SHINee Shorts 2013: minhosims (2/2)
Title: The Fourth World
Author: minhosims
Pairing: Minho/Taemin and Onew/Jonghyun
Rating: G
Word Count: 12,440
The next day, Minho did carry out his plan. It was a hard and long for Minho to move forward to the first line when he saw where Taemin was. He really did a good job on dodging and hitting the other troops considering his current state. He was halfway through the throng of people pointing their swords towards each other when he came across one of the finest men of Ilios. Minho’s heart went wild at the thought of dying by this man’s hand. He couldn’t die yet. The other man had a body twice Minho’s size and his aim was pretty accurate. He hit hard and gave no mercy. Onone wrong move, Minho was knocked down to the earth and was waiting for the enemy’s sword to stab his body when he felt a huge weight fall on his body. He opened his eyes and was shocked to see his opponent’s body on his. An ax jutted from his back. He looked up to see the familiar face smiling to him.
“Are you okay boy with the cube charm?”
“Minho.” Minho told his name as he moved the lifeless body off him. He doubted the other could hear him because he was already busy handling another attack.
“Jonghyun.” Minho heard when he ducked a sword directed toward him. Judging by the way Minho fought; Jonghyun concluded that Minho wasn’t a good knight to begin with. Not that he was brilliant and had the right to look down on Minho.
“My strength,” Minho said all of sudden when he and Jonghyun were sitting on top of the hill after a long day of fighting. Both kingdoms had pulled back and took a good amount of time to rearrange their troops and to rest. The battle had to wait until the morning came. “I gave up my power for the charm. That’s why I fight that way. After several swings of a sword, I already become tired.”
“Then you shouldn’t go too far toward the first line.” Jonghyun commented.
“I want to be by his side. Even though I’m too useless to be a guard at least I want to make a use of what’s left of me to protect him.”
Jonghyun eyed him for awhile before bracing himself to ask the question, “Who’s that?”
“The King of Ilios,” Minho whispered low. Jonghyun gulped, the one he really wanted to kill ever since he set his foot on this world was his acquaintance’s most important person.
“It must be hard, huh? To fight for your loved one’s enemy.”
Minho didn’t say anything but Jonghyun had already known the answer. And it was a lie that it didn’t tug his heartstring to know what Minho had to go through.
“Fight by my side,” Jonghyun said. “I will help you make a way to King Taemin.” Minho turned to see Jonghyun, he couldn’t believe a person he barely knew would offer such thing to him. “We are bound-by-the-charms buddies,” Jonghyun hit Minho’s arm lightly and loosened up the atmosphere.
“I always want to see yours,” Minho spit out, being frank. Jonghyun shoved his hand into his pocket and showed the yellow marble on his palm.
“A marble?” he asked confused. A marble didn’t have corner! He wanted to ask further but held himself back. Afraid if it meant nothing good.
“Yellow is Jinki’s favourite colour.” Jonghyun stated. Minho didn’t miss the pride in his tone as he said so. But hold on…
“Jin-Jinki?” Minho’s eyes went wide as it finally got into him who Jinki was. “King of Fengaris?”
Jonghyun simply nodded.
When morning came and they went to the battlefield, Minho insisted that Jonghyun shouldn’t help him and went to serve their king properly. Unfortunately, Jonghyun was as stubborn as a rock, arguing that Fengarian would win someday, without harming Taemin, make a peace pact and they, four, could live happily ever after. Jonghyun was a man of his word. Plus, he was a good knight, Minho could tell. Every swing of his sword brought down at least one man. Minho was far behind him in number. They moved from the middle to the first line almost immediately, thanks to Jonghyun’s skill. They stopped moving forward when they were just six feet away from Taemin. Minho put his guard high, watching whoever went near Taemin. It was an act of betrayal to be honest, but Minho couldn’t help it. He felt bad, though, for bringing Jonghyun into this. It must be tough for the other to do something so disloyal to his loved one. Being deep in thought, Minho wasn’t aware of Taemin approaching him with his killing gaze. It was when Jonghyun’s sword saved him that he was brought back to reality and started to fight back. As many knight loomed around them, Jonghyun left Minho alone to fight with Taemin and focused on the others that were coming their way. Minho didn’t really attack Taemin properly. He just tried his best to avoid his sword. He was concentrating on preventing Taemin’s sharp piece of metal from getting in touch with his skin so he couldn’t help Jonghyun with others knights. More and more men from both sides kept coming to their way till it was too much for Jonghyun to keep the two safe. Minho watchedtheir prime ministry approaching Taemin from behind and throw his sword in Taemin’s direction. The last thing he knew was he was shouting with all his might, dropping his sword and grabbing Taemin with both of his hands. He spun Taemin around and held his breath when he felt metal jab his back. He fell to the ground, bringing Taemin down with him, pinning him with his weight. He felt another pain in his stomach and looked down to see Taemin’s sword had stabbed his abdomen. With all his might, he looked up to meet Taemin’s eyes. His perplexed face was right in front of him, staring back at him with disbelief. Minho tried to form a smile but ended up coughing blood. He brought his hands to Taemin’s face and, with his last breath he asked, “Taemin, dear, are you okay?”
The world of two kingdoms
The world that has long forgotten about peace
The world where I die for you…
“Minho!”Jonghyun shouted, rushing towards his friend. The sight of Minho lying on the ground turned him wild, knocking down everyone who got into his way. Seeing Taemin hadn’t moved from his spot beneath Minho yet fueled him to run faster to save Taemin from the other knights. When he reached them, Jonghyun knelt down beside Minho’s lifeless body, shaking his body hard just in case Minho would wake up if he did so. But Minho didn’t. He didn’t open his eyes. “Your Majesty, are you okay?” he asked Taemin and was about to move Minho’s body when Taemin screamed for help. Jonghyun turned around just in time to ward offa sword that was directed toward Taemin. The sword stopped just a few inches in front of Taemin’s face. Jonghyun looked up to see the owner of the sword only to meet the sight of Jinki’s cold face. Jonghyun’s face filled with horror seeing Jinki stare down on him.
“Traitor,” the word was cold and harsh, slipping out of Jinki’s lips. That was the last word Jonghyun heard before Jinki pierced his sword right into his heart.
The world of two kingdoms
The world that has long forgotten about peace
The world where I die by your hand…
*****
The world where it’s brown as far as your eyes can reach
The world that is covered with sand
The world where a man lives…
It was unbelievable how Minho found himself sitting in this man’s loft, waiting for the owner to come back with some water to drink. He remembered clearly how he was stabbed while protecting Taemin in the previous world. He thought he wouldhave literally died but here he was, already transferred to another world. Minho was amazed at how many things he had discovered about this journey. The witch didn’t say much back then, just telling them how to work their charms. She didn’t mention that they would be given knowledge of the current world. She didn’t mention that you would be okay in the next world even though you got injured in the previous one.
