When You Came Along
Title: When You Came Along
Pairing: Eunhae
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Angst
Summary: All Donghae wanted was to not feel lonely ever again...
Sobs and sniffles could be heard along an empty hallway. Rain could be heard pattering on the glass window panes. Moonlight streaked through the curtains and became the only light source around the house. It was late at night when a young man woke up terrified because of the nightmares which he has been having for over a week. Cold sweat covered his slender frame.
He gulped several breaths of air trying to calm his pulsating heart and released them in a shudder. He opened his eyes and stared into the dark. He sat there for what seemed like an eternity before little drops of diamond dropped from his eyes. Thunder roared, lighting strikes and as rain beats harder down away into the night, the lithe frame of the young man jerked even harder as sobs escaped.
Lee Donghae hates himself like this. He hates that loneliness is eating at him, almost devouring him whole. Ever since his parents left him in an accident, no matter how nice people around him were to him, still, no one is able to fill that void in his heart. As time goes by, he decided to tuck it away deep inside and ignore it. This was because it is the only way he wouldn’t feel miserable and pity himself. His friends and outsiders all see him as a jovial and ever cheery person. But it’s when times like this that it gets dug out from within and wounds tear open, leaving him raw with pain.
He misses his parents, misses his childhood with them, and above it all, he missed them playing a part in his growing years. Donghae felt cold all of a sudden and pulled the covers tight around his body. He felt safe in the tight warm cocoon. Closing his eyes as he willed himself back to sleep, he pushed that empty feeling back into its confines.
***
Donghae yawned as he plopped himself onto the chair and rested his head on the table when someone called him from behind. He rubbed his eyes and turned. His dance mate smiled and handed him the demo music for their upcoming dance competition.
“Too stressed up aren’t you? Well, make sure you get enough sleep.”
Donghae smiled at his friend’s comment and nodded. “All right, you take charge of our choreography then.”
There was a pause. “Uh-huh. All right... You’re kidding right?” Siwon looked terrified.
Donghae burst out into laughter and patted Siwon’s arm. “What do you think? Would you really believe that I would leave our group’s reputation and honour in your hands?”
Siwon frowned. “Hey! That’s being mean!”
Donghae shrugged. “You started it.”
“Why, you -“
Donghae had little time to react when Siwon lunged at him and a battle of wrestling started out between them. In the midst of heaving, laughing and throwing each other around, they heard someone cleared his throat.
“Uh, excuse me. I’m here for the dance audition.”
Both guys looked up to find a redhead with a skinny build standing in the doorway of the practice room. They had put up an advertisement when their dancing group leader had decided to recruit a new member to join them for their upcoming competition. Many have auditioned but none had an all at once agreement from all the members. They’re nearly giving up.
“Oh, hello there! I’m Donghae.” Donghae said cheerily to the redhead.
“Hi, my name is Eunhyuk.” Said person introduced himself as cheerily as Donghae had and extended his arm.
Donghae gladly took his hand before Siwon snatched it. “I’m Siwon. Nice to meet you.” He said with a dimpled smile.
“Hi,” Eunhyuk smiled back before pausing as if pondering what to do next. “So… Do I need to prepare anything else? Like my academic certificate or whatsoever?”
“We do dance here Eunhyuk. Why would we need your certs?” Donghae smirked.
“Oh, all right.” Eunhyuk said as he bowed his head down.
Siwon bent a little at the waist and ducked his head to look up from below Eunhyuk’s head. “Hey,” He waited for his gaze to meet his. “Relax will you? We won’t eat you up.”
Eunhyuk blinked several times. He didn’t smile until when Donghae and Siwon laughed at the awkwardness suddenly enveloping them altogether. Donghae patted Eunhyuk’s shoulders.
“Don’t worry. You’ll do fine.” He said before offering a smile.
Eunhyuk smiled back. “Thank you.”
Siwon suddenly hollered which earned a little jump from Donghae. “All right, I shall go get the others. Eunhyuk, prepare yourself.” He waggled his brows and pranced off while pulling Donghae with him.
***
Eunhyuk was nervous all right. He’d been dancing all his life and had gathered much courage to audition himself into the legendary dance group in the country. They aren’t a really big group, just a small group of twelve compared to other competing dance groups. But they are big in name and spirit. It’d be a dream come true to take part in the upcoming competition with the group. He’d always admired them. From their skills to their techniques and then right down to their group dynamics. He could still remember his exhilaration when he had chanced upon their advertisement.
