When Love Is Not Enough, Chapter 8
Title: When Love Is Not Enough
Author: trieze0713
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong
Length: Chaptered
Genres: AU, Drama, Angst, Romance
Warnings: Foul languages, child abuse
Rating: PG 13 - NC 17
A/N: I'm back! Office project's not finished yet but at least the hardest part was over so now I have a little more time to focus on writing. I hope I'm not forgotten ;) Thanks!
Chapter 8
Yunho - age 19, Jaejoong - age 22, I want him
He was anxious and excited.
His parents were stunned.
Changmin was furious.
But there was nothing else that Yunho would want to do but this. THIS and nothing else. And for the first time since Changmin started to live with their family he didn’t run after his brother as he couldn’t take his eyes off the man who sat in front of him and his family with a scowl on his face.
No matter what the circumstances are, he could always rely on his father to take the first action… or in this case, to give the first word.
“Yunho, to be honest your mother and I kind of… surprised to say the least. We didn’t expect this coming. I know about your feeling towards Jaejoong, but this is- a marriage isn’t-“ His father shook his heads in confusion, overwhelmed by his son’s request. And a little angry at Jaejoong’s mother for putting the thoughts into Yunho’s head.
“I love him Dad, I want to do this! And,” he turned his head to Jaejoong, “you want this too, don’t you, Hyung? Aunty said that you’re okay with this!”
Jaejoong didn’t even glance at him and replied tonelessly, “Whatever.”
The Jung parents seemed a little taken aback by his reaction, “Look Jae, we love you as much as we love Yunho and Changmin, but marriage is not something that you do just because your mother asked you to;” Jung Jin San glared at Jae’s mother, “If you don’t want it then you don’t have to-“
“I want it.” Jaejoong retorted and surprised everyone including his own mother. “I’d… I like the idea of having someone- having Yunho near to me, I’d-“
“You don’t have to be married to have him near. Besides, same sex marriage is now allowed here and you’re still young, how are you-“
“My- my manager said that we could get married in Holland.” Jaejoong said hesitantly and Yunho was elated.
“You talked to your manager? Your agency? You mean, you’re serious in this, Hyung?” Yunho shook his shoulder and Jaejoong didn’t have the heart to look him in the eye and told him that it was all planned by his management as a publication. And Jaejoong didn’t have the guts to leave the fame behind even if it means being married to Yunho.
Yunho’s parent just looked hopelessly at each other, Jaejoong’s mother didn’t even dare to raise her head, too ashamed for knowing that she’s the one who put the idea through Jaejoong’s manager without the other party knowing. She just wanted him to be happy and she knew that Yunho’s the only one who could make his son happy. He deserved it… though sadly that it’s something that he couldn’t give.
And so Jaejoong’s management flew them to Amsterdam and arranged a big press conference on their return. The picture from the press conference was plastered in every paper & magazine with a big bold letters questioning not only the legality of their marriage in South Korea; but it became a topic of debate all over the variety programs for a year until the media got tired of covering it because Kim Jaejoong never even showed up together with his husband in public. Not even once. And they started to forget… until a certain Jung Changmin beat the hell out of Kim Jaejoong.
And the media buzz started all over again.
~o~o~
Changmin - age 14, Mina - age 4, Oppa
Changmin’s steps halted at the bottom at the stairs and he walked slowly toward the dining table; confusion and discomfort were written clearly on his face as a pair of eyes was staring at him.
He walked to closer to his mom by the kitchen island and pointed to the table, “Mom… what is that… thing?”
She slapped his pointing finger away, “Hush, it’s not a thing Min-ah, it’s just a little girl. Come here.” She dragged him closer to a scrawny skinny little girl sitting quietly in a chair too big for herself that a cushion was put under her bottom.
“Mina, this is Changmin Oppa. Changmin, Mina will stay with us for awhile until we’re ready to find a foster home for her.”
He was flustered, “Wha- how- where is she going to sleep?! And why suddenly she just come and st-“
A sweet voice stopped him from rambling, “Oppa? Mina sleep on the floor.”
“Floor!??!”
And he watched his mother squatted next to the girl, “Honey, you don’t have to sleep on the floor anymore. You will sleep on a bed, okay.”