“Sorry for the wait. The oasis is quite far from here.” The man just entered without announcing himself first, startling Minho who was lost in his own thoughts. He put a bottle of water in front of Minho. “That much is for two days… if you’re planning to stay for that long. Limited source of water.” He sat down in front of Minho.
There was only one oasis in this deserted world. No one really lived here. This man was like Minho, doing a journey across the worlds but he had bad luck. The last world he visited happened to be this world.
“There must be a witch here, somewhere in this world.” Minho said. “The witch that gave me the charm told me so.”
“There might be one. But I don’t think that witch lives here anymore. Probably left this world or died. It has been like this since I first came. I have been searching for any living creatures and haven’t met any human yet. There are barely any animals, few trees, and no source of food.”
“Then how do you survive?”
“Water and food from travelers. If I’m lucky, I might meet snakes or birds and hunt them for food. Because we can’t choose the specific world, some travelers end up here and some of them sometimes have food with them and leave it all for me. Two of them helped me build this place. I don’t have any confidence to name this a house. Still, it’s enough to protect me from the burning sun by day and wild wind at night.”
“So you’re stuck, forever?”
“Yes, I am. But I’m still waiting for a miracle to get out of here.” He said honest. “What makes you do this journey?” he asked.
“I’m looking for someone.”
“Aah, the one you love, right? Some traveler I met had the same reason as you. You have some guts doing dangerous thing in the name of love. I always appreciate people like you. I hope you can find that person in the rest of worlds you can visit.”
“Thanks. I hope so. Even if I don’t, I can always meet the witch and get another charm.”
“Meaning you’ll have to lose more.”
“I don’t mind it.”
“You must have known that the shape of the charm depends on the sacrifice you make, right?”
Minho nodded.
“The number of worlds we can visit is the same as the number of corner we have in our charms. My suggestion is to give up your most precious thing to get a charm in round shape. Something like a coin, ball, the ones that have no corner, which means you have no limitation. You can visit every world that ever existed. That way, you just need to give up one thing. Whoever you’re looking for, I don’t think that person lives here. You better continue your journey instead of wasting your time here.”
Minho looked at the man before him with an unreadable face. Once again, he was lost in thought. But this time, it wasn’t because of the oddness of his journey. He was wondering what Jonghyun had given up for that marble charm.
The world where it’s brown as far as your eyes can reach
The world that is covered with sands
The world where you don’t exist …
*****
The world where people fly instead of walking
The world like the fairytale you read when you’re a child
The world where I can fly…
Jonghyun couldn’t stop admiring the wonderful world that happened to be his next visit. Everything here was like a dream. People here didn’t have wings yet they could fly. People here lived everywhere, literally everywhere, inside of trees, on the flowers, underground, in houses, in the river, on the clouds, and any other thing you couldn’t expect.That was because some of the people in this world could either pass through objects, or had pair of gills inside their neck, or could minimize their bodies to as big as the size of adult’s thumb.
The children here went to school. The adults worked on everything. Turning clouds into rain for the fields, forests, gardens; catching fish; collecting nectar for their families;cleaning rivers for the men who lived underwater;teaching kids at schools. This amazing world is all cheerful and in peace. They worked for each other, together, in harmony.
“Uncle Jonghyun!” Jonghyun turned to see a little girl running toward him. It was the daughter of the family who lived next door.
“Hey, Clara, aren’t you supposed to be at school?” Jonghyun questioned.
“I’m on lunch break. I asked my teacher’s permission to see you. Barrie’s dad has asked the entire river society about Uncle Jinki and no one has any idea about who he is. But do not lose hope yet, Uncle Jonghyun. We haven’t received any news from the South and West yet. Uncle Jinki may be there.”
Jonghyun smiled at her spirit. She liked him very much. When Jonghyun first crashed at their doorstep and explained who he was and what he was looking for, Clara said she would help him. The next day, she made a big announcement at her school about Jinki, asking her friends to tell her if they knew about Jinki. He also got a lot of help from her parents. They asked for help of the heads of every region to find someone named Jinki. Jonghyun was very thankful to them. During the day, he would fly around, looking for Jinki and helping here and there. He was pretty famous because not many travelers came into their world so when there was one, the news spread fast. So far, he hadn’t found Jinki in the central region. The North and East had sent their reports, letting him know that they were sorry because there was no one named Jinki in their regions or that met the description he gave about Jinki’s physical build.
“Thank you, Clara. You could have just told me after school ends. Want me to walk you back to school?” Jonghyun stroked her hair tenderly.
“I couldn’t wait that long!” she yelled, causing Jonghyun to chuckle over her cuteness. “If you don’t mind walking me to school -“
“I don’t mind at all. Come on.” Jonghyun held her hand and they walked away. Clara bounced all the way to school. She was happy that Jonghyun accompanied her. She was afraid of heights, which was why she preferred walking.
That late night, Jonghyun heard knocks on his door. He found Clara’s dad and three men standing by his door. Without wasting any time, he let them in. Jonghyun knew they came for the news about Jinki. He hoped one of them knew about Jinki’s whereabouts. He couldn’t deny that he wished he and Jinki could be together in this world. He really liked this world. But his dream of leading a happy life here with Jinki crumbled when they told him the bad news. Jinki wasn’t here. They doubted the one Jonghyun looked for even existed in this world.
Dreams didn’t always come true, right?
Jonghyun read Jinki’s letter for him again that night. He had read it multiple times because it encouraged him to not give up just yet. He couldn’t give up on looking for the world where Jinki existed and they could be together.
The world where people fly instead of walking
The world like the fairytale you read when you’re a child
The world without you …
*****
The world where tall buildings occupied the town
The world that has fireworks
The world where you can play music
The world that’s similar with the first world I visited for you
But a better one…
Minho looked at the suitcase beside his bed. He knew it was his. He just arrived from Seoul. He graduated from Seoul University last month and now he was back in Busan, his hometown. His mom and dad were downstairs. He majoredin economics and was soon employed in a big company near his house. He was swallowing the information formed in his brain about his new identity when the door swung open and a chirp voice called his name. He turned around to be engulfed in a hug by a boy almost his size. Losing his balance and having not enough strength to put up with such weight, they fell down on the bed.
“Minho hyung!!!!” the boy screamed in joy. “You’re really, really, really coming home.” The boy looked up and met his eyes.
Taemin.
“I missed you so much! Why didn’t you tell me that you’re coming back?” he pouted his plump lips cutely. “Didn’t you miss me?” he asked, his tone demanding.
“I-I missed you, a lot.” Minho replied. He offered the boy a smile when he could contain himself from the fact that Taemin was hovering above him and knew who he was.
“Minho!” he heard another voice. There was a girl standing by his door. Lee Minjung, he acknowledged. Taemin’s older sister, they lived in front of their house. The info just registered on his mind. Minjung was on his age, they attended the same schools until Minho left Busan to continue his education in Seoul. Minho heard Taemin click his tongue and turned to face his sister.
“Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be helping Mom make cookies?” he whined and Minho found it very adorable.
