Paper Cranes 21/??
Title: Paper Cranes 21/??(Sequel to Paper Cuts)
Author: giveitupjessica
Rating: PG-NC-17 (depending on the chapter)
Pairings: 2min, onkey, jazzhyun (read paper cuts to know about this one), taemin/sulli
Genre: AU, romance, comedy, pregnancy, angst
Summary: Lee Taemin was everything Minho wanted in a lover. He was the boy he wanted to come home to. The kind of boy that he never wanted to leave. The kind of boy that makes Minho want to give him everything. And finally it seemed like that he was finally going to get what he wanted. Taemin was breaking up with Sulli to be with him. He couldn't be happier. But just how long will their happiness last? Minho knew the kind of storm that would brew once Taemin broke up with Sulli, but he didn't care. He was going to stay by Taemin, no matter what. As long as the younger's heart was beating next to his, he didn't care. (sorry I suck at summaries)
A/N: Man, so this chapter was definitely the hardest for me to write. I know where I want to go with jazzhyun, but my muse is blocked when it comes to 2min. I'm completely lost at how to get Taemin out of the marriage. FML! hope everyone had a fun halloween though.
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
It was good to finally be back home. I had spent the past few months in the States recording for my album. I really couldn’t believe that my music dream was finally coming true. It was a bittersweet feeling to be honest. I was ecstatic that it was happening, but then the person I wanted to share it with was no where in sight. It’s been a year and I was still madly in love with her. She constantly haunted my dreams. Her and our unborn baby. The happy family I was so close to having before it was ripped out of my hands, thank you to my oh so amazing father. I hate him.
I stand there and wait for my baggage to come down the conveyor belt, my driver standing beside me. He quickly grabs it when it hits the belt and I don’t realize it until his hand is on my shoulder telling me we can leave now. I just nod at him and follow him to the car. I take in the sight and smell of the city when I step out of the terminal. I didn’t know how much I would miss it. The second I’m in the car, my phone goes off. Not surprising. I figured the next few weeks were going to be extremely busy. My father would no doubt have a ton of stuff for me to do when I got to the office tomorrow morning and the record label was already starting promotions for me this week. They wanted to get me out there as soon as possible. It’ll be a wonder if I even find time to sleep.
“Hi hyung,” I say into the phone.
“Hey. How was the flight?”
“Long.”
“Well at least you were in first class right? Because then it would have been long and cramped.”
“I guess. I’m just glad to be home.”
“I bet. So…”
“What does our father want me to do now?”
“Meet for dinner.”
“Are you kidding me? I just got back. All I want to do is go home and crash. I have a busy week ahead of me.”
“I know, but he wants to discuss things with you.”
“Are you going to be there?”
“Nope. It’s your turn to have some quality time with our dear ol’ dad. I’ve hogged him enough.”
“Geez, you’re too kind hyung.”
“I know.”
“What time am I meeting him for dinner?”
“That’s where you’re heading right now.”
“Oh well then thanks for the heads up. I thought I was on my way home. Although I guess it explains why we’re driving away from my apartment.”
“Yeah.”
“So I was pretty much being kidnapped until you told me.”
“I guess.”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime. I’ll see you in the office tomorrow.”
“Yeah.”
“Get some rest tonight.”
“I will try, no promises since I have to spend a portion of it with dad.”
“Well. Good luck and bye!”
“Bye hyung,” I place my phone back in my jacket pocket, “Were you really not going to tell me that you weren’t taking me back to my home Mr. Jung?”
“I’m sorry. I was told by your father to just bring you to the restaurant. He said that if you knew, you’d probably protest and jump out of the car or something,” he responds while looking at me in the rear view mirror.
“I probably would have. What restaurant are we going to?”
“It’s a new one in downtown.”
“Does it have a name?”
“It does, I don’t remember it though. I just know how to get there. It’s supposed to be really good, the reviews for it have been nothing but positive.”
“Well I guess there’s my silver lining for the night. I get to eat some good food,” I lean back in the chair and close my eyes, “Wake me up when we get there.”
“Yes sir.”
*~*
A big smile crosses my face when I see his head bobbing through the crowd at the airport. I start to maneuver my way through the bodies until I’m right by him. He just smiles down at me and opens his arms. I’m all too happy to jump into his waiting arms, legs wrapping around his waist.
“Minnie,” he laughs as his arms wrap around me.
“I missed you so much!”
“I know. I missed you too.”
I pull away enough to look him in the eyes. We exchange stupid grins and I bring my hands up to either side of his face. I wait a second before crashing my lips down to his, but before the kiss could go very far he pulls away.
“Why’d you pull away?” I pout.
