(no subject)
Summary: Life has never been easy for one Kim Jaejoong. He fell in love with the one who saved him from falling a year back, but only knew his name. After he met the person, the person thought he liked his good friend instead. Why did Lady Luck seem to hate him so much?
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything except the bizarre idea, not even the title
A/N: title taken from a random title generator, that’s why it’s lame XD this is the bigger universe of the fic “Stranded”, but this happened way back before the fic happened until the time after it happened. Se7en is in this fic again as the one between the two m(-_-)m sorry
Finally (finally!) the outline is finished, and I can start this -_-;;; sorry for making you all wait for so long m(-_-)m
And thanks to everyone who commented on Trapped~! I’m glad I got so many positive comments for that X3 thank you dear, I love you guys~ I really needed them as a mental support or something like that XDD though I don’t think I can write any smut in the near future… that was pure luck, and luck doesn’t come twice XD
A character guide will be waiting at the bottom X3 and I’ve made a banner for this fic, but it was crappy so I didn’t put it up
Just like “This is the Real Me”, this series is quite short :3 but, I’m planning on writing long chapters X3
Note: Se7en’s name will be spelled Seven for convenience purpose
Prologue
“Damn! I’m running late!” Jaejoong cursed under his breath as he ran through the hallway of the huge school building, holding his book bag close to his side for fear of it falling off his shoulder.
He had just accompanied his cousin to his class, and as a result, he himself was still far from his own class although the bell had rang, and the late bell was going to ring any minute now.
Suddenly he bumped into a boy who wore the badge of a junior. His books fell down onto the floor as he let go of them in surprise, and Jaejoong watched in panic as the books fell in a messy heap.
“I’m sorry,” he said quickly as he bent down to help the boy pick up his books. “Are you late too?” he asked randomly, handing the boy his stacks of book.
“Jaejoong?” the boy asked as he blinked at him. “Hey, I didn’t know you go to this school,” he added with a smile as he accepted the books and helped Jaejoong get up.
“Eh? Do I know you?” Jaejoong asked in surprise as he looked at the boy. He felt regret when he saw the hurt in the boy’s eyes, but he couldn’t focus on him for long since the late bell rang.
“Ah dang! I’m sorry. I have to run now, I’m late,” Jaejoong apologized again and rushed off towards his class, leaving the boy behind.
Chapter One - Archery and Forgotten Memory
“Hyung? Why are you up so early?” Junsu asked sleepily as he rubbed his eyes furiously, trying to make them focus on the blurred blob that somehow looked like his hyung. “It’s still… three hours before school starts,” he added as he paused to look at the clock hanging on the wall.
“I’m not a lazy ass like you,” Jaejoong snorted but laughed when Junsu whined out loud at being called a lazy ass since he was not. “I have morning practice today, so I’m preparing the breakfast much earlier. You can reheat it if you want to eat it later with the other kids,” he added.
“They’re not going to appreciate the kids comment,” Junsu said with a grin as he walked over to the kitchen and sat on the dining chair, watching as Jaejoong placed the plates of toast and sausages on the table, followed by fried eggs and bacons.
“Oh? Did they think I’m appreciating the umma comment, then?” Jaejoong asked back with a mock glare as he sat down across Junsu and fingered the rim of his cup, pausing ever so slightly every time the hot steam touched his palm.
“Apparently, yes, they think you are,” Junsu shrugged and took a brownish crisped French toast and put a piece of butter on it, watching as the butter melted and created a pleasant smell.
“And so, I think they’ll appreciate the kids comment,” Jaejoong shrugged back. He sipped his coffee and placed it back on the dish. He was always careful not to let hot plates placed on the table without a base. The surface was made from glass and the stain would look awful.
Junsu shrugged. He didn’t mind the kids comment at all, to tell the truth, but the others sometimes didn’t like it when they were referred to as kids.
Which would bring on the ultimate question: why did they call Jaejoong umma if they didn’t want to be referred as the kids?
Jaejoong looked at the clock again. “I’ll be going now. Take care of the apartment while I’m gone, and don’t forget to brush your teeth!” he called out as he rushed to get his bag and put on his shoes.
“Yes umma!” Junsu called back and ducked when his own shoe was sent flying towards him. “Hey! You told me not to ruin the kitchen! Who gave you the rights to!?”
He was only answered with “That is my kitchen!” and a bang when the door was slammed. Junsu flinched at the slam and frowned slightly when he remembered something.
“And you tell me not to slam doors!”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Good morning!” Jaejoong greeted as he stepped into the club room and the other members of the archery club waved back at him while he walked over to the changing room.
“You’re late,” Yunho commented as he looked up from his bow, pausing from loosening the thread so that it wouldn’t be too tense and snap while being used. “That’s rare.”
“Caught in a traffic jam,” Jaejoong replied simply as he resisted the urge to stick his tongue at Yunho. He went to retrieve his uniform and bow from the locker as Yunho shrugged and resumed what he was doing.
“Maybe you should just sleep at school then,” Yunho commented randomly as he got up and moved to retrieve his arrows. “You always come so early I’m surprised you haven’t have panda eyes yet.”
“Is that supposed to be sarcasm? Because if it is, you’re failing miserably at it,” Jaejoong commented as he retrieved his own arrows from beside Yunho’s. “And the other students arrive here early too, in case you fail to notice,” he added, a little miffed at the idea of Yunho not being sarcastic to the others.
“No, I was being worried,” Yunho replied simply as he shrugged. “Up for a sudden death match?” he asked as he turned and waited for Jaejoong to properly collect all his arrows.
“Eh, thanks for being worried, but I’m always a morning person,” Jaejoong replied as he hurriedly collect his arrows and walked over to Yunho. “Maybe that’s why I don’t have panda eyes.”
“Good for you then,” Yunho walked out of the changing room and Jaejoong followed closely behind him. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the captain of the club walking towards them.
