Because Tomorrow Comes - Chapter 15, Honeymoon in Paris part 2
Title: Because Tomorrow Comes - Chapter 15 - Honeymoon in Paris part 2
Author: Marakeshsparrow
Rating: M
Pairing: YunJae
Genre: Drama, Romance, Angst
Warning: This is a work of fiction. I own nothing and do not claim to have any knowledge to real life events. This is how reality played out in my brain, but again it is FICTION.
Summary: Kim Jaejoong and Jung Yunho struggle to move on from the past. After the break-up of the super group TVXQ, they are haunted by memories, regrets, and loss. But there is no escaping the future and no way to return to the days of old. Will they be able to come to terms with their present and learn how to move forward without each other?
Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 part 1 | Chapter 12 part 2 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14
A/N: Here is part 2 of 'Honeymoon in Paris'! Hopefully will get part 3 up in the next day or so as well!
Korean terms:
Hyung = older brother, a term used for older male friends, not only blood relations
Dongsaeng = younger sibling
Chapter 15 - Honeymoon in Paris part 2
July 2007 - Paris, France
They arrived in the famous European city at around 10 am-it felt like they had somehow tricked time. Though the flight was close to 12 hours, because of the time difference, they arrived not long after they’d left Korea.
The trip had been easy enough. Yunho slept most of the way with his head on Jaejoong’s shoulder and Jaejoong had tried to do the same, desperately needing rest, but he was too filled with anxious excitement to actually sleep. This was their first time visiting Paris-they were shooting a photo book that would be released in the fall. It was meant to document their adventures through the city, to make it feel like the fans were taking a trip with the five idols, so it was being treated like a kind of vacation, a way to celebrate their recent successful Japanese tour.
Of course vacation for DBSK included constant filming for a behind the scenes special and a whole cavalcade of staff members: stylists, wardrobe and makeup, photographers and camera crew. But it was a slightly smaller entourage than what usually followed them around, so it gave them some sense of freedom. Coupled with their near anonymity in the French capitol, it was shaping up to be a true break.
They stood near the giant obelisk at Place de la Concorde right at the far end of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, taking in their surroundings like newborns, gaping at the beauty of the city. Jaejoong had always been intrigued by Paris; there was something about the bohemian attitude of the people who lived there, the gothic style of its architecture-he felt like he might have lived here in another life; it was familiar and inviting.
They had a little time before check-in at their hotel, a swanky place in the heart of the fashionable Louvre-Tuileries neighborhood, so they’d been told they could explore the city a bit. They ambled down the wide Parisian boulevard, posing for photos and playing around. Jaejoong felt lighter than he had in ages-as if he might float off into the sky like one of their red balloons. Being there with all of them, being there with Yunho, was more than he ever could have dreamt.
Eventually Tae-suk hyung corralled them all back towards the rented van where their luggage sat waiting.
“Director Nam and I were able to convince them to spring for two rooms, so you’ll be able to spread out a bit more.”
Raucous cheering and laughter erupted from the hyper, jet-lagged boys-ringing through the vehicle. Jaejoong grinned at all the noise going on around him and realized he’d never felt more love for his teammates. They really were like his family and had been by his side through so much. The four of them were probably his favorite people in the world. He raised his arms in the air and dropped one around Yunho to his left and the other around Changmin to his right, affectionately hooking them at the neck and forcing them in close.
“You know I love you both, right?” He asked, looking from one to the other.
“Ew, gross,” Changmin tried to pull away but Jaejoong held him tight.
“Right?”
“Yeah, yeah. I know, I know.”
He kissed him on the cheek and Changmin yelled, freeing himself from Jaejoong’s hold and wiping furiously at his face. Laughter rang from the backseat of the van and Jaejoong sat up, turning around to face Junsu and Yoochun.
“You know it too, right? How much I love you guys?”
