[Series]A Story of Hurting and Healing, chapter 11
Author : freedomthisway
Rating : Various, up to NC-17, still PG13 for now
Character/Pairing : Siwon, Hankyung, Kangin, Hyukjae, Heechul, other made up characters/SiHan, KangHyuk, very minor SiChul.
Word Count : 2300 words
Genre : AU and angst like whoa!
Warning: Underage, rape/non-con, younger!Hankyung, a lot of swearing.
Summary : When Hankyung was 7, his mother was remarried to Choi Min Woo, the head of the rich and famous Choi family. The marriage brings Hankyung to the position of Siwon's younger stepbrother.
Their closeness as child changed after they grew older and Siwon found out his feelings toward Hankyung. Not wanting to ruin the family, Siwon chose to keep his love for Hankyung inside and avoid him like crazy instead.
While Hankyung was struggling to bear his own misery, he too realized his feelings for Siwon, but didn't act on it because he assumed Siwon hated him.
After 3 years of escaping from the family, hearing Choi Min Woo's death, Hankyung decided to come back, only to face Siwon's hatred towards him.
All Hankyung wants is a happiness and love with Siwon by his side. Can he reach it eventually?
Author’s note: Finally, chapter 11. Hope you'll like it~!
And my internet speed is back to normal again, but I haven't been able to reply the comments in previous chapter (ch.10). I'll do it soon, so thank you very much~!
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3 & 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6 & 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
The bright light of morning sun wakes Hankyung up. He frowns a bit because it’s not his habit to wake up late. But judging from how restless his sleep last night, Hankyung isn’t really surprised.
So he hurriedly takes a bath and puts on decent clothes. The will reading will start soon and he doesn’t want to risk being late and catches even more attention than he has already gotten.
One of the maid passes him by on his way to the common room and Hankyung can’t help but notice her curious glance at him. He sighs.
As the common room’s door opened, Hankyung can see that nobody comes yet but one person. And that person, Hankyung recognizes, is the one giving him strange looks from inside of his car yesterday.
That man looks at Hankyung and smiles. A predatory smile, Hankyung can tell, as he tries to hide his nervousness.
“Hey, there.” The man grins. Hankyung smiles back a little.
“Hey.” And he approaches the man, reaching out his hand. “I’m Hankyung.”
The man looks amused as he shakes Hankyung’s hand. “Yeah, I know.”
Hankyung lifts his eyebrow questioningly.
“I’m Kim Heechul, Choi’s family lawyer.” Heechul explains and laughs a bit as a surprised looks formed on Hankyung’s face, followed by an understanding expression.
“So, you’re the one who’ll read the will?” Hankyung asks, a bit relaxed now knowing that Heechul isn’t one of Choi clan that he hasn’t met yet.
“Yeah. Nervous?”
Hankyung straightens his back, trying his best to not look lost. “No.”
“Curious?”
“About the will?” Hankyung folds his arms on his chest. “Not really.”
“Uh-huh.” Heechul grins and Hankyung smiles, feels relaxed all of a sudden at the tone of teasing in Heechul’s voice.
For a moment, none of them says anything. Heechul turns his attention to piles of papers on the desk in front of him and Hankyung walks towards a chair to sit. He’s way too nervous to keep standing.
Suddenly the door opened and Siwon walks in. His eyes brush Hankyung’s for a second before turning to Heechul.
“Hyung, are you ready?” Siwon asks the lawyer and Hankyung tries his best to ignore the fact that Siwon acts like Hankyung isn’t here; in the same room with him.
“Sure. You can start anytime.” Heechul says as he collects the papers scattered on the desk into a pile.
“Good.” Siwon nods, satisfied. Then he laughs. “Look at you.” He says to Heechul. “It’s rare to see you wearing such a stuck up suit like that.”
Heechul frowns and looks down at his clothes. “Yeah, well.” He shrugs. “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, right?”
Siwon grins. “You’re right. Sometimes I forget that behind all that perverted middle aged man image, you’re still, after all, a respectable lawyer.”
“Bite me.” Heechul can only say and it makes Siwon laughs harder.
Through all of that, Hankyung can only sit and watch. And really, he has tried to ignore all the jealousy bile rises from the back of his throat at the display of closeness in front of him; the kind of closeness he’s desperately wanted to have since long time. But Hankyung knows that the sudden stiff he feels on his face muscles proves that he fails.
