The Nanny
Title: The Nanny
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong
Summary: Kim Jaejoong was searching for his father. Jung Yunho, on the other hand, was looking for a nanny. A series of events led them to find each other instead.
Disclaimer: Real people belong to themselves. So I really don't own anything.
A/N: This fan fiction was inspired by and loosely based on the Taiwanese drama "Down with Love." This is also unbetaed so I apologize for any mistake I made.
Chapter 5:
The sound of glasses shattering could be heard from the kitchen. Changmin rolled his eyes. “That new nanny you hired is an idiot.” Back when he was fifteen, proud and arrogant, Changmin had refused to call Yunho hyung. He had spoken to Yunho as if they were equals and it came to a point that Yunho had gotten used to it. Truth be told, Changmin never called anyone “hyung” - he had been an only child whose parents had died when he was thirteen, had to run away from Child Services and had spent at least two years on the streets. In those two years, Changmin had learned that formalities wouldn’t get food inside his stomach or a roof over his head.
“How can you be so sure that was Hero’s fault?” Yunho asked him. The two of them were at the dining room, having their breakfast. At six in the morning, the twins were still asleep. The twins’ classes were from eight a.m. until noon and didn’t have to be awake until seven. Yunho, on the other hand, had to be at the law firm by seven while Changmin just preferred rising early and riding his bicycle to school. Yunho had actually offered to buy the high school senior a car but the latter had refused. Although Changmin knew that Yunho treated him like his little brother, Changmin still did not want to take advantage of Yunho’s kindness and generosity.
“He put eggs inside the microwave!” Changmin exclaimed. “As an employee, he should know his place. He should have asked permission first before touching anything in the kitchen.”
Yunho grimaced. He needed to talk to Hero about his manners. Right after Hero had left Yunho alone, the former had proceeded to the kitchen, searching for something to eat. After scouring the fridge, he had found some eggs (it was the only food that he thought he could cook without messing up). Hero had put the two eggs inside the microwave (the microwave was the only equipment he knew how to operate without anyone telling him what to do). Hero apparently did not know what happens when eggs are put inside the microwave. Suffice to say that Changmin had been pissed when he came down to the kitchen for his midnight snack and found Hero cleaning up the egg yolks, whites, and skins that had covered the inside of the microwave.
By now, Sungmin who was the resident cook of the Jung household, could be heard yelling at Hero. “How can you not know how to make something as simple as orange juice?” Orange juice was the twins’ favourite drink during breakfast. “You do not use tap water to blend the juice! And why did you have to break them?”
“They slipped in my hands since the water from the faucet was so slippery.” Hero then replied. “I’m sorry.”
Changmin looked at Yunho. “See what I mean?”
“We’ll wait until the employment agency sends someone,” Yunho decided. “Until then, Hero would be the nanny for the twins.”
“Until he quits or finally does something to tick you off,” Changmin muttered.
A few minutes later, Jaejoong emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray, with two plates of pancakes, two glasses of orange juice and the utensils. The twins loved having a western breakfast. Sungmin had to show him the proper way - because it really does not take a genius to put orange powder, add sugar, and pour fresh water to make orange juice. One of Jaejoong’s tasks as a nanny was to make sure that the twins’ meals were to their liking. He didn’t necessarily have to cook but he was expected to help Sungmin in the kitchen while the latter prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Changmin placed the folded newspaper on the dining table. “The news is still about the Crown Prince of Japan fiasco.”
Jaejoong’s hand shook as he placed one of the plates on the table. His other hand almost dropped the tray. Changmin glared at him. “Be careful.”
“Sorry.” Jaejoong was used to being served, not the one doing the serving. Pancakes were made by world-class chefs. When he drinks orange juice, the orange are freshly squeezed, not some powder coming from a sachet. At his request, breakfast is brought to his rooms in carts pushed by maids.
But hadn’t he wanted this kind of normal life? How could he miss the luxury he once disliked so much? Jaejoong tried to ignore his thoughts as he focused on his job at hand.
“The one who went missing?” Yunho asked as he opened the front page. “It’s said here that the Crown Prince’s cousin, Prince Tomohisa was exiled as punishment.”
Jaejoong frowned. Changmin snorted. “I don’t get what the big deal is. He’s just a spoiled Crown Prince who’s had his life offered to him a silver platter.”