He made a surprise attack on Junsu, grabbing his head in both his hands, pulling him close to the bench where he sat and leaving a wet smack on his forehead. Junsu cried out in high-pitch squeals of panic while Jaejoong reached for Micky.
“Oh, no you don’t.” Yoochun held both his hands up in defense.
Jaejoong chuckled mischievously as he grappled with Yoochun, determined to get ahold of him. He finally succeeded, or Yoochun gave in, and he planted another loud kiss on the top of his head. They were all hooting in hilarity, telling Jaejoong he was a sicko. He grinned and flipped back around, sliding down into his seat, giving Yunho a sly sidelong glance.
“I think our leader needs one too.”
He went to kiss his cheek but Yunho turned to face him at the last minute, their lips touching.
“Ahhhh!” The van broke out in more yells and excitable shrieks. Yoochun sat forward.
“That’s enough of that now!” He tried to sound stern but couldn’t keep the good humor out of his voice.
“Seriously though,” Changmin complained, hitting Jaejoong roughly on the arm.
“You guys better just get used to it,” Yunho quipped back and slung his arm around Jaejoong’s neck, pulling in for another kiss.
The purple elephant Junsu liked to travel with suddenly hit them both square in the face, breaking up their show of affection and making them both burst into hearty laughter. Yunho rose out of his seat and threw it back at Junsu.
“Will you all calm down back there?” Tae-suk hyung turned around in the passenger seat like a stern schoolteacher. “You’re distracting the driver.”
“Sorry~” they all trilled in unison, then immediately broke into hysterics at the unplanned coordination. They were too used to being in sync-they were even starting to think in unison.
The rest of their short drive was not much different; they continued their wild antics until they pulled up at their hotel. They lugged their suitcases into the lobby as their manager went to get the rooms sorted. Meanwhile, the second van with staff arrived and soon the lobby was full and bustling. A few guests walked through eyeing the activity with interest. Jaejoong supposed they didn’t normally see so many Koreans together with cameras and equipment cases.
Tae-suk returned to the five members with room keys in hand.
“All right. Junsu, Yoochun and Changmin-you get room 501.” He handed them their keys, real keys as opposed to the usual plastic card.
“Yunho and Jaejoong get 503. They’re across the hall from each other.”
Jaejoong’s eyes went wide with surprise. He gaped at their manager and he gave them the key.
“Me and Yunho are sharing a room?”
“Is that a problem?” He gave them a knowing look, attempting to keep a straight face.
Jaejoong gathered his wits about him and stole a quick glance at the beaming Yunho.
“No-not a problem,” he quickly confirmed. He couldn’t believe their manger had arranged it that way for them.
“Ugh-I don’t even want to think about why they get their own room,” Changmin moaned sourly.
“Then don’t think about it.” Junsu tugged on Changmin’s ear, leading the way to the elevators.
Yoochun nudged Jaejoong in the ribs and made an exaggerated kissy face at him. The lead singer smacked him hard on the arm and the younger man ran to follow Junsu.
“You have an hour to situate yourselves and then we’re going back out for some more sight-seeing. The photographers want images of you out and around the city!” He called after the younger members who were already on their way upstairs.
He turned to Yunho and Jaejoong and pointed a finger in their direction.
“Don’t forget I did this favor for you.”
He wandered off to speak to the rest of the staff. Yunho put his hand on Jaejoong’s elbow and urged him forward.
“Jaejoong-ah, let’s go.” He grinned, eyes sparkling and Jaejoong felt his stomach flip-flop with excitement; they would finally get to be alone, would be able to spend the night together with no interruptions. This trip was getting better and better.
They rode the elevator up in near silence. Jaejoong couldn’t take his eyes off Yunho. He bit his lip in anticipation. It took all his strength not to throw himself at the taller man while they rode to their floor.
“You’re going to burn a hole through my face.” Yunho’s voice snapped him out of his reverie.
“Sorry,” he chuckled. “You just look really good right now.”
