Promises [1/?]
Title: Promises
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong
Rating: R
Genre: Romance, Action, Drama
Summary: As secrets came to light, Jaejoong saw his life falling apart to the point where he realizes he knows nothing and suspects everyone - even, Jung Yunho.
banner made by godchild1134
Kim Jaejoong was not blind to the realities of the world that he lived in.
Although he’d been raised in the lap of luxury, Kim Jaejoong knew the value of hard work and honesty. He also knew that not everyone was as honest as they made themselves out to be. The political and societal games he’d been forced to play were more than difficult, and he was in constant need of guidance from his father. It was why he’d chosen to remain under his father and work with him rather than branch out on his own. He didn’t feel like he was ready to face the true face of the world that he’d been born into.
Jaejoong walked past the people working busily outside of his father’s office, readying preparations for the upcoming gala. He smiled as politely as he could, greeted people when they greeted him, and made small talk if anyone bothered to start a conversation with him.
It wasn’t surprising behavior - he was well groomed. He knew exactly what was needed of him, and what to do at all times. He was proud to be the kind of son his father had always wanted him to be.
“Jaejoong?”
He blinked at noticed his father’s secretary looking at him worriedly. Jaejoong laughed, embarrassed that he’d been caught staring blankly into the distance, “I’m sorry. I was a little distracted. Is it alright if I see my father?”
“You just missed him.” The secretary said apologetically, “He just left for a meeting with Senator Lee a few minutes ago concerning business taxes. Is there any reason why you weren’t able to -“
Jaejoong lifted his phone, “I ran out of battery.”
“Oh.” The woman laughed, “Would you like to charge your phone here and wait, or shall I ask someone to get you -“
Jaejoong shook his head, “I’ll be fine. I’m sure I’ll be able to catch him before he leaves for his other meeting tonight. Thank you for your time.”
“Of course, I would be glad to help you. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to assist you this time though.”
“There’s no need to apologize.” Jaejoong smiled at the woman and strode out of his father’s office, only to be greeted by the sight of Jung Yunho coming down the corridor and heading in his direction.
Yunho’s eyes met his instantly, and Jaejoong slowed down so that the other man could approach him.
“Is your father in?” Yunho asked with a gesture at the office door, “There’s something I wanted to speak to him about in person.”
Jaejoong shook his head, “He’s not in.” He glanced at Yunho and laughed, “You have all the resources in the world Yunho, why didn’t you bother to just call his secretary and set up an appointment?”
Yunho opened his mouth only to shut it. His lips curved into a small smile, “You’re right. I think I got too carried away by the moment.”
“Watching too many afternoon dramas with all the free time you have?” Jaejoong asked, a wide smile stretching across his face, “If I’d known you were so in need of company Yunho, I would’ve invited you out sometime.”
Jaejoong nearly blushed, surprised by his own flirtatious behavior. He’d always managed to keep his feelings and emotions in check, yet there was something about Yunho that kept him on edge. While he and Yunho had grown up together - their birthdays in the same year and only days apart - they’d never become as close as many had hoped they would be.
Yunho was often too distant, and Jaejoong was too restrained. For some reason, they’d never fully allowed themselves to get to know each other, and there was not one day that Jaejoong wondered why they were so keen on keeping a distance between themselves.
“We could go out now actually.” Yunho suggested as he glanced down at his expensive watch. “I don’t have any meetings, and I know you must be dying to tell me about your recent trip to Paris.”
“You knew I left?” Jaejoong asked.
Yunho chuckled, “Of course I did. It was all over the newspapers, and people were claiming that you’d found yourself a girl - a Parisian fling.”
Jaejoong stared into Yunho’s eyes. “I never heard about that.”
“Well, maybe you should step out of that expensive penthouse of yours more often then, don’t you think?” Yunho asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, “Anyway, are we going out for lunch?”
“Will you be paying?”
Yunho laughed, “Fine, I’ll pay.” He glanced at his watch once more before he turned his attention back to Jaejoong, “How did you get here? Did you bring your own car, or did you get -“
“I was dropped off by my driver -“
“Then I’ll take you home later.” Yunho said as he pulled his car keys out of his pant pocket and dangled them, “Let’s go?”
Jaejoong glanced down at the keys, “Are you trying to show off?” he asked, his smile growing wider by the second, “I don’t think a fancy car is going to please me that much. I’ve seen enough expensive vehicles in my lifetime.”
“No,” Yunho’s smiled broadened, “I’m just trying to get you to move faster because I’m dying to eat.”
“You do look rather skinny.” Jaejoong commented as he raked his eyes over Yunho’s tall and lean body, “We should go before you start looking like one of those models I saw in Paris.”
“I wouldn’t want to look unappealing to you.” Yunho murmured as they began to make their way to the elevator. Jaejoong cast a glance at Yunho, and the other man laughed at his curiosity. “Your opinion does matter to me Jaejoong.”
Jaejoong could only bit his lip and attempt to hide the blush that crept across his face.
o-o-o
Jaejoong followed Yunho into the restaurant, and he ignored the curious eyes that lingered in their direction. It was often that the two of them did anything alone together, and in fact, even Jaejoong was having a hard time believing that the two of them had somehow made a lunch date on such short, informal notice.
