Hanging By A Thread 29/?
Title: Hanging By A Moment
Pairing: Yoochun/Junsu, Yunho/Jaejoong, Yunho/Changmin
Rating: PG-15 to NC-17 (for some parts)
Genre: fluff, angst, romance
Length: 29/?
Warning(s): violence, some language, mentions of harassment and rape, some bullying
Summary:
You are the light that's leading me to the place
Where I find peace again
You are the strength that keeps me walking
You are the hope that keeps me trusting
You are the life to my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything
A/N: hi guys, if i still got readers~^^ i know i said i'd have a short break, but things got pretty busy during the holidays last year up until now... actually, i just sneaked in here to post a chapter and i don't know when i'll be able to post again... hopefully next week? i don't know... we'll see. i still have to write though. ^^
so... here goes. ^^ happy reading~
-29-
Interlude: YUNHO
“Donghoon-sshi, how long are you planning on just keeping watch?” I asked. “How long do you plan on leaving him free to do as he wishes?”
“You and I both know that Kang Hyunsik should be locked up.” I continued. “I have a feeling that he’ll do something soon.”
“Did something happen?” Donghoon asked concern lacing his voice.
“Nothing yet.” I answered. “But he’s been going out of his way to cross paths with me.” And my family, Changmin and Yoochun. I finished in my mind. “He really did kill his own brother. He planned it meticulously.”
“Did he admit to it himself?” Donghoon asked.
“Not in those exact words.” I replied. “But he did reminisce about it like it’s one of his fondest memories. It’s unsettling hearing something like that described with such joy and pleasure.”
“It’s frustrating that you can’t do anything about this right now.” I said running a hand through my hair. “It’s not your business until someone is either hurt or killed.”
“It’s tough but as law enforcers, we too, have to follow the law.” Donghoon replied. “Killing people is the worst kind of crime, but they are still human and they have their rights. Even if they are murderers.”
“To be honest, Hyunsik makes me so angry.” I said with a sigh. “But in a way, he also amazes me. Regardless of his methods, he managed to protect his rights using his own abilities. Even if that’s not such a good thing.”
“It’s nice to have something to protect.” I said into the phone after a moment. “Six years ago, I wouldn’t have said such a thing, the pain of losing Jaejoong still so raw. For that period of time, I had truly believed that I could go on without anything except Junsu. But now, things are different. I think I’ve become a stronger person because I have found someone that I want to protect at all costs.”
Leaning onto the balcony, I sighed and shut my eyes. Worry and anger were both eating at me. Worry for the safety of Junsu, Changmin and Yoochun and anger at Hyunsik for coming into our lives the way he did.
I felt powerless.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
“Just frustrated.” I huffed leaning back.
“About what Kang Hyunsik might do?” Junsu asked.
“Mostly that.” I answered. “I worry too.”
“About us?” Junsu guessed. “I know you do.”
“I do.” I admitted. “Su, I don’t want anything bad to happen to any of you. Especially Min.”
“I’m worried too, you know.” Junsu said with a hand on my shoulder. “But let’s not get ahead of ourselves okay?”
~
I ran through the empty streets chasing Jaejoong. No matter how fast I ran, I couldn’t seem to catch up to him. I panted trying to catch my breath finally noticing my surroundings.
All the streets and roads are eerily empty.
Jaejoong had stopped right in the middle of the highway. I ran again. His back was turned to me. Just as I was nearing him, the honking of a car pierced the silence. A car sped down the highway, its tires screeching as it lost control.
I knew where it was headed. I tried to shout but my voice wouldn’t come out. I still ran, but it felt like I was going in slow motion and yet the car was speeding towards Jaejoong at an alarming rate.
A few seconds before the speeding car crashed into Jaejoong, he started to turn towards me.
I gasped and shot up from bed. I was covered in cold sweat, heart racing. I looked at my shaking hands, trying to get my breathing under control.
A dream.
I clutched at my shirt right above my heart. A dream. It was only a dream.
I took a deep, calming breath. And then another.
It’s been five years since I’ve dreamt of Jaejoong’s accident.
~
I scrolled through my contacts to Changmin’s number, deciding to call him. Just to check. I’ve been having this nagging feeling all day and I just couldn’t help but not worry.
Something was wrong.
“Hello?”
“Yoochun?” I asked puzzled that he’d answered instead of Changmin.
“Oh, Yunho.” Yoochun said on the other line.
“Did something happen?” I asked my worry tripling. “Is Changmin with you?”