“To see Minho. Mom wants you to help her instead of me. She’s going to drag you home in five minutes.” She smiled gloriously.Taemin groaned. He got off of Minho and headed toward the door.
“I hate you,” he sent a glare to Minjung before he stepped out of Minho’s room.
“Minho, why are you so mean? You didn’t tell me you were coming. This weekend we’re going out for movie, okay?” She sat on Minho’s bed and waited for his answer.
Minjung was a pretty girl. Not a surprise, her mom was a stunning woman. Minjung was tall and lean. She had a silky black long hair that framed her face, making her look prettier. She was a nice girl, really. She was famous at school. Many boys went after her but only a few were lucky enough to date her. She stopped dating a year ago, too many bad experiences to go for another one. Yet Minho couldn’t miss the different look she gave him ever since two years ago. Minho had a suspicion that she might like him on their last summer break. But he didn’t want to bring it up and didn’t give her hope. Because he clearly wasn’t interested in her in that way. She was his friend, his best friend and he wanted to them to stay that way.
No matter how good looking she was,Taemin was prettier. No one could deny that Taemin was a pretty boy. He had honey locks and brown eyes. His skin was white and soft. He was all snuggly to Minho and Minho never minded that.
That evening, he spent his time chatting with Minjung until the latter felt the need to take a bath and excused herself. He had a wonderful dinner with his family. His parents asked him about his new job and made sure he had what he needed for work. After dinner, he already missed the slim boy and couldn’t help but tell his mom that he was going to see Taemin. Knowing well about her only son’s relationship with Lee family, she nodded and urged him to just go.
He smiled like a fool in front of Taemin’s door and knocked carefully.
“Minho?” it was Taemin’s mom. Minho smiled and hugged her. “Aigoo, you’re getting more and more handsome as you grow up.”
“I heard Minho’s name being mentioned!” Minjung came out and soon pulled Minho in. “Good timing! I’m watching the newest horror movie. Let’s watch it together.” They both liked horror movies, his mind told him.
“Sorry, Minjung-ah but I’m here to see Taemin.” She sighed and pointed up. “In his room. He’s going to ask you for a help, I’m sure. You better spend your time down here instead of teaching him math!”
“That’s why it’s better to be with him. You would nag him if he fails his class.” Minho chuckled and headed upstairs. He knew this house very well. He knocked one time before opening the door to Taemin’s room. He poked his head in and smiled at the sight of Taemin sitting on the chair, books in front of him, doing his homework with headset on. He took off Taemin’s headset. The younger gasped before turning his head.
“Hyung!” Minho patted his head and sat on his bed.
“Want some help?”
Much to Minho’s surprise, Taemin shook his head. “No thanks. You just arrived this afternoon. You must be tired, hyung. Just lie on the bed and wait until I’m done with this. We can play Winning Eleven later. Okay?”
Minho laughed at Taemin’s consideration. “I know how you are at math, Taeminnie. Come here and let hyung help you.”
That night, Minho spent his time on Taemin’s bed, teaching him math and playing Winning Eleven until they fell sleep. That night, they fell asleep side by side with Taemin’s head on Minho’s neck. That night, Minho slept with a light heart and a smile on his face.
*****
Jonghyun stood in front of a music store. He was hesitating between going in or leaving without looking at what was inside. But the first option won. He pushed the door open and was overwhelmed by the sight of the many musical instruments displayed there. It wasn’t surprising that he knew the names of every instrument there. That was what happened when he came to a world. The grand piano far in the corner of the room caught his attention and before he knew it, his feet starting pacing toward it. He sat and eyed the keys for a moment. He put his hand on it and started playing the song he remembered so well. It was almost magical how well he played the piano and how nice the song sounded with this instrument. He kept on playing until the last part of the song and his fingers stopped when there was no more to play. It was unfinished still. They hadn’t finished composing it yet. And he wouldn’t finish it without Jinki. It was their song. They started it together so it had to be finished together.
Jonghyun sighed and then was surprised to hear the sound of piano in his ears. He looked to his side and found Jinki had played the piano. He was right beside him. Jonghyun had no idea how he could be there. He couldn’t get over the shock until Jinki finished playing the piano and smiled to him.
“That was a nice melody but it seemed unfinished. I dislike hearing unfinished songs so I continued it in my own version.” Jinki grinned. “Did I scare you?” he asked when Jonghyun said nothing. “I’m Jinki, the son of the owner.” He offered his hand.
“Jonghyun.” He shook his hand, lingering a little longer to feel Jinki’s skin against his after sucha long time.
“So you’re buying it?”
“Eh?”
“I’m just kidding. It’s okay to play without buying it.” He grinned once more. “Was it your self-composed song? I haven’t heard it before.”
Jonghyun nodded, still unable to form a proper sentence to answer him yet.
“Wow, that’s cool! Are you a composer?”
Jonghyun shook his head.
“Ah, I see. I guess you composed it in your free time.” Seeing how Jonghyun didn’t say anything back to him, Jinki thought the other must be uncomfortable with his presence. So he excused himself, “Well, you can play it for free. I’m leaving then.” After a few steps away, Jinki heard Jonghyun shout.
“Hey, would you mind helping me to finish the song?” Jonghyun waited for a reply cautiously.
Jinki turned and smiled, “Sure.” Jinki walked back to the piano and sat next to Jonghyun.
“I-I’ll start playing it again then,” Jonghyun muttered nervously. With trembling hands, he played the song one more time.
“Why don’t you sing it? Haven’t written the lyric yet?” Jinki asked abruptly while Jonghyun was still playing the piece.
“I don’t sing.” I can’t sing to be exact, Jonghyun corrected inwardly.
“Why?”
“I-It’s like you said, it hasn’t have lyric yet.” Jonghyun lied again. The truth was he couldn’t sing anymore for the rest of his life because he already gave it up for Jinki.
*****
Epilogue
Jinki examined the yellow marble in his palm, letting out a heavy breath before staring back at the sky. “So you wouldn’t be able to sing anymore in exchange for this. You must love that Jinki very much, right?” It was a rhetorical question. “But unfortunately, that Jinki is not me. We’re different people, you know. I’m not your Jinki even though we have the same physical features.”
“You both are just the same for me. I love you, Jinki.” Jonghyun whispered, wishing Jinki would understand his feelings and return it.
“You don’t. You love your Jinki, not me.”
Jonghyun was silent. This was what he afraid of. The rejection. He regretted telling him the truth. If he knew it would turn out like this, he would have kept it to himself. That way, he still could be with Jinki.
“I want you to love me, not that Jinki in your previous world. I don’t mind the wait, as long as you love me back in the end.” While confessing what he had in mind, Jinki didn’t look at Jonghyun at all. He loved Jonghyun since the first time he met him in his store. He had been happy that Jonghyun somehow liked to be around him. Jinki was sure it was love. He was waiting for the right time to confess to Jonghyun but the younger did it first. Yesterday, Jonghyun asked him to go to the firework festival held at Busan Sea. So here they were tonight, Jinki was surprised to hear Jonghyun’s confession about who he was and how he felt toward Jinki. The other Jinki, not him. And he was disappointed.
