Let's Play Pretend: Chapter 4
Title: Let's Play Pretend - Chapter 4
Genre: Romance, fluff, slight angst
Pairing: YunJae
Rating: PG-13; (NC-17 overall)
Summary: Jung Yunho finds himself stuck in a fake relationship with another man when he is very much straight and is secretly dating a very famous actress.
[ Chapter 4 ]
The Truth Behind Words
Yunho furiously paced back and forth along the corridor in front of Jaejoong’s apartment. He’d been waiting for the guy to show up, but that person must have ran off somewhere and was intent on avoiding him for the rest of the day. He seriously could not wait to tear him in shreds for making his life a living hell.
He tapped his foot impatiently, fingers clenched around his phone. Shit. Shit. He cursed mentally recalling what just happened.
Kim Jaejoong kissed me. That bastard kissed me.
“Yoochun,” he breathed when his friend finally picked up. “I can’t believe this is happening.” Yunho groaned into the phone.
“Just turn on the fucking TV and you’ll understand what I’m talking about!” he hissed when Yoochun asked him to clarify. “Come meet me at my place as soon as possible. I swear I’m going to kill him!” Yunho snarled, before hanging up.
“Now, now, calm down. There's no need for violence.” Jaejoong laughed. He was standing at the end of the long hallway, silently cursing to himself. He wasn’t really surprised to find Yunho there but he should have known better to stay in his hiding place for a bit longer.
Yunho stopped pacing, turning around quickly to the sound of that annoying voice.
“YOU!” he bolted into a run, pointing a finger at Jaejoong. His nose was flared, eyes only seeing red in anger.
He looked like a bull that was ready to strike. And by the looks of it, Jaejoong knew he was the target. Trusting his instincts, Jaejoong ran for his dear life.
He yelped as he frantically pushed the elevator buttons, and then dashed inside. But before the metal doors could close, however, Yunho surprisingly managed to jump in.
“Oh h-hi. Fancy seeing you here!” Jaejoong chuckled nervously.
“You think this is funny?” Yunho snarled. “Let’s see if you’ll still find it funny after I’m done with you-“
He pushed Jaejoong into a corner ready to strangle the wits out the guy when a clearing of throat was heard from behind. Yunho didn’t notice that another person had walked into the elevator behind him. To his major luck, it was the stuck up old lady from level 5.
“I've seen enough disturbing images of you two locking lips on my TV. I don't need to see any more of it,” she snapped in disapproval.
“It's not what it looks like! He-” Yunho sputtered as he quickly inched away.
Jaejoong was in a fit of silent laughter, gasping for air like a complete deranged man.
“You’re not getting away with this,” Yunho whispered angrily.
“Ma’am, I’m really sorry for how my boyfriend is acting,” Jaejoong bowed to the old lady who still looked at them in displeasure.
“No, I’m not his boyfriend-hey!” adding to Yunho’s grief and bewilderment, Jaejoong pinched his cheeks.
“Aw, baby. I know you can't get enough of me, but it’s not right to go around kissing me in public. We can't afford to cause another scene like that.” Jaejoong beamed before addressing the silent old lady again. “We're truly sorry for that, Granny.”
“Granny?! Y-you...!” The old lady huffed in insult and then ignored their presence completely. While the old lady sulked in a corner for being called old when she was only what, 50? Pssh.
Yunho on the other hand, stood at the side in complete embarrassment for an entirely different reason.
***
Yunho held a steady grip on Jaejoong’s arm as he dragged him to his own apartment. When they were inside, he pushed Jaejoong to the couch making the smaller guy wince at the sudden impact.
"That hurts,” Jaejoong grimaced and rubbed at his sore arm.
Jaejoong’s breath hitched when Yunho acted in reflex, and looking concerned despite his anger. He kneeled in front of him to check on the forming bruise. Yunho didn’t realize how intimate the two of them looked, but Jaejoong most certainly did.
“Sorry,” his fingers curled softly on Jaejoong’s elbow as he continued to fuss over it.
Jaejoong was no better. His heart did double jumping jacks as the scent of Yunho overwhelmed his senses. It was unnerving having Yunho so close to him.
“Ah, don’t worry. You’re forgiven,” he grinned.
Suddenly noticing the error in this situation, Yunho pulled away remembering that he was dealing with a manipulative person. This person was an enemy.
“No, you deserve it,” Yunho said curtly. His legs felt a little numb after all the chasing, so he sat himself on the couch as well but he made sure to keep the distance between them as wide as possible.
“Besides, shouldn’t you be the one asking for my forgiveness?”
Jaejoong gruffed something inaudible before he looked Yunho in the eye and then said, “I’m sorry.”
Yunho sighed, leaning back into the couch. He then pinched his nose bridge to calm himself down.
“I really don’t know what to do with you,” he grumbled, face tensed. “Tell me, what are you really trying to do?”
Jaejoong stared at him longingly. It was killing him to have Yunho this close but couldn’t do anything.
