Not Like Before
Hi everyone! It's been a long time and I'm sure all of you know that I'm very busy in real life. I also got sick. It's Christmas but I couldn't eat a lot since I'm feeling nauseated and my stomach is in pain at times. I'm better now though (no more fever, less nauseated, more appetite), taking some medications. I'm a bit sad that I wasn't able to join any Secret Santa fic exchange *pouts* and I don't seem to be getting any Xmas presents here in LJ ~ that's okay, I know I haven't been in touched so I apologize and here's my fic as my Christmas gift to all of my readers. Merry Xmas~! Enjoy~! ^^
Theme: #71. Plays (Theater)
Pairing: Hankyung/Ryeowook
Title: Not Like Before
There were theaters but movies didn't exist back then; however, plays did. Ryeowook was a musical actor himself, and had been exposed to different plays, and acted in different theaters.
Plays acted by foreigners aren't exactly popular because of the language barrier. A play acted by a group of Chinese people was slowing starting to get popular. Ryeowook decided to go watch the play and finally found out why the Chinese play was getting popular. Not a single word was spoken by the actors and actresses of the play. The play mostly consists of dancing, some martial arts and simply acting through exaggerated body movements. There was no such thing as language barrier. Everybody understood and enjoyed it.
Most musical actors and actresses have other sideline or part time jobs except maybe for the really popular ones or the rich ones. Ryeowook, himself, worked at a local store. There weren't any customers so he used his time to practice and memorize his lines for the next play. By the time he finished delivering his heartfelt speech, he heard a clapping noise.
Ryeowook recognized the person to be one of the Chinese actors in the popular Chinese play. Ryeowook blushed in embarrassment and proceeded to do his duty as a cashier. "That would be 300 won." He spoke in Chinese.
The Chinese actor's eyes widened in surprised. "It's a pleasant surprise that you could speak in Chinese." Ironically, the Chinese man replied in Korean.
It was Ryeowook's turn to be surprised. "You speak Korean very well. I could only speak a bit of Chinese. I'm not really good at it. I only started learning it after I watched your play for the first time." He spoke in his own language this time.
The Chinese actor continued to speak in Korean with some Chinese accent. "My group will be leaving back to China but I shall be left behind. I want to be the first Chinese actor to be popular in Korean plays so I'm trying my best to learn the Korean language. I want to be able to speak, and not just dance or act on a Korean theater stage."
"I could help you with that." Ryeowook replied confidently.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ryeowook was talented. He has a great voice for singing in musical plays. He was good at acting and dancing too. He has a fanbase and some popularity but wasn't anything compared to the really popular actors out there. It's not because Ryeowook lacked something but more of because he doesn't want to take the main roles that he had been offered. He only take roles that consists of somehow being related to the main character but never the main character himself.
Also, Ryeowook wasn't just talented on stage. He was talented off the stage as well. Helping with make-up and fixing some last minute damaged costumes. He also liked composing songs for musical plays. He was friendly and had a nice personality so he always got along with the stage and crew. He easily made friends with some very well-known directors and script writers.
So helping Hankyung, the Chinese actor's name that Ryeowook met, was an easy task. Besides, it would be a first time for a Chinese actor to actually participate in a Korean play. The very well-known stage director, Choi Siwon, and script writer, Kim Kibum, wouldn't pass off this chance. That's how Hankyung landed a small role in the play that Ryeowook was currently practicing for.
"Being a Chinese is a huge advantage of you. If you do a good performance even if it's just a small role, it could lead to a lot of directors or scriptwriters would want to hire you and maybe even end up on having a main role in your next play." Ryeowook said as he poured some rice wine in Hankyung's glass. They were currently having a drink to celebrate the success of Hankyung landing a small role in the play.
"I'm really grateful to you. How could I ever repay you?" Hankyung asked sincerely.
"Live with me. I need someone to split the rent with." Ryeowook replied jokingly. He wasn't expecting for Hankyung to take him seriously and moved in his apartment the next day.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A month later, the play was finally being shown on stage. They held the play in different stages in the different parts of Korea for the next 2 months. After that, Hankyung's popularity started to grow. Just as Ryeowook predicted, a lot of directors and scriptwriters wanted Hankyung for their next play. He was being offered with main roles too.