“Hey, Yunho,” Seven greeted as he patted Yunho’s back lightly. “Out for a match with Jaejoong again?” he asked when he noticed Jaejoong behind him.
“Kind of,” Yunho replied as he greeted Seven back. “Are you coming as well?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
“I’ll join you once I take care of a few things first,” Seven replied and motioned for them to go first. “Don’t go easy on Jae just because he’s a sophomore. We all know he’s good,” he added with a grin as he patted Jaejoong’s shoulder and walked inside the changing room.
Other members looked at him in envy as Jaejoong squealed happily inside. He was very thankful he was good at aiming and had good eyesight. Otherwise he’d be just like the other girls who applied for this newly-opened club only to get close to the captain of said club.
Well, he did apply for the club to get close to the captain of said club, but he was having more luck than the girls.
Yunho snorted and laughed at Jaejoong’s expression while he swatted Yunho’s arm rather harshly, asking him to quit laughing. They walked to the outdoor field and prepared their bows.
“You’re lucky you’re good,” Yunho commented as he picked an arrow and prepared it. “Or you’d only be a random face in the club,” he added and released the arrow, watching as it embedded itself into the center of the target with a loud thud.
“I know,” Jaejoong replied simply as he took his own arrow and prepared it. “Lucky I know you quite well, as well,” he added but refrained from shrugging. He released the arrow and it embedded into the center of the target as well.
“And why is that?” Yunho asked, quite amused. He knew that Jaejoong was always envious of his closeness to Seven, his underclassman. They became close only after Seven said that they should practice together more, but Jaejoong still saw Yunho as a rival of love.
“Because I feel more at ease competing with you,” Jaejoong answered and took another arrow as Yunho prepared his own. “Other students are usually too pressurized when they go against you since you’re good. I’m not too pressured.”
The arrows they released went to the inner circle of the target, and they lowered their bows in satisfaction.
“Pssh, you know I can never be intimidating to my partner,” Yunho added as he snorted and bent down to pick yet another arrow, waiting for Jaejoong to do the same.
Jaejoong laughed at that. True, they were partners during competitions and all, but Yunho was always better than him, and ended up getting the first place while he usually ended up fourth or something.
Their third and fourth shots ended up in the middle circle again. By now, the middle circle was already cramped with arrows sticking out of it in all directions.
Seven walked into the outdoor field as they were releasing their fifth arrow and Jaejoong’s bow tilted slightly as he jerked in surprise when he heard the door open. Yunho was unaffected and his arrow went smoothly towards the inner circle.
Jaejoong blinked as his arrow stuck in the second to centermost circle. That wasn’t as bad as he had expected, though.
“Ah, sorry, did I disturb you guys?” Seven asked apologetically when he saw Jaejoong’s arrow outside the center part of the target. He knew Jaejoong could usually go for at least seven rounds before he missed.
“No, not really,” Jaejoong shook his head. “Do you want to use the field?” he offered.
“I’m good. I’ll fix the string of my bow first,” Seven shook his head and urged the two to continue their practice. “You’re getting better, aren’t you? You only lasted for three rounds with Yunho back then,” he added, beaming slightly at the younger boy.
Jaejoong pursed his lips. He was slightly flattered to know that he was catching up to Yunho, the best archer in their school, but he wasn’t at all happy.
Yunho patted his back sympathetically before he bent down to take yet another arrow. “Consider the last round nullified,” he added as Jaejoong looked at him in confusion.
Jaejoong’s mouth formed an ‘o’ as he quickly took his own arrow. A sudden death match was a match between competitors to see who lasted the longest. Usually, competitors who missed the target were out of the game, but for the two, it was a matter of who missed the center of the target.
The routine went on for another five rounds before Jaejoong’s arrow finally missed and embedded itself in the third circle.
“Where is your glove?” Yunho asked when he finally noticed Jaejoong wasn’t wearing his glove. “I told you not to draw bows more than five times if you don’t wear one!”
“Sorry, I forgot it at home,” Jaejoong admitted in embarrassment. He rubbed his fingers together, trying to soothe the soreness caused by the sharp strings.
“Could’ve borrowed someone’s,” Yunho chided as he tapped Jaejoong’s head with his knuckle. “Let’s go inside. I’ll get you one.”
As soon as Yunho turned his back, Jaejoong stuck his tongue at him. “Bleh, like he’d ever let me live it down if I told him I forgot,” he said defensively and Seven laughed at their banter.
“Better go inside now, Jae. Come back here after you’ve gotten yourself a glove, or your hand will bleed,” Seven advised. “I’ll go retrieve the arrows first,” he added.
Jaejoong blushed slightly and nodded quickly, before following Yunho inside the club room.
“Someone’s getting lucky,” he teased as he nudged Jaejoong’s rib lightly and Jaejoong swatted at his arm again.
“Stop teasing me!” Jaejoong said with a pout. “Not fair! You never told me who you liked so I can’t tease you back!”
Yunho laughed and ignored him, approaching a group of girls who were chatting casually in front of the changing room and asking them if he could borrow a glove from them.
“Here,” he handed the glove to Jaejoong who accepted it gratefully. “You should try competing with Seven.”
“I can’t,” Jaejoong frowned. “I can’t concentrate. Ah, do you have someone you like at all? You’ll know what I mean if you do.”
Yunho smiled bitterly. “I do have one, but I can’t tell you,” he said, smiling weakly at him while Jaejoong protested, saying Yunho wasn’t fair.
“After all, how can I tell you it’s you?” he thought to himself.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“And he compared me to Yunho! Again!” Jaejoong whined as he flailed his chopsticks around, pouting slightly.
“But Yunho’s the best in the club!” Junsu replied, frowning slightly. “Or would you like to be compared to those girls?”
“I don’t want to be compared!” Jaejoong huffed, crossing his arms in front of his chest and scowling slightly.
