Project 2035 | Chapter 3/10
Project 2035
Author: love_cassiopeia
Summary: Fast forward to the year of 2035. The Korean republican government has fallen prey to the dictatorial regimes of the Jung family. Jung Yunho is to become Korea’s future emperor, introducing a new world to the citizens under his name. Kim Jaejoong is an adroit assassin, plotting to abolish the government by shedding Yunho’s blood. It appeared easy at first for the shrewd assassin to kill the new leader, but will the fickle game of love serve as a worthy obstacle?
Rated: NC-17
Warning(s): NC-17 material, language
Genre: Romance/Angst
Pairing(s): YunJae, minor Yoosu
Chapter 3
Beta'ed by: facesandmasks
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“Don’t spill any drinks on him this time, all right?”
I chuckled at Changmin’s words, trying to hold my tears back as I laughed in amusement. I ransacked through the kitchen drawers for a set of silverware, returning rapidly to my plates of freshly-assembled dishes I was planning serve you.
“Luckily, you didn’t spill the drinks on his parents or Haneul’s parents.” Changmin continued-was he mocking me? “Now that wouldn’t have been a pretty picture.”
I assembled a few extraneous decorations on my plating, making sure they would meet Changmin’s high culinary standards. “What, are they not nearly as nice as their son?” I questioned. “I honestly predicted Yunho would be shrieking out in disgust as I spilled the drinks on him, but ironically, he just stood there and laughed.”
“C’mon, the two of you are nearly the same age, right?” Changmin counterattacked. “I mean, what would you do in his position?”
I tilted my head sideways in deep consideration. “I don’t know. Perhaps try to clean my suit off and forget about the whole matter?”
“Exactly.” The head chef remarked, a keen lustre in his eyes. “He’s the same age as you, why would he think any differently?”
“He’s the emperor’s son, if you haven’t noticed already.”
He gave me a wry look. “He’s human.” He clarified. “Take it from me, Jaejoong. I’ve been his friend for years, and not once have I seen him act ‘royal’ or ‘supercilious’ towards his peers.”
I carried the five plates onto a large platter, putting the last touches to the arrangement. “I just don’t understand…” I mumbled, frowning in anxiety. “No offence whatsoever, but why would the emperor’s son cooperate with a palace chef?”
Changmin gave me a pat on the back, offering me the encouragement I would need. “Just go drop off the dinner.” He ordered, a bit bothered by my questions. “And don’t leave him straight away, stay by him and try to get to know him a little better. I’m sure all your questions will be answered.”
I offered the chef a reassuring nod, anticipating that the opportunity to murder you was closer than I expected. I left the kitchen with a platter of food and a small gun in my right pocket, optimistic that the single shot would come without any doubt or difficulty.
No, I didn’t put poison into your food to bring you to your death. That was far too boring for my out of the ordinary state of mind. I wanted to kill you with my own hands; to tarnish my palms with guilt. Although it sounded a bit insane and psychopathic, it described me down to every last detail.
This is who I was: a murderer.
I found you in the dimly lighted night-time courtyard, patiently waiting for your dinner like a behaved, high-class gentleman. I approached you with a wide smile, hoping you wouldn’t remember me from our previous incident.
Discovering that you were alone, I set the platter onto the round miniature table, orchestrating them into an arrangement that was both pleasing to the eye and the appetite. Although we had not spoken, I couldn’t help but let my eyes meet with yours, scanning over the visage of my victim once more before I advanced any closer.
The moonlight and the candles certainly played a crucial role in enhancing your attractive lineaments. Your lavish suit and the night garden around you blended you into a pastel masterpiece of wealth and urbane masculinity. It wasn’t hatred I held for you anymore-it was almost envy now.
I cleared my throat, knowing that I was not allowed to ogle at my victims with jealousy. In my chef’s uniform, I bowed to you, presenting my façade crafted out of respect and honour.
“Enjoy.” I murmured-more silently than I imagined I would. I was a bit nervous as I reached for the gun in my pocket, knowing that the task didn’t need to be over analyzed.
But I did over analyze it. If I shed your blood right there and then, the mission would be easy-too easy to be honest. It never occurred to me that your death could occur so rapidly; therefore the effortless task along with my confusion pierced right through me as I reached for the gun.
I’ve never killed anyone my entire life. If I held that gun to you, my innocence would be forever tainted by guilt-by the memory of you.