“But there’s no empty room here!” Changmin ignored the little girl and tried to tell his mother that it’s really a bad idea to have her stay.
“Jung Changmin.” Sha said it slowly, it’s the one that says ‘I’ll talk to you later.’ And he knew he had to shut his mouth up on this one.
His mother returned to turn the little girl to face her. “Look, you’re no longer live with bad people anymore. You will eat good food and you can sleep in a comfortable bed. Min-oppa will buy you a very nice doll to play with.” A glare directed on him. Changmin knew he would have to go and get the doll.
“There is another Oppa but he doesn’t live here everyday. You’ll meet him soon and my husband when he return from work. For now, I will cook a very nice breakfast for you and you can play with Min-oppa. Okay?”
Changmin looked at his mother in disbelief, “What! I don’t know anything about playing with a little gi- hhmpp” His eyes widened as his mother shut his mouth with her hand and dragged him to the living room, smiles didn’t falter to the little girl.
“Mom! What’s this about?? You can’t just bring home a child and make her play with me, I’m 14 not 5 years old!” He was fuming. “How about my therapy? Homeschooling? And where is she going to sleep?”
His mother sighed and sat them down on the sofa.
“Look, I’m sorry I didn’t get to tell you earlier about this but your father know. A few days ago a drug dealer was busted at his home where the police found not only drugs but also several people doing transactions. The police were shocked when they also found her in a locked room at the end of the hallway, sleeping on a floor with a thin blanket. She had no slipper or shoe but a few pieces of rags that she called clothes!
“Apparently her mother was living with the drug dealer since she was two and a year ago she disappeared but the girl was left there and no one knew about her father. Police though she might be murdered. Since then, that man didn’t take care of her except for giving her leftovers everyday. He said he didn’t kill her mother but he admitted that he kept her until she’s old enough to be… to be sold as a prostitute.” Her mother gulped, emotion was clear in her eyes.
“She needed custody until the police found out any information about her mother, dead or alive. The police intended to put her into a foster home right away but I can’t let them. I just can’t Min… after what happened to you years ago, I-“ She cried and he knew the unspoken words. Guilt.
“I’m sorry I didn’t ask for your permission to take her in. I talked to your father but I haven’t gotten the chance to talk to you nor Yunho.”
He sighed, no matter how much he hated other human beings but his family he couldn’t disregard his mother’s wish to help another child. “Mom, you don’t need to say sorry. I’ll… I’ll try to get along with her. It’s just,” he wasn’t sure if he could open up himself more to his mother in this kind of circumstances but he had to. “I’m just afraid that I couldn’t- be nice to her like Hyung will. I mean, I’m still under therapy and all, and now…”
“Oh Min…” her mother cupped his face and looked straight into her eyes. “You’re good boy. You’re my good son, and don’t let people tell you otherwise. You’ll get along just fine with her. You’ll be a good Oppa just like you have been a good brother to Yunho. I love you, and don’t forget that. If she bothers you too much, let me know so I can find her something else to do. Hm?”
He nodded and let her hugged and kissed his temple. “Now help me clean up your father’s study room. Someone from the department will deliver a small cot for her to sleep on. I don’t want to leave her by herself any longer.”
Changmin groaned, knowing that his days of peace were over.
It was over too soon. Like half an hour later. When little feet trotted to his bedroom without knocking, interrupting his self lamentation.
“Min-oppa, when will you go and buy my doll?”
And he buried his face deeper into his pillow. Life be damned, a little monster had intruded his life. And the little monster would change him into someone better. He just didn’t know it. Yet.
~o~o~
Yunho - age 20, Junsu - age 15, Changmin - age 15, Mina - age 5, Happy Birthday Little Princess
“Yun-oppa!” And the little girl was flying into the Yunho’s embrace when he entered the house.
“Whoa, happy birthday little princess!” He spun around and made her squeal in glee. “Hmmp, you’re so heavy now, Oppa can’t carry you for long!” Yunho put her down on the floor, pretending to have a backpain.
“Oppa okay? Oppa sick?” She asked him concernedly. But he grinned and scooped her back into his arms, “Gotcha!”
As she screamed in surprise Changmin walked by with the birthday cake, “Great, he didn’t play with you everyday and you call him Oppa. And what did you call me again?? I’m not going to let you blow the candles now.”