They were ushered into a private room at the back, and Jaejoong knew not to expect any differently - Yunho’s mother did own the restaurant they were in.
“Did you bring me here so that you wouldn’t have to pay?” Jaejoong asked jokingly as he took the menu from the nervous looking waitress, “If you’re stripped of cash Yunho, you know that you could always borrow from me.”
“No, I just wanted the privacy.”
Jaejoong tensed up slightly and glanced at Yunho, “I haven’t eaten here before, so could you just order for me?” he asked, “I’m not allergic to anything so -“
“I’ll make it a surprise then.” Yunho said with a small smile that made Jaejoong shift uncomfortably in his seat. Jaejoong watched as Yunho called over the waitress, whispered the order in her ear and then sent her off.
As soon as she was gone, Jaejoong waited for the silence that was to come. He shifted in his seat - this was how things between him and Yunho always turned out. He could never understand how they could just suddenly lose all sort of speech capabilities when they were around each other, but things just occurred that way.
Just as Jaejoong was about to start regretting the fact that he’d accepted a lunch date with Yunho, the other man spoke.
“How’s your father?” Yunho asked politely as he folded his table napkin into some sort of shape. “Your family?”
“Oh,” Jaejoong smiled, “They’re fine. You know my father, he’s always busy doing things. It’s amazing he hasn’t allowed himself to be roped into politics yet from the way he’s so involved in numerous affairs -“
“He doesn’t plan on running for office sometime?”
Jaejoong watched Yunho carefully, “No, he isn’t.” he frowned, “What would make you think that? I’m sure you’ve been at the parties - my father has no interest in running for public office.”
“I just heard a rumor.” Yunho said dismissively, immediately taking charge of changing the topic to avoid further awkwardness. He looked up at Jaejoong, “So, how was your Parisian escapade?”
“It was…” Jaejoong trailed off and laughed, “Not as great as I had hoped. It was all sorts of terrible actually.” He looked up at Yunho, “I kept getting lost, and I couldn’t speak to anyone because I’d discovered that my English skills have deteriorated.”
“What?”
Jaejoong hid his face behind his hand in embarrassment, “It was humiliating. Eventually my mother found out that I was lacking in any sort of geographical direction and communication skills, so she hired a guide for me.”
“Was your guide -“
“He was fifty, balding, and boring.” Jaejoong laughed, and when he saw a smile stretch across Yunho’s face, he could feel his face heat up. Their laughter filled the room, and Jaejoong couldn’t help but take back his previous worries and fears.
Maybe he and Yunho got along better than he had thought.
o-o-o
As they were finishing up, a person walked into the room. Jaejoong recognized the man to be one of Yunho’s bodyguards, so he said nothing about the man’s sudden entrance in the room.
“What are you doing here?” Yunho asked stiffly as he set his napkin down to look at the intimidating man.
The man bowed slightly before he straightened, “I was hired for your safety Mr. Jung, it would be against my orders for you to be left alone. If you wish -“
“Could you at least stand outside?” Yunho asked irritably, his good mood disappearing completely. He waved the man away, “I won’t die unless Jaejoong decides to stab me with that knife of his, so please, just step outside.”
The bodyguard looked unwilling, but he ultimately gave in and walked out, shutting the door quietly behind him.
Jaejoong glanced at the door before he turned his attention back to Yunho, who was drawing spirals absentmindedly on the tablecloth. He cleared his throat and smiled when Yunho looked up at him.
“It’s only for your safety.” Jaejoong said, “I don’t mind, really, if he stays inside. Your safety’s important -“
“Where are your bodyguards?” Yunho asked as he leaned back into his seat. “I think your father should hire some for you. You’re their only son, and these are dangerous times, it’s important that -“
“Do I look like I need protection?”
Yunho chuckled, “Do I look like I need protection?” he smiled at Jaejoong, “As far as I’m concerned, I think you’re the one who needs to be protected. You walk around on your own constantly, and you attend all sorts of events which are no doubt a security officer’s worst nightmare -“
“Have you been keeping tabs on me?” Jaejoong chuckled and took a sip of his wine, “I don’t need a bodyguard, okay Yunho? I’ll be fine. It’s not like my father has any known enemies anyway. I’ll be fine.”
“But still -“
Jaejoong furrowed his brows, “Don’t worry about it.” He added with a smile, “I’ll be fine, so stop worrying.” He took the dessert menu off the table, “Now tell me, what’s good here?”
o-o-o
There were so many people, but Jaejoong wasn’t surprised in the least. He knew his father was an important man, and any sane person would’ve accepted the invite to his birthday party immediately.
He made his way across the room, doing his usual round of greetings. Everyone was dressed so extravagantly, and he knew that as he passed by every unmarried or unattached girl, each one was hoping that they would catch his eye.
Unfortunately for them, he wasn’t interested - not in the least.
It wasn’t that they had terrible personalities, or that their looks didn’t meet his standards, he just wasn’t interested in them. He’d yet to find himself attracted to anyone, and Jaejoong could only suppose that was the reason he was branded by most to be cold and unattached.
Seeing as he couldn’t bring himself to become a social butterfly, he accepted that title with ease.
“Jaejoong!”
