Beauty and the Beast | Chapter 4/?
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 4: Ignorance
4.
Ignorance
Hotel de Crillon. 8:15 PM Paris, France
I felt like a genius-being able to drive a world-renowned actor out of his own hotel room in five simple minutes. And yet, at the very same time, I felt like a fool for making such a boorish first impression in front of him. The illustrious actor must despise me now for my meddlesome desires. I was disgusted by myself, having to make such illogical, slapdash mistakes.
There was a small possibility that the man would even allow me to stay beside him during his filming. My motives of coming here had destroyed my chances of being together with him, and I erratically sought death knowing what a pathetic error I had made.
Left alone in the large hotel room, I lay on the outsized mattress, analyzing my thoughts which were scattered about aimlessly around my brain. Yunho had appeared gracious and forthcoming at first, but as soon as I mentioned any hint of my assignment, he had taken on the appearance of a despicable and heartless beast! I wanted to slam my head against the wall for bringing out such a bitter side of him, and yet, I desired to harangue him for being such a two-faced hypocrite. After only moments of meeting with him, I felt fatigued and lethargic, my self-respect completely drained from me due to his irate words.
Maybe he wasn’t exactly the most qualified person for me to fall in love with. Maybe I was wrong, and overlooked his ruthless side only to see his dazzling appearance shown in the movies. The actor whom I saw in the films was nowhere as close to this spoiled brat who appeared before me. The Yunho I knew was more refined and sophisticated.
I closed my eyes, attempting to escape into my own world for a few moments. Perhaps I should return to Seoul as he directed me to, then he wouldn’t be interrupted and distracted for the oh-so-precious film he was shooting. Or, maybe I should stick around for one more night until I have a chance to apologize to him. Besides, I wanted him to know that I was sorry before I returned to my motherland.
I exhaled as exhaustion began to take over my entire body. I was so worn-out from my long flight and yearned to have some time alone on this soft, comfortable, and spongy bed…
That was, until my mobile phone rang. I grunted as I stood up, walking over to the diminutive counter to retrieve the small and light object.
“Yeah?” I answered rudely, not putting much care into who was actually calling. I needed my sleep, after all. “What is it?”
A familiar voice replied me from the opposite end of the line. “Hello Jaejoong-sshi, this is Shim Changmin.” He introduced politely despite my rudeness earlier. “If you’re wondering, I retrieved your phone number from your professor in case there was an emergency. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, that’s perfectly fine.” I answered.
He began speaking once gain. “I just wanted to give you a heads up that the staff is going out to dinner tonight.” He explained in his usual tone. “We would quite appreciate it if you could join us.”
Join them? With that heartless yet gorgeous Yunho around? I didn’t know how to answer.
“Uh… isn’t it a bit of trouble for the staff?” I replied in the most effortless way without revealing too much of my emotions.
“No, not at all.” He responded eagerly. “I’m sure you would like to learn more about Yunho-sshi for your assignment, so why not talk to him over dinner?”
I hung my head, realizing how much of Yunho I already knew. “Thank you for inviting me Changmin. I’ll be there.” The words flew out of my mouth like a new-born bird. No matter how cruel or bitter Yunho was, my eyes still desired to see him terribly.
“Then I will send a limo to the hotel in twenty minutes.” He signified. “It will take you to the restaurant.”
I nodded, comprehending his words. “Thank you.” I proposed, making sure to be as polite as possible with these fickle film staffs.
I felt like a complete idiot after I hung up the short call. Just what the hell was I thinking? Yunho had already informed me that he had no intention to see me again, so why in the world was I putting myself as prey in front of his very eyes? I sighed, looking down at the lavish carpet beneath my feet. I sometimes considered that I needed brain surgery to sharpen up most of my wits.
After I changed out of my dirty clothes, I headed down to the lobby rapidly within fifteen minutes. In surprise, I wasn’t so depressed with my decision of coming to the staff dinner. By going, I could find the opportunity to apologize to Yunho before I left for Seoul the very next day. I just wanted him to know that I was sorry before I departed Paris.
I was immediately astonished as I came across the black limo which had desired to drop me off to the restaurant. Being Jung Yunho’s personal reporter wasn’t all bad… not if you counted the fancy hotel and limo rides.
Numerous thoughts began to fill up my mind as the French driver began to depart the hotel. I was unsure of how to approach Yunho, especially after his heated conversation with me hours ago. If he whole-heartedly wished for me to leave, then I would. I would do all that I could to prevent him from the trouble which I brought along.
It felt a bit saddening as the limo neared closer and closer to the restaurant. I would soon have to apologize to this man, and then leave him for his own good. The few hours I spent in Paris would soon grind away into nothing.
Maison Blanche Restaurant. 8:30 PM Paris, France
Paris was engulfed with absolute darkness by the time I arrived at the location of the staff dinner. My stomach had not craved an ounce of food, and it felt bizarre knowing that I had lost my appetite all because of Yunho.
I bid a farewell to the French driver and headed into the extravagant restaurant. My head had hurt terribly from my over-thinking, and my back ached from the time-consuming plane ride. I was in no condition for an event like this, and yet, my heart yearned for the opportunity to see him one last time before I left.
