Past, Present & Future, Chapter 6
Title: Past, Present & Future
Author: trieze0713
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong, Yoochun/Junsu
Length: Chaptered
Genres: AU, Drama, Angst, Romance
Rating: PG
(Prologue) (Chapter 1) (Chapter 2) (Chapter 3) (Chapter 4) (Chapter 5)
Chapter 6: Unexpected Reunion & Darkness Once Again
He sat on his bed, and for once in many long years he felt lost and hollow. He couldn’t seem to forget the words that his brother’s employee told him just three hours earlier, ‘you can’t expect people to open up to you unless you open up to them first’. She talked as if she knew how he was raised and what he had been through, how dare she! Those words were like a spear shot to his heart, like a hammer pounded on his brain, like a knife pierced through his body… ripping up old scars that’s healing slowly… but never completely.
He was crying in front of his mother’s coffin… people looked at him with pity… he didn’t understand why she didn’t wake up. And then the neighbor ahjussi came with two people in black suits.
“Changmin, these people are coming on behalf of your Appa.”
“Appa? Min Appa?” He didn’t know that man at all, but his mother always cried whenever he asked where his appa was.
“Yes, Changmin’s appa. After the funeral they’re going to take you to your appa’s home.”
“… Min… going to Appa? Min don’t know Appa…” he replied with honesty.
The ahjussi looked at him sadly, “Yes, you never met your appa, but he wants to take care of you now that your umma has passed away.”
He turned his gaze to his mother’s coffin, “Min cannot see umma anymore?”
One of the man in suit crouched down beside him. “Hello young master Changmin, my name is Lee Min Sook.”
“…”
“I’m sorry that you have lost your umma, but you still have your appa. You cannot see your umma anymore, but your appa will make sure that you have a good life.”
He didn’t know why, but he cried at the thoughts that he will be separated from his mother, “But Min wants umma..! Min don’t know appa… Min wanna be with umma… Ahjussi, don’t take me away from umma… waaaaa”
He cried to his heart’s content and Min Sook-ahjussi took out a handkerchief from his pocket. As he tried to soothe him and dry his tears, he smiled at him, “And young master will also have a hyung… your hyung really wants to see you, don’t you want to meet your hyung?”
“Hyung? Min hyung? Really Ahjussi?” he sniffled but the word hyung really interested him. He always envied those who have siblings cause he was always lonely when his umma went to work and he was left alone.
“Yes, your hyung. His name is young master Yunho. He has asked me to take care of you well and to tell him when you get to the mansion.”
“What is mansion Ahjussi?” All his life he’s always lived in this shabby part of town and his umma never took him further than the market and the neighborhood.
“Mansion is a very large house where your appa, our master and your hyung live. If young master Changmin wants to meet them, then young master will have to come with me. You can always come visit your umma at the cemetery whenever you want to. So will you come with Ahjussi?”
He nodded his head, “Ok… Min wants to see appa and hyung… Min come with ahjussi… but ahjussi promise will take Min to see umma when Min misses umma?”
“I promise, young master.”
He didn’t meet Yunho at all until a month of his staying in the mansion. He only met his father twice during that period. And the first meeting was something that he wished he could erase from his memory.
The man was sitting on his large leather chair. He didn’t even gaze at him when Lee Min Sook-ahjussi came in holding his hand and introduced him as his son. And the moment he raised his eyes on him, he trembled with fear looking into a pair of loveless cold eyes.
“Master, this is Shim Changmin, that woman’s son. We took care of the funeral as instructed and we made sure that it went well.”
He tightened his hold on Min Sook-ahjussi’s hand as he looked at the floor.
“Hm… I have to admit that she’s wise enough to use her own family name for him. Son, raise your head and look at me!” He didn’t raise his voice but the demanding tone of his father gave him made him quickly turned his head up.
He tried to turn away from his piercing gaze but he felt like he’s nailed with it. He didn’t say anything, just looked at him from head to toe. The child in him was expecting to be welcomed with open arms and a smile, but he didn’t get any. He felt that he should say something, so he braced himself to call him in his tremble, “A- appa.”
