Wedding Photos II
Title: Wedding Photos (part II)
Pairings: Kyumin, Eunhae
Ratings: PG
Summary: Sungmin is afraid to love, until someone slowly coax him out of his shell and help him to learn how to love. Until that someone disappears. Or is that someone, a someone, in the first place?
Sungmin carefully removed the cover from the lens of his camera, taking a piece of special cloth to wipe the equipment fondly. It has accompanied him from the start of his career, and it had given him many fond memories, including the one that had just happened 6 months ago. Although Sungmin didn't use to believe in afterlife, or even ghosts or angels, or even the noble concept of love, that incident did change his life and view on love. He had not told anyone about it before, preferring to keep it a secret between him, Donghae, and Eunhyuk.
"Yah Sungmin! You have a visitor!" Yesung shouted to his younger brother, peeking his head into the studio. Sungmin glared at his brother, for he almost dropped the camera in fright. Yesung gave an apologetic smile and stuck his tongue out at his younger brother, quickly ducking his head back to head for the reception at the front. Sungmin shook his head. It's hard to believe that he is already married and a father of a 5 year old child as well. He acts as if he is younger than me. Sungmin chuckled quietly to himself. He set his camera down on the table beside him, and walked out to welcome his visitor.
Sungmin walked out to the front, spotting a lone man standing, watching the scenery outside through the glass panels. His visitor whirled around, hearing the footsteps that came closer. Donghae smiled widely at Sungmin, who had frozen in his steps, just simply staring at the guest. Donghae grinned even widely, and Sungmin felt himself relax a little. He opened his mouth to speak, but was beaten to it by Donghae.
"Sungmin! I'm here to hand you this..." Donghae pressed an envelope into Sungmin's hands. Sungmin glanced up, curious. Donghae gestured and motioned for him to open it, and Sungmin opened it carefully. He drew out an invitation card, inviting him to Donghae's and Hyejin's wedding. He raised his eyebrows at Donghae, who was grinning sheepishly back at him.
"We want you to come to our wedding, and take pictures of us together." Donghae requested, and Sungmin glanced at the date on the card. 4th April Sungmin met the expectant gaze of Donghae, agreeing to the request immediately. He raised his eyebrows though, silently transmitting his question through his gaze, knowing that Donghae knew what he was asking.
"Well...I postponed the marriage. It was supposed to be the month right after that wedding shoot, but after the day you came and visited me at my house, I needed time. I told Hyejin that I needed time to reminisce and time to really start all over again. She agreed." Donghae said, a small smile creeping onto his face. "I left Korea. I went to Japan, as it was the only place we once went together. I searched, and thought and recalled everything about him. I nearly couldn't let go, after that episode, I knew he was there, but I couldn't find him anymore. It wasn't until one day, when a girl pressed a smooth stone into my hands, smiling gently, that I knew Eunhyuk wanted me to give it up. He always loved the way stones were smoothed out in rivers, with waves beating against it, pressing every fault and edge into a smooth plane, like kneading dough into that perfect shape. At that time, I understood, and somehow, I thought I breathed his scent. I came back, and now I finally know that I had let it go, and I'm really happy with her." Donghae stated simply.
Sungmin nodded peacefully at Donghae, smiling back at him. He looked down at the envelope, and noticed that there was something inside. He slowly pulled it out, to realise that it was one of the photographs he had taken for the couple. He looked up at Donghae again.
"Uhm ah..we have decided to let you have this photograph." Donghae mumbled. "We really want you to have it, we even made another piece just for ourselves. But this is different, and I think you know why." Donghae stared at the photograph, motioning for Sungmin to turn it over to the picture.
Sungmin cautiously turned the picture over, gasping at the sight he saw. Now, instead of two people, the best man was also present in the picture, showing off his gummy smile wide at the camera, representing someone who had truly understood, and was content that his lover had let go. Sungmin glanced up, and Donghae mumbled, "I see him too. I see him in the picture right after I knew I had to give up. I guess only the two of us can see him, isn't it? She can't see him, but it's okay. We cherish our days together now, because I don't want something like that to happen to me again."
