The Cry of the Silent Ones (Yunho x Jaejoong) - Chapter Ten
**Note: The picture is a resized wallpaper that I DID NOT make and for which I take no credit.**
Promotional Video
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
The Cry of the Silent Ones (Chapter Ten)
Pairing: Yunho (DBSK) x Jaejoong (DBSK).
Category: K-Pop.
Length: Multi-chaptered.
Genres: Angst, drama, humor, romance.
Rating: NC-17 for this chapter.
Warning: Homosexuality, light swearing, sexual implications, violence, war situations.
Summary: Yunho is a journalist from Hyemang who goes to Eodum, a backwater country where a tyrant leader is repressing the population with the aid of the military. There, a huge inner conflict is raging and a civil war threatens to break out at any time. Little does he know that news coverage isn't all he's going there for... He might soon become more deeply involved in the crisis than he had first planned.
***
[Jaejoong’s POV]
Of all horrors that I’ve had to witness in my humble, short life, this has got to be one of the worst... Seeing my best friend’s hand come this close to being swallowed up by a gigantic machine is not the kind of thing I want to see. If possible, I’d like to avoid having to pick up her detached limbs from the dusty floor of my workplace, one after the other…
But the truth can’t be concealed forever…
The factory has probably seen more bloodshed than a veritable battlefield.
Regrettably, this type of event happens much too often. I would venture to say that those mutilating accidents have become a sad part of every worker’s routine…
One might think the mill to be under some sort of spell that continuously fuels everyone’s bad luck, but the truth is most of the mishaps could be avoided if better safety measures were adopted. However, I don’t think any of us will see the day when the boss even considers that option… and if someone were to make the suggestion, they’d most likely be handed over to the leader on a silver platter.
How insulting would it be for a superior to receive advice from such a lowlife?
Sounds horrible, doesn’t it? And yet, this is what they think of us.
“It’s ironic how my job could have cost me my life… literally.” Chohee drawls out in a musing tone as we stop by the front door of her house, finally voicing out what she’d been turning over in her head on the way. Of course she’s referring to the fact that it’s the sleeve of her textile uniform that almost dragged her to her death - her work uniform, incidentally. A strange coincidence in itself.
The ironic play on words doesn’t make me smile, though.
“I guess I wasn’t meant to work in that field.” She tries to joke, her voice quivering subtly. It appears quite obvious that she’s still shaken by what happened to her, even though she’s trying to be so strong.
Somehow, I’m worried about her. Will she be alright?
Taking hold of her upper arms while squeezing them slightly, I encourage her to look at me. I know I should be hurrying back, but I have to make sure that she can afford to be alone with herself right now. “Do you want me to stay with you a little? Until you’re feeling better? That guy’s already beyond mad with me, so I don’t think it could make things much worse if I make him wait a little…”
No matter what I do, he always finds something to blame me for.
What difference would it make?
But she shakes her head without having to consider the offer. “It would, I’m sure. Head back quickly before he decides that he’s had enough with you. Eunhae and you need that job.”
She smiles as she says that and I release my hold on her, freeing her from my grip.
True - she does have a point.
Still I feel slightly bad to leave her like that, even if what I’m going back to isn’t the most pleasant task out there. Intent on bringing a smile to her face - or remove the frown from my own - I attempt to lift her mood. “Cheer up, honey. You’ll definitely find something a lot better suited for you… I’ll help you. Until then, if there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate… Okay?”
There are few things I wouldn’t do for her. She only has to ask.
“I know.” She assures me, thus confirming that she’s aware of that fact. “Thank you, Jaejoongie… Thanks for saving me.” Her voice shaking once again, she pulls me in a tight hug that I soon return. Maybe it will take time, but she’s definitely going to make it through this tough patch. I’ve seen her pick herself up after being knocked down by much worse hardships than that…
“Don’t mention it, noona.” I mutter in the crook of her neck before letting go of her.
It was what I wanted to do. Nothing less.
“Now go.” Chohee bids me to take my leave, making a vague gesture in the direction of the textile mill. “Come on… Don’t risk getting into any more trouble than you’re already in.” Sensing my remaining hesitation, she pushes my shoulder gently, encouraging me to do as she says.
Reluctant, I start walking backwards of my own will, slowly. Because I’m still looking at her, I can see a shadow pass over her face, indicating that she just thought of something. She seems to hesitate for a moment, but then she decides to voice her worries. “And Jaejoongie? …Be careful, okay? You know what he wants… Please don’t let him get to you.”