Ryeowook and Hankyung were doing different plays. They were busy with their own schedules and barely had time to see each other. After another 3 months of practice, Hankyung's play was finally being shown on stage. His popularity shot up to the top. Not just with directors or scriptwriters but with the audience and with the Korean people.
"I want to be in a play with both of us as main characters." Hankyung told Ryeowook after scanning some of the scripts that was offered to him.
"That would mean either a gay play or be in a love triangle with a girl. No, thanks." Ryeowook replied.
"Is that why you don't accept main roles?" Hankyung asked.
"Yup." Ryeowook replied casually.
Hankyung was confused. "That's strange. One of the reasons why actors love their job is because they can kiss the actress or they become a love team. It would help with increasing popularity. Why don't you want any of that?"
"I just like composing songs and singing. That's why most plays I've participated are musical. I don't really want to be popular and I think it's a hassle to be in a love team with a person I don't really love."
"Does that mean there is someone you love?" Hankyung asked teasingly.
"In the past." Ryeowook left the dining table, abruptly ending their conversation and leaving Hankyung more confused.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Do you know anything about Ryeowook's love life?" Hankyung asked his fellow actor.
"Why? Are you interested in him?" Heechul asked teasingly while elbowing Hankyung on the ribs.
"No." But his mind answered maybe a bit. "It's just that he doesn't seem to be dating anyone and he doesn't take the main roles because he doesn't want to be coupled up with a girl and be in a love team. He also mentioned something about loving someone in the past. Do you know anything about that?"
Heechul sighed. "Looks like he hasn't really completely gotten over him. The guy's name is Yesung."
Hankyung instantly recognized him. "Woah!!! Yesung is like extremely popular!!!"
"By the looks of it, you're also going to be in Yesung's shoes sooner than you think." Heechul pointed out.
Hankyung shook his head from side to side. "No way. My voice isn't as good as his."
"Of course not but you're Chinese and that's something that Yesung isn't." Heechul shrugged. "Anyway, Yesung's story was kinda like how you met with Ryeowook. Yesung was just a country boy. He moved in the city hoping to achieve his dream. Ryeowook helped him. They lived together too. Then Yesung became very popular and moved out. I'm not really sure in which part of the story they fell in love, became a couple and broke up. Isn't the story almost the same as yours? Except for the love life part."
"Well, I think there wouldn't be anything wrong with moving out on my part since Ryeowook and I aren't a couple anyway." Hankyung said because he was honestly planning to move out as soon as he'd earn (or loan from a bank, he still has some document problems since he's Chinese) enough money to actually own a house.
"They probably have another reason for breaking up and not just about Yesung moving out of the apartment. They lead a quiet relationship so if you really want details, you gotta ask Ryeowook himself." Heechul said, patting Hankyung, trying to boost up Hankyung's confidence.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It turned out that Hankyung didn't have to ask because Ryeowook arrived drunk one night and just ended up talking about it. "I wish he was an ungrateful bastard so I could hate him but he isn't. He felt too grateful for all the things I've done for him so when I confessed, he couldn't find it in his heart to reject me. In the end, he found someone else and ended up cheating on me because he couldn't bring himself to break up with me."
Hankyung awkwardly patted Ryeowook's back while listening because he doesn't know how else he should be comforting Ryeowook. "Do you still love him?"
"There's someone else I like now but I'm afraid he might end up like Yesung."
Suddenly, Hankyung remembered Heechul's words about how much Hankyung's story was similar to Yesung. "That person you like... isn't actually me... right?" Hankyung asked hesitantly.
Ryeowook stared at him seriously for a while before breaking into a smile. "Of course not!!! You're like a brother to me!!!" He hugged Hankyung. "I'm feeling dizzy and sleep so I'm off to bed!!!" Ryeowook wasn't walking straightly but he still arrived safely on his bed.
Hankyung felt relieved when Ryeowook said it wasn't him but at the same time, he also had a feeling that Ryeowook was lying.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It's been three years. Hankyung and the rest of the cast and crew had a drink to celebrate the success of the first day of their latest musical play.
"So when are you going to tell us that you and Ryeowook are actually a couple?" Eunhyuk, the lead dancer, asked while waving his glass of beer.