----4th April----
It was one of the most beautiful days ever. Donghae's wedding was held on a vast green lawn, with the sun gently shining down on the ceremony, where guests were mingling around, with soft music playing in the background, and Sungmin knelt on the grass, positioning his camera to his eyes, and snapped a photo of the bride shyly whispering into her husband's ear. He continued to take more photos as Donghae laughed, pressing his lips to his bride's cheek, making her blush furiously. The guests laughed politely, and happiness was present in the atmosphere, and Sungmin unknowingly smiled, surprised.
"UNCLE!" a child shouted, running at full speed towards Sungmin, nearly knocking Sungmin over in the process. Sungmin chuckled at the sight of the child, who had fallen onto the grass after his failed attempt to jump onto his uncle. He carefully straightened the child, brushing off bits of grasses that were stuck onto his white suit. He ruffled his hair gently, pulling the child onto his knee, as he remained in a kneeling position.
"UNCLE! PLAY WITH ME!" The child tugged at Sungmin's sleeve, teasing another smile on his uncle's face. Sungmin grinned down at the hyperactive child, looking around to spot Yesung and his wife mingling around with bride and the groom. He carefully covered his camera lens, and placed his camera in his bag, keeping it safe.
"Ryeowook." Sungmin stated simply, happy that his nephew was happy. The 5 year old child had brought him happiness in ways he had not even explored, helped him gained new perspectives with every sentence or gesture that the child made. "Uncle has to work now you know, I can play with you later? Okay? Go find your parents and bother your father." Sungmin pried his nephew's fingers off this suit, while the little boy pouted adorably at his uncle. Sungmin laughed at the sight, it seemed like Ryeowook had inherited his father's weird and unpredictable nature, and most of all that face shape which resembled Yesung so much. The child refused to move, or even budge, sitting firmly on Sungmin's lap. Sungmin raised an eyebrow at the child, which made Ryeowook even more determined to plant himself right on his uncle's lap.
"Hey." An unknown voice addressed both of them. Sungmin looked up, his eyes slightly closed as he tried to look at the face against the sunlight. The man's face was a silhouette, and Sungmin thought he saw something. The man knelt down, to reach the same level as Ryeowook, smiling gently at the petulant child.
"What's this?" The stranger smiled, reaching out, and producing a chocolate coin behind Ryeowook's ear. Ryeowook's eyes widened immediately, as he jumped up from Sungmin's knee to grasp that chocolate coin in front of him, and proceeded to hug the unknown man. Sungmin raised his eyebrows, amused at his nephew's gestures. He nodded politely at the stranger, who was trying his best to pry Ryeowook off himself. Sungmin chuckled, pulling the young child away, who then proceeded to run off to his father to show his chocolate coin.
The stranger raised a hand out to Sungmin, who grasped it and shook it firmly. He politely handed his business card over, and the stranger did the same as well. Sungmin glanced down discreetly at the card.
Cho Kyuhyun
C.E.O. / Director in Korea
Sungmin smiled back at the stranger, who had already kept his card deep within his breast pocket. "Nice to meet you, Sungmin-shii" Kyuhyun said. He had not once glanced at the card, yet he knew my name already? Sungmin questioned silently in his head. He glanced down at the drink offered to him by Kyuhyun, which seemed to have magically appeared all of a sudden. He graciously accepted it, thanking the man, wondering how the man knew that at that exact moment, he was feeling thirsty and desperately in need of a break. He looked up at Kyuhyun, noticing that Kyuhyun was looking over his shoulder and at someone in the distance. Kyuhyun met his gaze, and politely excused himself, before walking past with a determined look in his eyes.
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Kyuhyun reached the edge of the lawn, where he had spotted a familiar figure dancing by himself, swaying to the soft classical music that was playing in the air, enjoying himself thoroughly. Kyuhyun pulled the guy off the lawn to a discreet area under the shadows, where he proceeded to question the man.
"What are you doing here? You know you are not supposed to be here. What if someone saw you?" Kyuhyun hissed, maintaining a calm expression on his face in case someone looked over.
"The same as you are, attending the wedding." Eunhyuk replied calmly, still swaying to the beat of the music, smiling to himself.
"You know you will be punished if you were under Kangin's jurisdiction. He would have killed you in the first place for even going to Japan without informing us, or immediately removed you from your post when you appeared in front of Donghae to give him that stone of yours. You did break the rule, and now you are pushing the line a bit too far." Kyuhyun glared at the man in front of him.