He took several deep breaths and did some warm ups. Reaching into his backpack, he took out his CD and put it into the hi-fi stereo. There was a click and music started playing.
Eunhyuk stood in the middle of the room and waited for the beat and rhythm to cue. When he felt a pounding under his feet and in the air around him, he started moving. He’d always been a shy type of person and didn’t usually know how to express himself. Strange enough, he expressed otherwise when it comes to music and dance. His whole persona would shine with charisma whenever he’s dancing. The emotions and feelings get to him naturally.
He moved with the pounding beat and danced with a confidence he never knew he possessed. A dancer with a soul. Eunhyuk simply love how his best friend, Junsu, had described him with reference to his passion.
He continued dancing as he popped and locked his joints like a fine tuned robot. Suddenly, there was a voice that made him stop almost immediately if he’d not been over engrossed in his dance.
“You’re through.”
Eunhyuk stopped and turned towards the direction of the voice. “Huh?”
A man with short neat hazel brown hair with bangs spiked up greeted his sight. He had a grin so huge Eunhyuk thought it’d reached his eyes. “I said you’re through. You just danced right?”
“Y -Yeah. I think so.” Eunhyuk was actually warming himself up. He wasn’t dancing what he’d planned for the audition.
“Great, then you’re through.”
Eunhyuk stood there staring. More people are crowding into the room.
“R -R -Really?”
The man laughed. “Of course. You’re really good. And by the way, I’m Leeteuk. And these people,” Leeteuk waved his hands towards the other members who had all assembled in the room. “are my dance mates and now, yours too.”
Eunhyuk looked towards the pointed direction and smiley faces welcomed his shocked one. “Hi Eunhyuk.” Everyone sang out. All of them are pretty faces he felt for a moment that there wasn’t a chance for him to blend in.
“H -Hi.” Eunhyuk shook his head and rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. Everything happened too fast he wasn’t sure if it’s real.
“Come on. Let’s bring you to our dorm shall we?” Leeteuk guided the still shocked new member out of the room and into the car that drove them to their destination.
***
The house was a cozy apartment that could strangely house all twelve members. Eunhyuk wondered who he’d be sharing the room with.
“There. This will be your room form now on.” Leeteuk said while nudging Eunhyuk into his new room.
“My room?” Eunhyuk was surprised he needn’t share.
Leeteuk gave him an ‘are-you-okay?’ look. “Yes?” There was a moment of silence before his voice came again. “Unless you want to sleep in the living room?”
“What?” Eunhyuk was dazed from the fact that he could have the whole nicely decorated room to himself.
Leeteuk laughed and Eunhyuk found it infectious. “I’m just kidding! Kiddo, you need to relax around us. How are you going to live with us like that?” He suddenly dropped his voice that got Eunhyuk leaning forward for him to be able to hear. “Just to let you know, we have people who just got out of the mental institution.”
When Eunhyuk gave a ‘You’ve-gotta-be-kidding-me’ look, Leeteuk couldn’t help but laugh again. “I’m kidding! You can’t take a joke, can you?”
Eunhyuk forced a laugh and Leeteuk patted him on the shoulders. “All right, go explore your room. We’ll get you when it’s lunch and then we’ll do some actual introduction.”
Leeteuk gave a bright dimpled smile and walked off.
Eunhyuk stood staring after him and then roamed his eyes around the room. This is great!
***
“All right, so first, we’ll welcome our new member by introducing each and every one of us.” Leeteuk said as he clasped his hands in excitement. “Starting from Heechul all the way to Kyuhyun.”
Eunhyuk tried to memorise all of the names as the members introduced themselves. This was what he managed to grasp. Kyuhyun is the maknae and Leeteuk is the eldest which also makes him the leader. Kangin and Leeteuk are together. Heechul and Hankyung make a couple. Yesung and Ryeowook like to sneak into the restroom when everyone is busy preparing for their stage performance. Sungmin likes pink and Kyuhyun loves him for it. Siwon and Donghae are good friends. Shindong and Kibum are straight. They emphasised it pretty hard.
“So, are you fine with the house and your room so far?” Kangin asked.
“Ah, yes, thank you. I’m more than happy with the arrangements.” Eunhyuk replied with a grin.