Mina wriggled from Yunho’s embrace and ran to Changmin as soon as her feet touched the floor.
“Mina miss Yun-oppa. MinMin here with Mina all the time. Yun-oppa with Jae-oppa all the time.”
Right then Junsu walked in with the juices and party hats. “Hyung!” He hugged him with a smile. “Did you just come? Where’s Jae-hyung?” His face fell at Yunho’s gloomy expression.
“Oh, he’s working?”
“Just some function with his management. He was ready to leave with me here but Yoochun-hyung picked him up and said that he had to attend it. He didn’t say he would come later though.” Junsu heard the disappointment and sent a look to his mother not to say anything about his brother to Yunho.
“I’m sorry, Hyung.” Was all that he could tell him.
But Yunho smiled anyway and squeezed his arm, “Thanks Junsu.” He hugged his parents and clapped his hands, “Now, shall the little princess blow her candle before she gets her presents?”
Everyone cheered and gathered around the cake, Mina looked bright and pretty in her yellow dress.
After 6 months living with the Jungs and the drug dealer that kept her finally put to jail, she was ready to be put into a foster home. But after a family discussion and hearing from Changmin’s therapist about his positive acceptance on her, they decided to adopt her and she had become Jung Mina since 5 months ago.
They didn’t see any changes in Changmin’s behavior, but according to the psychiatrist he showed some positive attitude compared to before Mina started to live with her. Even though he seemed like didn’t care, deep down Mina reminded him of himself when he was brought to live with the Jungs. Especially since Yunho came to live with Jaejoong after their wedding, he showed some kind resentment towards him, but Mina balanced it by pushing herself to depend on him in some little things.
Her speech didn’t progress much, she still spoke in incomplete sentences but her parents took turn every night for her speech therapy at home. She’s ready to start Kindergarten in another month.
They sang Happy Birthday to her and kissed her before urging her to cut the cake. Junsu helped her to cut the cake and gave the first slice to her Mom and Dad. Yunho was next and that made Changmin sulk.
“Great, first she doesn’t call me Oppa and now I’ll be the last one in getting her cake.”
He tried to ignore her when she came with his cake. “MinMin cake, here.” He kept ignoring her. “MinMin cake!” She shouted at him.
“Why would you give me a cake at all? You just need to give Yunho-hyung right? I don’t need your cake.”
Yunho laughed at him, “Come on Min, she’s just a child, stop sulking and take the cake.”
“Whatever.”
“Changmin, look at the cake first before you regret it!” His father told him amusingly.
“MinMin don’t want cake?”
He was ready to snap when he turned around only to see the biggest slice of cake with lots of chocolate on it on the hand of an angel.
“My… cake?” Mina loves chocolate. He looked at the other slices on everyone’s paper plates, his was the biggest with more chocolates.
“MinMin cake. MinMin like cake, Mina give biggest to MinMin. And chocolate. Because MinMin play with Mina and help Mommy to buy Mina doll.”
He blushed as he accepted the cake but hid it with an unsuccessful scowl that made his face looked odd. Everyone laughed and Yunho stood up to ruffle his head the way he would do when he was younger. “See squirt, the little princess is your fan, so stop saying that she loves me more than you do. You’re the winner.”
And Changmin couldn’t find a proper word to reply his words.
But when the party’s over and everyone’s gone to bed, he quietly slipped into Mina’s bedroom. He couldn’t explain his feeling as he stared at her peaceful face. He bent down and kissed the angel and said what he didn’t get to say at the party, “Happy birthday, my little princess.”
~o~o~
Yunho - age 21, Jaejong - age 24, It's about time
It’s been an emotional day. Jaejoong had been crying non-stop since they got home and wouldn’t tell why. His Dad offered to come but he thought Jaejoong just needed time to be home again. He refused to sleep in their bedroom and chose the guest room instead. He couldn’t blame him. Even though his mother had sent someone to clean up it still reminded him of the last time he was there and his husband’s betrayal.
Jaejoong fell asleep after an exhausting crying fit that Yunho practically had to shove food into his mouth for dinner before he got himself sicker on the first day they returned home.