“I…” Jaejoong spoke softly.
- I needed you to notice me, was what he really wanted to say,
“I just really want to be friends with you. Can’t you at least give me a chance to redeem myself?”
Yunho stared at Jaejoong. For the first time, he saw how sincere the other was. And he even looked a little… sad.
“We can be friends,” Yunho answered back as softly. “But you should understand that we can never be more than that.”
“I know,“ Jaejoong smiled sadly. “It's not like I'm expecting you to see me that way. I just really want you to treat me like a normal person.”
“You know, it’s rather impossible to treat you that way when you don’t act like how a normal person should around me.”
“I thought for someone as famous and good-looking, you’re already used to dealing with crazed fans,” Jaejoong chuckled. “Okay, promise, I'll tone down the flirting,” he winked.
“You’re worse, you know that.”
There was an eerie silence for a few minutes, before Jaejoong started to talk again.
“So… um, I don’t know if it’s the right time to ask,” Jaejoong fidgeted nervously. “It’s about Yoochun’s idea. You know, it’s okay if… I’ll understand.”
Jaejoong held his breath. Please, at least give it a try.
Yunho sighed in defeat.
“I’d like to try, honestly. It might work.”
“What?” Jaejoong blinked and even panicked inside for a second. But he knew better, Yunho couldn’t have heard his thoughts.
“I mean, really?” his face brightened, but it didn’t even last for more than two seconds as he was reminded yet again of how one-sided this whole thing was.
“But I still need to talk to my girlfriend about this.”
Jaejoong nodded silently.
Yes he agreed to a lot of messed up things like this fake relationship with Yunho. He was well aware of the consequences; and he knew that getting hurt in the process was part of it. But to pretend that he was okay with Yunho being in love with someone else, was by far the hardest one to take in this whole ordeal.
Just when they were getting comfortable around each other, the awkward silence reared its ugly head once again and pierced the air between them. Yunho shifted uncomfortably, while Jaejoong stared into space.
Yunho peered at Jaejoong and wondered if he often zoned out like that. He blinked as he noticed that he was staring longer than necessary. He then cleared his throat when the uncomfortable silence became unbearable… to him at least. Jaejoong still looked lost in his own little world.
“You, uh, want anything to drink?”
“I thought you’d never stop staring,” Jaejoong smiled a little, gazing back at Yunho. “You were starting to make me uncomfortable,” he beamed, but his earsplitting grin said otherwise.
Yunho looked away, face flushed.
“Do you want a drink, or not?” he spat.
“A glass of water is fine.”
Jaejoong tried to suppress his laughter as he watched Yunho took off to the kitchen without sparing him a glance.
Yunho dashed to the sink and splashed cold water on his face. He closed his eyes, trying to steady his breathing. He wasn’t exactly sure why but Jaejoong was really making him… twitchy.
Oh right, he needed a glass of water.
He placed a mug on the kitchen counter and was pouring the liquid on it when he sensed a presence behind him. He turned and nearly dropped the glass container when he found himself face to face with Jaejoong who looked just as surprised.
“What are you doing here?!” Yunho gasped. “You almost gave me a heart attack.”
“And why are you so jumpy?” Jaejoong’s eyebrows rose in wonder and then he frowned noticing Yunho’s moist face.
“You’re soaked.”
“Huh?” Yunho blinked. “Oh, it’s nothing,” he stammered. “I needed to freshen up.”
Jaejoong looked at him weirdly. “No wonder you took so long. Okay well, here, let me get that.” He took the jug out of Yunho’s firm grasp and then continued filling up the mug.
Yunho stood awkwardly on the side as he looked at Jaejoong took a swig, hurriedly trying to quench his thirst.
“Ah, that felt good.” Jaejoong enjoyed the feel of cold water go down his throat.
Jaejoong noticed Yunho was staring again, so he licked his lips deliberately. He moved closer while Yunho stumbled a step backwards, his lower back hitting the counter.
“You want?” Jaejoong whispered, cornering Yunho into the cold marble counter behind him.
Yunho blinked.
“Uh.”
“You’re acting strange,” Jaejoong said, a smile tugging on his lips. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re attracted to me.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” Yunho averted his gaze. Grabbing the cup, and gulping the drink in one go.
Jaejoong just laughed, shaking his head as he moved away.
The entire evening, Yunho continued to snap at him while Jaejoong remained playful with his words. Jaejoong thought it was a good sign that Yunho hadn’t thrown him out of the apartment even after all the teasing. And adding to his complete excitement, Yunho began to ease up eventually and started smiling at Jaejoong’s jokes.
“You should smile more often,” Jaejoong suggested. “You look a lot better smiling and a lot less scary. You look terrifying with that constant scowl on your face.”
“I don’t scowl,” Yunho’s eyebrows furrowed. He was still a little vigilant, because it bothered him that he actually got along with Jaejoong when he took the time to get to know the guy better.
