005. Overworked
Title: Overworked
Pairing: Ryeowook/Kibum
Ratings: PG
Disclaimer: This is written when Jaebeom left Korea. I was in a very emotional mood. If you don't really like Jaebeom coming back to 2PM, I suggest you forgo this.
Summary: Super Junior, 13 members, or not?
We are Super Juni-O-R!
Hey, do you remember the last time the 13 of us said this altogether, as one team, as one group, as one Super Junior? Hey, do you remember, Kibum?
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Ryeowook rubbed the sleep from his eyes sleepily, gazing at his hyungs beside him. He did not sleep well the last night, and thus had to compensate on the trip to the building. Kyuhyun prodded him softly, motioning to him to get off the car they were in. Everyone was excited, they were starting their preparations for their third album soon. It had been a long time since they worked together, and that rush of exhilaration and satisfaction was unrivaled. Ryeowook grinned to himself, before mock punching the magnae of the group in the arm, and hopping out of the car.
Running towards Eeteuk, he slung an arm over them, unable to hide the wide smile that was soon spreading across his face. It felt good, great actually, that they were finally working together again, after being separated into different subgroups. Although he missed China slightly, because of Henry and Zhou Mi, he couldn't deny that he missed Korea more, especially his other hyungs in Korea. It was unmistakable, it actually felt superb to be 13 again, finally.
Entering the recording studio, they sat down on the couches, fooling around and joking with each other.
"Hey! I heard our newest song is going to be named 'Sorry sorry'! Doesn't that sound very familiar? Someone kept on saying that when electronic gadgets started breaking down without any reason at all in our dorm!" Eeteuk said, throwing a glance at the guy across the room, who immediately started to turn into a light shade of red in embarrassment.
"Hey! It wasn't my fault. I just touched it, just touched it to look at my email, and Kyuhyun's laptop just spoilt all by itself! I didn't mean to spoil it anyway! My laptop was spoilt! Anyway I did say sorry to our magnae already! And….." Donghae stuttered, trying to clear his name. Eunhyuk laughed out loud beside him, patting his best friend on the shoulder.
"Alright, no one is saying anything about you breaking the computer. It was how you went around, following Kyuhyun everywhere he goes, just to apologise again and again, repeatedly!" Eunhyuk stated, trying to adopt a straight face as he recalled the scene.
"Stop laughing at my expense!" Donghae exclaimed, to no avail, as it just resulted and prodded members to erupt into boisterous laughter. Donghae pouted, trying to gain sympathy, but no one paid any attention to it, as they were all too busy clutching their stomachs in pain and breathless.
Their manager then walked into the studio, amused at the atmosphere in the room. Perhaps breaking this piece of news to them now wouldn't be that bad, right? Taking a deep breath, he clapped his hands to get the attention of the members in the room. Eeteuk became silent, and did a mental head count of the members present in the room. Frowning, he did the count again. And again.
"Manager! If you want to talk to us about the album, shouldn't we wait for every single member to be here first?" Eeteuk asked curiously, wondering at the slight cringe their manager gave when he mentioned this fact.
"Uhm…I'm here to tell you that….Kibum would not be participating as much as we want in this album. He has many other projects going on, drama serials to be filmed and also some CFs to clear up by the end of the recording…so he may not be able to appear with you guys these few weeks…." He stuttered out, a little apprehensive and frightened at how quickly the room grew silent after he spoke. An eerie calm was spreading throughout the room, as the remaining 12 members pondered over the speech that their manager just gave.
"Well…okay! We will practise so well by ourselves, that when Kibummie comes, we only need to teach him the dance steps and we can film the MV successfully! I'm sure he will be able to learn it fast! After all, he has a great memory!" Ryeowook exclaimed, forcing a smile onto his face to cheer the others up. As the other members reluctantly broke out into smiles, thinking that what Ryeowook said made a lot of sense, Ryeowook himself adopted an expressionless face to mask the feelings he was experiencing underneath.
Kibummie, don't leave us okay? Super Junior will never be the same without you. Don't overwork yourself, your dongsaeng here will always cheer you on! Hyung, fighting!
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Kibum sighed to himself softly, gazing down at the script before him. He was just told to take up another drama again, although he explicitly stated to the manager that he wanted to complete the third album with Super Junior. He recalled his hyung shrugging his shoulders, helplessly. He knew that it wasn't his manager's fault, he couldn't even do anything to influence the boss at the top. His words were final, his words were the rules that every artiste beneath him had to follow. Recalling a very tense situation that had happened earlier in the conference room, he shivered slightly. Not that he wanted to intrude, he had accidentally pushed the wrong door open, but he was fortunate that he was not noticed.
"You have already signed the contract. You cannot just do whatever you want. It's in the contract." Kibum heard him say. He swore he could almost hear the pronounced smirk on his face, as he lay out the details of the contracts in front of his three hyungs from a even more famous group than Super Junior. Grinding his teeth slightly in frustration, he backed away from the door, knowing that he could not do anything, anything at all, to alleviate the situation.
Looking down the script, he finally read the first line that he was going to act out later. It was an emotional and teary scene, and Kibum guessed it would not be that hard to act out now, after all that he had gone through today. The disappointment and the anger, all mixed into one, could prove to be pretty potent when he wanted them to be released.
Super Junior, I promise to work hard and do my best. I will definitely make this work.Kibum promised silently to himself.
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"And good job guys, this MV is great!" The director beamed at the 12 forlorn faces in front of him, as they just wrapped up filming for 'It's You'. Clapping his hands, he dismissed the staff and the artistes on the spot, already thinking of how to film and integrate Kibum's part into this fantastic take.
"Hyung." Ryeowook whirled around, to see Sungmin looking up at Eeteuk with those sad, expressive eyes of his. "Kibum will come back and join us right?" Sungmin asked again, his voice dropping a notch as he swiveled his gaze towards the floor, not wanting his leader to see the disappointment and fear in his eyes. "Wouldn't he?" He questioned again, his voice now in a whisper, daring to hope, but unable to summon enough courage to.