The man flinched for a second before the moved to look at Min Sook, “Show him his room and take care of him. I’m leaving in another 15 minutes; tell the driver to get ready.” And he returned to look at his paper and didn’t even reply his call.
When he arrived at the mansion, the maids looked at him with disgust. He heard them whisper about his mother, how she made the Lady (he’s supposed it’s his father’s wife) suffered and died. They never asked him how he was or if he needed something. When it’s time for supper, they always called to get down on the dining room, put the food on the table and left. No one also cared enough to play with him. He felt so lonely and many times he just sat on his bed staring at nothing for hours. That’s until he met his brother. His memory of his meeting his older brother was something precious, one that’s imprinted on his mind as the day when he was saved from loneliness.
Lunch had long passed… his tiny feet brought him to the garden… no one paid attention so nobody realized that he’s already at the pond. He liked to see the big colorful kois, his umma only showed him those little gold fishes at the market. One giant white koi attracted his attention and as he tried to stick out his body to reach out and touch the fish, he fell into the pond. The pond wasn’t deep, the water only reached to his waist but the shock startled him. His wrist was also painful cause he was trying to kept himself from falling face down with his hand. He started crying.
One of the maids rushed to where he was as soon as she heard him crying. She pulled him from the pond rather roughly and pulled him hard into the house. As soon as he got in the kitchen through the backdoor, she put him on a matt.
“Don’t move or you’ll make the whole floor dirty! Geesh, aren’t you ashamed making troubles in this place! Oh, you stink! What in the world was on your mind to make yourself fall in there!”
He kept crying, not because of the pain on his wrist, more like feeling sorry for falling. The maid threw a towel on his face, “Clean yourself! I don’t want to smell that bad when I serve dinner to the master.”
The towel was still on his head when a voice was heard loud and clear, “Who gave you the right to treat my brother like that?”
The surprise look on the maid’s face he would never forget. “Yo- y- young master, Yunho! I’m sorry, I was just-“
“I don’t want to hear your excuse. Go and prepare a hot bath in my room, now! If you don’t want to dirty yourself then I will.”
“I’m sorry, I’m really sorry, let me do th-“
A tall and handsome boy strolled across the kitchen. Ignoring the now pale faced maid, he smiled as the crouched down in front of him and took the towel on his head. “Hello… Changmin, is it? I’m sorry I was away for a summer holiday with my friends and couldn’t see you when you came.”
He kept staring at the smiling face, unconsciously stopped crying.
“I’m your hyung, Yunho. How old are you?”
“Hyung?” He held out 3 fingers.
His hyung laughed, “So you’re 3, big boy already… Did you fall into the pond because you want to touch the fish?”
He nodded vigorously, “Min wanna touch the white fish, Min never see big fish.”
Yunho laughed heartily, “That happened to me too! That fish is old! But next time don’t try to do it again, OK. Were you hurt anywhere?”
Just then he realized that his wrist hurt before. As he held out his hand he saw that it’s beginning to swell and the crying started again, “Min hand hurts, when- when Min fall Min don’t wanna fall on Min face…”
And Yunho reached out to hold him… tears and dirt from the pond and the smell…
“I’m sure it must’ve have hurt so much! Come, let’s take a bath before you catch cold… And hyung will treat the swelling later. Bear with it for awhile OK.”
Since then, Yunho made sure that the maids will treat him with respect just like to himself. He sang him lullabies, fed him when he didn’t feel well, and promised that he would always be there for him. Changmin always told him everything that he’d been going through the day, or how he used to live with his mother. He could be himself only when he was with Yunho, his only brother who treat him like treasure though he had every right to despise him just like anybody else did.
And 6 years later he left. Yunho left him for the sake of his true love. And things were back to what it used to be. The cold stares from people in the mansion, less meetings with his father, and in the end he didn’t bother to try to socialize with anyone in his own house.
So how would it be possible for him to start opening up to others once again. Though in the end his love for his brother overcame the hate for leaving him; he would never be the same. The only one that he trusts and confide in had left him for something as petty as love; for the one who in the end left him miserable and deeply wounded.
