Automata: Don't Love Me (Chapter 6)
Title: Automata: Don’t Love Me
Disclaimer: Big emphasis to “Fiction”. The only thing I own is the idea and plot.
Fandom: Arashi, DBSK/JYJ, Super Junior
Pairing: HaeHyuk (Lee Donghae/Lee Hyukjae), Ohmiya (Ohno Satoshi/Ninomiya Kazunari), YunJae (Jung Yunho/ Kim Jaejoong)
Rating: PG-13 to R
Genre: AU, Drama/Angst, Fantasy, Romance
Chapter - Word Count: Chapter 6 - 6369 words
Summary: How can two people love each other when only one of them is entitled to exist to love and be loved?
Warning: Unbeta-ed
Author’s Notes: Finally~ after weeks of trying to update!!! Gaaah! Finally!!!
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He is woken up with a feeling of pang in his chest, like his lungs have been squeezed and he can't breathe. His eyes open immediately, trying to gasp for air and he is successful in doing so but in exchange of it, he starts coughing and it isn't really a good alternative. He can understand if it will stop at least after three coughs but it doesn't and he is worried more.
He covers his mouth, trying to muffle the sound he is creating and heads to the bathroom connected to the bedroom as soon as he can, not to wake up the other person in the room. Arriving there, he lets out a bout of cough, each adding the pain he is feeling in his chest and when finally it stops, all is messy. His face is disgruntled with the pain that doesn't subsides yet, saliva flowing and he spat out those that accumulated in his throat. He splash some water and then puts his hand to his chest, hoping his racing heart that is caused by that unexpected fit of cough will calm down.
Ohno takes big gulps of air and finally he is breathing normally again. That's when he notices shuffling noises in the other room, probably in the kitchen and he wonders if his guess is right that Jaejoong is already in the house, probably to check on them especially Nino.
He heads back to the bedroom, thankful that his situation hasn't affected Nino's sleep and hurriedly goes to the kitchen so he can get some water. He fails to notice that there's a droplet tinted with red mixing with his saliva he just spats that is slowly sinking in to the hole of the sink he just left.
"Good Mor- hyung?" Jaejoong's eyes widen like saucers upon seeing Ohno's distress look and when Ohno sees Jaejoong's reaction, he realizes he hasn’t made his self presentable when he goes to the kitchen.
"Are you okay hyung?"
"Ah yeah, I just wash my face and I got soap in my eye or sort of..." Ohno lies but he doesn't know if it makes sense at all. "Don't worry; I'm fine... really..." Ohno reassures the other and Jaejoong seems to buy it.
"Okay. I'm making cheese omelets. You want anything else hyung?" Jaejoong changes as he goes back to his previous post. Ohno doesn't reply first until he has a glass of water catering his burning throat from earlier.
"Anything's fine." Ohno smiles, not only because its omelets and he likes Nino and Jaejoong's omelet’s but also because he's feeling refreshed already thanks to the cool water he just drank. He then glances by the clock and sees it's almost eight in the morning, Ohno wonders if Jaejoong had been in Yunho's house before coming here.
"Have you gone to Yunho's house already?" Ohno asks curiously.
"Uhm, no... Although I know you'll take care of Nino, I just need to make sure so I immediately went here." Jaejoong says, smiling to Ohno before getting back to his cooking. Ohno sees Jaejoong's smile is forced and he understands something is going on.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Ohno asks carefully. He isn't a person who pries on someone's business unless he is asked to but it looks like Jaejoong could use some listening ears. Plus, he needs something to occupy his head first to erase his earlier experience. It really gives him a fright because that's the first time he had experienced something like that.
It takes a couple of minutes before Jaejoong finally speaks as he tends first on the food he's cooking and when he's done, Jaejoong faces Ohno with hesitation.
"I just honestly don't feel seeing Yunho for today..." Jaejoong admits. Ohno raises an eyebrow but doesn't give a comment; he waits for the younger man to further explain his thoughts.
"It's just that last week, we have a slight argument about his father and as usual, he ignores talking about it... and I really hate that..." Jaejoong blurts, his hands waving in the air to release some tension like a child demanding for attention. Ohno has to use his immense acting experience just so he can hide that little smile so he wouldn't offend the younger men who might though he's not taking him seriously.
