What Once Was - Chapter 9
[C]What Once Was
Rating: G
Genre: Romance/Drama
Pairings: Kyusung and others
Length: 20 Chapters [Completed]
Disclaimer: Sadly enough, I own none of the celebrities used in this fanfiction. They belong to themselves, or their management companies... whatever. This fanfic, in no way, represents the celebrities in real life. It's all in my head. The plot belongs to me and me only.
Summary: Yesung is a queer, but not the gay kind. Aside from his common flings with random girls and the tendency to hurt himself - emotionally - he really doesn't have much of a life. Things start going out of order when he meets the new sophomore in the math class he teacher assists in. It seems he's been "living in the moment" for too long, causing him to forget things and people of his past.
Kyuhyun's background isn't as simple as it seems and trouble starts heading his way as soon as he starts getting involved with Yesung. Their mutual attraction is anything but subtle, yet, Yesung can't accept the fact that he's... gay. How can Kyuhyun make Yesung understand that love goes beyond gender before everything becomes too late?
“Do you see that grin on my brothers face?” Sungmin asked Kibum, feeding him cutlets of pork at the dining table. “He's been having this weird smirk on his face ever since he got off of work yesterday night.”
“I can hear you,” Yesung rolled his eyes. He stood from the couch and ventured into the kitchen, returning to the dining table with a can of soda and some lunch. “How long has it been since we last visited our uncle?” He asked.
Sungmin raised a curious brow, “Which one? We've got quite a few.”
“Whichever one Kyuhyun's been living with,” Yesung shrugged. Sungmin got to his feet and stomped the few steps over to Yesung, “What? I would have known sooner or later,” Yesung laughed.
Placing both hands on either one of Yesung's shoulder, Sungmin stared at Yesung with wide eyes. “When did you know? When did you remember? We've been waiting for forever!” Sungmin shouted. Yesung rubbed his ears and shoved Sungmin away.
“Just yesterday afternoon, and I didn't exactly remember...” he hissed, “did you know that Kyu-” he was about to ask when he remembered Sungmin probably had no idea about Kyuhyun's princely status. “-Did you always know that Kyuhyun is our cousin?” Sungmin nodded. “If I were really gay and actually got together with Kyuhyun, you do realize that it's incest, right?”
Sungmin chuckled and returned to his seat beside Kibum, who gaped at them with humor in his eyes. “Hardly,” Sungmin rolled his eyes, “he was adopted.”
“Just because he's not blood-related doesn't mean he isn't still your cousin,” Kibum remarked as he scooped a spoonful of soup into Sungmin mouth, “but who's to say there's wrong in incestuous relationships if you're truly in love? In love, there's never right or wrong.”
Sungmin cupped Kibum's rounded cheeks proudly, “did you hear my man?” He asked as he turned to Yesung with a grin before adding, “a true poet!”
“He's hardly a man,” Yesung mocked, scanning Kibum's boyish features, “and you're obsessed,” Yesung scoffed as he finished the rest of his lunch; the energy would be required for his questioning later today.
He chose a nice set of clothes before leaving Sungmin with his adoring Kibum to a gift shop, searching for just the right present to offer his uncle after having lost communication with him for so long. “This should be interesting,” he mumbled to himself as he finally landed his eyes on the most peculiar set of fruits, “very interesting.”
-----
It was well past eight in the evening when Kyuhyun entered his house to find Yesung chatting happily with his 'adopted father'. He glanced between the two men before brushing past them into his room and returned with the brightest, most generous smile he could offer.
“Sunbaenim,” he greeted the older man before turning to Yesung, “what's Yesung-sshi doing here?”
“Oh,” the older man smiled, “Yesung says he was passing by when he realized we haven't met in a while, so, he decided to stop by. He also mentioned that the two of you are attending the same school, along with Sungmin, why didn't you tell me?”
“I just forgot, I guess,” Kyuhyun shrugged. “When did you-”
“Uncle, excuse us. I think we have some communicating to do, it seems my adorable baby cousin is a bit confused about my sudden appearance,” Yesung grinned with an air of pure evilness.