"Well, a pity I'm under you, and I know you are too nice to punish me." Eunhyuk smiled back at the angry man, whose anger immediately dissipated. "Anyway, I'm here to be his best man! You can't stop me. I don't think I made myself obvious enough to let anyone spot me today. He looks happy and content with his bride, and that's all I want. It's the last thing I want to see, his wedding, before I proceed on with my duties that I have to complete. I do remember, you know, Kyuhyun." Eunhyuk glanced back, patting his shoulder gently.
Kyuhyun sighed, immediately acquiescing to Eunhyuk's request. "Just this last time, okay?" Eunhyuk smiled quietly, thanking him silently. "Oh and Eunhyuk, happy birthday." Kyuhyun stated, pulling out a simple gift from his pocket. Eunhyuk smiled widely, bouncing up and down and showed off that popular smile of his. He quickly snatched the present and pocketed it, pulling his boss into a hug, while Kyuhyun hurriedly tried to remove himself from the firm grasp, wiggling furiously. "Being at his wedding is actually enough for my birthday present. Thanks." Eunhyuk released Kyuhyun.
Kyuhyun raised his eyebrows. "You do know the exact reason why this happened, now, right?" Eunhyuk hesitated, nodding carefully after a short while. Kyuhyun patted him softly on the shoulder, while Eunhyuk carefully turned his face towards the ground, not wanting his dongsaeng to see the emotions that were displayed on his face. Kyuhyun glanced at the wedding reception. Donghae was meant to be with Hyejin after all, it was the way this universe was written, it was the way how this world turned out to be. After all, it was destiny and fate that brought everything together in the first place. Eunhyuk's phone rang suddenly, jolting both of them out of their thoughts.
"Wow, I didn't know there will be reception here as well." Eunhyuk mused to himself, earning a snort from his boss. "Well, I'm new here afterall!" Eunhyuk glared at the man who was chuckling to himself. He hurriedly flipped the phone open when he saw the caller ID.
"Hey!....Yes I remember!....Yup, I'm leaving soon!....Yes I know!....You are very naggy at times, you know that Eeteuk?" Eunhyuk hurriedly drew the phone away from his ear, as shouts and exclamations quickly followed from the phone. He winced, and pressed the phone back to his ear after the shouting has stopped. Eunhyuk grinned quietly, nodding his head all of a sudden, flashing a grin at this boss. Kyuhyun raised his eyebrows, curious as to what the leader, the main man behind all this, had told Eunhyuk. Eunhyuk shut the phone closed.
"What was that?" Kyuhyun questioned, still with his eyebrows raised. Eunhyuk flashed a devilish grin at his boss, shaking his head. "It's top secret," earning a glare and a slight push on his shoulder. Eunhyuk grinned widely, waving to someone on to the lawn. Kyuhyun glared harder at Eunhyuk, and turned around to spot the guy he was waving to. Sungmin stared back, raising his trembling arm to wave at Eunhyuk. Kyuhyun pushed Eunhyuk behind him, hissing under his breath. "That's enough Eunhyuk. Go before Eeteuk knows about this, before he kills you for this." Kyuhyun shot a glance at the man behind him.
"ALRIGHT BOSS! Eeteuk wouldn't kill me! I'm his favourite dongsaeng afterall! He likes me better than you! I bet I will raise through the ranks faster than you can imagine! See ya!" Eunhyuk bidded goodbye, before taking one last look at Donghae, and ran across the lawn to disappear halfway through.
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Sungmin rubbed his eyes furiously. Did he just see Eunhyuk? Again? Talking to Kyuhyun? Did Kyuhyun also see Eunhyuk? Is Kyuhyun also able to see Eunhyuk? He shook his head, trying to clear his eyesight. He glanced back at the exact spot again, to notice that both Kyuhyun and Eunhyuk had disappeared. He froze, staring at the spot again.
"Yah Sungmin! Why are you staring at that spot? Saw a girl you like?" Yesung stepped quietly behind his younger brother, with his wife right beside him, holding Ryeowook's small hand in his other arm. Sungmin rolled his eyes at his brother, and gave him a mock punch on his shoulder, earning a small 'oww' from his brother.
