enigmaxempress: And We're Halfway There (Part 1/3)

[iasfm]

Title: And We’re Halfway There (Take My Hand and We’ll Make It)
Author: enigmaxempress
Pairing/Focus: Yunho/Changmin/Jaejoong (and variations of the three)
Rating: NC-17
Final Word Count: 29,743
Summary: They don’t mind him, but Kim Jaejoong can’t be ignored. Not that he purposefully calls attention to himself, just that you can’t not look. There’s just something about him you can’t help but stop and stare at, three seconds of your life thrown away gaping but…
It’s three seconds that don’t feel like a waste at all.

I.

Rather than being the new kid, Jaejoong is that kid. Silent, but popular; beautiful, unapproachable-in short: unattainable. For the most part they don't mind him, illustrious as he is, too wrapped up in their own world-in each other-to bother with anyone else. They're average, not nobody but not anyone in particular, just two students part of a bigger mass.

They don't mind him, but Kim Jaejoong can't be ignored. Not that he purposefully calls attention to himself, just that you can't not look. There's just something about him you can't help but stop and stare at, three seconds of your life thrown away gaping but...

It's three seconds that don't feel like a waste at all.

--

Changmin's smart, always has been, and it's why he tutors 4th year calculus despite being two grades below. And whilst that would usually call for taunts and whispers behind his back, it's never been a problem before. Truth is, no one cares that he's a mathematical genius. At least no one did-until Kim Jaejoong anyway.

The head of the math department comes to ask him personally, saying that she'd like for all the seniors to graduate but Jaejoong won't unless Changmin can do something about it. Their first session is awkward but not unproductive. Jaejoong isn't stupid just...uninterested.

Changmin thinks he can fix that.

He explains everything concisely, as short and as easy as functions and limits will ever get. The older boy gets it after two or three tries, struggling with only a few problems here and there but only because of petty mistakes easily avoided. It makes Changmin wonder why he needs a tutor in the first place.

As they leave the library earlier than expected, Jaejoong smiles and offers to buy him a soda at the mini market just across the school. It's Kim fucking Jaejoong and Changmin can't say no. They share laughs and trade a sarcastic comment or two before parting ways.

As Changmin walks in the direction of his home, he can't help but think this could be the start of a wonderful friendship.

--

Yunho sees him in the hallways and sticks close to the walls when he passes by because Kim Jaejoong walks like he owns the very ground they walk on. Yunho finds it kind of funny how the others just make way for Jaejoong and his friends, smiling and laughing at them and probably completely unaware of what they're doing. It's even funnier when he realizes he's doing it too.

But it's obvious why they do it: Jaejoong isn't ugly, and neither does he surround himself with hideous looking people.

It's a little shallow of course, to want to be liked and acknowledged by the beautiful people, but Yunho is only human and susceptible to shallow wants. So when he finds out that Changmin gets to tutor Kim Jaejoong, Yunho is apprehensive but ultimately pleased. After all, it's Kim fucking Jaejoong-who could say no?

He feels kind of dumb for asking, but Yunho can't seem to stop the myriad of questions racing through his head. They range from the obvious (What was he like?), to the embarrassing (Did he smell nice?). To save both him and Changmin from the awkwardness bound to ensue, Yunho settles for, "How was it?"

Yunho expects a lot from Changmin, because the younger boy has a knack for detail, a memory chip seemingly installed in his head for all the little things people do that they aren't aware of. Yunho isn't disappointed. He answers most of Yunho's unvoiced questions (His face looks mean, but when he opens his mouth, the funniest things come out) and then some (his favorite food, singers he likes the most, his closest childhood friend) -Yunho is suddenly privy to it all.

What he doesn't expect is Changmin's enthusiasm in the telling. There's a spark in his eyes and a smile on his face, things Yunho is used to seeing because he's usually the reason for them. He isn't this time and it irks him. Changmin doesn't take well to new people, often preferring to go off by himself than to mingle with others. It doesn't bother him too much-Changmin is also human, after all and susceptible to the same shallow wants-but still.

Yunho thinks he should be more careful anyway.

II.

"So... Movie again this weekend?" Yunho smiles, happy at how his heart skips when Changmin lifts a brow in a mock frown.

"But we just saw one today...?"

"That's what the 'again' was for. You up for it?" Yunho grins shamelessly, shooting Changmin with his sleaziest smile. He ends up nearly face-planting off his bed, catching himself with a hand on the bedside table but falling off anyway. "Hey!"

Changmin rolls his eyes and sprawls more comfortably across the space Yunho's vacated. "Were you trying to seduce me? Because that was a very lame attempt at seduction."

"And if I am?" Yunho ignore the latter barb, choosing to kneel gingerly beside the bed. With his chin in one hand he walks fingers up Changmin's arm with the other, feathering them up his neck and across his cheek, doubling back to Changmin's mouth. They stay there, brushing gently at one corner of Changmin's lower lip. The look in his eyes is far from gentle and he feels Changmin shiver under his stare, though his face doesn't belie the fact.

"Try harder." Changmin answers, expression still skeptical. He turns his face, catching the tip of Yunho's fingers between his teeth and daring Yunho to do something about how he nips at the soft pads.

Yunho doesn't take the bait. "I'm serious, you know?" he says quietly, somber, even if the heat in his eyes doesn't dissipate. Yunho isn't just talking about seduction.

"I know," Changmin replies simply, but the conviction behind his words is decidedly lacking. Yunho leans over to remedy that, to put action to his words in the only way he hasn't.

He kisses Changmin like he always does-sincerely, eagerly, like it'll never be enough-but adds a heat to it that he hadn't before. He lets Changmin taste his urgency, the searing want always just behind his good intentions. It's been there for a while now, but Yunho's never been the type to just fuck and go. He's tried it a few times and-whilst those experiences were certainly enjoyable-they always seemed to leave him feeling...vacant. He doesn't want that with Changmin, realized ages ago that Changmin would always be something more than just a dongsaeng, a friend or a brother. It's why Yunho's never pushed for more than a kiss and a touch. He doesn't want to lose what he's so sure few people ever find.

"I thought you'd never ask," Changmin breathes raggedly when their mouths part.

"I didn't say anything," Yunho answers, hands tight where they grip Changmin's shirt. His heart's racing like a wild thing in his chest; he sincerely hopes he isn't the only one feeling this way.

Changmin shrugs. "Semantics," he says, and pulls Yunho to him. Yunho scrambles onto the mattress.

"Wait, are we-?"

"We are."

"But-"

"What?"

"I didn't mean now."