“Could’ve fooled me,” Junsu said nonchalantly as he continued eating his lunch, and Jaejoong whacked him. “Oi! That was uncalled for!” he protested.
“At least show me some sympathy,” Jaejoong whined, poking Junsu’s arm with the other end of his chopsticks.
“Hey, your love life is out of my control,” Junsu raised his hands. “I don’t want to die kicked by a horse.”
“You actually believe that?” Jaejoong asked, looking at Junsu suspiciously. “What are you, a kid?”
“Who knows?” Junsu shrugged. “And if you had prepared my lunch, then I might be able to show some sympathy,” he added, pointing at the tray of food he bought from the canteen.
Jaejoong laughed sheepishly. “Sorry Su,” he grinned a little. “I’ll make your lunch tomorrow, I promise.”
Changmin looked up at them from his tray. “How did you forget, anyway?” he asked, wondering why Jaejoong had forgotten to make their lunches-that was why they were in the canteen instead of the backyard where they usually had lunch together.
“Let’s see… I prepared breakfast for you guys and rushed here,” Jaejoong mumbled. “It’s normal for people to forget!” he said, defending himself.
“Okay,” Changmin shrugged and resumed eating. Out of the three, Junsu was the one who despised canteen food and take-outs. He was used to eating delicious home-made foods, perhaps.
“Then,” Yoochun spoke up, “why did you like Seven? I know, like, he’s one of the popular guys in school, but there’s gotta be something personal, no?” he asked.
“Yeah… I know you’re not the type of person who goes for looks only,” Junsu commented.
“Oh, that,” Jaejoong mumbled. “Haven’t I told you?”
“No,” the three answered in unison.
“Your short term memory is getting worse, hyung,” Junsu pointed out.
“Shut up,” Jaejoong scowled. “Do you want to know or not?”
“Fine, this gotta be something romantic or else,” Junsu pouted.
-.-.-.-.-. flashback -.-.-.-.-.
“Jae, don’t wander too far,” Changmin warned as he went to talk with the leader of the group.
“Okay,” Jaejoong agreed.
The two of them were in the same group during the hiking. The groups consisted of students of all year, two from each, and they were lucky to be in the same group. They were both still freshmen, so they didn’t dare to go talk with the others.
Jaejoong walked around as he took in his surroundings. It was almost noon, and the sun was glaring down at them. He saw a small squirrel hiding behind a bush, and walked over to it, wanting to take a better look at it.
“Jae!”
Jaejoong turned to look at Changmin who was calling him, and his foot slipped, sliding down the slope.
“Ah!” he exclaimed in surprise as he flailed his arms, wanting to take hold of something. Then, a hand shot and grasped his wrist.
“Hold onto my hand,” the one who saved him said, offering his other hand. Jaejoong looked up, but he couldn’t see his face because the sun was right above him. He screwed his eyes shut and raised his other hand, gripping his savior’s arm.
He felt himself being hauled up, but before he could properly say thank you, he was already gone in the crowd of students-mostly girls though-from their own group and the other groups that were with theirs.
“Jae, you okay?” Changmin asked worriedly as he helped Jaejoong get up. “I told you not to wander!”
“Sorry,” Jaejoong mumbled. He turned to look at his savior, but he was still covered by the girls.
”Ah, Seven-oppa! Please stay by my side and save me if I fall!”
“Oppa! Please keep me safe!”
Jaejoong blinked. “So… Seven is his name.”
-.-.-.-.-. end of flashback -.-.-.-.-.
Changmin had nearly choked on his food when Jaejoong told the story, but he quickly hid it.
“That’s what happened?” Junsu asked, a little disbelieving. “Where’s the romantic first meeting!? Ah, what kind of person left the one they saved right away!?”
“Someone who doesn’t want to be known, perhaps?” Changmin said almost sourly as he poked his food now.
“Oh, talking about that, weren’t you with him? How come you didn’t know?” Yoochun asked Changmin who was still playing with his food.
“Jae,” a voice suddenly interrupted, and the four turned to look at the speaker. “Uh, you all can continue eating, I’m not here for long,” Yunho said uneasily when he noticed everyone looking at him.
“Hey Yunho,” Yoochun greeted with a grin. “What brings you here?”
“Oh, hello Chun,” Yunho greeted back. “I’m here to give Jae this,” he answered, and took out a cookbook from his bag. “Sorry I forgot to give you this earlier,” he admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck.
“Hm? Isn’t this the one I asked from my mother?” Jaejoong wondered as he flipped the book open. “Why are you the one who brought it here?” he asked then.
“Hyung, that wasn’t very polite,” Changmin whispered in reprimand as he nudged Jaejoong a little.
“Well, it was supposed to be you since your house is nearest to my house!” Jaejoong whispered back.
“Mm, let’s say my mother knows your mother,” Yunho shrugged. “I’ll be going then.”
“Oh, okay,” Jaejoong nodded and waved at him. “Thank you for delivering this to me!” he shouted as Yunho walked away and waved back in greeting, although it was somehow a little dismissive.
“Since when do you know him?” Junsu asked as he looked at Yoochun.
“I knew him during junior high,” Yoochun answered. “I think we’re the group of friends with the most complicated relationship, if you count Yunho in, of course,” he added as an afterthought.
“Don’t remind me,” Changmin shook his head.
Yoochun laughed at that. “Hey, Su, are you really going to make chocolate for all students in this school?” he asked then, remembering what Junsu had told him yesterday.
“Why do you think Jae-hyung asked for the cookbook?” Junsu asked, smiling sweetly at him. “No worries, the two of us will make one for you two as well.”
“That’s not what I’m worried about,” Yoochun shook his head. “Oh… the wrapping,” he groaned.
“Oh.”
“Yes, oh,” Changmin mumbled from the side.
“You’re helping, Minnie-ah,” Jaejoong interrupted before Changmin could offer his sympathy to Yoochun.
“What!? Why!?” he protested.