“Oh yeah?” Jaejoong slammed the spoon and fork on the table. “How do you know that? Are you close with him? Do you actually know what he feels? Don’t talk as if you know everything!”
Changmin’s eyes narrowed. “I bet that Crown Prince didn’t go missing. He probably ran away because he feels suffocated. Pah. He should just be satisfied with his life. There are many who would give anything to trade places with him.”
“You-” Jaejoong looked as if he wanted to punch Changmin.
“ENOUGH!” Yunho never raises his voice unless it was completely necessary. “Changmin, don’t provoke Hero. Eat your breakfast. You’re going to be late for school already.” He turned to Jaejoong. “Hero, you really should know your place. I will not tolerate this kind of behaviour. I’m your employer. Firstly, it’s alright if you talk informally in front of me, but I expect at least a little bit of respect from you. Secondly, I don’t mind if you take food from the kitchen when you’re hungry, but I would appreciate it if you can first ask for permission. This isn’t your house. And lastly, voicing out your own opinion is fine, but I would not allow for any fights to break out just because of it.”
Jaejoong looked down on the floor. His hands were clenched tightly.
Yunho sighed. “I’m going to work. Hero, you’re in charge of waking the twins up and getting them to school on time. Jin would be back here by in half an hour to get you and the twins to school. You don’t have to stay with them in school but you will have to pick them up later in the afternoon.”
Jaejoong nodded mutely. He didn’t trust himself to speak at the moment.
“Good.” Yunho then regarded Changmin. “Don’t be mean to Hero, Changmin. Give him a chance just like I gave you one.”
Changmin had the decency to look chagrined. The servant, Rini, entered the dining room and bowed to Yunho. “Jin has already prepared the car.”
Yunho stood up. “Well then, I’ll see both of you later.” And with that, he was gone.
It was Jaejoong who made the first move. He might be short-tempered but he also knew the art of negotiation. And if he wanted to be in Jung Yunho’s good graces and later on ask for his help, the first thing Jaejoong needed was not to antagonize Yunho or anybody else he was related to. Jaejoong offered his hand out to Changmin. “Let’s agree to disagree?”
Changmin looked at the proffered hand and then back at Jaejoong. “I don’t get why you’re so touchy about the subject.” The guy was about ready to punch him awhile ago.
“I’m just not used to anyone disagreeing with my views.” Jaejoong took a deep breath and smiled at Changmin. “Can we just forget about it, Changmin-ssi?” If Changmin probed further, he might connect the dots and Jaejoong could not, would not, allow that.
“I’m going to school.” Changmin announced. He stood up and grabbed his bag and books.
Jaejoong sighed. It was stupid of him to get so worked up just because Shim Changmin’s opinion struck a nerve. He really shouldn’t have listened to Jin. He doesn’t need this job, he can manage on his own, he should just quit right now, and sneak into Seoul National University and get their records -
“Just you do your job well and we wouldn’t have a problem.”
Or maybe it’s about time that Jaejoong actually does what is expected of him.
++++
Because it was a Monday, it was time for the weekly meeting of Jung, Park, and Associates. The middle-sized firm is composed of five lawyers - Yunho and Yoochun who were the senior partners; Kim Heechul who was already a junior partner; and Choi Siwon and Kim Hyunjoong were the two associates. Although as senior partners, Yunho and Yoochun take on whatever case assigned to them or feel like working on, each of the five lawyers had his own field of specialization in law - corporation for Kim Hyunjoong; taxation for Choi Siwon; political law for Kim Heechul; family law for Yoochun; and criminal law for Yunho. Jung, Park, and Associates are also engaged in litigation and also do pro bono work.
Kyuhyun, as the firm’s secretary, was present to write down whatever is discussed during the meeting. Yunho looked around the conference room. “Kim Minho wants Jung, Park, and Associates to be Kim Industries’ in-house counsel.”
“Well, you’re definitely not one to mince words.” Heechul huffed. Even though he had been Yunho and Yoochun’s senior in law school and was asked to be a senior partner, Heechul had declined, claiming that he had not wanted that much responsibility. “Did you refuse him?”
Hyunjoong tilted his head thoughtfully. “I doubt we’re going to discuss this if Yunho and Yoochun already refused.”