"When then?"

Yunho tries not to gape, slightly scandalized. He'd only meant it as a suggestion, something to talk about first, to consider and work towards-not do the moment he'd made the idea known. "When? Shouldn't we talk about this first?"

"I think I get the general concept of sex, hyung, even if it's between guys." Changmin scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Are the lube and condoms in your underwear drawer just for decoration?"

Yunho's eyes go wide. "When did you-"

"I didn't." Changmin grins cheekily. "But doesn't everyone keep it there? It's very unoriginal."

Yunho laughs, first out of exasperation, then real humor. Changmin's face degenerates into a scowl, realizing that this is as far as they'll get today. They've already had a few hits-and-misses and Yunho is sorry, but not quite. "Soon," Yunho promises with a kiss to Changmin's cheek. He can't help but smile at Changmin's bleak expression.

"How soon is 'soon'?" he asks in a huff but doesn't complain when Yunho stretches out on the bed next to him.

"Soon," Yunho repeats, fondly watching Changmin's brows furrow. He's content to do that for a minute or two, amused at the many of thoughts making their way onto Changmin's face. He's an expert now at keeping his hands to himself, hiding how they itch to reach out and touch Changmin's skin. It's harder these days though, and Yunho knows 'soon' is definitely going to be soon. "Don't you have to tutor today?"

Changmin abruptly sits up, eyes flying to the clock on Yunho's bedside table. "Crap!" he exclaims, climbing over Yunho and jumping off the bed. "I'm late."

"Don't hurt yourself now," Yunho chuckles when Changmin trips on one of his stray drink bottles. "A little eager, aren't we?" Yunho lifts a brow high enough for Changmin to pause in the scramble for his things and consider the weight behind Yunho's words.

"Only for you." He answers, skirting over empty bottles to the bed and making a big show of kissing Yunho loudly on the mouth in a rare display of affection. "But I have an erection you refuse to do anything about, so you're not exactly my favorite person right now."

"It's not that I don't want to, Changmin-"

"Don't worry about it," the younger boy interrupts with a smile. "You want it to be special. I get it. Corny, and not exactly my style, but I do understand. Did I mention Jaejoong hyung buys me food?"

"Changmin-"

"No, really, I get it. I do, hyung," Changmin insists, swinging his book bag over one shoulder. "Just... soon, okay?"

All Yunho can do is nod, waving Changmin off with a halfhearted smile and a heavy sigh afterwards. He flops onto his back on the mattress, staring up at the ceiling not entirely happy with himself. He could have done that better. While he realizes that Changmin was just teasing, and he really did understand, Yunho can't help but feel that maybe he's stupid for wanting to be a little more careful.

It's not like either of them are in danger of getting pregnant. He's always used condoms in the past, so Yunho figures he's relatively clean. Changmin's a virgin, so no problem there. But Yunho always hesitates, a split second of thinking twice, then ends up doing nothing at all.

Yunho loves Changmin and he's pretty sure the feeling is mutual.

So what exactly is he waiting for?

--

"For someone who doesn't care much for school, you do good work," Changmin observes, examining the latest of Jaejoong's practice problems with a satisfied look.

Jaejoong shrugs nonchalantly. "What can I say," he drawls, "I'm... inspired."

"By what?" Changmin asks, sipping on the long straw of his soda, courtesy of Jaejoong. The nearly comical look of skepticism that accompanies the action is enough for Jaejoong to ignore Changmin's obvious sarcasm-for now.

"Many things," Jaejoong responds vaguely, watching the straw disappear into Changmin's mouth. It makes him thirsty. "Out with the old, and in with the new," he adds, stabbing at a piece of Changmin's pizza, also courtesy of himself.

"What's old?"

"You ask a lot of questions, don't you?" Jaejoong says, smiling. "For someone so smart, you're pretty dumb. Or dense. I can't really decide right now."

"I only ask a lot of questions when someone says something I don't understand." Changmin answers, a little miffed. "Like that last one. I know a hyung who's dense. Compared to him, I'm not dense."

"Well, maybe you're spending a little too much time with him, because I think it's rubbing off," Jaejoong teases. He has about three seconds to wait for the inevitable sting as Changmin reaches across the table and hits him right on the shoulder. "Hey! I bought you food!"

"What-ow!-you're eating it too!" Changmin exclaims when Jaejoong retaliates. Changmin's busy rubbing at his sore arm when Jaejoong makes a grab for his plate, lifting it up and behind him. But he underestimates the length of Changmin's limbs because all Changmin has to do is stand and lean over the table to wrap fingers around Jaejoong's wrist. "Hyung, this is very immature behavior!"

"Says the guy prying off my hand over pizza." Jaejoong comments, as he goes for Changmin's side, aiming determined fingers at his ribs. Changmin bursts into laughter at the underhanded attack, but persists at his own struggle for the plate in Jaejoong's hand.

"Let go already," Changmin says, inching Jaejoong's arms towards him in a display of strength that makes Jaejoong glad he puts so much effort into lifting dumbbells. He resists admirably, intending to put an end to their little ruckus with well-aimed fingers straight at Changmin's diaphragm. "Oof!"

Jaejoong dodges quickly as Changmin half topples onto the table, elbows smacking painfully onto the wood. It upsets their drinks, upending the glasses and it's only through Jaejoong's quick thinking that the rest of their pizza is saved. "Oh, shit," Jaejoong mutters under his breath when Changmin glares at him with slits for eyes. "At least the pizza's safe?"

Jaejoong's sure there's a growl, a rumble of anger that Changmin emits as some sort of warning and Jaejoong tenses as he waits for the inevitable assault. He's a little surprised when it doesn't come.

"Excuse me...?"

Jaejoong finds himself staring into familiar brown eyes, relief warring with a painful sting at the sight of his savior. "Hey Junsu," Jaejoong says with eyes on Changmin, who's righted himself but still glaring. He doesn't move just yet, just in case Changmin decides to disregard present company and lunge for him again. "Sorry about the uh..." he gestures to the mess of spilled drinks and disturbed table.

"It's fine. As long as there isn't a problem?" Junsu asks, eying Changmin's vindictive stare warily even as he reaches for the rag attached to his apron. Jaejoong helps, lifting tableware out of the way of Junsu's ministrations, signaling for Changmin to do the same.

"There isn't," Changmin answers, ignoring Jaejoong. "We were just playing around and it got a little out of hand." He looks distastefully down at his soiled clothes, soda and bits of pizza coloring what used to be one of his better shirts. "I'm going to clean myself up."