“We’re at the hospital.” Yoochun answered. “Changmin had an accident earlier.”
“Accident?” I asked horror seeping into my voice. “What happened? Is Changmin alright?”
“Changmin had slipped on the way down the stairs. He tried to catch himself but he landed badly on his left foot.” Yoochun replied. “Changmin’s sprained his ankle. He’ll be on crutches for two weeks according to the doctor.”
Even with knowing that Changmin was alright, I can’t bring myself to believe Yoochun’s words. I have to see Changmin with my own eyes.
“Which hospital are you in?” I asked.
---
YOOCHUN
“Yunho just called.” I said walking over to Changmin. Both of us were up on the hospital’s roof at Changmin’s request. “He’s coming to get us.”
“He didn’t have to.” Changmin said resting his elbows on the railing. “I think he’s worried.”
“He is.” I agreed. “He has a right to be. If the things between the two of you have progressed any.” I teased.
“Chun, I don’t - I…” Changmin sighed flushing.
“Yah. How long have you been pushing your feelings for him away?” I scolded. “Even I know you like him. I think he feels the same way.”
“I guess today is my lucky day.”
Kang Hyunsik stood before us, smirk on his face and a scalpel in his hand.
“I didn’t really want to do this, but it’s come to a point that it’s necessary.” Hyunsik said eyes dark and cold. “I don’t want Yunho-sunbae to get any more boring that he already is. And if it’s any consolation, Yoochun-sunbae, I don’t want the same for Junsu-sunbae as well.”
Changmin and I stood frozen in shock. I looked at Changmin. His face was pale but his fear didn’t show on his face. His hands gripped the railings tightly as if he’s trying to anchor himself. In a way he is, because his crutches were just beside him, leaning on the railings. But he can’t make any sudden moves.
I can’t say the same for myself. Fear was slowly but surely overtaking me. I moved a step back, placing myself in front of Changmin in an attempt to protect him.
“Why are you doing this?” I asked. We needed a distraction. I needed a weapon. I needed to grab one of Changmin’s crutches.
“Haven’t I told you already?” Hyunsik asked eyes glinting with malice. “You already know the answer.” He smirked. “And don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to do, Yoochun.”
I gasped hand frozen mid-reach. Only a couple of inches more and I would have grabbed one of Changmin’s crutches.
“You should keep your hands safe, Yoochun.” Hyunsik warned taking out something from behind him that glinted in the sunlight. It was a small silver surgical knife. He probably stole it. “You wouldn’t want to find yourself with several fingers missing, would you?” He taunted as he gripped the scalpel tighter.
“Why? Why would you do this to us? To Yunho and Junsu?” I asked again. “Why can’t you just leave us alone? We haven’t done anything to you!”
“Why?” Hyunsik echoed. “Because it’s fun.” He smiled. “Because Yunho is my drug. Because I’m addicted to him. Because I want him.”
Hyunsik raised his hand that held the scalpel. He eyed the sharp knife with a fond smile. A smile that sent shivers down my spine.
“I can just stab you both. I can also cut your fingers off, Yoochun. It’ll be a painful death though.” Hyunsik mused. “Or I can just push you over, Yoochun. It’d be a quick death. You wouldn’t have to suffer. Changmin will follow right after you.”
“You bastard!” Changmin yelled. “You’re crazy! I can’t believe you would kill us for some petty reason!”
“You don’t get it!” Hyunsik yelled glaring at Changmin. “I don’t want to kill you. Not really anyway.” He said. “I’ve already ended one life. I don’t need to add yours to my victims list. That won’t look good for me.”
“That Detective Baek that’s been visiting Yunho under the pretense of checking up on him, I know that he’s really after me.” Hyunsik walked towards us. “I don’t have any intentions of getting caught.”
“It’ll be just a nuisance for me if I have to deal with those shrinks and their useless counceling sessions.” Hyunsik continued. “No one but Yunho can truly understand me. The two of you are just a temporary reprieve. Yunho must return back to his true self. He’ll be able to do just that after I kill Junsu as well.”
“The only way to achieve that is with your deaths.” Hyunsik smirked. He was only three feet from us and the knife was still pointed towards us as he talked.
“Yunho won’t change even if you kill us.” Changmin said. “He will never be someone he’s not. He’ll never be as bad a person as you!”
Hyunsik laughed clearly amused by Changmin’s words.
“I wonder what will happen.” Hyunsik mused.
