not so secret | yunjae | 1/?
Title: Not so Secret
Chapter(s): 1/?
Author: sentimentalenvy
Genre: AU/Romance/little angsty
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: language
Pairing/Characters: Yunho/Jaejoong, Yoochun/Junsu, Yoochun/Jaejoong (one-sided, also BFF-ery)
Synopsis: The life of every high school student can be a bitch. As a second year high school student, Jaejoong already thinks that he has seen it all. Truth is, he hardly even knows half of what is in store for him.
Comments: This is based off of my other fic for another fandom (but with a twist :P)
1
"Yah, Jaejoong-! Relax! Hey! Come back here!" Yoochun let out an exaggerated breath, thumping footsteps drumming in his ears.
The echoing sounds of sneakers smacked against the glossy surface of the high school floors. Yoochun was running after Jaejoong - again. Yoochun was thankful for the fact that school was still in session, so the hall was practically clear. He didn't need to worry about bumping into people or shoving them out of his way. It would have also looked weird if he were running down the hall like a lunatic, begging for Jaejoong to come back. First of all, people would have given him the wrong impression, and second, even if he was gay, Jaejoong? As if.
Jaejoong said nothing as he continued to run away from his friend. Maybe he should have run outside of the building so he wouldn't get caught and thrown into detention. But what had happened in gym was so embarrassing; his natural instinct kicked in and sent him off into one of the school buildings and into the halls. Where he was going, he didn't have a clue.
"Jaejoong! Damn it, Jaejoong I hate that it is so unfortunate for me that you're the fastest runner in our class! Don't you dare make me throw a fucking Taser at you!" Yoochun shouted viciously, causing spit to shoot out in between clenched teeth. As he was beginning to catch up a little with Jaejoong, within a blink of an eye, Jaejoong was already a couple feet ahead. "My god-!" Yoochun huffed in annoyance as he tried to pick up speed. “This cannot be good for my asthma. Huhh-”
Strangely enough, as if he was trying to spare Yoochun from throwing up his lungs, Jaejoong suddenly came to a stop as he tripped over his own feet. Yoochun wasn't ready for Jaejoong’s sudden carelessness, so when he tried to stop himself, he ended up tripping over his best friend. With a quick roll after his stumble, he ended up landing onto his knees.
"Jae," Yoochun sent Jaejoong a look of warning, but Jaejoong didn't seem to notice at all. Rather, it was more like him not wanting to deal with taking support from anyone.
He was still lying on the glossy floor with his body curled up. His hands were covering his face, and Yoochun could hardly see Jaejoong move an inch. Letting out a sigh, he crawled over and plopped down beside his best friend.
"C'mon Jae, lemme see," Yoochun murmured, softly curling his long fingers around Jaejoong's thin wrist. He attempted to pry Jaejoong's hands away from his face, but he failed in doing so. "Oh come on this isn't as bad last time! You should be thankful Junsu didn't break your nose or even worse, you oughta be lucky the ball missed your balls," Yoochun let out the tiniest chuckle, but of course, Jaejoong wasn’t impressed at all.
"I told you dodgeball wasn't your thing! You just had to insist on looking oh so mighty cool in front of Yunho by playing on the inside of the circle. What the fuck are you, a goddess of sacrifice?” Yoochun sighed. “You know what it means for the people who are dumb enough to be in the middle.” Yoochun gave Jaejoong one last scolding look before dragging his fingers through his mop of wavy hair. He started for a moment and looked at his watch. Good. They still had their twenty-five minutes.
If they lingered any longer, eager students would be rushing out of their classrooms and stomping on Jaejoong carelessly as they threw themselves out those double doors to freedom. Oh yes, Yoochun could imagine that clearly in his head. Yoochun continued to sit there for some time, and once he figured enough was enough, he wrapped both his hands around Jaejoong's wrist, and pried them away from his face. He used a little more force, but he was always careful about not hurting the raven haired boy.
"Yoochun..." Jaejoong sniffed on a sigh as he let Yoochun move his hand away just an inch so Yoochun could see his dampened brown eyes. "Everything else was just the icing on the cake. This is the most embarrassing! Yunho saw it too!"
"No, he didn’t." Yoochun scoffed and smiled, but Jaejoong shook his head and gave him a cute little scolding look. "Okay it's not like I saw, but dude. Yunho’s the fastest runner in our school. He's too into his track n' field to be paying attention to our typical old school boring PE class," He reassured the brunette with a poke on the cheek.
"He saw me, Yoochun." Jaejoong sniffed. His hands were still covering half his face. "What am I supposed to do now? I could have sworn I saw that little smirk on his face. He's probably laughing about it to his friends right now." Jaejoong muttered with an agonized huff.
"Jae, you should feel lucky he doesn't even know you." Yoochun rolled his eyes as Jaejoong shut his eyes and rolled away from his best friend. "Jae..." He suddenly felt guilty for letting the obvious words slip out of his mouth. But there was no way sugar coating the reality.
Yunho was too admired around school, and the boy had his own studies, and his own life to notice anything else. For god’s sake the stud muffin doesn’t even have a girlfriend. Since the first day of school, when Yoochun and Jaejoong were freshman, they had never seen Yunho with a single girl on his arm let alone by his side (unless it was school related or if someone was confessing to him). Girls that tried to flaunt their bodies and throw their tits at the auburn haired boy never did count.
Then again, when they had first entered high school, Yunho was already a Second year, so maybe he could have possibly had a girlfriend his Freshman year. Jaejoong had actually insisted that Yoochun help him find out. Yoochun figured he was absurd, and he wanted to smack Jaejoong on the head for even thinking about going that far. If Jaejoong was going to be one of those creepy girls...good god, who was he kidding? He would never let Jaejoong humiliate himself like that. Jaejoong had already done a great job humiliating himself.
"Come on. Let's get you cleaned up," Yoochun said, and started to pull at Jaejoong's wrists to pull him up.
Apparently Jaejoong wanted to stay down on the floor and emo about something that shouldn't even be worth being depressed over. Jaejoong was always like this. Right when they had first entered, he looked like a cupid had pranced on by and shoved an arrow up his ass. Yoochun never believed in love at first sight, but apparently with Jae, well...Jaejoong was always innocent and naïve to begin with.
Majority of the time, Yoochun always found himself slamming the punks that ever picked on him or tried to lay a hand on him. Or even better, when Yoochun had even detected the slightest threat of anyone taking advantage of his best friend, he would find himself on top of the other person apparently beating the living daylights out of them. Of course he'd get into trouble later, but he had made that oath to Jaejoong and his mother.
When Jaejoong's father passed away nine years ago, Jaejoong had relied on his father for protection and guidance. Yoochun had vowed to them both that he wouldn't necessarily take the father's place, but he would do his best. With Yunho, Yoochun would have loved to kick his ass, but the problem was that Yunho hadn't taken advantage of Jaejoong. Yunho hadn't even glanced Jaejoong's way or had given him any suggestive looks whatsoever. Well hell...the boy didn't even know Jaejoong's name! And Yoochun was never the kind of punk to start shit when there wasn't shit to start up anyway.
"I take your silence as an answer to my failure," Jaejoong muttered, and slowly sat up. He sniffed a little, and wiped some blood off his nose with the top of his P.E. shirt. "Forget it...I don't want to go back to the locker room. I'll just use the bathroom on the second floor." Jaejoong sighed.
"You must’ve hit your face harder than I thought. Our clothes and backpacks are still in the locker room," Yoochun said, almost deadpanned. "You might as well go back," He suggested, but Jaejoong persistently shook his head. Yoochun frowned. "You know what you should do, Jae? Be a man."
"...What?"
"Yeah, you heard me. You have what it takes to join track. Remember when we were kids? It was always Race ya to the top slow poke! Race ya here! Race ya there! Last one in the pools a rotten smelly egg! Shit! You were always challenging everyone at the park. Whoever looked like a fast runner, you were always right at their heels - demanding for a race. And you finally come to this high school. This high school practically known for the best runners, and what do you do? Back out because of some fucken pretty boy? Are you scared for the fact that he might actually beat you or are you just so hopelessly in 'love', you just don't want to try? Oh no that’s right. You’re just being a coward." Yoochun scoffed and crossed his arms to see Jaejoong gaping at him with his mouth hanging open. Which kind of reminded him of an offended gaping cat?
The uncomfortable and awkward silence dragged on, and Yoochun was suddenly regretting those words. But then after a few moments, he realized that he wasn't sorry for the things he said. Sometimes he said hurtful things to Jaejoong, but everything he ever said to Jaejoong was always the truth.
Lying to Jaejoong about how too much peanut butter would be considered a high risk for cancer and how eggs made you continuously fart never counted. It was considered strategic. Those were why Jaejoong didn't want to touch those things, even to this day. They were young and Yoochun wanted all the Reese’s peanut butter cups and he assumed Jaejoong was being a greedy bitch. Eggs were something else because it was something he had enjoyed eating. Jaejoong’s mother always boiled each of them two eggs, and Yoochun had already finished his within seconds, but Jaejoong had only one small little bite. Yoochun knew of Jaejoong being insanely gullible, and yes, he had the audacity to manipulate the poor boy to get it.