Sohyang, his eldest sister, strode up to him, her voluminous emerald green gown flowing behind her. She crossed her arms and frowned at him, “Do you know how late you are? You were supposed to do the welcoming speech, but I ended up doing it instead! Where were you?”
“I took a nap in the afternoon and overslept.”
She rolled her eyes and poked his cheek, “How foolish of you.” Sohyang sighed, “Well, there won’t be anything for you to do until nine, so just try to be social. I can’t have you out at the balcony the entire night -“
Jaejoong rolled his eyes, “I’m not the kid I used to be. I know where I’m supposed to be, I know what I’m supposed to do. There’s no need to keep reminding me.” He shot his sister a smile, “Stop worrying about me. Enjoy the party.”
“I wish you would enjoy it.” Sohyang said with a pout, “I constantly wish you would talk and socialize more.”
“I constantly wish you would talk and socialize less.” Jaejoong replied with a wider smile, and his sister swatted his arm in response. He noticed Sohyang’s husband looking at the two of them, “Your husband’s looking for you.”
Sohyang turned around and waved her husband away with a smile, mouthing that she’d meet him later before the turned her attention back to Jaejoong.
“Aren’t you supposed to love and cherish -“
“I heard something earlier today,” Sohyang said, trying to be sly about whatever she was going to bring up. “I must say, it interested me a lot, and what made me even more interested was the fact it was about you.”
Jaejoong frowned, “What did you hear?”
“I heard you went out for lunch with Jung Yunho yesterday.” She tilted her head and watched him carefully, “Did you guys go out for any particular reason? I wasn’t aware that you guys were good enough friends to schedule abrupt lunch dates.”
“It wasn’t about anything in particular.” Jaejoong replied stiffly underneath the intensity of his sister’s gaze, “I met him at father’s office yesterday, and then we just happened to decide to go out with each other.”
“I see.” Sohyang studied him carefully, “No other reason?”
“Why are you asking so many questions?” Jaejoong rolled his eyes, “It’s nothing; I assure you. We just talked, and we didn’t talk about anything important either. It’s of no concern to you -“
“It sounds like a date, that’s what.” Sohyang replied casually as she glanced at her perfectly manicured nails. She glanced up at Jaejoong, “Was it a date Jaejoong? You can tell me if you want. I know that -“
“It wasn’t a date.” Jaejoong hissed before he looked around to make sure that no one had overheard his sister. “I swear, sometimes you’re as bad as those women you like to gossip with. Don’t turn an innocent lunch into some sort of love affair -“
“You should really loosen up.” His sister said with a laugh as she once more poked his cheek, “You look absolutely red.” Sohyang pinched his cheek, “Anyway, I’m going to go attach myself to my husband’s side now. I expect to see you onstage in an hour or so, until then, make sure to behave.”
“Don’t I always behave?” Jaejoong said as he watched his sister turn away and begin to make her way across the room to where her husband was.
Sohyang turned around with a teasing smile, “Knowing you, something will always go wrong.”
Jaejoong rolled his eyes and walked away, intent on finding his way to the balcony.
Although he’d grown out of the phase of staying in the balcony for the entirety of formal events, that didn’t mean he didn’t like staying there. No matter what, it was still his refuge for when he felt like escaping the social pressure that was mounted heavily upon his shoulders.
o-o-o
He was greeted by the cold wind, and Jaejoong’s eyes fluttered shut comfortably. The balcony was a little secret shared by him and the rest of his family - a place where only the Kim family knew how to get to.
It was an obvious sight from almost anywhere within the sprawling Kim estate, and it provided a good view of the entire property. Jaejoong leaned against the railing and watched as cars drove in and exited the estate - and he tried to make out who the people leaving the vehicles were.
As heir to most of his father’s company, Jaejoong knew that it would only be enough time before his father formally handed the reins over to him. While his sisters would also get their own responsibilities to manage in the company, he was to be given the most influence.
At first, he’d thought it to be unjust - Sohyang was as quick as a thinker as he was, and she was more sociable too, but as time flew past, he’d gradually understood why his father had decided to give him the greatest part in maintaining and overseeing the company.
He was without a doubt, the least likely to get influenced by the opinions of others. While his stubbornness was usually claimed as a fault, Jaejoong realized that his father had recognized it to be a good trait of his when it came to business because it would ensure that no other person would take claim over the company when the time came that his father would no longer be around.
Perhaps it was a little sexist, but Jaejoong knew that his sisters all agreed with their father’s decision to pass on the majority of responsibility to Jaejoong. Besides, at the end of the day, it was mostly just paperwork - the Kim family would still run the company together.
“I’m glad to see you alone.”
Jaejoong turned around, caught by surprise, and his eyes widened at the sight of the person before him. “What are you doing here?” he questioned, wary of the intruder. He was fairly sure that the path to the balcony was secret, and to meet someone unrecognizable, it was no doubt a bad sign.
The man pulled back his suit jacket, revealing a gun. He took it out of its holster, his eyes focused on Jaejoong the entire time. “I’m here to send a message.” He said slowly, his words dripping with dark amusement.
The assailant slowly began to make his approach, and although Jaejoong’s instincts were screaming for him to run, his body refused to comply. The man was nearing, yet his feet refused to move.