"You go do that," Jaejoong says as Changmin scoots out of their booth and walks none too quietly towards the restroom. "Sorry-again-about this," he says to Junsu who just shakes his head.

"Over enthusiastic customers. I'm used to it." Junsu replies with his usual bright smile. "You come here often with him." Junsu nods in the direction Changmin disappeared to. "Is he...?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Jaejoong suddenly doesn't feel like helping. "But that's really none of your business now, is it, Junsu?"

"Just asking." Junsu shrugs, busying himself with his task. He isn't fast enough. Jaejoong spies the little jolt at his rejection before it can disappear behind Junsu's ready smile. Resentment and a perverse kind of pleasure unfurls within him at the bit of pain he's caused. "Yoochun's been looking for you. He's wondering why you don't come over anymore."

"I bet you don't," Jaejoong says, feeling mean. "You're probably ecstatic."

Junsu abruptly stops cleaning up; Jaejoong's tone makes him uneasy. "Hyung, I thought we all agreed we'd stay friends."

"No, you guys agreed," Jaejoong counters, "No one ever asked me. Don't worry though-" his eyes settle somewhere behind Junsu, "-I've got other things to keep me occupied."

Junsu follows his line of sight, to Changmin who's just stepped out of the men's room in an undershirt, soiled button-down folded haphazardly in one hand. "I see." Junsu murmurs, completely misunderstanding. Jaejoong makes no effort to correct him.

"Good. Sorry for the mess. We'll be taking this to go." He hands over the rest of the uneaten pizza and gives his best smile while he sends Junsu on his way.

"Your face is ugly." Changmin remarks coldly as he approaches. A scowl seems to have etched itself permanently onto his face.

"Oh, but not as ugly as yours right now." Jaejoong doesn't dodge this time, taking it like a man when the imminent fist connects with his shoulder. He figures he owes Changmin a few more pizzas, and not just for the stained shirt. "Here," he hands Changmin his hoodie. "Might be a little big around the shoulders, but I'm buying you more food next time, so you aren't allowed to complain."

"You'd better." Changmin grumbles, taking the jacket. "I'm going to need something to do while you redo those." He points at the ruined stack of papers, soaked in soda. Jaejoong groans loudly, already wishing he could take back his words. Changmin is a different kind of evil he can't compete with.

Their pizza comes back in a box and Jaejoong is glad it's no longer Junsu who brings it. It's a waitress this time, a cute girl in pigtails, side-swept bangs, and a skirt that's a little too short. The girl smiles brightly at him, eyes shining in a reaction he's gotten used to when interacting with the opposite sex. Jaejoong indulges her because he knows that somewhere, Junsu is watching.

On their way out, Jaejoong spies Junsu from behind the cash register, following them with his eyes. Jaejoong casually slings an arm around Changmin's shoulder and ushers him out the door. It'll earn him another bruise, but Jaejoong thinks the momentary satisfaction is worth it.

He doesn't even have to look back to know what put the frown on Junsu's face.

--

The silence is decidedly awkward as Yunho waits for the answer to his request, the whir of the air conditioning and various household appliances loud in the quiet of the living room. There is a look of careful consideration on his father's face while he ruminates over Yunho's words, his furrowed brow along with the occasional sigh only adding to Yunho's anxiety. He's already sitting so rigidly his muscles ache from the strain.

"I'll have to discuss this with your mother," his father says after a while. "Moving out is serious business. There are a lot of things to consider, like rent and family responsibilities you shouldn't neglect. But the biggest issue is going to be what it is you can do out there-somewhere else-that you can't do here, at home."

"I know, dad, but it's something I've been thinking about for a while now." Yunho exhales, finally letting out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. It's not a 'yes', but it isn't a blatant 'no.'

"I understand why you may want to move out, so I'll broach the subject with your mother and we'll talk about it as a family soon."

"Thank you." Yunho stands, bowing deeply in his father's direction. He's grateful for the consideration, even if the final verdict has yet to be reached.

His father claps him on the shoulder, a smile pulling the lined corners of his mouth. "You're welcome," he says, and leaves Yunho to his thoughts.

He's relieved-disgustingly so-that he wasn't completely shot down. Yunho wants to do things his own way and learn to stand on his own feet, and though his family is far from burdensome, there are things Yunho wants to experience on his own. But he's hopelessly attached to his family and would rather not upset their delicate balance with his want for independence. That the idea is under consideration and not wholly trashed is more than enough for now. There's no rush; he's got a few more months before graduation, then the summer afterwards to change his mind.

The possibilities have him excited however, and Yunho can't wait to share the news. He doesn't know exactly how Changmin will take the idea of him moving away, but he's sure the response won't be entirely negative. He pokes his head into his father's study to inform him he'll be out, doing the same when he meets his mother coming in through the front door on his way out. She reminds him to be home for dinner, to which Yunho agrees, though he does say he might be late. Changmin always finds ways to distract him and Yunho predicts that today won't be any different.

The walk to Changmin's is relatively short, ten minutes at a run and twenty at a brisk walk. Yunho's in no particular hurry but finds himself preparing to run in degrees. His feet hit the pavement faster and faster, fueled by adrenaline, whipping the wind through his hair as he speeds by one house after the other. By the time he gets to Changmin's open drive, Yunho's gasping for oxygen but there's a pleasant buzz that accompanies the ache of his deprived lungs. He's broken into a mild sweat and takes care to wipe it away before ringing Changmin's doorbell. It's done mostly out of courtesy, since he's here so often he's practically a part of the family. The door opens to a surprised looking Changmin.

"You are way too pleased to see me," Changmin observes, referring to the wide grin Yunho can't hide as he steps into the house.

"It isn't mutual?" Yunho asks, bending over to unlace his sneakers and set them aside in a designated cabinet. "Where is everybody?" Changmin's house is uncommonly quiet, the usual commotion of two younger sisters obviously absent, even in the foyer.

"Dinner," Changmin says, making a face. "They're eating out without me because I was supposed to tutor today. But I'm not anymore since Jaejoong hyung called right before you showed up and said he couldn't make it. So maybe I'm pleased to see you."

"Lucky me." Yunho says and follows Changmin into the kitchen.

"Just you," Changmin grumbles, peering at the wrapped dishes his mother prepared especially for him and any guests while they were out. "I'm missing out on quality Japanese cuisine. You want some?"

"Later," Yunho declines with a shake of his head. Changmin shrugs but agrees, putting the food away for later. "At least you get to spend the time with me?"

"Is that supposed to be a good thing?" Changmin asks, trying to be sarcastic but it's contradicted by a slight twitch at a corner of his mouth.