“Yunho already said no but I figured we should first tell you guys and let you decide.” Yoochun replied. “Getting Kim Industries as one of our firm’s clients would definitely have its advantages.”
Siwon raised a hand hesitantly. “But, isn’t Jung Yongmin Kim Industries’ in-house counsel?” Every one knows that his father was a touchy subject for Yunho.
“He’s not anymore.” Yunho said stiffly.
“Jung Yongmin and Kim Minho had a misunderstanding.” Since Yunho wasn’t going to say anything else, Yoochun figured he should be objective about this. “Kim Minho is a very complicated man. If we become Kim Industries’ in-house counsel, I guarantee that we would have a very difficult time working with its CEO.”
“Are we in any financial trouble that we would need to have Kim Industries as a client?” Heechul asked bluntly.
Yoochun chuckled. “Not really. But, if we want to expand, further our practice and get more sources of information, Kim Industries’ money and influence would definitely be of great help.” He paused. “Besides, Kim Minho did issue us a challenge.”
And that was the challenge that made Yunho second-guess Kim Minho’s offer. The CEO knew exactly which buttons to push and Yunho wasn’t sure if he wanted a man like that as the firm’s client.
Hyunjoong looked at Yoochun inquiringly. “What’s the challenge?”
“That we can be better than Jung and Associates.”
There was silence as every one contemplated what their next move would be. But if there was one thing the lawyers of Jung, Park, and Associates were, it was that they never back out of a challenge - especially one questioning their capabilities.
It was Siwon who spoke first. “Then I supposed it’s better to prove him wrong.”
++++
“Mr. Jung would see you now, Mr. Kim,” the secretary informed Junsu. He had been come in without an appointment and was made to wait at the reception area for half an hour.
Junsu stood up from the sofa and went inside the office, not even bothering to thank the secretary. Jung Yongmin was seated behind his mahogany desk, eyes narrowed as he looked over Junsu and motioned for him to sit down. “I thought your father would have ordered you to stay away from me.”
“My father does not know I’m back.” Junsu said. “I have no intention of telling him.”
“I see.” Yongmin clasped his hands. “Why are you here?”
“I want custody of my niece and nephew.”
++++
Jaejoong decided to stay at St. Catherine Elementary School to watch over the twins. All the nannies were placed in the room beside their charges’ classroom, with a huge glass window separating them from the kids. They could see what is happening during class time and could go into the other room when things got too much to handle for the teacher.
Tae Jin and Soo Jin were in a circle along with three other kids, busy colouring their artwork. Soo Jin was selecting the crayons while it was Tae Jin who was doing the actual colouring. Not once did Jaejoong see the two of them apart - where Tae Jin went, Soo Jin goes and vice versa. He idly wondered if the twins had friends their own age aside from each other.
“You’re the twins’ new nanny?” A voice broke Jaejoong out of his reverie. “You’re certainly different from the others. You’re a guy.”
“Well, you’re one too,” Jaejoong retorted. In all honesty, the guy talking to him looked more of a gangster than a nanny.
The guy held up a hand. “I’m Seunghyun.”
“Hero.”
Seunghyun pointed to one of three kids Tae Jin and Soo Jin were grouped with, a small boy with huge owl eyes. “That’s my charge. His name is Seunghyun too, so as not to make things confusing, he calls me TOP and I call him Seungri.”
“Is he good friends with Tae Jin and Soo Jin?” Jaejoong asked.
“He’s one of the people they allow to play with them,” Seunghyun or rather TOP, replied.
Jaejoong raised an eyebrow. “Allow?”
“The twins don’t open themselves up to anyone that easily,” Seunghyun said. “I think it has something to do with the fact that they got orphaned at such a young age and could be quite guarded. They probably think that people who get too close to them would disappear just like their parents did.”
Jaejoong somehow understood the feeling of every one around you leaving because of you. “I see.”
TOP chuckled. “I think they’re calling for you.” Tae Jin and Soo Jin were both jumping up and down, hands waving and pointing to the tree outside. The window in the classroom was open and Jaejoong could see a bond paper stuck on one of the tree’s branches, the slight breeze making the paper flap but still remaining stuck to the branch.
Tae Jin and Soo Jin were looking at Jaejoong with wide eyes, still jumping, as the teacher tried to calm them down. Jaejoong sighed. Less than two minutes of not keeping his eye on them and they were already making a ruckus. “I guess I better get that drawing.”