“So are you okay if we start practicing tomorrow?” Donghae asked and Eunhyuk turned towards his direction. “I have the whole choreography organised but the competition is only a month away. It’s best if we start tomorrow.”
“Oh, sure thing.” Eunhyuk beamed. In fact, he can’t wait to join them in the practice.
Donghae lit up. “That’s great!” Turning to the members, “Guys, practice starts tomorrow. Don’t be late.” He said as his gaze darted briefly to Heechul who was obviously too engrossed in his intimate session with his boyfriend.
***
“No, no, no, no.” Donghae went around to Eunhyuk to place his arms in the correct position. “There. You do this when the beat reaches here. All right?”
Giving a tight nod, Eunhyuk wrinkled his brows and tried the step again. He couldn’t seem to get it right and the others were more than patient with him, especially Donghae. Well, except that Heechul was rolling his eyes every now and then when he made a mistake.
“Now, everything from the top. Here we go.” Donghae called out to the members and lead them in the dance again.
Eunhyuk looked into the huge mirror in front of them and found himself awkward. Something about the way he danced, it seemed different from how Donghae had danced. He didn’t seem to blend in with the others.
“Ouch!”
Eunhyuk was alerted as someone gave a cry of alarm.
“Eunhyuk! Watch it!” Heechul glared at him.
“S -Sorry.” Eunhyuk bowed his head.
“Aish!” Heechul exclaimed.
“Hey, chill it. It’s not like he killed your cat or anything.” Kangin’s voice sounded.
“This is a new shoe, mind you! He’s got his dirty foot print on it now!” Heechul defended hotly.
“For goodness sake -“
Kangin’s statement was cut off when someone interrupted.
“All right, all right, everyone, we’ll take a few minutes break. Eunhyuk, go freshen yourself up so that you can focus better.” Leeteuk gave a knowing look and tried to break the tension running to and fro from his boyfriend and Heechul.
Eunhyuk stalked out of the room and ran all the way up to the rooftop. He breathed in the sweet scent of morning dew and enjoyed the cooling light breeze.
“Hey,” Someone called out and Eunhyuk turned. “Are you all right?”
Eunhyuk forced a smile. “I guess so.”
Donghae looked closer. “Are you sure?” Donghae looked intently into his eyes and Eunhyuk blushed. “I’m sorry about Heechul but he’s been like that ever since the day he was born. We’re used to it. It can be hard for you at first, but you can surely do it.” He was smiling a little too widely.
When Eunhyuk said nothing, Donghae added. “I don’t know what to do to make you feel better, but…” Donghae pause before continuing. “You can come to me anytime if you need help. Just now… it’s not that you can’t blend in with our movement, it’s just that you lack confidence in yourself.”
Eunhyuk widened his eyes as Donghae read his mind.
“Eunhyuk, we’re normal people. We have nothing you need to feel inferior of because we’re in this together. Besides, you passed that audition, which makes you on equal standing with us. Have more confidence in yourself.”
Donghae was looking worriedly at Eunhyuk as he tried to assure him.
Long moments passed and silence hung in the air.
“Thank you.”
“Anytime. Now, let’s go in.”
Donghae nudged Eunhyuk as they walked back down to their practice room.
***
“I’m sorry.”
Eunhyuk looked up from the book he was reading and up at the person towering over him. He hadn’t heard a knock.
“H -Huh?”
Heechul blew out a breath and sat down next to Eunhyuk on his bed.
“I’m sorry about this morning. I guessed I was just having my morning blues.”
“Oh, it’s all right.” When Heechul was looking at him suspiciously, he added. “Really! It’s really fine. I get mood swings myself too.”
Heechul smiled at his comment and ruffled his hair. “You’re an interesting person. I like you.”
Eunhyuk blushed.
“Hey, don’t think too much into it. I don’t mean that.”
“What?” Eunhyuk blinked. “Oh! No, no, no! I wasn’t thinking that either.” He bowed his head low and rubbed the back of his head.
Heechul laughed heartily. “All right, I’ll leave you then. Don’t forget we have practice tomorrow.”
“Have a good night, Hyung.”
Heechul stopped and turned back to look at Eunhyuk before smiling. “You too.”
Eunhyuk decided he could blend in well after all.
***
Eunhyuk stirred and unconsciously rubbed his nose before settling back to sleep. When a choked sob was heard, he opened his eyes. Who’s that?