“Damn right I am,” Kyuhyun replied before he could think. He turned to his adopted father and bit on his tongue, “Sorry, Sunbaenim, that was very unthoughtful of me.” The older man laughed and waved them off. Kyuhyun led Yesung out to the porch, the cold night wind blowing gently against their skin. “What are you doing here?” Kyuhyun finally asked as the door closed behind them.
“I came to visit family,” Yesung shrugged.
Kyuhyun eyed him suspiciously. “You haven't visited us in years, why start now?” He asked as he crossed his arms and leaned against the rail leading down the stairs.
“As I recall, I don't remember you calling uncle 'sunbaenim' when we were kids,” Yesung analyzed as he stepped closer to Kyuhyun. “Why didn't you just tell me when we first met? We wasted quite a bit of time going in a big circle just to land back at point one.”
“I could hardly recognize this as being point one,” Kyuhyun rolled his eyes.
Yesung took one step closer, raising a finger to his lips, “that's true, we've actually made it past third base, actually.” He grinned. “How do you manage to speak so much like my annoying little brother, but do it so much cuter?”
“What's wrong with you today?” Kyuhyun asked, holding on to the rail with both of his arms for support, “you're acting kind of weird.”
Yesung pinned him against the rail, cornering him in his arms, “I have questions and I want answers.”
“I can't guarantee that I'll answer all of your questions,” Kyuhyun replied, his voice trembling slightly as his cheeks reddened.
“You will,” Yesung whispered, his face inches away from Kyuhyun's flushed cheeks. He ran his lips along Kyuhyun's jawline to his ears, “Who are you - really?”
Without flinching, Kyuhyun shifted his face to the side to meet eyes with Yesung, “I'm your adopted cousin.” It wasn't entirely a lie; he was adopted into the family when he was a child and was raised by Yesung's uncle.
“Aside from that,” Yesung impatiently replied. “Where are you from? What are you doing here? What were you doing out so late? Who are all the foreign people that have been showing up lately?” He probed, expecting answers right then and there.
Kyuhyun swallowed hard and Yesung watched as his Adams Apple fell and rose. “I... I don't... I can't... I was taken in by your uncle,” Kyuhyun finally sighed while pushing Yesung away from him and making his way to the rocking chair. “I was out taking... classes. Foreign people? You mean Heechul hyung and Hankyung hyung?”
“That's right! I totally forgot! How do you know Hankyung-sshi?” Yesung asked as he joined Kyuhyun at the chairs.
“Family friend,” Kyuhyun answered unconsciously.
“I heard he's from out of the country,” Yesung added.
Kyuhyun shrugged, “So?” He asked before a light flashed before his eyes, “Wait... how did you know?”
“I tutored him,” Yesung replied simply.
“Tutor? Is that the new job you got?” Kyuhyun asked. Yesung nodded. “What else did he tell you?” Yesung shrugged. “He has a tendency to let things slip, he can't keep his lips shut,” Kyuhyun sighed.
“Well, all I can tell you is that he told me quite a bit and I know enough,” Yesung countered, “oh, he also showed me a picture of Siwon, Geunyoung and himself.”
“He did?” Kyuhyun asked in surprise. Yesung nodded. “What was it of?”
“Just a simple photograph of them alongside a lot of other children,” Yesung shrugged, “how do you know Siwon and Geunyoung?” He asked.
“I don't,” Kyuhyun confidently lied.
“Stop lying to me, Kyuhyun,” Yesung frowned, “a relationship can't work out if it's weaved in threads of lies.”
“We're not in a relationship,” Kyuhyun argued, “we're just... attached. You said that yourself.”
Yesung laughed, “Are you angry about that?”
“N-no, I'm not!” Kyuhyun defended, turning his face away from Yesung, “I was merely using your own words against you. You know it's true.”
“Hey, Kyuhyun,” Yesung gently called, “it's dark out, isn't it?”
“Well, it's late evening, of course it's dark out,” Kyuhyun replied.
“When you're engulfed in darkness, do you think it's still necessary to mask yourself in lies?” Yesung asked with a weak smile. “No one can see you, I can barely hear you, yet, you still recede into a protective barrier, you still push me away,” Yesung stated too confidently, “me, of all people.”
“You're conceited,” Kyuhyun laughed.