"Could be," Yunho says vaguely, even if the look in his eyes is very clear. He knows a good opportunity when presented with one and-this time-won't let it pass.

"Don't tease, hyung," Changmin says with an arched brow and a roll of his eyes. "I'm not really in the mood to be teased." He pulls at the hem of his t-shirt in a restless, probably unconscious manner. "What'd you come here for anyway? You didn't even call to say you were coming."

"I talked to my dad today," Yunho starts, sitting on the stool next to where Changmin leans on the small island in the middle of the kitchen. He has to look up when he continues. "I told him about wanting to move out."

"You're really serious about that?" Changmin asks, surprise evident on his face. Yunho nods. "What'd he say?"

Yunho shrugs. "Just an idea for now, but it's in the works."

"So you're moving away. Great. How exciting." Changmin says flatly, expressionless.

"Don't be too enthusiastic." Yunho says, bristling a bit. He realizes this is a touchy subject but thinks that Changmin's reaction is-for the moment-unwarranted.

"Am I supposed to be happy that you're moving away? I'm allowed to dislike this."

"Well, no, not exactly." Yunho shifts uncomfortably on the stool. "But don't hate it just yet. Nothing's set in stone."

"That really doesn't help me feel better." It's said in a semblance of Changmin's usual snark, but the words come out harsher and a little angrier to be dismissed as some sardonic comment.

"Hey..." he touches Changmin's hip, tentatively at first, gauging Changmin's reaction. His expression remains void, but he doesn't move away. "It's not like this is new, right? We've talked about this before."

"We have. I just-I never thought you were serious about it." He doesn't resist when Yunho pulls him a little closer, chin upturned to look at him, soothing hand rubbing at the small of his back. "Then today you show up, unexpected, looking all happy about it and-I don't know. How am I supposed to react?"

Yunho pulls Changmin against him, laying his temple against Changmin's sternum, close enough to listen to the loud beating of his heart. "This is fine. It's how you really feel. I get that. Just...don't hate the idea just yet."

"What's there to like about it?" The words come out sounding like a rumble, tickling Yunho's ear.

"The possibilities for one." Yunho lifts his head, trying for shameless when he grins. "I'd have my own place. And you could come over. Maybe even sleep over. All the time." He wiggles his brows in his attempt at looking sleazy, knows he fails horribly at it, but is proud nonetheless because the twitch is back at the corner of Changmin's mouth.

"Really now?" Changmin asks skeptically. "And what would I be doing there 'all the time'? Playing video games?" the threat of laughter apparently doesn't put a damper on his sarcasm. Yunho sees another opportunity for the taking.

"We could, if you want but..." his hands find their way under Changmin's shirt, tracing the skin along the waistband of his jeans. "I was thinking of something... more physical rather than virtual."

"Teasing again?" Changmin says, sounding annoyed, but a new firmness presses against Yunho's stomach that says otherwise. "If this is supposed to make me feel better about you moving away-"

"It's not." He stands and it immediately becomes apparent that Changmin isn't the only sporting a growing erection. "You know how I said soon?"

"Yeah?"

"That would be today." Yunho is close enough to see Changmin's nostrils flair, for his eyes to shift into surprise at the words. Yunho would know regardless, because the same things are happening to him. His heart beats twice as fast, breathing just a little ragged. Awareness nearly crackles between them, and it's only right to close the short distance. Lips first, then their bodies, and the sound of wood scraping against tile as they push and pull against each other. It's a trivial sound compared to the rush of blood in his ears, but it's just enough to remind Yunho of where they are. "Kitchen?"

Changmin pulls back, breath ragged, and thinking almost the exact same thing. "No," he says with a shake of his. "Let's go somewhere we can do this horizontal."

"Preferably. Do you have - ?"

"Bought them ages ago." Changmin says over his shoulder, pulling Yunho out of the kitchen and hurriedly up the stairs.

"Always so eager," Yunho chuckles, matching Changmin step for step.

"Nope, just very well prepared," Changmin retorts. "I honestly thought we'd get to this part faster," he adds striding into his room, barely minding the door in his haste. "I hadn't counted on you being a gentleman."

"Well, I'm sticking around, aren't I? It's a good trade if you ask me."

"We'll see," Changmin snorts, unbuckling his pants and starting on his jeans in record time. "If you made me wait this long and aren't any good at it-"

"I'm good. Trust me," Yunho says, stilling the rush of Changmin's hands. "Let's at least start this off slowly. Once things get going, they might not be able to stop at all."

"No time," Changmin answers, pulling off his shirt while Yunho works on his zipper. "Eating doesn't usually take very long. They might come back any minute. If we don't get to do anything again-"

"Slow. Down." Yunho's pulled Changmin roughly against him, enough for him to feel Changmin's erection and for Changmin to feel his. He looks Changmin in the eye as he slips both hands into Changmin's underwear, hooking his thumbs on the waistband and pulling down, relieving Changmin of boxers and jeans simultaneously. "Better?" he asks when the clothes pool around Changmin's thighs, exposing his cock.

"Y-yeah," Changmin gasps as Yunho wraps fingers around the base and tries a tentative stroke and chokes on an inhale when Yunho strokes more firmly. "Definitely better."

Yunho can only nod, his mouth suddenly dry at the reality of Changmin's cock in his hands. They've touched each other before-that was unavoidable-but there had always been clothes in between, time constraints, and Yunho's own hesitation in the way. They never got very far. But right now there are barely any clothes, the time constraint only seems to make things hotter and Yunho's hesitation is so silent it might not have existed at all.

"Condoms?" Yunho asks, stepping back and taking his hand with him. He needs a moment to control his breathing if he doesn't want to be a disappointment. Changmin is quick to continue the downward progression of his clothes till he's completely naked, cock upright, with only a slight tint to his cheeks to belie any shyness.

"Underwear drawer," he answers, "With the lube."

"I thought you said that was unoriginal."

"It is," Changmin agrees. "But it's also the only place my mother never looks. Why are you still clothed?"

"This is me trying not to embarrass myself." Yunho faces the other way to divest himself of his clothes; the long lines of Changmin's body as he rummages through his underwear drawer proves to be more than Yunho can take at the moment.

"Found it." He hears Changmin say. The words are followed by the thump of items onto the bed, the first presumably the box of condoms and a louder thud as the lube bounces on the mattress and falls to the floor. "Whoops."

Yunho turns back around, fully stripped this time, just as Changmin's bending over to pick up the fallen bottle. As a result, the younger boy gets a face full of crotch. "You're... smaller than I expected."