“Because I ask you to,” Jaejoong shrugged. “And if you don’t, I’m not going to give you any chocolate this year.”
“Fine, I’ll help,” Changmin pouted. “Slave driver.”
“Aw, but you love me,” Jaejoong cooed, patting Changmin’s head.
“Whatever.”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Su-ie, help me get the wrapping papers,” Jaejoong asked as he carried a cardboard box into the living room, which was connected to the kitchen. “There are more in my room.”
“Okay,” Junsu replied and walked over to his room.
Because they went to the same high school, their parents had agreed to let them live in an apartment near their school together. Of course, since it was still paid by their parents, they could rent a medium-sized apartment with their own bedrooms, although there was only one bathroom.
Junsu came out carrying another cardboard box. There were sheets of wrapping paper inside, folded a little at the corner so it could be separated easily.
“Are these enough?” Junsu asked as he looked at the wrapping paper. The students in their school weren’t that many-about eight hundred at most, two hundred for each year-but he was still feeling unsure.
“Hopefully,” Jaejoong shrugged. “I’ll go check if the chocolate has cooled or not,” he offered, and walked to the kitchen to check the trays of chocolate they put in the fridge.
They were lucky their mothers agreed to lend them the shaping pans. They needed to make four batches, but it was better than having to make ten batches or more.
Junsu then looked over to the chocolates Jaejoong had made. Because he didn’t make chocolate for the entire school population, he had used the bigger shaping pans, and had decorated them nicely. Junsu’s chocolates for them were plain star-shaped, and heart-shaped for Yoochun, chocolates-the ones he gave to everyone were small bar-shaped chocolates.
The one for Junsu was a dolphin-shaped chocolate with blue and white icing, and chocolate chip for the eye. “Su-ie” was written on the dolphin’s stomach with liquid chocolate.
The one for Yoochun was shaped like the head of a fox or a cat. The whiskers were drawn with melted white chocolate, and the eyes were yellow M&Ms. The mouth was drawn with light brown icing, and it looked like it was smirking smugly.
The one for Changmin was shaped like a pair of glasses, with light blue icing on the lens part. Words like “study hard” and “go Minnie-ah!” were written on them with melted chocolate.
The one for Yunho was shaped like a dart-it was originally planned to be an arrow though. The words “the world’s #1 archer” were written with red icing at the broad end.
Lastly, the one for Seven was plain heart-shaped chocolate. There was no icing, pictures, words, decorations whatsoever, but there was some lime filling inside, because Seven liked limes and lemons.
“I think they’ll need five more minutes to cool. Why don’t you ask Chun and Minnie if they’re on the way or not?” Jaejoong asked as he walked back to the living room.
“Okay,” Junsu nodded and took his cell phone. “Oh by the way, hyung, your chocolates look nice!” he complimented.
“Don’t they?” Jaejoong laughed slightly. “I’ll teach you how to shape and decorate chocolates sometimes. Do you remember my mother’s friend? He was a patissier, and he taught me how.”
Junsu’s mouth formed an ‘o’, but his attention was suddenly taken away by the voice from the other end.
“Hey, Chunnie, where are you?” Junsu asked. “Is Min with you?”
“Yes, he’s with me. We’re close, I’ll see you in about a minute or so.”
“Okay. See you.”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Why did that one turn out like an egg roll?” Changmin asked dubiously as he pointed at one of the chocolates wrapped by Yoochun.
“Shut it,” Yoochun grumbled as he worked on his next chocolate.
“Never mind that, Minnie,” Junsu shook his head. “Those are for the people I don’t really like, so I don’t care.”
“Yah, Su-ie! What’s that supposed to mean!?” Yoochun protested, but his protest went unheeded.
“While Jae-hyung’s are for the ones I like,” he added, beaming a little as Jaejoong looked up at him with a confused expression. The ones he wrapped were perfectly shaped like a bar of gold, the folds were so neat.
“Ah, umma’s fingers are very skilled,” Changmin commented. “But his feet aren’t,” he added, snickering.
“Shut up,” Jaejoong protested as he threw a wrapped chocolate at Changmin’s head.
“When are you giving us our share?” Yoochun asked then, looking at the chocolates on the table that were left to cool so the icing would fix in place.
“Tomorrow~” Jaejoong replied gleefully. “After all, they’re made for Valentine’s Day.”
“But on the other side of the world, it’s Valentine’s already!” Yoochun protested.
“Then go to the other side of the world and ask me for it again,” Jaejoong replied.
“What did you teach him, Min?” Yoochun asked.
Changmin whistled innocently.
“It’s late now, why don’t you two stay here?” Jaejoong suggested, looking at the clock on the table beside the television set. They’ve finished wrapping seven-hundred-eighty-nine chocolates, and were down to the last eleven.
“I call Umma’s room!” Changmin shouted before the others could say anything.
Jaejoong laughed. “Okay,” he nodded.
Yoochun looked at him suspiciously. He usually didn’t mind because he’d sleep in Junsu’s room anyway, but somehow something felt different tonight.
“Yoochun-ah,” Junsu called softly, looking a little nervous.
“Yes, Su-ie?” he asked.
“Uh… the other futon is being washed, so you’ll have to sleep on the couch tonight…”
End of Chapter One
Finally~! I really want to cry in happiness right now! T_____T
Seven-page chapter! Whee, quite a feat for myself, since I usually only write four-page chapters X3
Ah, here’s the chara intro, so you’ll understand better what Yoochun meant. Extra info will be told later, not now X3
Jae and Changmin: childhood friend. They’ve known each other since elementary school.
Jae and Junsu: cousins. They’ve only met each other during junior high, and they stay in the same apartment near their school.