But when it came down to honesty and loyalty, Yoochun never failed Jaejoong as a friend. He saw himself as Jaejoong’s protector. Jaejoong seemed to appreciate him, so it made him feel even happier.
After another moment of silence, Jaejoong sighed and shook his head.
"I really didn't think you'd understand anyway," Jaejoong whispered softly, his eyes casted downwards and he immediately stood up and ran for the stairs. Jaejoong tripped a little on the first step, and Yoochun could imagine Jae’s face heating up at the embarrassment because he shot up those stairs like a speeding bullet.
Yoochun sighed wearily and shook his head before making a dash back towards the PE locker room. He knew how the routine went already. He was going to go running back to the locker rooms, finish the class, take their stuff and bring them all back to Jaejoong like some novice butler. No, slave was more like it. It was always like this in any situation. Jaejoong had always embarrassed himself, and once he did, he would automatically assume that Yunho "saw" him.
Yoochun rolled his eyes slightly as he hopped, skipping four steps on the stairs and landing right onto his feet before taking off once more. Yes, Yoochun was a fast runner, but compared to Jaejoong, he would admit only to himself that he sucked smelly ass. Jaejoong had once rubbed the victory in his face, and bent over right in front of Yoochun in an attempt to make the boy kiss his ass.
He cringed at that memory when he ran right through the doors of the locker room to see that class had already ended, and the boys were already either in the showers or getting dressed. Yoochun slumped his way towards his and Jaejoong's locker and began fiddling around with both of their lockers, snapping open the lock after spinning the combinations swiftly.
"Hey Yoochun." a shorter boy came popping out from Yoochun, startling him a little, but was hardly noticeable.
"Yo." Yoochun replied, paying most of his attention in getting his and Jaejoong’s clothes out of the lockers. He didn't notice the shorter boy sort of fidgeting around with one hand fiddling at the hem of his shirt while the other scratched at the back of his head.
"So uh…Yoochun." Junsu said, and looked down at Yoochun after a couple of seconds. "I'm sorry I hit Jaejoong in the face.”
“You hit him on the nose.” Yoochun corrected.
“Potato, Po-tah-toe?” Junsu said in English, a fine eyebrow rose, adding a perplexed look to his cute features. Yoochun gave him a pointed look as if to tell the taller boy that this was no matter to joke about. Junsu cleared his throat.
“Well anyway, please send him my apologies," He muttered as he quickly stepped behind Yoochun to open his own combination on his lock. "I really didn't mean to. I was just so into the mood of the game, and Jaejoong hyung suddenly ducked down for no reason-"
"It wasn't your fault.” Yoochun snorted in defeat as he made a quick move to remove his own shirt. "Jaejoong was just trying to show off and look cool. You know how he's all into those action movies where they make dodging look all matrix like." Yoochun let out a little chuckle at the memory.
Junsu turned around to face him and his eyes went slightly wide before he turned back again and fumbled around carelessly with his locker combination. Yoochun assumed Junsu was just being his weird usual self, because whenever he saw Yoochun, or interacted with him, he always looked like he had something on his mind - like he was distracted. The kid really needed to get over his shyness. But Yoochun wasn't going to put so much pressure on himself over something like that. He knew someone who was exactly the same when it came to shyness.
"Well anyway…" Yoochun said, raising an eyebrow. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure Jaejoong's not mad at...you." His words had begun to slow down because he was realizing that Junsu did have some sort of trouble with his locker. "Hey, do you need any help? Did they give you the shitty lock this time? They need to update their fucking lockers." Yoochun muttered, and tossed his t-shirt onto the bench before leaning over Junsu and opened the boy's lock. With a few twists of his wrists and a quick yank, the rusty lock croaked open with a thunk.
"Oh..." Junsu mumbled with a little nod as he purposely pretended to check something in his pockets. "Thanks." He’d said it so softly, Yoochun had to strain his ears to hear. But he didn't really have to try much because he had gotten the gist of it.
"Yeah, no prob." Yoochun waved a hand as he hopped up the bench with one foot and landed onto the floor. "I'll talk to the locker lady about the locker situation later. They get lazier every year. I swear I'm probably gonna have to file a friggin complaint or something. That oughta get em goin’." Yoochun snorted as he quickly slipped on his t-shirt and changed into his pants.
"Anyway, I gotta go give Jaejoong his stuff. He might actually get worried and think I'm not gonna come," Yoochun let out a deep and amused laugh and before Junsu knew it, he was gone in a flash.
"Where were you?!" Jaejoong exclaimed, his head popping from the stalls. "What could have possibly taken you decades and light years to get my stuff?" He pouted as Yoochun threw Jaejoong's backpack over the stall.
"Sorry, Junsu had trouble with his lock." Yoochun laughed, and leaned against the stall Jaejoong was in.
"Figured. You're always taking your sweet time aren't you?"
"Just shut the hell up and hurry up." Yoochun frowned. "You better be grateful you have a friend like me. You should have come with me anyway. The track people were so absorbed into their training they haven't stopped yet. Like I said, you should really try it out. I've seen those runners and you top majority of them you know."
"I don't want to." Jaejoong said plainly as he slipped quickly out of his P.E. shorts and into his pants. "Besides, it's not like I can be captain of the team." Jaejoong said, jerking the bathroom stall door open causing Yoochun to fall slightly against him.
"Sure you can." Yoochun grinned, walking towards a sink to watch Jaejoong scowl at him through the mirror. "After Yunho finishes up this year, you'll be ready to take his place! What do you think about that?"
"Ooh, great!" Jaejoong gasped, and clapped his hands. "Then I can join the track team when he leaves!"
"Not funny."
"It’s a little funny." Jaejoong shrugged. "Why would I want to? Yes, I love it, but I don't love it enough to embarrass myself over-” Jaejoong shook his head.
"That's a lie and you know it. You love this sport. And what? You don’t love it enough to embarrass yourself over some guy who you hardly ever know? Some guy who has his major focus on something that you're not a part of?" Yoochun stopped again, and Jaejoong frowned.
Yoochun was doing it again. Every single time Yoochun was painfully honest - and he always spoke the truth - it really sent his blood boiling, and his heart shattering. Why did Yoochun have to be so obsessed with showing him reality? Yes, Yunho was perfect and probably inhuman in Jaejoong's little world of utopia, but couldn’t a boy dream?
Maybe, just maybe one day, in some crazy universe, Yunho would be all his. One day, Yunho would confess in that stubbornness-stoic-on-the-outside-pride and tell Jaejoong he liked him in the sweetest kind of...hidden way. God, if Yoochun were to hear any of his thoughts he would be totally screwed. He'd be dead and he would hear Yoochun’s endless lectures of getting the hell over this supposed guy who didn't care about anything but himself.
Jaejoong had never seen Yunho with any girl. He had never ever seen Yunho’s flirtatious side, or treat anyone with such care. Not even an animal (but, he had never seen with an animal so he couldn't just jump into conclusions when it came to that).
Jaejoong didn't know why he was attracted to the unusual ones, but he knew he had a preference for guys that were different. Yes, guys. Jaejoong never admitted to anyone but Yoochun that he only liked guys. There were times where he tried so hard to be interested in girls, but he couldn't do it. He could date a girl, touch her, kiss her cheek, hug her and everything, but he never felt anything. No spark. Nothing.
In the end, he was never disappointed with himself though. He enjoyed hanging around girls because he could relate to their experiences and feelings. Jaejoong still acted manly or boyish enough so that people couldn't even tell, and Jaejoong found that he liked it that way. That way, he could admire Yunho from a distance. Jaejoong was always the clumsy and careless type of person, but when it came to his feelings and real-self, he was able to keep himself in check.
If Yunho were to find out he liked guys, for sure he’d be screwed for life. Even if he never saw Yunho with girls, he never saw Yunho with other guys either, so Jaejoong was never sure. He would never ever assume, because that mistake led him to his downfall. Those days in middle school were the kind of memories he wanted to shove inside a metal box and lock it up for good. Nothing could ever pale in comparison to confessing to another guy he liked, and have him, his friends, and half the school mocking you for it. Jaejoong wouldn't have it. No, not in this high school and definitely never in front of Yunho.
Yoochun chucked his backpack onto the couch and shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. He looked to the right to see Jaejoong's mother digging around in the fridge for preparations for dinner, and when she had let Yoochun in earlier, she insisted that Yoochun stay for dinner. Yoochun never minded, because like Jaejoong, his mother's cooking was to die for.
"Jaejoong's upstairs in his room if you’d like to bother him. He’s been in his moods again. I think he can use a good distraction.” Jaejoong's mother smiled at Yoochun as she set the bag of onions on top of the kitchen counter.
"Yeah, I think I will. Thanks!" Yoochun grinned, and a goofy smile made its way onto his face as he zoomed his way upstairs while sprinting two steps at a time.
Whenever Yoochun visited Jaejoong's home, the drill was the same. Majority of the time, Jaejoong was always up in his room fooling around with his guitar, doing his homework or taking a nap. Yoochun hopped up the last step and made a quick stride over to Jaejoong's bedroom door and pushed it open with an enthusiastic smile upon his face.