So, like an idiot, I waited.
“This is delicious.”
I turned my head, snapping out of my thoughts and trying to impel myself back into reality. There you were, sitting at the one-person table, quite pleased with meal that stood before you.
“Thank you.” I bowed my head, trying to hide my perplexed facial expression from you. I didn’t understand. Why would a royal gentleman like you appreciate any of my standard, everyday, Korean cooking?
I reached for my gun again, but before I was able to lay a finger upon it, your voice distracted me-for the second time tonight.
“You’re the new chef, Kim Jaejoong, right?” I nodded to reply your question, marvelled by your sudden words. “Changmin told me a lot about you. It’s very nice to finally meet you.”
You extended your right hand, trying to request for a handshake. I gaped at your palm, wondering if I would be able to take it or not.
Trying not to look suspicious, I met my hands with yours in a firm handshake, properly introducing myself (your murderer) to you. A part of me cautioned me to halt; to stop going any further. I wasn’t here to make friends, I was here to kill.
Just when I thought your questions had concluded, you extended your one-sided conversation with me, moving onto all sorts of different curiosities.
“How old are you Jaejoong?” was the first question you asked from that point on. I wore a nervous smile, trying to hide away all the worry that was gathering up within my chest.
“I’m twenty-five.” I answered, trying not to incite any more of our conversation.
“Me too!” you remarked blithely. “Let’s be friends, shall we?”
Who did you think you were, trying to act all casual around me? You obviously had no clue that I was sent on a mission to end your life, so of course you were being friendly! But how was I to answer you? I would like an idiot saying ‘yes,’ and yet, I would look just as guilty telling you ‘no.’
“I’m afraid I’m just a chef at the kitchen.” I shamefully admitted, all the while trying my hardest to deny your request. “I’m sure your parents wouldn’t appreciate it if I associated myself with you.”
You rolled your eyes, almost livid that I had brought about the subject of your parents. “It’s perfectly fine.” You reassured. “Changmin is a chef at the palace, and yet we get along perfectly.” You explained. “Besides, we’re the same age. There are not many people in the palace who are around our age group. Why not take the chance?”
I hung my head, deciding that it was a bit ridiculous still having my fingers entwined around my gun. “O…kay…” I responded, completely driven off my previous track. You stood before me as an innocent child, not an emperor who would eventually dictate Korea.
“Changmin told me that you’re from old Seoul.” He resumed our conversation, taking another bite of the main dish. “I’ve always wanted to go to Old Seoul. It must be pretty exciting there, huh?”
I wore a weak smile, deciding to perpetuate the conversation. “Not really.” I declared. “It’s certainly not as luxurious as New Seoul, but I’ve learned to cope with it during my time there.” I lifted an eyebrow, curious about your opinion. “What do you think of Old Seoul? I mean, a person like you must look upon it in a completely different perspective.”
You let a snort travel through your lips. “I’ve never been to Old Seoul before, so I can’t exactly answer you.” You replied. “But I’d love to, someday. I’ve been trapped up inside New Seoul my entire life, so I’m fervent for the experience.”
“Old Seoul is a wonderful place.” I agreed. “The lights, the numerous nightclubs-the alcohol.” And the large amount of attractive, dangerous men like Yoochun, I wanted to add. “But I’m sure it would be quite a chore to give it a visit, especially with your parents monitoring your every footstep.”
You sighed in dismay, and then nodded to show your agreement. “You’re right.” You declared. “Sometimes, I just want to escape from all this. To just let loose and feel the wind in my hair and not have to care about all this. But my parents-along with the rest of Korea-have a demanding future planned out for me, so there’s no room for amusement in my life, not even a second.”
Well, how ironic it was that I suddenly showed up, planning to end that horrible future of yours? I had no intention to, but I couldn’t help but sympathize for you as you spoke morosely about your life (almost as if you wouldn’t care if I held the gun to your head this very moment). There was no doubt about it: you were not one bit like your pompous parents. Like every man your age, you were down to earth, a bit lazy, and greedy for fun.
And for a moment there, I didn’t know whether my task to kill you would become easier-or a dozen times more difficult.
“But you have Haneul, right?” I questioned, trying my best to exhilarate your dismal spirits. “You must have spent wonderful time with her, considering she’s an undeniable beauty.”
