(fic) The Rich and Infamous 1/2
Seoul Academy is one of the top schools in South Korea. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you how difficult it is to get in. One must be a genius, or have a well-known family background to be able to make it. Ask any students there about Jung Yunho, and they’ll describe him with two words: rich and arrogant. As for Kim Jaejoong? Nobody even knows he existed- until he became Yunho’s boyfriend.
Jaejoong can be considered insecure, a guy who’s highly conscious of himself and his feminine looks. No one took special notice of him in his first year of high school, if anything both girls and guys threw him weird looks; was he bisexual, or transsexual? He’d heard them gossip behind his back, and it only pushes his level of confidence further down. Jaejoong wasn’t exactly an outcast, neither did he like mingling with too many people. He was fine with people not knowing who he was, and content with the few friends he had.
His reputation changed dramatically after Jung Yunho met him. He didn’t know what possessed the man to be so irrevocably drawn to him for he was sure he had nothing special to begin with. Yunho at least had financial advantages, adding to his masculinity and handsome features. Jaejoong had heard about him since he enrolled, knows how arrogant the guy can be and how scary he can get when you push his buttons.
So it wasn’t till months of pursuing did Jaejoong finally agreed to date him. News suddenly broke to the entire school and soon enough, everyone knew his name, more likely known as “Yunho’s boy”. People had different responses towards their relationship; some were accepting, some just couldn’t care less and some were not so open-minded, in which they learned their lesson to keep their mouth shut after some ‘lessons’ from Yunho.
Nevertheless they couldn’t be happier to have found each other’s first love.
It was another day at Seoul Academy, students pouring in when the bell rang indicating class was starting, as he walked side by side with his brother. Suddenly he felt arms around him and immediately knew who it was. Yunho pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek, his usual habit every morning.
“Morning sweetie.”
When Yunho had first pursued him, he was amazed of how such a conceited guy can have a romantic streak inside. It had taken him time to finally get used to it.
“Morning,” he smiled dazzlingly. Junsu had taken the cue to go somewhere else.
“Did you sleep well?”
“Hhmm.” he glanced at his watch, “oh shoot Yunnie I’m late for class,” he blurted, running off to his class’ direction.
“See you at recess!” Yunho sighed. His boyfriend always seems to place importance on classes instead of his affection. Since they started dating, Jaejoong has slowly started to open up, but he was determined to see the whole side of him.
At lunch break Yunho was already sitting in his usual table, waiting for his boyfriend with his gang. Siwon, Heechul and Donghae had met him when they were in first year. They were the ones who had managed to put up with his corky attitude, and stayed by his side.
“Gosh could Science get anymore boring? No, I don’t care how big Jupiter is. I also don’t give a damn of how long Saturn rotates.” Heechul rolled his eyes.
“You talk too much dude,” Donghae added.
“Where’s Jaejoong?” Siwon asked, a hint of curiosity lingering behind his question.
“He’s supposed to be here by now,” Yunho answered in a worried tone, glancing at his Rolex watch. It was fifteen minutes past and it wasn’t likely of Jaejoong to be late for anything.
“Maybe I should go look for him.” He stood to leave his seat and started to look in all directions. Students kept blocking his view, all eager to make the most out of their break, eating and chatting carefreely. He tried to call him but the line was kept busy. After searching for a while he finally found the guy at the end of the school corridor, talking intently on the phone.
He quickly approached the figure and almost touched his arm when Jaejoong turned around, eyes red and shimmery. Yunho was alarmed at the sight, wondering what was upsetting his beloved.
“Jae, what’s wrong?” he said in a low voice.
Jaejoong gestured with his hand, asking for a moment to finish his phone conversation. Yunho nodded, and came closer to wrap his hands around Jaejoong’s back, trying to comfort him.
“Okay, please take care of him. I’ll be there as soon as school’s over.” he muttered.
Yunho pulled back as soon as Jaejoong was done. The latter was biting his lips, trying to stop himself from doing things that will make him even more embarrassed in public, things such as breaking down.
“Dad was sent to the hospital,” his voice wavered, and Yunho reached to grip his hand.
“What happened to him?”
“Heart attack,” by then Jaejoong already covered his mouth with his hands, a failed attempt to hold back his emotions, “Excuse me.” he said urgently.
He ran off to the nearest bathroom, Yunho trailing behind him concernedly. He entered one of the stalls as soon as he reached, and tried to stop Yunho from doing the same.
“Please Yunho, just leave me alone.” he pleaded.
“No,” Yunho stubbornly said. “You’re gonna have to get rid of me.”