Hankyung had assumed, well, he wants to assume, that Siwon’s coldness is there by default. His first thought ever since he met Siwon again: that the hatred in Siwon’s eyes is reserved for him and for him only, Hankyung kind of hope that it’s wrong.
But the loving and friendly gaze he is witnessing in Siwon’s eyes as he is fooling around with the handsome lawyer confirms otherwise.
And staring down at his tightening fists, trying hard to hide his jealousy and sadness from Siwon’s view is all Hankyung can do as Siwon walks pass him, makes no move or sound to acknowledge Hankyung’s presence, and disappears behind the door.
Hankyung sighs at the sound of the door closed. He lifts his head only to find Heechul staring at him. The stare is a curious one, and Hankyung averts his gaze off Heechul, watching the beautiful mosaic ceiling instead.
He tries to calm himself as he can see Heechul takes a seat right across him a few moments later.
“So,” Heechul begins. “You’re Siwonnie’s stepbrother?”
Hankyung looks at Heechul and nods slowly.
“You’re the stepbrother who ran away a few years ago?” Heechul asks again.
Hankyung is a bit taken aback by the question, and decides to ignore it.
“Well, perhaps that’s the reason I didn’t see enough brotherhood between you and Siwon back there, am I right?” Heechul continues his questions despite the silence and the obvious uncomfortable feeling Hankyung shows on his face at his questions.
Hankyung ignores it, again.
Heechul smiles and lifts up his both hands. “I’m sorry. I tend to interrogate people when my curiosity is piqued. And of course when I did it outside the courtroom, it becomes a very impolite habit.”
Hankyung just spares him a glance and Heechul can’t help but feel amused by him.
Heechul knows already that Siwon hates this guy -this sensual and handsome guy if Heechul may add- to the guts. But Siwon never told him why.
Siwon indeed has a talent to become such a drama queen sometimes, but Heechul is certain that there are strong reasons behind his best friend hating his own step brother that way.
And so far, his clever brain and his observation ability can only bring him to some vague conclusions and guesses about it.
But today, seeing hints of jealousy on Hankyung’s expression as Siwon was fooling around with him, Heechul thinks no one can blame him if he thinks of it in a different way now.
What if, and that’s a big ‘IF’, Hankyung has feelings for Siwon? Or maybe it is Siwon who has feelings for Hankyung.
Now that Heechul thinks about it, he can’t help but notice that Hankyung is totally Siwon’s type.
Well, as Siwon’s best friend, Heechul can safely say that Siwon has tried every ‘flavor’ exists in this world and Heechul knows Siwon isn’t one to be picky, especially because sooner or later he will dump them anyway.
But, there are certain types of people that Heechul notices Siwon would have had a longer relationship with. And all of the types -all of them- match perfectly with this Hankyung.
Heechul really thinks that he needs to look further into this newfound piece of information.
“Heechul-sshi, are you and Siwon-hyung…?” Hankyung’s unfinished question pulls Heechul back to reality.
“What?” Heechul lifts his eyebrow, curious though he can guess what Hankyung wants to ask him.
Hankyung doesn’t answer directly. He fidgets a bit on his seat and, to Heechul’s awe, blushes. God, Heechul had spent too much time among manipulative men and women. He works as a lawyer, for God sake. And it’s been too long since he saw the display of innocence of this kind.
“Well, you know…”
Heechul smiles amusedly. “Am I and Siwon a couple, you mean?”
Hankyung blushes more, and nods a little.
Heechul, he himself admits, is many things. A big teaser is one of them. And people like Hankyung, Heechul knows this by experience, are the most fun to tease.
“What do you think?” Heechul asks Hankyung back, has already feels a tingle of pleasure in his brain as he sees Hankyung’s eyes grow bigger at his question.
“I…” Hankyung stammers. “I don’t know. I mean, I know it isn’t any business of mine. It’s… It’s just that I saw how close you two were and I can’t help but wondering.”
Heechul grins as he feels things get more interesting.
“Well, I don’t know…” Heechul says and acts like he is thinking seriously. “I kissed him, I hugged him, and I’ve slept with him. Is that count as a couple in your book?”