“You’re doing it right now!” Jaejoong sniggered.
Yunho rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help the smile that started to form on his lips. He wondered if he and Jaejoong could have become good friends if he didn’t let their differences get in the way. It even wouldn’t have escalated into animosity.
“Hey Jaejoong.”
“Yeah?”
“I know I’ve said some hurtful things to you before, ” Yunho hesitated a little. “I want to apologize.”
“Apology accepted,” Jaejoong chuckled. “Yunho?”
“What?”
“I’m sorry I ruined your dates before. And I’m sorry I kissed you,” Jaejoong said with a sheepish grin.
Yunho glared, “don’t remind me.”
Jaejoong bit his lip in nervousness; scared he’d offended the other for bringing it up.
But when Yunho started laughing a little as he recalled Jaejoong’s silly antics in sabotaging his dates, Jaejoong laughed along realizing Yunho was just teasing and that he was already forgiven.
It was just one night together, and Yunho already felt the difference of how the two of them interacted. It was refreshing, Yunho thought. But he would never admit that he especially found Jaejoong’s personality interesting.
A slight beep signaling someone’s entered the apartment disrupted the on-going friendly dispute between the two guys.
“It must be Yoochun. I asked him to come over.”
Yunho got up leaving Jaejoong on the couch flipping though pages of magazines that he had modeled in. Yunho grinned, anticipating to see the look of surprise on his friend’s face if he found Jaejoong here.
“Yoochun, I was just going to call-”
He honestly thought this day wasn’t going to get any more exhilarating after the roller coaster ride of emotions he’d just experienced. But apparently, fate wasn’t done with him.
Not by a long shot.
Yunho didn’t expect to see his girlfriend this soon. He wasn’t ready yet; he didn’t know how to explain things to her.
“You thought of calling Yoochun, but not me?”
There she was, standing by the doorway, looking as glamorous as ever.
“Soojin-ah, listen. I tried calling you but I couldn’t get through,” Yunho reasoned, attempting to wrap his arms around her. But she pushed him away.
“Do you know why?” she said through gritted teeth.
“It’s because my phone’s been ringing off the hook, Yunho,” she glared, slamming the door behind her. “Every god damn reporter in Seoul is trying to reach me. Apparently, my ‘rumored’ boyfriend was seen making out with another man on national TV!”
“Wait, just… calm down, let me explain,” Yunho tried to reason with her.
Jaejoong heard the commotion. He didn’t mean to intrude; he thought it was Yoochun at the door and figured it was okay to check on what the racket was all about.
“Yunho? Why are you guys not coming in yet?” Jaejoong strode to where Yunho was standing.
Yunho’s back was turned to him, and seemed to be in a heated discussion with someone. His eyes widened however when he noticed who the model was currently talking to. It was definitely not Yoochun.
Jaejoong was just about to turn away when small piercing eyes met his own.
“What is he doing here?” she pointed at his direction, clearly scandalized at Jaejoong’s presence in Yunho’s apartment.
Jaejoong stilled. He felt out of place all of a sudden, and didn’t know where to look. His silly heart was hoping for a lot of things-in his mind, Yunho would dump the girlfriend and choose him. He would tell her that he finally found someone he really connected with. She would walk out of the door, and Yunho would turn back to him and ask him to please, stay the night.
But like always, he knew better.
When Jaejoong looked at those brown eyes, it was guilt like he did wrong for letting Jaejoong stay. Did he regret the small moment they just shared? He honestly thought Yunho looked genuinely happy when he was talking to him. Or was he too blinded by his affection for Yunho that his mind made him believe things?
Despite having conflicting thoughts about the situation, Jaejoong beamed at her direction and held her gaze.
“Hi. You must be Yunho’s girlfriend,” he approached the couple. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Jaejoong, by the way. Yunho’s boyfriend.”
“WHAT?” she gasped.
“Jaejoong!” Yunho’s eyes widened.
“Jeez, learn to take a joke,” he chuckled. “I’m just kidding!” Jaejoong decided it was best to not make things even more complicated. Besides, they were just starting to become friends again, and trying to upset the girlfriend would only bring them back to square one.
“Just kidding?” she laughed bitterly. “Oh I’m sorry that I can’t deal with jokes right now, especially coming from someone who just publicly made out with my boyfriend.”
“It was inappropriate. You’re right,” Jaejooong bit his lip in attempt to hold his laughter. “I’m sorry.”
“Jaejoong,” Yunho sighed. “I need to talk to her in private.”
“Okay, it’s time for me to go anyway,” he nodded. He turned to leave when Yunho caught his arm.
“No, wait. Don’t leave just yet. We need to talk after I explain to her everything,” Yunho explained.
Jaejoong nodded curtly, chest clenching in torment as he watched Yunho led her to the bedroom.
***
Yunho stood nervously in the center of the dimly lit room. He watched her raise her hand in exasperation after he explained how the situation had gone to this.
“But he didn’t have to kiss you, Yunho!” she snapped.