Jaejoong attempted to push him away by pushing his chest with his trembling hand, but his boyfriend caught it instead and had his head buried on his chest. All the while trying to muffle the sound of his cries as his grip tightened on Yunho’s uniform.
It was the first time Jaejoong had let down his guard and showed his weakness in front of Yunho, and he trusts him not to take advantage of it; not that Yunho ever will.
The school bell rang loudly, signalling recess time was over.
“I’ve to go to class,” he said quietly.
“There’s no way you’re going in this state.”
Jaejoong raised his head up to meet Yunho’s eyes. His face was red from both crying and out of embarrassment. Contrary to Yunho, he had never been the one to skip classes. His parents had worked very hard to be able to afford school fees and he wasn’t going to let it go to waste.
“Yunho-ah, will you accompany me to visit my father later?” he hesitantly asked.
If Yunho was surprised at his statement, he didn’t show it.
“Of course.” He tightened his hold. “Do you need me to ask for permission to let you go home early? Emergency reasons are allowed, you know.” he smiled affectionately, stroking his hair.
Jaejoong considered for a moment, before nodding slowly.
“I have to let Junsu know too,” he softly murmured. Being the eldest in the family, his mom had notified him first and expected him to pass the news to his brother.
“I’ll go take care of everything. You just wait in my car okay?” Yunho’s voice was gentle and it was enough to calm his nerves.
“Thank you,”
He truly meant it. It was during these times that he realised how much Yunho cares about him.
Yunho came back with Junsu ten minutes later to where Jaejoong was waiting restlessly in his car. The whole ride was silent, besides Junsu’s questioning about their father’s condition. Yunho’s body language spoke volumes, his left hand holding Jaejoong’s own and right hand gripping his shoulder, keeping him close.
When they reached the hospital, his father was still unconscious. On the waiting room, Yunho had been introduced to Mrs Kim.
“Our Joongie has told me so much about you,”
“Mom!” Jaejoong protested, as Yunho laughed heartily.
“I ask for your guidance Auntie,” he bowed politely.
Mrs Kim had looked at him fondly; feeling quite lucky that his son had found someone compatible. She thought his features had looked familiar but chooses to shrug it away. She watched as Yunho fetched Jaejoong food and water as they waited, claiming he was too skinny and had to eat something no matter what. She watched as his son leaned on his boyfriend, submitting to his comforting touch and words.
“He’s quite the one, isn’t he?” she asked Junsu.
“I guess, Yunho cares a lot about him,” Junsu muttered.
“How about you Su?” she teased, “found anyone attractive at school?”
Junsu groaned, “I’m not looking for a relationship mother.”
“Look at your brother. He used to shy away whenever we hug him in public and now he acts lovey-dovey. What do you call it these days?”
“PDA,” Junsu rolled his eyes. “Public display of affection, Mom.”
--
It was past eight, and they were all inside Kim father’s ward. Jaejoong had forced Yunho to go home, claiming his parents will be worried. After all they still had school the next morning.
“Trust me, they won’t be.” Yunho had claimed.
Jaejoong had questioned him, thus he had no choice but to explain his situation.
“My parents are rarely home. They go on business trips all the time, so I’m mostly alone at home.”
“I’m sorry,” Jaejoong couldn’t fully comprehend how a family lives in the same house but hardly spends any time together. He had grown up in a loving environment, his mom being a housewife to fully take care of their children and she had been there whenever they needed her. His younger brother was always supportive, and his dad had worked very hard for all of them.
“Don’t be, I have you now right?”
Jaejoong blushed, silently nodding.
When Mr Kim opened his eyes that night, everyone went around him instantly. After repeatedly reassuring his family he was alright, his eyes landed on a stranger standing besides his eldest son.
“And this is?”
Yunho introduced himself abruptly. After a moment of silence, Mr. Kim suddenly came to a realization.
“You’re Ji Hoon’s son?”
He was surprised at the statement. “Yes sir,”
“I work for your father,”
An awkward silence fell between them.
Jaejoong went frozen, why hadn’t he realised this sooner?
--
He spent the next day trying hard to avoid his boyfriend; and practically ran to class whenever Yunho was visible. Stupid, typical Jaejoong. How could he be so dense?
He was so lost in thoughts that he wasn’t aware of where he was walking to.
“Uh sorry,” he ducked his head- only to come face to face with the man he’s been trying to avoid.
“Jaejoong, stop running away from me.” he said firmly as he gripped his arm, trying to keep him in place.
“Yunho, please.” He tried to let go but the man was stronger.
“School’s over, let’s talk about this.” Yunho’s eyes were desperate and he felt a twinge of sympathy. He sighed softly before agreeing, feeling defeated. You’re such a pushover.