Another sob came and Eunhyuk got out of his bed. He padded noiselessly out into the hallway and followed the sniffle that had just sounded softly. The sound led him like a trail and he ended up outside the room of Donghae. Eunhyuk pressed his ear at the door and a clearer sniffle was heard.
He knocked gently. “Donghae?”
Silence.
Eunhyuk knocked again, this time a firmer one. “Donghae? Are you in there?”
When there was no reply again, Eunhyuk got worried and decided to just open the door. He gently turned the knob and peeped. He could see Donghae tossing and turning in his sleep. Bed covers were entangled around his legs and there’s sweat shimmering on his forehead where the moonlight shone on.
It was when Donghae suddenly jolted upright that Eunhyuk opened the door all the way and ran to his side.
“Donghae.” Eunhyuk sat down on the bed and pulled Donghae into his arms. He smoothed his hand down his back in a sweeping motion trying to calm the trembling body. “Shh.” He whispered as Donghae clung to his arms and wept.
After a good five minutes, Donghae pulled back and looked up at Eunhyuk. “Why are you here?”
“I heard some noise and decided to check it out. Then you suddenly jolted upright… I was just worried…” Eunhyuk trailed off.
Donghae bowed his head low. “You shouldn’t be here.”
Eunhyuk blinked several times. “Why?”
“…”
“No one should be here. No one should see this side of me. No one should -“
Donghae broke off on a sob.
“I understand.”
Donghae snapped his eyes up to meet Eunhyuk’s. “You don’t. No one will understand what I’d gone through.”
“Well, I’m no one then.” Eunhyuk stared straight into Donghae’s eyes. “I’ve had nightmares too.”
Donghae felt annoyed. “They weren’t nightmares.” He hissed in the dark before softening again. “They’re unwanted memories.”
“Same for me. Nightmares about unwanted memories.”
Donghae looked at Eunhyuk meeting him eye to eye. There was so much truth in Eunhyuk’s voice that had Donghae nearly trusting him. Something in his voice make him start to open up like little keys unlocking thousands of locks he’d put around his heart.
“What happened?” There came Donghae’s soft reply.
“…”
“My parents… They… passed away before I turned five.” Eunhyuk gave a sigh. “I wasn’t old enough to remember much about them, but I’m definitely old enough to hold some memories. My only regret in life was not able to have them around through my growing up stages. I want them to hit me when I’m rebellious. I want them to nag at me when I neglect my studies.” There was a sniffle. “I want them to praise me when I win this competition with you guys.”
Eunhyuk looked up at Donghae and was surprised to find tears rolling down his eyes uncontrollably.
“D -Donghae?”
“…”
Donghae hugged Eunhyuk suddenly, nearly throwing the redhead off balance. “I’m sorry.” He was crying hard.
Eunhyuk was still for a moment before he smiled softly and hugged back. “I know you are, but don’t be. You don’t have to be because you’re my friend. When I’m lonely, my friends are there and to me, that’s more than enough.”
That statement sounded so sincere Donghae had to pull back and look at Eunhyuk to make sure it’s real. He finally understood. His parents are never going to come back anymore. If he’s going to live in the past and dwell on all the ‘I wished’, then he’s never going to be happy. Like what Eunhyuk said, he has friends when he feels lonely and now, to him, it’s more than enough.
Donghae broke into a smile and Eunhyuk’s heart skipped a beat. Somehow, he knew the smile was meant for him and only for him.
“Thanks Eunhyuk.”
“Anytime, and I’m going to take your statement. I’ll be here whenever you need help.” Eunhyuk grinned.
Donghae couldn’t help chuckling. “So am I for you.”
***
The competition is nearing and everyone is practicing even harder now. Eunhyuk was so outstanding he was standing alongside Donghae. Heechul goes to him whenever he had trouble perfecting a move and the others just like to look for him whenever they needed company. Everyone likes him for his cheery character and funny enough, Donghae seems to blush more around him then when he’s around anyone. The other members would always give him a knowing look whenever they caught the two best friends sharing an ‘intimate moment’ unknowingly. That always left Eunhyuk baffled.
“Yay! Our group can definitely win this!” Ryeowook gushed happily.
Eunhyuk looked to Donghae and shared a smile at their younger member’s reaction.
“Hey, stop flirting there, will you?”
Eunhyuk looked at Kangin with confusion. “Flirting?”