Jaejoong couldn’t think and as soon as the sound of a gun firing resounded in the dark of the night, he anticipated the pain, the feeling of blood trickling down from wherever he was shot. Instead of pain however, he felt a pull.
“Quick, get out of here.”
His eyes fluttered open instantly, and Jaejoong stared into familiar brown eyes.
“Yunho.” He breathed out, his voice barely above a whisper. He glanced past Yunho’s shoulder and caught sight of the intruder, bleeding helplessly on the cold marble tiles of the balcony.
“Jaejoong, come on, there are more.” Yunho ordered, and Jaejoong was not distracted enough to not notice the gun Yunho was holding in his hand. He took a step back away from Yunho, but Yunho refused and gripped his wrist tightly. “If we don’t leave now, you’re going to die tonight.”
“How can I trust you?”
“Please, just do.” Yunho pleaded before he glanced back at the balcony’s doors. He turned back to face Jaejoong, “Come on, we have to leave.”
Jaejoong nodded wordlessly, and Yunho quickly pulled Jaejoong back indoors. There were footsteps thundering in the darkness, and Jaejoong could only feel his heartbeat quicken with every step. He could hear the sound of men shouting in the distance, and he could only grip Yunho’s hand tighter as he followed him blindly in the darkness.
“How do you know where to go?” Jaejoong asked as soon as the shouting had eased down. He pulled Yunho back, and the other man’s body nearly collided against his. He stared at Yunho in the darkness, “How did you know -“
“I can’t explain.” Yunho replied as he turned away from Jaejoong and made his way across the corridor to open a door. He faced Jaejoong once more, “You have to go inside here.”
“That’s a dead end, there’s nothing there.” Jaejoong turned his head - the sound of footsteps was getting louder. “Hurry, there’s another path we can take that’ll lead us to one of the -“
“There’s no time.” Yunho replied before he pulled Jaejoong into the room once more. He pulled a painting off the wall, and Jaejoong let out a small noise of surprise the moment he saw the hidden doorway.
Yunho opened the door with ease, “Come on. We have to go here.” He let Jaejoong go inside, and Jaejoong could only fumble in the darkness as he tried to find the right place to go.
“Yunho?” he asked, afraid and entirely lost.
“I’m here.” Yunho replied, his voice a comfort in the darkness. Jaejoong turned around and watched as Yunho locked the door behind them, completely blocking out any light from entering.
It wasn’t long before Yunho’s hand took hold of his, and Jaejoong held on tightly as he followed Yunho’s lead.
“Wait.” Yunho whispered, and Jaejoong stopped immediately.
He listened as Yunho dialed a number, and although all his instincts were raging for him to run away, to find better help, he couldn’t help but comply with all of Yunho’s instructions.
“Changmin? Is the party still uninterrupted? Sound the alarms. They have to know that people have broken in. I don’t care how you get the alarms to sound, just make sure that they do.”
Yunho hung up, and Jaejoong waited for him to take hold of his hand once more.
“I can’t go out with you.” Yunho murmured as he pushed open the exit, revealing that the path they’d taken had let out to the gardens. Moonlight trickled into the hidden passageway, and Jaejoong watched Yunho carefully.
“Why did you do this?” he asked, “Why did you -“
“Jaejoong, keep yourself safe. I told you before, these are dangerous times. Don’t be alone ever again.” Yunho said as he gently pushed Jaejoong to the exit, “Run. Tell your family you were attacked -“
“How do I explain the bullet?” Jaejoong asked, trying to ignore the fact he had so many questions for Yunho, “How do I explain the fact that he’s the one dead, and I’m still alive and sound?”
“Tell them there was a struggle.” Yunho replied, “No one will question you, I’m sure. They won’t even test the gun - everyone will believe you.”
“But what about -“
“Don’t worry about me, now go.”
Sirens blared in the distance, and Yunho pushed Jaejoong out of the passageway. Jaejoong turned his head and caught Yunho’s eyes just before the doorway was sealed, and his heart caught in his throat.
“Don’t tell anyone I saved you.” Yunho whispered before he shut the door completely.
Jaejoong stared at the sealed passageway for a few seconds before he quickly stood up and tried to forget the indecipherable look in Yunho’s eyes, and quickly began to run in the direction of where the party was being held. He could hear the loud screeching of the sirens, and he could only push himself to run faster, desperate for safety.
Almost everything was a blur, and the only thing that dragged Jaejoong out of his frenzied state of mind was the fact that he heard someone shouting his name loudly. He turned around, and Sohyang screamed in horror.
Jaejoong looked down at his shirt.
It was splattered with blood.
>
Author’s Note: The second day of the fake Twelve Days of Christmas updates, and the second winner is daigensha_akuma! Please continue to participate in the game! XD Alright, in case you need any reminder, the things you can guess are these: A Learning Process, For You, The Effects of a One-sided Crush, NaNoWriMo story, New story, and Mika’s/freakybiatch’s birthday fic. Leave your guesses in your comments! XD If you need any further explanation about the game, then please check out the post in which I explain it. ;) This story is my NaNoWriMo story, and it is different from my other ones, but even so, I’m really hoping you all enjoy it! ^___^ Please leave a comment! ♥
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong
Rating: R
Genre: Romance, Action, Drama
Summary: As secrets came to light, Jaejoong saw his life falling apart to the point where he realizes he knows nothing and suspects everyone - even, Jung Yunho.
banner made by godchild1134
Kim Jaejoong was not blind to the realities of the world that he lived in.