“No, I just know you,” Yesung corrected, reaching out for Kyuhyun's hand. He tugged on his slender fingers, forcing him closer. “Intimate or not, I can tell there are things you want to tell me. I see it in your eyes,” he continued as he reached to cup Kyuhyun's cheek in his right hand, “I know you don't want to lie to me.”
Kyuhyun stared into Yesung's eyes for what seemed like an eternity before he forcefully tore himself away, “romanticism is hardly an effective method in forcing what you want to hear out of me,” he mocked.
“Damn it,” Yesung scowled, “I will get it out of you, Kyuhyun. Even though I'm pretty sure you know that I know something important, I'll make sure you're the one to tell me face to face. I'll make it work.”
Kyuhyun stood to re-enter the house, not turning back to answer Yesung's assumptions. Yesung couldn't see the small smile that crept onto Kyuhyun's thick lips. “Please do,” Kyuhyun smirked to himself as he stepped in, closing the door on Yesung. The lights in the house went out and the night sky was dim. As if he had some sort of premonition, Yesung could feel a pressure on his chest. Anger? No. Fear? Not so much. Anticipation? Perhaps.
-----
“Did you hear? Prince Eunhyuk has returned from overseas,” some students were discussing in the math classroom. Heechul's ears practically hopped up, like those of a rabbits, when he heard the words. “You think they'll try to take the crown?” Heechul immediately made a sharp dash towards Kyuhyun, who didn't pay them any attention while trying to keep his eyes off of Yesung who, as always, had his iPod on.
Heechul pulled Kyuhyun's textbook away, “Did you hear them?”
“What?” Kyuhyun asked.
“Eunhyuk's coming back!” Heechul whispered loudly. Kyuhyun glanced around the room before returning his eyes to Heechul, who was a bit too close for comfort.
“I knew that,” he easily replied before taking his book back. “Father called me this morning when Eunhyuk hyung got off of the plane.”
Heechul glared at him, “Why didn't you tell me?”
“Being as nosy as you are,” Kyuhyun rolled his eyes, “I figured you'd find out sooner or later. Apparently, you found out sooner rather than later, which isn't a bad thing.”
Suddenly a loud slam was heard at the front of the classroom. Kyuhyun and Heechul immediately turned to find Kangin and Leeteuk sprinting towards Yesung who was oblivious to the noise. “Yesung!” Leeteuk shouted as he rested on his shoulder, entirely out of breath. Yesung pulled out his headphones and grabbed onto both of his exhausted friends.
“What's the matter?” Yesung asked, his brows furrowed worriedly. His friends had never been in such panic, neither had they ever sought him out during school hours.
Kangin grasped onto his arms, “It's Sungmin. H-he,” he breathed heavily, “he was attacked today. A c-car suddenly pulled up and someone stepped out, someone in a completely b-black outfit,” Kangin tried to suppress his gasps.
“Shot, Sungmin was shot,” Leeteuk cut in, cutting straight to the chase.
Yesung stood frozen in place. He had already lost both of his parents to some weird accident, he couldn't lose his only brother as well. “Where is he?!” Yesung asked frantically, “Is he alright?!” Leeteuk nodded exhaustedly. Kyuhyun and Heechul immediately made their way to Yesung's side, Kyuhyun taking Yesung's hand into his own.
“They're both in the hospital right now. Kibum was there,” Kangin continued, “he shielded the second and third shot. When I went running after the assailants, they jumped back into the car and took off.”
“Let's go to the hospital first,” Heechul suggested, collecting his belongings before dismissing all the students.
“H-how's Kibum?” Yesung forced out, holding back his tears as he followed in Kyuhyun's lead.
Leeteuk patted him on the back, “he's... he wasn't as fortunate as Sungmin, but he should be fine. They didn't hit his vital points since he's a bit taller than Sungmin; they aimed for Sungmin after all.”
“Why would anyone want to hurt Sungmin?” Yesung asked himself. Heechul and Kyuhyun glanced at each other without saying a word. Kangin and Leeteuk shrugged apologetically.
“I'm sorry,” Kangin apologized, “I was there. I should have protected both of them, but I couldn't.”
Heechul smiled at him, “It's not your fault, you did the best you could.” Yesung nodded, smiling weakly at both Kangin and Leeteuk; who nearly bawled on the rest of the ride to the hospital.