The thing is, Heechul doesn’t lie. He indeed had done all of those things with Siwon in the past, though Heechul never thought of them as a couple. Siwon and he have been friends for ages and considering the fact that both of them are two very attractive men with active sexual life, it wasn’t a wonder when they grow fond on each other. And when the sexual tension between them had become unbearable, it wasn’t long before they take their relationship onto the bed.
But when it was done, apparently that was all there was to it. Both of them had tried to prolong the chemistry, but it was to no avail. Heechul was just too uncommitted, and Siwon was just too unattached. It was like Siwon was always looking for something Heechul doesn’t have. Thus, the relationship ended just like that.
The easiest break up I’ve ever had, Siwon once said.
Though considering how close they were as friends, Heechul wasn’t surprised that they could adjust back to their platonic rhythm fast.
And that’s how they are, even until now. Best friends.
But then Hankyung’s face turns into what you call devastated expression. It takes long enough for the younger man to realize his own expression before he tries to hide it with a half smile.
And Heechul doesn’t know why but seeing it, all of his suspicions earlier are confirmed and suddenly all of the fun he had from teasing Hankyung is suddenly disappeared.
This guy is serious, Heechul thinks and he is about to grin and pat Hankyung a little in the back and tell him that he is joking about what he said and all that when suddenly Siwon enters the room once again, with several men and women tailing him right behind.
“Heechul-hyung, you can start now.” Siwon said and turns to people behind him, gesturing them to take a seat.
Heechul knows that it is no longer the right time to set the misunderstanding right with Hankyung and decides that he can do it later when he has chance to be alone with him. Heechul tries to give Hankyung a regretful look but Hankyung is busy staring down to the floor and he looks so messed up that Heechul scolds himself inside once again.
Heechul stands up and looks at the people Siwon brought to the room with him.
Shame, is the word that pops in Heechul’s mind as he is looking at them, because despite how all the fortune Choi family has can survive them until tenth generation, Choi’s ancestry line is always quite short.
Min Woo only has one younger sister, Choi Hye Ri. And his husband, Park Hyun Jae, now runs Choi’s business empire alongside Siwon as his Vice CEO. Both of them nod their acknowledgement towards Heechul as they take their seat on the couch, furthest from where Hankyung is sitting.
Their only son, Park Ji Sang who is, in Heechul’s honest opinion, a little bit stupid but a lot of arrogant and ambitious is following right behind his parents, taking a seat next to them. His eyes soon find Hankyung and, different from his parents who choose to ignore Hankyung’s existence, he gives Hankyung an unpleasant stare instead.
Heechul tries not to roll his eyes at that and sighs. He can’t help but think that he really doesn’t envy Hankyung’s position right now. All this time, Siwon never hides his hatred to Hankyung and it’s no wonder that the whole Choi-clan has been harboring the same hatred, even when Heechul is sure that they don’t understand Siwon’s reason more than he does. And in moments like this, Heechul can imagine that the hatred grows stronger in some people because Hankyung as one of Choi’s heir becoming the black sheep of the family will be profitable for them.
Hyun Jun, Siwon’s faithful but an honest-to-god-boring secretary enters the room right after. Heechul figures she is probably here to write down something on Siwon’s order. She always finds something to write down anyway.
From his seat right next to the desk, Siwon is signaling him to start.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Heechul nods to everyone from behind the big desk, hands searching over the pile of paper before pulling Min Woo’ will out of it. “We’re here to hear the reading of the will of our beloved father, brother, and friend: Choi Min Woo, may he rest in peace.”
Mumbles of Amen are heard in the room, yet Heechul notices Hankyung’s lips are sealed still and his expression turns hard.
Frowning, he opens the folded paper of the will and starts to read it aloud.
“If this will is read then that can only mean my son, Choi Hankyung, has come back and is sitting among all of you here in Choi Residence.”
Heechul can see from the corner of his eyes how most of people’s heads in the room turn to Hankyung’s direction, causing the young man to fidget uncomfortably and he holds back a sigh before continuing to read.