"Joongie~!" Yoochun's smile immediately faltered as he stared at Jaejoong, who had his lips puckered and face smashed into the mirror. "Dude, what the fuck?!"
Jaejoong was immediately as still as a sculpture as Yoochun had figured that he had been caught red handed. The brunette immediately latched himself away from that cursed mirror and stuttered for an explanation, an excuse.
"Uh...I was practicing for the school play!" Jaejoong huffed as he looked away in embarrassment, but Yoochun wasn't buying any of it. Instead, he shook his head. "What?!" Jaejoong let out a huff, still not being able to look at his friend in the face.
"You're a sick boy Jae," Yoochun frowned, but then suddenly it looked as if he was trying to hide his laughter. “Who would have thought you’d go through such extremities?”
"Shut up!" Jaejoong frowned as he immediately headed straight for his chair. Plopping himself down, he crossed his arms and continued to look anywhere but Yoochun's direction.
"Man if I had come in a few minutes later, would you have been mounting the mirror by then?" Yoochun let out an involuntary snort, and within seconds he had thrown himself onto Jaejoong’s bed. Bursting out laughter that he could hardly contain anymore, Yoochun held on to his stomach as he laughed, and heard Jaejoong’s frustrated groan and insults which followed right after.
"Shut the hell up, Yoochun! After all these years, you're still so rude! Who told you to just come barging into my room without knocking?! Have you no shame!
"I didn't think it became an issue until now." Yoochun laughed, trying to calm himself down, he sat up and attempted to take deep breaths. That image was priceless. Jaejoong would never live it down if he kept on mentioning it. But he had to admit, it was an epic WIN.
"Shut up Shut up Shut up Shut up!" Jaejoong ended up smacking Yoochun hard on the arm. "You are not telling anyone what you saw. Is that understood?!"
“Mmm I don’t know…” Yoochun’s eyes went heavenward as he pretended to ponder.
“Yoochun!”
"I am not going to tell a soul," Yoochun pursed his lips and nodded once. “You happy now?”
"Nobody. I will butcher you alive if I hear any of this getting out. If you care for me as a friend you are not telling anybody you hear?"
"Yes ma'am!" Yoochun gave Jaejoong a cheeky grin as the raven haired boy pouted and crossed his arms. Silence overtook them both, and Jaejoong fidgeted awkwardly before plopping down next to Yoochun on his bed.
"If you like him so much then why don't you just tell him?" Yoochun asked, settling onto his back, he placed both of his feet onto the bed. "I mean, how long has it been? Almost two years? That's kind of long isn't it?"
"I don't know if he feels that way about guys. You have to do your research first. Have I taught you nothing?" Jaejoong shot Yoochun a keen glare.
"Uh ha. No, thanks. I don't need any of your lessons on stalking. That's gonna creep the shit out of any guy you come across. I thought you'd figure that out by now." He smiled, but Jaejoong didn't.
"I'm serious about him."
"I know you are."
"Then why do I get the feeling you're mocking me rather than being supportive?" Jaejoong half whined, and copied Yoochun in lying back on his bed. "I thought you were my best friend."
"I am." Yoochun simply said, and he continued to stare at the ceiling. "I just don't think he's a good guy for you that's all. You might hear this line countless of times in the movies, and it may sound corny and cheesy and shit, but I'll say it to you anyway. I don't want you getting hurt. You're not the only one that observes you know. I mean I may not know the guy down to his underwear size, but from what I've seen, I wouldn’t trust a cold hearted fool like him take care of you." Yoochun admitted grudgingly. He knew Jaejoong knew where he was getting at. Hopefully he would understand Yoochun's objectives.
"I don't see him cold hearted at all. He’s tall, dark, handsome, smart and athletic!” Jaejoong said, nearly gushing.
“I didn’t hear nice, sweet, and warm hearted in any of that.” Yoochun said, rolling his eyes in a sneer.
"You're just being naïve. Out of all the guys you've been through, none of them has ever taken you seriously." Yoochun let out a disgusted snort. "Those broken limbs of theirs shouldn't deserve to heal."
"You know I don't like you resorting to violence.” Jaejoong scowled, letting his head fall to his right to look at Yoochun. "Please don't beat this one up."
"Unfortunately, I don't have a reason to. Yet." Yoochun mimicked Jaejoong's movements and watched Jaejoong as well. "But, if you really like this guy, don't let it drag on any longer. Our second year is almost over. Are you gonna let it become an official two years? As cruel as this sounds, if he doesn't accept you, then he's not good enough for you. Let him go and move on to someone who really does care for you.” Yoochun said, watching the lines of Jaejoong’s eyebrows slowly furrow together.
Jaejoong was always beautiful in Yoochun’s eyes. He just couldn’t imagine anyone being able to hurt Jaejoong, and if they did, he couldn’t imagine them getting away with it.
"What the hell is going on in that big stupid head of yours?" Jaejoong frowned.
"Nothin’." Yoochun grinned. "I was just thinking about how I should have had a digital camera for that funny spur of the moment you had there. It's a shame I left my phone downstairs," Yoochun pouted playfully as Jaejoong shot up and socked Yoochun hard in the shoulder.
"You promised."
"I know. I won’t tell anyone." Yoochun said, sitting up and swinging an arm around Jaejoong’s shoulder to bring him closer. "Swear."
Jaejoong hopped two steps at a time up the stairs towards the double doors of the main building. He tried his hardest not to be embarrassed about it all, but he just couldn't help it. The look on Yoochun's face made his cheeks burn, and as much as he trusted his friend, he couldn't help but wonder if Yoochun had told even one person at all. God, it was all too embarrassing!
The whole day had passed by so quickly, and he had seen Yunho hang out with his friends at the usual spots. He had seen Yunho running down the street away from school with the track team. Yoochun's words echoed through his mind over and over about how much of a coward he was. He was, though. Jaejoong admitted that.
The thing that bugged him was that...he really didn't like being a coward. He was gay, but that didn't mean he wasn't a man. He had his pride, and it was there, but it was just buried somewhere. Somewhere. He didn't want to bother trying to find it, but there was a voice picking at his gut, telling him to take that damn chance.
Jaejoong knew he was better than more than half the team. No, he was better than all of them. They were fast, but Jaejoong believed he could be faster. He had watched along the sidelines, and he had heard the coach call out the times, and the only times that really impressed him was Yunho’s. Of course - captain of the team would always be the best. There were no biased feelings in the way when he felt impressed, and it gave him more of a reason to admire him.
It didn’t matter though. Yunho was going to graduate soon, so it didn't matter. Jaejoong didn't need to confess to him, because he kept on telling himself it was a little crush, and there were other things to worry about. Focusing on his studies was important, and his love life should always come afterwards. Yoochun kept on telling him over and over about how important his career was, and he tried to convince Jaejoong to look for love after college.
Jaejoong knew Yoochun loved to toss in little lies here and there. Majority of the lies, he actually did believe as a kid. But even in their middle school years, Yoochun hadn't seemed to want to stop. Sex was supposed to hurt, but he didn't have to say 'the thing' was never going to fit. Those fake horror stories were supposed to scare him. Sometimes Jaejoong felt like Yoochun did take him for an idiot, and that pissed him off so much.
Trudging his way towards the auditorium, Jaejoong didn't really feel like meeting up with the cast. When Jaejoong told Yoochun he was practicing for a play, he wasn't kidding. His part didn't include any kissing scenes though.
The play was an old Japanese fairytale. Why Jaejoong was casted as a high class prostitute most definitely made him feel somewhat degraded in a way. Then again what did he know about the history? He just wanted his transcript to look good for the colleges in the future. But in a way, it didn't really upset him too much. With a sigh, Jaejoong pushed the double doors to the auditorium open, and already, the whole cast was lounging around the seats and the drama teacher was already trying to settle them down.
Jaejoong slumped his way along the aisle and came to a stop right in the middle as he saw a familiar looking figure make his way from the second right exit of the auditorium. Jaejoong watched him make his way towards the teacher and he began to converse with her. Oxygen didn't exist at the very moment, and Jaejoong was breathing in absolutely nothing when he didn't even feel his heart suddenly stop from the shock. What the hell...
Out of all the most ridiculous things that Jaejoong had experienced in his life, he had never expected Yunho to be here, possibly trying out in the school play. Or, the principle of the high school hooking him up. Just by being the principle's son, Yunho had all the privileges anyone in the school could ever imagine. Some hated him for that, and some admired him for it.
After the principal had spoken with Yunho for a little bit, she turned her head to see Jaejoong, who was still standing in the middle of the aisle. Furrowing her eyebrows for a moment, she called out Jaejoong's name and Jaejoong immediately snapped out of his thoughts. Shit. Jaejoong looked up at Mrs. Jang, and it was only natural to shift his gaze over to Yunho who was looking directly at him with an indescribable expression on his face. Jaejoong couldn’t help but wonder what was going on through Yunho’s mind.
Knowing better than to lose his thoughts while staring at Yunho's handsome features, he pulled himself out of that vortex and quickly made his way down the aisle to join the rest of the cast. He could feel Mrs. Jang's curious stare, but he immediately shrugged it off and gave her a polite bow before sitting next to a cast member. Attempting to make himself blend in, he randomly popped up a random conversation about the play.