“I know sweetheart. Jaejoong just got a little bit carried away-the kiss didn’t mean anything.” Yunho had no idea why he was lying for Jaejoong, but all he cared at the moment was he needed to get Jaejoong on her good side to make this entire thing work.
She remained silent, and kept looking out the huge glass window in thought.
“But if you really don’t want this, then I can find some other way to fix things.” Yunho said, walking up to her and hugged her from behind.
“No, what’s done is done,” she sighed. “Just… just don’t overdo it.”
“Okay,” Yunho nodded.
“You can trust me.”
He was so sure of himself. Never did it cross his mind that he would falter and would break that trust. Most importantly, he didn’t know it had already hit him and that it would intensify so soon.
***
Jaejoong stared at his clenched fist. It wasn’t that long since the couple disappeared into the bedroom, but to him it felt like he’d sat there for the longest time already-long enough to complete one sad love song or two.
It was a bit funny how the current setting mocked him and his feelings. There he was, waiting pathetically, wishing for the man he loved to come to him-
At that exact moment, the bedroom door opened. And out came Yunho, with his arm circled around her waist.
-Only to be brutally slapped with this kind of reality.
Jaejoong smiled, eyeing Yunho carefully and then scrutinized her. Well, at least he was sure they didn’t have make up sex while he was there.
“I don’t want it to happen again,” she said. It brought Jaejoong’s attention back to her.
“What?” Jaejoong blinked at her direction and then to Yunho who remained frozen at her side.
“I’m saying that kissing my boyfriend is not part of the deal,” she pressed. “If you try do tricks like that again, then this whole thing is off.”
“You mean…?” Jaejoong muttered in disbelief. She was agreeing for real?
“You didn’t answer me,” she repeated tersely.
He grinned.
“You don’t have to worry about that. It won’t happen again. Right, Yunho?”
“Yes, it won’t.” Yunho surveyed Jaejoong in distrust. Because the way the other was looking at him, somehow, he wasn’t sure if Jaejoong would really keep that promise.
They then discussed a few things. She was clearly drawing the line as this was just a business deal… nothing more, nothing less.
The first thing they especially wanted to ‘work’ on was how they should treat each other in a civil manner. Then of course there was her set of rules-like what Jaejoong and Yunho can and can’t do in public to be precise and a bunch of things added that Jaejoong wasn’t really interested in-because who was the lady kidding? He was going to break them all anyway.
Yunho and Jaejoong were left alone again as Soojin excused herself to the bedroom to take a business call in private. Jaejoong also thought it was time for him to leave and didn’t want to overstay his welcome.
“Well, it’s late. I better get going.” Jaejoong smiled, walking closer to where Yunho was standing.
The other stepped back but Jaejoong closed the proximity again, stepping a few steps forward… and then a little closer.
Yunho flinched. “What are you doing?”
He chuckled. “Don't be scared. I just want to give you a goodnight kiss.”
“You know you can’t do that,” Yunho hissed.
Jaejong chuckled. “I know. I'm just teasing.”
Yunho relaxed a bit. But just when he thought it was safe to lower his guard, Jaejoong leaned closer to whisper in his ear.
"I bet you wish I’d kiss you again. ‘Cause you gotta admit, I'm a much better kisser than her.”
Jaejoong lightly grazed his lips on Yunho's cheek and then pulled back innocently, grinning from ear to ear like he just didn’t do anything so forward.
“What made you think that?” Yunho stammered, finally recovering from the shock. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but you’re a horrible kisser.”
“Don’t lie,” Jaejoong hummed. “I know what my mouth is capable of, Yunho.”
Yunho was flustered.
“Get out,” his teeth clenched in annoyance as he shoved Jaejoong out the door.
“I’ll see you tomorrow!” Jaejoong yelled through the door, a rich sound of laughter reaching Yunho’s ears. “Good night Yunho!”
He didn’t really thought of that kiss. Guess he was too preoccupied of thoughts about making Jaejoong suffer for embarrasing him in public, that he didn’t have time to dwell on the feel of that kiss they shared… until now.
.
When Soojin finally appeared back inside the living room, she was a little shocked the moment Yunho suddenly pulled her into a kiss.
“Babe?” She searched his eyes as he watched him slightly pull back with a faint frown decorating his face. “What’s wrong?”
I'm a much better kisser than her.
“It's… nothing.”
Part 5 >>
A/N: I'm sorry it took ages before I updated. =/ So I made this chapter longer than usual to make up for my absence. You can treat this like a double update.
Now, on to the story! How was it? Please leave comments about what you think. I really need them so I know what to work on. I may not be diligent in replying comments, but I do read them and appreciate each one of you who take the tiem to leave words of encouragement. Thank you very much! Wish me luck on the next update, I hope it won’t take me weeks this time.