“Therefore I, Choi Min Woo, with this law-enforced will, have decided to inherit all of my money and assets according to these details: My dear sister Choi Hye Ri shall own two of my villas in Seoul along with everything inside, all of my shares in Choi Advertising, and a bank account worth 100 million won. My brother in law, Park Hyun Jae, shall receive a bank account worth 150 million won. He shall stay in his position as Vice CEO in Choi Enterprises and he shall receive his full salary along with other benefits that stick to the position, as long as he does his job properly. His position can only be removed by three things, which are: voting done in a board meeting that requires him to resign from his position, or if he is proved to have misused his authorities which cause damage to the company, or if the law decides that he is no longer married to my sister. My nephew, Park Ji Sang shall receive a bank account worth 30 million won and a penthouse in Seoul.
The rest of my money saved in various bank accounts and the rest of my assets which consist of my entire share in Choi Enterprises, Choi Oil, Choi Records, Choi Estate and Choi Law Firm; other houses including Choi Residence, villas, and penthouses located in various areas all over the world; two wineries in Paris; and all the vehicles I have, shall be inherited to two of my sons, Choi Siwon and Choi Hankyung.
Each of them shall have half of my money and assets mentioned previously but it will only be legit in the eyes of the law after they both have fulfilled one condition: they have to live together in Choi residence for a whole 6 months starting from the day this will is read.
If one of them, for one or other reasons breaks this condition given to them, then all of his share will become the other’s possession.
Both of them can use their share if they need it, as soon as after this will is read. But if they broke the condition, they have to pay back all the money they’ve used to the other who stays. My lawyer, Kim Heechul, will make sure of it.
I wish all the best for you, my dear family. Thank you. With love, Choi Min Woo.”
Heechul lifts his eyes from the piece of letter he is holding in his hand to the group of people in front of him. The room is very silent and some people look at him with unbelieving stare.
Heechul smiles --can’t help but feel amused. “Are there any question, ladies and gentlemen?”
“How come he gets the share?” Park Ji Sang, not quite to Heechul’s surprise, raises his voice instantly while sending death glare towards Hankyung who suddenly looks even paler than before.
Heechul stares sharply at Ji Sang. “I’m afraid that’s none of your concern, Park Ji Sang-sshi. Mr. Choi Min Woo made this will in full conscious and under no pressure whatsoever. But if what you mean is that you doubt my credibility as Choi’s family lawyer, then…”
Choi Hye Ri puts her hand on top of her son, silently calming him. “Please forgive my son’s rudeness, Mr. Kim. It’s just that we are all very surprised to hear the last part of the will. All of us here know exactly how cruel and horrible Hankyung had treated this family in the past.” She smiles timidly to Siwon, and then to Heechul. “Are you sure there is no mistake here, Mr. Kim?”
Heechul tries to hide his gritted teeth. “I am sorry, Choi Hye Ri-sshi. The will is exactly as I read it.” He gives her a forced smile for the sake of politeness. “I can give you the copy if you’d like.”
If Hye Ri heard the cynical tone in Heechul’s voice then she doesn’t show it because she turns her head to his husband and his son and soon three of them are beginning to be involved in a heated conversation. Ji Sang’s eyes keep glancing sharply to Hankyung.
Heechul glares at Siwon, silently asking him for help and to take over from here. But Siwon is just sitting there with faraway looks and smiles on his face. And Heechul knows that it’s Siwon’s face when he is contemplating something inside that big head of him.
Heechul looks at Hyun Jun and rolls his eyes at the sight of her taking notes busily. Only God knows what it is she is scribbling on.
So then finally he looks at Hankyung.
Hankyung is sitting there; his hands are entwined tightly together. His eyes are wild and panic as he is staring at the floor. And then those black eyes suddenly look up, right into Heechul’s eyes.
Heechul can see tears glistening in his eyes, threaten to fall down at any minute, and Heechul gulps down feelings of pity and concern that fill him all of a sudden.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept the heritage.” Hankyung’s voice trembles and he flicks a glance towards Siwon. “I think I’ll just leave.” Then he stands up, muttering another sorry, before taking quick steps out of the door.
The door clicks with a loud sound behind Hankyung and Heechul knows he is gaping, and so is almost everyone in the room.
Heechul turns to look at Siwon, saying ‘now what?’ with his glares. But Siwon looks as surprised as him and he just looks back at him.
Heechul sighs. “I’ll talk to him.” And he can feel everyone’s eyes on his back as he follows Hankyung outside.
TBC
PS: A comment if you like would be awesome. ^^
You can also find my other Super Junior fanfictions here in archive post in my writing journal.