Even if she doesn’t specify who she’s talking about, I know all too well. After nodding bitterly, I whirl around, prepared to face the consequences of my acts.
Of course I want to tell her that everything will be alright, but…
That I can’t guarantee.
***
[Jaejoong’s POV]
“Come in.”
With fear in the stomach, I carefully turn the knob of the door, desiring nothing more than to melt into the floor, away from danger… from him. But I’ve done it this time - I’ve caused something that will cost the company a lot of money - and the only thing I can do is accept punishment for it.
Regardless of what is chosen as retribution.
Cracking the door open, just enough for my slim body to pass through the opening, I step inside, wary. At first glance, it looks like the room is empty and I was left alone in its vast interior. But I do not let myself be fooled and sure enough, the huge armchair that sits on the other side of an equally as big desk spins around to reveal the man I was hoping not to see again today.
My boss. That despicable, vile man…
I could swear I see his eyes glint while he takes in the sight of me. Nervous, I just stand there with my fists clenched at my sides, not knowing what to do.
Placing his hands on the surface of his desk for support, he lifts himself up to his feet, never looking away from me as he pushes the chair back. After that, he starts covering the distance to the spot where I’m standing completely frozen. He’s purposefully making me wait for my sentence and the bastard really looks like he’s enjoying his little game…
“Jaejoong… What took you so long?”
When he arrives in front of me, he doesn’t utter a single word for a few seconds’ time, and then he does something that thoroughly terrifies me … he smiles.
Here comes the scolding.
“You fucking idiot! Who do you think you are, the king of the place? I thought I told you to hurry!”
Grabbing me by the hair, he yanks my head up so that I don’t avert my gaze - something that sounds highly tempting right about now. I should seriously start considering cutting my long bangs once and for all, because I’m seriously growing tired of my superiors using it as some kind of handle… It’s more a nuisance than anything else. Clenching my teeth at the sheer pain, I force myself to remain impassive, refusing to give him the pleasure of seeing me suffer.
My refusal to submit doesn’t dampen his spirits. “I should just kick your ass out of here already! You’re so fucking useless! I hope you know that I could have your head for being such a prick!”
Infuriated, by the looks of it, he strikes me behind the head. “Moron!”
He’s sick. He just can’t be human.
I don’t know where I find the self-control to take it all in without exploding, without grabbing him by the throat and suffocating him, but I’ve got murderous intents forming in my mind as he completely humiliates me for the billionth time - I stopped counting a long time ago.
Suffice to say, I really don’t like how he gives himself the right to hurt me every chance he gets.
After getting out every thing that he must have been dying to yell in my face - a message which he does deliver rather forcefully -, his angry round face suddenly takes on a very serene, composed expression. Instantly, the alarm starts ringing in my head again, warning me about the imminent trouble.
I know that man and his sudden changes of attitude, his dangerous mood swings…
They never mean anything good for me.
He lifts his hand slowly and I hold my breath at the gesture, expecting him to slap me across the face, but instead, it lands on my cheek, which it caresses gratuitously. Hideous, I think as the big paw slides down towards my chin. Damn repulsive. I hate him so much as he lets his podgy fingers run on my neck, and the goose bumps that form on my skin are caused by disgust rather than excitement.
My despisal for him is such that I can’t even find the words to describe it…
And when he stops touching me, I know better than to have hope.
This is part of his game. He loves seeing my despair when I realize that he’s not going to let me go…
Sure enough, his two hands snake under my shirt and slide up my abdomen with expectation, feverishly. “The gods weren’t very generous when the time came for them to give you intelligence… You’re lucky they made you so pretty, because if it weren’t for your beauty, you’d be nothing.”
Mortified, I try to busy my mind with something else when calloused digits brush against my nipples…
If I let him do as he wishes… This will all be over soon.
I will be sent back to do my job so that I can daydream about a better place to live… a place where there will be no dirty perverts fumbling with my belt and slipping their hands inside my pants… a place where the only person touching me will be the one I love… a place where the people biting the dust will be the ones who deserve it. By holding to such visions, I’m able to live through moments like this.
“Shit, you’re so fucking hot…” The man breathes out heavily as he strokes my member, blowing hot puffs of air in my face. “But why aren’t you responding? Don’t you like it?”
What a joke... He’s got to be out of his mind.