He was too stressed and nervous to even know who he was talking to, so when the boy turned around, he felt his heart stop this time. Shit. Shim Changmin? What the hell was going on in this world?! He knew Changmin had participated in the play, but he had no idea how downhill his luck had gotten. Jaejoong wanted a diversion, and his diversion happened to be Yunho’s best friend! Great. Jaejoong was going to apologize and make his escape to pretend to engage into another conversation with, but Changmin had suddenly smiled.
Knowing Changmin, he was one of the friendliest people anyone could ever meet. Jaejoong groaned inwardly, and with a smile like Changmin's, it was near impossible to excuse himself, because he knew he would seem rude for doing so. Jaejoong smiled back and settled down uneasily into his seat as Changmin went on about how excited he was.
"Aa this is a great feeling isn't it?!" Changmin asked happily as he was sort of bouncing his long legs in his seat. "Oh, I've never introduced myself. Shim Changmin," He let out his hand for Jaejoong to shake. "I'm sorry, I'm not usually like this...well, and I guess I do get carried away from time to time, but I hope that won't scare you." He chuckled as Jaejoong shook his hand awkwardly.
"It's alright. It's nice to meet friendly people such as you.” Jaejoong nodded politely. "I’m Kim Jaejoong."
"Yup, I know who you are," Changmin nodded as Jaejoong stared at him in sheer surprise.
"Huh?" Jaejoong could only ask that with a bewildered and probably stupid look on his face.
"Your class is always doing P.E. by our field." Changmin admitted with a sheepish look on his face. "I don't mean to freak you out or anything, but I always see your class running the mile every Mondays and you really are amazing." He grinned as Jaejoong immediately feel his cheeks heat up once more.
"Th-Thank you…” Jaejoong didn't know what else to say. A senior was actually praising him. Around this school, underclassmen didn't really get that much attention, especially when they were either freshmen or second years.
"I mean, wow! You were so fast! I've always wondered why you were never in the track team with us. You should really try out for the second session, you know? It's coming up next week, and I'm most positive that you'll make it into the Varsity!"
Jaejoong's eyes immediately widened and he gasped a little in shock. Him? Join? Hadn't he told himself that as long as Jung Yunho was on the team he wouldn't consider joining? How to reject Changmin’s suggestion? He had no idea how. The only thing he could possibly think of saying was awh hell no.
"I...I don't think I am." Jaejoong mumbled a little too softly, but Changmin's ears seemed sensitive enough to pick it up.
"Why not?" He asked with a pout. "Don't you like running? I've noticed that the fast runners are the ones with strong determination. The guys on our team are always like that. They put their abilities to good use. I'm sure you'd want to do the same for yourself and besides…" He let out a little scoff and a roll of his eyes. "I think you'd be a real serious competition for Yunho."
"What about me?" Came that deep voice that suddenly came up from behind Changmin, who apparently startled at Yunho’s sudden appearance.
"Uh nothing. Just talking to Jaejoong about how he can probably kick your ass." He joked as Yunho shifted his gaze to Jaejoong with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh really?"
Jaejoong gulped. Shit. The very thing he feared was staring at him right in the face. Competition? Yoochun’s words echoed once more into his head. Right, okay. Jaejoong will admit it to the world, and he would probably even scream at Yunho in surrender. If Yunho was going to make him wave a white flag, hell he'd do it!
"N-Well..." Jaejoong mumbled to nobody in particular as a string of incoherent babbles flew out of his mouth. Changmin laughed and pulled Yunho to sit down next to him.
"Don't feel intimidated by him Jaejoong," Changmin continued to let out his loud and expressive laughs. "Oh yeah, Yunho, you know Jaejoong. The fast kid we've been watching for the past oh? What? Year and a half?" Changmin turned around towards Jaejoong. "Again, please don't feel freaked out. We were just curious about you." He gave Jaejoong a reassuring look followed by a stern nod.
"Huh. Finally meeting Kim Jaejoong in the flesh huh?" Yunho spoke in that low voice Jaejoong had always craved to hear more than 10 feet of watching distance. And Yunho had just spoken his name. His name had never sounded sexier coming from those lips.
Jaejoong couldn't stop fidgeting in his seat. His palms were already sweating, and he couldn't help but feel - well - helpless. What was he supposed to say? He didn't have a clue, but he was afraid if he opened his mouth he was 99.9% sure he was going to end up saying something incredibly stupid.
"My mom is making me participate in this." Jaejoong suddenly heard Yunho speak to Changmin. Well that was somewhat rude. He didn't bother looking at Jaejoong after that comment.
"It's so like her to push you into something like this," Changmin chuckled in amusement as Yunho scowled and nudged at him.
"Shut up. I just wanna get this thing over with. She's always trying to embarrass me and stick me in girl clothes as a kid, remember? I better not come out looking like a fucking gay prince." He said that super softly, but Jaejoong's ears being supersonic sensitive, he heard it all. "Does he speak?" Jaejoong heard Yunho ask Changmin quietly. But amongst the chatter of everyone else, Jaejoong could hear Yunho perfectly.
"Don't be rude." Changmin murmured softly, but Jaejoong could hear him as well.
"Y-Yes." He suddenly spoke up, and Yunho and Changmin both glanced in sync towards Jaejoong.
"Guess he does speak." Yunho noted, and chuckled before he leaned back against his seat. Long legs spread out in his chair with his joints bent at a perfect 90 degree angle.
Why of all sexy things?! Jaejoong whined inwardly. There was just something so appealing about him that wanted that 6 foot 1 body on top of his. No, Jaejoong! No! This is so inappropriate!
"Come on Jaejoong...at least consider it?" Changmin asked almost meekly, and watched Jaejoong with hopeful eyes.
"I..." Jaejoong started to speak, but he stopped, and watched Yunho who was practically sprawled in his seat beside Changmin. He didn't seem like he cared at all.
Jaejoong felt a little pang of frustration as Yunho’s small eyes drooped, and it looked like he was going to nap. In class? Jaejoong furrowed his eyebrows and stared downwards. He knew Yunho always had this smugness towards everything he faced, besides track, he did everything half assed. Yunho didn't take him seriously. Then again, Yunho had no reason to, but still, the idea of that pissed him off.
He suddenly felt this flame of annoyance mixed with confidence rise in his chest. Well...why the hell not? He had no idea where this confidence was coming from, but the feeling of being smug kind of made Jaejoong feel good. Maybe this was a chance from the heavens above. What kind of a fool would be to throw this chance away?
"Mm, I think I will try out for the next session." Jaejoong grinned as he snuck a teasing glance at Yunho who still had his eyes shut.
Jaejoong fought the urge to smile any wider when he saw Yunho's ear twitch a little. Yunho heard, and even if he was going to pretend that he didn't hear, or didn't care, Jaejoong wasn't going to buy any of it. Yunho was going to graduate this year, so Jaejoong might as well make the older boy notice him just this once...or maybe not only once.
He finally realized what Yoochun had been trying to get at. Jaejoong was going to thank his best friend later, but in the meantime he was actually having fun. To finally see a different sort of expression coming from the boy, Jaejoong found it so addicting. He wanted to see more. He wanted to see more than one expression on Jung Yunho.
"Really?!" Changmin asked as he half sat up from his seat. "You won't regret it, Jaejoong! The guys are really nice, and we all treat each other like family.” He smiled and turned towards Yunho to see the bored boy with his eyes still closed. "Hey!" Changmin frowned and nudged at Yunho sharply in the ribs.
Yunho twitched and opened his eyes groggily to give Changmin a piercing stare. He looked at Jaejoong with those naturally born seductive eyes and Jaejoong stared back curiously. He hoped it had come off as a curious stare because the fan boy in him was on Cloud 9.
"Well, I don't see why not. Like Changmin said, I guess I could use some competition. You are pretty good. I'll give you that." Yunho smirked, and Jaejoong was already glad he was sitting down. Melting in a puddle of goo wasn't realistic, but Jaejoong was beginning to think that in his case, it was probably possible.
"Alright guys settle down! We are already behind schedule!" Mrs. Jang said, clapping her hands to gather the students' attention.
This was it. Jaejoong had finally made that decision for himself, and boy was Yoochun going to be proud of him. He seemed sort of proud of himself in a way, and maybe he was going to have fun competing with him. He had always dreamt about getting closer to Yunho, or even plotted on ways to 'accidentally' bump into him, but this...this took the cake. This mistake was probably the best mistake of his life. Picking Changmin to talk to by accident...how suddenly convenient could this situation get?
Jaejoong confirmed the challenge with a nod.
"Bring it on, stud muffin." He murmured quietly as Mrs. Jang raised her voice once more to get the students to shut up. Over that loud yapping voice, Jaejoong knew Yunho heard those words, because from the corner of his eye he could see Yunho watching him with a predatory glint in those usual sleepy eyes that didn’t look so bored anymore.
A/N: YES, IT IS I! I’m finished with my summer session at school so I should be able to update a bit more. Hopefully. Well anyway, this one won’t be very long…I don’t think…or it could be my summer project? Please let me know what you think!