“You love me?” Jonghyun’s eyes went wide and he stared at the man sitting next to him. “Hyung, you love me?” he repeated when he heard no answer.
“I do. But you don’t.” Jinki said bitterly.
“Hyung, I swear I love you. Hyung, trust me. I love you. I really -“ Jinki shut him up by planting a kiss on Jonghyun’s lips. Their first kiss was short but sweet. When Jonghyun opened his eyes and met with Jinki’s dark orbs, he saw desperation there. And it hurt him.
“If I ask you to start over with me, will you say yes? If I ask you to move on from your Jinki and start to love me, will you say yes?” His voice was demanding and Jonghyun caught anxiety in the other’s tone.
“I will. Tell me how to start over. Lead the way. I’ll follow you right away. Then, you must not doubt my love for you, hyung.” Hearing that, Jinki’s heart melted and he smiled. He pulled Jonghyun in for a hug which the other gladly returned.
“Think of a name for me,” Jinki whispered. “Call me with that name instead of Jinki.”
Jonghyun contemplated for awhile, “Onew! I’ll call you Onew! Does it sound good? Do you like it, hyung?” Jinki chuckled at Jonghyun eagerness.
“I like it.”
“Onew hyung, then.”Jonghyunsmiled. “Do you want to hear it some more? Onew hyung, Onew hyung, Onew hyung…” Jonghyun started chanting Jinki’s pet name.
“Stop it, Jonghyun.” Jinki hit Jonghyun’s arm lightly. “About the songs, they were the songs you created with him. But I don’t mind helping you with the lyrics. That way, they could be our song.” Jinki smiled. “They would be a memory between you, him, and me.”
“Agreed. Does that mean we’re dating?”
Jinki burst into laughter hearing that. Jonghyun pouted cutely and waited patiently for an answer.
“Not yet, Jonghyunnie. Not yet. I still have to make you fall for me.”
“I already fell for you.” Jinki gave him doubtful look. “Alright, alright, I will start loving you, Onew hyung. Someday I’ll prove to you that I really love you and you will make me your boyfriend.”
Jinki couldn’t help but laugh at Jonghyun’s cuteness. “You’re so cute sometimes.”
“Cute is so not me. I only act this way when I’m with you!”
Jinki had to agree about that one. Jonghyun was far from cute when he was with other people. He was a tough boy. But sometimes, when there were only they two, Jonghyun would pout and whine if he didn’t get what he wanted.
“Shut up already. The fireworks are starting.” Soon, their attention was fixed on the sky. The fireworks were pretty. So was their night on the Busan Sea.
*****
“There you are!” Minho shouted when he finally found Taemin. Taemin looked up to see Minho approaching him.
“What?” he asked, almost like a whisper.
“It’s me who suppose to ask you that. What are you doing here, Taeminnie?”
“Not your business,” Taemin replied sharply.
“Ouch, that hurts.” Minho held his heart, pretending like it really hurt. But Taemin showed no interest. “What’s wrong with you, Taemin-ah? You’ve been gone since this afternoon, didn’t reply my messages, didn’t pick up your phone either. Do you know how much I’m worried about you?”
“A bit.”Taemin responded a little cold.
“A lot,” Minho corrected. “You always liked fireworks. Do you know that there is a firework festival tonight?”
“I know. And you’re going there with Minjungnoona.” Minho didn’t miss the sadness in Taemin’s voice. “It’s always Minjung noona.”
“I’m not. I was going to ask you to come with me.” Minho cleared up when he finally found out the reason why Taemin avoided him all day.
“Liar. She told me she’s going with you.”
“She did ask me but I turned her down. I want to go with you.”
After persuading Taemin for a good moment, they ended up at the seashore, waiting for the firework festival to begin. They didn’t talk much. Minho couldn’t ignore the forlorn look on Taemin’s face. He didn’t understand him. He was upset that Minho was leaving him behind but he proved him wrong. They were here now, together, just the two of them.
“What’s that bothering you, Taeminnie?” he asked softly, afraid that Taemin would get sadder.
“I miss you,” he replied.
“I’m here.”
“But it doesn’t feel like you’re here. It feels like there is a distance between us and it’s getting further by the day.” Taemin admitted honestly.
“And why is that?”
“You like her, don’t you?”
Somehow, Minho just knew who he was referring to.
“Like I said earlier, it’s always Minjung noona. You go for a movie every Saturday with her and go to wherever she wants on Sunday. I miss the hyung who takes me to soccer field on Sunday evening. You’re barely there for me. You promised me that I will always be your favourite. But now that you’re in love with my sister, I guess I’m no longer your favourite.”
“Yeah, yeah, I don’t have time for you then who’s the one helping you with your homework every night?”
“That’s because Minjung noona would be embarrassed with me if I failed. You do it for her.”
Minho gave up and pulled Taemin closer to whisper the truth into his ear. “I do that because I love you. I’m in love with Lee Taemin, not Lee Minjung.” Minho was satisfied to see Taemin’s expression when he pulled away. He grabbed Taemin’s hand and interlaced their fingers.
“B-but you always go out w-with her,” Taemin stuttered.
“I’ve been advising her to start dating again. She’s traumatized with her previous dating experiences. I told her that I don’t like her in that way weeks ago so that she would stop setting her hopes on me. I can’t believe you’re getting jealous over it.” Minho ruffled Taemin’s honey locks lovingly as the boy pouted under his hold.
“What? Don’t even think of defending yourself. You’re jealous, that’s it.”
“But you don’t have to mention it like that. You love to tease me, don’t you?”
“Yes, because you’re cute.”
“I’m not cute!”
“Alright, adorable then.”
“It’s just the same.”
“Hmm, lovely?”
“Nope. It sounds girly.”
“What about you’re… mine?”
Taemin couldn’t help but smile at that. “That’s cheesy but I like it.” Taemin tiptoed to kiss Minho’s cheek. Minho was taken aback by Taemin’s guts. He never thought Taemin would dare to do such thing. If he did, it meant he didn’t have to hold back. So he leaned down and captured Taemin’s lips in a kiss. He chuckled to see Taemin’s red face after the kiss.
“Stop laughing, hyung. It’s starting!” Taemin yelled and stared into the sky, where different colours of fire exploded, blended together to form a beautiful scene in the dark sky. It was beautiful. He turned to his side to see amazement on Taemin’s face. Then something caught his eyes. Not far from them, he saw Jonghyun standing next to Jinki, hand in hand, both admiring the firework up there. He smiled.
The old saying was true, that if you were really meant to be, then you were meant to be, either in this world or another. Both of them had proved it.