Yoochun had tried to contact his husband during his hospitalization but Yunho kept Jae’s phone since then and they finally met outside the hospital a couple of weeks ago. Jae’s agency apparently was kept in the dark about their… relationship and when they found out through the case they hadn’t been so nice to him. The agency didn’t fire him, he was still a good manager. But he was asked to take a few months of unpaid leave until the case’s over and they could trust him to manage someone else again.
But the biggest problem came from Jae himself. He became very dependent on Yunho that he even had to miss a couple of exams to take care of him since he refused anyone else including his mother and brother. Fortunately his professors had been understanding due to his constant high grades and commitments during his study. He had to take a separate exam on the days Jae got into physical therapy after his broken ribs healed.
For how long he would have to do this, he didn’t know. But he knew it wouldn’t be for long.
He was on his feet a second after he heard a scream from the guest room and saw tears ran down Jae’s face as soon as he opened the door. He rushed to his side and held him.
“Hey, hey, I’m here, what’s wrong baby? I’m here… hush, calm down… Why are you crying?”
“I- I dreamed that you left me! And you weren’t here when I woke up!”
“It’s just a dream, okay… I’m not going anywhere, I’m here… look,” He pulled away and tried to make Jaejoong focused on him. “I’m here, I’m here…”
Jae didn’t calm down but he kept crying and clenched Yunho’s front shirt, “I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry, don’t leave me Yunho, don’t leave me!”
It took him another hour until Jaejoong understood that he’s not going anywhere and went back to sleep. This time, he stayed by his side.
He wondered how to make Jaejoong understand that he still loved him despite the pain and the heartbreak that he caused him. Yunho would never go away. But Jaejoong couldn’t stay this way forever. Yunho would have to go out for his study and eventually Jaejoong would have to return to work.
Jaejoong had ruled their marriage since Day 1, he was nothing but following whatever Jaejoong said. But this was the time for him to make the lead and make a decision for the sake of their marriage. And for the sake of Jaejoong.
As Jung Yunho, the husband of Kim Jaejoong. No more Jung Yunho, Kim Jaejoong’s childhood friend and admirer. It’s time to step up to another level in life.
~o~o~
Previous I Next
Author: trieze0713
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong
Length: Chaptered
Genres: AU, Drama, Angst, Romance
Warnings: Foul languages, child abuse
Rating: PG 13 - NC 17
A/N: I'm back! Office project's not finished yet but at least the hardest part was over so now I have a little more time to focus on writing. I hope I'm not forgotten ;) Thanks!
Chapter 8
Yunho - age 19, Jaejoong - age 22, I want him
He was anxious and excited.
His parents were stunned.
Changmin was furious.
But there was nothing else that Yunho would want to do but this. THIS and nothing else. And for the first time since Changmin started to live with their family he didn’t run after his brother as he couldn’t take his eyes off the man who sat in front of him and his family with a scowl on his face.
No matter what the circumstances are, he could always rely on his father to take the first action… or in this case, to give the first word.
“Yunho, to be honest your mother and I kind of… surprised to say the least. We didn’t expect this coming. I know about your feeling towards Jaejoong, but this is- a marriage isn’t-“ His father shook his heads in confusion, overwhelmed by his son’s request. And a little angry at Jaejoong’s mother for putting the thoughts into Yunho’s head.
“I love him Dad, I want to do this! And,” he turned his head to Jaejoong, “you want this too, don’t you, Hyung? Aunty said that you’re okay with this!”
Jaejoong didn’t even glance at him and replied tonelessly, “Whatever.”
The Jung parents seemed a little taken aback by his reaction, “Look Jae, we love you as much as we love Yunho and Changmin, but marriage is not something that you do just because your mother asked you to;” Jung Jin San glared at Jae’s mother, “If you don’t want it then you don’t have to-“
“I want it.” Jaejoong retorted and surprised everyone including his own mother. “I’d… I like the idea of having someone- having Yunho near to me, I’d-“
“You don’t have to be married to have him near. Besides, same sex marriage is now allowed here and you’re still young, how are you-“
“My- my manager said that we could get married in Holland.” Jaejoong said hesitantly and Yunho was elated.