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Chapter(s): 1/?
Author: sentimentalenvy
Genre: AU/Romance/little angsty
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: language
Pairing/Characters: Yunho/Jaejoong, Yoochun/Junsu, Yoochun/Jaejoong (one-sided, also BFF-ery)
Synopsis: The life of every high school student can be a bitch. As a second year high school student, Jaejoong already thinks that he has seen it all. Truth is, he hardly even knows half of what is in store for him.
Comments: This is based off of my other fic for another fandom (but with a twist :P)
1
"Yah, Jaejoong-! Relax! Hey! Come back here!" Yoochun let out an exaggerated breath, thumping footsteps drumming in his ears.
The echoing sounds of sneakers smacked against the glossy surface of the high school floors. Yoochun was running after Jaejoong - again. Yoochun was thankful for the fact that school was still in session, so the hall was practically clear. He didn't need to worry about bumping into people or shoving them out of his way. It would have also looked weird if he were running down the hall like a lunatic, begging for Jaejoong to come back. First of all, people would have given him the wrong impression, and second, even if he was gay, Jaejoong? As if.
Jaejoong said nothing as he continued to run away from his friend. Maybe he should have run outside of the building so he wouldn't get caught and thrown into detention. But what had happened in gym was so embarrassing; his natural instinct kicked in and sent him off into one of the school buildings and into the halls. Where he was going, he didn't have a clue.
"Jaejoong! Damn it, Jaejoong I hate that it is so unfortunate for me that you're the fastest runner in our class! Don't you dare make me throw a fucking Taser at you!" Yoochun shouted viciously, causing spit to shoot out in between clenched teeth. As he was beginning to catch up a little with Jaejoong, within a blink of an eye, Jaejoong was already a couple feet ahead. "My god-!" Yoochun huffed in annoyance as he tried to pick up speed. “This cannot be good for my asthma. Huhh-”
Strangely enough, as if he was trying to spare Yoochun from throwing up his lungs, Jaejoong suddenly came to a stop as he tripped over his own feet. Yoochun wasn't ready for Jaejoong’s sudden carelessness, so when he tried to stop himself, he ended up tripping over his best friend. With a quick roll after his stumble, he ended up landing onto his knees.
"Jae," Yoochun sent Jaejoong a look of warning, but Jaejoong didn't seem to notice at all. Rather, it was more like him not wanting to deal with taking support from anyone.
He was still lying on the glossy floor with his body curled up. His hands were covering his face, and Yoochun could hardly see Jaejoong move an inch. Letting out a sigh, he crawled over and plopped down beside his best friend.
"C'mon Jae, lemme see," Yoochun murmured, softly curling his long fingers around Jaejoong's thin wrist. He attempted to pry Jaejoong's hands away from his face, but he failed in doing so. "Oh come on this isn't as bad last time! You should be thankful Junsu didn't break your nose or even worse, you oughta be lucky the ball missed your balls," Yoochun let out the tiniest chuckle, but of course, Jaejoong wasn’t impressed at all.
"I told you dodgeball wasn't your thing! You just had to insist on looking oh so mighty cool in front of Yunho by playing on the inside of the circle. What the fuck are you, a goddess of sacrifice?” Yoochun sighed. “You know what it means for the people who are dumb enough to be in the middle.” Yoochun gave Jaejoong one last scolding look before dragging his fingers through his mop of wavy hair. He started for a moment and looked at his watch. Good. They still had their twenty-five minutes.
If they lingered any longer, eager students would be rushing out of their classrooms and stomping on Jaejoong carelessly as they threw themselves out those double doors to freedom. Oh yes, Yoochun could imagine that clearly in his head. Yoochun continued to sit there for some time, and once he figured enough was enough, he wrapped both his hands around Jaejoong's wrist, and pried them away from his face. He used a little more force, but he was always careful about not hurting the raven haired boy.
"Yoochun..." Jaejoong sniffed on a sigh as he let Yoochun move his hand away just an inch so Yoochun could see his dampened brown eyes. "Everything else was just the icing on the cake. This is the most embarrassing! Yunho saw it too!"
"No, he didn’t." Yoochun scoffed and smiled, but Jaejoong shook his head and gave him a cute little scolding look. "Okay it's not like I saw, but dude. Yunho’s the fastest runner in our school. He's too into his track n' field to be paying attention to our typical old school boring PE class," He reassured the brunette with a poke on the cheek.
"He saw me, Yoochun." Jaejoong sniffed. His hands were still covering half his face. "What am I supposed to do now? I could have sworn I saw that little smirk on his face. He's probably laughing about it to his friends right now." Jaejoong muttered with an agonized huff.
"Jae, you should feel lucky he doesn't even know you." Yoochun rolled his eyes as Jaejoong shut his eyes and rolled away from his best friend. "Jae..." He suddenly felt guilty for letting the obvious words slip out of his mouth. But there was no way sugar coating the reality.
Yunho was too admired around school, and the boy had his own studies, and his own life to notice anything else. For god’s sake the stud muffin doesn’t even have a girlfriend. Since the first day of school, when Yoochun and Jaejoong were freshman, they had never seen Yunho with a single girl on his arm let alone by his side (unless it was school related or if someone was confessing to him). Girls that tried to flaunt their bodies and throw their tits at the auburn haired boy never did count.
Then again, when they had first entered high school, Yunho was already a Second year, so maybe he could have possibly had a girlfriend his Freshman year. Jaejoong had actually insisted that Yoochun help him find out. Yoochun figured he was absurd, and he wanted to smack Jaejoong on the head for even thinking about going that far. If Jaejoong was going to be one of those creepy girls...good god, who was he kidding? He would never let Jaejoong humiliate himself like that. Jaejoong had already done a great job humiliating himself.
"Come on. Let's get you cleaned up," Yoochun said, and started to pull at Jaejoong's wrists to pull him up.
Apparently Jaejoong wanted to stay down on the floor and emo about something that shouldn't even be worth being depressed over. Jaejoong was always like this. Right when they had first entered, he looked like a cupid had pranced on by and shoved an arrow up his ass. Yoochun never believed in love at first sight, but apparently with Jae, well...Jaejoong was always innocent and naïve to begin with.
Majority of the time, Yoochun always found himself slamming the punks that ever picked on him or tried to lay a hand on him. Or even better, when Yoochun had even detected the slightest threat of anyone taking advantage of his best friend, he would find himself on top of the other person apparently beating the living daylights out of them. Of course he'd get into trouble later, but he had made that oath to Jaejoong and his mother.
When Jaejoong's father passed away nine years ago, Jaejoong had relied on his father for protection and guidance. Yoochun had vowed to them both that he wouldn't necessarily take the father's place, but he would do his best. With Yunho, Yoochun would have loved to kick his ass, but the problem was that Yunho hadn't taken advantage of Jaejoong. Yunho hadn't even glanced Jaejoong's way or had given him any suggestive looks whatsoever. Well hell...the boy didn't even know Jaejoong's name! And Yoochun was never the kind of punk to start shit when there wasn't shit to start up anyway.
"I take your silence as an answer to my failure," Jaejoong muttered, and slowly sat up. He sniffed a little, and wiped some blood off his nose with the top of his P.E. shirt. "Forget it...I don't want to go back to the locker room. I'll just use the bathroom on the second floor." Jaejoong sighed.
"You must’ve hit your face harder than I thought. Our clothes and backpacks are still in the locker room," Yoochun said, almost deadpanned. "You might as well go back," He suggested, but Jaejoong persistently shook his head. Yoochun frowned. "You know what you should do, Jae? Be a man."
"...What?"
"Yeah, you heard me. You have what it takes to join track. Remember when we were kids? It was always Race ya to the top slow poke! Race ya here! Race ya there! Last one in the pools a rotten smelly egg! Shit! You were always challenging everyone at the park. Whoever looked like a fast runner, you were always right at their heels - demanding for a race. And you finally come to this high school. This high school practically known for the best runners, and what do you do? Back out because of some fucken pretty boy? Are you scared for the fact that he might actually beat you or are you just so hopelessly in 'love', you just don't want to try? Oh no that’s right. You’re just being a coward." Yoochun scoffed and crossed his arms to see Jaejoong gaping at him with his mouth hanging open. Which kind of reminded him of an offended gaping cat?
The uncomfortable and awkward silence dragged on, and Yoochun was suddenly regretting those words. But then after a few moments, he realized that he wasn't sorry for the things he said. Sometimes he said hurtful things to Jaejoong, but everything he ever said to Jaejoong was always the truth.
Lying to Jaejoong about how too much peanut butter would be considered a high risk for cancer and how eggs made you continuously fart never counted. It was considered strategic. Those were why Jaejoong didn't want to touch those things, even to this day. They were young and Yoochun wanted all the Reese’s peanut butter cups and he assumed Jaejoong was being a greedy bitch. Eggs were something else because it was something he had enjoyed eating. Jaejoong’s mother always boiled each of them two eggs, and Yoochun had already finished his within seconds, but Jaejoong had only one small little bite. Yoochun knew of Jaejoong being insanely gullible, and yes, he had the audacity to manipulate the poor boy to get it.