"Sungmin." Eeteuk stated quietly, pulling the younger one into a friendly hug. Eeteuk ruffled Sungmin's hair playfully, a small smile plastered on his face, but the smile never reached his eyes. "I promise he will, Sungmin. Kibum never leaves us." Eeteuk comforted the guy in his arms, casting a worried glance around to see if others were affected as well.
Eeteuk-hyung, why, when you were comforting Sungmin, you sounded like reassuring yourself at the same time as well? Is it possible that Kibum may leave us one day? Do you already know or heard something….that you don't want us to know yet? Ryeowook turned away inconspicuously, pulling down his cap just this little, so that the others would not see his face.
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"Aish!" Kibum swore silently to himself, vigorously splashing water onto his face in the washroom to cool himself down. Not that it was hot in the filming studio, he was worried that his anger would be so obvious, that the redness would soon creep up onto his cheeks and announce its presence to everyone present. Clenching his fists, he stared at his own reflection in the mirror, glaring back at the tense man in front of him.
All I wanted is just some time to be part of Super Junior, and I thought doing all this stuff to please that person would gain me some time with the members. And what do I get? More schedules to separate us. Shucks. Kibum raised his hands to slam it onto the counter top, then swerved the direction at the very last minute, not wanting to draw attention to himself, and not wanting to hurt himself over something that was not worth it.
Why can't I just have some time, enjoying myself, with the others? Is this actually so hard to fulfill? I don't believe that I can't turn down the offers. I don't believe I am this popular that everyone wants me to act for whatever they are filming. That I can't be part of Super Junior, I can't sing with them, perform with them, dance with them, relax with them, fool around with them, and simply make memories with them.
For once, get off my back.
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Kibum trudged up the stairs, his heart and mind weary. It had been a demanding and tiring day for him, with expectations he almost thought he could not fulfill, that submerged him and inundated him, that made him feel like he was drowning in this pool of work, unable to climb, gain a foothold anywhere, just to save himself, pull himself out of this whirlpool that he found himself sucked deeper into. He opened the door leading to the dorm slowly, too tired to over-exert any strength. Switching on the lights, he peered into the living room, to notice that Eeteuk was sitting on the couch, in the dark previously. Too tired to bother, he dragged his feet towards his room.
"Kibum? Can I speak to you?" Eeteuk asked, standing up from his position.
"Hyung." Kibum stated, a little short-tempered. His patience was frayed by the directors and the crew today, and in addition, that person had given him even more jobs to deal with, making the possibility that he could not participate in third album at all become a reality. He hated it, he detested it, but he could not dispute or asked that to be retracted. He dropped his bag in the corridor, turning around a little angrily to face his hyung.
"Hyung, just give me some space alright?" Kibum growled harshly, before turning his back again and walking out of the dorm. Eeteuk stared at the retreating figure, his eyes wide open. He whirled around, not knowing what to do. Both Donghae and Ryeowook were staring back at him, their minds equally confused and perplexed. Eeteuk sat down heavily on the sofa, berating himself, questioning himself, if he had used too serious a tone to start a conversation. Donghae glanced down at the defeated figure on the couch, his eyes determined with a fiery blaze, and marched out of the dorm, leaving Ryeowook alone. Ryeowook looked back and forth from the door to the leader, before giving a sigh, and running out of the dorm after Donghae.
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"Yah! Stop there! How could you talk to Eeteuk like that? He hasn't even told you anything yet, and you just assume that he is going to irritate and agitate you further, is it? Have you ever considered how it is like to be a leader, to carry all that responsibility on your back?" Donghae demanded, a little breathless after chasing Kibum for some time. He stopped abruptly, as Kibum turned around to face him, glaring at Donghae all the way.
"I thought you were one of my best friends, always having that charming smile ready for anyone who needs it. And now? You just go and tell our leader off as if he is an insect bugging you all this while! Have you considered our feelings? What it feels like to be a 13 member group with only 12 present at every single rehersal?" Donghae glared back, unwilling to lose this match.
"Get away from me." Kibum stated harshly, raising a hand to wave Donghae away, not wanting to escalate matters futher. He turned around, only to find a hand halting his steps. He brushed it off his shoulder, irritated by this small gesture.
"I said get away from me! I don't want to talk to you guys anymore! It has been a hard time, coping with this and that. And to reach home, wanting to relax, but to find more agony and prolonged pain, I rather leave! What does it feel like to be part of a 13 member group which I cannot participate in anyway? It sucks! Do you think I want this to happen? Do you think I want to join Super Junior in this matter? Do you? Do you?" Kibum shouted, his voice heard by everyone who had gathered around to watch the argument between the two idols.
Ryeowook stood at the side, stunned. He quickly tried to go in and diffuse the tense situation between the two best friends, waving the other passers-by away. Between gritted teeth, he whispered to both his hyungs, "People are watching, you don't want this to appear on the frontlines tomorrow, do you?" Smiling to the people around them, he quickly pushed Donghae and Kibum in the direction of their dorm, only to be met with resistance from Kibum, who quickly shook himself out of Ryeowook's grip, and stalked off in the opposite direction. Donghae made a sound, before leaving all by himself towards the dorm, leaving Ryeowook bewildered at the sudden turn of events.
Kibum. Please….Super Junior needs you. Let's not break up because of this.
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Donghae sighed to himself, propped on his bed with his legs tucked under his chin. He had immediately regretted that outburst, especially in front of the public. What would possibly happen tomorrow? He crept slowly forward to his laptop, refreshing the main page of the web browser. Sighing once more, he turned his head slightly, to notice that Kyuhyun had stepped into the room as well. Motioning to Kyuhyun to sit down beside him, he turned his attention back to the Internet, giving the news a cursory glance, as his mind was too jumbled up to focus on anything in front of him.
"Hyung….hyung….hyung!" Donghae jolted out of his daydream, tilting his head at Kyuhyun, who was nudging him urgently. "Look hyung! Look!" Kyuhyun pointed to the computer screen, before running out of the room to announce the bad news to the rest of the members. Donghae gasped in shock as his brain processed the words on the screen. Oh shit.