Jae and Yoochun/Yunho/Seven: they meet during high school
Yoochun and Junsu: friends since elementary. They were separated during junior high, but reunited during senior high
Yoochun and Changmin: they meet during high school
Yoochun and Yunho: they met during junior high
Changmin and Junsu: met during junior high
I think that’s all. Hope you enjoyed~ :3
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything except the bizarre idea, not even the title
A/N: title taken from a random title generator, that’s why it’s lame XD this is the bigger universe of the fic “Stranded”, but this happened way back before the fic happened until the time after it happened. Se7en is in this fic again as the one between the two m(-_-)m sorry
Finally (finally!) the outline is finished, and I can start this -_-;;; sorry for making you all wait for so long m(-_-)m
And thanks to everyone who commented on Trapped~! I’m glad I got so many positive comments for that X3 thank you dear, I love you guys~ I really needed them as a mental support or something like that XDD though I don’t think I can write any smut in the near future… that was pure luck, and luck doesn’t come twice XD
A character guide will be waiting at the bottom X3 and I’ve made a banner for this fic, but it was crappy so I didn’t put it up
Just like “This is the Real Me”, this series is quite short :3 but, I’m planning on writing long chapters X3
Note: Se7en’s name will be spelled Seven for convenience purpose
Prologue
“Damn! I’m running late!” Jaejoong cursed under his breath as he ran through the hallway of the huge school building, holding his book bag close to his side for fear of it falling off his shoulder.
He had just accompanied his cousin to his class, and as a result, he himself was still far from his own class although the bell had rang, and the late bell was going to ring any minute now.
Suddenly he bumped into a boy who wore the badge of a junior. His books fell down onto the floor as he let go of them in surprise, and Jaejoong watched in panic as the books fell in a messy heap.
“I’m sorry,” he said quickly as he bent down to help the boy pick up his books. “Are you late too?” he asked randomly, handing the boy his stacks of book.
“Jaejoong?” the boy asked as he blinked at him. “Hey, I didn’t know you go to this school,” he added with a smile as he accepted the books and helped Jaejoong get up.
“Eh? Do I know you?” Jaejoong asked in surprise as he looked at the boy. He felt regret when he saw the hurt in the boy’s eyes, but he couldn’t focus on him for long since the late bell rang.
“Ah dang! I’m sorry. I have to run now, I’m late,” Jaejoong apologized again and rushed off towards his class, leaving the boy behind.
Chapter One - Archery and Forgotten Memory
“Hyung? Why are you up so early?” Junsu asked sleepily as he rubbed his eyes furiously, trying to make them focus on the blurred blob that somehow looked like his hyung. “It’s still… three hours before school starts,” he added as he paused to look at the clock hanging on the wall.
“I’m not a lazy ass like you,” Jaejoong snorted but laughed when Junsu whined out loud at being called a lazy ass since he was not. “I have morning practice today, so I’m preparing the breakfast much earlier. You can reheat it if you want to eat it later with the other kids,” he added.
“They’re not going to appreciate the kids comment,” Junsu said with a grin as he walked over to the kitchen and sat on the dining chair, watching as Jaejoong placed the plates of toast and sausages on the table, followed by fried eggs and bacons.
“Oh? Did they think I’m appreciating the umma comment, then?” Jaejoong asked back with a mock glare as he sat down across Junsu and fingered the rim of his cup, pausing ever so slightly every time the hot steam touched his palm.
“Apparently, yes, they think you are,” Junsu shrugged and took a brownish crisped French toast and put a piece of butter on it, watching as the butter melted and created a pleasant smell.
“And so, I think they’ll appreciate the kids comment,” Jaejoong shrugged back. He sipped his coffee and placed it back on the dish. He was always careful not to let hot plates placed on the table without a base. The surface was made from glass and the stain would look awful.
Junsu shrugged. He didn’t mind the kids comment at all, to tell the truth, but the others sometimes didn’t like it when they were referred to as kids.
Which would bring on the ultimate question: why did they call Jaejoong umma if they didn’t want to be referred as the kids?
Jaejoong looked at the clock again. “I’ll be going now. Take care of the apartment while I’m gone, and don’t forget to brush your teeth!” he called out as he rushed to get his bag and put on his shoes.
“Yes umma!” Junsu called back and ducked when his own shoe was sent flying towards him. “Hey! You told me not to ruin the kitchen! Who gave you the rights to!?”
He was only answered with “That is my kitchen!” and a bang when the door was slammed. Junsu flinched at the slam and frowned slightly when he remembered something.
“And you tell me not to slam doors!”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Good morning!” Jaejoong greeted as he stepped into the club room and the other members of the archery club waved back at him while he walked over to the changing room.
“You’re late,” Yunho commented as he looked up from his bow, pausing from loosening the thread so that it wouldn’t be too tense and snap while being used. “That’s rare.”
“Caught in a traffic jam,” Jaejoong replied simply as he resisted the urge to stick his tongue at Yunho. He went to retrieve his uniform and bow from the locker as Yunho shrugged and resumed what he was doing.
“Maybe you should just sleep at school then,” Yunho commented randomly as he got up and moved to retrieve his arrows. “You always come so early I’m surprised you haven’t have panda eyes yet.”
“Is that supposed to be sarcasm? Because if it is, you’re failing miserably at it,” Jaejoong commented as he retrieved his own arrows from beside Yunho’s. “And the other students arrive here early too, in case you fail to notice,” he added, a little miffed at the idea of Yunho not being sarcastic to the others.
“No, I was being worried,” Yunho replied simply as he shrugged. “Up for a sudden death match?” he asked as he turned and waited for Jaejoong to properly collect all his arrows.
“Eh, thanks for being worried, but I’m always a morning person,” Jaejoong replied as he hurriedly collect his arrows and walked over to Yunho. “Maybe that’s why I don’t have panda eyes.”
“Good for you then,” Yunho walked out of the changing room and Jaejoong followed closely behind him. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the captain of the club walking towards them.
“Hey, Yunho,” Seven greeted as he patted Yunho’s back lightly. “Out for a match with Jaejoong again?” he asked when he noticed Jaejoong behind him.