Hyunsik suddenly rushed forward. He grabbed my hand and held the blade to my neck. In the short seconds of that happening he’d managed to knock Changmin over away from his crutches.
“I may look the way I do, Yoochun, but I’m still a man.” Hyunsik said in a deadly voice. “I know I’m stronger than you.”
Eyes widening at the implications of his words I started to struggle. I managed to get a hand on his chest and a knee in position before I pushed him away with all the strength I could manage.
Staggering back, Hyunsik laughed again. I ran to Changmin’s side and helped him up.
“I’m surprised.” Hyunsik smiled. “I didn’t know you had this much strength, especially after what you’d gone through.”
“What are you -” I started to say.
“I always do my homework.” Hyunsik answered. “I know all there is to know about Yunho and Junsu. But I also know everything about you.”
I froze.
No. Please no.
“Do Yunho and Junsu know?” Hyunsik asked. My face paled as my knees buckled. Hyunsik chuckled. “Judging by your reaction, I’m guessing they don’t know anything.”
“Damn you!” Changmin yelled charging at Hyunsik. “You bastard!” he shouted grabbing Hyunsik’s shirt.
“I’m surprised that you haven’t killed yourself yet, Yoochun, after experiencing something as horrible as that.” Hyunsik taunted. “I’m surprised you haven’t done the killing yourself, Changmin, after witnessing the torture Yoochun had gone through.” He added smirking at Changmin.
I gasped as hot tears ran down my face. I had wrapped my arms around myself as my body shook.
“Don’t listen to him hyung!” Changmin said looking at me.
“You’ve forgotten who’s truly got the upper hand here, Changmin.” Hyunsik said as he held the knife at Changmin’s neck. Changmin released his hold on Hyunsik immediately. “There we go. You’re very obedient aren’t you?” he mocked. He tilted the knife just so and the edge nicked Changmin’s neck. “I wonder how long it will take for you to bleed to death if I slit your throat right now.”
“Min!” I gasped.
“Move and my hand might just slip.” Hyunsik threatened.
“Hyunsik-sshi stop this!” I cried out.
---
one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten
eleven | twelve | thirteen | fourteen | fifteen | sixteen | seventeen | eighteen | nineteen | twenty | twenty-one | twenty-two | twenty-three | twenty-four | twenty-five | twenty-six | twenty-seven | twenty-eight
Pairing: Yoochun/Junsu, Yunho/Jaejoong, Yunho/Changmin
Rating: PG-15 to NC-17 (for some parts)
Genre: fluff, angst, romance
Length: 29/?
Warning(s): violence, some language, mentions of harassment and rape, some bullying
Summary:
You are the light that's leading me to the place
Where I find peace again
You are the strength that keeps me walking
You are the hope that keeps me trusting
You are the life to my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything
A/N: hi guys, if i still got readers~^^ i know i said i'd have a short break, but things got pretty busy during the holidays last year up until now... actually, i just sneaked in here to post a chapter and i don't know when i'll be able to post again... hopefully next week? i don't know... we'll see. i still have to write though. ^^
so... here goes. ^^ happy reading~
-29-
Interlude: YUNHO
“Donghoon-sshi, how long are you planning on just keeping watch?” I asked. “How long do you plan on leaving him free to do as he wishes?”
“You and I both know that Kang Hyunsik should be locked up.” I continued. “I have a feeling that he’ll do something soon.”
“Did something happen?” Donghoon asked concern lacing his voice.
“Nothing yet.” I answered. “But he’s been going out of his way to cross paths with me.” And my family, Changmin and Yoochun. I finished in my mind. “He really did kill his own brother. He planned it meticulously.”
“Did he admit to it himself?” Donghoon asked.
“Not in those exact words.” I replied. “But he did reminisce about it like it’s one of his fondest memories. It’s unsettling hearing something like that described with such joy and pleasure.”
“It’s frustrating that you can’t do anything about this right now.” I said running a hand through my hair. “It’s not your business until someone is either hurt or killed.”
“It’s tough but as law enforcers, we too, have to follow the law.” Donghoon replied. “Killing people is the worst kind of crime, but they are still human and they have their rights. Even if they are murderers.”
“To be honest, Hyunsik makes me so angry.” I said with a sigh. “But in a way, he also amazes me. Regardless of his methods, he managed to protect his rights using his own abilities. Even if that’s not such a good thing.”
“It’s nice to have something to protect.” I said into the phone after a moment. “Six years ago, I wouldn’t have said such a thing, the pain of losing Jaejoong still so raw. For that period of time, I had truly believed that I could go on without anything except Junsu. But now, things are different. I think I’ve become a stronger person because I have found someone that I want to protect at all costs.”