But when it came down to honesty and loyalty, Yoochun never failed Jaejoong as a friend. He saw himself as Jaejoong’s protector. Jaejoong seemed to appreciate him, so it made him feel even happier.
After another moment of silence, Jaejoong sighed and shook his head.
"I really didn't think you'd understand anyway," Jaejoong whispered softly, his eyes casted downwards and he immediately stood up and ran for the stairs. Jaejoong tripped a little on the first step, and Yoochun could imagine Jae’s face heating up at the embarrassment because he shot up those stairs like a speeding bullet.
Yoochun sighed wearily and shook his head before making a dash back towards the PE locker room. He knew how the routine went already. He was going to go running back to the locker rooms, finish the class, take their stuff and bring them all back to Jaejoong like some novice butler. No, slave was more like it. It was always like this in any situation. Jaejoong had always embarrassed himself, and once he did, he would automatically assume that Yunho "saw" him.
Yoochun rolled his eyes slightly as he hopped, skipping four steps on the stairs and landing right onto his feet before taking off once more. Yes, Yoochun was a fast runner, but compared to Jaejoong, he would admit only to himself that he sucked smelly ass. Jaejoong had once rubbed the victory in his face, and bent over right in front of Yoochun in an attempt to make the boy kiss his ass.
He cringed at that memory when he ran right through the doors of the locker room to see that class had already ended, and the boys were already either in the showers or getting dressed. Yoochun slumped his way towards his and Jaejoong's locker and began fiddling around with both of their lockers, snapping open the lock after spinning the combinations swiftly.
"Hey Yoochun." a shorter boy came popping out from Yoochun, startling him a little, but was hardly noticeable.
"Yo." Yoochun replied, paying most of his attention in getting his and Jaejoong’s clothes out of the lockers. He didn't notice the shorter boy sort of fidgeting around with one hand fiddling at the hem of his shirt while the other scratched at the back of his head.
"So uh…Yoochun." Junsu said, and looked down at Yoochun after a couple of seconds. "I'm sorry I hit Jaejoong in the face.”
“You hit him on the nose.” Yoochun corrected.
“Potato, Po-tah-toe?” Junsu said in English, a fine eyebrow rose, adding a perplexed look to his cute features. Yoochun gave him a pointed look as if to tell the taller boy that this was no matter to joke about. Junsu cleared his throat.
“Well anyway, please send him my apologies," He muttered as he quickly stepped behind Yoochun to open his own combination on his lock. "I really didn't mean to. I was just so into the mood of the game, and Jaejoong hyung suddenly ducked down for no reason-"
"It wasn't your fault.” Yoochun snorted in defeat as he made a quick move to remove his own shirt. "Jaejoong was just trying to show off and look cool. You know how he's all into those action movies where they make dodging look all matrix like." Yoochun let out a little chuckle at the memory.
Junsu turned around to face him and his eyes went slightly wide before he turned back again and fumbled around carelessly with his locker combination. Yoochun assumed Junsu was just being his weird usual self, because whenever he saw Yoochun, or interacted with him, he always looked like he had something on his mind - like he was distracted. The kid really needed to get over his shyness. But Yoochun wasn't going to put so much pressure on himself over something like that. He knew someone who was exactly the same when it came to shyness.
"Well anyway…" Yoochun said, raising an eyebrow. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure Jaejoong's not mad at...you." His words had begun to slow down because he was realizing that Junsu did have some sort of trouble with his locker. "Hey, do you need any help? Did they give you the shitty lock this time? They need to update their fucking lockers." Yoochun muttered, and tossed his t-shirt onto the bench before leaning over Junsu and opened the boy's lock. With a few twists of his wrists and a quick yank, the rusty lock croaked open with a thunk.
"Oh..." Junsu mumbled with a little nod as he purposely pretended to check something in his pockets. "Thanks." He’d said it so softly, Yoochun had to strain his ears to hear. But he didn't really have to try much because he had gotten the gist of it.
"Yeah, no prob." Yoochun waved a hand as he hopped up the bench with one foot and landed onto the floor. "I'll talk to the locker lady about the locker situation later. They get lazier every year. I swear I'm probably gonna have to file a friggin complaint or something. That oughta get em goin’." Yoochun snorted as he quickly slipped on his t-shirt and changed into his pants.
"Anyway, I gotta go give Jaejoong his stuff. He might actually get worried and think I'm not gonna come," Yoochun let out a deep and amused laugh and before Junsu knew it, he was gone in a flash.
"Where were you?!" Jaejoong exclaimed, his head popping from the stalls. "What could have possibly taken you decades and light years to get my stuff?" He pouted as Yoochun threw Jaejoong's backpack over the stall.
"Sorry, Junsu had trouble with his lock." Yoochun laughed, and leaned against the stall Jaejoong was in.
"Figured. You're always taking your sweet time aren't you?"
"Just shut the hell up and hurry up." Yoochun frowned. "You better be grateful you have a friend like me. You should have come with me anyway. The track people were so absorbed into their training they haven't stopped yet. Like I said, you should really try it out. I've seen those runners and you top majority of them you know."
"I don't want to." Jaejoong said plainly as he slipped quickly out of his P.E. shorts and into his pants. "Besides, it's not like I can be captain of the team." Jaejoong said, jerking the bathroom stall door open causing Yoochun to fall slightly against him.
"Sure you can." Yoochun grinned, walking towards a sink to watch Jaejoong scowl at him through the mirror. "After Yunho finishes up this year, you'll be ready to take his place! What do you think about that?"
"Ooh, great!" Jaejoong gasped, and clapped his hands. "Then I can join the track team when he leaves!"
"Not funny."
"It’s a little funny." Jaejoong shrugged. "Why would I want to? Yes, I love it, but I don't love it enough to embarrass myself over-” Jaejoong shook his head.
"That's a lie and you know it. You love this sport. And what? You don’t love it enough to embarrass yourself over some guy who you hardly ever know? Some guy who has his major focus on something that you're not a part of?" Yoochun stopped again, and Jaejoong frowned.
Yoochun was doing it again. Every single time Yoochun was painfully honest - and he always spoke the truth - it really sent his blood boiling, and his heart shattering. Why did Yoochun have to be so obsessed with showing him reality? Yes, Yunho was perfect and probably inhuman in Jaejoong's little world of utopia, but couldn’t a boy dream?
Maybe, just maybe one day, in some crazy universe, Yunho would be all his. One day, Yunho would confess in that stubbornness-stoic-on-the-outside-pride and tell Jaejoong he liked him in the sweetest kind of...hidden way. God, if Yoochun were to hear any of his thoughts he would be totally screwed. He'd be dead and he would hear Yoochun’s endless lectures of getting the hell over this supposed guy who didn't care about anything but himself.
Jaejoong had never seen Yunho with any girl. He had never ever seen Yunho’s flirtatious side, or treat anyone with such care. Not even an animal (but, he had never seen with an animal so he couldn't just jump into conclusions when it came to that).
Jaejoong didn't know why he was attracted to the unusual ones, but he knew he had a preference for guys that were different. Yes, guys. Jaejoong never admitted to anyone but Yoochun that he only liked guys. There were times where he tried so hard to be interested in girls, but he couldn't do it. He could date a girl, touch her, kiss her cheek, hug her and everything, but he never felt anything. No spark. Nothing.
In the end, he was never disappointed with himself though. He enjoyed hanging around girls because he could relate to their experiences and feelings. Jaejoong still acted manly or boyish enough so that people couldn't even tell, and Jaejoong found that he liked it that way. That way, he could admire Yunho from a distance. Jaejoong was always the clumsy and careless type of person, but when it came to his feelings and real-self, he was able to keep himself in check.
If Yunho were to find out he liked guys, for sure he’d be screwed for life. Even if he never saw Yunho with girls, he never saw Yunho with other guys either, so Jaejoong was never sure. He would never ever assume, because that mistake led him to his downfall. Those days in middle school were the kind of memories he wanted to shove inside a metal box and lock it up for good. Nothing could ever pale in comparison to confessing to another guy he liked, and have him, his friends, and half the school mocking you for it. Jaejoong wouldn't have it. No, not in this high school and definitely never in front of Yunho.
Yoochun chucked his backpack onto the couch and shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. He looked to the right to see Jaejoong's mother digging around in the fridge for preparations for dinner, and when she had let Yoochun in earlier, she insisted that Yoochun stay for dinner. Yoochun never minded, because like Jaejoong, his mother's cooking was to die for.
"Jaejoong's upstairs in his room if you’d like to bother him. He’s been in his moods again. I think he can use a good distraction.” Jaejoong's mother smiled at Yoochun as she set the bag of onions on top of the kitchen counter.
"Yeah, I think I will. Thanks!" Yoochun grinned, and a goofy smile made its way onto his face as he zoomed his way upstairs while sprinting two steps at a time.
Whenever Yoochun visited Jaejoong's home, the drill was the same. Majority of the time, Jaejoong was always up in his room fooling around with his guitar, doing his homework or taking a nap. Yoochun hopped up the last step and made a quick stride over to Jaejoong's bedroom door and pushed it open with an enthusiastic smile upon his face.