‘Jihye didn’t know shit so she should keep her thoughts for herself.’ That’s what he thought before fell into deep slumber. Bringing his past and painful memory along into dreamland.
* * * * *
Yunho looked at his son amusedly. The boy’s nervousness was showing clearly as they were waiting for the arrival of HOPE Foundation’s representative. He put on his best shirt and pants and insisted that his father to do the same. ‘Appa, first impression is important.’ That’s what he told him. Though as far as he was concerned the way they dressed wouldn’t count as an important point in getting the scholarship, Yunho still let him pick what he was going to wear.
Despite sleeping late and the exhaustion from yesterday’s check-up affair, Yunho was also refreshed. Remembering the mature look on his son’s face, the way he handled the news and the courage that he was given. He felt like giving himself a pat on the back and said ‘that’s my boy’. He knew that it wasn’t easy for him, and he was sure Jihye was playing a good part on it too as Moonbin kept glancing at her as if asking if he’s doing it right. He must have a talk with her later and thank her.
He felt much at ease now in facing the angioplasty. After Changmin and Jihye left last night, they continued their own discussion and decided to undergo the procedure Saturday next week. That way, Moonbin could also stay at the hospital during the day and return when he’s discharged on the next day. Though he wanted to close down the store Jihye told him that she could handle it. She could open it a bit later and close it down a bit earlier. Everything’s perfectly set up.
Jihye showed up at the connecting door, “Oppa, the guy from the foundation has arrived. Should I tell him to come in here?”
Yunho looked around, “Wait, where’s Binnie?”
And the boy popped up from his bedroom, “Here, the guy’s here?” He seemed slightly panicked, “Oh god, oh god, Appa are you okay?”
Yunho chuckled, “I should be the one to ask you! You okay? Shall we invite him in?”
Moonbin took a deep breath, “Okay Noona, I’m ready.”
Jihye smiled and them and whispered, ‘Fighting!’ before she disappeared behind the door.
Just a few seconds later she showed up again, this time with another guy behind him.
Moonbin approached the guy as he nervously greeted him, “Hello Park-ssi, thank you for coming.”
“Hello again, Moonbin, good to see you. How are you?” He shook the boy’s hand enthusiastically.
“I’m fine, thank you. Err… this is my father.” He introduced his father to that man who shook his hand with the same enthusiast that he gave the boy.
“Good afternoon, Jung-ssi, thank you for meeting me. I’m Park Yoochun from HOPE Foundation.”
“Jung Yunho, no… I’m the one who should thank you for giving my son a great opportunity to pursue a better education. As a parent it means a lot for me that someone actually thinks that he’s intelligent enough to be nominated for such reward.” He replied, “Please have a seat. May I offer you something to drink?”
“Just water should be good.” He told him as he took a seat on the sofa. Moonbin ran to the kitchen to get him a glass of water right away.
“Jung-ssi, you got a great kid there.”
He looked at his son proudly, “I do, I couldn’t have asked for a better son.”
“You’re right, the principal told me so many good things about him. May I start with the purpose of my visit today?”
“Please… I’m listening.”
And Park Yoochun-ssi started talking about the program. How they choose their candidates, what are the possibilities and the level of scholarship given, what should parents pay attention to. He also asked him whether he has objections on the terms of scholarship proposed by the foundation.
They were started talking about talking about school list that they could provide when Yoochun’s mobile started to ring.
“I’m sorry, I hope you don’t mind if I take this call.” He asked Yunho.
Yunho said it’s fine so Yoochun stood up and took a distance to take his call.
Moonbin was smiling nervously at him. “What do you think Appa? Do you think I get a chance to get the scholarship?” he whispered at him, didn’t want Yoochun to hear at their conversation.
“Well, from what he explained it looked more like he was ready to make you choose the school that you want to enter for High School. I’m very sure that you’ll get it baby, don’t worry… You’ll make it.” He patted his son’s shoulder with his prosthesis.