"I dunno... he's so stubborn hyung... can't he see Uncle Jung is already sorry for whatever reason they are in fight." Jaejoong continues to burst and this time Ohno can't help but to let a little laugh which earns a confuse look from Jaejoong.
"What so funny hyung?" Jaejoong asks.
Ohno's smile doesn't falter. No, it isn't because of Jaejoong's antics but rather what he has said about Yunho. "Nothing, it just reminds me of someone." Ohno discloses.
Jaejoong grunts, not really knowing what's in Ohno's mind. "I know I'm stubborn too but Yunho-"
"It's not really you..." Ohno interjects. Jaejoong is going to protest more but it dawns to him what Ohno really means.
"I got to agree they are really alike in that department." Jaejoong grins now fully understanding who Ohno is referring to. "No wonder he and Nino hyung becomes some sort of CEO in our little cafe." Jaejoong adds. Jaejoong proceeds in distributing the plates in the table where Ohno has been occupying all this while. It turns to a comfortable silence before Ohno asks another.
"But it isn't really about that right?"
Jaejoong lets out a sigh and nods. He huffs his cheeks as he goes to the coffee maker to fetch the glass pitcher. He raises it up as he faces Ohno, his way of asking the older if he wants some coffee too but Ohno refuses, satisfied already with his glass of water.
Jaejoong pours himself a mug and settles his self in sitting in the counter afterwards, his feet dangling in the air. He zips a little and then watches as the steams goes up.
"It's just that he doesn't open up his problems with me." He whispers but it is enough for Ohno to hear.
"Same as Nino..." Ohno kids and Jaejoong smiles at that, small yet genuine.
"I don't know, sometimes I think I'm asking too much to ask for him to share the burden but then...I- I just really want him to lean on me too as I have when I have a crisis before." Jaejoong says, letting his worries out.
It's been bugging him since then. Like he always says, Yunho has been a constant presence in his life and he is thankful for it and for everything the latter had done for him. But it seems Yunho is careful around him for some reason he can’t decipher all this time. Either it’s because out of everyone, Jaejoong knows a lot about the Jung family issues or it’s something more. It’s weighing in Jaejoong’s heart, why is Yunho so adamant in keeping his issues when the latter is always his listening ears when he needs one. But then maybe Jaejoong is just too dependent to Yunho that he wants the latter to do the same. They have been best friends ever since, it’s understandable right?
He looks at Ohno from his mug after moment of silence, studying the older male’s features. Ohno also has a tan complexion, similar to Yunho's but then that’s just the cause of hours in the ocean, fishing as the older man’s hobby these days. He can see him in deep thoughts and he wonders if he’ll get scolded or not. But then it’s Ohno, and Ohno doesn’t scold anyone. Heck, he rarely gets mad for anything. But he really wants to hear Ohno’s honest opinion about this and if he will be get scolded; he will accept it whole heartedly. At least there’s another point of view he can learn on. But thinking again, they somehow actually have same point of view. It’s just that there are two different people that they are involved with and two different situations.
Jaejoong then massage his right temple. Why the situation is so complicated?
“It’s not really asking too much… it’s just that you care for him as I care for Nino.”
Jaejoong’s head shots up and look at Ohno. Ohno still has his eyes on his glass of water, twirling the glass as he watches the water swirl on it. Jaejoong holds still, knowing the other hasn’t finish yet.
“But like you said, he is stubborn and so are you.”
Jaejoong bit his lips and nods at Ohno’s statement.
“We can’t really kill a fire with a wind right as both are stubborn in nature. In killing a fire, something calm is needed and that’s water. You have to let the fire cool down first…” Ohno continues and Jaejoong twitches his head sideways. He’s amused how Ohno manage to compare their situation to the elements like that but he doesn’t say anything and let the other speak further. He does understand it more with that comparison.
“All, I’m saying is just be there for him and wait for him. I know it takes a lot of patience and there will be times that you can’t take it anymore. It’s inevitable… but tries to always remind him that you are there for him.”
Another nod and this time, a smile is starting to etch in his lips.