-----
“How are they?” Heechul asked as he approached Siwon, who stood outside of the surgical doors pacing back and forth. Siwon turned and immediately embraced his hyung, letting out a long sigh.
“Sungmin was brought out of surgery just a few minutes ago, he's in the room down that hall,” he pointed, “he's doing fine. Kibum's still in there.” Siwon stared into Heechul's eyes, “Hyung, that should have been us.”
“What do you mean?” Leeteuk asked, clearly confused.
“We-” Siwon tried to explain before Kyuhyun interrupted him.
Kyuhyun didn't realize his hands were still interlaced with Yesung's, “if anything, it should have been me.” Yesung didn't make a sound; he knew very well what Kyuhyun was talking about, but he didn't have the heart to blame him or any of the boys, for that matter.
“What?” Kangin scoffed, “What are you guys talking about?”
“I know who did this.” They all turned to find Hankyung running towards them, several documents in his hands. “This is why I said we should have kept her under surveillance, even after the proposal.”
Heechul clamped his jaw together, “Sometimes I really hate it when you're right.”
“Sungmin and Kibum weren't the only ones she targeted, I'm afraid,” Hankyung sighed, handing his files over to Kyuhyun and turning to Yesung, “I was just informed that your uncle was also attacked.”
“...Sunbaenim? Is he alright?!” Kyuhyun asked, tightening his grasp on the files.
“I-I'm afraid not,” Hankyung lowered his head, “He was certified dead a little over half an hour ago. I'm really sorry.” Kyuhyun couldn't restrain the tears that were jerking in his eyes. He lost the ground under him and slumped into Yesung's arms; those strong, warm arms.
“I knew we never should have taken her so lightly,” Hankyung scowled.
“W-who?” Yesung finally asked, unable to keep his silence any longer.
Heechul walked over to Kyuhyun and took the files out of his hand. He turned the file towards Yesung, the photo throwing Yesung back into silence once more.
“H-how...” Leeteuk uttered, unable to accept the truth.
Yesung wrapped his arms around Kyuhyun's shoulder. “This is what you meant?” He asked, turning his gaze over to Siwon, “This is what you meant when you said that Siwon had his reasons?”
Hankyung retrieved the files and took a seat on a nearby empty bench. “She's the grand daughter of the late King; the King whom many thought was assassinated by the current King. She hides her identity well; she was very hostile to all of us when we confronted her in an attempt to warn her but I'm sure only a select few know about her true identity.”
“I can't believe this,” Yesung sneered, “It's, no, she's- I mean, I thought I-”
“No,” Siwon corrected, “You thought you knew who she pretended to be. She hid her identity, faked her personality. Even though we kept her close growing up, she was never who we wished to believe she was.”
Hankyung shook his head, “No, I can't agree with that.” He pulled out the photo that he once showed Yesung. “She was a sweet girl, there must be someone behind her.”
They could hear a wheelchair rolling down the hallway. Yesung quickly searched for the source, somehow sensing that his younger brother was nearby. “Sungmin!” He scolded, pulling Kyuhyun over with him, “What are you doing?! You just got out of surgery!”
“I was worried about Kibum, is he alright?” Sungmin asked dryly.
“H-he's still in the surgical room,” Yesung exclaimed sadly.
“Who did it?” Sungmin asked angrily, “Do you know who did it?” Yesung couldn't find the words, he couldn't find his voice. He only stood in silence as guilt fell upon him, engulfed him, swallowed him whole.
Kyuhyun took in a deep breath, “I'm really sorry, Sungmin.” His gaze landed on the mourning Yesung before he regained the courage to continue his words, “it was Moon Geunyoung-sshi.”
“G-geunyoung-sshi...” Sungmin repeated in dis-belief, “But why should you be apologizing?” Sungmin prompted again. Heechul, Siwon and Hankyung immediately joined them but didn't say a word. They were giving Kyuhyun mental support, what he needed most at that very moment.
“She's trying to get revenge,” he finally replied, “she's trying to stop me, she's trying to kill my father.” He peered around him, catching all the eyes that were observing his every word. “I'm the second son of the current King. I'm the Crown Prince.”