“Good luck.” Seunghyun told him as Jaejoong left.
++++
Jaejoong has never climbed a tree before. Hell, he didn’t even know what tree it was as he tilted his head to the side as he tried to find a foothold. His eyes finally rested on a bark hole that was nearing ground level and tentatively placed his right foot on it. After deciding that it was sturdy enough, Jaejoong grabbed a small branch that was above his head and hoisted himself up.
(From the classroom, the twins watched as their newest nanny climb the tree and as they cheered him on, their hands behind their backs were in a high five.)
Almost there - the paper kept flapping because of the slight breeze but it had thankfully not flown away. Jaejoong was almost eye level with the twins’ classroom, which was on the second floor of the school building. There were no more branches, gnarls, or bark holes to hold on to but the branch was only an arm’s length from his head so, with his left hand holding tightly on to the tree’s trunk, held his right hand up and with all his strength reached for the drawing.
Jaejoong felt himself stretch and concentrated on getting the drawing. His arms and legs hurt and as he grabbed on to the drawing in triumph. “Yes, I got it!” He waved the paper to the twins, who were watching from the classroom.
The twins clapped their hands triumphantly. “Yay!”
Jaejoong, on the other hand, was beaming and grinning widely. “I finally climbed a tree!” It was one of the things he had never done and never thought he could. There was no one telling him what he could and could not do. It was thrilling, exhilarating, to be this free -
Just then, Jaejoong’s hold on the trunk loosened and he felt himself fall.
And he knew no more.
++++
A/N: First of all, thank you so much for reading this fic. I appreciate all the comments and support I've received for this fic (even though it's really slow-paced) so I'm really grateful. ^^ Secondly, I apologize for not updating - I started my internship this April and it took up most of my time. I can't promise that updates would be fast, but I'll try to update regularly. Lastly, for those adding me as a friend in order to read the last few chapters of N.B.S.B., you really don't have to. ^^ N.B.S.B. is posted in jaeho_detox and all you have to do is join that community. ^^ I don't mind adding friends, but since I don't really update my journal about fandom-related stuff (most of my entries are personal and private) and my fics are all public, there's really no reason to add me I guess, LOL.
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong
Summary: Kim Jaejoong was searching for his father. Jung Yunho, on the other hand, was looking for a nanny. A series of events led them to find each other instead.
Disclaimer: Real people belong to themselves. So I really don't own anything.
A/N: This fan fiction was inspired by and loosely based on the Taiwanese drama "Down with Love." This is also unbetaed so I apologize for any mistake I made.
Chapter 5:
The sound of glasses shattering could be heard from the kitchen. Changmin rolled his eyes. “That new nanny you hired is an idiot.” Back when he was fifteen, proud and arrogant, Changmin had refused to call Yunho hyung. He had spoken to Yunho as if they were equals and it came to a point that Yunho had gotten used to it. Truth be told, Changmin never called anyone “hyung” - he had been an only child whose parents had died when he was thirteen, had to run away from Child Services and had spent at least two years on the streets. In those two years, Changmin had learned that formalities wouldn’t get food inside his stomach or a roof over his head.
“How can you be so sure that was Hero’s fault?” Yunho asked him. The two of them were at the dining room, having their breakfast. At six in the morning, the twins were still asleep. The twins’ classes were from eight a.m. until noon and didn’t have to be awake until seven. Yunho, on the other hand, had to be at the law firm by seven while Changmin just preferred rising early and riding his bicycle to school. Yunho had actually offered to buy the high school senior a car but the latter had refused. Although Changmin knew that Yunho treated him like his little brother, Changmin still did not want to take advantage of Yunho’s kindness and generosity.
“He put eggs inside the microwave!” Changmin exclaimed. “As an employee, he should know his place. He should have asked permission first before touching anything in the kitchen.”
Yunho grimaced. He needed to talk to Hero about his manners. Right after Hero had left Yunho alone, the former had proceeded to the kitchen, searching for something to eat. After scouring the fridge, he had found some eggs (it was the only food that he thought he could cook without messing up). Hero had put the two eggs inside the microwave (the microwave was the only equipment he knew how to operate without anyone telling him what to do). Hero apparently did not know what happens when eggs are put inside the microwave. Suffice to say that Changmin had been pissed when he came down to the kitchen for his midnight snack and found Hero cleaning up the egg yolks, whites, and skins that had covered the inside of the microwave.