"Excuse me?" Yunho says, for a moment speechless.

"Well, whatever pants you wear, you always seem to have this... bulge," Changmin explains. "So I always thought you'd be huge or something. Now though, you seem smaller. A little longer than average, but nothing special."

"I think-I think I've just been insulted." Only Changmin could be so coherent while completely naked and sporting a raging erection.

"It's not an insult hyung. It's me trying not to embarrass myself." He grins out of chagrin, and Yunho is able to forgive him anything, insult or not.

"Awesome. Good to know the effect is mutual. C'mere," he says, pushing Changmin to sit on the bed. "What do you know about blowjobs?"

Changmin blinks up at him. "That they usually involve one's mouth and a lot of tongue?"

Yunho smiles. "Sounds like you got that description off the internet."

"Well, yes, initially. But I'm not an idiot, hyung-what are you doing?-you're getting on your knees. Why-"

Yunho gives the most obvious answer, wrapping lips around the head of Changmin's cock and swiping his tongue across the slit. He does it a few more times before adding a bit of pressure; it's been a while and he's searching for a rhythm as well as getting used to the taste. Yunho has to hold on to Changmin's thighs to keep him from bucking up at the first real suck and Yunho's glad that Changmin doesn't know a good blowjob from a bad one. He's decent though, and one look at Changmin's face says decent is good enough.

"Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck," he's chanting under his breath, eyes screwed shut; Yunho thinks it's kind of cute. Then the sudden surge of salt on his tongue has Yunho vaguely wondering if he should let Changmin come first. Changmin's inexperienced; it doesn't take much to get him off. "Oh-fuck."

Changmin drags out both words, balling the sheets in his fists as his head falls back and his body starts to shudder. Yunho doesn't usually swallow-because he doesn't like the taste-but finds that Changmin is, as always, the exception.

"Good?" Yunho asks, wiping at the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand.

"You put my cock in your mouth. How do you think that went?" he falls back onto the bed, breathing deeply. Yunho follows, climbing onto the bed with a knee between Changmin's legs. His hands dimple the bedding near Changmin's head, the perfect angle to look Changmin in the eyes.

"Well, you did come. And from the looks of it, you're getting ready for round two." Yunho looks pointedly at Changmin's cock, already half hard again.

"I'm young. It's normal." Changmin counters, slightly embarrassed. "You're not hard anymore."

"I don't really like to swallow," Yunho says, making a face.

"Should I-?"

Yunho shakes his head. "No time, remember?" he leans down to close the scant distance between them, pressing Changmin into the bed, rolling his hips and groaning against Changmin's neck. There are things he wants to do, like trace his lips over every inch of Changmin's skin, memorize every jut of bone and hear every kind of sigh, but he gets that today isn't the day for that. Yunho's banking on having loads of time later.

For now it's the bare essentials, a stray kiss every now and then as he manipulates Changmin's limbs into a more comfortable position, licking quickly at places that make Changmin gasp. Yunho smiles inwardly at the younger boy's eagerness, how he moves easily when Yunho's says so. Changmin's legs fall open with little shame when Yunho nudges them apart, kneeling between his thighs.

"You've got another creepy smile on your face," Changmin says, sarcasm evident. Yunho doesn't take it to heart because Changmin's cock is aiming for the ceiling, stiff and rock hard.

"I'm bigger than you," Yunho answers cheekily, searching for the lube. Thoughts of what it's for send a tremor running through him. His cock twitches at the idea, something Changmin doesn't miss.

"I wasn't aware this was a contest," Changmin says. "I'm still growing. Give me a few months and we'll see if you can still brag about that."

"I'm hoping I won't be. Got to use your cock for something, right?" Yunho winks at Changmin, whose breath catches at the implication. His fingers wrap around the lube and Yunho lifts an eyebrow at the weight of it.

He throws Changmin a sly, knowing, look, to which Changmin shrugs and answers, "Got to use it for something, right?"

Yunho doesn't answer, just smiles because he wholly approves-and to hide his reaction to Changmin's words. It's only too easy to imagine Changmin at night, working through the tube, of slick fingers wrapped around his cock. Yunho's gone sleepless on more than one occasion imagining just that and wishing it were his hands on Changmin's cock instead. Yunho's glad to know that reality is so much better than his imagination.

"I can't promise this won't hurt," Yunho says conversationally, spreading lube generously over his fingers. He watches Changmin, eyes unreadable.

"I'm not an idiot, hyung," Changmin snorts, though he does lie back when Yunho gestures for him to do so. "I know it won't be fantastic. At first, anyway. Hopefully." He gives Yunho a pointed look, something like a challenge and Yunho grins.

"And how do you know that? Get it off the internet again?"

"Yes, the internet. But it's funny, because 'getting it off' was exactly-" Changmin sucks in a breath, "-whoa."

Yunho rubs the skin just above Changmin's groin, willing the muscles to relax. "Yeah. It's uncomfortable but just-"

"I swear to God, if you tell me to relax-"

"Well, that would help," Yunho says, sinking more of his finger in, just enough to get past the first knuckle. "Besides, aren't you Buddhist?"

"It was a figure of speech," Changmin mutters. It's followed by a large inhale and the loosening of Changmin's muscles around Yunho's finger. Yunho moves slowly, though not as slow as he'd have liked. There really isn't enough time but there's no going back now either. He moves the single digit in a tentative thrust, watching Changmin's face for any indication of pain. The younger boy has his eyes closed, expressionless, shoulders tight even if he's keeping the rest of himself relaxed. Changmin's erection has also considerably waned, but Yunho plans on remedying that soon enough.

"Okay?" he asks, knowing Changmin will hate it.

"I haven't told you to stop yet, right?"

"Just making sure," Yunho says, smoothly adding another finger to join the first one. Changmin jerks and tenses anyway, but relaxes just as quickly. Yunho smiles; Changmin's always been a quick learner.

"Is it always supposed to feel this... awkward?" Changmin squirms when Yunho starts to scissor his fingers. The muscles strain around them, a tight fit with barely any give. Yunho's cock pulses from between his legs, a less than subtle reminder.

"What, all that internet research and you don't know?" Yunho's voice doesn't betray him, even if his heart skips a beat at the way Changmin's muscles squeeze around his fingers. Thinking about that tightness, how it'd feel around his cock-

"Ah - !" Changmin jumps when Yunho adds a third finger. "Reality is different, obviously."

Yunho shushes him. "Don't talk so much. Does it hurt?"