“Because we’re in the middle of the airport terminal.”
“So?”
“Minnie.”
“I can’t help it. Your lips are just so inviting.”
“Thank you. But if you want to kiss me, we should leave.”
“Oh I want to do more than kiss you.”
“And that will definitely not happen in the middle of the airport. Come on,” he arms leave my waist, but I don’t let go of him, “Minnie, get your legs off of me so we can walk to the car.”
“No, I don’t wanna let go.”
“Afraid I’ll vanish into thin air if you do or something? Come on, get down so we can leave.”
“Carry me to the car.”
“Seriously?” he raises an eyebrow at me.
“Yes.”
“You’re lucky I love you so much,” he grabs the handle of his bag with one hand and brings the other around me to keep me steady as he begins to walk out of the building. I smile and snuggle my head into his neck. I place a soft kiss on it and I giggle when he flinches at it, “Behave Minnie or I’m dropping you on your ass.”
“What are you talking about?” I feign innocence.
“You know what I’m talking about.”
“You’re no fun.”
“You’ll be eating those words later.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Where did you park?”
“Second floor of the car park.”
“Okay,” the rest of the walk is silent. I just revel the feeling of being in his arms again. I inhale a deep breath and his scent fills up my nose. I didn’t realize just how much I’ve been missing him until now. I definitely had to get out of this engagement. And get out of it soon, “We’re here Minnie. Get down.”
“No. I don’t wanna,” I tighten my grip around his neck.
“Minnie. Come on, get down.”
“SHIRO!”
“Minnie, we can’t drive like this.”
“But I don’t wanna let go yet.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m yours for the whole week.”
“All mine?”
“All yours.”
“Okay,” I reluctantly unwrap myself from him, but the pout is still on my face.
“You’re so cute,” he smiles and gives me a quick peck on the lips.
“One more!” I say, holding up my index finger at him.
“One more what?”
I pucker my lips a bit and tap it with the same index finger and he just laughs. He brings his head down and is so close to kissing my lips when he suddenly turns his head and kisses my cheek instead.
“Hey! No fair!” he’s already getting into the car and he turns to smirk at me.
“Come on Minnie. Get in already.”
“You’re so going to pay for that Mister,” I say under my breath before climbing into the car.
*~*
“So Jonghyun-ssi,” the reporter says.
Had I known that I was going to be interviewed during dinner, I really would have faked some kind of illness to get out of it. Then I couldn’t really do that since I am under contract. But still, it would have been nice to know that I had an interview today. Somehow both my father and my manager forgot to tell me. I’ll have to send them a thank you card later.
“Yes Ms. Kwon.”
“We’ve talked about you recording your new album, I guess now let’s talk about your personal life.”
“Oh?”
“You say that you get inspiration for the songs you write from what’s going on in your life at the moment.”
“Yes.”
“So does that mean that you’ve written songs for a special girl?”
“Um,” I’m not sure how I’m supposed to answer this. Normally I’m briefed before an interview. I’m told what I should or shouldn’t say. Questions I should or shouldn’t answer. Another thing to add to my lovely thank you card.
“You know when you’ve had a girlfriend in your life. Have you ever written a song that’s about her, for her?”
“Well I think that I’ll leave that up for you interpretation when you listen to a song that I’ve written.”
“Okay. Do you have a girlfriend right now?”
“No, I’m a little busy so I don’t think any girl would want to put up with my schedule. Besides, I’d want to be able to give her the attention she deserves and right now I don’t think I’d be able to do that.”
“So would you say that you’re a good boyfriend?”
“I would like to think so,” I laugh.
“Do you have an ideal type?”
“Doesn’t everyone?” the image of Jazzy suddenly pops into my mind.
“Yes, I guess so. Well if you had to choose someone who embodies your ideal type, who would it be?”
I want to say Jazzy’s name, but know better. Besides, I’ve already been told how to answer this question, whose name I should say and have been saying, “Shin Sekyung.”
“Good choice. She’s definitely a nice and beautiful girl.”
“Yes she is.”
“Have you ever met her before?”
“No, I’m still kind of the newbie in the industry. So I haven’t met very many people yet.”
“Well it looks like my time is running out. Thank you again for giving me this interview,” she says as she stands from the table and I do the same. I stick my hand out across the table and she grabs it.
“No thank you Ms. Kwon for taking time out of your day to do the interview,” I say while we shake hands.
“I’m glad to know that the rumors of you being extremely polite are true.”
“I’m glad that since there are already rumors about me that they’re positive.”
“Oh I’ve head nothing but good things about you.”
“Thank you,” I give a light bow.