By now, Sungmin who was the resident cook of the Jung household, could be heard yelling at Hero. “How can you not know how to make something as simple as orange juice?” Orange juice was the twins’ favourite drink during breakfast. “You do not use tap water to blend the juice! And why did you have to break them?”
“They slipped in my hands since the water from the faucet was so slippery.” Hero then replied. “I’m sorry.”
Changmin looked at Yunho. “See what I mean?”
“We’ll wait until the employment agency sends someone,” Yunho decided. “Until then, Hero would be the nanny for the twins.”
“Until he quits or finally does something to tick you off,” Changmin muttered.
A few minutes later, Jaejoong emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray, with two plates of pancakes, two glasses of orange juice and the utensils. The twins loved having a western breakfast. Sungmin had to show him the proper way - because it really does not take a genius to put orange powder, add sugar, and pour fresh water to make orange juice. One of Jaejoong’s tasks as a nanny was to make sure that the twins’ meals were to their liking. He didn’t necessarily have to cook but he was expected to help Sungmin in the kitchen while the latter prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Changmin placed the folded newspaper on the dining table. “The news is still about the Crown Prince of Japan fiasco.”
Jaejoong’s hand shook as he placed one of the plates on the table. His other hand almost dropped the tray. Changmin glared at him. “Be careful.”
“Sorry.” Jaejoong was used to being served, not the one doing the serving. Pancakes were made by world-class chefs. When he drinks orange juice, the orange are freshly squeezed, not some powder coming from a sachet. At his request, breakfast is brought to his rooms in carts pushed by maids.
But hadn’t he wanted this kind of normal life? How could he miss the luxury he once disliked so much? Jaejoong tried to ignore his thoughts as he focused on his job at hand.
“The one who went missing?” Yunho asked as he opened the front page. “It’s said here that the Crown Prince’s cousin, Prince Tomohisa was exiled as punishment.”
Jaejoong frowned. Changmin snorted. “I don’t get what the big deal is. He’s just a spoiled Crown Prince who’s had his life offered to him a silver platter.”
“Oh yeah?” Jaejoong slammed the spoon and fork on the table. “How do you know that? Are you close with him? Do you actually know what he feels? Don’t talk as if you know everything!”
Changmin’s eyes narrowed. “I bet that Crown Prince didn’t go missing. He probably ran away because he feels suffocated. Pah. He should just be satisfied with his life. There are many who would give anything to trade places with him.”
“You-” Jaejoong looked as if he wanted to punch Changmin.
“ENOUGH!” Yunho never raises his voice unless it was completely necessary. “Changmin, don’t provoke Hero. Eat your breakfast. You’re going to be late for school already.” He turned to Jaejoong. “Hero, you really should know your place. I will not tolerate this kind of behaviour. I’m your employer. Firstly, it’s alright if you talk informally in front of me, but I expect at least a little bit of respect from you. Secondly, I don’t mind if you take food from the kitchen when you’re hungry, but I would appreciate it if you can first ask for permission. This isn’t your house. And lastly, voicing out your own opinion is fine, but I would not allow for any fights to break out just because of it.”
Jaejoong looked down on the floor. His hands were clenched tightly.
Yunho sighed. “I’m going to work. Hero, you’re in charge of waking the twins up and getting them to school on time. Jin would be back here by in half an hour to get you and the twins to school. You don’t have to stay with them in school but you will have to pick them up later in the afternoon.”
Jaejoong nodded mutely. He didn’t trust himself to speak at the moment.
“Good.” Yunho then regarded Changmin. “Don’t be mean to Hero, Changmin. Give him a chance just like I gave you one.”
Changmin had the decency to look chagrined. The servant, Rini, entered the dining room and bowed to Yunho. “Jin has already prepared the car.”
Yunho stood up. “Well then, I’ll see both of you later.” And with that, he was gone.
It was Jaejoong who made the first move. He might be short-tempered but he also knew the art of negotiation. And if he wanted to be in Jung Yunho’s good graces and later on ask for his help, the first thing Jaejoong needed was not to antagonize Yunho or anybody else he was related to. Jaejoong offered his hand out to Changmin. “Let’s agree to disagree?”