Kibum says he doesn't want to be a part of Super Junior at all!
With trembling fingers, Donghae clicked on that particular entertainment article, not wanting to believe any of this. Attached to the article was a video, taken by a handphone, depicting his argument with Kibum clearly and precisely. His heart hurt once more as he heard the exact words that had been exchanged between them. Oh shit. Donghae thought to himself once more, as he scrolled down the screen to reach the comments.
If Kibum thinks he is so great, shouldn't he leave Super Junior?
If he thinks he got it all going by himself, and he doesn't need to be part of Super Junior to achieve the place he has today, shouldn't he just leave? He is a burden to the group after all, missing in action for so long, and now he blames Super Junior? What a person.
Yah! We don't need a 13 member Super Junior! 12 member is fine as well! Go away!
Sign the petition to get Kibum out of Super Junior at this website! 12 member group does fine!
Eunhyuk rushed into the room, trying to get a look and verify what Kyuhyun had just said. His mouth dropped open in shock as he took in the comments, adopting a similar expression as Donghae. Reaching out tentatively, he took control of the mouse from Donghae's now limp hands, and slowly clicked on the 'refresh' button. As soon as the page refreshed, Eunhyuk gripped the desk in front of him for support. Oh my god.
The page was collecting so many comments, that the server needed much time to load the page. But when it had loaded, both members saw the number of anti comments against Kibum now. Within 15 minutes of uploading the video by whoever it was, there were already 100 comments against Kibum. Both members stared at each other as they contemplated the next step.
If this continues…..Kibum may have to leave…..for real.
Both of them rushed out immediately, leaving the computer switched on, blinking back at the empty air in front of them.
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Kibum stared at the screen shoved in front of him by that person. Pointing to the comments section, that person launched into a full-scale explanation of what had happened, so detailed that it made Kibum's stomach flip twice, one in apprehension, one in anxiety, if he had indeed hurt the other members with his harsh words. His mind wandered off by itself, as Kibum thought of what he had done the day before, not exactly listening or reading what was placed in front of him.
"Kibum. I want you to quit. It is the only way to appease the netizens out there now. Look at the number of petitions asking you to leave Super Junior. This has indeed brought on a very bad image, ruining our reputation. You cannot solve this problem now, so the only way for me to deal with it, is for you to leave. You have no choice, and I have already spread the news to the media. You will leave later in the afternoon, by hook or by crook. I'm sure the airport will be welcoming you, no one would book a plane so full that you cannot get back to your hometown." The man spoke with an apologetic tone, but with a smirk on his face that Kibum wanted so badly to wipe it off by giving him a punch.
Standing up and grabbing his jacket, Kibum gave a mock bow to the person facing the window, as if he did not want to see such a talented man leave his agency at all. What the hell, stop acting. You can act better than me at times, such a villain.
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Throwing random clothing into this suitcase, he closed it carefully, wondering how he should apologise to his members for the very last time, when he is still part of this group. Raising his gaze from the bed, he looked out of the window, admiring the view he enjoyed for the past few years with Super Junior.
Mianhe, mianhe. I didn't mean to do that yesterday. I was just caught up…..so caught up in my emotions.
Kibum walked slowly over to the computer, raising the laptop to his eye level. He refreshed the page, going straight to a forum which he already knew by heart, the one where most E.L.Fs would be able to see his comment. He typed, quickly, determined, with one fierce goal in his mind, before he left this place, without regrets, without doubts, without qualms.
"To all E.L.Fs,
I'm sorry for leaving like that. I have to leave. And I'm sorry for saying that it sucked, being in a 13 member group which I could not participate in. I'm sorry for what I had said, and I hope you forgive me, sincerely. I must leave Super Junior, for Super Junior still has a long way to go, without me. I hope my words had not ruined your image of Super Junior, and please, continue to fight and support Super Junior in any way, any time. Thank you, and I'm truly sorry.
Kibum."
Staring right up at the ceiling, he placed the laptop down carefully on the desk, firmly. I'm sorry hyungs. I'm sorry for leaving this way. Making sure that he had no more tears to shed this easily anymore, he picked up his suitcase, and opened the door to leave his room.
"…..Hyung?"
"Kibum! Are you planning on leaving without telling us anything? Why do we need to hear this from the manager, and not from you? We know you didn't mean it, but why do you have to leave? Why…" Eeteuk was cut off, as Kibum placed his suitcase down gently, reaching forward to hug his hyung for the last time, as a member of Super Junior. The rest of the members joined in the hug, clutching on to Kibum, not wanting him to leave the group just like that. Kibum smiled, drawing himself back slowly to look at the other members.
"Eeteuk, you are the leader, you must take care of every single member in the group. Even if I was not told to leave, I would have left, guilt is consuming every part of my mind. Kangin, you are the strongest hyung here, please support Eeteuk in whatever he does to keep this group intact." Kibum turned around, looking at the rest of the members.
"Shindong-hyung, listen to yourself always, believe in yourself. Hankyung-hyung, don't be so gullible and listen to Heechul-hyung's antics at all times. Heechul-hyung, don't lead the dongsaengs into some prank again. Siwon, take care of yourself, and get rid of all those gestures." Smiling at a certain memory, he turned to face Sungmin. "Sungmin-hyung, I'm glad you have matured so much and I'm really happy to know you. Kyuhyun? Continue to keep Super Junior sane! Yesung, continue to boost Super Junior with your perfect voice. Eunhyuk, thank you for being the dance machine in our group."
Turning to the two members he had yet to address, he placed a hand tentatively on Donghae's shoulder. Leaning forward slightly, he whispered, "Sorry Donghae. I didn't mean it. Forgive me?" Kibum drew back a little, seeing Donghae's eyes filled with tears, before nodding slightly in agreement. Kibum smiled, and looked at the small guy beside him.
"Ryeowook, thank you. Thank you for that day. Thank you for always cheering me on. I have always known it, manager-hyung always talked to me about all of you. Thank you for being the eternal magnae in our group. Keep this group together, hold us close together." Kibum ruffled Ryeowook's hair, before bidding a general farewell to everyone, and leaving the group sobbing in their dorm.