Fighting back the incredible urge to shake my head, I slowly nod in agreement and repress a choked sob in the back of my throat as he violates me. “…I d-do...” I hate it. Hate it hate it hate it.
But it’s not enough for him. It’s never enough for him. “Don’t I turn you on?” He insists on tormenting me, letting his hand wander way too close to my entrance for comfort. When he forcefully thrusts his fingers inside me, I simply can’t hold back the cry that leaves my mouth. I’m aware that’s what that sadistic bastard was waiting for… But it’s too much, more than I can take…
The nightmare lasts a few more minutes. Powerless, I allow him to do what he wants with me…
That is, until he tries to kiss me.
When my boss leans in to capture my lips, I turn away from him, denying him what should have been an affectionate gesture - something that earns me a resounding smack to the face. “You fucking liar. Don’t take me for a fool. I’m different from the rest of you…”
As quickly as that, he removes his hands from inside my pants.
“Go home for now.”
He pushes me towards the door without giving me some time to recover from his awful ministrations. “Get out of here. I don’t want to see your girly face around for the rest of the day.” The sudden decision fills me with frustration, because I know I can’t afford to miss a day’s worth of work, but at the same time, I don’t think I could go back to my occupation even if I wanted to.
I feel dirty. The sensation of his fingers inside me is going to haunt me for the rest of my life…
I’m roughly pushed out of the room, after which the door is violently closed on me.
“One more thing like that and you’re out! This is your last chance!”
With shaking fingers, I fumble to zip up my pants while an abnormal feeling of cold comes over me, overwhelming, as if I was about to pass out right on the spot. I worry that I might not be able to reach the exterior of the mill on my own… But I manage to make it to the exit of the factory and collapse outside when my legs fail to carry me any further.
Exhausted, I feel nothing short of the trash I’m often accused of being as I crawl on my knees for a few feet and throw up on the ground. Once I’m done, I wipe my clammy forehead with my arm and support myself with the other, shivering without being able to control myself.
My thoughts are a mess... A long moment of reflection is needed for me to make sense of them.
Then Yunho’s face comes to mind and I… I start crying.
I need to see him again. I don’t care if I have to step on my ego and apologize.
***
[Yunho’s POV]
When I was told that I was going to Eodum, I never would have imagined that there would be a day where I would end up drawing castles and dragons and princesses (and princes) with wax coloring crayons, lying on my stomach next to an adorable little girl (whose brother I found that I really like). Yet that is what I’m currently doing right about now instead of handing in my report like I should be…
Hey, I was working rather effectively when I was suddenly reminded of the fact that Eunhae was alone at home without anyone to take care of her, vulnerable to possible uninvited guests that might show up - and I knew by experience that not everyone could be trusted around here.
What if something happened to her? What if my dream came true?
After that, there was no way I could concentrate on the task at hand. Oh well… That was probably the price to pay for being such a father at heart… How could I not drop by to keep her company?
If I had not been welcome there, I wouldn’t have hesitated to go back to my hotel, but…
When Eunhae opened the door in a hurry and flung herself at me, it occurred to me that maybe she was actually happy to see me, so I decided to stay, without thinking what would be Jaejoong’s reaction when he came home to find me sprawled out on his floor. In the worse case scenario, he would simply ask me to leave and I would submit to his request, albeit a bit regretfully.
But with luck, maybe… Maybe he would ask me to stay. Maybe he would want me to stay.
No matter what, I would cling to that slim possibility.
Plus, I have to admit that I’m having a pretty good time right now… Aside from occasional phone calls and web conversations, and despite the fact that I’ve been interacting with the natives quite a bit, still… I’ve been missing some genuine human contact recently and Eunhae proves to be a pleasant companion. The difference in age, although significant, isn’t as striking as it should be.
She’s witty and cute, surprisingly mature for her age…
Now that I think about it… Maybe she reminds me a little of Changmin.
I don’t know.
Out of the blue, she speaks up, making me look up from my own sheet of paper. “Actually… I’m glad you didn’t take my oppa’s words too seriously…” She trails off, continuing the artistic activity while I look at her on the side, my attention drawn by her words. “…It hurt him to push you away like he did, but he didn’t know how to react… He’s been having a hard time recently.”
That much I had managed to figure out by myself, but hearing it from his only family only confirms it. Despite his young age, life has been harsh on him and he’s already at his wits’ end…
For sure, I can’t hold it against him if he loses his temper once in a while.