“Don’t push him and then maybe he will cool down to gather his thoughts and open it up...” Ohno ends with an encouraging smile. Jaejoong nods and there’s a light feeling his chest because finally he is able to let it out. It really feels great when you are able to share your problems and have other’s opinions about it.
He leaps away from the counter after glancing at Nino’s wall clock in the kitchen. It’s ten past eight already and Nino needs to eat. He then pauses when Ohno speaks.
“On second thought…”
He raises his eyebrows seeing Ohno probably scrutinizing his thought.
“I should be the one saying it to myself too.” Ohno nods at that with his lower lip unconsciously jutting out. Jaejoong’s laughter erupts a second later and is followed by Ohno who realizes what he had said until…
“What you guys laughing about?”
Ohno and Jaejoong look at the owner of the voice and Nino is already standing there, eyes darting back and forth between Ohno and Jaejoong. His eyes carry a splash of confusion.
Instead of replying, Ohno and Jaejoong grin at each other. Jaejoong just shrugs his shoulder as he goes to the rice cooker to get some rice. Ohno on the other hand, deliberately gets the newspaper in the table, probably brought by Jaejoong along the way. Both individuals still carry a mischievous smile. Nino blinks for awhile and realizing he won't get any answer, he whines. "Oi, what you guys talking about?"
"Nothing." Jaejoong finally replies in sing-song, still busying his self in getting each of them rice.
Nino pouts while watching Jaejoong and the only alternative to satisfy his curiousness; he stands beside Ohno and looks at the older male.
"Oji-san~" Nino warns but Ohno stays mum with smile in his lips.
Ding dong!
"Aish, you two are impossible." Nino doesn't press anymore and just goes to the door to see who just arrived.
Ohno shakes his head, fondly smiling to the younger male who just left the kitchen. Jaejoong on the other hand sniggers as he continues doing the task at hand. Ohno observes what he does and then it suddenly hits him.
Ohno had been curious since yesterday, when Jaejoong had called him and it had been bothering him since then. He remembered Jaejoong being with Nino yesterday and thinking he might not have another chance to ask it, he needed to ask right now.
"Jaejoong-ah..."
"Hmmm?"
"What happened yesterday? Before Nino... Uhm become like that..."
Jaejoong finishes his task first before looking at Ohno's direction. He looks up as tries to clear his thoughts. He closes the lid of the rice cooker and as he walks towards the table, he reveals it. "I don't know. Everything seems fine yesterday until..." he pauses and places the bowls of rice in the table.
Jaejoong doesn't know why but revealing this is giving him goose bumps that he opts in hugging his self, his head bend down and his eyes unfocused as his thoughts travels to yesterday.
"...until we met a Japanese guy saying something about Automata." Jaejoong ends looking back to Ohno who seems to be in deep thought about what he just said.
"I told you Hyukkie, I'm alri- whoa? And now why suddenly the long faces?"
That's the only time they notice the new comer who's standing with Nino in the entrance kitchen area.
"I was just asking Ohno hyung about fishing but thinking again, I haven't got a free time yet to try." Jaejoong quickly retorts to hide the sudden downfall of atmosphere between him and Ohno who just nods in reply.
"Okay, I give up with you two!" Nino says surrendering while Eunhyuk on the other side gives a slight chuckle. Ohno was thankful with how fast Jaejoong is able to think of something to hide the seriousness of their talk.
Automata. He had heard about it when he was younger but he didn't know much. All he knows was it had connection with Nino's whole existence. Of course, Nino knows about it too. This involves his whole identity and the Ohno family didn't hide that to Nino because it's his right. And honestly, Ohno wasn't ready yet to deal with it now especially knowing what it can do to Nino.
But he doesn’t know it isn't really only for his benefit but also for the younger one. Jaejoong, who doesn’t have any clue about the said word, also needed something to take his mind away from their previous conversation. Talking about that certain topic about what happened yesterday is making him tremble to the point of being scared perhaps. But hearing Nino’s constant mumble of playful whines about how he and Ohno will turn black because of fishing and how Nino playfully teases Eunhyuk by asking how going to the beach or near the sea is fun when it smells bad. Eunhyuk who is known to be someone who enjoys the sea defends that and that starts another playful bicker from the two. It eases Jaejoong as he sees Nino is smiling already, far from the fragile image he had seen yesterday and that’s what’s important.