The world where tall buildings occupied the town
The world that has fireworks
The world where you can play music
The world where we have our happy endings …
A/N: I was inspired by the title of SHINee’s song: The World with You. But it turned out a little similar to xxxHolic. It’s my first attempt on writing Jongyu as side pairing. I hope I did a good job on writing them. Thanks for reading ^^
Author: minhosims
Pairing: Minho/Taemin and Onew/Jonghyun
Rating: G
Word Count: 12,440
The next day, Minho did carry out his plan. It was a hard and long for Minho to move forward to the first line when he saw where Taemin was. He really did a good job on dodging and hitting the other troops considering his current state. He was halfway through the throng of people pointing their swords towards each other when he came across one of the finest men of Ilios. Minho’s heart went wild at the thought of dying by this man’s hand. He couldn’t die yet. The other man had a body twice Minho’s size and his aim was pretty accurate. He hit hard and gave no mercy. Onone wrong move, Minho was knocked down to the earth and was waiting for the enemy’s sword to stab his body when he felt a huge weight fall on his body. He opened his eyes and was shocked to see his opponent’s body on his. An ax jutted from his back. He looked up to see the familiar face smiling to him.
“Are you okay boy with the cube charm?”
“Minho.” Minho told his name as he moved the lifeless body off him. He doubted the other could hear him because he was already busy handling another attack.
“Jonghyun.” Minho heard when he ducked a sword directed toward him. Judging by the way Minho fought; Jonghyun concluded that Minho wasn’t a good knight to begin with. Not that he was brilliant and had the right to look down on Minho.
“My strength,” Minho said all of sudden when he and Jonghyun were sitting on top of the hill after a long day of fighting. Both kingdoms had pulled back and took a good amount of time to rearrange their troops and to rest. The battle had to wait until the morning came. “I gave up my power for the charm. That’s why I fight that way. After several swings of a sword, I already become tired.”
“Then you shouldn’t go too far toward the first line.” Jonghyun commented.
“I want to be by his side. Even though I’m too useless to be a guard at least I want to make a use of what’s left of me to protect him.”
Jonghyun eyed him for awhile before bracing himself to ask the question, “Who’s that?”
“The King of Ilios,” Minho whispered low. Jonghyun gulped, the one he really wanted to kill ever since he set his foot on this world was his acquaintance’s most important person.
“It must be hard, huh? To fight for your loved one’s enemy.”
Minho didn’t say anything but Jonghyun had already known the answer. And it was a lie that it didn’t tug his heartstring to know what Minho had to go through.
“Fight by my side,” Jonghyun said. “I will help you make a way to King Taemin.” Minho turned to see Jonghyun, he couldn’t believe a person he barely knew would offer such thing to him. “We are bound-by-the-charms buddies,” Jonghyun hit Minho’s arm lightly and loosened up the atmosphere.
“I always want to see yours,” Minho spit out, being frank. Jonghyun shoved his hand into his pocket and showed the yellow marble on his palm.
“A marble?” he asked confused. A marble didn’t have corner! He wanted to ask further but held himself back. Afraid if it meant nothing good.
“Yellow is Jinki’s favourite colour.” Jonghyun stated. Minho didn’t miss the pride in his tone as he said so. But hold on…
“Jin-Jinki?” Minho’s eyes went wide as it finally got into him who Jinki was. “King of Fengaris?”
Jonghyun simply nodded.
When morning came and they went to the battlefield, Minho insisted that Jonghyun shouldn’t help him and went to serve their king properly. Unfortunately, Jonghyun was as stubborn as a rock, arguing that Fengarian would win someday, without harming Taemin, make a peace pact and they, four, could live happily ever after. Jonghyun was a man of his word. Plus, he was a good knight, Minho could tell. Every swing of his sword brought down at least one man. Minho was far behind him in number. They moved from the middle to the first line almost immediately, thanks to Jonghyun’s skill. They stopped moving forward when they were just six feet away from Taemin. Minho put his guard high, watching whoever went near Taemin. It was an act of betrayal to be honest, but Minho couldn’t help it. He felt bad, though, for bringing Jonghyun into this. It must be tough for the other to do something so disloyal to his loved one. Being deep in thought, Minho wasn’t aware of Taemin approaching him with his killing gaze. It was when Jonghyun’s sword saved him that he was brought back to reality and started to fight back. As many knight loomed around them, Jonghyun left Minho alone to fight with Taemin and focused on the others that were coming their way. Minho didn’t really attack Taemin properly. He just tried his best to avoid his sword. He was concentrating on preventing Taemin’s sharp piece of metal from getting in touch with his skin so he couldn’t help Jonghyun with others knights. More and more men from both sides kept coming to their way till it was too much for Jonghyun to keep the two safe. Minho watchedtheir prime ministry approaching Taemin from behind and throw his sword in Taemin’s direction. The last thing he knew was he was shouting with all his might, dropping his sword and grabbing Taemin with both of his hands. He spun Taemin around and held his breath when he felt metal jab his back. He fell to the ground, bringing Taemin down with him, pinning him with his weight. He felt another pain in his stomach and looked down to see Taemin’s sword had stabbed his abdomen. With all his might, he looked up to meet Taemin’s eyes. His perplexed face was right in front of him, staring back at him with disbelief. Minho tried to form a smile but ended up coughing blood. He brought his hands to Taemin’s face and, with his last breath he asked, “Taemin, dear, are you okay?”
The world of two kingdoms
The world that has long forgotten about peace
The world where I die for you…
“Minho!”Jonghyun shouted, rushing towards his friend. The sight of Minho lying on the ground turned him wild, knocking down everyone who got into his way. Seeing Taemin hadn’t moved from his spot beneath Minho yet fueled him to run faster to save Taemin from the other knights. When he reached them, Jonghyun knelt down beside Minho’s lifeless body, shaking his body hard just in case Minho would wake up if he did so. But Minho didn’t. He didn’t open his eyes. “Your Majesty, are you okay?” he asked Taemin and was about to move Minho’s body when Taemin screamed for help. Jonghyun turned around just in time to ward offa sword that was directed toward Taemin. The sword stopped just a few inches in front of Taemin’s face. Jonghyun looked up to see the owner of the sword only to meet the sight of Jinki’s cold face. Jonghyun’s face filled with horror seeing Jinki stare down on him.
“Traitor,” the word was cold and harsh, slipping out of Jinki’s lips. That was the last word Jonghyun heard before Jinki pierced his sword right into his heart.
The world of two kingdoms
The world that has long forgotten about peace
The world where I die by your hand…
*****
The world where it’s brown as far as your eyes can reach
The world that is covered with sand
The world where a man lives…
It was unbelievable how Minho found himself sitting in this man’s loft, waiting for the owner to come back with some water to drink. He remembered clearly how he was stabbed while protecting Taemin in the previous world. He thought he wouldhave literally died but here he was, already transferred to another world. Minho was amazed at how many things he had discovered about this journey. The witch didn’t say much back then, just telling them how to work their charms. She didn’t mention that they would be given knowledge of the current world. She didn’t mention that you would be okay in the next world even though you got injured in the previous one.
“Sorry for the wait. The oasis is quite far from here.” The man just entered without announcing himself first, startling Minho who was lost in his own thoughts. He put a bottle of water in front of Minho. “That much is for two days… if you’re planning to stay for that long. Limited source of water.” He sat down in front of Minho.