Next
Rating: G
Genre: Romance/Drama
Pairings: Kyusung and others
Length: 20 Chapters [Completed]
Disclaimer: Sadly enough, I own none of the celebrities used in this fanfiction. They belong to themselves, or their management companies... whatever. This fanfic, in no way, represents the celebrities in real life. It's all in my head. The plot belongs to me and me only.
Summary: Yesung is a queer, but not the gay kind. Aside from his common flings with random girls and the tendency to hurt himself - emotionally - he really doesn't have much of a life. Things start going out of order when he meets the new sophomore in the math class he teacher assists in. It seems he's been "living in the moment" for too long, causing him to forget things and people of his past.
Kyuhyun's background isn't as simple as it seems and trouble starts heading his way as soon as he starts getting involved with Yesung. Their mutual attraction is anything but subtle, yet, Yesung can't accept the fact that he's... gay. How can Kyuhyun make Yesung understand that love goes beyond gender before everything becomes too late?
“Do you see that grin on my brothers face?” Sungmin asked Kibum, feeding him cutlets of pork at the dining table. “He's been having this weird smirk on his face ever since he got off of work yesterday night.”
“I can hear you,” Yesung rolled his eyes. He stood from the couch and ventured into the kitchen, returning to the dining table with a can of soda and some lunch. “How long has it been since we last visited our uncle?” He asked.
Sungmin raised a curious brow, “Which one? We've got quite a few.”
“Whichever one Kyuhyun's been living with,” Yesung shrugged. Sungmin got to his feet and stomped the few steps over to Yesung, “What? I would have known sooner or later,” Yesung laughed.
Placing both hands on either one of Yesung's shoulder, Sungmin stared at Yesung with wide eyes. “When did you know? When did you remember? We've been waiting for forever!” Sungmin shouted. Yesung rubbed his ears and shoved Sungmin away.
“Just yesterday afternoon, and I didn't exactly remember...” he hissed, “did you know that Kyu-” he was about to ask when he remembered Sungmin probably had no idea about Kyuhyun's princely status. “-Did you always know that Kyuhyun is our cousin?” Sungmin nodded. “If I were really gay and actually got together with Kyuhyun, you do realize that it's incest, right?”
Sungmin chuckled and returned to his seat beside Kibum, who gaped at them with humor in his eyes. “Hardly,” Sungmin rolled his eyes, “he was adopted.”
“Just because he's not blood-related doesn't mean he isn't still your cousin,” Kibum remarked as he scooped a spoonful of soup into Sungmin mouth, “but who's to say there's wrong in incestuous relationships if you're truly in love? In love, there's never right or wrong.”
Sungmin cupped Kibum's rounded cheeks proudly, “did you hear my man?” He asked as he turned to Yesung with a grin before adding, “a true poet!”
“He's hardly a man,” Yesung mocked, scanning Kibum's boyish features, “and you're obsessed,” Yesung scoffed as he finished the rest of his lunch; the energy would be required for his questioning later today.
He chose a nice set of clothes before leaving Sungmin with his adoring Kibum to a gift shop, searching for just the right present to offer his uncle after having lost communication with him for so long. “This should be interesting,” he mumbled to himself as he finally landed his eyes on the most peculiar set of fruits, “very interesting.”
-----
It was well past eight in the evening when Kyuhyun entered his house to find Yesung chatting happily with his 'adopted father'. He glanced between the two men before brushing past them into his room and returned with the brightest, most generous smile he could offer.
“Sunbaenim,” he greeted the older man before turning to Yesung, “what's Yesung-sshi doing here?”
“Oh,” the older man smiled, “Yesung says he was passing by when he realized we haven't met in a while, so, he decided to stop by. He also mentioned that the two of you are attending the same school, along with Sungmin, why didn't you tell me?”
“I just forgot, I guess,” Kyuhyun shrugged. “When did you-”
“Uncle, excuse us. I think we have some communicating to do, it seems my adorable baby cousin is a bit confused about my sudden appearance,” Yesung grinned with an air of pure evilness.