I was greeted by a French waitress as soon I stepped foot into the fancy eatery. She asked me a few questions in French (which I obvious could not understand) as I hopelessly replied her with the names ‘Jung Yunho’ and ‘Shim Changmin.’ Her face immediately brightened up with awareness as she picked up a menu and led me into the dim bistro.
Trying to keep a fake smile upon my lips, I arrived at a large table filled with many Korean producers and directors. My eyes immediately laid on Yunho as I glanced amongst the large table. The actor stared back at me curiously at first, but then directed his vision elsewhere.
What the hell? I thought as I recognized his strange reaction. What was my face? Poison? It couldn’t kill you if you simply glanced at it for a few seconds!
Changmin cheerfully waved to me and pointed at an empty seat beside him. With no choice but to agree, I sat down, opening the large menu as the waitress handed it over to me.
I slowly began to notice that Yunho was trying his hardest to avoid me. Even with me sitting right in front of him, he couldn’t find the strength to link his eyes with me in any way at all.
I rolled my eyes. I never expected Jung Yunho to be such an obscure actor!
Changmin introduced me to the film staff-who wasn’t putting much attention into me at all-and ordered a delicious meal for the six of us. When the plates arrived, Changmin dug in like a hungry pauper who hadn’t eaten for days and even attempted to steal a bit of food off my plate when I wasn’t paying attention. It was surprising me how such talented entertainers could turn out to be so strange.
I never really received an opportunity to focus on my meal, at least, not with Jung Yunho sitting right across from me. He refused to speak to anyone when they had attempted to start a conversation with him, only using one word answers such as ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ The more time I spent with Yunho, the more I began to despise him. Yes, he was the most successful actor in Asia, but that didn’t mean he could ignore every member of his staff like they weren’t human!
I considered that perhaps it was my presence that brought him to be this way. He had appeared to be so warm and friendly at first… especially with the signed autograph and munificent offer to share his room. Why was the mention of rumors so significant to him? Did I really have the power to wound him through one sentence?
I sighed. Jung Yunho was as fickle as any actor could get. Where was the strong, determined, talented gentleman I saw in the films?
Feeling guilty, I attempted to speak to him. But in failure, he ignored me, pretending he had not heard me at all.
“Damn you.” I muttered under my breath, making sure no one would hear me. Although I was completely frustrated with the turnout of events, I couldn’t help but feel a little let down. I had fallen in love with this man so deeply in the past, and it was such a disappointment to see him turn out like this.
When his food was finished, he stood up from his seat forlornly, and prepared to leave the table. “Excuse me.” He whispered silently to the staff, not looking into their eyes at all. I was taken back by his actions. He really had wanted to avoid me!
I glanced after him in amazement as he left the table. So my presence was bugging him after all! I wanted to give up after seeing such a sight, but my mind was still urging for me to apologize to him once and for all.
“Is Yunho all right?” A female member of the staff asked. “He seems a bit… down today.”
Changmin nodded, agreeing with her. “Don’t worry about him… he’s probably just stressed from filming.”
That couldn’t be possible. He was acting like an inconsiderate fool only because I was there. I couldn’t take it anymore; I had to tame the ridiculous beast that had stubbornly risen up inside him.
So in surprise, I stood up from the table as well, following the steps Yunho had taken and departing the staff.
I recognized that he had gone to the bathroom after I pursued after his footsteps. Walking into the men’s room anxiously, I saw him at a sink, vigorously splashing water onto his attractive complexion.
I strolled over to him, hoping he would not push me away like he’s done in the past. After he turned around and finally met his eyes with mine, I could tell that his expression held misery, stress, and irritation.
I sighed, realizing what a mess I’ve made. “Yunho-sshi… I’m so sorry.”
He refused to look at me, once again. “What do you mean you’re sorry?” He scoffed, trying to play innocent, but I knew exactly what kind of scheme he had put up.
“Don’t tell me that you don’t know!” I roared at him, losing my patience completely. “You’ve been trying to ignore me completely at dinner! What kind of person would treat a stranger this way…much less any human?”
He stared at me, only to reflect anger off his irises. “Are you human…knowing that you’re making up such impractical rumors about me?” He snorted, a bit teasingly. “For your information, an actor is human too. He needs his privacy!”
I sighed, knowing exactly what he meant. He was infuriated of the lies being made about him, and irrationally blaming me.
“With all due respect, Mr. Jung, I had no intention of making up such rumors about you.” I explained, hoping he’ll understand me. “It was my assignment to come to Paris to interview you about the rumors, not my intention.” I sighed, glaring at him seriously. “I would never make up such rumors about you! Trust me!”
He gave me a fierce glare. “Oh really.” He spoke, disbelief in his eyes. “Are you just saying this just so you can get closer to me? You can try all you want, but there is no way that I will disclose any information about my love interest.”
“That’s because you don’t have one.”