Yunho caught his eye and it was like electricity snapped audibly in the space between them. The elevator doors opened and for a moment, neither of them moved, their gaze locked on one another.
Suddenly there were voices in the hall, as French guests made their way towards the two idols. They quickly stepped out, pulling their suitcases behind them and nodding politely to the older man and woman who passed them by. They moved down the hall silently, the whole hotel a hush except for the sounds of their shoes on the wooden floor and the wheels of their suitcases rolling along.
When they reached room 503, they could hear loud voices and laughter coming from 501 across the way. Yunho smiled.
“Sounds like they’re settling in ok.”
Jaejoong smirked and reached out to unlock the door. For a moment, he had a hard time getting the key in the lock-his hands were sweaty and shaking in anticipation. Finally the key slipped in and he turned it, pushing the door open.
The room was large and open with oversized windows that looked out onto the street below. Gauzy white curtains hung down to the wooden floor, but it did not stop the sunlight from streaming into the room across the rich red and gold Persian rug. On the left wall there was an ornate wooden dresser and bureau; on the right side of the room were two full sized beds, both adorned with white comforters and large inviting pillows. Jaejoong realized his mouth was hanging open.
“Wow…It’s so European in here,” he chuckled. “It’s just like I imagined it.”
Before he could say anything else he felt Yunho’s arms circle around his waist from behind. His lips pressed softly-as soft as those pillows looked-against the side of his neck.
“I missed feeling you like this,” he murmured against Jaejoong’s ear. He felt heat radiate over his body.
He turned around to face Yunho and they collided as if gravity were pulling them together, their lips meeting passionately, arms pulling off jackets and hands running through hair as they moved back towards the nearest bed. Jaejoong almost tripped trying to kick his boots off and Yunho snickered, steadying him, then kicked off his own. He returned his attention to his lover.
Jaejoong moaned as Yunho’s lips moved to his neck again, running his mouth down towards his collarbone. He pulled the shirt over Jaejoong’s head, exposing his chest and Jaejoong fell back onto the bed, looking up at Yunho from under his gold fringe.
Yunho ran his eyes over his body and swallowed.
“My god, you’re sexy,” his voice had grown low and husky; Jaejoong grew hard at the sound.
“Come here,” he commanded.
Yunho instantly obeyed and dropped down onto the bed, straddling Jaejoong’s legs. Their lips met and Jaejoong could feel Yunho’s cock straining through his jeans against his leg.
“We don’t have much time,” he gasped, breaking for air.
“I’ve heard that before.” Yunho licked at Jaejoong’s bottom lip, and then they were kissing again, tongues dancing and exploring each other’s mouths as if they were starving men searching for their next meal.
Jaejoong snaked his hand down to the edge of Yunho’s jeans slipping it inside the waistband and Yunho moaned suddenly, bucking slightly. He stopped, hesitating, then lifted up, looking down at Jaejoong with a weird expression on his face. Jaejoong froze; he hadn’t even touched him. What just happened?
“Oh my god.” Yunho sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Jaejoong sat up too, laying one hand on his shoulder.
“Yunho, did you just…?”
“Oh my god,” he repeated, covering his face in embarrassment.
Jaejoong looked down at the dark, wet spot on his jeans.
“When I said we didn’t have much time, you really took me seriously.”
They were both silent and then Yunho started to chuckle. Jaejoong couldn’t help himself and burst into giggles. Soon they were both roaring with laughter. Yunho fell back on the bed, lying across it horizontally, his legs hanging off the edge. Jaejoong joined him, leaning his head against his shoulder, trying to catch his breath.
“I just got really excited,” Yunho tried to explain, his laughter finally slowing down. “It’s been so long and you look so hot.”
Jaejoong draped his arm over his chest and kissed his shoulder. Yunho turned his face to the side, looking at his lover. Jaejoong grinned.
“I am pretty hot, aren’t I?”
“Yah~” Yunho laughed again and smacked the arm that rested gently across his chest.
