Beauty and the Beast | Chapter 2/?: love

love_cassiopeia

Beauty and the Beast | Chapter 2/?

Jan 31, 2009 14:32

Beauty and the Beast
Author: love_cassiopeia
Summary: Jung Yunho - a gifted and successful actor. Kim Jaejoong - Yunho's biggest fan. After receiving the task to interview Yunho for his journalism assignment, Jaejoong realizes that his favourite actor just might transform him from a "fan" into something much more.
Rated: PG-13 ~ NC-17
Disclaimer: I don’t own the five members, I’m simply borrowing them.
Warning(s): NC-17 material, language
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Pairing(s): YunJae
Chapter 2: Mission Impossible

Type your cut contents here

2

Mission Impossible

Journalism Classroom, Seoul University. 10:00 AM Seoul, South Korea

“Yah, Junsu, are you listening to me?”

My loud voice brought the attention of the students my way as it attempted to awake the only sleeping figure in the classroom. The fatigued Junsu rubbed his eyes languidly and stared up at me in interest from the wooden desk.

“Yes? Were you saying something?”

I sighed, using my index finger to rub my temples. The twenty-two year old Junsu acted like a hopeless child. I couldn’t deny it: I did too, most of the time.

I tried my best to keep my frustration under control as I repeated myself. “What I said was, aren’t you going to be excited for your first assignment?” I questioned, trying to put as much passion into my sentence as my voice would allow. “Dr. Lee said we’ll be set out to interview someone in the entertainment industry to improve our journalism skills. Aren’t you excited?”

Junsu wore a coat of fake ethusiasm as he replied me. “Wo-pee! Good for us!” He remarked optimistically. Then, without fail, he collapsed onto the desk, escaping into a deep slumber once again.

I exhaled, rolling my eyes at the twenty-two year old infant lost in his inescapable nap. Junsu was constantly falling asleep in this class, even if the lecture had not yet begun. He should at least have some priorities for himself, and realize what’s important to him and what’s not.

And I-I should too. I should stop fantasizing about Jung Yunho like a hopeless fan-girl and discover my true motives in life.

The small groups of students chattering about rapidly returned to their usual seats as the elderly professor entered the dim classroom. The old man appeared to be sixty years of age, with thick glasses and hair aged with white. He set his pile of books on the podium and glanced across the body of students. His eyes carried seriousness to provide the class with one last warning that the lecture had finally begun.

I tried poking Junsu with my pen, cautioning him to wake up and pay attention to the professor’s lecture. But, as usual, his body rebelled, refusing to awaken and concentrate on the professor’s crucial instructions.

My determination of waking Junsu up eventually dwindled as the elderly professor began speaking. I couldn’t help it if Junsu wouldn’t pay attention in class, but the least I could do was to pay attention myself, and assimilate as much as I could out of the professor’s words.

“As you may all know, today you will be receiving your first assignment out of class.” The professor lucidly began. “Each one of you will be paired up with an important figure of Korea’s entertainment industry. You are to live with them for one month, and to write an article based on your observations. The winner with the best article will be awarded with a position in the Seoul Times newspaper. You will also be rewarded prize money for your determination.”

The majority of the class whispered amongst themselves quietly. If only I was to win such a reward, then my future would be laid out evidently right before me. Being in the Seoul Times was a big deal, and with an accomplishment as successful that, many different doors may open up for me.

Junsu stirred in his sleep as the professor continued with his announcements. I rolled my eyes at him.

“We will now be assigning everyone with an entertainer to interview.” Dr. Lee proclaimed. “Please listen attentively as I call out your name.”

I kept my eyes and ears aware as the professor began reading off a list on clipboard. My thoughts required a famous songwriter or director, one who accomplished many goals along their career. Those were the simplest subjects to write about, and also the most appealing.

The professor began. “Seul ki-sshi, you will be paired up with pop-icon, BoA, who is currently residing in Japan at the moment.” He remarked. “You will fly to Japan this Thursday to write about her upcoming tour, understand?”

My eyes-along with the other students’-flew open immediately and stared blankly at Seul Ki. BoA was a sensational singer whom I admired greatly when I was younger, and Seul Ki was exceptionally fortunate to receive such an opportunity.

The professor continued as the chatter in the room died down.