You gave me an incredulous glare. “Haneul, huh?” You sighed, shaking your head in disapproval. “When we’re together, we can’t say a single word to each other, believe it or not. I know that it appears that we have great chemistry, but that’s all a show for our parents. The two of us were dragged into this arranged marriage by the desires of our folks. No matter how weak our connection is, we’ll have to live with each other for the rest of our lives.”
I lifted an eyebrow in suspicion. “So you don’t love her?”
“Obviously not.” You stated. “In fact, she garners emotions towards our good friend Shim Changmin.”
I was flabbergasted. Goh Haneul was royalty-a future symbol of Korea. For God’s sake, she was to become the empress of this nation; to watch over her citizens for decades. I was utterly dumbfounded to hear that she shared no connection whatsoever with you-the emperor to be-but instead had affairs with the insignificant palace chef!
“Since my parents set me up with her, they’ve been offering me time on my own without any bodyguards or any law books.” You continued, taking a small sip of the expensive wine I recently poured into your glass. “Instead of being surrounded by bodyguards or watched by security cameras twenty-four seven, I can actually roam around New Seoul on my own.”
“But the time alone that you have is supposed to be spent with Haneul.” I concluded instantly. “You’re a naughty son, I tell you; taking advantage of this freedom they’ve given you.”
“Don’t get me wrong, Haneul and I do occasionally see each other.” You cut in, interrupting my accusations. “We usually meet in the kitchens in our free time. She, to flirt with Changmin, and I, to speak with Changmin.”
I chuckled. “Poor Shim.” I remarked. “Being taken over by you two bloodhounds like raw meat.”
You grinned, painting on bright face as our conversation continued. There was a certain innocence among your irises, one I couldn’t help but notice as you continued consuming your meal. It was more than a surprise, seeing the man I detested the most turn out to be nothing more than a harmless, indolent, child.
“It’s a bit lonely, isn’t it?” I asked after moments of silence. “Living by yourself inside this palace with no one to hear your real thoughts?”
You nodded in approval. “The only person I have nowadays is Changmin.” You concluded. “And most of the time he’s busy serving my parents or in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes.” You clarified. “I guess that in the end I’m just downright unlucky.”
“Nonsense.” I denied, wishing you would be able to open your eyes and recognize the opulent luxury you were bathed in. “You’re in the position every man in Korea wants to be in. You get to sit all day in the palace without arduous work, watching over the citizens and controlling their lives. Doesn’t that appeal to you at all?”
“No, not at all.” You replied after moments of consideration. “In the end, that’s the only path I’m allowed to take. There’s no other way; no second chances, no plan B.” You exhaled in discontent, almost like a child with no direction to go. “Look at you, Jaejoong. You have numerous choices ahead of you! At least you’re able to choose what you want to do in life without having everything being chosen for you before you were even born.”
I couldn’t agree with you more. Although my parents had abandoned me as a teenager, leaving me on the dangerous streets of Old Seoul alone, I had plenty of options laid out ahead of me. I could become whatever I wanted if I had the resolve to achieve it. As luck would have it, I chose to be an agent of Project 2035, thus leading me here-to hear your side of the story.
I expunged all thoughts of wanting to point that gun to your head; at least, just for tonight. It would be immoral to murder a mere child in the middle of his cries for love and care.
I just wasn’t able to kill you, just… not yet.
Although the room was filled with complete silence with only the silent ticking of the small bedside clock, the interior of my mind was inundated with shouts and shrieks from my battling opinions, causing sleep to seep through my fingertips like sand.
2:35 AM
It was an ungodly hour to be awake. Instead of shutting my eyes and trying to fall asleep, I let my eyes breach, allowing them to examine the ceiling of my dark palace quarters inquisitively.
Insomnia, it was called-and it was all caused by you.
I found it quite strange actually, musing over the reasons why I had refused to end your life so lately at night. I replayed our conversation over and over again within my mind, longing to discover more and more of your secrets as I replayed the miraculous words which strolled from your lips.
Why, I wonder. Why was I so utterly intrigued by your innocent yet enigmatic persona? Was I so foolish to ignore the fact that I was here to put an end to your life only because you appeared relatively interesting in my eyes? Impossible! If that was the reason why I was unable to kill you, then I must say that I am certainly inept for the role of a deft assassin. I was sent here due to my disgust for you; due to my admiration of Yoochun. I was reluctant to let my second thoughts stand in the way of your demise, driving me into an abyss of confusion.
But Jung Yunho, that’s just what I did in your presence.