Rating : Various, up to NC-17, still PG13 for now
Character/Pairing : Siwon, Hankyung, Kangin, Hyukjae, Heechul, other made up characters/SiHan, KangHyuk, very minor SiChul.
Word Count : 2300 words
Genre : AU and angst like whoa!
Warning: Underage, rape/non-con, younger!Hankyung, a lot of swearing.
Summary : When Hankyung was 7, his mother was remarried to Choi Min Woo, the head of the rich and famous Choi family. The marriage brings Hankyung to the position of Siwon's younger stepbrother.
Their closeness as child changed after they grew older and Siwon found out his feelings toward Hankyung. Not wanting to ruin the family, Siwon chose to keep his love for Hankyung inside and avoid him like crazy instead.
While Hankyung was struggling to bear his own misery, he too realized his feelings for Siwon, but didn't act on it because he assumed Siwon hated him.
After 3 years of escaping from the family, hearing Choi Min Woo's death, Hankyung decided to come back, only to face Siwon's hatred towards him.
All Hankyung wants is a happiness and love with Siwon by his side. Can he reach it eventually?
Author’s note: Finally, chapter 11. Hope you'll like it~!
And my internet speed is back to normal again, but I haven't been able to reply the comments in previous chapter (ch.10). I'll do it soon, so thank you very much~!
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3 & 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6 & 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
The bright light of morning sun wakes Hankyung up. He frowns a bit because it’s not his habit to wake up late. But judging from how restless his sleep last night, Hankyung isn’t really surprised.
So he hurriedly takes a bath and puts on decent clothes. The will reading will start soon and he doesn’t want to risk being late and catches even more attention than he has already gotten.
One of the maid passes him by on his way to the common room and Hankyung can’t help but notice her curious glance at him. He sighs.
As the common room’s door opened, Hankyung can see that nobody comes yet but one person. And that person, Hankyung recognizes, is the one giving him strange looks from inside of his car yesterday.
That man looks at Hankyung and smiles. A predatory smile, Hankyung can tell, as he tries to hide his nervousness.
“Hey, there.” The man grins. Hankyung smiles back a little.
“Hey.” And he approaches the man, reaching out his hand. “I’m Hankyung.”
The man looks amused as he shakes Hankyung’s hand. “Yeah, I know.”
Hankyung lifts his eyebrow questioningly.
“I’m Kim Heechul, Choi’s family lawyer.” Heechul explains and laughs a bit as a surprised looks formed on Hankyung’s face, followed by an understanding expression.
“So, you’re the one who’ll read the will?” Hankyung asks, a bit relaxed now knowing that Heechul isn’t one of Choi clan that he hasn’t met yet.
“Yeah. Nervous?”
Hankyung straightens his back, trying his best to not look lost. “No.”
“Curious?”
“About the will?” Hankyung folds his arms on his chest. “Not really.”
“Uh-huh.” Heechul grins and Hankyung smiles, feels relaxed all of a sudden at the tone of teasing in Heechul’s voice.
For a moment, none of them says anything. Heechul turns his attention to piles of papers on the desk in front of him and Hankyung walks towards a chair to sit. He’s way too nervous to keep standing.
Suddenly the door opened and Siwon walks in. His eyes brush Hankyung’s for a second before turning to Heechul.
“Hyung, are you ready?” Siwon asks the lawyer and Hankyung tries his best to ignore the fact that Siwon acts like Hankyung isn’t here; in the same room with him.
“Sure. You can start anytime.” Heechul says as he collects the papers scattered on the desk into a pile.
“Good.” Siwon nods, satisfied. Then he laughs. “Look at you.” He says to Heechul. “It’s rare to see you wearing such a stuck up suit like that.”
Heechul frowns and looks down at his clothes. “Yeah, well.” He shrugs. “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, right?”
Siwon grins. “You’re right. Sometimes I forget that behind all that perverted middle aged man image, you’re still, after all, a respectable lawyer.”
“Bite me.” Heechul can only say and it makes Siwon laughs harder.
Through all of that, Hankyung can only sit and watch. And really, he has tried to ignore all the jealousy bile rises from the back of his throat at the display of closeness in front of him; the kind of closeness he’s desperately wanted to have since long time. But Hankyung knows that the sudden stiff he feels on his face muscles proves that he fails.