“Inhwan-sshi, your role will be to interview renowned director Im KwonTaek.” Dr. Lee stated. “He’s currently residing in Seoul to film his new movie, so you will be arriving on the set of his film tomorrow.”

The young student nodded his head contentedly; satisfied for the fact that he would be interviewing such a highly-renowned director. Damn! I should've been the one to receive such an assignment. I let my face fall indolently. I hoped I would not be arranged with an impossible assignment.

“Junsu-sshi, you will be paired up with Lee ByungChul, the founder of the Samsung company.” Dr. Lee read off the clipboard despite Junsu’s lack of attention. “He is currently doing business in Taiwan, so you will have to travel there to finish your assignment.” The professor frowned as he heard no response from Junsu. “Junsu?”

I eyed Junsu sympathetically. He was still fast asleep.

“Kim Junsu-sshi?”

Without hesitation, I cajoled the sleeping figure aggressively until his eyes had no choice but to fly open. Waking up rapidly, Junsu stared up at the professor, his face in confusion and his mind unfocused.

“Yes? Were you saying something?” He asked, his words completely flippant.

The professor eyed Junsu with an aggravated glare and helplessly repeated himself. Junsu’s eyes were wide open, but I doubt that he was really listening to the professor as he spoke.

“Listen well, Junsu. The founder of Samsung is a very sophisticated man. Your assignment is beyond easy, and I want you to take every last bit of it seriously.” The professor warned, his eyes completely nailed to Junsu’s.

“Yes sir!” Junsu saluted, a palpable fake grin upon his lips. After saluting to the professor, he fell back onto the desk and continued resting in his peaceful slumber.

The students in the room giggled towards Junsu’s typical behavior and mimicked his mindless salute. All thoughts of trying to wake him up escaped my mind. Instead, I transferred my attention to professor, who was still conveying us with crucial assignments.

“Jaejoong-sshi.” My heart rattled in my ribcage as my name was called. I crossed my fingers, hoping for a famous director or songwriter to interview.

“Your task will be to interview actor Jung Yunho about his rumoured love interests.” The professor announced grandly. “You will travel to Paris, France to interview him on the set of his new movie.”

If my heart was rattling before, then it was certainly dancing now. I felt as if air had been cut off from my lungs as soon I heard his name, now echoing in my mind like a mantra. Jung Yunho, Jung Yunho…

And what’s worse is that I’d have to interview him about his love interests! What if those rumours stated on the tabloids were true? I wouldn’t want to be the one to deliver the news. I was already as envious of those gorgeous actresses as it was!

The professor frowned as he saw the traumatized expression appear on my features. “Jaejoong-sshi…” His voice shook. “Are you all right?” He asked. “You can always trade in your assignment for another if you wish. You’re not obliged to this assignment if you are able to trade with someone else.”

The many females in the classroom stared at me desperately, their fingers entwined together, pleading me to trade in my assignment with theirs. My mind went blank, my body petrified. And for the first time in my life, I was absolutely clueless on how to make a decision.

Wasn’t this the opportunity I was looking for? I knew without a doubt that I admired Yunho (admired being a close neighbour to love). Ever since I laid eyes on Yunho, I couldn’t describe the obscure feeling I had towards him. Whenever I saw him in movies or TV shows, my heart skipped a beat, its melody completely out of rhythm. Could it be that I feel something towards him? Could it be that I actually fell in love with this actor, whom I’ve never even met before?

The professor along with the whole class stared at me in silence, not moving a muscle. My answer could change everything: my future, my emotions my-

“Jaejoong, do you plan on taking this assignment or not?” Dr. Lee asked, a grai of impatience within his voice. “If so, please answer now.”

I took a deep breath and exhaled to clear away the unnecessary tension in my body. “I agree to take the assignment.” I replied with a smile, causing the many females in the classroom to sigh in dismay. “It would be an honor to meet Jung Yunho.” I declared without hesitation, my face beaming with confidence but my heart screaming with anxiety.

The professor grinned. “Good.” He remarked, taking another look at his clipboard. “You will be flying into Paris tomorrow at noon, are we clear?”

“Tomorrow?” I repeated, dazed.

“Yes, tomorrow.” The professor answered, and then turned to gaze at me in doubt. “It sounds as if you’re not ready for the trip. Do you need extra time to prepare something?” He asked skeptically, his glare piercing through mine.