Changmin shakes his head, his breath going out in a whoosh when Yunho takes his fingers away to recoat them. He tenses involuntarily when they slip back inside. "It doesn't feel good either."

Yunho stays silent, pouring his concentration into handling Changmin's cock with his other hand. Changmin's eyes flutter at the first touch and even if discomfort has taken away the original excitement, it isn't long before things are looking up again. Yunho has always been with his hands; he's allowed to be smug about it.

"Better?" Yunho asks, just as his fingers find what he's looking for. He rubs over the spot again for good measure. Changmin gasps in answer. "I'll take that as a yes."

He leans over to suck the tip of Changmin's cock into his mouth, licking at the liquid that gathers there. Yunho's got a knack for multitasking and what better way to exercise that skill? He fits what he can into his mouth at this angle, the rest taken care of by one hand while the other stretches Changmin with a fourth finger. It's already a tight fit, but even that many won't be enough to prepare Changmin for the real thing.

"Yu-" Changmin bucks into his mouth, and Yunho-caught unawares-almost chokes at the sudden fullness. The squeeze his fingers give at the base of Changmin's cock is supposed to be punishment, but Changmin's moan says otherwise.

"Enough." Yunho says, pulling back and out. Changmin's dismayed groan only adds to the sudden warmth of the room, making Yunho's vision cloud and his cock throb.

"Now?" Changmin asks. "Finally."

Yunho just grins, lets the barb slide because Changmin's said it with riveted eyes and ragged breath. Yunho might have something to do with that, stroking at his own cock and readying it for the condom. He doesn't really need to be harder than he is, but Yunho figures he can spare a few moments to give Changmin a show. It'd be easy to get carried away though, to come with Changmin's eyes on him, but that's another one for the waiting list. They've both got other things in mind.

Yunho takes a foil-wrapped packet from the box and considers asking Changmin to do the honors. He discards the thought just as quickly. Images of Changmin's long fingers stroking him make his head spin and his hands clumsy where they should be quick and experienced.

"Ready?" he asks, making a face at the words that leave his mouth unbidden. It's a stupid question, one that he's sure will earn him a sarcastic comment or two. Yunho is surprised when he doesn't.

Changmin just nods, silent, and lays back, hands behind his knees, legs spread wide apart. It's a wonder Yunho doesn't come right then. The image of Changmin like this burns itself to the back of his eyelids. It's not something Yunho's going to forget anytime soon.

A shudder runs through him and Yunho breathes deep as he lines things up. Changmin's thighs are tense when he touches them; he runs his hand down the long limb in reassurance. He doesn't know how much of it is conveyed though, since anticipation makes control hard to come by. The first push isn't much of a push at all; just him resting the tip of his cock against Changmin's entrance, sort of like a warning, but it's a moot point. He can't really hold back anymore.

Yunho pushes in for real this time, just the tip and a band tightens around his chest. He jerks inadvertently at the heat, sinking in an inch, quick and sharp. Changmin cries out at the sudden movement, flinching as he fists the covers of the bed.

"Sorry," Yunho mutters apologetically. He says it again, all the while canting his hips forward. Yunho doesn't breathe as Changmin's tensed muscles pull at his cock, the need for oxygen only a minor concern till he's in balls deep. But even then he's afraid to be anything other than still, control pulled too taut to be exercised.

"Move, hyung," Changmin says through gritted teeth, holding his knees up, spreading himself as wide as he can for the older boy. Yunho's hands dimple the bedding near his head, arms shaking as he holds himself up, unmoving.

"Give me a second. Just-just tell me when to stop." He manages to grit that last one out, even if it's half-hearted. His arms give out and Yunho sinks to his elbows, head level with Changmin's neck.

"Won't." Changmin hisses when Yunho tries a tentative thrust. "Want this. Want you."

The words are almost Yunho's undoing. Changmin lets his knees go and wraps long legs around Yunho's waist, meeting Yunho's next thrust. It's good for Yunho, more than good actually-great more like-but he knows Changmin isn't there yet. That the pleasure isn't mutual pushes back Yunho's impending orgasm enough to reach between them, tugging at Changmin's waning cock. He nips at the skin of Changmin's throat timing it with a snap of his hips. A more favorable sound escapes Changmin's lips, not quite a moan, but something close to it.

Yunho has a hard time remembering Changmin is a virgin-just physically actually. Yunho's been privy to the younger boy's extensive porn collection so Yunho has no nope for his visual, auditory, and mental states-when Changmin pulls his head up by the hair, groaning into a kiss. Yunho likes the way their lips cling, parting only to press harder-deeper-the next time around. It's the perfect addition to the roll of his hips, continuous now that Changmin's body is no longer resisting.

Yunho's hand leaves Changmin's cock shortly to hook Changmin's leg higher onto his back. It returns to thumb at the head just as he thrusts in at a renewed angle and Changmin nearly comes off the bed. Yunho presses him back against the mattress with a kiss, the hand on Changmin's cock a little too rough as Yunho loses the rhythm to his hips.

It proves to be a lethal combination. Changmin gasps, a word interrupted as a shudder works its way down his spine. Yunho barely has time to revel in the tightness gripping his cock before an orgasm hits him right out of nowhere. Changmin spills between them in rivulets and Yunho follows seconds after, filling the condom.

They lie in a boneless, sticky mess for a long moment before Yunho reluctantly pulls away. If he cleans up quickly, they might have time to cuddle afterwards. He pulls out in one careful, deliberate move, though Changmin's slight wince says he wasn't careful enough. Yunho removes the condom quickly, tying up the open end and expertly tossing it into the small bin next to the bed.

"Love you," Yunho says breathlessly, pressing the words against Changmin's mouth as he slides back onto the bed. He should go find a towel somewhere, do something about the come coating their stomachs, but there's something about this particular moment that Yunho can't put off. He just has to tell Changmin, to say the words and hear them back.

"Love you too." Changmin murmurs, smiling under Yunho's kisses. It's said in a tone completely devoid of Changmin's usual snark, something Yunho's never heard before. It's definitely something he'd like to hear again. Yunho leans in to say it one more time. Neither of them notices the shadow in the doorway.

"Aw, how sweet. Almost better than the live porn."

The words successfully jar Yunho out of that idea. He nearly jumps, scrambling off Changmin as his eyes fly to the door. He tempers his shock at whom it turns out to be, a stark contrast to the rush of relief when his brain understands that it's neither of Changmin's parents.

"Was leaving the door ajar an accident or is that a usual occurrence during sex for you guys?" Jaejoong asks, coming into view as he leans against the doorjamb, face flushed and stance awkward. Yunho doesn't miss the obvious tenting in his too tight jeans that might have something to do with it.