Hankyung had assumed, well, he wants to assume, that Siwon’s coldness is there by default. His first thought ever since he met Siwon again: that the hatred in Siwon’s eyes is reserved for him and for him only, Hankyung kind of hope that it’s wrong.
But the loving and friendly gaze he is witnessing in Siwon’s eyes as he is fooling around with the handsome lawyer confirms otherwise.
And staring down at his tightening fists, trying hard to hide his jealousy and sadness from Siwon’s view is all Hankyung can do as Siwon walks pass him, makes no move or sound to acknowledge Hankyung’s presence, and disappears behind the door.
Hankyung sighs at the sound of the door closed. He lifts his head only to find Heechul staring at him. The stare is a curious one, and Hankyung averts his gaze off Heechul, watching the beautiful mosaic ceiling instead.
He tries to calm himself as he can see Heechul takes a seat right across him a few moments later.
“So,” Heechul begins. “You’re Siwonnie’s stepbrother?”
Hankyung looks at Heechul and nods slowly.
“You’re the stepbrother who ran away a few years ago?” Heechul asks again.
Hankyung is a bit taken aback by the question, and decides to ignore it.
“Well, perhaps that’s the reason I didn’t see enough brotherhood between you and Siwon back there, am I right?” Heechul continues his questions despite the silence and the obvious uncomfortable feeling Hankyung shows on his face at his questions.
Hankyung ignores it, again.
Heechul smiles and lifts up his both hands. “I’m sorry. I tend to interrogate people when my curiosity is piqued. And of course when I did it outside the courtroom, it becomes a very impolite habit.”
Hankyung just spares him a glance and Heechul can’t help but feel amused by him.
Heechul knows already that Siwon hates this guy -this sensual and handsome guy if Heechul may add- to the guts. But Siwon never told him why.
Siwon indeed has a talent to become such a drama queen sometimes, but Heechul is certain that there are strong reasons behind his best friend hating his own step brother that way.
And so far, his clever brain and his observation ability can only bring him to some vague conclusions and guesses about it.
But today, seeing hints of jealousy on Hankyung’s expression as Siwon was fooling around with him, Heechul thinks no one can blame him if he thinks of it in a different way now.
What if, and that’s a big ‘IF’, Hankyung has feelings for Siwon? Or maybe it is Siwon who has feelings for Hankyung.
Now that Heechul thinks about it, he can’t help but notice that Hankyung is totally Siwon’s type.
Well, as Siwon’s best friend, Heechul can safely say that Siwon has tried every ‘flavor’ exists in this world and Heechul knows Siwon isn’t one to be picky, especially because sooner or later he will dump them anyway.
But, there are certain types of people that Heechul notices Siwon would have had a longer relationship with. And all of the types -all of them- match perfectly with this Hankyung.
Heechul really thinks that he needs to look further into this newfound piece of information.
“Heechul-sshi, are you and Siwon-hyung…?” Hankyung’s unfinished question pulls Heechul back to reality.
“What?” Heechul lifts his eyebrow, curious though he can guess what Hankyung wants to ask him.
Hankyung doesn’t answer directly. He fidgets a bit on his seat and, to Heechul’s awe, blushes. God, Heechul had spent too much time among manipulative men and women. He works as a lawyer, for God sake. And it’s been too long since he saw the display of innocence of this kind.
“Well, you know…”
Heechul smiles amusedly. “Am I and Siwon a couple, you mean?”
Hankyung blushes more, and nods a little.
Heechul, he himself admits, is many things. A big teaser is one of them. And people like Hankyung, Heechul knows this by experience, are the most fun to tease.
“What do you think?” Heechul asks Hankyung back, has already feels a tingle of pleasure in his brain as he sees Hankyung’s eyes grow bigger at his question.
“I…” Hankyung stammers. “I don’t know. I mean, I know it isn’t any business of mine. It’s… It’s just that I saw how close you two were and I can’t help but wondering.”
Heechul grins as he feels things get more interesting.
“Well, I don’t know…” Heechul says and acts like he is thinking seriously. “I kissed him, I hugged him, and I’ve slept with him. Is that count as a couple in your book?”