Yoochun finished his call and turned around, “Jung-ssi, actually I was supposed to come with the head of the foundation this morning but he was engaged in another event. He managed to finish early and came after me. Apparently he was already outside. I hope you don’t mind if I go out to get him so you can meet him in person and tell him directly what your concerns for your son are?”
“Of course I don’t mind. We’ll wait in here.”
Yoochun nodded and headed outside. Moonbin even looked more nervous now. “The head of the foundation is coming, Appa! Oh gosh, should I say something to him like how I really really want the scholarship? Do you think it should be fine with him Appa?”
Yunho chuckled, “Relax Bin, if it’s yours then it’s yours. At least you’ve done your best already. You’re a good boy, I’m sure he would take into account of that, the principal also highly recommended you. Have faith. Come here…”
The boys sighed as he sat closer to his father and rested his head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry… I know I shouldn’t be so nervous like this, but I really want it Appa. I want you to be proud of me.”
He kissed Moonbin’s head as he awkwardly held him closer with his prosthesis, “Look, I’m proud of you even if you don’t get it. You’ve been great, so I’m very sure that you’ll get the best! If not from this foundation, maybe in another way. Believe in yourself, hm?”
Moonbin nodded on his shoulder. And they stayed that way, forgetting about Park Yoochun or the head of the foundation for a few moments. Until Yunho heard the sound of the connecting door being opened.
He was still holding Moonbin with his left hand prosthesis when Yoochun came closer and smiled at, “Jung-ssi, please meet my boss and the head of the Foundation, Mr. Kim Jaejoong.”
The guy behind Yoochun was now clearly visible in his view and suddenly time stopped.
The memories of the past came rushing back to him as he tried hard to keep his heart from thumping loudly inside his chest… ‘Be strong for Moonbin… be strong for Moonbin…’ he silently chanting in his head.
He stood up slowly as the other man’s kept looking at him without blinking.
He reached out his hand to him as he spoke in a voice that haunted him in his nightmares, “Hi Yunho. Long time no see.”
He didn’t return the gesture and Jaejoong retracted his hand awkwardly while Moonbin gapped at him. “Ap- pa… you know him?”
Jaejoong turned his attention to the boy, “Moonbin, is it? You can say that we’re old friends.”
Yunho softly replied, “Yeah, we WERE friends.” They kept staring at each other.
For a minute no one said anything and Yunho also didn’t offer the gentleman to sit, but he felt that his breathing got heavier as he tried to keep it beating at a regular pace.
His son broke the silence, “Uhm, Appa, maybe we should sit down first. Kim-ssi, Park-ssi, please have a seat.”
He quickly said, “No need Bin. I guess the discussion is pretty much over. Park-ssi, thank you for giving my son the opportunity to be nominated from the scholarship program. I’m sorry to say that I cancel my son’s participation this time.”
Moonbin was shocked, and so was Yoochun.
“Appa! Why did you-“
“Jung-ssi, let’s talk ab-“
“My decision is final. Thank you for coming once again. Have a good day.” As he walked passed Jaejoong to the door, finally the man spoke to him.
“Why are you sacrificing your son’s future like this? This isn’t like you.”
Those words make him felt like hundred of stones were being thrown at him. The hurt, the pain, the emotions, all are competing to surface as he trembled when he faced the man.
“You... have NO RIGHT… to judge me… on how I raise my son!” He began to hyperventilate as he was trying to suppress his anger. From the corner of his eyes he saw Moonbin sensed it and quickly moved to his side, holding his hand.
“Appa, relax… I got it, I won’t question you but breathe… Appa please… Don’t stress out yourself…”
“Bin, I-“ He tried to speak but his words stuck in his throat… this isn’t good.
Jaejoong and Yoochun looked confused and worried at the same time, “Yunho, what’s going on? Moonbin what happens?” He reached out to him but Yunho took a step back.
“Don’t-“
“Appa!”
And it was Moonbin’s voice calling out for him that he heard for the last time before darkness engulfed him once again, the second time in the span of 10 days. He hated to see the tears on his son’s face but he couldn’t control his body… he only remembered holding his son’s hands tightly as he lost his strength and fell to the floor.