There was only one oasis in this deserted world. No one really lived here. This man was like Minho, doing a journey across the worlds but he had bad luck. The last world he visited happened to be this world.
“There must be a witch here, somewhere in this world.” Minho said. “The witch that gave me the charm told me so.”
“There might be one. But I don’t think that witch lives here anymore. Probably left this world or died. It has been like this since I first came. I have been searching for any living creatures and haven’t met any human yet. There are barely any animals, few trees, and no source of food.”
“Then how do you survive?”
“Water and food from travelers. If I’m lucky, I might meet snakes or birds and hunt them for food. Because we can’t choose the specific world, some travelers end up here and some of them sometimes have food with them and leave it all for me. Two of them helped me build this place. I don’t have any confidence to name this a house. Still, it’s enough to protect me from the burning sun by day and wild wind at night.”
“So you’re stuck, forever?”
“Yes, I am. But I’m still waiting for a miracle to get out of here.” He said honest. “What makes you do this journey?” he asked.
“I’m looking for someone.”
“Aah, the one you love, right? Some traveler I met had the same reason as you. You have some guts doing dangerous thing in the name of love. I always appreciate people like you. I hope you can find that person in the rest of worlds you can visit.”
“Thanks. I hope so. Even if I don’t, I can always meet the witch and get another charm.”
“Meaning you’ll have to lose more.”
“I don’t mind it.”
“You must have known that the shape of the charm depends on the sacrifice you make, right?”
Minho nodded.
“The number of worlds we can visit is the same as the number of corner we have in our charms. My suggestion is to give up your most precious thing to get a charm in round shape. Something like a coin, ball, the ones that have no corner, which means you have no limitation. You can visit every world that ever existed. That way, you just need to give up one thing. Whoever you’re looking for, I don’t think that person lives here. You better continue your journey instead of wasting your time here.”
Minho looked at the man before him with an unreadable face. Once again, he was lost in thought. But this time, it wasn’t because of the oddness of his journey. He was wondering what Jonghyun had given up for that marble charm.
The world where it’s brown as far as your eyes can reach
The world that is covered with sands
The world where you don’t exist …
*****
The world where people fly instead of walking
The world like the fairytale you read when you’re a child
The world where I can fly…
Jonghyun couldn’t stop admiring the wonderful world that happened to be his next visit. Everything here was like a dream. People here didn’t have wings yet they could fly. People here lived everywhere, literally everywhere, inside of trees, on the flowers, underground, in houses, in the river, on the clouds, and any other thing you couldn’t expect.That was because some of the people in this world could either pass through objects, or had pair of gills inside their neck, or could minimize their bodies to as big as the size of adult’s thumb.
The children here went to school. The adults worked on everything. Turning clouds into rain for the fields, forests, gardens; catching fish; collecting nectar for their families;cleaning rivers for the men who lived underwater;teaching kids at schools. This amazing world is all cheerful and in peace. They worked for each other, together, in harmony.
“Uncle Jonghyun!” Jonghyun turned to see a little girl running toward him. It was the daughter of the family who lived next door.
“Hey, Clara, aren’t you supposed to be at school?” Jonghyun questioned.
“I’m on lunch break. I asked my teacher’s permission to see you. Barrie’s dad has asked the entire river society about Uncle Jinki and no one has any idea about who he is. But do not lose hope yet, Uncle Jonghyun. We haven’t received any news from the South and West yet. Uncle Jinki may be there.”
Jonghyun smiled at her spirit. She liked him very much. When Jonghyun first crashed at their doorstep and explained who he was and what he was looking for, Clara said she would help him. The next day, she made a big announcement at her school about Jinki, asking her friends to tell her if they knew about Jinki. He also got a lot of help from her parents. They asked for help of the heads of every region to find someone named Jinki. Jonghyun was very thankful to them. During the day, he would fly around, looking for Jinki and helping here and there. He was pretty famous because not many travelers came into their world so when there was one, the news spread fast. So far, he hadn’t found Jinki in the central region. The North and East had sent their reports, letting him know that they were sorry because there was no one named Jinki in their regions or that met the description he gave about Jinki’s physical build.
“Thank you, Clara. You could have just told me after school ends. Want me to walk you back to school?” Jonghyun stroked her hair tenderly.
“I couldn’t wait that long!” she yelled, causing Jonghyun to chuckle over her cuteness. “If you don’t mind walking me to school -“
“I don’t mind at all. Come on.” Jonghyun held her hand and they walked away. Clara bounced all the way to school. She was happy that Jonghyun accompanied her. She was afraid of heights, which was why she preferred walking.
That late night, Jonghyun heard knocks on his door. He found Clara’s dad and three men standing by his door. Without wasting any time, he let them in. Jonghyun knew they came for the news about Jinki. He hoped one of them knew about Jinki’s whereabouts. He couldn’t deny that he wished he and Jinki could be together in this world. He really liked this world. But his dream of leading a happy life here with Jinki crumbled when they told him the bad news. Jinki wasn’t here. They doubted the one Jonghyun looked for even existed in this world.
Dreams didn’t always come true, right?
Jonghyun read Jinki’s letter for him again that night. He had read it multiple times because it encouraged him to not give up just yet. He couldn’t give up on looking for the world where Jinki existed and they could be together.
The world where people fly instead of walking
The world like the fairytale you read when you’re a child
The world without you …
*****
The world where tall buildings occupied the town
The world that has fireworks
The world where you can play music
The world that’s similar with the first world I visited for you
But a better one…
Minho looked at the suitcase beside his bed. He knew it was his. He just arrived from Seoul. He graduated from Seoul University last month and now he was back in Busan, his hometown. His mom and dad were downstairs. He majoredin economics and was soon employed in a big company near his house. He was swallowing the information formed in his brain about his new identity when the door swung open and a chirp voice called his name. He turned around to be engulfed in a hug by a boy almost his size. Losing his balance and having not enough strength to put up with such weight, they fell down on the bed.
“Minho hyung!!!!” the boy screamed in joy. “You’re really, really, really coming home.” The boy looked up and met his eyes.
Taemin.
“I missed you so much! Why didn’t you tell me that you’re coming back?” he pouted his plump lips cutely. “Didn’t you miss me?” he asked, his tone demanding.
“I-I missed you, a lot.” Minho replied. He offered the boy a smile when he could contain himself from the fact that Taemin was hovering above him and knew who he was.
“Minho!” he heard another voice. There was a girl standing by his door. Lee Minjung, he acknowledged. Taemin’s older sister, they lived in front of their house. The info just registered on his mind. Minjung was on his age, they attended the same schools until Minho left Busan to continue his education in Seoul. Minho heard Taemin click his tongue and turned to face his sister.
“Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be helping Mom make cookies?” he whined and Minho found it very adorable.
“To see Minho. Mom wants you to help her instead of me. She’s going to drag you home in five minutes.” She smiled gloriously.Taemin groaned. He got off of Minho and headed toward the door.