Leaning onto the balcony, I sighed and shut my eyes. Worry and anger were both eating at me. Worry for the safety of Junsu, Changmin and Yoochun and anger at Hyunsik for coming into our lives the way he did.
I felt powerless.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
“Just frustrated.” I huffed leaning back.
“About what Kang Hyunsik might do?” Junsu asked.
“Mostly that.” I answered. “I worry too.”
“About us?” Junsu guessed. “I know you do.”
“I do.” I admitted. “Su, I don’t want anything bad to happen to any of you. Especially Min.”
“I’m worried too, you know.” Junsu said with a hand on my shoulder. “But let’s not get ahead of ourselves okay?”
~
I ran through the empty streets chasing Jaejoong. No matter how fast I ran, I couldn’t seem to catch up to him. I panted trying to catch my breath finally noticing my surroundings.
All the streets and roads are eerily empty.
Jaejoong had stopped right in the middle of the highway. I ran again. His back was turned to me. Just as I was nearing him, the honking of a car pierced the silence. A car sped down the highway, its tires screeching as it lost control.
I knew where it was headed. I tried to shout but my voice wouldn’t come out. I still ran, but it felt like I was going in slow motion and yet the car was speeding towards Jaejoong at an alarming rate.
A few seconds before the speeding car crashed into Jaejoong, he started to turn towards me.
I gasped and shot up from bed. I was covered in cold sweat, heart racing. I looked at my shaking hands, trying to get my breathing under control.
A dream.
I clutched at my shirt right above my heart. A dream. It was only a dream.
I took a deep, calming breath. And then another.
It’s been five years since I’ve dreamt of Jaejoong’s accident.
~
I scrolled through my contacts to Changmin’s number, deciding to call him. Just to check. I’ve been having this nagging feeling all day and I just couldn’t help but not worry.
Something was wrong.
“Hello?”
“Yoochun?” I asked puzzled that he’d answered instead of Changmin.
“Oh, Yunho.” Yoochun said on the other line.
“Did something happen?” I asked my worry tripling. “Is Changmin with you?”
“We’re at the hospital.” Yoochun answered. “Changmin had an accident earlier.”
“Accident?” I asked horror seeping into my voice. “What happened? Is Changmin alright?”
“Changmin had slipped on the way down the stairs. He tried to catch himself but he landed badly on his left foot.” Yoochun replied. “Changmin’s sprained his ankle. He’ll be on crutches for two weeks according to the doctor.”
Even with knowing that Changmin was alright, I can’t bring myself to believe Yoochun’s words. I have to see Changmin with my own eyes.
“Which hospital are you in?” I asked.
---
YOOCHUN
“Yunho just called.” I said walking over to Changmin. Both of us were up on the hospital’s roof at Changmin’s request. “He’s coming to get us.”
“He didn’t have to.” Changmin said resting his elbows on the railing. “I think he’s worried.”
“He is.” I agreed. “He has a right to be. If the things between the two of you have progressed any.” I teased.
“Chun, I don’t - I…” Changmin sighed flushing.
“Yah. How long have you been pushing your feelings for him away?” I scolded. “Even I know you like him. I think he feels the same way.”
“I guess today is my lucky day.”
Kang Hyunsik stood before us, smirk on his face and a scalpel in his hand.
“I didn’t really want to do this, but it’s come to a point that it’s necessary.” Hyunsik said eyes dark and cold. “I don’t want Yunho-sunbae to get any more boring that he already is. And if it’s any consolation, Yoochun-sunbae, I don’t want the same for Junsu-sunbae as well.”
Changmin and I stood frozen in shock. I looked at Changmin. His face was pale but his fear didn’t show on his face. His hands gripped the railings tightly as if he’s trying to anchor himself. In a way he is, because his crutches were just beside him, leaning on the railings. But he can’t make any sudden moves.
I can’t say the same for myself. Fear was slowly but surely overtaking me. I moved a step back, placing myself in front of Changmin in an attempt to protect him.
“Why are you doing this?” I asked. We needed a distraction. I needed a weapon. I needed to grab one of Changmin’s crutches.
“Haven’t I told you already?” Hyunsik asked eyes glinting with malice. “You already know the answer.” He smirked. “And don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to do, Yoochun.”
I gasped hand frozen mid-reach. Only a couple of inches more and I would have grabbed one of Changmin’s crutches.