Changmin looked at the proffered hand and then back at Jaejoong. “I don’t get why you’re so touchy about the subject.” The guy was about ready to punch him awhile ago.
“I’m just not used to anyone disagreeing with my views.” Jaejoong took a deep breath and smiled at Changmin. “Can we just forget about it, Changmin-ssi?” If Changmin probed further, he might connect the dots and Jaejoong could not, would not, allow that.
“I’m going to school.” Changmin announced. He stood up and grabbed his bag and books.
Jaejoong sighed. It was stupid of him to get so worked up just because Shim Changmin’s opinion struck a nerve. He really shouldn’t have listened to Jin. He doesn’t need this job, he can manage on his own, he should just quit right now, and sneak into Seoul National University and get their records -
“Just you do your job well and we wouldn’t have a problem.”
Or maybe it’s about time that Jaejoong actually does what is expected of him.
++++
Because it was a Monday, it was time for the weekly meeting of Jung, Park, and Associates. The middle-sized firm is composed of five lawyers - Yunho and Yoochun who were the senior partners; Kim Heechul who was already a junior partner; and Choi Siwon and Kim Hyunjoong were the two associates. Although as senior partners, Yunho and Yoochun take on whatever case assigned to them or feel like working on, each of the five lawyers had his own field of specialization in law - corporation for Kim Hyunjoong; taxation for Choi Siwon; political law for Kim Heechul; family law for Yoochun; and criminal law for Yunho. Jung, Park, and Associates are also engaged in litigation and also do pro bono work.
Kyuhyun, as the firm’s secretary, was present to write down whatever is discussed during the meeting. Yunho looked around the conference room. “Kim Minho wants Jung, Park, and Associates to be Kim Industries’ in-house counsel.”
“Well, you’re definitely not one to mince words.” Heechul huffed. Even though he had been Yunho and Yoochun’s senior in law school and was asked to be a senior partner, Heechul had declined, claiming that he had not wanted that much responsibility. “Did you refuse him?”
Hyunjoong tilted his head thoughtfully. “I doubt we’re going to discuss this if Yunho and Yoochun already refused.”
“Yunho already said no but I figured we should first tell you guys and let you decide.” Yoochun replied. “Getting Kim Industries as one of our firm’s clients would definitely have its advantages.”
Siwon raised a hand hesitantly. “But, isn’t Jung Yongmin Kim Industries’ in-house counsel?” Every one knows that his father was a touchy subject for Yunho.
“He’s not anymore.” Yunho said stiffly.
“Jung Yongmin and Kim Minho had a misunderstanding.” Since Yunho wasn’t going to say anything else, Yoochun figured he should be objective about this. “Kim Minho is a very complicated man. If we become Kim Industries’ in-house counsel, I guarantee that we would have a very difficult time working with its CEO.”
“Are we in any financial trouble that we would need to have Kim Industries as a client?” Heechul asked bluntly.
Yoochun chuckled. “Not really. But, if we want to expand, further our practice and get more sources of information, Kim Industries’ money and influence would definitely be of great help.” He paused. “Besides, Kim Minho did issue us a challenge.”
And that was the challenge that made Yunho second-guess Kim Minho’s offer. The CEO knew exactly which buttons to push and Yunho wasn’t sure if he wanted a man like that as the firm’s client.
Hyunjoong looked at Yoochun inquiringly. “What’s the challenge?”
“That we can be better than Jung and Associates.”
There was silence as every one contemplated what their next move would be. But if there was one thing the lawyers of Jung, Park, and Associates were, it was that they never back out of a challenge - especially one questioning their capabilities.
It was Siwon who spoke first. “Then I supposed it’s better to prove him wrong.”
++++
“Mr. Jung would see you now, Mr. Kim,” the secretary informed Junsu. He had been come in without an appointment and was made to wait at the reception area for half an hour.
Junsu stood up from the sofa and went inside the office, not even bothering to thank the secretary. Jung Yongmin was seated behind his mahogany desk, eyes narrowed as he looked over Junsu and motioned for him to sit down. “I thought your father would have ordered you to stay away from me.”
“My father does not know I’m back.” Junsu said. “I have no intention of telling him.”
“I see.” Yongmin clasped his hands. “Why are you here?”
“I want custody of my niece and nephew.”