By the way, I decided to make Park Soojin as Yunho's girlfriend. If you're not familiar with her, she's that actress who played Yunho’s girlfriend in J-Rich's music video: Goodbye My Love
Genre: Romance, fluff, slight angst
Pairing: YunJae
Rating: PG-13; (NC-17 overall)
Summary: Jung Yunho finds himself stuck in a fake relationship with another man when he is very much straight and is secretly dating a very famous actress.
[ Chapter 4 ]
The Truth Behind Words
Yunho furiously paced back and forth along the corridor in front of Jaejoong’s apartment. He’d been waiting for the guy to show up, but that person must have ran off somewhere and was intent on avoiding him for the rest of the day. He seriously could not wait to tear him in shreds for making his life a living hell.
He tapped his foot impatiently, fingers clenched around his phone. Shit. Shit. He cursed mentally recalling what just happened.
Kim Jaejoong kissed me. That bastard kissed me.
“Yoochun,” he breathed when his friend finally picked up. “I can’t believe this is happening.” Yunho groaned into the phone.
“Just turn on the fucking TV and you’ll understand what I’m talking about!” he hissed when Yoochun asked him to clarify. “Come meet me at my place as soon as possible. I swear I’m going to kill him!” Yunho snarled, before hanging up.
“Now, now, calm down. There's no need for violence.” Jaejoong laughed. He was standing at the end of the long hallway, silently cursing to himself. He wasn’t really surprised to find Yunho there but he should have known better to stay in his hiding place for a bit longer.
Yunho stopped pacing, turning around quickly to the sound of that annoying voice.
“YOU!” he bolted into a run, pointing a finger at Jaejoong. His nose was flared, eyes only seeing red in anger.
He looked like a bull that was ready to strike. And by the looks of it, Jaejoong knew he was the target. Trusting his instincts, Jaejoong ran for his dear life.
He yelped as he frantically pushed the elevator buttons, and then dashed inside. But before the metal doors could close, however, Yunho surprisingly managed to jump in.
“Oh h-hi. Fancy seeing you here!” Jaejoong chuckled nervously.
“You think this is funny?” Yunho snarled. “Let’s see if you’ll still find it funny after I’m done with you-“
He pushed Jaejoong into a corner ready to strangle the wits out the guy when a clearing of throat was heard from behind. Yunho didn’t notice that another person had walked into the elevator behind him. To his major luck, it was the stuck up old lady from level 5.
“I've seen enough disturbing images of you two locking lips on my TV. I don't need to see any more of it,” she snapped in disapproval.
“It's not what it looks like! He-” Yunho sputtered as he quickly inched away.
Jaejoong was in a fit of silent laughter, gasping for air like a complete deranged man.
“You’re not getting away with this,” Yunho whispered angrily.
“Ma’am, I’m really sorry for how my boyfriend is acting,” Jaejoong bowed to the old lady who still looked at them in displeasure.
“No, I’m not his boyfriend-hey!” adding to Yunho’s grief and bewilderment, Jaejoong pinched his cheeks.
“Aw, baby. I know you can't get enough of me, but it’s not right to go around kissing me in public. We can't afford to cause another scene like that.” Jaejoong beamed before addressing the silent old lady again. “We're truly sorry for that, Granny.”
“Granny?! Y-you...!” The old lady huffed in insult and then ignored their presence completely. While the old lady sulked in a corner for being called old when she was only what, 50? Pssh.
Yunho on the other hand, stood at the side in complete embarrassment for an entirely different reason.
***
Yunho held a steady grip on Jaejoong’s arm as he dragged him to his own apartment. When they were inside, he pushed Jaejoong to the couch making the smaller guy wince at the sudden impact.
"That hurts,” Jaejoong grimaced and rubbed at his sore arm.
Jaejoong’s breath hitched when Yunho acted in reflex, and looking concerned despite his anger. He kneeled in front of him to check on the forming bruise. Yunho didn’t realize how intimate the two of them looked, but Jaejoong most certainly did.
“Sorry,” his fingers curled softly on Jaejoong’s elbow as he continued to fuss over it.
Jaejoong was no better. His heart did double jumping jacks as the scent of Yunho overwhelmed his senses. It was unnerving having Yunho so close to him.
“Ah, don’t worry. You’re forgiven,” he grinned.
Suddenly noticing the error in this situation, Yunho pulled away remembering that he was dealing with a manipulative person. This person was an enemy.
“No, you deserve it,” Yunho said curtly. His legs felt a little numb after all the chasing, so he sat himself on the couch as well but he made sure to keep the distance between them as wide as possible.
“Besides, shouldn’t you be the one asking for my forgiveness?”
Jaejoong gruffed something inaudible before he looked Yunho in the eye and then said, “I’m sorry.”
Yunho sighed, leaning back into the couch. He then pinched his nose bridge to calm himself down.
“I really don’t know what to do with you,” he grumbled, face tensed. “Tell me, what are you really trying to do?”
Jaejoong stared at him longingly. It was killing him to have Yunho this close but couldn’t do anything.
“I…” Jaejoong spoke softly.