"Jaejoong hyung! What are you doing here?" Changmin exclaims, standing quickly to grab his underwear from the mess of clothes on the floor. "I thought you said you weren't coming!"

Once Changmin's pulled his boxer's on, Yunho becomes aware of his state of undress. Embarrassment suddenly comes to the forefront of his mind, momentarily overriding surprise and relief. He plucks his underwear from where it hangs precariously off the edge of Changmin's bed, eyes narrowed. Yunho doesn't like the way Jaejoong follows him with his eyes.

"I thought so too." Jaejoong murmurs, blatant ogling flitting between Yunho and Changmin. "I sent you a message saying my plans got cancelled. Obviously you didn't get it. If I'd known this was on today's agenda..."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Yunho growls, anger swelling at the insinuation.

"Yunho," Changmin warns.

"Whatever you want it to." Jaejoong smirks, giving Yunho's lean, muscled physique another appreciative glance. "I can see you're busy today, Changmin, so I'll see you later."

"Let him go," Changmin says, grasping Yunho's elbow when it looks like he might object to Jaejoong leaving. Jaejoong's smirk widens when Yunho complies.

"I'll lock the door on my way out," he throws over his shoulder, tone so mocking that Yunho is tempted to go after him. Changmin tightens his grasp.

"Aren't you going to stop him?" Yunho whirls on Changmin, unable to understand why Changmin is so calm.

"And do what?" Changmin asks, the grim set of his mouth belying his inner turmoil. "Tell him not to tell? Even Jaejoong hyung isn't that juvenile."

"How are you so sure?" Whilst Yunho has nothing against people finding out about them, both he and Changmin had agreed that things would be easier if they kept it a secret for the time being. It'd be too complicated to explain, not to mention they could do without their family's inevitable interference.

"Why would he?"

It's a good question, and Changmin has a point. It's not like he and Changmin are important. No one would care. Yunho worries anyway.

--

Yunho goes looking for Jaejoong the very next day.

He's elusive though, and between classes and last minute homework, it isn't until almost last bell that he catches a glimpse of the other boy. For a moment Yunho is torn between going to the bathroom like he asked permission for, and chasing after him. Jaejoong meets his eyes and smirks before turning a corner and disappearing. It's more or less a blatant invitation to follow.

Yunho almost does.

Just beyond the corner is an emergency exit, a staircase leading to the rooftop. It's the only place Jaejoong could go, there's nothing else on this end of the hall. It'd be easy to go after him, to give in to the inexplicable need to get in Jaejoong's face and extract the assurances he wants, but Yunho doesn't. He resists, turns away while he still can. Every moment spent in the hallway is a moment steeped in temptation, to follow Jaejoong's smiles and discover what lay behind them.

The thought that does the trick, the one that gets his feet to move to where he needs to be instead of follow after who he wants, is the one that says: you don't need to know.

Yunho goes back to class like the good boy he is but though his body is there, his mind is elsewhere. It's how he absentmindedly gets roped into chairing the biggest event of the year-graduation-along with another boy, a member of the soccer team. Yunho can only groan at his misfortune, saddled with an insane responsibility instead of focusing on college applications and final exams for the next few months. He wishes he'd gone after Jaejoong instead.

Yunho gets a preview of just how bad it's going to be after school. His co-chair-Kim Junsu-begs off their first meeting, using a soccer game as an excuse. Yunho-an avid soccer fan himself and a sucker it seems, for pleading smiles and imploring eyes-lets Junsu go. It's only the first meeting, he reasons with himself. They haven't got much to do except brainstorm themes and come up with venue ideas. Still, Yunho hopes Junsu doesn't plan on disappearing often.

He and their small group of volunteers decide not to prolong the initial meeting, since graduation is still a long way off and they're really just a bunch of lazy seniors anyway. They schedule to meet up again in a day or two, along with promises to take it more seriously and with that they part ways. Yunho finds himself lagging behind, slow to gather his things and mind still far away. Before long, Yunho's the only one left in the classroom. The sudden quiet is an odd contrast to the loud chatter of just minutes ago. It doesn't help his wandering thoughts at all.

There's a saying that goes 'speak of the devil and he shall come,' but Yunho discovers that thinking has pretty much the same effect. A shadow slices through the light of the open door just as Yunho is about to leave. He's still surprised at who it is.

"Jung Yunho, right?" Jaejoong asks, leaning a hip against the door panel. He's got an odd look on his face, a Cheshire grin that Yunho doesn't quite understand. It's a smug look, an arrogant one, meant to rouse paranoia and make people nervous. Yunho isn't easily cowed.

"Kim Jaejoong, yeah?"

Jaejoong's smile widens disconcertingly. "You make it a question, but you probably know all about me."

Yunho shifts uncomfortably where he stands, unable to refute the truthfulness of Jaejoong's statement. "You're popular. It must be hard that people know all of your business."

"It has its perks, though people don't know everything." His eyes rake over Yunho's body from head to toe, no doubt reliving yesterday's encounter and Yunho fights not to blush. "You didn't come."

"Excuse me?" Yunho says, slightly confused. The word come has his mind reeling.

"Earlier. To the roof. I thought you'd follow me up, but you didn't." Oh. Earlier. Right.

"I wasn't following you."

"No, but you were going to. You were thinking about it." Jaejoong looks at him knowingly, something completely unnecessary since Yunho isn't about to deny it. "But you didn't. I'm a little disappointed. I even waited for you."

"Why would I? I have no business with you."

"Oh? But you looked like you had something to say," Jaejoong says. "I imagine there's a lot, especially about yesterday. Threats to dole out, maybe even punches to throw. Changmin stopped you before you could."

Yunho bristles at that because Jaejoong isn't entirely wrong. He was very, very right in fact. Yunho didn't like that. Is he so predictable?

"Aren't you afraid people are going to find out?"

"Changmin says you won't."

"Smart kid." Jaejoong comments, head cocked to one side, a shoulder resting more comfortably against the wood. "But not always."

Yunho's eyes narrow slightly at the implication, but he doesn't fall for the bait. "Do what you want. It's not like we were planning on keeping it secret for long anyway."

"Boo. How anti-climactic." Jaejoong straightens, a pout on his face. "And here I thought I could play the bad guy. You're taking all the fun out of this, you know?"

"This isn't exactly a game," Yunho retorts, "I wasn't aware I had to be 'fun'."