"Joongie~!" Yoochun's smile immediately faltered as he stared at Jaejoong, who had his lips puckered and face smashed into the mirror. "Dude, what the fuck?!"
Jaejoong was immediately as still as a sculpture as Yoochun had figured that he had been caught red handed. The brunette immediately latched himself away from that cursed mirror and stuttered for an explanation, an excuse.
"Uh...I was practicing for the school play!" Jaejoong huffed as he looked away in embarrassment, but Yoochun wasn't buying any of it. Instead, he shook his head. "What?!" Jaejoong let out a huff, still not being able to look at his friend in the face.
"You're a sick boy Jae," Yoochun frowned, but then suddenly it looked as if he was trying to hide his laughter. “Who would have thought you’d go through such extremities?”
"Shut up!" Jaejoong frowned as he immediately headed straight for his chair. Plopping himself down, he crossed his arms and continued to look anywhere but Yoochun's direction.
"Man if I had come in a few minutes later, would you have been mounting the mirror by then?" Yoochun let out an involuntary snort, and within seconds he had thrown himself onto Jaejoong’s bed. Bursting out laughter that he could hardly contain anymore, Yoochun held on to his stomach as he laughed, and heard Jaejoong’s frustrated groan and insults which followed right after.
"Shut the hell up, Yoochun! After all these years, you're still so rude! Who told you to just come barging into my room without knocking?! Have you no shame!
"I didn't think it became an issue until now." Yoochun laughed, trying to calm himself down, he sat up and attempted to take deep breaths. That image was priceless. Jaejoong would never live it down if he kept on mentioning it. But he had to admit, it was an epic WIN.
"Shut up Shut up Shut up Shut up!" Jaejoong ended up smacking Yoochun hard on the arm. "You are not telling anyone what you saw. Is that understood?!"
“Mmm I don’t know…” Yoochun’s eyes went heavenward as he pretended to ponder.
“Yoochun!”
"I am not going to tell a soul," Yoochun pursed his lips and nodded once. “You happy now?”
"Nobody. I will butcher you alive if I hear any of this getting out. If you care for me as a friend you are not telling anybody you hear?"
"Yes ma'am!" Yoochun gave Jaejoong a cheeky grin as the raven haired boy pouted and crossed his arms. Silence overtook them both, and Jaejoong fidgeted awkwardly before plopping down next to Yoochun on his bed.
"If you like him so much then why don't you just tell him?" Yoochun asked, settling onto his back, he placed both of his feet onto the bed. "I mean, how long has it been? Almost two years? That's kind of long isn't it?"
"I don't know if he feels that way about guys. You have to do your research first. Have I taught you nothing?" Jaejoong shot Yoochun a keen glare.
"Uh ha. No, thanks. I don't need any of your lessons on stalking. That's gonna creep the shit out of any guy you come across. I thought you'd figure that out by now." He smiled, but Jaejoong didn't.
"I'm serious about him."
"I know you are."
"Then why do I get the feeling you're mocking me rather than being supportive?" Jaejoong half whined, and copied Yoochun in lying back on his bed. "I thought you were my best friend."
"I am." Yoochun simply said, and he continued to stare at the ceiling. "I just don't think he's a good guy for you that's all. You might hear this line countless of times in the movies, and it may sound corny and cheesy and shit, but I'll say it to you anyway. I don't want you getting hurt. You're not the only one that observes you know. I mean I may not know the guy down to his underwear size, but from what I've seen, I wouldn’t trust a cold hearted fool like him take care of you." Yoochun admitted grudgingly. He knew Jaejoong knew where he was getting at. Hopefully he would understand Yoochun's objectives.
"I don't see him cold hearted at all. He’s tall, dark, handsome, smart and athletic!” Jaejoong said, nearly gushing.
“I didn’t hear nice, sweet, and warm hearted in any of that.” Yoochun said, rolling his eyes in a sneer.
"You're just being naïve. Out of all the guys you've been through, none of them has ever taken you seriously." Yoochun let out a disgusted snort. "Those broken limbs of theirs shouldn't deserve to heal."
"You know I don't like you resorting to violence.” Jaejoong scowled, letting his head fall to his right to look at Yoochun. "Please don't beat this one up."
"Unfortunately, I don't have a reason to. Yet." Yoochun mimicked Jaejoong's movements and watched Jaejoong as well. "But, if you really like this guy, don't let it drag on any longer. Our second year is almost over. Are you gonna let it become an official two years? As cruel as this sounds, if he doesn't accept you, then he's not good enough for you. Let him go and move on to someone who really does care for you.” Yoochun said, watching the lines of Jaejoong’s eyebrows slowly furrow together.
Jaejoong was always beautiful in Yoochun’s eyes. He just couldn’t imagine anyone being able to hurt Jaejoong, and if they did, he couldn’t imagine them getting away with it.
"What the hell is going on in that big stupid head of yours?" Jaejoong frowned.
"Nothin’." Yoochun grinned. "I was just thinking about how I should have had a digital camera for that funny spur of the moment you had there. It's a shame I left my phone downstairs," Yoochun pouted playfully as Jaejoong shot up and socked Yoochun hard in the shoulder.
"You promised."
"I know. I won’t tell anyone." Yoochun said, sitting up and swinging an arm around Jaejoong’s shoulder to bring him closer. "Swear."
Jaejoong hopped two steps at a time up the stairs towards the double doors of the main building. He tried his hardest not to be embarrassed about it all, but he just couldn't help it. The look on Yoochun's face made his cheeks burn, and as much as he trusted his friend, he couldn't help but wonder if Yoochun had told even one person at all. God, it was all too embarrassing!
The whole day had passed by so quickly, and he had seen Yunho hang out with his friends at the usual spots. He had seen Yunho running down the street away from school with the track team. Yoochun's words echoed through his mind over and over about how much of a coward he was. He was, though. Jaejoong admitted that.
The thing that bugged him was that...he really didn't like being a coward. He was gay, but that didn't mean he wasn't a man. He had his pride, and it was there, but it was just buried somewhere. Somewhere. He didn't want to bother trying to find it, but there was a voice picking at his gut, telling him to take that damn chance.
Jaejoong knew he was better than more than half the team. No, he was better than all of them. They were fast, but Jaejoong believed he could be faster. He had watched along the sidelines, and he had heard the coach call out the times, and the only times that really impressed him was Yunho’s. Of course - captain of the team would always be the best. There were no biased feelings in the way when he felt impressed, and it gave him more of a reason to admire him.
It didn’t matter though. Yunho was going to graduate soon, so it didn't matter. Jaejoong didn't need to confess to him, because he kept on telling himself it was a little crush, and there were other things to worry about. Focusing on his studies was important, and his love life should always come afterwards. Yoochun kept on telling him over and over about how important his career was, and he tried to convince Jaejoong to look for love after college.
Jaejoong knew Yoochun loved to toss in little lies here and there. Majority of the lies, he actually did believe as a kid. But even in their middle school years, Yoochun hadn't seemed to want to stop. Sex was supposed to hurt, but he didn't have to say 'the thing' was never going to fit. Those fake horror stories were supposed to scare him. Sometimes Jaejoong felt like Yoochun did take him for an idiot, and that pissed him off so much.
Trudging his way towards the auditorium, Jaejoong didn't really feel like meeting up with the cast. When Jaejoong told Yoochun he was practicing for a play, he wasn't kidding. His part didn't include any kissing scenes though.
The play was an old Japanese fairytale. Why Jaejoong was casted as a high class prostitute most definitely made him feel somewhat degraded in a way. Then again what did he know about the history? He just wanted his transcript to look good for the colleges in the future. But in a way, it didn't really upset him too much. With a sigh, Jaejoong pushed the double doors to the auditorium open, and already, the whole cast was lounging around the seats and the drama teacher was already trying to settle them down.
Jaejoong slumped his way along the aisle and came to a stop right in the middle as he saw a familiar looking figure make his way from the second right exit of the auditorium. Jaejoong watched him make his way towards the teacher and he began to converse with her. Oxygen didn't exist at the very moment, and Jaejoong was breathing in absolutely nothing when he didn't even feel his heart suddenly stop from the shock. What the hell...
Out of all the most ridiculous things that Jaejoong had experienced in his life, he had never expected Yunho to be here, possibly trying out in the school play. Or, the principle of the high school hooking him up. Just by being the principle's son, Yunho had all the privileges anyone in the school could ever imagine. Some hated him for that, and some admired him for it.
After the principal had spoken with Yunho for a little bit, she turned her head to see Jaejoong, who was still standing in the middle of the aisle. Furrowing her eyebrows for a moment, she called out Jaejoong's name and Jaejoong immediately snapped out of his thoughts. Shit. Jaejoong looked up at Mrs. Jang, and it was only natural to shift his gaze over to Yunho who was looking directly at him with an indescribable expression on his face. Jaejoong couldn’t help but wonder what was going on through Yunho’s mind.
Knowing better than to lose his thoughts while staring at Yunho's handsome features, he pulled himself out of that vortex and quickly made his way down the aisle to join the rest of the cast. He could feel Mrs. Jang's curious stare, but he immediately shrugged it off and gave her a polite bow before sitting next to a cast member. Attempting to make himself blend in, he randomly popped up a random conversation about the play.