“Damn right I am,” Kyuhyun replied before he could think. He turned to his adopted father and bit on his tongue, “Sorry, Sunbaenim, that was very unthoughtful of me.” The older man laughed and waved them off. Kyuhyun led Yesung out to the porch, the cold night wind blowing gently against their skin. “What are you doing here?” Kyuhyun finally asked as the door closed behind them.
“I came to visit family,” Yesung shrugged.
Kyuhyun eyed him suspiciously. “You haven't visited us in years, why start now?” He asked as he crossed his arms and leaned against the rail leading down the stairs.
“As I recall, I don't remember you calling uncle 'sunbaenim' when we were kids,” Yesung analyzed as he stepped closer to Kyuhyun. “Why didn't you just tell me when we first met? We wasted quite a bit of time going in a big circle just to land back at point one.”
“I could hardly recognize this as being point one,” Kyuhyun rolled his eyes.
Yesung took one step closer, raising a finger to his lips, “that's true, we've actually made it past third base, actually.” He grinned. “How do you manage to speak so much like my annoying little brother, but do it so much cuter?”
“What's wrong with you today?” Kyuhyun asked, holding on to the rail with both of his arms for support, “you're acting kind of weird.”
Yesung pinned him against the rail, cornering him in his arms, “I have questions and I want answers.”
“I can't guarantee that I'll answer all of your questions,” Kyuhyun replied, his voice trembling slightly as his cheeks reddened.
“You will,” Yesung whispered, his face inches away from Kyuhyun's flushed cheeks. He ran his lips along Kyuhyun's jawline to his ears, “Who are you - really?”
Without flinching, Kyuhyun shifted his face to the side to meet eyes with Yesung, “I'm your adopted cousin.” It wasn't entirely a lie; he was adopted into the family when he was a child and was raised by Yesung's uncle.
“Aside from that,” Yesung impatiently replied. “Where are you from? What are you doing here? What were you doing out so late? Who are all the foreign people that have been showing up lately?” He probed, expecting answers right then and there.
Kyuhyun swallowed hard and Yesung watched as his Adams Apple fell and rose. “I... I don't... I can't... I was taken in by your uncle,” Kyuhyun finally sighed while pushing Yesung away from him and making his way to the rocking chair. “I was out taking... classes. Foreign people? You mean Heechul hyung and Hankyung hyung?”
“That's right! I totally forgot! How do you know Hankyung-sshi?” Yesung asked as he joined Kyuhyun at the chairs.
“Family friend,” Kyuhyun answered unconsciously.
“I heard he's from out of the country,” Yesung added.
Kyuhyun shrugged, “So?” He asked before a light flashed before his eyes, “Wait... how did you know?”
“I tutored him,” Yesung replied simply.
“Tutor? Is that the new job you got?” Kyuhyun asked. Yesung nodded. “What else did he tell you?” Yesung shrugged. “He has a tendency to let things slip, he can't keep his lips shut,” Kyuhyun sighed.
“Well, all I can tell you is that he told me quite a bit and I know enough,” Yesung countered, “oh, he also showed me a picture of Siwon, Geunyoung and himself.”
“He did?” Kyuhyun asked in surprise. Yesung nodded. “What was it of?”
“Just a simple photograph of them alongside a lot of other children,” Yesung shrugged, “how do you know Siwon and Geunyoung?” He asked.
“I don't,” Kyuhyun confidently lied.
“Stop lying to me, Kyuhyun,” Yesung frowned, “a relationship can't work out if it's weaved in threads of lies.”
“We're not in a relationship,” Kyuhyun argued, “we're just... attached. You said that yourself.”
Yesung laughed, “Are you angry about that?”
“N-no, I'm not!” Kyuhyun defended, turning his face away from Yesung, “I was merely using your own words against you. You know it's true.”
“Hey, Kyuhyun,” Yesung gently called, “it's dark out, isn't it?”
“Well, it's late evening, of course it's dark out,” Kyuhyun replied.
“When you're engulfed in darkness, do you think it's still necessary to mask yourself in lies?” Yesung asked with a weak smile. “No one can see you, I can barely hear you, yet, you still recede into a protective barrier, you still push me away,” Yesung stated too confidently, “me, of all people.”
“You're conceited,” Kyuhyun laughed.