Ryeowook wasn't a part of the musical play but Hankyung invited him to watch and dragged him to have some drinks with them after the play. He was currently drinking beer when he heard Eunhyuk's question. He choked and coughed. "We're not a couple." He replied weakly after coughing.
"Oh come on! You've been living with each other for three years!!! Who knows what you do behind closed doors!!!" Eunhyuk winked suggestively.
Ryeowook's jaw dropped. "We aren't doing anything naughty!!!"
"You sound so defensive Ryeowook. I bet you're the naughty one!!!" Eunhyuk pointed an accusing finger on Ryeowook.
"I'm not!!!" Ryeowook turned to Hankyung to ask for help. "Hankyung, make him stop!!! Tell him it's not true." He pouted and tugged Hankyung's sleeve.
Hankyung was amused as he watched Ryeowook trying to defend himself. He thought that Ryeowook was acting like a cute kid the whole time. Now, Ryeowook was looking at him and pouting cutely. Because Hankyung was slightly drunk, he leaned down to kiss Ryeowook right in front of everyone.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"So why exactly aren't we a couple yet?" Hankyung asked when they arrived in their apartment that night.
"Hankyung, you're drunk and I'm tired. I just want to get some sleep." Ryeowook was making his way towards his bedroom.
Ryeowook already had his hand on his bedroom's door when Hankyung suddenly hugged Ryeowook from behind. "I can tell that you've liked me for a long time. Can't you tell that I like you too?" Hankyung whispered.
"I've confused love with the feeling of gratefulness before so I don't want to assume things. Besides, I really liked the way we are right now." They already did everything that a couple would do. Date, kiss, sex, meeting each other's families, celebrating important dates such as birthdays and Christmas together and so on.
Hankyung moved so he was standing right in front of Ryeowook now. "If you confessed to me when I just started my career here in Korea and if you didn't tell me what happened between you and Yesung, I could have been like Yesung because the only feelings I had for you back then were of friendship and gratefulness but it's different now."
"Why is it different now?" Ryeowook asked softly.
"Because I've fallen for you." Hankyung pulled Ryeowook for another kiss.
Ryeowook wrapped his arms around Hankyung's neck and legs around Hankyung's waist. "Tell Eunhyuk that we officially became a couple thanks to him for being drunk and asking that stupid question."
Hankyung laughed. "Yeah, I'll do that tomorrow." He carried Ryeowook to the bedroom and kicked the door close.
THE END
Theme: #71. Plays (Theater)
Pairing: Hankyung/Ryeowook
Title: Not Like Before
There were theaters but movies didn't exist back then; however, plays did. Ryeowook was a musical actor himself, and had been exposed to different plays, and acted in different theaters.
Plays acted by foreigners aren't exactly popular because of the language barrier. A play acted by a group of Chinese people was slowing starting to get popular. Ryeowook decided to go watch the play and finally found out why the Chinese play was getting popular. Not a single word was spoken by the actors and actresses of the play. The play mostly consists of dancing, some martial arts and simply acting through exaggerated body movements. There was no such thing as language barrier. Everybody understood and enjoyed it.
Most musical actors and actresses have other sideline or part time jobs except maybe for the really popular ones or the rich ones. Ryeowook, himself, worked at a local store. There weren't any customers so he used his time to practice and memorize his lines for the next play. By the time he finished delivering his heartfelt speech, he heard a clapping noise.
Ryeowook recognized the person to be one of the Chinese actors in the popular Chinese play. Ryeowook blushed in embarrassment and proceeded to do his duty as a cashier. "That would be 300 won." He spoke in Chinese.
The Chinese actor's eyes widened in surprised. "It's a pleasant surprise that you could speak in Chinese." Ironically, the Chinese man replied in Korean.
It was Ryeowook's turn to be surprised. "You speak Korean very well. I could only speak a bit of Chinese. I'm not really good at it. I only started learning it after I watched your play for the first time." He spoke in his own language this time.
The Chinese actor continued to speak in Korean with some Chinese accent. "My group will be leaving back to China but I shall be left behind. I want to be the first Chinese actor to be popular in Korean plays so I'm trying my best to learn the Korean language. I want to be able to speak, and not just dance or act on a Korean theater stage."