Although he’d been raised in the lap of luxury, Kim Jaejoong knew the value of hard work and honesty. He also knew that not everyone was as honest as they made themselves out to be. The political and societal games he’d been forced to play were more than difficult, and he was in constant need of guidance from his father. It was why he’d chosen to remain under his father and work with him rather than branch out on his own. He didn’t feel like he was ready to face the true face of the world that he’d been born into.
Jaejoong walked past the people working busily outside of his father’s office, readying preparations for the upcoming gala. He smiled as politely as he could, greeted people when they greeted him, and made small talk if anyone bothered to start a conversation with him.
It wasn’t surprising behavior - he was well groomed. He knew exactly what was needed of him, and what to do at all times. He was proud to be the kind of son his father had always wanted him to be.
“Jaejoong?”
He blinked at noticed his father’s secretary looking at him worriedly. Jaejoong laughed, embarrassed that he’d been caught staring blankly into the distance, “I’m sorry. I was a little distracted. Is it alright if I see my father?”
“You just missed him.” The secretary said apologetically, “He just left for a meeting with Senator Lee a few minutes ago concerning business taxes. Is there any reason why you weren’t able to -“
Jaejoong lifted his phone, “I ran out of battery.”
“Oh.” The woman laughed, “Would you like to charge your phone here and wait, or shall I ask someone to get you -“
Jaejoong shook his head, “I’ll be fine. I’m sure I’ll be able to catch him before he leaves for his other meeting tonight. Thank you for your time.”
“Of course, I would be glad to help you. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to assist you this time though.”
“There’s no need to apologize.” Jaejoong smiled at the woman and strode out of his father’s office, only to be greeted by the sight of Jung Yunho coming down the corridor and heading in his direction.
Yunho’s eyes met his instantly, and Jaejoong slowed down so that the other man could approach him.
“Is your father in?” Yunho asked with a gesture at the office door, “There’s something I wanted to speak to him about in person.”
Jaejoong shook his head, “He’s not in.” He glanced at Yunho and laughed, “You have all the resources in the world Yunho, why didn’t you bother to just call his secretary and set up an appointment?”
Yunho opened his mouth only to shut it. His lips curved into a small smile, “You’re right. I think I got too carried away by the moment.”
“Watching too many afternoon dramas with all the free time you have?” Jaejoong asked, a wide smile stretching across his face, “If I’d known you were so in need of company Yunho, I would’ve invited you out sometime.”
Jaejoong nearly blushed, surprised by his own flirtatious behavior. He’d always managed to keep his feelings and emotions in check, yet there was something about Yunho that kept him on edge. While he and Yunho had grown up together - their birthdays in the same year and only days apart - they’d never become as close as many had hoped they would be.
Yunho was often too distant, and Jaejoong was too restrained. For some reason, they’d never fully allowed themselves to get to know each other, and there was not one day that Jaejoong wondered why they were so keen on keeping a distance between themselves.
“We could go out now actually.” Yunho suggested as he glanced down at his expensive watch. “I don’t have any meetings, and I know you must be dying to tell me about your recent trip to Paris.”
“You knew I left?” Jaejoong asked.
Yunho chuckled, “Of course I did. It was all over the newspapers, and people were claiming that you’d found yourself a girl - a Parisian fling.”
Jaejoong stared into Yunho’s eyes. “I never heard about that.”
“Well, maybe you should step out of that expensive penthouse of yours more often then, don’t you think?” Yunho asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, “Anyway, are we going out for lunch?”
“Will you be paying?”
Yunho laughed, “Fine, I’ll pay.” He glanced at his watch once more before he turned his attention back to Jaejoong, “How did you get here? Did you bring your own car, or did you get -“
“I was dropped off by my driver -“
“Then I’ll take you home later.” Yunho said as he pulled his car keys out of his pant pocket and dangled them, “Let’s go?”
Jaejoong glanced down at the keys, “Are you trying to show off?” he asked, his smile growing wider by the second, “I don’t think a fancy car is going to please me that much. I’ve seen enough expensive vehicles in my lifetime.”
“No,” Yunho’s smiled broadened, “I’m just trying to get you to move faster because I’m dying to eat.”
“You do look rather skinny.” Jaejoong commented as he raked his eyes over Yunho’s tall and lean body, “We should go before you start looking like one of those models I saw in Paris.”
“I wouldn’t want to look unappealing to you.” Yunho murmured as they began to make their way to the elevator. Jaejoong cast a glance at Yunho, and the other man laughed at his curiosity. “Your opinion does matter to me Jaejoong.”
Jaejoong could only bit his lip and attempt to hide the blush that crept across his face.
o-o-o
Jaejoong followed Yunho into the restaurant, and he ignored the curious eyes that lingered in their direction. It was often that the two of them did anything alone together, and in fact, even Jaejoong was having a hard time believing that the two of them had somehow made a lunch date on such short, informal notice.