Kibum…..why do you have to go? I sense that it is not of your own will.
The way we always say 'We are Super Juni-o-r!' I will always remember that sound, the way you would say it so cheerfully, like the way you always believed in us, so truly, so deeply.
The way you would joke with us at any time, playing with us, not having a single care in the world, I will imprint that image into my mind.
But…..hyung? I'm not ready to let you go just like that. Ryeowook thought to himself, unwavering.
"Hyungs? Let's go to the airport to stop him."
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Kibum paused in front of the airport, knowing that the media had already spread news of him leaving, going to a place in Korea, where he would relax and spend his time with his family, thinking. He set his luggage down, peering at the situation inside. It was crowded with fans, as he had expected earlier on, in the taxi. Gazing down at the passport in his hands, he brought his cap a little lower, not wanting his fans to recognize him and stop him, it would only break his heart more and make him want to stay, going against that person's wishes. He hated himself at this moment, but there was nothing else he could do.
Walking with a normal gait to the counter to purchase his tickets, he looked up at the screen, noticing the earliest time to buy his ticket. "Miss? Can I have a ticket to Pusan, at 5.00pm in the afternoon today? It doesn't matter where my seat is, I just need to get there." Kibum enquired, looking at the lady in front of him. She frowned at the screen, before looking up and smiling politely. Bowing carefully, she stood up and asked Kibum to wait, as she went to ask her manager about something. Kibum nodded, and he placed his passport on the desk, waiting.
"Sir? I'm sorry to say, but the plane to Pusan is fully booked for the 5pm flight. Perhaps you may want to choose another destination?" The lady replied, a little sorry having to break this news to him.
"Oh it's fine. What about the next flight after this?"
"It's fully booked as well….sir. I have to tell you, if you want to go Pusan, I suggest you go on Monday. Today's Friday, and the 5 flights to Pusan everyday have all been fully booked till Sunday. You were rather unfortunate, there was a sudden increase in the bookings just recently, about a few hours ago. The seats were all snapped out." The lady said, a little puzzled, as she bent down to check her screen once more.
….Wha….What?
"KIM KIBUM!" A voice shouted across the place, turning every fan's attention towards that owner of the voice. Eeteuk stood right at the other end, with all the other 11 members standing right behind him. They quickly made their way towards Kibum, and the fans parted for them to pass through, whispering 'Good luck suju!', 'All the best suju!', 'Don't let him go!', 'Angel Teuk, stop him from leaving!' and the most frequent, '13-member suju fighting!'.
One of the fans closest to Kibum stared at Kibum, before proceeding to pull out a plane ticket from her jacket. The rest beside her quickly followed suit, pulling out tickets within their bags, or pockets, producing thousands of them quickly within minutes. As the rest of Super Junior reached Kibum, they all turned around to face the fans. One of the fans displayed her ticket, indicating that they were holding tickets to Pusan. She then proceeded to tear it up, an action which was quickly copied by all the fans at the airport.
They bought the tickets….so I could not leave?
Ryeowook turned, facing Kibum, as the other members gazed at the scene unfolding before them, touched by the extent their fans would go just to make Kibum stay, just to make Super Junior remain whole. "Hyung?" Ryeowook stated, waving his hand to capture Kibum's attention. Kibum turned to Ryeowook in disbelief, raising his eyebrows in the process.
"Hyung. Don't leave Super Junior. We are never the same without any of us here, including you. Whatever you have said in the past, we forgive you, we let it go. Everyone deserves a second chance, it's just that you are an artiste, and this has just been blown so huge, out of proportion, that everyone just slipped and scrambled just to find their sanity back. We need every single one of us, in order to be Super Junior. You leaving us…..would leave Super Junior broken. Don't worry about guilt, we have already forgotten about that incident. You have apologized decently, and we want you to stay with us, forever. Our fans here will continue to support us, we don't need to care about what others say anymore. Please Kibum…stay?" Ryeowook pleaded. Never had he given such a long speech before, but it contained all his heartfelt feelings, he didn't want Kibum to leave without hearing them first, without making himself clear first. It would let him slip away, like sand, through his fingers, and he must do his best to keep him back, not let him just walk away from Super Junior just like that.
Kibum glanced down at the hopeful face in front of him, a smile making its way onto his face. He nodded slightly, and the rest of the members turned around to face Kibum. All of them, unknowingly, had stood in a close circle, and they were all now hugging each other with relief, that they are still 13, and will be 13 forever. Eeteuk placed his hand in the middle of the circle, and the rest quickly followed suit, leaving Kibum confused. Kangin rolled his eyes beside Kibum, and grabbed Kibum's hand to place in on top of theirs.
"1, 2, 3! We are Super Juni-o-r!"
------3 years later-----
"Fourthhhh album!" Donghae sung out loud, projecting his excitement and happiness to everyone. Ryeowook smiled, as they now made their way into the company's building, no longer at the previous one. As it had turned out, the other band had indeed left the company right after Super Junior left as a whole, and had created their own entertainment company to pit against the former. They were doing superbly, after all, who could deny the attraction Super Junior has? Coupled with their more successful sunbaes, they were bound for success anywhere they go.
Ryeowook threw a glance over his shoulder to smile at Kibum, who was about to nod off at the back of the car, only to be awoken by Eunhyuk's constant prodding in his side to talk to him about the concept of their new album.
Super Junior, 13 members, 13 times the friendship, 13 times the brothership, 13 times the love. Super Junior, fighting!
----End----
A/N: I recognise it may be a little extreme, but I was seriously affected by Jaebeom's sudden departure from 2PM today. I hope everyone gives him a new chance to start anew, because everyone is not perfect and we all deserve another shot at life. Please forgive him. I hope no one here hates him >.< I nearly cried at the picture of Hottests kneeling in the airport, begging Jaebeom not to leave. =( This fic....is dedicated to supporters of Jaebeom. Let's hope what happened in my ending of this fic, happens in a somewhat similar fashion to him, and let him come back and join 2PM once more. 2PM, fighting!