"I could help you with that." Ryeowook replied confidently.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ryeowook was talented. He has a great voice for singing in musical plays. He was good at acting and dancing too. He has a fanbase and some popularity but wasn't anything compared to the really popular actors out there. It's not because Ryeowook lacked something but more of because he doesn't want to take the main roles that he had been offered. He only take roles that consists of somehow being related to the main character but never the main character himself.
Also, Ryeowook wasn't just talented on stage. He was talented off the stage as well. Helping with make-up and fixing some last minute damaged costumes. He also liked composing songs for musical plays. He was friendly and had a nice personality so he always got along with the stage and crew. He easily made friends with some very well-known directors and script writers.
So helping Hankyung, the Chinese actor's name that Ryeowook met, was an easy task. Besides, it would be a first time for a Chinese actor to actually participate in a Korean play. The very well-known stage director, Choi Siwon, and script writer, Kim Kibum, wouldn't pass off this chance. That's how Hankyung landed a small role in the play that Ryeowook was currently practicing for.
"Being a Chinese is a huge advantage of you. If you do a good performance even if it's just a small role, it could lead to a lot of directors or scriptwriters would want to hire you and maybe even end up on having a main role in your next play." Ryeowook said as he poured some rice wine in Hankyung's glass. They were currently having a drink to celebrate the success of Hankyung landing a small role in the play.
"I'm really grateful to you. How could I ever repay you?" Hankyung asked sincerely.
"Live with me. I need someone to split the rent with." Ryeowook replied jokingly. He wasn't expecting for Hankyung to take him seriously and moved in his apartment the next day.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A month later, the play was finally being shown on stage. They held the play in different stages in the different parts of Korea for the next 2 months. After that, Hankyung's popularity started to grow. Just as Ryeowook predicted, a lot of directors and scriptwriters wanted Hankyung for their next play. He was being offered with main roles too.
Ryeowook and Hankyung were doing different plays. They were busy with their own schedules and barely had time to see each other. After another 3 months of practice, Hankyung's play was finally being shown on stage. His popularity shot up to the top. Not just with directors or scriptwriters but with the audience and with the Korean people.
"I want to be in a play with both of us as main characters." Hankyung told Ryeowook after scanning some of the scripts that was offered to him.
"That would mean either a gay play or be in a love triangle with a girl. No, thanks." Ryeowook replied.
"Is that why you don't accept main roles?" Hankyung asked.
"Yup." Ryeowook replied casually.
Hankyung was confused. "That's strange. One of the reasons why actors love their job is because they can kiss the actress or they become a love team. It would help with increasing popularity. Why don't you want any of that?"
"I just like composing songs and singing. That's why most plays I've participated are musical. I don't really want to be popular and I think it's a hassle to be in a love team with a person I don't really love."
"Does that mean there is someone you love?" Hankyung asked teasingly.
"In the past." Ryeowook left the dining table, abruptly ending their conversation and leaving Hankyung more confused.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Do you know anything about Ryeowook's love life?" Hankyung asked his fellow actor.
"Why? Are you interested in him?" Heechul asked teasingly while elbowing Hankyung on the ribs.
"No." But his mind answered maybe a bit. "It's just that he doesn't seem to be dating anyone and he doesn't take the main roles because he doesn't want to be coupled up with a girl and be in a love team. He also mentioned something about loving someone in the past. Do you know anything about that?"
Heechul sighed. "Looks like he hasn't really completely gotten over him. The guy's name is Yesung."
Hankyung instantly recognized him. "Woah!!! Yesung is like extremely popular!!!"
"By the looks of it, you're also going to be in Yesung's shoes sooner than you think." Heechul pointed out.
Hankyung shook his head from side to side. "No way. My voice isn't as good as his."
"Of course not but you're Chinese and that's something that Yesung isn't." Heechul shrugged. "Anyway, Yesung's story was kinda like how you met with Ryeowook. Yesung was just a country boy. He moved in the city hoping to achieve his dream. Ryeowook helped him. They lived together too. Then Yesung became very popular and moved out. I'm not really sure in which part of the story they fell in love, became a couple and broke up. Isn't the story almost the same as yours? Except for the love life part."