“You talked to your manager? Your agency? You mean, you’re serious in this, Hyung?” Yunho shook his shoulder and Jaejoong didn’t have the heart to look him in the eye and told him that it was all planned by his management as a publication. And Jaejoong didn’t have the guts to leave the fame behind even if it means being married to Yunho.
Yunho’s parent just looked hopelessly at each other, Jaejoong’s mother didn’t even dare to raise her head, too ashamed for knowing that she’s the one who put the idea through Jaejoong’s manager without the other party knowing. She just wanted him to be happy and she knew that Yunho’s the only one who could make his son happy. He deserved it… though sadly that it’s something that he couldn’t give.
And so Jaejoong’s management flew them to Amsterdam and arranged a big press conference on their return. The picture from the press conference was plastered in every paper & magazine with a big bold letters questioning not only the legality of their marriage in South Korea; but it became a topic of debate all over the variety programs for a year until the media got tired of covering it because Kim Jaejoong never even showed up together with his husband in public. Not even once. And they started to forget… until a certain Jung Changmin beat the hell out of Kim Jaejoong.
And the media buzz started all over again.
~o~o~
Changmin - age 14, Mina - age 4, Oppa
Changmin’s steps halted at the bottom at the stairs and he walked slowly toward the dining table; confusion and discomfort were written clearly on his face as a pair of eyes was staring at him.
He walked to closer to his mom by the kitchen island and pointed to the table, “Mom… what is that… thing?”
She slapped his pointing finger away, “Hush, it’s not a thing Min-ah, it’s just a little girl. Come here.” She dragged him closer to a scrawny skinny little girl sitting quietly in a chair too big for herself that a cushion was put under her bottom.
“Mina, this is Changmin Oppa. Changmin, Mina will stay with us for awhile until we’re ready to find a foster home for her.”
He was flustered, “Wha- how- where is she going to sleep?! And why suddenly she just come and st-“
A sweet voice stopped him from rambling, “Oppa? Mina sleep on the floor.”
“Floor!??!”
And he watched his mother squatted next to the girl, “Honey, you don’t have to sleep on the floor anymore. You will sleep on a bed, okay.”
“But there’s no empty room here!” Changmin ignored the little girl and tried to tell his mother that it’s really a bad idea to have her stay.
“Jung Changmin.” Sha said it slowly, it’s the one that says ‘I’ll talk to you later.’ And he knew he had to shut his mouth up on this one.
His mother returned to turn the little girl to face her. “Look, you’re no longer live with bad people anymore. You will eat good food and you can sleep in a comfortable bed. Min-oppa will buy you a very nice doll to play with.” A glare directed on him. Changmin knew he would have to go and get the doll.
“There is another Oppa but he doesn’t live here everyday. You’ll meet him soon and my husband when he return from work. For now, I will cook a very nice breakfast for you and you can play with Min-oppa. Okay?”
Changmin looked at his mother in disbelief, “What! I don’t know anything about playing with a little gi- hhmpp” His eyes widened as his mother shut his mouth with her hand and dragged him to the living room, smiles didn’t falter to the little girl.
“Mom! What’s this about?? You can’t just bring home a child and make her play with me, I’m 14 not 5 years old!” He was fuming. “How about my therapy? Homeschooling? And where is she going to sleep?”
His mother sighed and sat them down on the sofa.
“Look, I’m sorry I didn’t get to tell you earlier about this but your father know. A few days ago a drug dealer was busted at his home where the police found not only drugs but also several people doing transactions. The police were shocked when they also found her in a locked room at the end of the hallway, sleeping on a floor with a thin blanket. She had no slipper or shoe but a few pieces of rags that she called clothes!
“Apparently her mother was living with the drug dealer since she was two and a year ago she disappeared but the girl was left there and no one knew about her father. Police though she might be murdered. Since then, that man didn’t take care of her except for giving her leftovers everyday. He said he didn’t kill her mother but he admitted that he kept her until she’s old enough to be… to be sold as a prostitute.” Her mother gulped, emotion was clear in her eyes.
“She needed custody until the police found out any information about her mother, dead or alive. The police intended to put her into a foster home right away but I can’t let them. I just can’t Min… after what happened to you years ago, I-“ She cried and he knew the unspoken words. Guilt.