Every time I met with those orb-shaped pupils of yours, I realised that you had a story to tell. Story not succumbed by law books, luxurious palaces, or attractive brides; but stories tainted with loneliness and uncertainty. As a merciless assassin, it was a surprise that I would actually hold interest for such things.
“Jaejoong, do you read me?”
Severing me from my inner battles, a soft sound rang from the small earpiece which was still attached to me. I recognized the voice immediately, and turned on the microphone which would transfer my message back to him.
“Yes Yoochun, I’m here.”
It was relief to hear Yoochun’s deep, sensual voice pierce through my eardrums tonight. It reminded me (even for a second) of my purpose here and the mission I had hoped to achieve here.
“Well… any progress yet?” He asked, exceptionally curious. “You’ve been here for nearly a week now, so I trust that you were able to advance a bit closer to him.”
No, there was no progress, not at all, I wanted to tell him. In fact, I got sidetracked from the task at hand by that little bastard. What a shame, no?
“Actually, I was planning to kill him tonight.” I elucidated, making sure my motives were sharpened to the apex. “But the bodyguards… he was surrounded by a legion of them.”
No, certainly it wasn’t a crime to lie, not in this case. Although the bodyguards were in complete absence tonight, I was unable to kill you due to your naïve words and your unrelenting innocence. There was no possible way to tell Yoochun that, not ever. He would obviously lose his trust in me, and see the evident weakness which lingered throughout me.
Yoochun sighed on his end of the line. He was a bit dissatisfied, I could tell. “It’s all right; it’s not your fault.” He announced. “Those damn bodyguards, they’re a serious problem for us.”
“Yeah…” I trailed off, unable to say any more to the man. It was tearing me apart, having to lie to man who I treasured and valued so much in the past. Lying to him was almost like lying to myself-it detached me from my original beliefs, my mission, and my original chore here.
“You got relatively close to him today, didn’t you?” He asked, probing me for answers. “According to your tracking systems, I could see that the two of you were together in a room for nearly an hour.”
An hour? Our conversation had last that long? I sighed, realising how absurd I was for deciding to spare you. Yoochun would continue to watch over us meticulously-just as long as we still had the tracking systems attached to our bodies.
“I was serving him dinner.” I declared, trying to sound as confident as possible. “I was trying to get him alone in the courtyard, but the bodyguards were still there, keeping an eye on Yunho as he ate.” And yet, another lie flew from my mouth.
“I see…” Yoochun murmured. “Just make sure you can find ways to isolate him by himself one way or another without having all those irritating bodyguards around.”
I nodded, feeling a bit guilty that Yoochun had believed my lies. The shame ate me up morsel by morsel until I had no energy left to speak with Yoochun. It was just…too much.
Minutes of pristine silence stretched between us as his last sentence concluded.
“Yoochun? I asked after a few seconds, wondering if he was still there.
“Yes?”
I hesitated for a few seconds before I was ready to unveil any of my emotions. “I love you.” I stated affectionately, knowing that my words were factual. “I miss you terribly, and I just want to go home and see you.”
“Jaejoong…” He murmured, trying his best to solace me.
I interrupted him without guilt. “I promise with all my heart that I will kill that bastard eventually. I will bring you his head and taint my hands with his blood.” I exhaled, trying to rid myself of doubt. “I’ll make you proud, Yoochun. I promise.”
It was the truth I spoke and the only truth. Although you had taken away my opportunity to end your life earlier tonight, it will be the first and last time your actions would affect me. The next time I stumbled upon you, I would vow to shed your blood. I would not fall to you and show you my weakness-not ever again.
The next time we met, I would show no mercy-not even for your innocence.
You might as well enjoy the short time you have alive.
Is it me, or is the font on my new layout too small? If it hurts your eyes to read this, please don’t be afraid to tell me-I’ll change the font right away! The current size is 8.5, but if you’d like me to change it to something better for your reading convenience, don’t be afraid to make a suggestion.
I don’t have my glasses right now, so I have to squint at the computer screen all day to look through my work. It really hurts my eyes, I must say D=
EDIT: Changed to 9 pt Arial =D
Anyways, back to the story. Hope you liked YunJae’s first meeting! Although Jae’s not exactly pleased with Yunho or himself right now, we’ll see how things turn out *wink*
Please leave a comment. Thank you to the readers who continue to every chapter.
-Cindy
Previous chapters: Prologue + Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 |
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