. “It wasn’t meant to be a pick up li-”
“I know, love. But it sure sounded like one.”
“It was supposed to be romantic, hyung.” He pouted. “You just ruined a perfectly romantic moment.” Jaejoong took that opportunity to turn the tables around and pinned Donghae down the bathtub. Now, he was in the mood for things. “I did, didn’t I? Can I make up for it, somehow?”
Donghae bit his lower lip, pretending to consider it. “Maybe?”
Jaejoong laughed. Lee Donghae, he thought; he had never thought he would be having this kind of conversation with this particular dongsaeng ever. He lowered his body to meet Donghae’s, capturing his lips in a matter of seconds. Donghae slowly snaked his arms around Jaejoong’s waist, holding him still. The latter crossed his legs behind Donghae, causing the younger one to sit upright.
He somehow understood why Donghae was acting all possessive. With Changmin there, anything was possible. That magnae was a threat to the happy world they have tried so hard to create. Donghae was afraid, and honestly, so was he. Changmin presented so many unknown variables and Jaejoong hated Algebra with all his heart.
Then, there was Yehsung. Jaejoong could not shake the feeling that perhaps, he was missing something. Or maybe, he was reading something wrong. He sighed inwardly; like Harry and Ron, he was never good at Divination, too.
Donghae moved under him, hands finally where they should be. Jaejoong’s lips left Donghae’s own, traveling down his neck. He heard his dongsaeng moan his name, low and throaty. Heechul would have their heads in the morning (this was going to be a very noisy bath, he could tell) but that didn’t matter right now. All that mattered right now was him and Donghae. Yes, that was right; Jaejoong and Donghae. Just Jaejoong and Donghae.
“I love you, Donghae,” Jaejoong said, looking straight into his boyfriend’s eyes. “I love you.”
And he meant it.
21 | 23
Check-in. Check-out.
No Show Fee: o1 | o2 | o3 | o4 | o5.a | o5.b | o6 | st, boarding pass | o7.a | o7.b. | o7.c | o7.d | o8.a | o8.b | o8.c | o8.d | o8.e | o9 | 1o | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 2o | 21