* * * * *
Chapter 7
Author: trieze0713
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong, Yoochun/Junsu
Length: Chaptered
Genres: AU, Drama, Angst, Romance
Rating: PG
(Prologue) (Chapter 1) (Chapter 2) (Chapter 3) (Chapter 4) (Chapter 5)
Chapter 6: Unexpected Reunion & Darkness Once Again
He sat on his bed, and for once in many long years he felt lost and hollow. He couldn’t seem to forget the words that his brother’s employee told him just three hours earlier, ‘you can’t expect people to open up to you unless you open up to them first’. She talked as if she knew how he was raised and what he had been through, how dare she! Those words were like a spear shot to his heart, like a hammer pounded on his brain, like a knife pierced through his body… ripping up old scars that’s healing slowly… but never completely.
He was crying in front of his mother’s coffin… people looked at him with pity… he didn’t understand why she didn’t wake up. And then the neighbor ahjussi came with two people in black suits.
“Changmin, these people are coming on behalf of your Appa.”
“Appa? Min Appa?” He didn’t know that man at all, but his mother always cried whenever he asked where his appa was.
“Yes, Changmin’s appa. After the funeral they’re going to take you to your appa’s home.”
“… Min… going to Appa? Min don’t know Appa…” he replied with honesty.
The ahjussi looked at him sadly, “Yes, you never met your appa, but he wants to take care of you now that your umma has passed away.”
He turned his gaze to his mother’s coffin, “Min cannot see umma anymore?”
One of the man in suit crouched down beside him. “Hello young master Changmin, my name is Lee Min Sook.”
“…”
“I’m sorry that you have lost your umma, but you still have your appa. You cannot see your umma anymore, but your appa will make sure that you have a good life.”
He didn’t know why, but he cried at the thoughts that he will be separated from his mother, “But Min wants umma..! Min don’t know appa… Min wanna be with umma… Ahjussi, don’t take me away from umma… waaaaa”
He cried to his heart’s content and Min Sook-ahjussi took out a handkerchief from his pocket. As he tried to soothe him and dry his tears, he smiled at him, “And young master will also have a hyung… your hyung really wants to see you, don’t you want to meet your hyung?”
“Hyung? Min hyung? Really Ahjussi?” he sniffled but the word hyung really interested him. He always envied those who have siblings cause he was always lonely when his umma went to work and he was left alone.
“Yes, your hyung. His name is young master Yunho. He has asked me to take care of you well and to tell him when you get to the mansion.”
“What is mansion Ahjussi?” All his life he’s always lived in this shabby part of town and his umma never took him further than the market and the neighborhood.
“Mansion is a very large house where your appa, our master and your hyung live. If young master Changmin wants to meet them, then young master will have to come with me. You can always come visit your umma at the cemetery whenever you want to. So will you come with Ahjussi?”
He nodded his head, “Ok… Min wants to see appa and hyung… Min come with ahjussi… but ahjussi promise will take Min to see umma when Min misses umma?”
“I promise, young master.”
He didn’t meet Yunho at all until a month of his staying in the mansion. He only met his father twice during that period. And the first meeting was something that he wished he could erase from his memory.
The man was sitting on his large leather chair. He didn’t even gaze at him when Lee Min Sook-ahjussi came in holding his hand and introduced him as his son. And the moment he raised his eyes on him, he trembled with fear looking into a pair of loveless cold eyes.
“Master, this is Shim Changmin, that woman’s son. We took care of the funeral as instructed and we made sure that it went well.”
He tightened his hold on Min Sook-ahjussi’s hand as he looked at the floor.
“Hm… I have to admit that she’s wise enough to use her own family name for him. Son, raise your head and look at me!” He didn’t raise his voice but the demanding tone of his father gave him made him quickly turned his head up.
He tried to turn away from his piercing gaze but he felt like he’s nailed with it. He didn’t say anything, just looked at him from head to toe. The child in him was expecting to be welcomed with open arms and a smile, but he didn’t get any. He felt that he should say something, so he braced himself to call him in his tremble, “A- appa.”