The thing is, Heechul doesn’t lie. He indeed had done all of those things with Siwon in the past, though Heechul never thought of them as a couple. Siwon and he have been friends for ages and considering the fact that both of them are two very attractive men with active sexual life, it wasn’t a wonder when they grow fond on each other. And when the sexual tension between them had become unbearable, it wasn’t long before they take their relationship onto the bed.
But when it was done, apparently that was all there was to it. Both of them had tried to prolong the chemistry, but it was to no avail. Heechul was just too uncommitted, and Siwon was just too unattached. It was like Siwon was always looking for something Heechul doesn’t have. Thus, the relationship ended just like that.
The easiest break up I’ve ever had, Siwon once said.
Though considering how close they were as friends, Heechul wasn’t surprised that they could adjust back to their platonic rhythm fast.
And that’s how they are, even until now. Best friends.
But then Hankyung’s face turns into what you call devastated expression. It takes long enough for the younger man to realize his own expression before he tries to hide it with a half smile.
And Heechul doesn’t know why but seeing it, all of his suspicions earlier are confirmed and suddenly all of the fun he had from teasing Hankyung is suddenly disappeared.
This guy is serious, Heechul thinks and he is about to grin and pat Hankyung a little in the back and tell him that he is joking about what he said and all that when suddenly Siwon enters the room once again, with several men and women tailing him right behind.
“Heechul-hyung, you can start now.” Siwon said and turns to people behind him, gesturing them to take a seat.
Heechul knows that it is no longer the right time to set the misunderstanding right with Hankyung and decides that he can do it later when he has chance to be alone with him. Heechul tries to give Hankyung a regretful look but Hankyung is busy staring down to the floor and he looks so messed up that Heechul scolds himself inside once again.
Heechul stands up and looks at the people Siwon brought to the room with him.
Shame, is the word that pops in Heechul’s mind as he is looking at them, because despite how all the fortune Choi family has can survive them until tenth generation, Choi’s ancestry line is always quite short.
Min Woo only has one younger sister, Choi Hye Ri. And his husband, Park Hyun Jae, now runs Choi’s business empire alongside Siwon as his Vice CEO. Both of them nod their acknowledgement towards Heechul as they take their seat on the couch, furthest from where Hankyung is sitting.
Their only son, Park Ji Sang who is, in Heechul’s honest opinion, a little bit stupid but a lot of arrogant and ambitious is following right behind his parents, taking a seat next to them. His eyes soon find Hankyung and, different from his parents who choose to ignore Hankyung’s existence, he gives Hankyung an unpleasant stare instead.
Heechul tries not to roll his eyes at that and sighs. He can’t help but think that he really doesn’t envy Hankyung’s position right now. All this time, Siwon never hides his hatred to Hankyung and it’s no wonder that the whole Choi-clan has been harboring the same hatred, even when Heechul is sure that they don’t understand Siwon’s reason more than he does. And in moments like this, Heechul can imagine that the hatred grows stronger in some people because Hankyung as one of Choi’s heir becoming the black sheep of the family will be profitable for them.
Hyun Jun, Siwon’s faithful but an honest-to-god-boring secretary enters the room right after. Heechul figures she is probably here to write down something on Siwon’s order. She always finds something to write down anyway.
From his seat right next to the desk, Siwon is signaling him to start.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Heechul nods to everyone from behind the big desk, hands searching over the pile of paper before pulling Min Woo’ will out of it. “We’re here to hear the reading of the will of our beloved father, brother, and friend: Choi Min Woo, may he rest in peace.”
Mumbles of Amen are heard in the room, yet Heechul notices Hankyung’s lips are sealed still and his expression turns hard.
Frowning, he opens the folded paper of the will and starts to read it aloud.
“If this will is read then that can only mean my son, Choi Hankyung, has come back and is sitting among all of you here in Choi Residence.”
Heechul can see from the corner of his eyes how most of people’s heads in the room turn to Hankyung’s direction, causing the young man to fidget uncomfortably and he holds back a sigh before continuing to read.