“Have a great night Jonghyun-ssi. Thank you again for the interview.”
“You as well. Drive safely,” I take my seat again once she leaves and my father is back at the table with me, “Thanks for the heads up.”
“Would you really have come if I told you it was for an interview?”
“No.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“Are we done here?”
“Why?”
“I’m exhausted. I want to go home and sleep before I start my busy week.”
“We’re done. You’re free to leave.”
“Thank you,” I stand up again.
“I expect you to be at the office at 7 o’clock sharp tomorrow. We have a lot of things to discuss.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I wave off his words as I start to leave. The only thing I wanted to do right now was curl up in my bed and sleep for hours and hours and hours. The jet lag seems to have just knocked into me like a brick wall. I close my eyes and stretch my arms over my head as I wait for Mr. Jung to pull up with the car. I grimace when I feel some bump into me rather roughly, “Hey, watch where you’re going.”
“Sorry ma- Hey Jonghyun-ssi is that you?” a deep voice asks.
I open my eyes and turn in the direction that the voice is coming from. I’m surprised when I see it, “Leeteuk hyung?”
“It is you!” he smiles and brings me in for an awkward hug. Well awkward on my end because I just stand there like a pole as he hugs me, “How have you been man?”
“I’ve been good.”
“I heard about you getting signed. Congrats! Your dreams are finally coming true. All that time spend holed up in the music room is finally paying off huh?”
“Yeah. Thanks man. How have you been?”
“I’ve been good. Just started up my own business now that I’ve graduated, nothing special.”
“What kind of business?”
“Clothing line.”
“Really? I wouldn’t have thought you would start a clothing line. You never really seemed interested in fashion while we were in high school.”
“I’m not. My cousin actually does all the fashion stuff. She designs all the clothes and gets them made, I just handle the business aspect. Blue is still blue to me regardless of its hue.”
“Ah I see. Well I’ll have to keep an eye out for your clothes then. That is if you guys are making male clothing.”
“Yeah, we’re doing both male and female clothing. We’re actually having the grand opening of our store in a couple months.”
“Let me know when it is and I’ll be sure to stop by.”
“Sure thing. I’ll shoot you an e-mail or something. You still have the one you had in high school.”
“Yeah, but let me give you my other e-mail too.”
“Alright,” we both whip out our phones and quickly exchange e-mails, “So yeah, I’ll definitely hit you up when the grand opening gets closer.”
“That sounds good to me man.”
“Oppa!” I freeze when I hear her familiar voice behind me. I watch as Leeteuk moves to the side to look behind me and smiles.
“Jazzy!” he calls out and waves her over, “Look who I ran into!”
I can feel her presence as she gets closer to us. It takes everything in me not to just turn around and gather her in my arms. I can’t take my eyes off of her when she’s standing next to Leeteuk. She’s staring at me too. It’s kind of intense, I can’t breathe properly.
“Jj-Jjongie,” she finally manages to say and her smile is no longer there.
“Hey Jazzy. How have you been?”
“I’ve been okay. You?”
“Same.”
She then turns to Leeteuk, “Oppa, we better get going or we’ll miss the movie.”
He glances down at his watch, “Oh yeah. Sorry Jonghyun-ssi. Wish we could talk more, but Jazzy’s right. We’ll miss the movie if we don’t leave now. I’ll e-mail you though.”
“Yeah man. Sorry for keeping you. I’ll keep an eye out for your e-mail.”
“Sounds good. Talk to you later man,” I feel my blood boil as he grabs her hand.
“Later.”
I watch as they start to walk down the street and Jazzy looks back over her shoulder at me. She sends me a look that I can’t really decipher before she turns back to Leeteuk. Were they dating again?
“Jonghyun-ssi,” Mr. Jung’s voice interrupts my thoughts. I turn and he’s standing there waiting beside the open passenger door for me to climb in. I nod and slide into the car, “Home?”
I think a little bit and instead tell him to go to Onew’s apartment. I wasn’t planning on visiting him until after this week, but I couldn’t wait anymore. I had to ask him about Jazzy and Leeteuk. I’d ask Minho, but we haven’t really been on the best terms since Jazzy and I broke up, I can’t blame him though. She is his best friend and his loyalty lies with her, not me. It takes longer than I would have liked for me to reach the all-too-familiar building. I eye it from inside the car before I decide to step out and head upstairs. I knock on the door and hear some shuffling and mumbled voices inside before it opens.
“Jjong!” Onew smiles when he sees me, “You’re back!”
“I’m back!” I smile back.
“Welcome home man,” again I’m brought into a hug, but this time I return it. It was nice to see Onew again, “When did you get back?”