“Kind of,” Yunho replied as he greeted Seven back. “Are you coming as well?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
“I’ll join you once I take care of a few things first,” Seven replied and motioned for them to go first. “Don’t go easy on Jae just because he’s a sophomore. We all know he’s good,” he added with a grin as he patted Jaejoong’s shoulder and walked inside the changing room.
Other members looked at him in envy as Jaejoong squealed happily inside. He was very thankful he was good at aiming and had good eyesight. Otherwise he’d be just like the other girls who applied for this newly-opened club only to get close to the captain of said club.
Well, he did apply for the club to get close to the captain of said club, but he was having more luck than the girls.
Yunho snorted and laughed at Jaejoong’s expression while he swatted Yunho’s arm rather harshly, asking him to quit laughing. They walked to the outdoor field and prepared their bows.
“You’re lucky you’re good,” Yunho commented as he picked an arrow and prepared it. “Or you’d only be a random face in the club,” he added and released the arrow, watching as it embedded itself into the center of the target with a loud thud.
“I know,” Jaejoong replied simply as he took his own arrow and prepared it. “Lucky I know you quite well, as well,” he added but refrained from shrugging. He released the arrow and it embedded into the center of the target as well.
“And why is that?” Yunho asked, quite amused. He knew that Jaejoong was always envious of his closeness to Seven, his underclassman. They became close only after Seven said that they should practice together more, but Jaejoong still saw Yunho as a rival of love.
“Because I feel more at ease competing with you,” Jaejoong answered and took another arrow as Yunho prepared his own. “Other students are usually too pressurized when they go against you since you’re good. I’m not too pressured.”
The arrows they released went to the inner circle of the target, and they lowered their bows in satisfaction.
“Pssh, you know I can never be intimidating to my partner,” Yunho added as he snorted and bent down to pick yet another arrow, waiting for Jaejoong to do the same.
Jaejoong laughed at that. True, they were partners during competitions and all, but Yunho was always better than him, and ended up getting the first place while he usually ended up fourth or something.
Their third and fourth shots ended up in the middle circle again. By now, the middle circle was already cramped with arrows sticking out of it in all directions.
Seven walked into the outdoor field as they were releasing their fifth arrow and Jaejoong’s bow tilted slightly as he jerked in surprise when he heard the door open. Yunho was unaffected and his arrow went smoothly towards the inner circle.
Jaejoong blinked as his arrow stuck in the second to centermost circle. That wasn’t as bad as he had expected, though.
“Ah, sorry, did I disturb you guys?” Seven asked apologetically when he saw Jaejoong’s arrow outside the center part of the target. He knew Jaejoong could usually go for at least seven rounds before he missed.
“No, not really,” Jaejoong shook his head. “Do you want to use the field?” he offered.
“I’m good. I’ll fix the string of my bow first,” Seven shook his head and urged the two to continue their practice. “You’re getting better, aren’t you? You only lasted for three rounds with Yunho back then,” he added, beaming slightly at the younger boy.
Jaejoong pursed his lips. He was slightly flattered to know that he was catching up to Yunho, the best archer in their school, but he wasn’t at all happy.
Yunho patted his back sympathetically before he bent down to take yet another arrow. “Consider the last round nullified,” he added as Jaejoong looked at him in confusion.
Jaejoong’s mouth formed an ‘o’ as he quickly took his own arrow. A sudden death match was a match between competitors to see who lasted the longest. Usually, competitors who missed the target were out of the game, but for the two, it was a matter of who missed the center of the target.
The routine went on for another five rounds before Jaejoong’s arrow finally missed and embedded itself in the third circle.
“Where is your glove?” Yunho asked when he finally noticed Jaejoong wasn’t wearing his glove. “I told you not to draw bows more than five times if you don’t wear one!”
“Sorry, I forgot it at home,” Jaejoong admitted in embarrassment. He rubbed his fingers together, trying to soothe the soreness caused by the sharp strings.
“Could’ve borrowed someone’s,” Yunho chided as he tapped Jaejoong’s head with his knuckle. “Let’s go inside. I’ll get you one.”
As soon as Yunho turned his back, Jaejoong stuck his tongue at him. “Bleh, like he’d ever let me live it down if I told him I forgot,” he said defensively and Seven laughed at their banter.
“Better go inside now, Jae. Come back here after you’ve gotten yourself a glove, or your hand will bleed,” Seven advised. “I’ll go retrieve the arrows first,” he added.
Jaejoong blushed slightly and nodded quickly, before following Yunho inside the club room.
“Someone’s getting lucky,” he teased as he nudged Jaejoong’s rib lightly and Jaejoong swatted at his arm again.
“Stop teasing me!” Jaejoong said with a pout. “Not fair! You never told me who you liked so I can’t tease you back!”
Yunho laughed and ignored him, approaching a group of girls who were chatting casually in front of the changing room and asking them if he could borrow a glove from them.
“Here,” he handed the glove to Jaejoong who accepted it gratefully. “You should try competing with Seven.”
“I can’t,” Jaejoong frowned. “I can’t concentrate. Ah, do you have someone you like at all? You’ll know what I mean if you do.”
Yunho smiled bitterly. “I do have one, but I can’t tell you,” he said, smiling weakly at him while Jaejoong protested, saying Yunho wasn’t fair.
“After all, how can I tell you it’s you?” he thought to himself.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“And he compared me to Yunho! Again!” Jaejoong whined as he flailed his chopsticks around, pouting slightly.
“But Yunho’s the best in the club!” Junsu replied, frowning slightly. “Or would you like to be compared to those girls?”
“I don’t want to be compared!” Jaejoong huffed, crossing his arms in front of his chest and scowling slightly.
“Could’ve fooled me,” Junsu said nonchalantly as he continued eating his lunch, and Jaejoong whacked him. “Oi! That was uncalled for!” he protested.