“Therefore I, Choi Min Woo, with this law-enforced will, have decided to inherit all of my money and assets according to these details: My dear sister Choi Hye Ri shall own two of my villas in Seoul along with everything inside, all of my shares in Choi Advertising, and a bank account worth 100 million won. My brother in law, Park Hyun Jae, shall receive a bank account worth 150 million won. He shall stay in his position as Vice CEO in Choi Enterprises and he shall receive his full salary along with other benefits that stick to the position, as long as he does his job properly. His position can only be removed by three things, which are: voting done in a board meeting that requires him to resign from his position, or if he is proved to have misused his authorities which cause damage to the company, or if the law decides that he is no longer married to my sister. My nephew, Park Ji Sang shall receive a bank account worth 30 million won and a penthouse in Seoul.
The rest of my money saved in various bank accounts and the rest of my assets which consist of my entire share in Choi Enterprises, Choi Oil, Choi Records, Choi Estate and Choi Law Firm; other houses including Choi Residence, villas, and penthouses located in various areas all over the world; two wineries in Paris; and all the vehicles I have, shall be inherited to two of my sons, Choi Siwon and Choi Hankyung.
Each of them shall have half of my money and assets mentioned previously but it will only be legit in the eyes of the law after they both have fulfilled one condition: they have to live together in Choi residence for a whole 6 months starting from the day this will is read.
If one of them, for one or other reasons breaks this condition given to them, then all of his share will become the other’s possession.
Both of them can use their share if they need it, as soon as after this will is read. But if they broke the condition, they have to pay back all the money they’ve used to the other who stays. My lawyer, Kim Heechul, will make sure of it.
I wish all the best for you, my dear family. Thank you. With love, Choi Min Woo.”
Heechul lifts his eyes from the piece of letter he is holding in his hand to the group of people in front of him. The room is very silent and some people look at him with unbelieving stare.
Heechul smiles --can’t help but feel amused. “Are there any question, ladies and gentlemen?”
“How come he gets the share?” Park Ji Sang, not quite to Heechul’s surprise, raises his voice instantly while sending death glare towards Hankyung who suddenly looks even paler than before.
Heechul stares sharply at Ji Sang. “I’m afraid that’s none of your concern, Park Ji Sang-sshi. Mr. Choi Min Woo made this will in full conscious and under no pressure whatsoever. But if what you mean is that you doubt my credibility as Choi’s family lawyer, then…”
Choi Hye Ri puts her hand on top of her son, silently calming him. “Please forgive my son’s rudeness, Mr. Kim. It’s just that we are all very surprised to hear the last part of the will. All of us here know exactly how cruel and horrible Hankyung had treated this family in the past.” She smiles timidly to Siwon, and then to Heechul. “Are you sure there is no mistake here, Mr. Kim?”
Heechul tries to hide his gritted teeth. “I am sorry, Choi Hye Ri-sshi. The will is exactly as I read it.” He gives her a forced smile for the sake of politeness. “I can give you the copy if you’d like.”
If Hye Ri heard the cynical tone in Heechul’s voice then she doesn’t show it because she turns her head to his husband and his son and soon three of them are beginning to be involved in a heated conversation. Ji Sang’s eyes keep glancing sharply to Hankyung.
Heechul glares at Siwon, silently asking him for help and to take over from here. But Siwon is just sitting there with faraway looks and smiles on his face. And Heechul knows that it’s Siwon’s face when he is contemplating something inside that big head of him.
Heechul looks at Hyun Jun and rolls his eyes at the sight of her taking notes busily. Only God knows what it is she is scribbling on.
So then finally he looks at Hankyung.
Hankyung is sitting there; his hands are entwined tightly together. His eyes are wild and panic as he is staring at the floor. And then those black eyes suddenly look up, right into Heechul’s eyes.
Heechul can see tears glistening in his eyes, threaten to fall down at any minute, and Heechul gulps down feelings of pity and concern that fill him all of a sudden.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept the heritage.” Hankyung’s voice trembles and he flicks a glance towards Siwon. “I think I’ll just leave.” Then he stands up, muttering another sorry, before taking quick steps out of the door.
The door clicks with a loud sound behind Hankyung and Heechul knows he is gaping, and so is almost everyone in the room.
Heechul turns to look at Siwon, saying ‘now what?’ with his glares. But Siwon looks as surprised as him and he just looks back at him.
Heechul sighs. “I’ll talk to him.” And he can feel everyone’s eyes on his back as he follows Hankyung outside.
TBC
PS: A comment if you like would be awesome. ^^
You can also find my other Super Junior fanfictions here in archive post in my writing journal.