++++
Jaejoong decided to stay at St. Catherine Elementary School to watch over the twins. All the nannies were placed in the room beside their charges’ classroom, with a huge glass window separating them from the kids. They could see what is happening during class time and could go into the other room when things got too much to handle for the teacher.
Tae Jin and Soo Jin were in a circle along with three other kids, busy colouring their artwork. Soo Jin was selecting the crayons while it was Tae Jin who was doing the actual colouring. Not once did Jaejoong see the two of them apart - where Tae Jin went, Soo Jin goes and vice versa. He idly wondered if the twins had friends their own age aside from each other.
“You’re the twins’ new nanny?” A voice broke Jaejoong out of his reverie. “You’re certainly different from the others. You’re a guy.”
“Well, you’re one too,” Jaejoong retorted. In all honesty, the guy talking to him looked more of a gangster than a nanny.
The guy held up a hand. “I’m Seunghyun.”
“Hero.”
Seunghyun pointed to one of three kids Tae Jin and Soo Jin were grouped with, a small boy with huge owl eyes. “That’s my charge. His name is Seunghyun too, so as not to make things confusing, he calls me TOP and I call him Seungri.”
“Is he good friends with Tae Jin and Soo Jin?” Jaejoong asked.
“He’s one of the people they allow to play with them,” Seunghyun or rather TOP, replied.
Jaejoong raised an eyebrow. “Allow?”
“The twins don’t open themselves up to anyone that easily,” Seunghyun said. “I think it has something to do with the fact that they got orphaned at such a young age and could be quite guarded. They probably think that people who get too close to them would disappear just like their parents did.”
Jaejoong somehow understood the feeling of every one around you leaving because of you. “I see.”
TOP chuckled. “I think they’re calling for you.” Tae Jin and Soo Jin were both jumping up and down, hands waving and pointing to the tree outside. The window in the classroom was open and Jaejoong could see a bond paper stuck on one of the tree’s branches, the slight breeze making the paper flap but still remaining stuck to the branch.
Tae Jin and Soo Jin were looking at Jaejoong with wide eyes, still jumping, as the teacher tried to calm them down. Jaejoong sighed. Less than two minutes of not keeping his eye on them and they were already making a ruckus. “I guess I better get that drawing.”
“Good luck.” Seunghyun told him as Jaejoong left.
++++
Jaejoong has never climbed a tree before. Hell, he didn’t even know what tree it was as he tilted his head to the side as he tried to find a foothold. His eyes finally rested on a bark hole that was nearing ground level and tentatively placed his right foot on it. After deciding that it was sturdy enough, Jaejoong grabbed a small branch that was above his head and hoisted himself up.
(From the classroom, the twins watched as their newest nanny climb the tree and as they cheered him on, their hands behind their backs were in a high five.)
Almost there - the paper kept flapping because of the slight breeze but it had thankfully not flown away. Jaejoong was almost eye level with the twins’ classroom, which was on the second floor of the school building. There were no more branches, gnarls, or bark holes to hold on to but the branch was only an arm’s length from his head so, with his left hand holding tightly on to the tree’s trunk, held his right hand up and with all his strength reached for the drawing.
Jaejoong felt himself stretch and concentrated on getting the drawing. His arms and legs hurt and as he grabbed on to the drawing in triumph. “Yes, I got it!” He waved the paper to the twins, who were watching from the classroom.
The twins clapped their hands triumphantly. “Yay!”
Jaejoong, on the other hand, was beaming and grinning widely. “I finally climbed a tree!” It was one of the things he had never done and never thought he could. There was no one telling him what he could and could not do. It was thrilling, exhilarating, to be this free -
Just then, Jaejoong’s hold on the trunk loosened and he felt himself fall.
And he knew no more.
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A/N: First of all, thank you so much for reading this fic. I appreciate all the comments and support I've received for this fic (even though it's really slow-paced) so I'm really grateful. ^^ Secondly, I apologize for not updating - I started my internship this April and it took up most of my time. I can't promise that updates would be fast, but I'll try to update regularly. Lastly, for those adding me as a friend in order to read the last few chapters of N.B.S.B., you really don't have to. ^^ N.B.S.B. is posted in jaeho_detox and all you have to do is join that community. ^^ I don't mind adding friends, but since I don't really update my journal about fandom-related stuff (most of my entries are personal and private) and my fics are all public, there's really no reason to add me I guess, LOL.