“A couple hours ago.”
“Wow and you decided to come and pay your old cousin a visit instead of going home to crash? I’m touched.”
“Yeah, well I needed to get a sense of being back home and well I’m closest to you in our family. Well beside my mom, but she’s visiting a friend in Japan at the moment.”
“Yeobo!” I hear Key yell from inside the apartment, “Where’s Yoogeunnie?”
“In the living room!” Onew yells back.
“Yah! You let him alone!”
“He’s fine.”
“Our apartment isn’t fully baby-proofed and he’s crawling now!”
“Yoogeun? Baby?” I give him a questioning look and his eyes go wide for a second before he let’s out a nervous laugh.
“Come in Jjong,” he steps aside and I follow him into the apartment. When we get to the living room I see Key holding a baby boy in his arms.
“Jonghyun!” his eyes go wide like Onew’s did a few seconds ago when he sees me, “You-You’re ho-ho-home!”
“Yeah. Who’s the baby?”
“Uh. What baby?”
“The one you’re holding.”
“Oh this baby,” he points to the child in his arms and shifts him so that I can’t see his face anymore.
“Yes, that baby. Did you two end up adopting while I was gone?”
“Oh no, no. We’re just baby-sitting for a friend while she goes out for a bit.”
“Ah I see. So does the baby have a name?”
“Yeah.”
“What is it?”
“Yoogeun.”
“Can I hold him?”
“No, he’s not good with strangers. I’m just going to go put him down in our room. He’s been crabby all day because he didn’t get his second nap.”
“I see. Well maybe I can hold him when he wakes up?”
“Sure, whatever. Yeobo, can you help me for a second?”
“Why do you need my help? He’s asleep already isn’t he? At least he was when I went to go answer the door,” Onew asks and Key just glares at him.
“I need your help,” he says through gritted teeth and nods his head towards their bedroom.
“Fine,” Onew follows him to their room and I take a seat on the couch. I hear their muffled voices behind the closed door and lean in a little to try to catch what they’re talking about. It’s no use though, I can’t understand a word they’re saying. About five minutes later, they both emerge from the bedroom and join me in the living room again.
“How old is the baby?” I ask.
“Going on five months,” Key answers.
“Hm,” I think a little bit, “That’s about how old my child with Jazzy would have been if she didn’t lose it.”
“Yeah. I guess.”
“How is she?”
“Jazzy?”
“Yeah.”
“She’s good.”
“Is she dating?”
“Um, I don’t think so.”
“I saw her with Leeteuk hyung before I came here,” I turn to Onew, “Are they dating again?”
“I honestly, don’t know. I guess they ran into each other last week or something,” he responds.
“I see. It seems like they were on a date when I ran into them.”
Onew just shrugs before dropping his head. He wasn’t telling me something. Both of them were keeping something from me and I wanted to know what it was.
*~*
“Thanks again oppa,” I say when we’re standing in front of my door, “I had fun tonight.”
“I’m glad. It was good to see you again. I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately.”
“Yeah,” I say and nod my head, “It was nice to get a night off.”
“I really want to meet Yoogeun one of these days.”
“Maybe.”
“I really want to be back in your life Jazzy. I want to give us another shot.”
“I’ll think about it. Thanks again for tonight,” I lean over and gently kiss his cheek.
“I’ll call you tomorrow?”
“Yeah. Text me when you get home.”
“Okay,” he leans in and returns the kiss before he turns and leaves. I wait for him to get into the elevator, waving at him as the doors close, before turning to the door across the hall. I punch in the code and let myself in.
“Yoogeunnie, umma’s here!” I call into the apartment as I walk down the hall. I can hear his excited giggles as I get further into the apartment. I stop in my tracks when I see who’s sitting on the couch, holding an excited Yoogeun.
“Jj-Jjongie?” I stutter, “Wh-where’s Key and Onew oppa?”
“Onew hyung cut himself. So they’re in the bathroom cleaning it up. Onew hyung is funny huh Yoogeunnie?” I watch as he coos at the baby, completely oblivious to the fact that he’s actually holding his son. They look so much alike though, “Hold on. What did you just say when you walked in?”
“Huh?” I watch as he stops playing with the baby and turns his full attention to me. I can see the gears in his head working as I silently try to take back the words I had said upon entering the apartment.
“Umma? Jazzy?” he looks at the baby in his hands and then at me.
“Jazzy! You’re home early!” Key’s voice interrupts us and I turn to face him. I silently mouth ‘help me’ to him before turning back to Jonghyun.
“What are you guys keeping from me?” he asks the three of us standing in front of him, “Jazzy what did you mean when you said ‘Umma’s here?’ What’s going on?”