“It’s not his fault… Please don’t be mad at him.” Now looking at me, drawing set aside, Eunhae has put on an adorable pout that her puppy eyes and jutted-out bottom lip make even more convincing.
“I’m not… Don’t worry.”
The frown vanishes from her face instantly as she takes in the meaning of what I said and her smile stretches even further when the door opens to reveal the devil we’ve been speaking about. “Oppa, you’re home early today! We were just talking about you!” Exuberant Eunhae reveals in her typical burst of energy and I have to struggle not to do a facepalm. That wasn’t very subtle…
Nevertheless, I push myself off the ground and get up to my feet, observing the lithe man that has just stepped inside the house. If possible, he appears even more haggard than he usually does. His pale face suggests that something terrible has happened, but I do not dare ask.
However, his questioning gaze seems to send me one particular question that I manage to decipher.
Why are you here?
I feel incredibly uneasy as he stares at me (while I stare at the floor), as if he was trying to comprehend the reason of my being here. Probably sensing the tangible awkwardness that lingers between us, Eunhae proudly brandishes her masterpiece for her big brother to admire.
“Look! Look! Yunnie-oppa brought me crayons and papers! Isn’t he kind?”
I can’t keep myself from smiling. Yunnie?
Like a miracle, Jaejoong’s expression also brightens, although it only ends up looking wearier to me. Crouching down to Eunhae’s level, he opens his arms big and wide, motioning for her to approach him. “…Come over here, sweetie.” He breathes out softly, almost like a whisper, and Eunhae runs into his arms after setting down her work of art, taking the hint.
It’s obvious that he needs a serious hug right now…
The little girl squeezes her Jaejoong’s slim waist to the most of her strength as he nestles his chin in the crook of her neck, peering at me over her bony shoulder.
When he finally releases her and stands back up, she takes his hand in hers and reaches forward to grab mine, dragging me closer to the pair. I feel it’s my cue to say what I’ve had on my mind long enough… but surprisingly, Jaejoong beats me to it. “I’m sorry.” He murmurs miserably. If there’s something I wasn’t expecting to hear coming from him, it’s an apology. Why would he ask for forgiveness?
“Don’t be.” My answer comes right away, honest.
He protests. “But I…”
“…have no reason to be.” I finish his sentence for him, venturing to squeeze his frail shoulder with my free hand, almost expecting him to push me away. But Jaejoong… shivers. “I’m the one who’s sorry… I kept meddling and making judgments when I knew nothing about everything you’ve been through. Someday, I should learn to mind my own business…” Regretfully, I let go of his shoulder.
Sighing, Jaejoong shakes his head, waving his hand in dismissal. “It’s okay... Let’s just leave it at that.”
I can’t explain it, but the relief I feel then is incredible.
Now that this has been cleared off, I make a suggestion, all too aware that I’m intruding in his private life once again. But I mean no harm… It’s for his own good. “…At any rate, you should take this opportunity to rest while you can. If you don’t mind, I’ll stay with Eunhae a little longer….”
The child agrees with my opinion. “Listen to Yunnie-oppa! You’ll feel better…”
Under other circumstances, Jaejoong might have wanted to object, but he doesn’t bother trying. “Well, alright… Thank you.” He says gratefully, ruffling Eunhae’s hair tenderly before disappearing in the corridor, heading in the direction of his bedroom. His steps resonate dully: one, two, three…
Something appears to be wrong when the house suddenly becomes quiet.
I might be wrong, but I have this hunch…
Wanting to find out whether it’s justified or not, I follow the same path that he walked a second ago, only to discover that it’s just as I thought.
Right in front of his room, Jaejoong has fallen asleep… standing.
How cute. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Unable to repress a small chuckle that Eunhae mirrors, I place my hands on his narrow hips and haul him over my shoulder quite easily, trying not to wake him up, but fortunately, he’s sleeping soundly. Having done that, I step inside the small, cramped room and set him down on the futon with much care, pulling on the blanket to cover him with. Hopefully his shivers will stop…
As I tuck him in his bed, making sure that he’s comfortable, I decide that it’s enough already.
I can’t hide this from myself anymore…
I can’t ignore this feeling and hope that it will go away if left alone, because it definitely won’t… After weeks of blind ignorance, I finally see it all clearly.
There’s no doubt. I’m in love with him.
Chapter Eleven