However, Donghae was blushing red. “Hey! We weren’t flirting!” After which, he ran off to the restroom, an action which Kangin guffawed at.
Eunhyuk looked at the other members with puzzlement only to find cheeky grins greeting him.
***
Eunhyuk was crying. Donghae was clinging onto him and crying too. He looked towards his leader who was in Kangin’s arms only to find him in tears too. Even Heechul who seldom cry, is hiding his face in Hankyung’s neck silently weeping. Everyone was crying.
Eunhyuk had dreamed of this day for so long he never thought he’d really get to it. He rejoiced at the fact that they’d just been crowned as the champion. There was a roar of applause and cheers from the crowd as their supporters shared their joy. Their hard work had paid off. A whole month of hard training and sweat and blood shed were all worth it.
Eunhyuk hugged Donghae tighter in his arms and swung him off his feet around in circles that got Donghae giggling. Half giggling, half tearing, Donghae hit playfully at Eunhyuk’s arm when he’d put him down on his feet. Dizzy with happiness, Donghae did the unthinkable. He tipped on his toes, hands supporting on Eunhyuk’s shoulders and kissed him on his cheek.
***
Eunhyuk had just called Junsu and shared the good news with his best friend. Junsu had nearly screamed at the happiness for his friend he nearly lost his voice. Eunhyuk had chided him as he was just preparing himself for a voice talent audition. They couldn’t afford him to scream himself hoarse.
He sat in his room that night thinking back on the past one month. His life was suddenly filled with more vibrant colours at his meeting with this new group of people. Especially his meeting with Donghae. The younger man had been a great motivation to him whenever he felt like giving up. Donghae has always been there when he was not confident. Likewise, he was there whenever sobs sounded through the hallway in the middle of the night.
Eunhyuk blushed lightly as he thought back about the kiss Donghae had given him on the cheek just this afternoon. Even though it was just a friendly kiss, Eunhyuk had felt electricity sparked off where the lips touched his cheek. Donghae and him had been awkward after it happened and he could see a blush tinting his cheek.
Eunhyuk smiled. Donghae made him feel in a way he never felt towards anyone, not even Junsu. That’s when he knew Donghae is special to him.
*Knock knock*
“Come in.” Eunhyuk said in reply to the person who just knocked on his door.
The door creaked open and Donghae’s head appeared. He blushed at the eye contact with Eunhyuk.
“H -Hi.”
“Hey there. Come sit with me.” Eunhyuk patted on the floor next to him which Donghae complied.
“…”
“I -“ Both young men said at the same time before giving out a laugh.
“You go first.” Eunhyuk offered.
Donghae bit his lip and said. “I’ve wanted to tell you this for a long time and since today is an important day for every one of us, I thought I should make it extra important by telling you this.” He averted his gaze. “I -I… I like the way you dance.”
Eunhyuk paused in his movement. He wasn’t sure why he felt a little disappointed. Maybe because he had expected something more. “Uh… Thanks. I like the way you dance too.”
“…”
It was a long moment of silence when suddenly Donghae gave an exasperated sigh. Eunhyuk looked back up into his eyes at that.
“Well, that wasn’t exactly what I wanted to say. What I really wanted to say is that… Uh… I lo -like you.” Donghae mustered his courage to continue looking into Eunhyuk’s eyes. “I really like you. You opened up my heart and bring in love again. You make me willing to trust again. In fact, I don’t think I like you. I lov -“
Donghae’s words were cut off as Eunhyuk lunged at him hugging him so tight he staggered on his breath.
“I love you too.”
Donghae pulled back quickly while coughing. His eyes were wide. “What?”
Eunhyuk gave a grin so bright Donghae thought he’d gone blind. “I said I love you.”
“…”
“Come again?”
I love you.”
Eunhyuk’s grin was still plastered to his face while Donghae just sat there staring. This time, it was Donghae’s turn to launch himself onto the other.
“I love yooooouuuuu.” Donghae exclaimed as he hugged Eunhyuk before burying his face in the crook of his neck. He kissed the pulse there.
Eunhyuk chuckled and rocked them from side to side. “I love you more.”
“Hey, you see that star over there?”
“Donghae, there’re millions of stars up there.”
“That one. The one that’s shining the most brightly.”
“…”
“Uh-huh. Why?”
“That’s us.”
“Huh?”
“That’s us and our love. There, a place in the sky for our love.”
A laugh came. “And you’re my star, Donghae.”
END--