Shit.
Author: giveitupjessica
Rating: PG-NC-17 (depending on the chapter)
Pairings: 2min, onkey, jazzhyun (read paper cuts to know about this one), taemin/sulli
Genre: AU, romance, comedy, pregnancy, angst
Summary: Lee Taemin was everything Minho wanted in a lover. He was the boy he wanted to come home to. The kind of boy that he never wanted to leave. The kind of boy that makes Minho want to give him everything. And finally it seemed like that he was finally going to get what he wanted. Taemin was breaking up with Sulli to be with him. He couldn't be happier. But just how long will their happiness last? Minho knew the kind of storm that would brew once Taemin broke up with Sulli, but he didn't care. He was going to stay by Taemin, no matter what. As long as the younger's heart was beating next to his, he didn't care. (sorry I suck at summaries)
A/N: Man, so this chapter was definitely the hardest for me to write. I know where I want to go with jazzhyun, but my muse is blocked when it comes to 2min. I'm completely lost at how to get Taemin out of the marriage. FML! hope everyone had a fun halloween though.
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
It was good to finally be back home. I had spent the past few months in the States recording for my album. I really couldn’t believe that my music dream was finally coming true. It was a bittersweet feeling to be honest. I was ecstatic that it was happening, but then the person I wanted to share it with was no where in sight. It’s been a year and I was still madly in love with her. She constantly haunted my dreams. Her and our unborn baby. The happy family I was so close to having before it was ripped out of my hands, thank you to my oh so amazing father. I hate him.
I stand there and wait for my baggage to come down the conveyor belt, my driver standing beside me. He quickly grabs it when it hits the belt and I don’t realize it until his hand is on my shoulder telling me we can leave now. I just nod at him and follow him to the car. I take in the sight and smell of the city when I step out of the terminal. I didn’t know how much I would miss it. The second I’m in the car, my phone goes off. Not surprising. I figured the next few weeks were going to be extremely busy. My father would no doubt have a ton of stuff for me to do when I got to the office tomorrow morning and the record label was already starting promotions for me this week. They wanted to get me out there as soon as possible. It’ll be a wonder if I even find time to sleep.
“Hi hyung,” I say into the phone.
“Hey. How was the flight?”
“Long.”
“Well at least you were in first class right? Because then it would have been long and cramped.”
“I guess. I’m just glad to be home.”
“I bet. So…”
“What does our father want me to do now?”
“Meet for dinner.”
“Are you kidding me? I just got back. All I want to do is go home and crash. I have a busy week ahead of me.”
“I know, but he wants to discuss things with you.”
“Are you going to be there?”
“Nope. It’s your turn to have some quality time with our dear ol’ dad. I’ve hogged him enough.”
“Geez, you’re too kind hyung.”
“I know.”
“What time am I meeting him for dinner?”
“That’s where you’re heading right now.”
“Oh well then thanks for the heads up. I thought I was on my way home. Although I guess it explains why we’re driving away from my apartment.”
“Yeah.”
“So I was pretty much being kidnapped until you told me.”
“I guess.”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime. I’ll see you in the office tomorrow.”
“Yeah.”
“Get some rest tonight.”
“I will try, no promises since I have to spend a portion of it with dad.”
“Well. Good luck and bye!”
“Bye hyung,” I place my phone back in my jacket pocket, “Were you really not going to tell me that you weren’t taking me back to my home Mr. Jung?”
“I’m sorry. I was told by your father to just bring you to the restaurant. He said that if you knew, you’d probably protest and jump out of the car or something,” he responds while looking at me in the rear view mirror.
“I probably would have. What restaurant are we going to?”
“It’s a new one in downtown.”
“Does it have a name?”
“It does, I don’t remember it though. I just know how to get there. It’s supposed to be really good, the reviews for it have been nothing but positive.”
“Well I guess there’s my silver lining for the night. I get to eat some good food,” I lean back in the chair and close my eyes, “Wake me up when we get there.”
“Yes sir.”
*~*
A big smile crosses my face when I see his head bobbing through the crowd at the airport. I start to maneuver my way through the bodies until I’m right by him. He just smiles down at me and opens his arms. I’m all too happy to jump into his waiting arms, legs wrapping around his waist.
“Minnie,” he laughs as his arms wrap around me.
“I missed you so much!”
“I know. I missed you too.”
I pull away enough to look him in the eyes. We exchange stupid grins and I bring my hands up to either side of his face. I wait a second before crashing my lips down to his, but before the kiss could go very far he pulls away.
“Why’d you pull away?” I pout.
“Because we’re in the middle of the airport terminal.”