He was too stressed and nervous to even know who he was talking to, so when the boy turned around, he felt his heart stop this time. Shit. Shim Changmin? What the hell was going on in this world?! He knew Changmin had participated in the play, but he had no idea how downhill his luck had gotten. Jaejoong wanted a diversion, and his diversion happened to be Yunho’s best friend! Great. Jaejoong was going to apologize and make his escape to pretend to engage into another conversation with, but Changmin had suddenly smiled.
Knowing Changmin, he was one of the friendliest people anyone could ever meet. Jaejoong groaned inwardly, and with a smile like Changmin's, it was near impossible to excuse himself, because he knew he would seem rude for doing so. Jaejoong smiled back and settled down uneasily into his seat as Changmin went on about how excited he was.
"Aa this is a great feeling isn't it?!" Changmin asked happily as he was sort of bouncing his long legs in his seat. "Oh, I've never introduced myself. Shim Changmin," He let out his hand for Jaejoong to shake. "I'm sorry, I'm not usually like this...well, and I guess I do get carried away from time to time, but I hope that won't scare you." He chuckled as Jaejoong shook his hand awkwardly.
"It's alright. It's nice to meet friendly people such as you.” Jaejoong nodded politely. "I’m Kim Jaejoong."
"Yup, I know who you are," Changmin nodded as Jaejoong stared at him in sheer surprise.
"Huh?" Jaejoong could only ask that with a bewildered and probably stupid look on his face.
"Your class is always doing P.E. by our field." Changmin admitted with a sheepish look on his face. "I don't mean to freak you out or anything, but I always see your class running the mile every Mondays and you really are amazing." He grinned as Jaejoong immediately feel his cheeks heat up once more.
"Th-Thank you…” Jaejoong didn't know what else to say. A senior was actually praising him. Around this school, underclassmen didn't really get that much attention, especially when they were either freshmen or second years.
"I mean, wow! You were so fast! I've always wondered why you were never in the track team with us. You should really try out for the second session, you know? It's coming up next week, and I'm most positive that you'll make it into the Varsity!"
Jaejoong's eyes immediately widened and he gasped a little in shock. Him? Join? Hadn't he told himself that as long as Jung Yunho was on the team he wouldn't consider joining? How to reject Changmin’s suggestion? He had no idea how. The only thing he could possibly think of saying was awh hell no.
"I...I don't think I am." Jaejoong mumbled a little too softly, but Changmin's ears seemed sensitive enough to pick it up.
"Why not?" He asked with a pout. "Don't you like running? I've noticed that the fast runners are the ones with strong determination. The guys on our team are always like that. They put their abilities to good use. I'm sure you'd want to do the same for yourself and besides…" He let out a little scoff and a roll of his eyes. "I think you'd be a real serious competition for Yunho."
"What about me?" Came that deep voice that suddenly came up from behind Changmin, who apparently startled at Yunho’s sudden appearance.
"Uh nothing. Just talking to Jaejoong about how he can probably kick your ass." He joked as Yunho shifted his gaze to Jaejoong with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh really?"
Jaejoong gulped. Shit. The very thing he feared was staring at him right in the face. Competition? Yoochun’s words echoed once more into his head. Right, okay. Jaejoong will admit it to the world, and he would probably even scream at Yunho in surrender. If Yunho was going to make him wave a white flag, hell he'd do it!
"N-Well..." Jaejoong mumbled to nobody in particular as a string of incoherent babbles flew out of his mouth. Changmin laughed and pulled Yunho to sit down next to him.
"Don't feel intimidated by him Jaejoong," Changmin continued to let out his loud and expressive laughs. "Oh yeah, Yunho, you know Jaejoong. The fast kid we've been watching for the past oh? What? Year and a half?" Changmin turned around towards Jaejoong. "Again, please don't feel freaked out. We were just curious about you." He gave Jaejoong a reassuring look followed by a stern nod.
"Huh. Finally meeting Kim Jaejoong in the flesh huh?" Yunho spoke in that low voice Jaejoong had always craved to hear more than 10 feet of watching distance. And Yunho had just spoken his name. His name had never sounded sexier coming from those lips.
Jaejoong couldn't stop fidgeting in his seat. His palms were already sweating, and he couldn't help but feel - well - helpless. What was he supposed to say? He didn't have a clue, but he was afraid if he opened his mouth he was 99.9% sure he was going to end up saying something incredibly stupid.
"My mom is making me participate in this." Jaejoong suddenly heard Yunho speak to Changmin. Well that was somewhat rude. He didn't bother looking at Jaejoong after that comment.
"It's so like her to push you into something like this," Changmin chuckled in amusement as Yunho scowled and nudged at him.
"Shut up. I just wanna get this thing over with. She's always trying to embarrass me and stick me in girl clothes as a kid, remember? I better not come out looking like a fucking gay prince." He said that super softly, but Jaejoong's ears being supersonic sensitive, he heard it all. "Does he speak?" Jaejoong heard Yunho ask Changmin quietly. But amongst the chatter of everyone else, Jaejoong could hear Yunho perfectly.
"Don't be rude." Changmin murmured softly, but Jaejoong could hear him as well.
"Y-Yes." He suddenly spoke up, and Yunho and Changmin both glanced in sync towards Jaejoong.
"Guess he does speak." Yunho noted, and chuckled before he leaned back against his seat. Long legs spread out in his chair with his joints bent at a perfect 90 degree angle.
Why of all sexy things?! Jaejoong whined inwardly. There was just something so appealing about him that wanted that 6 foot 1 body on top of his. No, Jaejoong! No! This is so inappropriate!
"Come on Jaejoong...at least consider it?" Changmin asked almost meekly, and watched Jaejoong with hopeful eyes.
"I..." Jaejoong started to speak, but he stopped, and watched Yunho who was practically sprawled in his seat beside Changmin. He didn't seem like he cared at all.
Jaejoong felt a little pang of frustration as Yunho’s small eyes drooped, and it looked like he was going to nap. In class? Jaejoong furrowed his eyebrows and stared downwards. He knew Yunho always had this smugness towards everything he faced, besides track, he did everything half assed. Yunho didn't take him seriously. Then again, Yunho had no reason to, but still, the idea of that pissed him off.
He suddenly felt this flame of annoyance mixed with confidence rise in his chest. Well...why the hell not? He had no idea where this confidence was coming from, but the feeling of being smug kind of made Jaejoong feel good. Maybe this was a chance from the heavens above. What kind of a fool would be to throw this chance away?
"Mm, I think I will try out for the next session." Jaejoong grinned as he snuck a teasing glance at Yunho who still had his eyes shut.
Jaejoong fought the urge to smile any wider when he saw Yunho's ear twitch a little. Yunho heard, and even if he was going to pretend that he didn't hear, or didn't care, Jaejoong wasn't going to buy any of it. Yunho was going to graduate this year, so Jaejoong might as well make the older boy notice him just this once...or maybe not only once.
He finally realized what Yoochun had been trying to get at. Jaejoong was going to thank his best friend later, but in the meantime he was actually having fun. To finally see a different sort of expression coming from the boy, Jaejoong found it so addicting. He wanted to see more. He wanted to see more than one expression on Jung Yunho.
"Really?!" Changmin asked as he half sat up from his seat. "You won't regret it, Jaejoong! The guys are really nice, and we all treat each other like family.” He smiled and turned towards Yunho to see the bored boy with his eyes still closed. "Hey!" Changmin frowned and nudged at Yunho sharply in the ribs.
Yunho twitched and opened his eyes groggily to give Changmin a piercing stare. He looked at Jaejoong with those naturally born seductive eyes and Jaejoong stared back curiously. He hoped it had come off as a curious stare because the fan boy in him was on Cloud 9.
"Well, I don't see why not. Like Changmin said, I guess I could use some competition. You are pretty good. I'll give you that." Yunho smirked, and Jaejoong was already glad he was sitting down. Melting in a puddle of goo wasn't realistic, but Jaejoong was beginning to think that in his case, it was probably possible.
"Alright guys settle down! We are already behind schedule!" Mrs. Jang said, clapping her hands to gather the students' attention.
This was it. Jaejoong had finally made that decision for himself, and boy was Yoochun going to be proud of him. He seemed sort of proud of himself in a way, and maybe he was going to have fun competing with him. He had always dreamt about getting closer to Yunho, or even plotted on ways to 'accidentally' bump into him, but this...this took the cake. This mistake was probably the best mistake of his life. Picking Changmin to talk to by accident...how suddenly convenient could this situation get?
Jaejoong confirmed the challenge with a nod.
"Bring it on, stud muffin." He murmured quietly as Mrs. Jang raised her voice once more to get the students to shut up. Over that loud yapping voice, Jaejoong knew Yunho heard those words, because from the corner of his eye he could see Yunho watching him with a predatory glint in those usual sleepy eyes that didn’t look so bored anymore.
A/N: YES, IT IS I! I’m finished with my summer session at school so I should be able to update a bit more. Hopefully. Well anyway, this one won’t be very long…I don’t think…or it could be my summer project? Please let me know what you think!
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