“Aigoo~ before everything gets cold, let’s eat breakfast already.” Jaejoong says.
Amusedly, the two reply Jaejoong, “Hai, umma!” and Jaejoong raises an eyebrow.
“I thought Nino hyung is the umma?” Jaejoong counters.
“Nah, I’ll pass the title of mother to you and Oh-chan does pass the title of father to Yunho too, right?” Nino declares nonchalantly, he’s already sitting beside Ohno who’s nodding in agreement. Eunhyuk is clapping his hands, making some sort of sound that resembles the one when an award is given as Jaejoong sits himself beside Eunhyuk, opposite Ohno. He rolls his eyes and distributes the rice bowls. Well, at least their Nino hyung is back to normal and Jaejoong decides that’s all he needs to worry about.
Yunho eases the creases in his forehead. If Jaejoong was here, the latter would tease him about getting too old already and probably he'll do it himself.
A smile etches in his face as he remembered his only childhood friend especially when the other will scold him for being too careless about his health. Rather than being annoyed, he'll enjoy hearing it as long as he got Jaejoong's attention. It feels wonderful when someone would show you a genuine care. Living in this kind of world, for someone like Yunho, a genuine care is rare and he'll be thankful enough if someone have bestowed him that.
From the start, he was alone. No one to trust to, no one to lean on but only his self until Jaejoong that is and he is thankful Jaejoong had come to his life. But as the other smile at him, those doe-like eyes seemingly shining on him, guilt will always eat him and he wonders when will be the time he'll be finally and fully be honest with Jaejoong. He wonders how the other will take it when everything that surrounds Jaejoong was lies.
"Since you're looking more humanly-troubled than robotically-troubled, I'd say you have problem that involves Jaejoong."
Yunho looks up from the paper he had been holding for the pass hour but never really paid attention to it. For anybody, Yunho would look like he is reviewing some proposal letters or any papers in that department but for someone who knows the real him, he would look like someone who's in deep thought.
"Changmin, I'm not in the mood for your wise-cracks." Yunho mutters, finally closing the folder that contains that paper. He puts it down and massages his temples.
"What? I just say what I observe." Changmin, a hoobae and also a dear friend reasons, as he sits comfortably in the couch provided in Yunho's Vice President Office.
Out of everyone, Changmin is the only one in the company who dares to act casual at him most of the time. Despite being only a manager in a department, Changmin doesn't act careful around him.
Yunho remembers meeting Changmin in a bar accidentally; they were strangers back then even if Changmin is working in the company Yunho owns. They were just drinking beside each other and suddenly Changmin started talking about trivial things. The next thing Yunho know is they are talking for hours without even knowing each other's name. When it was time to call it day did they introduce each other. (Well, more like Changmin did.)
"I'm Shim Changmin by the way. I work at the sales department in your company."
It was frank and epic to be honest in Yunho's part but it made him amuse.
The next time they met, Changmin is actually subjected to a promotion by a sunbae and Yunho is bound to interview him. After all, Changmin is just 23 and only has 2 years of experience.
As Yunho plays the role of a cold businessman, Changmin doesn't falter like they haven't met in that bar and Changmin didn’t act to casual to a boss, let alone to the one who’ll inherit the whole company. It’s quite refreshing and so it makes him interested.
And it doesn’t disappoint him as he talked with Changmin, liking the views of the young man as he challenged him, asking why he should promote the younger one when clearly he lacks the work ethic.
“I don’t believe I lack anything, especially with work ethic.” Changmin starts and even if Yunho wants to smile, he needed to still act and see what Changmin will say about this. “I know where my place is and where I work. The last time I check, we weren’t in the office when we have a drink a together. You may be my boss in work but still like anyone, you are a person like anyone else everyone can talk too.”
It is direct to the point and simple. A typical boss may be offended by it but Yunho isn’t. Instead he finally saw someone real, facing him with the real him and not just a careful employee who is afraid he’ll be fired right away. Yunho believes he doesn’t just deserve a promotion but also his real self and not the son of Jung that everyone knows.
“So, am I right or am I right?” Changmin presses and Yunho shakes his head in Changmin’s persistence but it doesn’t hurt to share some dilemmas right?