"Well, I think there wouldn't be anything wrong with moving out on my part since Ryeowook and I aren't a couple anyway." Hankyung said because he was honestly planning to move out as soon as he'd earn (or loan from a bank, he still has some document problems since he's Chinese) enough money to actually own a house.
"They probably have another reason for breaking up and not just about Yesung moving out of the apartment. They lead a quiet relationship so if you really want details, you gotta ask Ryeowook himself." Heechul said, patting Hankyung, trying to boost up Hankyung's confidence.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It turned out that Hankyung didn't have to ask because Ryeowook arrived drunk one night and just ended up talking about it. "I wish he was an ungrateful bastard so I could hate him but he isn't. He felt too grateful for all the things I've done for him so when I confessed, he couldn't find it in his heart to reject me. In the end, he found someone else and ended up cheating on me because he couldn't bring himself to break up with me."
Hankyung awkwardly patted Ryeowook's back while listening because he doesn't know how else he should be comforting Ryeowook. "Do you still love him?"
"There's someone else I like now but I'm afraid he might end up like Yesung."
Suddenly, Hankyung remembered Heechul's words about how much Hankyung's story was similar to Yesung. "That person you like... isn't actually me... right?" Hankyung asked hesitantly.
Ryeowook stared at him seriously for a while before breaking into a smile. "Of course not!!! You're like a brother to me!!!" He hugged Hankyung. "I'm feeling dizzy and sleep so I'm off to bed!!!" Ryeowook wasn't walking straightly but he still arrived safely on his bed.
Hankyung felt relieved when Ryeowook said it wasn't him but at the same time, he also had a feeling that Ryeowook was lying.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It's been three years. Hankyung and the rest of the cast and crew had a drink to celebrate the success of the first day of their latest musical play.
"So when are you going to tell us that you and Ryeowook are actually a couple?" Eunhyuk, the lead dancer, asked while waving his glass of beer.
Ryeowook wasn't a part of the musical play but Hankyung invited him to watch and dragged him to have some drinks with them after the play. He was currently drinking beer when he heard Eunhyuk's question. He choked and coughed. "We're not a couple." He replied weakly after coughing.
"Oh come on! You've been living with each other for three years!!! Who knows what you do behind closed doors!!!" Eunhyuk winked suggestively.
Ryeowook's jaw dropped. "We aren't doing anything naughty!!!"
"You sound so defensive Ryeowook. I bet you're the naughty one!!!" Eunhyuk pointed an accusing finger on Ryeowook.
"I'm not!!!" Ryeowook turned to Hankyung to ask for help. "Hankyung, make him stop!!! Tell him it's not true." He pouted and tugged Hankyung's sleeve.
Hankyung was amused as he watched Ryeowook trying to defend himself. He thought that Ryeowook was acting like a cute kid the whole time. Now, Ryeowook was looking at him and pouting cutely. Because Hankyung was slightly drunk, he leaned down to kiss Ryeowook right in front of everyone.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"So why exactly aren't we a couple yet?" Hankyung asked when they arrived in their apartment that night.
"Hankyung, you're drunk and I'm tired. I just want to get some sleep." Ryeowook was making his way towards his bedroom.
Ryeowook already had his hand on his bedroom's door when Hankyung suddenly hugged Ryeowook from behind. "I can tell that you've liked me for a long time. Can't you tell that I like you too?" Hankyung whispered.
"I've confused love with the feeling of gratefulness before so I don't want to assume things. Besides, I really liked the way we are right now." They already did everything that a couple would do. Date, kiss, sex, meeting each other's families, celebrating important dates such as birthdays and Christmas together and so on.
Hankyung moved so he was standing right in front of Ryeowook now. "If you confessed to me when I just started my career here in Korea and if you didn't tell me what happened between you and Yesung, I could have been like Yesung because the only feelings I had for you back then were of friendship and gratefulness but it's different now."
"Why is it different now?" Ryeowook asked softly.
"Because I've fallen for you." Hankyung pulled Ryeowook for another kiss.
Ryeowook wrapped his arms around Hankyung's neck and legs around Hankyung's waist. "Tell Eunhyuk that we officially became a couple thanks to him for being drunk and asking that stupid question."
Hankyung laughed. "Yeah, I'll do that tomorrow." He carried Ryeowook to the bedroom and kicked the door close.
THE END