“No, I just know you,” Yesung corrected, reaching out for Kyuhyun's hand. He tugged on his slender fingers, forcing him closer. “Intimate or not, I can tell there are things you want to tell me. I see it in your eyes,” he continued as he reached to cup Kyuhyun's cheek in his right hand, “I know you don't want to lie to me.”
Kyuhyun stared into Yesung's eyes for what seemed like an eternity before he forcefully tore himself away, “romanticism is hardly an effective method in forcing what you want to hear out of me,” he mocked.
“Damn it,” Yesung scowled, “I will get it out of you, Kyuhyun. Even though I'm pretty sure you know that I know something important, I'll make sure you're the one to tell me face to face. I'll make it work.”
Kyuhyun stood to re-enter the house, not turning back to answer Yesung's assumptions. Yesung couldn't see the small smile that crept onto Kyuhyun's thick lips. “Please do,” Kyuhyun smirked to himself as he stepped in, closing the door on Yesung. The lights in the house went out and the night sky was dim. As if he had some sort of premonition, Yesung could feel a pressure on his chest. Anger? No. Fear? Not so much. Anticipation? Perhaps.
-----
“Did you hear? Prince Eunhyuk has returned from overseas,” some students were discussing in the math classroom. Heechul's ears practically hopped up, like those of a rabbits, when he heard the words. “You think they'll try to take the crown?” Heechul immediately made a sharp dash towards Kyuhyun, who didn't pay them any attention while trying to keep his eyes off of Yesung who, as always, had his iPod on.
Heechul pulled Kyuhyun's textbook away, “Did you hear them?”
“What?” Kyuhyun asked.
“Eunhyuk's coming back!” Heechul whispered loudly. Kyuhyun glanced around the room before returning his eyes to Heechul, who was a bit too close for comfort.
“I knew that,” he easily replied before taking his book back. “Father called me this morning when Eunhyuk hyung got off of the plane.”
Heechul glared at him, “Why didn't you tell me?”
“Being as nosy as you are,” Kyuhyun rolled his eyes, “I figured you'd find out sooner or later. Apparently, you found out sooner rather than later, which isn't a bad thing.”
Suddenly a loud slam was heard at the front of the classroom. Kyuhyun and Heechul immediately turned to find Kangin and Leeteuk sprinting towards Yesung who was oblivious to the noise. “Yesung!” Leeteuk shouted as he rested on his shoulder, entirely out of breath. Yesung pulled out his headphones and grabbed onto both of his exhausted friends.
“What's the matter?” Yesung asked, his brows furrowed worriedly. His friends had never been in such panic, neither had they ever sought him out during school hours.
Kangin grasped onto his arms, “It's Sungmin. H-he,” he breathed heavily, “he was attacked today. A c-car suddenly pulled up and someone stepped out, someone in a completely b-black outfit,” Kangin tried to suppress his gasps.
“Shot, Sungmin was shot,” Leeteuk cut in, cutting straight to the chase.
Yesung stood frozen in place. He had already lost both of his parents to some weird accident, he couldn't lose his only brother as well. “Where is he?!” Yesung asked frantically, “Is he alright?!” Leeteuk nodded exhaustedly. Kyuhyun and Heechul immediately made their way to Yesung's side, Kyuhyun taking Yesung's hand into his own.
“They're both in the hospital right now. Kibum was there,” Kangin continued, “he shielded the second and third shot. When I went running after the assailants, they jumped back into the car and took off.”
“Let's go to the hospital first,” Heechul suggested, collecting his belongings before dismissing all the students.
“H-how's Kibum?” Yesung forced out, holding back his tears as he followed in Kyuhyun's lead.
Leeteuk patted him on the back, “he's... he wasn't as fortunate as Sungmin, but he should be fine. They didn't hit his vital points since he's a bit taller than Sungmin; they aimed for Sungmin after all.”
“Why would anyone want to hurt Sungmin?” Yesung asked himself. Heechul and Kyuhyun glanced at each other without saying a word. Kangin and Leeteuk shrugged apologetically.
“I'm sorry,” Kangin apologized, “I was there. I should have protected both of them, but I couldn't.”
Heechul smiled at him, “It's not your fault, you did the best you could.” Yesung nodded, smiling weakly at both Kangin and Leeteuk; who nearly bawled on the rest of the ride to the hospital.