“Is it that obvious?” Yunho asks, giving up at Changmin’s expectant look. The younger man on the other hand scrutinized him from head to toes and finally answers.
“Well, if it’s any other employee, no… but if it’s me, definitely obvious.”
Yunho chuckles and fix the papers, there’s no use in using it for excuse with Changmin anyways.
Yunho doesn’t reply and Changmin finds it as cue to prompt the older guy.
“So what is this about?”
“It’s about my father.” Yunho says.
Changmin raises his eyebrow. Until now, he doesn't understand the dispute happening between the son and the father. He doesn't really want to pry on it. It isn't his place.
"He?" He prompts the older male to continue and Yunho aids first in massaging his forehead before continuing on.
"Well, he is now using Jaejoong to get close to me and I don't like a single thing about it." Yunho says honestly and he doesn't mind sharing it openly. He can trust Changmin as he trusts his friends and that's that.
"And?" Changmin prompts again. There's something more in it and if Yunho wants an honest opinion from him, he needs at least half the details.
"Well, he did get mad of me about it and I quickly diminish that topic... but I know there's tension between us even if he doesn't show it... I-... Aish! I dunno... I just really don't want Jaejoong to get involve again." Yunho hisses, rubbing his face with his palm.
Changmin doesn't speak right away, trying to understand somehow the situation and with all honesty, it doesn't make sense. One thing is for sure.
"Well, that tension won't really get down unless both of you talk about it and I suggest you really do or the gap will just widen." Changmin suggests and Yunho nods.
"I know Changmin... I know..."
"But have you ever tried seeing from his point of view. He's in the middle and it seems he doesn't want to react unless he knows the both side which you don't open up. Surely it frustrates him." Changmin says in a matter-of-fact tone and it amuses Yunho as much as it kind of stings with how true it seems.
"Talk to him with that set of mind and if you aren't really ready to open up, try to at least explain and let him know you appreciate everything he is trying to do. It will do you both good." Changmin says, proud how he manages to knock some senses to the older male. Well, it can be seen in Yunho's face anyways as it lit up with smile.
"You know what Changmin-ah... what I'm wondering really right now is how can you be so mature when it comes to this yet you don't know simple honorifics. I'm a hyung you know." Yunho kids as everything dawns to him now with a fluffy feeling in his chest instead of a burden. He does forget how it is difficult for Jaejoong. He is too blinded by anger that he forgets that Jaejoong never mean anything harm and all he want is to help. It is natural in Jaejoong’s nature but he wonder where did he get it from.
He looks at Changmin and seeing the younger man just shrugging off with a smirk, he guesses Changmin doesn’t take his comment seriously. But on the side note, Changmin really need to work on his honorifics. He’s a hyung after all.
“I’ll let you slide with that. Let’s just go to lunch… my treat.” Yunho decides and Changmin cheers on that.
“I knew it. I should really help you with your love problems frequently and maybe my lunch will always be free.”
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.” Yunho grins as he stands up and Changmin just has his smug look as he too stand up from where he is sitting.
They were joking with each other when they heard a knock, Yunho look up and he suddenly freezes at stop. It’s a woman in her late 40’s named Mrs. Lee, the head secretary and if it’s Mrs. Lee who has come there then that means his father is calling for him.
“Sorry to disturb your lunch, but President Jung wants to see you Vice Jung.” The woman says and gives a curt bow. He is only able to grasp what kind middle-age lady has said when Changmin taps his back, saying he can treat him some other time and then leaves. Yunho nods and he too leaves his room, following Mrs. Lee to his father. He wonders if this is just pure business. Or there will be something else.
“So, there’s still a two boxes of cans of all-purpose cream?” Eunhyuk asks as he takes down notes and Jaejoong nods, trying to reach out for other boxes in the shelf. Currently, they are stuck-up in the storage room of the café, trying to sort the inventory. Eunhyuk is listing things they need to order soon to their supplier while Jaejoong checks if their stocks are still useful or it already meets the expiry date.
“Yeah but this won’t last till next week. It’s almost summer time so definitely, smoothies will be on-demand again.” Jaejoong reminds and Eunhyuk takes note of it. Before checking another box, he gets his phone and pouts after finding that no one has sent him a message.