--
“Jae,” he started. “I know what you’re thinking. I can assure you nothing will happen to your father. My parents don’t even know we’re dating yet.”
They had found a place in one of the school balconies. Only a few students were left, whilst the rest had gone home. Yunho checked around in case someone may overhear.
“Are you planning to keep it that way?” Jaejoong asked, and realizing it sounded like a trick question, quickly added, “I mean, if we’re going to continue dating, uhm.”
Yunho let a small smile creep onto his face; his boyfriend was just too adorable.
“Yes, we’re going to continue dating, and yes they’ll eventually know. But I don’t see why it has to affect your father.”
“How do you know? What if something bad happens between us?”
“There’s nothing to worry about,” he said convincingly. He closed their distance, brushing the bangs on Jaejoong’s forehead. “I’ll do everything I can to not let that happen,”
Jaejoong looked away from his gaze. Can he trust Yunho for the well-being of his family? He couldn’t afford if his father loses his job, the whole family would be in trouble. He looked back into his eyes, trying to find traces of doubt but the man looked secure.
“Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind right now,”
“Don’t apologize. How’s your dad doing?”
“He’s resting at home now; he’s on sick leave for a few days. Mom’s taking care of him.”
Yunho nodded, taking Jaejoong’s hand. “You look worried. Come on, let’s take you home.”
--
When Yunho stepped into his mansion that afternoon, he found two sets of shoes near the front door. His heartbeat increased, surprised that his parents came home early. Their business trips usually lasted a few weeks.
“Master Yunho? Your father would like to see you. He’s in the study room.” One of his maids informed him. He nodded as he dismissed her.
His father didn’t look too pleased as he entered the room. Like father, like son. Jung Ji Hoon was a well-respected man in the society, having built his own business from scratch. When he came back, he had been informed that his son was dating one of his employee’s son, a man nonetheless. He didn’t like the sound of it at all.
“You’re back, father.” Yunho greeted him formally.
“I hear you’re dating someone.” His tone was mocking, challenging but Yunho refused the urge to snap back. Knowing his father, he must’ve found out everything, including Jaejoong’s background and family history.
“I would’ve thought you had better taste, Yunho.” he said, blowing the smoke of cigar.
“Please stay out of this father. This is my choice.”
Ji Hoon chuckled, “Why don’t you introduce him to us?”
“I don’t think he’s ready for that yet.”
“Oh, I think he is. Especially when the order comes from his father.”
“You leave Jaejoong’s father out of this! This is our relationship!”
“Don’t you dare yell at me young man.” he warned. “I value my employees; they have made the company what it is today.”
Yunho’s answer was silence.
“You will bring him to dinner, and that is final.”
--
As expected, Jaejoong freaked out to no end when Yunho broke the news.
“Oh God, Yunho.” He kept on shaking his head, his mind chanting ‘this is bad’.
“Calm down sweetie, he means well.”
He glared at Yunho. It was easy for him to say. He’s not the one whose father’s career is in jeopardy, he’s not the one whose ass is going to be kicked, and he’s not the one who turns out to be dating the son of an influential man...
“I can’t do this, Yunho. Please send him my regards.” he said desperately, trying to get out of the situation.
“Please honey, just one dinner. For me?”
--
He stared at his reflection in the mirror, wondering why the heck he agreed to this. Yunho was already downstairs, waiting for him to come out of his room. His father had the nerve to sound pleasant about it, claiming he must be someone to be invited to dinner by Jung Ji Hoon, in his house nevertheless. Couldn’t he at least humor him or is he the only one sane in the house?
Frustrated, he went down the stairs to be greeted by Yunho in formal suit. He was wearing white collared shirt underneath a shiny black silk blazer. Jaejoong himself was dressed in a long-sleeved checkered shirt with skinny black jeans.
“Hey honey, you look gorgeous.”
He rolled his eyes. As he walked out the door that Yunho had opened for him, his mom bade him good luck.
--
He hadn’t expected Yunho’s house to be this enormous. A circular garden was placed in front of the mansion, a few sport cars parked besides it. A black Lamborghini, a white Bentley and a red Ferrari, he noticed. Yunho was driving his Mercedes, and Jaejoong wondered whether they have an additional basement dedicated just for cars.
His concentration was replaced back to his current nervous wreck, as the maid opened the double door entrance to the Jung mansion. He can’t help but to look in awe. A chandelier hung in the middle of the elevated ceiling, whilst classic paintings were placed at each side of the wall.
They proceeded to the dining room; a variety of food neatly placed on the table making it look like a buffet instead.
“Hello Jaejoong.”
He turned around and gulped, preparing himself for the worst