They were ushered into a private room at the back, and Jaejoong knew not to expect any differently - Yunho’s mother did own the restaurant they were in.
“Did you bring me here so that you wouldn’t have to pay?” Jaejoong asked jokingly as he took the menu from the nervous looking waitress, “If you’re stripped of cash Yunho, you know that you could always borrow from me.”
“No, I just wanted the privacy.”
Jaejoong tensed up slightly and glanced at Yunho, “I haven’t eaten here before, so could you just order for me?” he asked, “I’m not allergic to anything so -“
“I’ll make it a surprise then.” Yunho said with a small smile that made Jaejoong shift uncomfortably in his seat. Jaejoong watched as Yunho called over the waitress, whispered the order in her ear and then sent her off.
As soon as she was gone, Jaejoong waited for the silence that was to come. He shifted in his seat - this was how things between him and Yunho always turned out. He could never understand how they could just suddenly lose all sort of speech capabilities when they were around each other, but things just occurred that way.
Just as Jaejoong was about to start regretting the fact that he’d accepted a lunch date with Yunho, the other man spoke.
“How’s your father?” Yunho asked politely as he folded his table napkin into some sort of shape. “Your family?”
“Oh,” Jaejoong smiled, “They’re fine. You know my father, he’s always busy doing things. It’s amazing he hasn’t allowed himself to be roped into politics yet from the way he’s so involved in numerous affairs -“
“He doesn’t plan on running for office sometime?”
Jaejoong watched Yunho carefully, “No, he isn’t.” he frowned, “What would make you think that? I’m sure you’ve been at the parties - my father has no interest in running for public office.”
“I just heard a rumor.” Yunho said dismissively, immediately taking charge of changing the topic to avoid further awkwardness. He looked up at Jaejoong, “So, how was your Parisian escapade?”
“It was…” Jaejoong trailed off and laughed, “Not as great as I had hoped. It was all sorts of terrible actually.” He looked up at Yunho, “I kept getting lost, and I couldn’t speak to anyone because I’d discovered that my English skills have deteriorated.”
“What?”
Jaejoong hid his face behind his hand in embarrassment, “It was humiliating. Eventually my mother found out that I was lacking in any sort of geographical direction and communication skills, so she hired a guide for me.”
“Was your guide -“
“He was fifty, balding, and boring.” Jaejoong laughed, and when he saw a smile stretch across Yunho’s face, he could feel his face heat up. Their laughter filled the room, and Jaejoong couldn’t help but take back his previous worries and fears.
Maybe he and Yunho got along better than he had thought.
o-o-o
As they were finishing up, a person walked into the room. Jaejoong recognized the man to be one of Yunho’s bodyguards, so he said nothing about the man’s sudden entrance in the room.
“What are you doing here?” Yunho asked stiffly as he set his napkin down to look at the intimidating man.
The man bowed slightly before he straightened, “I was hired for your safety Mr. Jung, it would be against my orders for you to be left alone. If you wish -“
“Could you at least stand outside?” Yunho asked irritably, his good mood disappearing completely. He waved the man away, “I won’t die unless Jaejoong decides to stab me with that knife of his, so please, just step outside.”
The bodyguard looked unwilling, but he ultimately gave in and walked out, shutting the door quietly behind him.
Jaejoong glanced at the door before he turned his attention back to Yunho, who was drawing spirals absentmindedly on the tablecloth. He cleared his throat and smiled when Yunho looked up at him.
“It’s only for your safety.” Jaejoong said, “I don’t mind, really, if he stays inside. Your safety’s important -“
“Where are your bodyguards?” Yunho asked as he leaned back into his seat. “I think your father should hire some for you. You’re their only son, and these are dangerous times, it’s important that -“
“Do I look like I need protection?”
Yunho chuckled, “Do I look like I need protection?” he smiled at Jaejoong, “As far as I’m concerned, I think you’re the one who needs to be protected. You walk around on your own constantly, and you attend all sorts of events which are no doubt a security officer’s worst nightmare -“
“Have you been keeping tabs on me?” Jaejoong chuckled and took a sip of his wine, “I don’t need a bodyguard, okay Yunho? I’ll be fine. It’s not like my father has any known enemies anyway. I’ll be fine.”
“But still -“
Jaejoong furrowed his brows, “Don’t worry about it.” He added with a smile, “I’ll be fine, so stop worrying.” He took the dessert menu off the table, “Now tell me, what’s good here?”
o-o-o
There were so many people, but Jaejoong wasn’t surprised in the least. He knew his father was an important man, and any sane person would’ve accepted the invite to his birthday party immediately.
He made his way across the room, doing his usual round of greetings. Everyone was dressed so extravagantly, and he knew that as he passed by every unmarried or unattached girl, each one was hoping that they would catch his eye.
Unfortunately for them, he wasn’t interested - not in the least.
It wasn’t that they had terrible personalities, or that their looks didn’t meet his standards, he just wasn’t interested in them. He’d yet to find himself attracted to anyone, and Jaejoong could only suppose that was the reason he was branded by most to be cold and unattached.
Seeing as he couldn’t bring himself to become a social butterfly, he accepted that title with ease.
“Jaejoong!”