“Is there something wrong?” Eunhyuk asks after he darts away his eyes from his list.
“It’s just that Yunho hasn’t replied yet. I’m wondering if he has eaten yet or not.” Jaejoong honestly replies and receives a soft laughter from Eunhyuk. “What?” he asks as he is clueless.
“You just sounded like a worried girl friend.” Eunhyuk says and receives a glare from the older male but Jaejoong doesn’t comment and just pockets his phone, continuing the task at hand, shouting the ingredients in purpose to somehow change the topic. Eunhyuk bursts into laughter but still takes note what Jaejoong has been saying.
It took almost an hour and half when they have decided to take a few minutes of break. It has become quite exhausting when their inventory slowly progress to clean-up. After all, that’s the reason they are doing a major inventory now even if Nino has done one almost a week before. Along the way, they have found some things in the storage room that aren't meant there and it isn't healthy for a business such as a cafe because they need to maintain their sanitation in top priority. The store is close that day but it will be better if it isn't just Jaejoong and Eunhyuk doing the actual cleaning.
Little bit covered with dirt, Jaejoong sips into the water bottle Eunhyuk has just given him while reaching for his phone. It hasn't alerted him anything and he's becoming more worried.
"Let me guess, Yunho hasn't sent you a message yet?" Eunhyuk asks while sitting beside Jaejoong in the floor. Jaejoong nods and keeps his phone in his pocket once again; the lead of the bottle is ghosting in his lips as he thinks for awhile. They haven't had an argument right for the latter to ignore him right?
"Are you sure, you two aren't dating?" Eunhyuk asks, making Jaejoong to spurt out the water he had just taken, coughing a bit and Eunhyuk is considerate enough to rubs his back.
"What? Of course not." Jaejoong denies quickly after wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Why is everyone saying it like that? What are we…some idol group members that are paired with each other by fans?” Jaejoong says after calming a little bit although deep inside, he is still fidgety.
“Well, those girls who patronized the café surely do.” Eunhyuk nods while thinking for a bit and Jaejoong’s nose cringes at it. But in all honesty, he’s feeling butterflies all over his tummy. Is that even normal?
“Don’t count~”
“There you are!”
Jaejoong’s and Eunhyuk’s eyes instantly land towards the door of the storage room; Jaejoong’s are wide in shock while Eunhyuk carries a smirk.
“Speaking of the devil~” Eunhyuk says but it seems the new comer hasn’t pay attention to it.
“Hi~ Yu-Yunho~” Jaejoong stutters, wondering if Yunho has heard his and Eunhyuk’s earlier conversation.
“I… Uhm~” It’s the exact opposite, how Yunho suddenly become hesitant when it seems he is determined when he first came in. Jaejoong twitches his head sideways, noticing the sudden change and he wonders if there’s something wrong.
“Are you okay?” Jaejoong asks, getting up and taking strides towards Yunho’s front by door. Eunhyuk just observes, amuse with how Jaejoong shows his affection and deep inside, there’s a nostalgic feeling.
“You know you could just have waited downstairs. We'll be going down anyways.” Eunhyuk says after opening his door with a smile but it all falters when he sees Donghae looking sad and it hurts him inside. He takes a step forward, cupping his cheeks and he feels Donghae leaning on his touch.
“Are you okay?” He asks worried and it doubles up when Donghae doesn’t answer. Eunhyuk wonders if he can do anything to remove that sadness in his boyfriend’s face but all he can do is say, “It’s gonna be okay…”
It’s just a cliche really but he believes in it, because no matter what may come, they can overcome it together. He’ll make sure to stay by Donghae’s side. That’s what he promised to himself when he accepted Donghae’s love.
Yet everything changes in one snap…
“Hyuk?”
Eunhyuk is shaken out of his reverie by Yunho’s bass voice and he is finally brought back to reality, Donghae isn’t his anymore.
“Ah, yes…”
“Uhm… is it okay if I can borrow Jaejoong?” Yunho asks softly. Jaejoong is taken back because theirs is something with how Yunho had said it but doesn’t comment and waits for Eunhyuk’s answer.