“So?”
“Minnie.”
“I can’t help it. Your lips are just so inviting.”
“Thank you. But if you want to kiss me, we should leave.”
“Oh I want to do more than kiss you.”
“And that will definitely not happen in the middle of the airport. Come on,” he arms leave my waist, but I don’t let go of him, “Minnie, get your legs off of me so we can walk to the car.”
“No, I don’t wanna let go.”
“Afraid I’ll vanish into thin air if you do or something? Come on, get down so we can leave.”
“Carry me to the car.”
“Seriously?” he raises an eyebrow at me.
“Yes.”
“You’re lucky I love you so much,” he grabs the handle of his bag with one hand and brings the other around me to keep me steady as he begins to walk out of the building. I smile and snuggle my head into his neck. I place a soft kiss on it and I giggle when he flinches at it, “Behave Minnie or I’m dropping you on your ass.”
“What are you talking about?” I feign innocence.
“You know what I’m talking about.”
“You’re no fun.”
“You’ll be eating those words later.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Where did you park?”
“Second floor of the car park.”
“Okay,” the rest of the walk is silent. I just revel the feeling of being in his arms again. I inhale a deep breath and his scent fills up my nose. I didn’t realize just how much I’ve been missing him until now. I definitely had to get out of this engagement. And get out of it soon, “We’re here Minnie. Get down.”
“No. I don’t wanna,” I tighten my grip around his neck.
“Minnie. Come on, get down.”
“SHIRO!”
“Minnie, we can’t drive like this.”
“But I don’t wanna let go yet.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m yours for the whole week.”
“All mine?”
“All yours.”
“Okay,” I reluctantly unwrap myself from him, but the pout is still on my face.
“You’re so cute,” he smiles and gives me a quick peck on the lips.
“One more!” I say, holding up my index finger at him.
“One more what?”
I pucker my lips a bit and tap it with the same index finger and he just laughs. He brings his head down and is so close to kissing my lips when he suddenly turns his head and kisses my cheek instead.
“Hey! No fair!” he’s already getting into the car and he turns to smirk at me.
“Come on Minnie. Get in already.”
“You’re so going to pay for that Mister,” I say under my breath before climbing into the car.
*~*
“So Jonghyun-ssi,” the reporter says.
Had I known that I was going to be interviewed during dinner, I really would have faked some kind of illness to get out of it. Then I couldn’t really do that since I am under contract. But still, it would have been nice to know that I had an interview today. Somehow both my father and my manager forgot to tell me. I’ll have to send them a thank you card later.
“Yes Ms. Kwon.”
“We’ve talked about you recording your new album, I guess now let’s talk about your personal life.”
“Oh?”
“You say that you get inspiration for the songs you write from what’s going on in your life at the moment.”
“Yes.”
“So does that mean that you’ve written songs for a special girl?”
“Um,” I’m not sure how I’m supposed to answer this. Normally I’m briefed before an interview. I’m told what I should or shouldn’t say. Questions I should or shouldn’t answer. Another thing to add to my lovely thank you card.
“You know when you’ve had a girlfriend in your life. Have you ever written a song that’s about her, for her?”
“Well I think that I’ll leave that up for you interpretation when you listen to a song that I’ve written.”
“Okay. Do you have a girlfriend right now?”
“No, I’m a little busy so I don’t think any girl would want to put up with my schedule. Besides, I’d want to be able to give her the attention she deserves and right now I don’t think I’d be able to do that.”
“So would you say that you’re a good boyfriend?”
“I would like to think so,” I laugh.
“Do you have an ideal type?”
“Doesn’t everyone?” the image of Jazzy suddenly pops into my mind.
“Yes, I guess so. Well if you had to choose someone who embodies your ideal type, who would it be?”
I want to say Jazzy’s name, but know better. Besides, I’ve already been told how to answer this question, whose name I should say and have been saying, “Shin Sekyung.”
“Good choice. She’s definitely a nice and beautiful girl.”
“Yes she is.”
“Have you ever met her before?”
“No, I’m still kind of the newbie in the industry. So I haven’t met very many people yet.”
“Well it looks like my time is running out. Thank you again for giving me this interview,” she says as she stands from the table and I do the same. I stick my hand out across the table and she grabs it.
“No thank you Ms. Kwon for taking time out of your day to do the interview,” I say while we shake hands.
“I’m glad to know that the rumors of you being extremely polite are true.”
“I’m glad that since there are already rumors about me that they’re positive.”
“Oh I’ve head nothing but good things about you.”
“Thank you,” I give a light bow.
“Have a great night Jonghyun-ssi. Thank you again for the interview.”