"You haven't changed your perspective yet, have you?" Yesung asked silently, and his wife drew Ryeowook away from their conversation, knowing that the brothers need to have a talk with each other. Sungmin hesitated, shaking his head slowly afterwards. He looked at his brother in the eye, who seemed to understand. Yesung placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed tightly.
"Well, I hope you learn more about this wonderful thing called love soon." Yesung replied, his eyes swinging towards his wife and his child, who was occupied by the flowers right beside the lawn. Sungmin laughed quietly, nudging his brother in the side. I didn't know that all of a sudden he had become the family man. I guess love and marriage had changed him after all.
---One week later----
Sungmin yawned tiredly, pulling out the key from his pocket to lock the studio up carefully. He left his camera and equipment in the studio, and he was a little reluctant to leave the studio each day to return to an empty house. He sighed to himself, and stiffened, noticing that someone was right beside him all of a sudden. He turned around to face the 'intruder', after all, he had kind of intruded on his privacy.
Kyuhyun smiled lazily at Sungmin, raising a hand up in acknowledgement. Sungmin raised an eyebrow at the man, who then withdrew the business card from his pocket. Oh. Yes. The address was written on the business card. Sungmin thought to himself. He raised his head further, tilting his head slightly to the side. Kyuhyun glanced at the studio, studying the interior through the glass doors. After a moment of silence, Sungmin shifted uncomfortably. It is as if he is standing here, studying where I work at, where I like to be at.
"What do you want to eat? My treat." Kyuhyun said, waiting for Sungmin to reply. Sungmin stared at Kyuhyun, while Kyuhyun's face fell slightly, as if he thought Sungmin was rejecting his offer. Sungmin hurriedly shook his head.
"Uh...Korean food?" Sungmin ventured. Kyuhyun's face immediately lit up, as he pulled Sungmin along. "I know the BEST place for Korean food!" Kyuhyun exclaimed, and started to run at full speed, pulling a bewildered Sungmin along, who completely didn't know the intent of the younger man.
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"Thanks!" Kyuhyun started to dig in into the plates of Korean food placed in front of him. "Wow, I haven't had Korean food for ages. The stuff here is really good...I wonder why Eeteuk just can't cook like this guy here." Kyuhyun mumbled to himself. Sungmin had managed to hear that, and chuckled at the statement. Kyuhyun raised his head slowly to stare at Sungmin, and choked on his food.
"You heard what I said?" Kyuhyun spluttered out, as he hurriedly reached for his glass to water to soothe himself. Coughing loudly, he looked at Sungmin through the glass. I wonder why Eeteuk sent me down here. Sungmin nodded in affirmation, and dug in as well. Eeteuk is really weird....pushing this guy to me as my responsibility all of a sudden Kyuhyun scowled to himself, placing more food into his mouth.
Eunhyuk watched at a distance, throwing his head back and laughing wildly at the sight in front of him. It was hilarious, the way his boss was acting at this time. Well, don't you already have a hint of what's going on, Kyuhyun? I think Eeteuk is right, you are really dense and stupid when it comes down to you, yourself. Eunhyuk thought to himself. He smirked at the sight in front of him, with Kyuhyun being more bewildered as Sungmin continued to surprise him with his gestures, astounding Kyuhyun, for he had never seen someone like Sungmin before. Eunhyuk did a celebratory dance by himself, grinning widely, before settling down to continue to observe in silence. Never thought that you would be the one who needs help at this time right, Kyuhyun dongsaeng? Eunhyuk smiled.
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Kyuhyun continued to ask Sungmin out of dinner every day, since that day. They had countless conversations about every minute detail, Sungmin's opinion on his brother, his work, his camera, his passion, his view on everything, politics, education, environment, and even love. Kyuhyun seemed to be fairly intrigued by the person he ate with everyday, pestering him with questions and swamping him with loads of opinions and debates. Being the photographer Sungmin is, he took a lot of photos of them being together, somehow, he thought that he would want these moments to last forever, etched and seared into his memories. He fingered with the photographs in the envelope, smiling at the thought of Kyuhyun sieving through them later on.
"Hey." A voice said, behind Sungmin. Sungmin smiled, knowing who it was without even turning around. "Hey Kyuhyun." Sungmin greeted simply, placing his camera slowly down on the table, before turning around to face the man. He raised an eyebrow at the suit Kyuhyun was wearing, who was fidgeting nervously with the cuff of his sleeves.