The man flinched for a second before the moved to look at Min Sook, “Show him his room and take care of him. I’m leaving in another 15 minutes; tell the driver to get ready.” And he returned to look at his paper and didn’t even reply his call.
When he arrived at the mansion, the maids looked at him with disgust. He heard them whisper about his mother, how she made the Lady (he’s supposed it’s his father’s wife) suffered and died. They never asked him how he was or if he needed something. When it’s time for supper, they always called to get down on the dining room, put the food on the table and left. No one also cared enough to play with him. He felt so lonely and many times he just sat on his bed staring at nothing for hours. That’s until he met his brother. His memory of his meeting his older brother was something precious, one that’s imprinted on his mind as the day when he was saved from loneliness.
Lunch had long passed… his tiny feet brought him to the garden… no one paid attention so nobody realized that he’s already at the pond. He liked to see the big colorful kois, his umma only showed him those little gold fishes at the market. One giant white koi attracted his attention and as he tried to stick out his body to reach out and touch the fish, he fell into the pond. The pond wasn’t deep, the water only reached to his waist but the shock startled him. His wrist was also painful cause he was trying to kept himself from falling face down with his hand. He started crying.
One of the maids rushed to where he was as soon as she heard him crying. She pulled him from the pond rather roughly and pulled him hard into the house. As soon as he got in the kitchen through the backdoor, she put him on a matt.
“Don’t move or you’ll make the whole floor dirty! Geesh, aren’t you ashamed making troubles in this place! Oh, you stink! What in the world was on your mind to make yourself fall in there!”
He kept crying, not because of the pain on his wrist, more like feeling sorry for falling. The maid threw a towel on his face, “Clean yourself! I don’t want to smell that bad when I serve dinner to the master.”
The towel was still on his head when a voice was heard loud and clear, “Who gave you the right to treat my brother like that?”
The surprise look on the maid’s face he would never forget. “Yo- y- young master, Yunho! I’m sorry, I was just-“
“I don’t want to hear your excuse. Go and prepare a hot bath in my room, now! If you don’t want to dirty yourself then I will.”
“I’m sorry, I’m really sorry, let me do th-“
A tall and handsome boy strolled across the kitchen. Ignoring the now pale faced maid, he smiled as the crouched down in front of him and took the towel on his head. “Hello… Changmin, is it? I’m sorry I was away for a summer holiday with my friends and couldn’t see you when you came.”
He kept staring at the smiling face, unconsciously stopped crying.
“I’m your hyung, Yunho. How old are you?”
“Hyung?” He held out 3 fingers.
His hyung laughed, “So you’re 3, big boy already… Did you fall into the pond because you want to touch the fish?”
He nodded vigorously, “Min wanna touch the white fish, Min never see big fish.”
Yunho laughed heartily, “That happened to me too! That fish is old! But next time don’t try to do it again, OK. Were you hurt anywhere?”
Just then he realized that his wrist hurt before. As he held out his hand he saw that it’s beginning to swell and the crying started again, “Min hand hurts, when- when Min fall Min don’t wanna fall on Min face…”
And Yunho reached out to hold him… tears and dirt from the pond and the smell…
“I’m sure it must’ve have hurt so much! Come, let’s take a bath before you catch cold… And hyung will treat the swelling later. Bear with it for awhile OK.”
Since then, Yunho made sure that the maids will treat him with respect just like to himself. He sang him lullabies, fed him when he didn’t feel well, and promised that he would always be there for him. Changmin always told him everything that he’d been going through the day, or how he used to live with his mother. He could be himself only when he was with Yunho, his only brother who treat him like treasure though he had every right to despise him just like anybody else did.
And 6 years later he left. Yunho left him for the sake of his true love. And things were back to what it used to be. The cold stares from people in the mansion, less meetings with his father, and in the end he didn’t bother to try to socialize with anyone in his own house.
So how would it be possible for him to start opening up to others once again. Though in the end his love for his brother overcame the hate for leaving him; he would never be the same. The only one that he trusts and confide in had left him for something as petty as love; for the one who in the end left him miserable and deeply wounded.