“I hate you,” he sent a glare to Minjung before he stepped out of Minho’s room.
“Minho, why are you so mean? You didn’t tell me you were coming. This weekend we’re going out for movie, okay?” She sat on Minho’s bed and waited for his answer.
Minjung was a pretty girl. Not a surprise, her mom was a stunning woman. Minjung was tall and lean. She had a silky black long hair that framed her face, making her look prettier. She was a nice girl, really. She was famous at school. Many boys went after her but only a few were lucky enough to date her. She stopped dating a year ago, too many bad experiences to go for another one. Yet Minho couldn’t miss the different look she gave him ever since two years ago. Minho had a suspicion that she might like him on their last summer break. But he didn’t want to bring it up and didn’t give her hope. Because he clearly wasn’t interested in her in that way. She was his friend, his best friend and he wanted to them to stay that way.
No matter how good looking she was,Taemin was prettier. No one could deny that Taemin was a pretty boy. He had honey locks and brown eyes. His skin was white and soft. He was all snuggly to Minho and Minho never minded that.
That evening, he spent his time chatting with Minjung until the latter felt the need to take a bath and excused herself. He had a wonderful dinner with his family. His parents asked him about his new job and made sure he had what he needed for work. After dinner, he already missed the slim boy and couldn’t help but tell his mom that he was going to see Taemin. Knowing well about her only son’s relationship with Lee family, she nodded and urged him to just go.
He smiled like a fool in front of Taemin’s door and knocked carefully.
“Minho?” it was Taemin’s mom. Minho smiled and hugged her. “Aigoo, you’re getting more and more handsome as you grow up.”
“I heard Minho’s name being mentioned!” Minjung came out and soon pulled Minho in. “Good timing! I’m watching the newest horror movie. Let’s watch it together.” They both liked horror movies, his mind told him.
“Sorry, Minjung-ah but I’m here to see Taemin.” She sighed and pointed up. “In his room. He’s going to ask you for a help, I’m sure. You better spend your time down here instead of teaching him math!”
“That’s why it’s better to be with him. You would nag him if he fails his class.” Minho chuckled and headed upstairs. He knew this house very well. He knocked one time before opening the door to Taemin’s room. He poked his head in and smiled at the sight of Taemin sitting on the chair, books in front of him, doing his homework with headset on. He took off Taemin’s headset. The younger gasped before turning his head.
“Hyung!” Minho patted his head and sat on his bed.
“Want some help?”
Much to Minho’s surprise, Taemin shook his head. “No thanks. You just arrived this afternoon. You must be tired, hyung. Just lie on the bed and wait until I’m done with this. We can play Winning Eleven later. Okay?”
Minho laughed at Taemin’s consideration. “I know how you are at math, Taeminnie. Come here and let hyung help you.”
That night, Minho spent his time on Taemin’s bed, teaching him math and playing Winning Eleven until they fell sleep. That night, they fell asleep side by side with Taemin’s head on Minho’s neck. That night, Minho slept with a light heart and a smile on his face.
*****
Jonghyun stood in front of a music store. He was hesitating between going in or leaving without looking at what was inside. But the first option won. He pushed the door open and was overwhelmed by the sight of the many musical instruments displayed there. It wasn’t surprising that he knew the names of every instrument there. That was what happened when he came to a world. The grand piano far in the corner of the room caught his attention and before he knew it, his feet starting pacing toward it. He sat and eyed the keys for a moment. He put his hand on it and started playing the song he remembered so well. It was almost magical how well he played the piano and how nice the song sounded with this instrument. He kept on playing until the last part of the song and his fingers stopped when there was no more to play. It was unfinished still. They hadn’t finished composing it yet. And he wouldn’t finish it without Jinki. It was their song. They started it together so it had to be finished together.
Jonghyun sighed and then was surprised to hear the sound of piano in his ears. He looked to his side and found Jinki had played the piano. He was right beside him. Jonghyun had no idea how he could be there. He couldn’t get over the shock until Jinki finished playing the piano and smiled to him.
“That was a nice melody but it seemed unfinished. I dislike hearing unfinished songs so I continued it in my own version.” Jinki grinned. “Did I scare you?” he asked when Jonghyun said nothing. “I’m Jinki, the son of the owner.” He offered his hand.
“Jonghyun.” He shook his hand, lingering a little longer to feel Jinki’s skin against his after sucha long time.
“So you’re buying it?”
“Eh?”
“I’m just kidding. It’s okay to play without buying it.” He grinned once more. “Was it your self-composed song? I haven’t heard it before.”
Jonghyun nodded, still unable to form a proper sentence to answer him yet.
“Wow, that’s cool! Are you a composer?”
Jonghyun shook his head.
“Ah, I see. I guess you composed it in your free time.” Seeing how Jonghyun didn’t say anything back to him, Jinki thought the other must be uncomfortable with his presence. So he excused himself, “Well, you can play it for free. I’m leaving then.” After a few steps away, Jinki heard Jonghyun shout.
“Hey, would you mind helping me to finish the song?” Jonghyun waited for a reply cautiously.
Jinki turned and smiled, “Sure.” Jinki walked back to the piano and sat next to Jonghyun.
“I-I’ll start playing it again then,” Jonghyun muttered nervously. With trembling hands, he played the song one more time.
“Why don’t you sing it? Haven’t written the lyric yet?” Jinki asked abruptly while Jonghyun was still playing the piece.
“I don’t sing.” I can’t sing to be exact, Jonghyun corrected inwardly.
“Why?”
“I-It’s like you said, it hasn’t have lyric yet.” Jonghyun lied again. The truth was he couldn’t sing anymore for the rest of his life because he already gave it up for Jinki.
*****
Epilogue
Jinki examined the yellow marble in his palm, letting out a heavy breath before staring back at the sky. “So you wouldn’t be able to sing anymore in exchange for this. You must love that Jinki very much, right?” It was a rhetorical question. “But unfortunately, that Jinki is not me. We’re different people, you know. I’m not your Jinki even though we have the same physical features.”
“You both are just the same for me. I love you, Jinki.” Jonghyun whispered, wishing Jinki would understand his feelings and return it.
“You don’t. You love your Jinki, not me.”
Jonghyun was silent. This was what he afraid of. The rejection. He regretted telling him the truth. If he knew it would turn out like this, he would have kept it to himself. That way, he still could be with Jinki.
“I want you to love me, not that Jinki in your previous world. I don’t mind the wait, as long as you love me back in the end.” While confessing what he had in mind, Jinki didn’t look at Jonghyun at all. He loved Jonghyun since the first time he met him in his store. He had been happy that Jonghyun somehow liked to be around him. Jinki was sure it was love. He was waiting for the right time to confess to Jonghyun but the younger did it first. Yesterday, Jonghyun asked him to go to the firework festival held at Busan Sea. So here they were tonight, Jinki was surprised to hear Jonghyun’s confession about who he was and how he felt toward Jinki. The other Jinki, not him. And he was disappointed.