Jaejoong felt his grin grow even wider and he touched Yunho’s cheek turning his face back in his direction.
“It’s ok. We’ll have lots of time tonight.”
Yunho smiled comfortably and closed his eyes. Jaejoong took in his face at a close distance-his distinguished brow, his sharp jaw-line. Still with his eyes closed he looked like a little boy. He remembered when they were still kids and struggling to make their way in the city, how they would sometimes sleep in the same bed. At that time he’d often had insomnia, nervous energy keeping him up like caffeine. A few nights he’d found himself watching his friend, memorizing his face, telling himself he wanted to be more like Jung Yunho. But even then, it had been something like love.
He closed his eyes too, feeling warm and comfortable; he felt like he could drift off to sleep now, his arousal forgotten in the hilarity of the moment.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door-
“We’re meeting down stairs in 15!” Tae-suk hyung’s voice rang through the door.
Both their eyes snapped open in alarm. Yunho sat up.
“Shit! I’ve got to get cleaned up. I’ve got to clean my jeans off.”
“Can’t you just change?”
“I didn’t bring any others that look similar. I can’t just show up downstairs with different pants.”
“Shit.” Jaejoong agreed. He jumped off the bed and lifted Yunho’s legs, tugging on the bottom denim cuffs.
“Give them to me.”
Yunho unbuckled his belt and lifted his hips so Jaejoong could pull them off. It would have been really hot in different circumstances, and Jaejoong mourned the lost opportunity.
He gathered the denim in his arms and ran into the bathroom. It was small with ornate antique-looking fixtures-so different from the modern, streamline bathrooms he’d gotten accustomed to in Seoul. He didn’t have time to appreciate things though-he turned on the sink faucet and put the jeans under the stream, doing his best just to wet the section he needed to.
Yunho walked into the small room in just his underwear, looking sexier than Jaejoong could remember. He tried to focus on what he was doing and not let his arousal return. The half-dressed man grabbed a small, white towel hanging from the rack and ran it under the water Jaejoong was using to wash the jeans. Jaejoong couldn’t help but catch his eye in the mirror.
“I’ve got to clean myself up,” he explained casually, and ran the towel down over his belly and into his fitted shorts.
Jaejoong’s eyes grew wide and he felt himself grow hard again despite his attempts to control himself. He turned off the water and held up the jeans, he’d done a good job of not letting them get too wet.
“Gotta find my blow dryer,” he mumbled to himself and moved past Yunho back into the room.
Their luggage was still in the entranceway and Jaejoong dragged his bag into the open area by the bureau and dresser. He draped the jeans temporarily over the back of a chair and unzipped his suitcase.
He heard Yunho follow suit, pulling his luggage into the main part of the room and taking a seat on the bed. He looked up momentarily and saw that Yunho had removed his underwear; he rifled through his bag for a new pair, naked from the waist down. Jaejoong’s heartbeat sped up.
“Where the hell is the blow dryer?” He did his best not to look as Yunho stepped into fresh shorts.
He stood when he found his hair dryer and plugged it into the wall using his international adaptor. He started running the hot air over the wet jeans, purposely keeping his back to Yunho as he worked.
Suddenly there was a gentle hand on his hip and he felt warm breath against his ear.
“I love it when you get all flustered and embarrassed,” Yunho murmured low.
He ran his hand down to Jaejoong’s jeans and cupped the erection that had been growing since he’d seen Yunho wiping himself clean with the towel. He nearly dropped the blow dryer. Yunho moved his hand, massaging him through the denim and Jaejoong closed his eyes.
“We can’t. We have to go down and meet up with the others in a few minutes.”
“I feel bad that I’m the only one who got to cum,” he purred, biting Jaejoong’s ear gently.
He moaned and that was all it took-Yunho turned him around and unfastened his pants. Jaejoong stumbled backwards, butting up against the bureau and braced himself against it for support. Yunho pulled his jeans and underwear down in one quick motion, dropping to his knees as he lowered them.