Sohyang, his eldest sister, strode up to him, her voluminous emerald green gown flowing behind her. She crossed her arms and frowned at him, “Do you know how late you are? You were supposed to do the welcoming speech, but I ended up doing it instead! Where were you?”
“I took a nap in the afternoon and overslept.”
She rolled her eyes and poked his cheek, “How foolish of you.” Sohyang sighed, “Well, there won’t be anything for you to do until nine, so just try to be social. I can’t have you out at the balcony the entire night -“
Jaejoong rolled his eyes, “I’m not the kid I used to be. I know where I’m supposed to be, I know what I’m supposed to do. There’s no need to keep reminding me.” He shot his sister a smile, “Stop worrying about me. Enjoy the party.”
“I wish you would enjoy it.” Sohyang said with a pout, “I constantly wish you would talk and socialize more.”
“I constantly wish you would talk and socialize less.” Jaejoong replied with a wider smile, and his sister swatted his arm in response. He noticed Sohyang’s husband looking at the two of them, “Your husband’s looking for you.”
Sohyang turned around and waved her husband away with a smile, mouthing that she’d meet him later before the turned her attention back to Jaejoong.
“Aren’t you supposed to love and cherish -“
“I heard something earlier today,” Sohyang said, trying to be sly about whatever she was going to bring up. “I must say, it interested me a lot, and what made me even more interested was the fact it was about you.”
Jaejoong frowned, “What did you hear?”
“I heard you went out for lunch with Jung Yunho yesterday.” She tilted her head and watched him carefully, “Did you guys go out for any particular reason? I wasn’t aware that you guys were good enough friends to schedule abrupt lunch dates.”
“It wasn’t about anything in particular.” Jaejoong replied stiffly underneath the intensity of his sister’s gaze, “I met him at father’s office yesterday, and then we just happened to decide to go out with each other.”
“I see.” Sohyang studied him carefully, “No other reason?”
“Why are you asking so many questions?” Jaejoong rolled his eyes, “It’s nothing; I assure you. We just talked, and we didn’t talk about anything important either. It’s of no concern to you -“
“It sounds like a date, that’s what.” Sohyang replied casually as she glanced at her perfectly manicured nails. She glanced up at Jaejoong, “Was it a date Jaejoong? You can tell me if you want. I know that -“
“It wasn’t a date.” Jaejoong hissed before he looked around to make sure that no one had overheard his sister. “I swear, sometimes you’re as bad as those women you like to gossip with. Don’t turn an innocent lunch into some sort of love affair -“
“You should really loosen up.” His sister said with a laugh as she once more poked his cheek, “You look absolutely red.” Sohyang pinched his cheek, “Anyway, I’m going to go attach myself to my husband’s side now. I expect to see you onstage in an hour or so, until then, make sure to behave.”
“Don’t I always behave?” Jaejoong said as he watched his sister turn away and begin to make her way across the room to where her husband was.
Sohyang turned around with a teasing smile, “Knowing you, something will always go wrong.”
Jaejoong rolled his eyes and walked away, intent on finding his way to the balcony.
Although he’d grown out of the phase of staying in the balcony for the entirety of formal events, that didn’t mean he didn’t like staying there. No matter what, it was still his refuge for when he felt like escaping the social pressure that was mounted heavily upon his shoulders.
o-o-o
He was greeted by the cold wind, and Jaejoong’s eyes fluttered shut comfortably. The balcony was a little secret shared by him and the rest of his family - a place where only the Kim family knew how to get to.
It was an obvious sight from almost anywhere within the sprawling Kim estate, and it provided a good view of the entire property. Jaejoong leaned against the railing and watched as cars drove in and exited the estate - and he tried to make out who the people leaving the vehicles were.
As heir to most of his father’s company, Jaejoong knew that it would only be enough time before his father formally handed the reins over to him. While his sisters would also get their own responsibilities to manage in the company, he was to be given the most influence.
At first, he’d thought it to be unjust - Sohyang was as quick as a thinker as he was, and she was more sociable too, but as time flew past, he’d gradually understood why his father had decided to give him the greatest part in maintaining and overseeing the company.
He was without a doubt, the least likely to get influenced by the opinions of others. While his stubbornness was usually claimed as a fault, Jaejoong realized that his father had recognized it to be a good trait of his when it came to business because it would ensure that no other person would take claim over the company when the time came that his father would no longer be around.
Perhaps it was a little sexist, but Jaejoong knew that his sisters all agreed with their father’s decision to pass on the majority of responsibility to Jaejoong. Besides, at the end of the day, it was mostly just paperwork - the Kim family would still run the company together.
“I’m glad to see you alone.”
Jaejoong turned around, caught by surprise, and his eyes widened at the sight of the person before him. “What are you doing here?” he questioned, wary of the intruder. He was fairly sure that the path to the balcony was secret, and to meet someone unrecognizable, it was no doubt a bad sign.
The man pulled back his suit jacket, revealing a gun. He took it out of its holster, his eyes focused on Jaejoong the entire time. “I’m here to send a message.” He said slowly, his words dripping with dark amusement.
The assailant slowly began to make his approach, and although Jaejoong’s instincts were screaming for him to run, his body refused to comply. The man was nearing, yet his feet refused to move.