‘Jihye didn’t know shit so she should keep her thoughts for herself.’ That’s what he thought before fell into deep slumber. Bringing his past and painful memory along into dreamland.
* * * * *
Yunho looked at his son amusedly. The boy’s nervousness was showing clearly as they were waiting for the arrival of HOPE Foundation’s representative. He put on his best shirt and pants and insisted that his father to do the same. ‘Appa, first impression is important.’ That’s what he told him. Though as far as he was concerned the way they dressed wouldn’t count as an important point in getting the scholarship, Yunho still let him pick what he was going to wear.
Despite sleeping late and the exhaustion from yesterday’s check-up affair, Yunho was also refreshed. Remembering the mature look on his son’s face, the way he handled the news and the courage that he was given. He felt like giving himself a pat on the back and said ‘that’s my boy’. He knew that it wasn’t easy for him, and he was sure Jihye was playing a good part on it too as Moonbin kept glancing at her as if asking if he’s doing it right. He must have a talk with her later and thank her.
He felt much at ease now in facing the angioplasty. After Changmin and Jihye left last night, they continued their own discussion and decided to undergo the procedure Saturday next week. That way, Moonbin could also stay at the hospital during the day and return when he’s discharged on the next day. Though he wanted to close down the store Jihye told him that she could handle it. She could open it a bit later and close it down a bit earlier. Everything’s perfectly set up.
Jihye showed up at the connecting door, “Oppa, the guy from the foundation has arrived. Should I tell him to come in here?”
Yunho looked around, “Wait, where’s Binnie?”
And the boy popped up from his bedroom, “Here, the guy’s here?” He seemed slightly panicked, “Oh god, oh god, Appa are you okay?”
Yunho chuckled, “I should be the one to ask you! You okay? Shall we invite him in?”
Moonbin took a deep breath, “Okay Noona, I’m ready.”
Jihye smiled and them and whispered, ‘Fighting!’ before she disappeared behind the door.
Just a few seconds later she showed up again, this time with another guy behind him.
Moonbin approached the guy as he nervously greeted him, “Hello Park-ssi, thank you for coming.”
“Hello again, Moonbin, good to see you. How are you?” He shook the boy’s hand enthusiastically.
“I’m fine, thank you. Err… this is my father.” He introduced his father to that man who shook his hand with the same enthusiast that he gave the boy.
“Good afternoon, Jung-ssi, thank you for meeting me. I’m Park Yoochun from HOPE Foundation.”
“Jung Yunho, no… I’m the one who should thank you for giving my son a great opportunity to pursue a better education. As a parent it means a lot for me that someone actually thinks that he’s intelligent enough to be nominated for such reward.” He replied, “Please have a seat. May I offer you something to drink?”
“Just water should be good.” He told him as he took a seat on the sofa. Moonbin ran to the kitchen to get him a glass of water right away.
“Jung-ssi, you got a great kid there.”
He looked at his son proudly, “I do, I couldn’t have asked for a better son.”
“You’re right, the principal told me so many good things about him. May I start with the purpose of my visit today?”
“Please… I’m listening.”
And Park Yoochun-ssi started talking about the program. How they choose their candidates, what are the possibilities and the level of scholarship given, what should parents pay attention to. He also asked him whether he has objections on the terms of scholarship proposed by the foundation.
They were started talking about talking about school list that they could provide when Yoochun’s mobile started to ring.
“I’m sorry, I hope you don’t mind if I take this call.” He asked Yunho.
Yunho said it’s fine so Yoochun stood up and took a distance to take his call.
Moonbin was smiling nervously at him. “What do you think Appa? Do you think I get a chance to get the scholarship?” he whispered at him, didn’t want Yoochun to hear at their conversation.
“Well, from what he explained it looked more like he was ready to make you choose the school that you want to enter for High School. I’m very sure that you’ll get it baby, don’t worry… You’ll make it.” He patted his son’s shoulder with his prosthesis.