Pairing: Ryeowook/Kibum
Ratings: PG
Disclaimer: This is written when Jaebeom left Korea. I was in a very emotional mood. If you don't really like Jaebeom coming back to 2PM, I suggest you forgo this.
Summary: Super Junior, 13 members, or not?
We are Super Juni-O-R!
Hey, do you remember the last time the 13 of us said this altogether, as one team, as one group, as one Super Junior? Hey, do you remember, Kibum?
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Ryeowook rubbed the sleep from his eyes sleepily, gazing at his hyungs beside him. He did not sleep well the last night, and thus had to compensate on the trip to the building. Kyuhyun prodded him softly, motioning to him to get off the car they were in. Everyone was excited, they were starting their preparations for their third album soon. It had been a long time since they worked together, and that rush of exhilaration and satisfaction was unrivaled. Ryeowook grinned to himself, before mock punching the magnae of the group in the arm, and hopping out of the car.
Running towards Eeteuk, he slung an arm over them, unable to hide the wide smile that was soon spreading across his face. It felt good, great actually, that they were finally working together again, after being separated into different subgroups. Although he missed China slightly, because of Henry and Zhou Mi, he couldn't deny that he missed Korea more, especially his other hyungs in Korea. It was unmistakable, it actually felt superb to be 13 again, finally.
Entering the recording studio, they sat down on the couches, fooling around and joking with each other.
"Hey! I heard our newest song is going to be named 'Sorry sorry'! Doesn't that sound very familiar? Someone kept on saying that when electronic gadgets started breaking down without any reason at all in our dorm!" Eeteuk said, throwing a glance at the guy across the room, who immediately started to turn into a light shade of red in embarrassment.
"Hey! It wasn't my fault. I just touched it, just touched it to look at my email, and Kyuhyun's laptop just spoilt all by itself! I didn't mean to spoil it anyway! My laptop was spoilt! Anyway I did say sorry to our magnae already! And….." Donghae stuttered, trying to clear his name. Eunhyuk laughed out loud beside him, patting his best friend on the shoulder.
"Alright, no one is saying anything about you breaking the computer. It was how you went around, following Kyuhyun everywhere he goes, just to apologise again and again, repeatedly!" Eunhyuk stated, trying to adopt a straight face as he recalled the scene.
"Stop laughing at my expense!" Donghae exclaimed, to no avail, as it just resulted and prodded members to erupt into boisterous laughter. Donghae pouted, trying to gain sympathy, but no one paid any attention to it, as they were all too busy clutching their stomachs in pain and breathless.
Their manager then walked into the studio, amused at the atmosphere in the room. Perhaps breaking this piece of news to them now wouldn't be that bad, right? Taking a deep breath, he clapped his hands to get the attention of the members in the room. Eeteuk became silent, and did a mental head count of the members present in the room. Frowning, he did the count again. And again.
"Manager! If you want to talk to us about the album, shouldn't we wait for every single member to be here first?" Eeteuk asked curiously, wondering at the slight cringe their manager gave when he mentioned this fact.
"Uhm…I'm here to tell you that….Kibum would not be participating as much as we want in this album. He has many other projects going on, drama serials to be filmed and also some CFs to clear up by the end of the recording…so he may not be able to appear with you guys these few weeks…." He stuttered out, a little apprehensive and frightened at how quickly the room grew silent after he spoke. An eerie calm was spreading throughout the room, as the remaining 12 members pondered over the speech that their manager just gave.
"Well…okay! We will practise so well by ourselves, that when Kibummie comes, we only need to teach him the dance steps and we can film the MV successfully! I'm sure he will be able to learn it fast! After all, he has a great memory!" Ryeowook exclaimed, forcing a smile onto his face to cheer the others up. As the other members reluctantly broke out into smiles, thinking that what Ryeowook said made a lot of sense, Ryeowook himself adopted an expressionless face to mask the feelings he was experiencing underneath.
Kibummie, don't leave us okay? Super Junior will never be the same without you. Don't overwork yourself, your dongsaeng here will always cheer you on! Hyung, fighting!
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Kibum sighed to himself softly, gazing down at the script before him. He was just told to take up another drama again, although he explicitly stated to the manager that he wanted to complete the third album with Super Junior. He recalled his hyung shrugging his shoulders, helplessly. He knew that it wasn't his manager's fault, he couldn't even do anything to influence the boss at the top. His words were final, his words were the rules that every artiste beneath him had to follow. Recalling a very tense situation that had happened earlier in the conference room, he shivered slightly. Not that he wanted to intrude, he had accidentally pushed the wrong door open, but he was fortunate that he was not noticed.
"You have already signed the contract. You cannot just do whatever you want. It's in the contract." Kibum heard him say. He swore he could almost hear the pronounced smirk on his face, as he lay out the details of the contracts in front of his three hyungs from a even more famous group than Super Junior. Grinding his teeth slightly in frustration, he backed away from the door, knowing that he could not do anything, anything at all, to alleviate the situation.
Looking down the script, he finally read the first line that he was going to act out later. It was an emotional and teary scene, and Kibum guessed it would not be that hard to act out now, after all that he had gone through today. The disappointment and the anger, all mixed into one, could prove to be pretty potent when he wanted them to be released.
Super Junior, I promise to work hard and do my best. I will definitely make this work.Kibum promised silently to himself.
------------------------
"And good job guys, this MV is great!" The director beamed at the 12 forlorn faces in front of him, as they just wrapped up filming for 'It's You'. Clapping his hands, he dismissed the staff and the artistes on the spot, already thinking of how to film and integrate Kibum's part into this fantastic take.
"Hyung." Ryeowook whirled around, to see Sungmin looking up at Eeteuk with those sad, expressive eyes of his. "Kibum will come back and join us right?" Sungmin asked again, his voice dropping a notch as he swiveled his gaze towards the floor, not wanting his leader to see the disappointment and fear in his eyes. "Wouldn't he?" He questioned again, his voice now in a whisper, daring to hope, but unable to summon enough courage to.