“What about your pants?” Jaejoong asked lamely.
Yunho grabbed his cock in one hand and immediately wrapped his lips around its tip.
“Fuck,” Jaejoong gasped as his legs nearly went out beneath him. He dropped the dryer.
In all the times they’d fooled around, Yunho had never actually kneeled before him; and there was something about the position, seeing him on his knees, his mouth moving up and down his length-his strong, manly Yunho, Yunho the leader of DBSK subjugating himself for Jaejoong. It was too much; he knew it wouldn’t be long.
Yunho grabbed Jaejoong by the hips and pulled him closer, taking him all the way into his mouth and he cried out in pleasure. The kneeling man pulled away, releasing him, and looked up and Jaejoong lustily, licking the saliva off his lips.
“Does it feel good?”
Jaejoong couldn’t find the words to answer, only nodded breathlessly. Yunho took him back into his mouth. There was another knock at the door and Jaejoong nearly jumped out of his skin.
“We’re going downstairs to meet up with Minwoo-ssi. Are you guys ready?”
It was Yoochun’s voice. Jaejoong looked down at Yunho, but he didn’t stop. He moaned helplessly as the other man began to pump him with one hand as he worked his lips.
“Uh…Just a minute!” He called out, trying to keep his voice steady. He could tell he was close.
“Hyung will be annoyed if you’re late.”
Jaejoong whimpered and bit his lip hard as he came, watching Yunho take it all in his mouth, swallowing every drop and licking Jaejoong clean. Yunho stood and wiped his mouth with his hand. He thought he might die.
“We’re coming,” the taller man said to the closed door, then smirked mischievously at Jaejoong. He bent forward and pulled Jaejoong’s pants up, fastening them for him.
“I’ve been waiting to do that.” He seemed pleased with himself.
“You might have picked a better time,” Jaejoong blurted, head still practically reeling.
“Are you complaining?”
“No. Definitely not.”
Yunho chuckled and gave him a gentle kiss. Jaejoong couldn’t keep from smiling and wrapped his arms around Yunho’s middle, losing himself in his embrace.
Suddenly he remembered where they were and pulled away.
“Oh my god, your pants.”
The dryer was still running, lying forgotten on its side. Jaejoong snatched it up and ran it frantically over the damp patch.
“Shit-I wasn’t thinking about that!” Yunho exclaimed.
“Obviously not.”
Jaejoong did his best to quickly dry it, but there just wasn’t time.
“It’s as good as it’s going to get.” He held them out to the dark-headed idol and he slipped them on.
Jaejoong frowned at the slightly dark spot on his jeans. It wasn’t terribly noticeable, but he could still see it. They did one last check to make sure they both looked normal enough and went outside. Yoochun was waiting for them, leaning against the wall, checking his phone. He looked up at the two and snapped his cell shut.
“So what’s your excuse? Hmmm?” He teased, smirking knowingly.
Jaejoong felt a blush rise to his cheeks. Yunho threw an arm around his shoulder and addressed their dongsaeng as they walked to the elevator.
“If you already know it’s an excuse, why do we need to say anything?”
“I just like to see Jaejoong hyung squirm.”
“You missed that show by a few minutes,” Yunho quipped.
“Ew! Not funny!” Yoochun yelled at the same time Jaejoong hit the leader hard on the side.
Yunho laughed and laughed.
*****
They rejoined the others and fell back into their more cautious mode. Luckily their managers had not pressed for an explanation on why they were late and Yoochun acted as though he knew nothing.
They had some more time to explore Paris (and take photos) before their dinner reservations. The five young men wandered through the city on foot as they listened to a tour guide talk about history and culture; he also taught them things they needed to know (phrases like, “un café s’il vous plait”) to get help around Paris.