“You should keep your hands safe, Yoochun.” Hyunsik warned taking out something from behind him that glinted in the sunlight. It was a small silver surgical knife. He probably stole it. “You wouldn’t want to find yourself with several fingers missing, would you?” He taunted as he gripped the scalpel tighter.
“Why? Why would you do this to us? To Yunho and Junsu?” I asked again. “Why can’t you just leave us alone? We haven’t done anything to you!”
“Why?” Hyunsik echoed. “Because it’s fun.” He smiled. “Because Yunho is my drug. Because I’m addicted to him. Because I want him.”
Hyunsik raised his hand that held the scalpel. He eyed the sharp knife with a fond smile. A smile that sent shivers down my spine.
“I can just stab you both. I can also cut your fingers off, Yoochun. It’ll be a painful death though.” Hyunsik mused. “Or I can just push you over, Yoochun. It’d be a quick death. You wouldn’t have to suffer. Changmin will follow right after you.”
“You bastard!” Changmin yelled. “You’re crazy! I can’t believe you would kill us for some petty reason!”
“You don’t get it!” Hyunsik yelled glaring at Changmin. “I don’t want to kill you. Not really anyway.” He said. “I’ve already ended one life. I don’t need to add yours to my victims list. That won’t look good for me.”
“That Detective Baek that’s been visiting Yunho under the pretense of checking up on him, I know that he’s really after me.” Hyunsik walked towards us. “I don’t have any intentions of getting caught.”
“It’ll be just a nuisance for me if I have to deal with those shrinks and their useless counceling sessions.” Hyunsik continued. “No one but Yunho can truly understand me. The two of you are just a temporary reprieve. Yunho must return back to his true self. He’ll be able to do just that after I kill Junsu as well.”
“The only way to achieve that is with your deaths.” Hyunsik smirked. He was only three feet from us and the knife was still pointed towards us as he talked.
“Yunho won’t change even if you kill us.” Changmin said. “He will never be someone he’s not. He’ll never be as bad a person as you!”
Hyunsik laughed clearly amused by Changmin’s words.
“I wonder what will happen.” Hyunsik mused.
Hyunsik suddenly rushed forward. He grabbed my hand and held the blade to my neck. In the short seconds of that happening he’d managed to knock Changmin over away from his crutches.
“I may look the way I do, Yoochun, but I’m still a man.” Hyunsik said in a deadly voice. “I know I’m stronger than you.”
Eyes widening at the implications of his words I started to struggle. I managed to get a hand on his chest and a knee in position before I pushed him away with all the strength I could manage.
Staggering back, Hyunsik laughed again. I ran to Changmin’s side and helped him up.
“I’m surprised.” Hyunsik smiled. “I didn’t know you had this much strength, especially after what you’d gone through.”
“What are you -” I started to say.
“I always do my homework.” Hyunsik answered. “I know all there is to know about Yunho and Junsu. But I also know everything about you.”
I froze.
No. Please no.
“Do Yunho and Junsu know?” Hyunsik asked. My face paled as my knees buckled. Hyunsik chuckled. “Judging by your reaction, I’m guessing they don’t know anything.”
“Damn you!” Changmin yelled charging at Hyunsik. “You bastard!” he shouted grabbing Hyunsik’s shirt.
“I’m surprised that you haven’t killed yourself yet, Yoochun, after experiencing something as horrible as that.” Hyunsik taunted. “I’m surprised you haven’t done the killing yourself, Changmin, after witnessing the torture Yoochun had gone through.” He added smirking at Changmin.
I gasped as hot tears ran down my face. I had wrapped my arms around myself as my body shook.
“Don’t listen to him hyung!” Changmin said looking at me.
“You’ve forgotten who’s truly got the upper hand here, Changmin.” Hyunsik said as he held the knife at Changmin’s neck. Changmin released his hold on Hyunsik immediately. “There we go. You’re very obedient aren’t you?” he mocked. He tilted the knife just so and the edge nicked Changmin’s neck. “I wonder how long it will take for you to bleed to death if I slit your throat right now.”
“Min!” I gasped.
“Move and my hand might just slip.” Hyunsik threatened.
“Hyunsik-sshi stop this!” I cried out.
---
one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten
eleven | twelve | thirteen | fourteen | fifteen | sixteen | seventeen | eighteen | nineteen | twenty | twenty-one | twenty-two | twenty-three | twenty-four | twenty-five | twenty-six | twenty-seven | twenty-eight