“At least show me some sympathy,” Jaejoong whined, poking Junsu’s arm with the other end of his chopsticks.
“Hey, your love life is out of my control,” Junsu raised his hands. “I don’t want to die kicked by a horse.”
“You actually believe that?” Jaejoong asked, looking at Junsu suspiciously. “What are you, a kid?”
“Who knows?” Junsu shrugged. “And if you had prepared my lunch, then I might be able to show some sympathy,” he added, pointing at the tray of food he bought from the canteen.
Jaejoong laughed sheepishly. “Sorry Su,” he grinned a little. “I’ll make your lunch tomorrow, I promise.”
Changmin looked up at them from his tray. “How did you forget, anyway?” he asked, wondering why Jaejoong had forgotten to make their lunches-that was why they were in the canteen instead of the backyard where they usually had lunch together.
“Let’s see… I prepared breakfast for you guys and rushed here,” Jaejoong mumbled. “It’s normal for people to forget!” he said, defending himself.
“Okay,” Changmin shrugged and resumed eating. Out of the three, Junsu was the one who despised canteen food and take-outs. He was used to eating delicious home-made foods, perhaps.
“Then,” Yoochun spoke up, “why did you like Seven? I know, like, he’s one of the popular guys in school, but there’s gotta be something personal, no?” he asked.
“Yeah… I know you’re not the type of person who goes for looks only,” Junsu commented.
“Oh, that,” Jaejoong mumbled. “Haven’t I told you?”
“No,” the three answered in unison.
“Your short term memory is getting worse, hyung,” Junsu pointed out.
“Shut up,” Jaejoong scowled. “Do you want to know or not?”
“Fine, this gotta be something romantic or else,” Junsu pouted.
-.-.-.-.-. flashback -.-.-.-.-.
“Jae, don’t wander too far,” Changmin warned as he went to talk with the leader of the group.
“Okay,” Jaejoong agreed.
The two of them were in the same group during the hiking. The groups consisted of students of all year, two from each, and they were lucky to be in the same group. They were both still freshmen, so they didn’t dare to go talk with the others.
Jaejoong walked around as he took in his surroundings. It was almost noon, and the sun was glaring down at them. He saw a small squirrel hiding behind a bush, and walked over to it, wanting to take a better look at it.
“Jae!”
Jaejoong turned to look at Changmin who was calling him, and his foot slipped, sliding down the slope.
“Ah!” he exclaimed in surprise as he flailed his arms, wanting to take hold of something. Then, a hand shot and grasped his wrist.
“Hold onto my hand,” the one who saved him said, offering his other hand. Jaejoong looked up, but he couldn’t see his face because the sun was right above him. He screwed his eyes shut and raised his other hand, gripping his savior’s arm.
He felt himself being hauled up, but before he could properly say thank you, he was already gone in the crowd of students-mostly girls though-from their own group and the other groups that were with theirs.
“Jae, you okay?” Changmin asked worriedly as he helped Jaejoong get up. “I told you not to wander!”
“Sorry,” Jaejoong mumbled. He turned to look at his savior, but he was still covered by the girls.
”Ah, Seven-oppa! Please stay by my side and save me if I fall!”
“Oppa! Please keep me safe!”
Jaejoong blinked. “So… Seven is his name.”
-.-.-.-.-. end of flashback -.-.-.-.-.
Changmin had nearly choked on his food when Jaejoong told the story, but he quickly hid it.
“That’s what happened?” Junsu asked, a little disbelieving. “Where’s the romantic first meeting!? Ah, what kind of person left the one they saved right away!?”
“Someone who doesn’t want to be known, perhaps?” Changmin said almost sourly as he poked his food now.
“Oh, talking about that, weren’t you with him? How come you didn’t know?” Yoochun asked Changmin who was still playing with his food.
“Jae,” a voice suddenly interrupted, and the four turned to look at the speaker. “Uh, you all can continue eating, I’m not here for long,” Yunho said uneasily when he noticed everyone looking at him.
“Hey Yunho,” Yoochun greeted with a grin. “What brings you here?”
“Oh, hello Chun,” Yunho greeted back. “I’m here to give Jae this,” he answered, and took out a cookbook from his bag. “Sorry I forgot to give you this earlier,” he admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck.
“Hm? Isn’t this the one I asked from my mother?” Jaejoong wondered as he flipped the book open. “Why are you the one who brought it here?” he asked then.
“Hyung, that wasn’t very polite,” Changmin whispered in reprimand as he nudged Jaejoong a little.
“Well, it was supposed to be you since your house is nearest to my house!” Jaejoong whispered back.
“Mm, let’s say my mother knows your mother,” Yunho shrugged. “I’ll be going then.”
“Oh, okay,” Jaejoong nodded and waved at him. “Thank you for delivering this to me!” he shouted as Yunho walked away and waved back in greeting, although it was somehow a little dismissive.
“Since when do you know him?” Junsu asked as he looked at Yoochun.
“I knew him during junior high,” Yoochun answered. “I think we’re the group of friends with the most complicated relationship, if you count Yunho in, of course,” he added as an afterthought.
“Don’t remind me,” Changmin shook his head.
Yoochun laughed at that. “Hey, Su, are you really going to make chocolate for all students in this school?” he asked then, remembering what Junsu had told him yesterday.
“Why do you think Jae-hyung asked for the cookbook?” Junsu asked, smiling sweetly at him. “No worries, the two of us will make one for you two as well.”
“That’s not what I’m worried about,” Yoochun shook his head. “Oh… the wrapping,” he groaned.
“Oh.”
“Yes, oh,” Changmin mumbled from the side.
“You’re helping, Minnie-ah,” Jaejoong interrupted before Changmin could offer his sympathy to Yoochun.
“What!? Why!?” he protested.
“Because I ask you to,” Jaejoong shrugged. “And if you don’t, I’m not going to give you any chocolate this year.”