They got quick glances at the Louvre and the Grand Palais, and watched riverboats travel down the Seine, waving and shouting to the people who passed below. What Jaejoong really wanted to see was the Eiffel Tower-yet all they could manage were distant glimpses. Still, walking the winding streets, watching the locals sit at outdoor cafes and speak in their native tongue was exciting and new.
Finally it was time for dinner and the whole group and all the staff were off to a restaurant that had been recommended near the large city park, Champs de Mars. The food was delicious and rich in flavor-though Jaejoong already missed the spice of home. He really wanted to try French Korean food, and decided he would try to get some at the first opportunity. He was interested to see if it tasted any different from what he was used to.
After dinner they had a bit of time to wander around again. Jaejoong ended up splitting away from the rest and meandered further into the park where he could get a better view of the Eiffel Tower. At night it was lit up like a sparkling Christmas tree, shimmering with flickering twinkle lights-he’d been drawn like a moth to a flame.
He stood looking up at the huge tower in awe; it was truly marvelous and it made it all sink in-they were really in this magical city, all together. Happy.
It was a cool night, the air felt almost like Korea in the fall, and Jaejoong pulled his jacket closer around him. He thought about Yunho as he gazed up at the glistening monument. Several meters away a bride and groom posed for photos in front of the illuminated tower.
Jaejoong watched as they smiled and clung to one another, and several spectators oohed and ahhed at the loving couple. He looked down at the ring he wore on his right hand. That was something he and Yunho would never experience; and people certainly wouldn’t be as happy or supportive if they knew about their relationship.
He felt his mood from earlier in the day turn cool like the night air. It hurt him that they had to hide things from everyone-it didn’t feel fair. Would they ever be able to truly be themselves?
He tried picturing their lives in the future and he suddenly realized there was nothing but white noise. Where would they all be in 10 years? What kind of future lay ahead? He couldn’t imagine it. He had told Yunho months before that things would never change, but was that really realistic? Would they be forced to hide like this forever, could they really keep it up?
Just then he felt a soft hand on his shoulder and turned, startled, to see the person he’d just been thinking about.
“There you are,” Yunho smiled. “I was wondering where you slipped off to.”
Ahead there was a burst of applause as the bride and groom shared a kiss. He felt his temper prickle slightly at the sight.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Yunho stepped next to Jaejoong, brushing his broad shoulder against his own.
“What is, the tower or the couple?” Jaejoong’s voice had turned colder than he intended, and he tried to check his temper. Why was he like this all of a sudden?
Yunho glanced at the newlyweds then cast his eyes sideways to the golden-haired singer.
“I was talking about the Eiffel Tower. But I guess the couple are all right too.”
Jaejoong was silent, he was afraid he might get snappy if he didn’t hold his tongue. And Yunho hadn’t done anything-he didn’t want him getting caught in his poor mood.
The tall, dark-headed man turned fully towards Jaejoong.
“Are you ok? You seem a little tense.”
He told himself to just be quiet-that there was no reason to bring up meaningless things when they had such a pleasant day, when they were together in this magical French city, but sometimes he just couldn’t keep his mouth closed. Sometimes he said really stupid things.
“Have you ever wondered where this is all going? About what we’re really doing?”
He looked over at Yunho and saw an expression of genuine surprise on his handsome face.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, maybe you were right to worry about things changing. It can’t always be this good.”
Ahead the bride and groom were moving on to a new location for more photos. Yunho laughed uncomfortably. He ran one hand back through his hair.
“Where is this coming from?”
“Where do you think we’ll all be, after we get older and DBSK slows down?” Jaejoong dodged his question. “Do you think everyone will get married and have kids? Settle down?”
He turned to face his friend, holding his gaze with wide, expectant eyes. He should have just dropped the conversation, but for some reason he couldn’t. For some reason, it felt like his heart was being squeezed and he wanted-needed-some kind of reassurance to feel calm again.