"Sungmin." Eeteuk stated quietly, pulling the younger one into a friendly hug. Eeteuk ruffled Sungmin's hair playfully, a small smile plastered on his face, but the smile never reached his eyes. "I promise he will, Sungmin. Kibum never leaves us." Eeteuk comforted the guy in his arms, casting a worried glance around to see if others were affected as well.
Eeteuk-hyung, why, when you were comforting Sungmin, you sounded like reassuring yourself at the same time as well? Is it possible that Kibum may leave us one day? Do you already know or heard something….that you don't want us to know yet? Ryeowook turned away inconspicuously, pulling down his cap just this little, so that the others would not see his face.
---------------------------
"Aish!" Kibum swore silently to himself, vigorously splashing water onto his face in the washroom to cool himself down. Not that it was hot in the filming studio, he was worried that his anger would be so obvious, that the redness would soon creep up onto his cheeks and announce its presence to everyone present. Clenching his fists, he stared at his own reflection in the mirror, glaring back at the tense man in front of him.
All I wanted is just some time to be part of Super Junior, and I thought doing all this stuff to please that person would gain me some time with the members. And what do I get? More schedules to separate us. Shucks. Kibum raised his hands to slam it onto the counter top, then swerved the direction at the very last minute, not wanting to draw attention to himself, and not wanting to hurt himself over something that was not worth it.
Why can't I just have some time, enjoying myself, with the others? Is this actually so hard to fulfill? I don't believe that I can't turn down the offers. I don't believe I am this popular that everyone wants me to act for whatever they are filming. That I can't be part of Super Junior, I can't sing with them, perform with them, dance with them, relax with them, fool around with them, and simply make memories with them.
For once, get off my back.
----------------------
Kibum trudged up the stairs, his heart and mind weary. It had been a demanding and tiring day for him, with expectations he almost thought he could not fulfill, that submerged him and inundated him, that made him feel like he was drowning in this pool of work, unable to climb, gain a foothold anywhere, just to save himself, pull himself out of this whirlpool that he found himself sucked deeper into. He opened the door leading to the dorm slowly, too tired to over-exert any strength. Switching on the lights, he peered into the living room, to notice that Eeteuk was sitting on the couch, in the dark previously. Too tired to bother, he dragged his feet towards his room.
"Kibum? Can I speak to you?" Eeteuk asked, standing up from his position.
"Hyung." Kibum stated, a little short-tempered. His patience was frayed by the directors and the crew today, and in addition, that person had given him even more jobs to deal with, making the possibility that he could not participate in third album at all become a reality. He hated it, he detested it, but he could not dispute or asked that to be retracted. He dropped his bag in the corridor, turning around a little angrily to face his hyung.
"Hyung, just give me some space alright?" Kibum growled harshly, before turning his back again and walking out of the dorm. Eeteuk stared at the retreating figure, his eyes wide open. He whirled around, not knowing what to do. Both Donghae and Ryeowook were staring back at him, their minds equally confused and perplexed. Eeteuk sat down heavily on the sofa, berating himself, questioning himself, if he had used too serious a tone to start a conversation. Donghae glanced down at the defeated figure on the couch, his eyes determined with a fiery blaze, and marched out of the dorm, leaving Ryeowook alone. Ryeowook looked back and forth from the door to the leader, before giving a sigh, and running out of the dorm after Donghae.
--------------------------
"Yah! Stop there! How could you talk to Eeteuk like that? He hasn't even told you anything yet, and you just assume that he is going to irritate and agitate you further, is it? Have you ever considered how it is like to be a leader, to carry all that responsibility on your back?" Donghae demanded, a little breathless after chasing Kibum for some time. He stopped abruptly, as Kibum turned around to face him, glaring at Donghae all the way.
"I thought you were one of my best friends, always having that charming smile ready for anyone who needs it. And now? You just go and tell our leader off as if he is an insect bugging you all this while! Have you considered our feelings? What it feels like to be a 13 member group with only 12 present at every single rehersal?" Donghae glared back, unwilling to lose this match.
"Get away from me." Kibum stated harshly, raising a hand to wave Donghae away, not wanting to escalate matters futher. He turned around, only to find a hand halting his steps. He brushed it off his shoulder, irritated by this small gesture.
"I said get away from me! I don't want to talk to you guys anymore! It has been a hard time, coping with this and that. And to reach home, wanting to relax, but to find more agony and prolonged pain, I rather leave! What does it feel like to be part of a 13 member group which I cannot participate in anyway? It sucks! Do you think I want this to happen? Do you think I want to join Super Junior in this matter? Do you? Do you?" Kibum shouted, his voice heard by everyone who had gathered around to watch the argument between the two idols.
Ryeowook stood at the side, stunned. He quickly tried to go in and diffuse the tense situation between the two best friends, waving the other passers-by away. Between gritted teeth, he whispered to both his hyungs, "People are watching, you don't want this to appear on the frontlines tomorrow, do you?" Smiling to the people around them, he quickly pushed Donghae and Kibum in the direction of their dorm, only to be met with resistance from Kibum, who quickly shook himself out of Ryeowook's grip, and stalked off in the opposite direction. Donghae made a sound, before leaving all by himself towards the dorm, leaving Ryeowook bewildered at the sudden turn of events.
Kibum. Please….Super Junior needs you. Let's not break up because of this.
-----------------------
Donghae sighed to himself, propped on his bed with his legs tucked under his chin. He had immediately regretted that outburst, especially in front of the public. What would possibly happen tomorrow? He crept slowly forward to his laptop, refreshing the main page of the web browser. Sighing once more, he turned his head slightly, to notice that Kyuhyun had stepped into the room as well. Motioning to Kyuhyun to sit down beside him, he turned his attention back to the Internet, giving the news a cursory glance, as his mind was too jumbled up to focus on anything in front of him.
"Hyung….hyung….hyung!" Donghae jolted out of his daydream, tilting his head at Kyuhyun, who was nudging him urgently. "Look hyung! Look!" Kyuhyun pointed to the computer screen, before running out of the room to announce the bad news to the rest of the members. Donghae gasped in shock as his brain processed the words on the screen. Oh shit.