Eunhyuk blinks and looks at the two. Yunho is carrying a pleading look despite trying to hide it. Jaejoong on the other hand is hesitant but he knows Jaejoong wishes to go with Yunho as he is concerned with the latter’s abrupt appearance. Eunhyuk’s eyes land back towards Yunho and with one look, he knows Jaejoong need to be with Yunho that very instant.
“Sure… why not.” Eunhyuk smiles and he belatedly thought about the inventory slash clean up. It’s already half way but it is still a lot. There are still a lot to remove out to the garbage but its okay and worth it because he could say relief in both.
“Now, hurry along before I change my mind.” Eunhyuk say, shoo-ing them away playfully.
“But Hyuk-, “ Jaejoong seems to protest and Eunhyuk know he only does so because he feels guilty leaving him to do the rest of the work.
“Don’t worry, it’s still early and I don’t really have anything to do tomorrow since there are no classes so if I ever get tired, I will probably going to stay in the house tomorrow to recover.” Eunhyuk reassures the latter as all of them walk out of the storage room and towards the café premises. Since Yunho is walking a bit ahead, Eunhyuk leans into Jaejoong. “I think Yunho is troubled so it’s better you’re the one with him or he’ll might do something.” He says.
Jaejoong makes an ‘o’ sound but Eunhyuk knows Jaejoong knows it from the start. Because Jaejoong’s things are still in the counter with Eunhyuk’s, he gets it first and let Eunhyuk and Yunho to walk ahead towards the entrance.
“Thanks, Hyuk… I owe you one.” Yunho says thankful to him when they reach the door and it’s lightens Eunhyuk that he has helped a friend.
Jaejoong finally emerges with his things and pats Eunhyuk’s shoulder with an apologetic look. Eunhyuk waves it off with a smile but he still looks so guilty that Eunhyuk decides to make a bribe to somehow make the other feel better.
“Promise me you’ll cook bulgogi this Friday.” Eunhyuk says and Jaejoong grins at that together with Yunho.
“Of course. I’ll call you later.” Jaejoong says as a farewell and the two taller male heads towards Yunho’s car that is parked in front of the café and Eunhyuk watches from the door.
Before Yunho can get in, Yunho mouths thank you and Eunhyuk replies it with a playful two-finger-salute, a habit he somehow inherit from Nino for being friends with the guy for years. Eunhyuk watches as Yunho’s car speeds off and goes back to café, smiling and thinking like a father who is sending his son or probably daughter with his or her date. Eunhyuk needs to stop himself from laughing at what situation he had compared his just now. And then when he notices the storage room’s door open and the mess isn’t cleaning his self, he finds himself frowning once again.
Ah, so many things to do!
He sighs and busies his self with cleaning up. If only he knows, Jaejoong and he should’ve called Yoochun but then it’s everyone’s day off today, and it’s time for the owners to do it themselves. That’s what they always do these years they have manage the café. Oh well, there’s nothing he can do and rather than to sulk at it, he better start working his ass of so he can go home early.
He starts off by the counter because some of the things he and Jaejoong have taken out of the storage room were put here to be inspected and so he does. He picks up a box and puts it in the counter so he can inspect while standing rather than seeing but he put it a bit on the edge that it fell and he needs to pick what is contains from the ground, muttering curses to his self with how clumsy he has become. And then there is an engine going off and minutes later, a door opening and Eunhyuk guesses it maybe Jaejoong forgetting something.
“He-“
“Forgot some-“
Eunhyuk isn’t able to finish his sentence and his eyes rounds like saucers. There’s standing in the door ways is Lee Donghae and Eunhyuk doesn’t know how to react that moment.
“I-… I thought its open but then… I-“ Donghae stutters and every words he has spoken doubles Eunhyuk’s heart beat but he tries to compose his self and manage to generate even just small smile.
“Oh, it’s you…” Eunhyuk says and that’s the only thing he can get out of his mouth and he frankly wants to congratulate his self for even doing so.
“I… Should I just go back t-tomorrow?” Donghae stutters, his movements are sloppy as to what to approach, pointing outside or not and Eunhyuk nervousness eases to a fond chuckle. Even after so many years, Donghae hasn’t change much.