-----
“How are they?” Heechul asked as he approached Siwon, who stood outside of the surgical doors pacing back and forth. Siwon turned and immediately embraced his hyung, letting out a long sigh.
“Sungmin was brought out of surgery just a few minutes ago, he's in the room down that hall,” he pointed, “he's doing fine. Kibum's still in there.” Siwon stared into Heechul's eyes, “Hyung, that should have been us.”
“What do you mean?” Leeteuk asked, clearly confused.
“We-” Siwon tried to explain before Kyuhyun interrupted him.
Kyuhyun didn't realize his hands were still interlaced with Yesung's, “if anything, it should have been me.” Yesung didn't make a sound; he knew very well what Kyuhyun was talking about, but he didn't have the heart to blame him or any of the boys, for that matter.
“What?” Kangin scoffed, “What are you guys talking about?”
“I know who did this.” They all turned to find Hankyung running towards them, several documents in his hands. “This is why I said we should have kept her under surveillance, even after the proposal.”
Heechul clamped his jaw together, “Sometimes I really hate it when you're right.”
“Sungmin and Kibum weren't the only ones she targeted, I'm afraid,” Hankyung sighed, handing his files over to Kyuhyun and turning to Yesung, “I was just informed that your uncle was also attacked.”
“...Sunbaenim? Is he alright?!” Kyuhyun asked, tightening his grasp on the files.
“I-I'm afraid not,” Hankyung lowered his head, “He was certified dead a little over half an hour ago. I'm really sorry.” Kyuhyun couldn't restrain the tears that were jerking in his eyes. He lost the ground under him and slumped into Yesung's arms; those strong, warm arms.
“I knew we never should have taken her so lightly,” Hankyung scowled.
“W-who?” Yesung finally asked, unable to keep his silence any longer.
Heechul walked over to Kyuhyun and took the files out of his hand. He turned the file towards Yesung, the photo throwing Yesung back into silence once more.
“H-how...” Leeteuk uttered, unable to accept the truth.
Yesung wrapped his arms around Kyuhyun's shoulder. “This is what you meant?” He asked, turning his gaze over to Siwon, “This is what you meant when you said that Siwon had his reasons?”
Hankyung retrieved the files and took a seat on a nearby empty bench. “She's the grand daughter of the late King; the King whom many thought was assassinated by the current King. She hides her identity well; she was very hostile to all of us when we confronted her in an attempt to warn her but I'm sure only a select few know about her true identity.”
“I can't believe this,” Yesung sneered, “It's, no, she's- I mean, I thought I-”
“No,” Siwon corrected, “You thought you knew who she pretended to be. She hid her identity, faked her personality. Even though we kept her close growing up, she was never who we wished to believe she was.”
Hankyung shook his head, “No, I can't agree with that.” He pulled out the photo that he once showed Yesung. “She was a sweet girl, there must be someone behind her.”
They could hear a wheelchair rolling down the hallway. Yesung quickly searched for the source, somehow sensing that his younger brother was nearby. “Sungmin!” He scolded, pulling Kyuhyun over with him, “What are you doing?! You just got out of surgery!”
“I was worried about Kibum, is he alright?” Sungmin asked dryly.
“H-he's still in the surgical room,” Yesung exclaimed sadly.
“Who did it?” Sungmin asked angrily, “Do you know who did it?” Yesung couldn't find the words, he couldn't find his voice. He only stood in silence as guilt fell upon him, engulfed him, swallowed him whole.
Kyuhyun took in a deep breath, “I'm really sorry, Sungmin.” His gaze landed on the mourning Yesung before he regained the courage to continue his words, “it was Moon Geunyoung-sshi.”
“G-geunyoung-sshi...” Sungmin repeated in dis-belief, “But why should you be apologizing?” Sungmin prompted again. Heechul, Siwon and Hankyung immediately joined them but didn't say a word. They were giving Kyuhyun mental support, what he needed most at that very moment.
“She's trying to get revenge,” he finally replied, “she's trying to stop me, she's trying to kill my father.” He peered around him, catching all the eyes that were observing his every word. “I'm the second son of the current King. I'm the Crown Prince.”
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