“I’m sorry I didn’t ask for your permission to take her in. I talked to your father but I haven’t gotten the chance to talk to you nor Yunho.”
He sighed, no matter how much he hated other human beings but his family he couldn’t disregard his mother’s wish to help another child. “Mom, you don’t need to say sorry. I’ll… I’ll try to get along with her. It’s just,” he wasn’t sure if he could open up himself more to his mother in this kind of circumstances but he had to. “I’m just afraid that I couldn’t- be nice to her like Hyung will. I mean, I’m still under therapy and all, and now…”
“Oh Min…” her mother cupped his face and looked straight into her eyes. “You’re good boy. You’re my good son, and don’t let people tell you otherwise. You’ll get along just fine with her. You’ll be a good Oppa just like you have been a good brother to Yunho. I love you, and don’t forget that. If she bothers you too much, let me know so I can find her something else to do. Hm?”
He nodded and let her hugged and kissed his temple. “Now help me clean up your father’s study room. Someone from the department will deliver a small cot for her to sleep on. I don’t want to leave her by herself any longer.”
Changmin groaned, knowing that his days of peace were over.
It was over too soon. Like half an hour later. When little feet trotted to his bedroom without knocking, interrupting his self lamentation.
“Min-oppa, when will you go and buy my doll?”
And he buried his face deeper into his pillow. Life be damned, a little monster had intruded his life. And the little monster would change him into someone better. He just didn’t know it. Yet.
~o~o~
Yunho - age 20, Junsu - age 15, Changmin - age 15, Mina - age 5, Happy Birthday Little Princess
“Yun-oppa!” And the little girl was flying into the Yunho’s embrace when he entered the house.
“Whoa, happy birthday little princess!” He spun around and made her squeal in glee. “Hmmp, you’re so heavy now, Oppa can’t carry you for long!” Yunho put her down on the floor, pretending to have a backpain.
“Oppa okay? Oppa sick?” She asked him concernedly. But he grinned and scooped her back into his arms, “Gotcha!”
As she screamed in surprise Changmin walked by with the birthday cake, “Great, he didn’t play with you everyday and you call him Oppa. And what did you call me again?? I’m not going to let you blow the candles now.”
Mina wriggled from Yunho’s embrace and ran to Changmin as soon as her feet touched the floor.
“Mina miss Yun-oppa. MinMin here with Mina all the time. Yun-oppa with Jae-oppa all the time.”
Right then Junsu walked in with the juices and party hats. “Hyung!” He hugged him with a smile. “Did you just come? Where’s Jae-hyung?” His face fell at Yunho’s gloomy expression.
“Oh, he’s working?”
“Just some function with his management. He was ready to leave with me here but Yoochun-hyung picked him up and said that he had to attend it. He didn’t say he would come later though.” Junsu heard the disappointment and sent a look to his mother not to say anything about his brother to Yunho.
“I’m sorry, Hyung.” Was all that he could tell him.
But Yunho smiled anyway and squeezed his arm, “Thanks Junsu.” He hugged his parents and clapped his hands, “Now, shall the little princess blow her candle before she gets her presents?”
Everyone cheered and gathered around the cake, Mina looked bright and pretty in her yellow dress.
After 6 months living with the Jungs and the drug dealer that kept her finally put to jail, she was ready to be put into a foster home. But after a family discussion and hearing from Changmin’s therapist about his positive acceptance on her, they decided to adopt her and she had become Jung Mina since 5 months ago.
They didn’t see any changes in Changmin’s behavior, but according to the psychiatrist he showed some positive attitude compared to before Mina started to live with her. Even though he seemed like didn’t care, deep down Mina reminded him of himself when he was brought to live with the Jungs. Especially since Yunho came to live with Jaejoong after their wedding, he showed some kind resentment towards him, but Mina balanced it by pushing herself to depend on him in some little things.
Her speech didn’t progress much, she still spoke in incomplete sentences but her parents took turn every night for her speech therapy at home. She’s ready to start Kindergarten in another month.
They sang Happy Birthday to her and kissed her before urging her to cut the cake. Junsu helped her to cut the cake and gave the first slice to her Mom and Dad. Yunho was next and that made Changmin sulk.
“Great, first she doesn’t call me Oppa and now I’ll be the last one in getting her cake.”