Yoochun finished his call and turned around, “Jung-ssi, actually I was supposed to come with the head of the foundation this morning but he was engaged in another event. He managed to finish early and came after me. Apparently he was already outside. I hope you don’t mind if I go out to get him so you can meet him in person and tell him directly what your concerns for your son are?”
“Of course I don’t mind. We’ll wait in here.”
Yoochun nodded and headed outside. Moonbin even looked more nervous now. “The head of the foundation is coming, Appa! Oh gosh, should I say something to him like how I really really want the scholarship? Do you think it should be fine with him Appa?”
Yunho chuckled, “Relax Bin, if it’s yours then it’s yours. At least you’ve done your best already. You’re a good boy, I’m sure he would take into account of that, the principal also highly recommended you. Have faith. Come here…”
The boys sighed as he sat closer to his father and rested his head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry… I know I shouldn’t be so nervous like this, but I really want it Appa. I want you to be proud of me.”
He kissed Moonbin’s head as he awkwardly held him closer with his prosthesis, “Look, I’m proud of you even if you don’t get it. You’ve been great, so I’m very sure that you’ll get the best! If not from this foundation, maybe in another way. Believe in yourself, hm?”
Moonbin nodded on his shoulder. And they stayed that way, forgetting about Park Yoochun or the head of the foundation for a few moments. Until Yunho heard the sound of the connecting door being opened.
He was still holding Moonbin with his left hand prosthesis when Yoochun came closer and smiled at, “Jung-ssi, please meet my boss and the head of the Foundation, Mr. Kim Jaejoong.”
The guy behind Yoochun was now clearly visible in his view and suddenly time stopped.
The memories of the past came rushing back to him as he tried hard to keep his heart from thumping loudly inside his chest… ‘Be strong for Moonbin… be strong for Moonbin…’ he silently chanting in his head.
He stood up slowly as the other man’s kept looking at him without blinking.
He reached out his hand to him as he spoke in a voice that haunted him in his nightmares, “Hi Yunho. Long time no see.”
He didn’t return the gesture and Jaejoong retracted his hand awkwardly while Moonbin gapped at him. “Ap- pa… you know him?”
Jaejoong turned his attention to the boy, “Moonbin, is it? You can say that we’re old friends.”
Yunho softly replied, “Yeah, we WERE friends.” They kept staring at each other.
For a minute no one said anything and Yunho also didn’t offer the gentleman to sit, but he felt that his breathing got heavier as he tried to keep it beating at a regular pace.
His son broke the silence, “Uhm, Appa, maybe we should sit down first. Kim-ssi, Park-ssi, please have a seat.”
He quickly said, “No need Bin. I guess the discussion is pretty much over. Park-ssi, thank you for giving my son the opportunity to be nominated from the scholarship program. I’m sorry to say that I cancel my son’s participation this time.”
Moonbin was shocked, and so was Yoochun.
“Appa! Why did you-“
“Jung-ssi, let’s talk ab-“
“My decision is final. Thank you for coming once again. Have a good day.” As he walked passed Jaejoong to the door, finally the man spoke to him.
“Why are you sacrificing your son’s future like this? This isn’t like you.”
Those words make him felt like hundred of stones were being thrown at him. The hurt, the pain, the emotions, all are competing to surface as he trembled when he faced the man.
“You... have NO RIGHT… to judge me… on how I raise my son!” He began to hyperventilate as he was trying to suppress his anger. From the corner of his eyes he saw Moonbin sensed it and quickly moved to his side, holding his hand.
“Appa, relax… I got it, I won’t question you but breathe… Appa please… Don’t stress out yourself…”
“Bin, I-“ He tried to speak but his words stuck in his throat… this isn’t good.
Jaejoong and Yoochun looked confused and worried at the same time, “Yunho, what’s going on? Moonbin what happens?” He reached out to him but Yunho took a step back.
“Don’t-“
“Appa!”
And it was Moonbin’s voice calling out for him that he heard for the last time before darkness engulfed him once again, the second time in the span of 10 days. He hated to see the tears on his son’s face but he couldn’t control his body… he only remembered holding his son’s hands tightly as he lost his strength and fell to the floor.
* * * * *
Chapter 7