- I needed you to notice me, was what he really wanted to say,
“I just really want to be friends with you. Can’t you at least give me a chance to redeem myself?”
Yunho stared at Jaejoong. For the first time, he saw how sincere the other was. And he even looked a little… sad.
“We can be friends,” Yunho answered back as softly. “But you should understand that we can never be more than that.”
“I know,“ Jaejoong smiled sadly. “It's not like I'm expecting you to see me that way. I just really want you to treat me like a normal person.”
“You know, it’s rather impossible to treat you that way when you don’t act like how a normal person should around me.”
“I thought for someone as famous and good-looking, you’re already used to dealing with crazed fans,” Jaejoong chuckled. “Okay, promise, I'll tone down the flirting,” he winked.
“You’re worse, you know that.”
There was an eerie silence for a few minutes, before Jaejoong started to talk again.
“So… um, I don’t know if it’s the right time to ask,” Jaejoong fidgeted nervously. “It’s about Yoochun’s idea. You know, it’s okay if… I’ll understand.”
Jaejoong held his breath. Please, at least give it a try.
Yunho sighed in defeat.
“I’d like to try, honestly. It might work.”
“What?” Jaejoong blinked and even panicked inside for a second. But he knew better, Yunho couldn’t have heard his thoughts.
“I mean, really?” his face brightened, but it didn’t even last for more than two seconds as he was reminded yet again of how one-sided this whole thing was.
“But I still need to talk to my girlfriend about this.”
Jaejoong nodded silently.
Yes he agreed to a lot of messed up things like this fake relationship with Yunho. He was well aware of the consequences; and he knew that getting hurt in the process was part of it. But to pretend that he was okay with Yunho being in love with someone else, was by far the hardest one to take in this whole ordeal.
Just when they were getting comfortable around each other, the awkward silence reared its ugly head once again and pierced the air between them. Yunho shifted uncomfortably, while Jaejoong stared into space.
Yunho peered at Jaejoong and wondered if he often zoned out like that. He blinked as he noticed that he was staring longer than necessary. He then cleared his throat when the uncomfortable silence became unbearable… to him at least. Jaejoong still looked lost in his own little world.
“You, uh, want anything to drink?”
“I thought you’d never stop staring,” Jaejoong smiled a little, gazing back at Yunho. “You were starting to make me uncomfortable,” he beamed, but his earsplitting grin said otherwise.
Yunho looked away, face flushed.
“Do you want a drink, or not?” he spat.
“A glass of water is fine.”
Jaejoong tried to suppress his laughter as he watched Yunho took off to the kitchen without sparing him a glance.
Yunho dashed to the sink and splashed cold water on his face. He closed his eyes, trying to steady his breathing. He wasn’t exactly sure why but Jaejoong was really making him… twitchy.
Oh right, he needed a glass of water.
He placed a mug on the kitchen counter and was pouring the liquid on it when he sensed a presence behind him. He turned and nearly dropped the glass container when he found himself face to face with Jaejoong who looked just as surprised.
“What are you doing here?!” Yunho gasped. “You almost gave me a heart attack.”
“And why are you so jumpy?” Jaejoong’s eyebrows rose in wonder and then he frowned noticing Yunho’s moist face.
“You’re soaked.”
“Huh?” Yunho blinked. “Oh, it’s nothing,” he stammered. “I needed to freshen up.”
Jaejoong looked at him weirdly. “No wonder you took so long. Okay well, here, let me get that.” He took the jug out of Yunho’s firm grasp and then continued filling up the mug.
Yunho stood awkwardly on the side as he looked at Jaejoong took a swig, hurriedly trying to quench his thirst.
“Ah, that felt good.” Jaejoong enjoyed the feel of cold water go down his throat.
Jaejoong noticed Yunho was staring again, so he licked his lips deliberately. He moved closer while Yunho stumbled a step backwards, his lower back hitting the counter.
“You want?” Jaejoong whispered, cornering Yunho into the cold marble counter behind him.
Yunho blinked.
“Uh.”
“You’re acting strange,” Jaejoong said, a smile tugging on his lips. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re attracted to me.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” Yunho averted his gaze. Grabbing the cup, and gulping the drink in one go.
Jaejoong just laughed, shaking his head as he moved away.
The entire evening, Yunho continued to snap at him while Jaejoong remained playful with his words. Jaejoong thought it was a good sign that Yunho hadn’t thrown him out of the apartment even after all the teasing. And adding to his complete excitement, Yunho began to ease up eventually and started smiling at Jaejoong’s jokes.
“You should smile more often,” Jaejoong suggested. “You look a lot better smiling and a lot less scary. You look terrifying with that constant scowl on your face.”
“I don’t scowl,” Yunho’s eyebrows furrowed. He was still a little vigilant, because it bothered him that he actually got along with Jaejoong when he took the time to get to know the guy better.
“You’re doing it right now!” Jaejoong sniggered.