Kibum says he doesn't want to be a part of Super Junior at all!
With trembling fingers, Donghae clicked on that particular entertainment article, not wanting to believe any of this. Attached to the article was a video, taken by a handphone, depicting his argument with Kibum clearly and precisely. His heart hurt once more as he heard the exact words that had been exchanged between them. Oh shit. Donghae thought to himself once more, as he scrolled down the screen to reach the comments.
If Kibum thinks he is so great, shouldn't he leave Super Junior?
If he thinks he got it all going by himself, and he doesn't need to be part of Super Junior to achieve the place he has today, shouldn't he just leave? He is a burden to the group after all, missing in action for so long, and now he blames Super Junior? What a person.
Yah! We don't need a 13 member Super Junior! 12 member is fine as well! Go away!
Sign the petition to get Kibum out of Super Junior at this website! 12 member group does fine!
Eunhyuk rushed into the room, trying to get a look and verify what Kyuhyun had just said. His mouth dropped open in shock as he took in the comments, adopting a similar expression as Donghae. Reaching out tentatively, he took control of the mouse from Donghae's now limp hands, and slowly clicked on the 'refresh' button. As soon as the page refreshed, Eunhyuk gripped the desk in front of him for support. Oh my god.
The page was collecting so many comments, that the server needed much time to load the page. But when it had loaded, both members saw the number of anti comments against Kibum now. Within 15 minutes of uploading the video by whoever it was, there were already 100 comments against Kibum. Both members stared at each other as they contemplated the next step.
If this continues…..Kibum may have to leave…..for real.
Both of them rushed out immediately, leaving the computer switched on, blinking back at the empty air in front of them.
-------------------------------
Kibum stared at the screen shoved in front of him by that person. Pointing to the comments section, that person launched into a full-scale explanation of what had happened, so detailed that it made Kibum's stomach flip twice, one in apprehension, one in anxiety, if he had indeed hurt the other members with his harsh words. His mind wandered off by itself, as Kibum thought of what he had done the day before, not exactly listening or reading what was placed in front of him.
"Kibum. I want you to quit. It is the only way to appease the netizens out there now. Look at the number of petitions asking you to leave Super Junior. This has indeed brought on a very bad image, ruining our reputation. You cannot solve this problem now, so the only way for me to deal with it, is for you to leave. You have no choice, and I have already spread the news to the media. You will leave later in the afternoon, by hook or by crook. I'm sure the airport will be welcoming you, no one would book a plane so full that you cannot get back to your hometown." The man spoke with an apologetic tone, but with a smirk on his face that Kibum wanted so badly to wipe it off by giving him a punch.
Standing up and grabbing his jacket, Kibum gave a mock bow to the person facing the window, as if he did not want to see such a talented man leave his agency at all. What the hell, stop acting. You can act better than me at times, such a villain.
----------------------
Throwing random clothing into this suitcase, he closed it carefully, wondering how he should apologise to his members for the very last time, when he is still part of this group. Raising his gaze from the bed, he looked out of the window, admiring the view he enjoyed for the past few years with Super Junior.
Mianhe, mianhe. I didn't mean to do that yesterday. I was just caught up…..so caught up in my emotions.
Kibum walked slowly over to the computer, raising the laptop to his eye level. He refreshed the page, going straight to a forum which he already knew by heart, the one where most E.L.Fs would be able to see his comment. He typed, quickly, determined, with one fierce goal in his mind, before he left this place, without regrets, without doubts, without qualms.
"To all E.L.Fs,
I'm sorry for leaving like that. I have to leave. And I'm sorry for saying that it sucked, being in a 13 member group which I could not participate in. I'm sorry for what I had said, and I hope you forgive me, sincerely. I must leave Super Junior, for Super Junior still has a long way to go, without me. I hope my words had not ruined your image of Super Junior, and please, continue to fight and support Super Junior in any way, any time. Thank you, and I'm truly sorry.
Kibum."
Staring right up at the ceiling, he placed the laptop down carefully on the desk, firmly. I'm sorry hyungs. I'm sorry for leaving this way. Making sure that he had no more tears to shed this easily anymore, he picked up his suitcase, and opened the door to leave his room.
"…..Hyung?"
"Kibum! Are you planning on leaving without telling us anything? Why do we need to hear this from the manager, and not from you? We know you didn't mean it, but why do you have to leave? Why…" Eeteuk was cut off, as Kibum placed his suitcase down gently, reaching forward to hug his hyung for the last time, as a member of Super Junior. The rest of the members joined in the hug, clutching on to Kibum, not wanting him to leave the group just like that. Kibum smiled, drawing himself back slowly to look at the other members.
"Eeteuk, you are the leader, you must take care of every single member in the group. Even if I was not told to leave, I would have left, guilt is consuming every part of my mind. Kangin, you are the strongest hyung here, please support Eeteuk in whatever he does to keep this group intact." Kibum turned around, looking at the rest of the members.
"Shindong-hyung, listen to yourself always, believe in yourself. Hankyung-hyung, don't be so gullible and listen to Heechul-hyung's antics at all times. Heechul-hyung, don't lead the dongsaengs into some prank again. Siwon, take care of yourself, and get rid of all those gestures." Smiling at a certain memory, he turned to face Sungmin. "Sungmin-hyung, I'm glad you have matured so much and I'm really happy to know you. Kyuhyun? Continue to keep Super Junior sane! Yesung, continue to boost Super Junior with your perfect voice. Eunhyuk, thank you for being the dance machine in our group."
Turning to the two members he had yet to address, he placed a hand tentatively on Donghae's shoulder. Leaning forward slightly, he whispered, "Sorry Donghae. I didn't mean it. Forgive me?" Kibum drew back a little, seeing Donghae's eyes filled with tears, before nodding slightly in agreement. Kibum smiled, and looked at the small guy beside him.
"Ryeowook, thank you. Thank you for that day. Thank you for always cheering me on. I have always known it, manager-hyung always talked to me about all of you. Thank you for being the eternal magnae in our group. Keep this group together, hold us close together." Kibum ruffled Ryeowook's hair, before bidding a general farewell to everyone, and leaving the group sobbing in their dorm.