“You as well. Drive safely,” I take my seat again once she leaves and my father is back at the table with me, “Thanks for the heads up.”
“Would you really have come if I told you it was for an interview?”
“No.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“Are we done here?”
“Why?”
“I’m exhausted. I want to go home and sleep before I start my busy week.”
“We’re done. You’re free to leave.”
“Thank you,” I stand up again.
“I expect you to be at the office at 7 o’clock sharp tomorrow. We have a lot of things to discuss.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I wave off his words as I start to leave. The only thing I wanted to do right now was curl up in my bed and sleep for hours and hours and hours. The jet lag seems to have just knocked into me like a brick wall. I close my eyes and stretch my arms over my head as I wait for Mr. Jung to pull up with the car. I grimace when I feel some bump into me rather roughly, “Hey, watch where you’re going.”
“Sorry ma- Hey Jonghyun-ssi is that you?” a deep voice asks.
I open my eyes and turn in the direction that the voice is coming from. I’m surprised when I see it, “Leeteuk hyung?”
“It is you!” he smiles and brings me in for an awkward hug. Well awkward on my end because I just stand there like a pole as he hugs me, “How have you been man?”
“I’ve been good.”
“I heard about you getting signed. Congrats! Your dreams are finally coming true. All that time spend holed up in the music room is finally paying off huh?”
“Yeah. Thanks man. How have you been?”
“I’ve been good. Just started up my own business now that I’ve graduated, nothing special.”
“What kind of business?”
“Clothing line.”
“Really? I wouldn’t have thought you would start a clothing line. You never really seemed interested in fashion while we were in high school.”
“I’m not. My cousin actually does all the fashion stuff. She designs all the clothes and gets them made, I just handle the business aspect. Blue is still blue to me regardless of its hue.”
“Ah I see. Well I’ll have to keep an eye out for your clothes then. That is if you guys are making male clothing.”
“Yeah, we’re doing both male and female clothing. We’re actually having the grand opening of our store in a couple months.”
“Let me know when it is and I’ll be sure to stop by.”
“Sure thing. I’ll shoot you an e-mail or something. You still have the one you had in high school.”
“Yeah, but let me give you my other e-mail too.”
“Alright,” we both whip out our phones and quickly exchange e-mails, “So yeah, I’ll definitely hit you up when the grand opening gets closer.”
“That sounds good to me man.”
“Oppa!” I freeze when I hear her familiar voice behind me. I watch as Leeteuk moves to the side to look behind me and smiles.
“Jazzy!” he calls out and waves her over, “Look who I ran into!”
I can feel her presence as she gets closer to us. It takes everything in me not to just turn around and gather her in my arms. I can’t take my eyes off of her when she’s standing next to Leeteuk. She’s staring at me too. It’s kind of intense, I can’t breathe properly.
“Jj-Jjongie,” she finally manages to say and her smile is no longer there.
“Hey Jazzy. How have you been?”
“I’ve been okay. You?”
“Same.”
She then turns to Leeteuk, “Oppa, we better get going or we’ll miss the movie.”
He glances down at his watch, “Oh yeah. Sorry Jonghyun-ssi. Wish we could talk more, but Jazzy’s right. We’ll miss the movie if we don’t leave now. I’ll e-mail you though.”
“Yeah man. Sorry for keeping you. I’ll keep an eye out for your e-mail.”
“Sounds good. Talk to you later man,” I feel my blood boil as he grabs her hand.
“Later.”
I watch as they start to walk down the street and Jazzy looks back over her shoulder at me. She sends me a look that I can’t really decipher before she turns back to Leeteuk. Were they dating again?
“Jonghyun-ssi,” Mr. Jung’s voice interrupts my thoughts. I turn and he’s standing there waiting beside the open passenger door for me to climb in. I nod and slide into the car, “Home?”
I think a little bit and instead tell him to go to Onew’s apartment. I wasn’t planning on visiting him until after this week, but I couldn’t wait anymore. I had to ask him about Jazzy and Leeteuk. I’d ask Minho, but we haven’t really been on the best terms since Jazzy and I broke up, I can’t blame him though. She is his best friend and his loyalty lies with her, not me. It takes longer than I would have liked for me to reach the all-too-familiar building. I eye it from inside the car before I decide to step out and head upstairs. I knock on the door and hear some shuffling and mumbled voices inside before it opens.
“Jjong!” Onew smiles when he sees me, “You’re back!”
“I’m back!” I smile back.
“Welcome home man,” again I’m brought into a hug, but this time I return it. It was nice to see Onew again, “When did you get back?”
“A couple hours ago.”