"Snark. I like it." Jaejoong grins after a moment's pause, and it's without the usual arrogance or accompanied by some cold expression that Yunho's used to seeing. "You must be hanging out with Changmin too much. It's starting to show."

"Yeah, well...," he trails off, unsettled at having to state the obvious.

"Point taken." Jaejoong replies with that same, unusual expression. "See you around," he says, removing himself from the doorway and disappearing down the hall. Yunho doesn't leave immediately, a bit dumbfounded at the whole encounter.

Jaejoong had been right. There were things Yunho had wanted to say and he'd been presented with the perfect opportunity to say them. Why didn't he?

--

"Fancy meeting you here."

Sunlight cuts through the planks, haphazardly scattering rays of light beneath the bleachers. Jaejoong opens his eyes at the voice, rising to his elbows when he fails to find to whom it belongs. Not that he doesn't already know. Jaejoong would know that voice anywhere.

"I'm sure it wasn't a coincidence."

"Any room for me down there?" Jaejoong peers up, squinting against the afternoon sun to search for Yoochun's face between the bleachers. He finds him on the fifth level, face just visible between the metal slats.

"Just enough." He pauses before sitting up from his sprawl and dusting off his side that hadn't quite fit on the jacket he'd been laying on. He hears Yoochun climb down, wood and metal creaking noisily and wonders how he hadn't heard him climb up. Yoochun appears at the far end, ducking at the opening to walk underneath.

"You've been avoiding me," he starts, slipping his skinny frame between supporting bars and nailed wood.

"Your face isn't exactly one I look forward to seeing."

"That wasn't very nice," Yoochun says as he stands and waits for Jaejoong to make room. He hesitates before sitting, not quite sure of his welcome.

"I wasn't trying to be nice." Jaejoong leans back on his hands, eyes trained on the emptiness of the field in front of them. The view is by no means exciting, not to mention obscured, but to look anywhere else would mean looking at Yoochun, something Jaejoong would rather not. "Word on the street is you miss me."

"Word would be right," Yoochun answers immediately.

Jaejoong scoffs. "Amazing. You're not even trying to deny it. Junsu must be ecstatic."

"What are you talking about, hyung? Junsu misses you too."

"Right. And I'm as straight as a fucking arrow." Jaejoong snorts, giving Yoochun a pointed look. "Don't play dumb, Chunnie, it looks too good on you." Jaejoong hits a spot-he knows he does-with the nickname only Junsu uses and because Jaejoong knows Yoochun almost better than himself. The Yoochun he knows isn't as stupid as he pretends to be.

Yoochun starts to fidget under his piercing stare, fingers drumming on the surface of his knee in an erratic rhythm. Jaejoong's eyes follow the movement unconsciously, remembering what those fingers feel like, pressing just the right keys and playing his body for the most perfect sounds. They aren't memories so easily forgotten.

"Word on the street is... you're keeping new company." Yoochun meets his gaze for a moment-accusing, almost-before darting away, fingers ceasing their nervous drumming to pinch dirt between fingertips.

"If you want to know if I'm fucking someone new, just ask." Jaejoong is suddenly annoyed, irritated that Junsu's mouth could run so quick and that Yoochun is even quicker to believe. "Enough with the cryptic shit-want one?"

The quick delve into his pockets comes up successful, a box of cigarettes sitting in his palm. Yoochun takes a moment too long to answer.

"God, just take one already, you know you want to," he says when Yoochun looks like he's going to refuse.

"I shouldn't..." Yoochun answers, reluctant but eyeing the box. "You know Junsu doesn't like the smell of smoke."

"I do know." Jaejoong says, tapping the open end against his wrist. A single stick comes out and Jaejoong lights it with unnecessary flourish. "So when Junsu says 'jump', you'll be asking 'how high?'"

He blows a puff of smoke at Yoochun's face for added effect.

"Hand me the lighter," Yoochun scowls, shaking out a cigarette and lighting it quickly. Jaejoong smirks as he watches Yoochun's first inhale, feeling almost like he'd won something.

"That's more like it." He practically purrs the words, completely satisfied with himself. "It's been a while?"

Yoochun nods. "Yeah. A couple of weeks."

"You've been deprived. Let me light you another one."

"No, I'm good," Yoochun says, exhaling a cloud of smoke to the side. "I've been trying to quit anyway."

"Trying being the operative word." Smoke blows out of Jaejoong's nose while he unsuccessfully tries to suppress a sneer. "So... what have you been up to, Yoochun-ah?" The words feel funny coming out of his mouth. It's not a question he's ever had to ask.

"Nothing much," Yoochun shrugs. "Just bumming around I guess. Oh, I got a job at the record store."

"Yeah? I thought Junsu's dad was going to let you wait tables at the pizza parlor."

"Yeah-tried that already. It didn't work out too well." He grins sheepishly, guilty though obviously not entirely sorry about it. It's been a while since Jaejoong's seen that face. He forgets it's fatal, his heart speeding up all on its own.

"What happened?" Jaejoong asks, the words slipping easily off his tongue.

"Let's just say that fast food isn't my thing."

Jaejoong can just imagine the kind of trouble he'd cause-from distracting waitresses, coming in late, and drinking all the coffee-and finds himself grinning back. They share a comfortable silence; somewhat surreal, Jaejoong can't help but think. He's gotten so used to things strained between them that anything else feels odd. The moment predictably doesn't last. The whoops and shouts of rowdy boys ruin it.

They come onto the field, noisy and roughhousing, passing black and white balls between themselves. It looks like it's going to be a match, some boys with shirts and some without. They cluster themselves in raucous threes and fours, chatter mixing with the sound of balls being kicked around. A familiar laugh, loud and infectious, echoes from one such group, huddled near their hiding spot beneath the bleachers.

It breaks whatever comfortable silence Jaejoong thought they may have had. It's like ice thrown over the both of them, a sentiment Yoochun seems to share. His eyes dart to Jaejoong, once again shifting uneasily where he sits.

"You and that Changmin kid... Are you really-?"

"What, am I really fucking him?" Jaejoong sneers. "That's what you really want to know, right? Why you came looking for me in the first place?" He's unable to hold Yoochun's gaze, flitting away to where his fingers stub out his long forgotten cigarette into the dirt.

On the field the soccer players begin to assemble, getting into their respective positions. Jaejoong's eyes search for Junsu, but don't spot him. He knows he's there though. Leaning on his hands, Jaejoong casts a sidelong look at Yoochun's expectant expression and says,

"Not yet, Yoochun-ah, not yet."

Then, a whistle blows, signaling the start of the game.

Part 2