Yunho rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help the smile that started to form on his lips. He wondered if he and Jaejoong could have become good friends if he didn’t let their differences get in the way. It even wouldn’t have escalated into animosity.
“Hey Jaejoong.”
“Yeah?”
“I know I’ve said some hurtful things to you before, ” Yunho hesitated a little. “I want to apologize.”
“Apology accepted,” Jaejoong chuckled. “Yunho?”
“What?”
“I’m sorry I ruined your dates before. And I’m sorry I kissed you,” Jaejoong said with a sheepish grin.
Yunho glared, “don’t remind me.”
Jaejoong bit his lip in nervousness; scared he’d offended the other for bringing it up.
But when Yunho started laughing a little as he recalled Jaejoong’s silly antics in sabotaging his dates, Jaejoong laughed along realizing Yunho was just teasing and that he was already forgiven.
It was just one night together, and Yunho already felt the difference of how the two of them interacted. It was refreshing, Yunho thought. But he would never admit that he especially found Jaejoong’s personality interesting.
A slight beep signaling someone’s entered the apartment disrupted the on-going friendly dispute between the two guys.
“It must be Yoochun. I asked him to come over.”
Yunho got up leaving Jaejoong on the couch flipping though pages of magazines that he had modeled in. Yunho grinned, anticipating to see the look of surprise on his friend’s face if he found Jaejoong here.
“Yoochun, I was just going to call-”
He honestly thought this day wasn’t going to get any more exhilarating after the roller coaster ride of emotions he’d just experienced. But apparently, fate wasn’t done with him.
Not by a long shot.
Yunho didn’t expect to see his girlfriend this soon. He wasn’t ready yet; he didn’t know how to explain things to her.
“You thought of calling Yoochun, but not me?”
There she was, standing by the doorway, looking as glamorous as ever.
“Soojin-ah, listen. I tried calling you but I couldn’t get through,” Yunho reasoned, attempting to wrap his arms around her. But she pushed him away.
“Do you know why?” she said through gritted teeth.
“It’s because my phone’s been ringing off the hook, Yunho,” she glared, slamming the door behind her. “Every god damn reporter in Seoul is trying to reach me. Apparently, my ‘rumored’ boyfriend was seen making out with another man on national TV!”
“Wait, just… calm down, let me explain,” Yunho tried to reason with her.
Jaejoong heard the commotion. He didn’t mean to intrude; he thought it was Yoochun at the door and figured it was okay to check on what the racket was all about.
“Yunho? Why are you guys not coming in yet?” Jaejoong strode to where Yunho was standing.
Yunho’s back was turned to him, and seemed to be in a heated discussion with someone. His eyes widened however when he noticed who the model was currently talking to. It was definitely not Yoochun.
Jaejoong was just about to turn away when small piercing eyes met his own.
“What is he doing here?” she pointed at his direction, clearly scandalized at Jaejoong’s presence in Yunho’s apartment.
Jaejoong stilled. He felt out of place all of a sudden, and didn’t know where to look. His silly heart was hoping for a lot of things-in his mind, Yunho would dump the girlfriend and choose him. He would tell her that he finally found someone he really connected with. She would walk out of the door, and Yunho would turn back to him and ask him to please, stay the night.
But like always, he knew better.
When Jaejoong looked at those brown eyes, it was guilt like he did wrong for letting Jaejoong stay. Did he regret the small moment they just shared? He honestly thought Yunho looked genuinely happy when he was talking to him. Or was he too blinded by his affection for Yunho that his mind made him believe things?
Despite having conflicting thoughts about the situation, Jaejoong beamed at her direction and held her gaze.
“Hi. You must be Yunho’s girlfriend,” he approached the couple. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Jaejoong, by the way. Yunho’s boyfriend.”
“WHAT?” she gasped.
“Jaejoong!” Yunho’s eyes widened.
“Jeez, learn to take a joke,” he chuckled. “I’m just kidding!” Jaejoong decided it was best to not make things even more complicated. Besides, they were just starting to become friends again, and trying to upset the girlfriend would only bring them back to square one.
“Just kidding?” she laughed bitterly. “Oh I’m sorry that I can’t deal with jokes right now, especially coming from someone who just publicly made out with my boyfriend.”
“It was inappropriate. You’re right,” Jaejooong bit his lip in attempt to hold his laughter. “I’m sorry.”
“Jaejoong,” Yunho sighed. “I need to talk to her in private.”
“Okay, it’s time for me to go anyway,” he nodded. He turned to leave when Yunho caught his arm.
“No, wait. Don’t leave just yet. We need to talk after I explain to her everything,” Yunho explained.
Jaejoong nodded curtly, chest clenching in torment as he watched Yunho led her to the bedroom.
***
Yunho stood nervously in the center of the dimly lit room. He watched her raise her hand in exasperation after he explained how the situation had gone to this.
“But he didn’t have to kiss you, Yunho!” she snapped.