My mind froze. “Oh, no, no! I’m just surprised, that’s all!” I covered up my tracks, trying to sound as natural as I could.

“Jung Yunho-sshi has a tight schedule, so don’t you dare be late.” Dr. Lee explained further in depth, escalating my spirits and making my bones jiggle. “I will be sending everyone an email based on their plane tickets and instructions for arriving at their destinations.” He proposed, his directions clear and obvious. I nodded, understanding him completely.

I held a large grin upon my face through the whole lecture, overjoyed for the events of the upcoming day. After class ended, Junsu and I returned to our diminutive apartment while we discussed school over a meal which I had assmbled. He chuckled at my absurdity as I told him of my assignment to interview Jung Yunho, and made a vicious face as I mentioned his upcoming assignment with the founder of Samsung. The two of us got along exceptionally well, especially when we were arguing over such inadequate topics.

After dinner, I helped Junsu brush up on his dense journalism skills and offered him a few tips on interviewing astute, successful businessmen. I immediately went to my room and began packing after I finished, putting every necessity I would need during the trip into my only suitcase. I grabbed a glossy picture of Yunho which I received from an outdated magazine, and packed it into my luggage as well. I was resolute to bring back an autograph from Yunho once my assignment had ended.

I changed into a t-shirt and sweatpants as I went to bed, my mind still wide awake and my heart frantically beating. I would need all the rest I could get to make through tomorrow, and I didn’t wish to be half-awake for such a critical event.

But before completely falling asleep I had an urge to do one more thing:

“I’m going to meet Jung Yunho!” I squealed, stripping myself of my masculinity completely. And for a second there, I could swear that a part of me had desperately wanted to become an attractive woman.

Hotel de Crillon, 3:55 PM. Paris, France

Yunho glanced into the large hallway with interest. In all his years of filming, he had never been in such an extravagant hotel. The movie in Paris was intended to keep his mind off love, but never had he thought that it would also provide him with such amazement.

“This will be your hotel room until we leave Paris.” The taller man led the attractive actor through the corridor and into his hotel room. “It’s quite too large for one person to stay in, but we tried to book the best room for you.”

Yunho smiled at his manager and friend graciously. “Thank you Changmin.” He remarked. “You didn’t have to do that.”

The tall and slim man named Changmin grinned and walked Yunho into the lavish suite. The two of them glanced throughout the room curiously, letting their eyes explore the luxurious setting. The room appeared to be simply designed, with a bed in the center and a lavish carpet surrounding it. The ceilings rose up as high as the windows while a large flat screen LCD television presented itself before the bed. The hotel room was obviously too roomy for one person, and Yunho felt a bit intimidated knowing that he would be staying there for the next few months.

Changmin snorted as the actor collapsed onto the bed, his body filled with fatigue and jetlag. “I think I’m just going to crash.” Yunho informed Changmin. “I’m dead tired, and I don’t want to do badly at tomorrow’s filming.”

“As you wish.” The taller man nodded, preparing himself to leave the extravagant room.

“One more thing.” Changmin stopped in his tracks, his thoughts unfinished. “A student from Seoul University will be flying in tomorrow. He’s going to stick with us for a month or so to interview you.” Changmin smiled at Yunho, who had already closed his weary eyes. “Are you okay with that?”

The award-winning actor smirked, his eyes still tightly shut. “Of course.” He replied. “As long as he’s not digging into the rumours, then everything will be okay.” He explained.

Changmin laughed and shook his head sympathetically. “Ah yes… all those rumours that are going around these days.” He remarked. “Those reporters… they really have nothing else to do but to make up ridiculous stories about you.”

Yunho nodded, opening his eyes to give his close friend an exaggerated grin. “Exactly.”

Changmin momentarily departed the room, leaving Yunho to his own thoughts. The actor was tired of living extravagantly, and yearned for a chance to live the normal life. But with a career as ridiculous as his, the chance was completely futile.

He sighed deeply, shutting his eyes and trying to block out the entire world. He immediately began to dream as he slept (not a surprise, considering his wild imagination was quite prolific). He pictured a beautiful angel with dark hair and rosy lips who had a caring heart to compare to her beauty. He hoped to meet this beauty someday, and to love the angel like he’d never loved before.

Little did the merciless beast know, that the angel was making his way straight into his life-in the most perilous way possible.

beauty and the beast