He stared at me in awe. “Excuse me?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” I asked, trying to sound astute. “Changmin informed me that you were always by yourself, and that you needed company. That’s why he sent me to your room.” I clarified.
“Y-you…” He began, losing his patience. The actor sighed, his fierce expression informing me that he had wanted to avoid me. “You’re one wise reporter, you know that?”
I nodded, flattered. “Of course.”
Understanding him completely, I exhaled, feeling a bit of his pain. I placed a hand on his broad shoulders, hoping it would make him feel a bit better. “Yunho… it’s nothing to be ashamed of…” I remarked. “Not having a lover does not mean that you’re a bad actor.”
He pulled my hand off his shoulder and stared into the mirror. “You don’t understand.”
“It’s hard to fall in love, I know.” I explained. “Not everyone has the power to feel attracted to a person, and it’s perfectly fine.”
“It’s not.”
“Why? Down to it all, it’s not a big deal.”
He exhaled, finally loosening himself up and letting me in through his tough exterior. “Everyone expects me to date an amazing actress-one who’s beautiful and talented. However, I just don’t feel attracted to their glamour and perfection… it makes them all the more deceiving.” He elucidated. “So when I see tabloids making up such ridiculous rumors about her and me, it just makes me more disgusted.” His expression turned pensive as he finally decided to look me in the eye. “I don’t want any of it… I just want someone normal.”
I exhaled, letting my lips curl up in a smile. “You’ll find her, I promise.” I proposed.
He stared at me skeptically. “I won’t… not unless I quit my job as an actor.” The male responded, letting all of his thoughts fall through. “My career will always come between any relationships.”
I sighed. “Yunho…” I consoled. “You don’t have to be ashamed for all this.”
He frowned, glancing back at his reflection. “You better not write a thing about what I said tonight.” He warned, deciding not to listen to me. “This is only between you and me, understand?”
I smirked. “Don’t worry, you can trust me.”
Yunho looked away. “You know…” He trailed off. “You’re quite different from all the other reporters.” He pointed out. “Unlike the others, you’re not as nosy… but you’re concerned.”
I laughed. “There’s a difference between nosy and concerned?”
“Of course.” He answered. “All those reporters… they wouldn’t dare to apologize to me after what I did to you.”
“You’re pretty good at that.” I commented. “The silent treatment.”
“I know.” He contentedly replied. “But I apologize. I didn’t know that it was such a worthless assignment for your journalism class.”
Worthless assignment? That could lead me straight into the Seoul Times newspaper? He obviously knew as little about me as I knew about him.
I frowned, rolling my eyes. “Fine.” I said. “I apologize that my useless assignment had interrupted the useless movie you were shooting here.”
“You’re not forgiven.” He retorted through laughs.
Although there was still a large knot of doubt tied up inside me, I couldn’t help but feel a bit content. Now knowing the truth about Yunho, I was finally able to see him in a new perspective.
But no matter how much he ignored the thought of love, I was still desperately in love with him. The new side I had discovered of him was making me fall even harder.
“Thank you Jaejoong.” He spoke after a long silence. “For your assuring words.”
I chuckled, realizing what a complete genius I was. “Anytime.”
He successfully ripped off a piece of paper towel and brought it up to his face to cleanse it of water. His wet hair tainted with tiny crystals was almost making my heart rattle uncontrollably.
“We’d better get back to that dinner.” I recommended, pointing to the exit of the bathroom. “The staff will be worried.”
He sighed, throwing his paper towel into the trash. “I don’t want to.” He replied stubbornly.
I scoffed. “Very funny, Yunho.”
“Let’s explore Paris.” He suggested, his complexion filled with excitement. “I haven’t been able to truly see Paris through this trip and now we have an opportunity to.”
I was nervous. “What?” I was in complete incredulity. “You want to escape the staff dinner to experience Paris?”
“Obviously.”
I shook my head. “There’s no way-“
Cutting off my sentence, he grabbed my hand hastily, and ran out of the luxurious bathroom. Instead of leading me back to the table, he led me to the opposite end of the restaurant, planning to depart it.
“You’re insane!” I yelled as I blushed due to the contact of our hands.
“Oh shut up! You’re just as insane as I am!”
I almost leaped out of my skin as we exited the restaurant into Paris’s nightlife. With no idea of where I was going, I decided to hopelessly follow Yunho to wherever he would take me.
With our hands together and the beautiful city swirling around us, I could almost say that I was living in a reverie.
TBC
I have some good news and bad news… Let’s get the bad news over with before we skip to the good news, shall we?
Bad news: I might delay the update for next week. I’ll try my best to update next Saturday around the same time. But I’m not exactly sure if I can make it. Sorry for the wait D=
Good news: For your reading pleasure, I decided to do some research on Hotel de Crillon and the Maison Blanche restaurant. I managed to find some really lovely pictures.
^ This is Hotel de Crillon (the hotel where YunJae is currently staying)
^This is Maison Blanche (the restaurant where YunJae dined)
Beautiful, isn’t it? ^^
Please comment! Thank you to all the people who have been consecutively commenting on this fic. Happy Valentines Day, everyone <333
~Cindy
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Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5