“No, it’s okay… you can stay if you like… you own this too you know.” Eunhyuk says, casual and that also alleviates Donghae for him to smile. “Though don’t expect me to serve you a drink since as you can see we are close.” Eunhyuk kids and they both end up in a joint laughter.
“Well, since I’ve been gone for years, maybe I should pay up with the time I haven’t done work for this café.” Donghae says, offering his self to help because he can see Eunhyuk’s hands in full of tasks and Eunhyuk doesn’t decline.
“True.” Eunhyuk replies, shrugging with a smile and starts working. Happy he won’t be alone in doing all the work that is left.
“Yunho, I’ve been asking you. Where are you going?” Jaejoong fidgets in his seat and Yunho seems to like teasing him in not saying anything about their destination. He purposely hums louder with the music in his player and Jaejoong pouts at that.
“YAH! JUNG YUNHO!” Jaejoong screams and Yunho finally cracks. “It isn’t funny!” Jaejoong sulks, crossing his arms above his chest, waiting for Yunho to stop laughing at him.
“Sorry, Jae… it’s just that you’re so cute when you’re angry.” Yunho says and it makes Jaejoong’s blood to rise up to his cheeks.
“Well… I- I’m not really angry.” He says, almost inaudible because of the music blasting inside Yunho’s car, and he’s actually shy about voicing it out. It’s really true he isn’t really angry. He’s even happy since it’s been ages since it’s just them hanging out for a trip or something. Usually, they only meet at the café or in Yunho’s pad when Jaejoong is making sure Yunho does eat. If they did hangout, it usually goes with the others. It’s just that Yunho just came unannounced, looking so dashing with his business suit and he on the other hand looks dirty and haggard with all the cleaning he and Eunhyuk have been doing. He isn’t even sure if he smells alright. He’s like Cinderella who is picked up by his Prince Charm- Wait! What the hell is he even thinking?
“Then why are you so tense?” Yunho chuckles and Jaejoong sulks more.
Jaejoong is able to mutter something along the lines of give and changes and that doesn’t ring any bell.
“Come again?”
“It’s nothing~” Jaejoong pouts to himself, glaring at Yunho.
“Jae… I won’t know if you don’t say it clearly.” Yunho coaxes and Jaejoong breathes out before giving in to Yunho’s request.
“I said, you should have let me change first in my pad before we go off somewhere. I look ugly.” Jaejoong sulks and Yunho sighs.
They stop at the red light in a crossing and Yunho finally gives Jaejoong a proper look. It makes Jaejoong shy all over again with how Yunho is looking at him, his cheeks possibly even growing redder.
“Jaejoong, you look wonderful no matter what you look and even if you do smell a bit.” Yunho starts and it makes his heart to flutter and his stomach flipping.
“Ya!” Jaejoong shouts, punching Yunho in the arm as the latter whines playfully. It’s a good thing the traffic light turns green and Yunho needs to concentrate back on driving or else the latter will see how red as tomato Jaejoong has become.
Jaejoong looks to the window and let the scenery occupies his mind and the music blasting in the car to soothe the thumping of his heart. All he knows is he’s looking forward in finding out where their destination is.
Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7
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Author’s Notes:
I can’t say much but I’m really sorry for making slow progress but to be honest, this is the first time I really concentrated in one story despite having 10+ on going ones. I don’t really want to complain but school and muses are being pain in my ass. And I’m a person who really can’t concentrate in one story, maybe that’s also why it’s harder for me to update but I’ll still try while doing my other fics too (hopefully)
I think until chapter 8, everything will be happening in one day in the story since I’ll be concentrating in all the couples. Aside from that, there will be confession going on, a heated part (rated part if I must say) in Chapter 8. You’ll get to know more about Automata in Chapter 12 ( 6 more to go). Okay, I think I spoiled too much. Sorry about that~
That’s all! Hope you still enjoy this mushy, bland chapter TT_TT Although, Arashi’s Ai Wo Utao helped me in getting the feeling in writing some parts. Kyaaah~ please let me spazz for a moment for Arashi’s Love Album! Kyaaah!!! Anyways, you can always talked to me through @6002TheMekMek for twitter, mekmek14 for tumblr and @TheMekMek(?) for ask.fm… That’s all. Hope to see you in the upcoming chapters.
P.S. I do spoil my stories huh? *grins*