He knew what he wanted Yunho to say. He wanted him to say they’d still be together, that he didn’t know what the others would be doing, but that he’d be at his side no matter what. Jaejoong had initially been so cautious, so hesitant to start anything, but now he didn’t think he’d be able to go back. He was always like that-once he accepted something, once he opened up, he gave all of himself.
Yunho remained silent longer than he would have liked. Jaejoong could feel his heart beating fast in his chest.
“I haven’t really thought about it much,” he sighed. “I guess we’ll all probably settle down. I had always imagined I’d eventually get married and have kids.”
Jaejoong held his breath. This was definitely not what he wanted to hear-why had he started this? Things felt surreal suddenly, like he was acting in a film rather than living his real life.
“Yeah. Yeah, I guess that’s only right.” A soft, bitter laugh escaped his lips.
He was silent. He felt like crying, but he didn’t have the right-what had he expected? Of course Yunho would want to get married, to have the chance of an ordinary life. They had been thrust together in unusual circumstances, thrown into a world where they were always together with no real chance to date like a normal young person. If they hadn’t been a part of DBSK, in the stifling life of a pop idol, they surely never would have fallen in love.
“Jaejoong?” Yunho grabbed his arm gently and Jaejoong pulled away. He would not let him see how much this bothered him, how disappointed he suddenly felt.
He forced a laugh. “We should go find the others. They’re probably worried.”
He walked away quickly before Yunho had the chance to say anything else. It didn’t take long to find the other three, hanging around outside a gift shop.
“Hyung!” Junsu called. “Where were you?”
Jaejoong shrugged, hands in pockets. “Just wandering around.”
“Look what Changminie bought,” Junsu snickered and dragged Changmin up to their hyung.
Changmin fished a small toy figure out of his gift bag. It was a little can-can girl holding her skirt. Junsu seemed incredibly tickled by it; he snatched it from the youngest’s hands.
“Look, when you press this button on the bottom she lifts her dress and kicks.”
He demonstrated and the tiny toy flashed her panties. Changmin and Junsu both erupted in giggles. Jaejoong couldn’t help but laugh at their amusement. He noticed Yunho walking towards their group out of the corner of his eye and Jaejoong moved towards Yoochun, who was busy showing one of the staff pictures of his new dogs on his phone.
Jaejoong was very aware of the fact that he was being childish by avoiding Yunho, but he had to. Their conversation left him feeling raw, like the skin all over his body was blistered and irritated. Being close to him now would only rub it the wrong way.
Yoochun looked up form his pictures briefly to address the lead singer.
“Were you off honeymooning?”
Jaejoong shrugged again-it seemed like the only reaction he could give.
“I think I’m going to take a quick look in the gift shop.”
He wandered inside the small space-the walls were covered in Parisian knick-knacks, shelves and tables littered with tiny figures, sculptures, snow globes, books and postcards. In one corner was a huge display dedicated to all things tour Eiffel. Again he was drawn to the shining metallic objects.
His eyes ran over the rows of dangling key chains and baubles. He picked two tiny towers-one silver and one gold and moved to the register to pay, the clerk helping him with the correct amount of change. He tucked the tiny key chains into his shoulder bag and went back outside.
A group of staff stood huddled on the sidewalk with the three younger members, regrouping and getting ready to return to the hotel. Yunho was waiting for him right outside the door, at a distance from the rest. He fell in at his side as he moved to join the group.
“Did you buy something?”
“Just a couple souvenirs.” He wouldn’t elaborate.
“Did you get anything for me?” He grinned like an eager little boy, but Jaejoong would not take the bait.
“I don’t know. Maybe.” He moved next to Yoochun and threw an arm around his shoulder.
Yunho stood back, seeming a little perplexed, then went to stand next to Changmin. Jaejoong felt his heart wrench in frustration. He didn’t know why he did these things. He didn’t want to push Yunho away, but his body was almost acting on its own-he didn’t really know how to stop once he went down this path of self-destruction.
To Be Continued...