“I know sweetheart. Jaejoong just got a little bit carried away-the kiss didn’t mean anything.” Yunho had no idea why he was lying for Jaejoong, but all he cared at the moment was he needed to get Jaejoong on her good side to make this entire thing work.
She remained silent, and kept looking out the huge glass window in thought.
“But if you really don’t want this, then I can find some other way to fix things.” Yunho said, walking up to her and hugged her from behind.
“No, what’s done is done,” she sighed. “Just… just don’t overdo it.”
“Okay,” Yunho nodded.
“You can trust me.”
He was so sure of himself. Never did it cross his mind that he would falter and would break that trust. Most importantly, he didn’t know it had already hit him and that it would intensify so soon.
***
Jaejoong stared at his clenched fist. It wasn’t that long since the couple disappeared into the bedroom, but to him it felt like he’d sat there for the longest time already-long enough to complete one sad love song or two.
It was a bit funny how the current setting mocked him and his feelings. There he was, waiting pathetically, wishing for the man he loved to come to him-
At that exact moment, the bedroom door opened. And out came Yunho, with his arm circled around her waist.
-Only to be brutally slapped with this kind of reality.
Jaejoong smiled, eyeing Yunho carefully and then scrutinized her. Well, at least he was sure they didn’t have make up sex while he was there.
“I don’t want it to happen again,” she said. It brought Jaejoong’s attention back to her.
“What?” Jaejoong blinked at her direction and then to Yunho who remained frozen at her side.
“I’m saying that kissing my boyfriend is not part of the deal,” she pressed. “If you try do tricks like that again, then this whole thing is off.”
“You mean…?” Jaejoong muttered in disbelief. She was agreeing for real?
“You didn’t answer me,” she repeated tersely.
He grinned.
“You don’t have to worry about that. It won’t happen again. Right, Yunho?”
“Yes, it won’t.” Yunho surveyed Jaejoong in distrust. Because the way the other was looking at him, somehow, he wasn’t sure if Jaejoong would really keep that promise.
They then discussed a few things. She was clearly drawing the line as this was just a business deal… nothing more, nothing less.
The first thing they especially wanted to ‘work’ on was how they should treat each other in a civil manner. Then of course there was her set of rules-like what Jaejoong and Yunho can and can’t do in public to be precise and a bunch of things added that Jaejoong wasn’t really interested in-because who was the lady kidding? He was going to break them all anyway.
Yunho and Jaejoong were left alone again as Soojin excused herself to the bedroom to take a business call in private. Jaejoong also thought it was time for him to leave and didn’t want to overstay his welcome.
“Well, it’s late. I better get going.” Jaejoong smiled, walking closer to where Yunho was standing.
The other stepped back but Jaejoong closed the proximity again, stepping a few steps forward… and then a little closer.
Yunho flinched. “What are you doing?”
He chuckled. “Don't be scared. I just want to give you a goodnight kiss.”
“You know you can’t do that,” Yunho hissed.
Jaejong chuckled. “I know. I'm just teasing.”
Yunho relaxed a bit. But just when he thought it was safe to lower his guard, Jaejoong leaned closer to whisper in his ear.
"I bet you wish I’d kiss you again. ‘Cause you gotta admit, I'm a much better kisser than her.”
Jaejoong lightly grazed his lips on Yunho's cheek and then pulled back innocently, grinning from ear to ear like he just didn’t do anything so forward.
“What made you think that?” Yunho stammered, finally recovering from the shock. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but you’re a horrible kisser.”
“Don’t lie,” Jaejoong hummed. “I know what my mouth is capable of, Yunho.”
Yunho was flustered.
“Get out,” his teeth clenched in annoyance as he shoved Jaejoong out the door.
“I’ll see you tomorrow!” Jaejoong yelled through the door, a rich sound of laughter reaching Yunho’s ears. “Good night Yunho!”
He didn’t really thought of that kiss. Guess he was too preoccupied of thoughts about making Jaejoong suffer for embarrasing him in public, that he didn’t have time to dwell on the feel of that kiss they shared… until now.
.
When Soojin finally appeared back inside the living room, she was a little shocked the moment Yunho suddenly pulled her into a kiss.
“Babe?” She searched his eyes as he watched him slightly pull back with a faint frown decorating his face. “What’s wrong?”
I'm a much better kisser than her.
“It's… nothing.”
Part 5 >>
A/N: I'm sorry it took ages before I updated. =/ So I made this chapter longer than usual to make up for my absence. You can treat this like a double update.
Now, on to the story! How was it? Please leave comments about what you think. I really need them so I know what to work on. I may not be diligent in replying comments, but I do read them and appreciate each one of you who take the tiem to leave words of encouragement. Thank you very much! Wish me luck on the next update, I hope it won’t take me weeks this time.
By the way, I decided to make Park Soojin as Yunho's girlfriend. If you're not familiar with her, she's that actress who played Yunho’s girlfriend in J-Rich's music video: Goodbye My Love