“Wow and you decided to come and pay your old cousin a visit instead of going home to crash? I’m touched.”
“Yeah, well I needed to get a sense of being back home and well I’m closest to you in our family. Well beside my mom, but she’s visiting a friend in Japan at the moment.”
“Yeobo!” I hear Key yell from inside the apartment, “Where’s Yoogeunnie?”
“In the living room!” Onew yells back.
“Yah! You let him alone!”
“He’s fine.”
“Our apartment isn’t fully baby-proofed and he’s crawling now!”
“Yoogeun? Baby?” I give him a questioning look and his eyes go wide for a second before he let’s out a nervous laugh.
“Come in Jjong,” he steps aside and I follow him into the apartment. When we get to the living room I see Key holding a baby boy in his arms.
“Jonghyun!” his eyes go wide like Onew’s did a few seconds ago when he sees me, “You-You’re ho-ho-home!”
“Yeah. Who’s the baby?”
“Uh. What baby?”
“The one you’re holding.”
“Oh this baby,” he points to the child in his arms and shifts him so that I can’t see his face anymore.
“Yes, that baby. Did you two end up adopting while I was gone?”
“Oh no, no. We’re just baby-sitting for a friend while she goes out for a bit.”
“Ah I see. So does the baby have a name?”
“Yeah.”
“What is it?”
“Yoogeun.”
“Can I hold him?”
“No, he’s not good with strangers. I’m just going to go put him down in our room. He’s been crabby all day because he didn’t get his second nap.”
“I see. Well maybe I can hold him when he wakes up?”
“Sure, whatever. Yeobo, can you help me for a second?”
“Why do you need my help? He’s asleep already isn’t he? At least he was when I went to go answer the door,” Onew asks and Key just glares at him.
“I need your help,” he says through gritted teeth and nods his head towards their bedroom.
“Fine,” Onew follows him to their room and I take a seat on the couch. I hear their muffled voices behind the closed door and lean in a little to try to catch what they’re talking about. It’s no use though, I can’t understand a word they’re saying. About five minutes later, they both emerge from the bedroom and join me in the living room again.
“How old is the baby?” I ask.
“Going on five months,” Key answers.
“Hm,” I think a little bit, “That’s about how old my child with Jazzy would have been if she didn’t lose it.”
“Yeah. I guess.”
“How is she?”
“Jazzy?”
“Yeah.”
“She’s good.”
“Is she dating?”
“Um, I don’t think so.”
“I saw her with Leeteuk hyung before I came here,” I turn to Onew, “Are they dating again?”
“I honestly, don’t know. I guess they ran into each other last week or something,” he responds.
“I see. It seems like they were on a date when I ran into them.”
Onew just shrugs before dropping his head. He wasn’t telling me something. Both of them were keeping something from me and I wanted to know what it was.
*~*
“Thanks again oppa,” I say when we’re standing in front of my door, “I had fun tonight.”
“I’m glad. It was good to see you again. I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately.”
“Yeah,” I say and nod my head, “It was nice to get a night off.”
“I really want to meet Yoogeun one of these days.”
“Maybe.”
“I really want to be back in your life Jazzy. I want to give us another shot.”
“I’ll think about it. Thanks again for tonight,” I lean over and gently kiss his cheek.
“I’ll call you tomorrow?”
“Yeah. Text me when you get home.”
“Okay,” he leans in and returns the kiss before he turns and leaves. I wait for him to get into the elevator, waving at him as the doors close, before turning to the door across the hall. I punch in the code and let myself in.
“Yoogeunnie, umma’s here!” I call into the apartment as I walk down the hall. I can hear his excited giggles as I get further into the apartment. I stop in my tracks when I see who’s sitting on the couch, holding an excited Yoogeun.
“Jj-Jjongie?” I stutter, “Wh-where’s Key and Onew oppa?”
“Onew hyung cut himself. So they’re in the bathroom cleaning it up. Onew hyung is funny huh Yoogeunnie?” I watch as he coos at the baby, completely oblivious to the fact that he’s actually holding his son. They look so much alike though, “Hold on. What did you just say when you walked in?”
“Huh?” I watch as he stops playing with the baby and turns his full attention to me. I can see the gears in his head working as I silently try to take back the words I had said upon entering the apartment.
“Umma? Jazzy?” he looks at the baby in his hands and then at me.
“Jazzy! You’re home early!” Key’s voice interrupts us and I turn to face him. I silently mouth ‘help me’ to him before turning back to Jonghyun.
“What are you guys keeping from me?” he asks the three of us standing in front of him, “Jazzy what did you mean when you said ‘Umma’s here?’ What’s going on?”
Shit.