Jaejoong couldn’t think and as soon as the sound of a gun firing resounded in the dark of the night, he anticipated the pain, the feeling of blood trickling down from wherever he was shot. Instead of pain however, he felt a pull.
“Quick, get out of here.”
His eyes fluttered open instantly, and Jaejoong stared into familiar brown eyes.
“Yunho.” He breathed out, his voice barely above a whisper. He glanced past Yunho’s shoulder and caught sight of the intruder, bleeding helplessly on the cold marble tiles of the balcony.
“Jaejoong, come on, there are more.” Yunho ordered, and Jaejoong was not distracted enough to not notice the gun Yunho was holding in his hand. He took a step back away from Yunho, but Yunho refused and gripped his wrist tightly. “If we don’t leave now, you’re going to die tonight.”
“How can I trust you?”
“Please, just do.” Yunho pleaded before he glanced back at the balcony’s doors. He turned back to face Jaejoong, “Come on, we have to leave.”
Jaejoong nodded wordlessly, and Yunho quickly pulled Jaejoong back indoors. There were footsteps thundering in the darkness, and Jaejoong could only feel his heartbeat quicken with every step. He could hear the sound of men shouting in the distance, and he could only grip Yunho’s hand tighter as he followed him blindly in the darkness.
“How do you know where to go?” Jaejoong asked as soon as the shouting had eased down. He pulled Yunho back, and the other man’s body nearly collided against his. He stared at Yunho in the darkness, “How did you know -“
“I can’t explain.” Yunho replied as he turned away from Jaejoong and made his way across the corridor to open a door. He faced Jaejoong once more, “You have to go inside here.”
“That’s a dead end, there’s nothing there.” Jaejoong turned his head - the sound of footsteps was getting louder. “Hurry, there’s another path we can take that’ll lead us to one of the -“
“There’s no time.” Yunho replied before he pulled Jaejoong into the room once more. He pulled a painting off the wall, and Jaejoong let out a small noise of surprise the moment he saw the hidden doorway.
Yunho opened the door with ease, “Come on. We have to go here.” He let Jaejoong go inside, and Jaejoong could only fumble in the darkness as he tried to find the right place to go.
“Yunho?” he asked, afraid and entirely lost.
“I’m here.” Yunho replied, his voice a comfort in the darkness. Jaejoong turned around and watched as Yunho locked the door behind them, completely blocking out any light from entering.
It wasn’t long before Yunho’s hand took hold of his, and Jaejoong held on tightly as he followed Yunho’s lead.
“Wait.” Yunho whispered, and Jaejoong stopped immediately.
He listened as Yunho dialed a number, and although all his instincts were raging for him to run away, to find better help, he couldn’t help but comply with all of Yunho’s instructions.
“Changmin? Is the party still uninterrupted? Sound the alarms. They have to know that people have broken in. I don’t care how you get the alarms to sound, just make sure that they do.”
Yunho hung up, and Jaejoong waited for him to take hold of his hand once more.
“I can’t go out with you.” Yunho murmured as he pushed open the exit, revealing that the path they’d taken had let out to the gardens. Moonlight trickled into the hidden passageway, and Jaejoong watched Yunho carefully.
“Why did you do this?” he asked, “Why did you -“
“Jaejoong, keep yourself safe. I told you before, these are dangerous times. Don’t be alone ever again.” Yunho said as he gently pushed Jaejoong to the exit, “Run. Tell your family you were attacked -“
“How do I explain the bullet?” Jaejoong asked, trying to ignore the fact he had so many questions for Yunho, “How do I explain the fact that he’s the one dead, and I’m still alive and sound?”
“Tell them there was a struggle.” Yunho replied, “No one will question you, I’m sure. They won’t even test the gun - everyone will believe you.”
“But what about -“
“Don’t worry about me, now go.”
Sirens blared in the distance, and Yunho pushed Jaejoong out of the passageway. Jaejoong turned his head and caught Yunho’s eyes just before the doorway was sealed, and his heart caught in his throat.
“Don’t tell anyone I saved you.” Yunho whispered before he shut the door completely.
Jaejoong stared at the sealed passageway for a few seconds before he quickly stood up and tried to forget the indecipherable look in Yunho’s eyes, and quickly began to run in the direction of where the party was being held. He could hear the loud screeching of the sirens, and he could only push himself to run faster, desperate for safety.
Almost everything was a blur, and the only thing that dragged Jaejoong out of his frenzied state of mind was the fact that he heard someone shouting his name loudly. He turned around, and Sohyang screamed in horror.
Jaejoong looked down at his shirt.
It was splattered with blood.
>
Author’s Note: The second day of the fake Twelve Days of Christmas updates, and the second winner is daigensha_akuma! Please continue to participate in the game! XD Alright, in case you need any reminder, the things you can guess are these: A Learning Process, For You, The Effects of a One-sided Crush, NaNoWriMo story, New story, and Mika’s/freakybiatch’s birthday fic. Leave your guesses in your comments! XD If you need any further explanation about the game, then please check out the post in which I explain it. ;) This story is my NaNoWriMo story, and it is different from my other ones, but even so, I’m really hoping you all enjoy it! ^___^ Please leave a comment! ♥