He tried to ignore her when she came with his cake. “MinMin cake, here.” He kept ignoring her. “MinMin cake!” She shouted at him.
“Why would you give me a cake at all? You just need to give Yunho-hyung right? I don’t need your cake.”
Yunho laughed at him, “Come on Min, she’s just a child, stop sulking and take the cake.”
“Whatever.”
“Changmin, look at the cake first before you regret it!” His father told him amusingly.
“MinMin don’t want cake?”
He was ready to snap when he turned around only to see the biggest slice of cake with lots of chocolate on it on the hand of an angel.
“My… cake?” Mina loves chocolate. He looked at the other slices on everyone’s paper plates, his was the biggest with more chocolates.
“MinMin cake. MinMin like cake, Mina give biggest to MinMin. And chocolate. Because MinMin play with Mina and help Mommy to buy Mina doll.”
He blushed as he accepted the cake but hid it with an unsuccessful scowl that made his face looked odd. Everyone laughed and Yunho stood up to ruffle his head the way he would do when he was younger. “See squirt, the little princess is your fan, so stop saying that she loves me more than you do. You’re the winner.”
And Changmin couldn’t find a proper word to reply his words.
But when the party’s over and everyone’s gone to bed, he quietly slipped into Mina’s bedroom. He couldn’t explain his feeling as he stared at her peaceful face. He bent down and kissed the angel and said what he didn’t get to say at the party, “Happy birthday, my little princess.”
~o~o~
Yunho - age 21, Jaejong - age 24, It's about time
It’s been an emotional day. Jaejoong had been crying non-stop since they got home and wouldn’t tell why. His Dad offered to come but he thought Jaejoong just needed time to be home again. He refused to sleep in their bedroom and chose the guest room instead. He couldn’t blame him. Even though his mother had sent someone to clean up it still reminded him of the last time he was there and his husband’s betrayal.
Jaejoong fell asleep after an exhausting crying fit that Yunho practically had to shove food into his mouth for dinner before he got himself sicker on the first day they returned home.
Yoochun had tried to contact his husband during his hospitalization but Yunho kept Jae’s phone since then and they finally met outside the hospital a couple of weeks ago. Jae’s agency apparently was kept in the dark about their… relationship and when they found out through the case they hadn’t been so nice to him. The agency didn’t fire him, he was still a good manager. But he was asked to take a few months of unpaid leave until the case’s over and they could trust him to manage someone else again.
But the biggest problem came from Jae himself. He became very dependent on Yunho that he even had to miss a couple of exams to take care of him since he refused anyone else including his mother and brother. Fortunately his professors had been understanding due to his constant high grades and commitments during his study. He had to take a separate exam on the days Jae got into physical therapy after his broken ribs healed.
For how long he would have to do this, he didn’t know. But he knew it wouldn’t be for long.
He was on his feet a second after he heard a scream from the guest room and saw tears ran down Jae’s face as soon as he opened the door. He rushed to his side and held him.
“Hey, hey, I’m here, what’s wrong baby? I’m here… hush, calm down… Why are you crying?”
“I- I dreamed that you left me! And you weren’t here when I woke up!”
“It’s just a dream, okay… I’m not going anywhere, I’m here… look,” He pulled away and tried to make Jaejoong focused on him. “I’m here, I’m here…”
Jae didn’t calm down but he kept crying and clenched Yunho’s front shirt, “I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry, don’t leave me Yunho, don’t leave me!”
It took him another hour until Jaejoong understood that he’s not going anywhere and went back to sleep. This time, he stayed by his side.
He wondered how to make Jaejoong understand that he still loved him despite the pain and the heartbreak that he caused him. Yunho would never go away. But Jaejoong couldn’t stay this way forever. Yunho would have to go out for his study and eventually Jaejoong would have to return to work.
Jaejoong had ruled their marriage since Day 1, he was nothing but following whatever Jaejoong said. But this was the time for him to make the lead and make a decision for the sake of their marriage. And for the sake of Jaejoong.
As Jung Yunho, the husband of Kim Jaejoong. No more Jung Yunho, Kim Jaejoong’s childhood friend and admirer. It’s time to step up to another level in life.
~o~o~
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