“You love me?” Jonghyun’s eyes went wide and he stared at the man sitting next to him. “Hyung, you love me?” he repeated when he heard no answer.
“I do. But you don’t.” Jinki said bitterly.
“Hyung, I swear I love you. Hyung, trust me. I love you. I really -“ Jinki shut him up by planting a kiss on Jonghyun’s lips. Their first kiss was short but sweet. When Jonghyun opened his eyes and met with Jinki’s dark orbs, he saw desperation there. And it hurt him.
“If I ask you to start over with me, will you say yes? If I ask you to move on from your Jinki and start to love me, will you say yes?” His voice was demanding and Jonghyun caught anxiety in the other’s tone.
“I will. Tell me how to start over. Lead the way. I’ll follow you right away. Then, you must not doubt my love for you, hyung.” Hearing that, Jinki’s heart melted and he smiled. He pulled Jonghyun in for a hug which the other gladly returned.
“Think of a name for me,” Jinki whispered. “Call me with that name instead of Jinki.”
Jonghyun contemplated for awhile, “Onew! I’ll call you Onew! Does it sound good? Do you like it, hyung?” Jinki chuckled at Jonghyun eagerness.
“I like it.”
“Onew hyung, then.”Jonghyunsmiled. “Do you want to hear it some more? Onew hyung, Onew hyung, Onew hyung…” Jonghyun started chanting Jinki’s pet name.
“Stop it, Jonghyun.” Jinki hit Jonghyun’s arm lightly. “About the songs, they were the songs you created with him. But I don’t mind helping you with the lyrics. That way, they could be our song.” Jinki smiled. “They would be a memory between you, him, and me.”
“Agreed. Does that mean we’re dating?”
Jinki burst into laughter hearing that. Jonghyun pouted cutely and waited patiently for an answer.
“Not yet, Jonghyunnie. Not yet. I still have to make you fall for me.”
“I already fell for you.” Jinki gave him doubtful look. “Alright, alright, I will start loving you, Onew hyung. Someday I’ll prove to you that I really love you and you will make me your boyfriend.”
Jinki couldn’t help but laugh at Jonghyun’s cuteness. “You’re so cute sometimes.”
“Cute is so not me. I only act this way when I’m with you!”
Jinki had to agree about that one. Jonghyun was far from cute when he was with other people. He was a tough boy. But sometimes, when there were only they two, Jonghyun would pout and whine if he didn’t get what he wanted.
“Shut up already. The fireworks are starting.” Soon, their attention was fixed on the sky. The fireworks were pretty. So was their night on the Busan Sea.
*****
“There you are!” Minho shouted when he finally found Taemin. Taemin looked up to see Minho approaching him.
“What?” he asked, almost like a whisper.
“It’s me who suppose to ask you that. What are you doing here, Taeminnie?”
“Not your business,” Taemin replied sharply.
“Ouch, that hurts.” Minho held his heart, pretending like it really hurt. But Taemin showed no interest. “What’s wrong with you, Taemin-ah? You’ve been gone since this afternoon, didn’t reply my messages, didn’t pick up your phone either. Do you know how much I’m worried about you?”
“A bit.”Taemin responded a little cold.
“A lot,” Minho corrected. “You always liked fireworks. Do you know that there is a firework festival tonight?”
“I know. And you’re going there with Minjungnoona.” Minho didn’t miss the sadness in Taemin’s voice. “It’s always Minjung noona.”
“I’m not. I was going to ask you to come with me.” Minho cleared up when he finally found out the reason why Taemin avoided him all day.
“Liar. She told me she’s going with you.”
“She did ask me but I turned her down. I want to go with you.”
After persuading Taemin for a good moment, they ended up at the seashore, waiting for the firework festival to begin. They didn’t talk much. Minho couldn’t ignore the forlorn look on Taemin’s face. He didn’t understand him. He was upset that Minho was leaving him behind but he proved him wrong. They were here now, together, just the two of them.
“What’s that bothering you, Taeminnie?” he asked softly, afraid that Taemin would get sadder.
“I miss you,” he replied.
“I’m here.”
“But it doesn’t feel like you’re here. It feels like there is a distance between us and it’s getting further by the day.” Taemin admitted honestly.
“And why is that?”
“You like her, don’t you?”
Somehow, Minho just knew who he was referring to.
“Like I said earlier, it’s always Minjung noona. You go for a movie every Saturday with her and go to wherever she wants on Sunday. I miss the hyung who takes me to soccer field on Sunday evening. You’re barely there for me. You promised me that I will always be your favourite. But now that you’re in love with my sister, I guess I’m no longer your favourite.”
“Yeah, yeah, I don’t have time for you then who’s the one helping you with your homework every night?”
“That’s because Minjung noona would be embarrassed with me if I failed. You do it for her.”
Minho gave up and pulled Taemin closer to whisper the truth into his ear. “I do that because I love you. I’m in love with Lee Taemin, not Lee Minjung.” Minho was satisfied to see Taemin’s expression when he pulled away. He grabbed Taemin’s hand and interlaced their fingers.
“B-but you always go out w-with her,” Taemin stuttered.
“I’ve been advising her to start dating again. She’s traumatized with her previous dating experiences. I told her that I don’t like her in that way weeks ago so that she would stop setting her hopes on me. I can’t believe you’re getting jealous over it.” Minho ruffled Taemin’s honey locks lovingly as the boy pouted under his hold.
“What? Don’t even think of defending yourself. You’re jealous, that’s it.”
“But you don’t have to mention it like that. You love to tease me, don’t you?”
“Yes, because you’re cute.”
“I’m not cute!”
“Alright, adorable then.”
“It’s just the same.”
“Hmm, lovely?”
“Nope. It sounds girly.”
“What about you’re… mine?”
Taemin couldn’t help but smile at that. “That’s cheesy but I like it.” Taemin tiptoed to kiss Minho’s cheek. Minho was taken aback by Taemin’s guts. He never thought Taemin would dare to do such thing. If he did, it meant he didn’t have to hold back. So he leaned down and captured Taemin’s lips in a kiss. He chuckled to see Taemin’s red face after the kiss.
“Stop laughing, hyung. It’s starting!” Taemin yelled and stared into the sky, where different colours of fire exploded, blended together to form a beautiful scene in the dark sky. It was beautiful. He turned to his side to see amazement on Taemin’s face. Then something caught his eyes. Not far from them, he saw Jonghyun standing next to Jinki, hand in hand, both admiring the firework up there. He smiled.
The old saying was true, that if you were really meant to be, then you were meant to be, either in this world or another. Both of them had proved it.
The world where tall buildings occupied the town
The world that has fireworks
The world where you can play music
The world where we have our happy endings …
A/N: I was inspired by the title of SHINee’s song: The World with You. But it turned out a little similar to xxxHolic. It’s my first attempt on writing Jongyu as side pairing. I hope I did a good job on writing them. Thanks for reading ^^