“Fine, I’ll help,” Changmin pouted. “Slave driver.”
“Aw, but you love me,” Jaejoong cooed, patting Changmin’s head.
“Whatever.”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Su-ie, help me get the wrapping papers,” Jaejoong asked as he carried a cardboard box into the living room, which was connected to the kitchen. “There are more in my room.”
“Okay,” Junsu replied and walked over to his room.
Because they went to the same high school, their parents had agreed to let them live in an apartment near their school together. Of course, since it was still paid by their parents, they could rent a medium-sized apartment with their own bedrooms, although there was only one bathroom.
Junsu came out carrying another cardboard box. There were sheets of wrapping paper inside, folded a little at the corner so it could be separated easily.
“Are these enough?” Junsu asked as he looked at the wrapping paper. The students in their school weren’t that many-about eight hundred at most, two hundred for each year-but he was still feeling unsure.
“Hopefully,” Jaejoong shrugged. “I’ll go check if the chocolate has cooled or not,” he offered, and walked to the kitchen to check the trays of chocolate they put in the fridge.
They were lucky their mothers agreed to lend them the shaping pans. They needed to make four batches, but it was better than having to make ten batches or more.
Junsu then looked over to the chocolates Jaejoong had made. Because he didn’t make chocolate for the entire school population, he had used the bigger shaping pans, and had decorated them nicely. Junsu’s chocolates for them were plain star-shaped, and heart-shaped for Yoochun, chocolates-the ones he gave to everyone were small bar-shaped chocolates.
The one for Junsu was a dolphin-shaped chocolate with blue and white icing, and chocolate chip for the eye. “Su-ie” was written on the dolphin’s stomach with liquid chocolate.
The one for Yoochun was shaped like the head of a fox or a cat. The whiskers were drawn with melted white chocolate, and the eyes were yellow M&Ms. The mouth was drawn with light brown icing, and it looked like it was smirking smugly.
The one for Changmin was shaped like a pair of glasses, with light blue icing on the lens part. Words like “study hard” and “go Minnie-ah!” were written on them with melted chocolate.
The one for Yunho was shaped like a dart-it was originally planned to be an arrow though. The words “the world’s #1 archer” were written with red icing at the broad end.
Lastly, the one for Seven was plain heart-shaped chocolate. There was no icing, pictures, words, decorations whatsoever, but there was some lime filling inside, because Seven liked limes and lemons.
“I think they’ll need five more minutes to cool. Why don’t you ask Chun and Minnie if they’re on the way or not?” Jaejoong asked as he walked back to the living room.
“Okay,” Junsu nodded and took his cell phone. “Oh by the way, hyung, your chocolates look nice!” he complimented.
“Don’t they?” Jaejoong laughed slightly. “I’ll teach you how to shape and decorate chocolates sometimes. Do you remember my mother’s friend? He was a patissier, and he taught me how.”
Junsu’s mouth formed an ‘o’, but his attention was suddenly taken away by the voice from the other end.
“Hey, Chunnie, where are you?” Junsu asked. “Is Min with you?”
“Yes, he’s with me. We’re close, I’ll see you in about a minute or so.”
“Okay. See you.”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Why did that one turn out like an egg roll?” Changmin asked dubiously as he pointed at one of the chocolates wrapped by Yoochun.
“Shut it,” Yoochun grumbled as he worked on his next chocolate.
“Never mind that, Minnie,” Junsu shook his head. “Those are for the people I don’t really like, so I don’t care.”
“Yah, Su-ie! What’s that supposed to mean!?” Yoochun protested, but his protest went unheeded.
“While Jae-hyung’s are for the ones I like,” he added, beaming a little as Jaejoong looked up at him with a confused expression. The ones he wrapped were perfectly shaped like a bar of gold, the folds were so neat.
“Ah, umma’s fingers are very skilled,” Changmin commented. “But his feet aren’t,” he added, snickering.
“Shut up,” Jaejoong protested as he threw a wrapped chocolate at Changmin’s head.
“When are you giving us our share?” Yoochun asked then, looking at the chocolates on the table that were left to cool so the icing would fix in place.
“Tomorrow~” Jaejoong replied gleefully. “After all, they’re made for Valentine’s Day.”
“But on the other side of the world, it’s Valentine’s already!” Yoochun protested.
“Then go to the other side of the world and ask me for it again,” Jaejoong replied.
“What did you teach him, Min?” Yoochun asked.
Changmin whistled innocently.
“It’s late now, why don’t you two stay here?” Jaejoong suggested, looking at the clock on the table beside the television set. They’ve finished wrapping seven-hundred-eighty-nine chocolates, and were down to the last eleven.
“I call Umma’s room!” Changmin shouted before the others could say anything.
Jaejoong laughed. “Okay,” he nodded.
Yoochun looked at him suspiciously. He usually didn’t mind because he’d sleep in Junsu’s room anyway, but somehow something felt different tonight.
“Yoochun-ah,” Junsu called softly, looking a little nervous.
“Yes, Su-ie?” he asked.
“Uh… the other futon is being washed, so you’ll have to sleep on the couch tonight…”
End of Chapter One
Finally~! I really want to cry in happiness right now! T_____T
Seven-page chapter! Whee, quite a feat for myself, since I usually only write four-page chapters X3
Ah, here’s the chara intro, so you’ll understand better what Yoochun meant. Extra info will be told later, not now X3
Jae and Changmin: childhood friend. They’ve known each other since elementary school.
Jae and Junsu: cousins. They’ve only met each other during junior high, and they stay in the same apartment near their school.
Jae and Yoochun/Yunho/Seven: they meet during high school
Yoochun and Junsu: friends since elementary. They were separated during junior high, but reunited during senior high
Yoochun and Changmin: they meet during high school
Yoochun and Yunho: they met during junior high
Changmin and Junsu: met during junior high
I think that’s all. Hope you enjoyed~ :3