Kibum…..why do you have to go? I sense that it is not of your own will.
The way we always say 'We are Super Juni-o-r!' I will always remember that sound, the way you would say it so cheerfully, like the way you always believed in us, so truly, so deeply.
The way you would joke with us at any time, playing with us, not having a single care in the world, I will imprint that image into my mind.
But…..hyung? I'm not ready to let you go just like that. Ryeowook thought to himself, unwavering.
"Hyungs? Let's go to the airport to stop him."
----------------------
Kibum paused in front of the airport, knowing that the media had already spread news of him leaving, going to a place in Korea, where he would relax and spend his time with his family, thinking. He set his luggage down, peering at the situation inside. It was crowded with fans, as he had expected earlier on, in the taxi. Gazing down at the passport in his hands, he brought his cap a little lower, not wanting his fans to recognize him and stop him, it would only break his heart more and make him want to stay, going against that person's wishes. He hated himself at this moment, but there was nothing else he could do.
Walking with a normal gait to the counter to purchase his tickets, he looked up at the screen, noticing the earliest time to buy his ticket. "Miss? Can I have a ticket to Pusan, at 5.00pm in the afternoon today? It doesn't matter where my seat is, I just need to get there." Kibum enquired, looking at the lady in front of him. She frowned at the screen, before looking up and smiling politely. Bowing carefully, she stood up and asked Kibum to wait, as she went to ask her manager about something. Kibum nodded, and he placed his passport on the desk, waiting.
"Sir? I'm sorry to say, but the plane to Pusan is fully booked for the 5pm flight. Perhaps you may want to choose another destination?" The lady replied, a little sorry having to break this news to him.
"Oh it's fine. What about the next flight after this?"
"It's fully booked as well….sir. I have to tell you, if you want to go Pusan, I suggest you go on Monday. Today's Friday, and the 5 flights to Pusan everyday have all been fully booked till Sunday. You were rather unfortunate, there was a sudden increase in the bookings just recently, about a few hours ago. The seats were all snapped out." The lady said, a little puzzled, as she bent down to check her screen once more.
….Wha….What?
"KIM KIBUM!" A voice shouted across the place, turning every fan's attention towards that owner of the voice. Eeteuk stood right at the other end, with all the other 11 members standing right behind him. They quickly made their way towards Kibum, and the fans parted for them to pass through, whispering 'Good luck suju!', 'All the best suju!', 'Don't let him go!', 'Angel Teuk, stop him from leaving!' and the most frequent, '13-member suju fighting!'.
One of the fans closest to Kibum stared at Kibum, before proceeding to pull out a plane ticket from her jacket. The rest beside her quickly followed suit, pulling out tickets within their bags, or pockets, producing thousands of them quickly within minutes. As the rest of Super Junior reached Kibum, they all turned around to face the fans. One of the fans displayed her ticket, indicating that they were holding tickets to Pusan. She then proceeded to tear it up, an action which was quickly copied by all the fans at the airport.
They bought the tickets….so I could not leave?
Ryeowook turned, facing Kibum, as the other members gazed at the scene unfolding before them, touched by the extent their fans would go just to make Kibum stay, just to make Super Junior remain whole. "Hyung?" Ryeowook stated, waving his hand to capture Kibum's attention. Kibum turned to Ryeowook in disbelief, raising his eyebrows in the process.
"Hyung. Don't leave Super Junior. We are never the same without any of us here, including you. Whatever you have said in the past, we forgive you, we let it go. Everyone deserves a second chance, it's just that you are an artiste, and this has just been blown so huge, out of proportion, that everyone just slipped and scrambled just to find their sanity back. We need every single one of us, in order to be Super Junior. You leaving us…..would leave Super Junior broken. Don't worry about guilt, we have already forgotten about that incident. You have apologized decently, and we want you to stay with us, forever. Our fans here will continue to support us, we don't need to care about what others say anymore. Please Kibum…stay?" Ryeowook pleaded. Never had he given such a long speech before, but it contained all his heartfelt feelings, he didn't want Kibum to leave without hearing them first, without making himself clear first. It would let him slip away, like sand, through his fingers, and he must do his best to keep him back, not let him just walk away from Super Junior just like that.
Kibum glanced down at the hopeful face in front of him, a smile making its way onto his face. He nodded slightly, and the rest of the members turned around to face Kibum. All of them, unknowingly, had stood in a close circle, and they were all now hugging each other with relief, that they are still 13, and will be 13 forever. Eeteuk placed his hand in the middle of the circle, and the rest quickly followed suit, leaving Kibum confused. Kangin rolled his eyes beside Kibum, and grabbed Kibum's hand to place in on top of theirs.
"1, 2, 3! We are Super Juni-o-r!"
------3 years later-----
"Fourthhhh album!" Donghae sung out loud, projecting his excitement and happiness to everyone. Ryeowook smiled, as they now made their way into the company's building, no longer at the previous one. As it had turned out, the other band had indeed left the company right after Super Junior left as a whole, and had created their own entertainment company to pit against the former. They were doing superbly, after all, who could deny the attraction Super Junior has? Coupled with their more successful sunbaes, they were bound for success anywhere they go.
Ryeowook threw a glance over his shoulder to smile at Kibum, who was about to nod off at the back of the car, only to be awoken by Eunhyuk's constant prodding in his side to talk to him about the concept of their new album.
Super Junior, 13 members, 13 times the friendship, 13 times the brothership, 13 times the love. Super Junior, fighting!
----End----
A/N: I recognise it may be a little extreme, but I was seriously affected by Jaebeom's sudden departure from 2PM today. I hope everyone gives him a new chance to start anew, because everyone is not perfect and we all deserve another shot at life. Please forgive him. I hope no one here hates him >.< I nearly cried at the picture of Hottests kneeling in the airport, begging Jaebeom not to leave. =( This fic....is dedicated to supporters of Jaebeom. Let's hope what happened in my ending of this fic, happens in a somewhat similar fashion to him, and let him come back and join 2PM once more. 2PM, fighting!