"What's the ocassion?" Sungmin stared at the appearance, earning a uncomfortable shift from Kyuhyun. Kyuhyun cursed silently, cursing Eeteuk to the depths of hell, instead of the post Eetuek was holding now. Eeteuk, I'm so going to kill you after I finish this mission here. You are so dead. Kyuhyun shifted again.
"Uhm, I guess I'm here to ask you dinner again. I think." Kyuhyun mumbled, earning another laugh from Sungmin. I haven't laughed this much, before Kyuhyun came along Sungmin thought silently to himself. He looked once over at Kyuhyun's suit, before motioning for Kyuhyun to wait, proceeding to change back into his normal clothes before locking the studio up safely and securely.
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Kyuhyun directed Sungmin to drive his car to a restaurant, where they proceeded to order their dinner for that day. Kyuhyun stared at the way Sungmin ordered his food, as if he couldn't decide which to pick, drawing his finger from one end to the other, and back up again. Being amused, he copied Sungmin's gestures, earning a glare from the latter when he realised he was being teased. Kyuhyun laughed, earning a smack on his shoulder from the man across the table. His fits of laughter quickly subsided under Sungmin's glare, and went on to speak.
"Sungmin, why are you afraid of love?" Kyuhyun asked quietly, noticing that the man in question had frozen in his place, eyes glancing down at the bottom of the menu, with his hands gripping tightly on the table. "I know you heard me, answer me." Kyuhyun ventured further, knowing that Eeteuk dressed him up for this particular day.
"I'm afraid...because I'm frightened, that this will only be part of my imagination, that everything will fall apart once I wake up in the morning, that one day the couple will separate. I have seen so many couples coming into my studio happily, as if they were made perfectly for each other, just to see them quarrel and divorce the very next year, and then coming in with another man or lady in their arms, assuring me that this was the last time they would be holding a wedding. Divorce rates are rapidly increasing, and I think I have lost faith, it seems like love is something for people with time to play at, and I don't have the time, or even the energy, much less the heart to try my hand at it." Sungmin confided quietly, while Kyuhyun listened to him.
It's as complicated as I thought it to be Kyuhyun thought to himself. He hesitantly raised his hands to place them on the table, leaning slightly forward, staring right into Sungmin's eyes. Sungmin startled, shifting back a little.
"I don't know why, I feel rather safe to confide and tell you my secrets. Not even my older brother knows about this. He just knows that I am averse to love, but he doesn't know the exact reason." Sungmin stated quietly.
Kyuhyun leaned back onto his chair. It's worse than I thought. He opened his mouth to speak, but then to close it again, for he didn't know what to do exactly to persuade Sungmin. He sighed, and tried his best to change Sungmin's opinion on love.
Eunhyuk glanced through the windows at the two people sitting quietly inside, enjoying their meal. Kyuhyun seemed to be at a loss, as if he did not know what to do at this juncture. Eeteuk was right. Kyuhyun, it's time you open your eyes and learn about something. It's time you experience it yourself. You have been dedicating your life to helping others all this while, it's time you help yourself along too.
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Kyuhyun quietly removed his seatbelt, and left the car. Sungmin smiled at the younger man, who tried to smile back, but seemed as if he was withholding great emotions within. He raised his eyebrows, only to be dismissed by a flick of Kyuhyun's hand. Kyuhyun then walked away simply from the car, to a pavement around the corner, out of Sungmin's eyes. Somehow, Sungmin couldn't explain the way that Kyuhyun has affected him. It was something that he had never experienced before, and he was learning from this experience.
Sungmin couldn't deny that security and attraction that surrounded Kyuhyun.
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Eeteuk sighed, as he listened to Eunhyuk's report. Kyuhyun is falling right smack into it, the way that I didn't want it to be... Eunhyuk glanced at Eeteuk, noting the troubled expression on his face. "Kyu has fallen in too deep, has he?" Eunhyuk asked hesitantly, wondering if he was going too far. Eeteuk sighed, and nodded slowly in confirmation.
"Eunhyuk, ask him to withdraw from his mission immediately. Sungmin has learnt enough. He is too attracted to Kyuhyun now, and this is dangerous. It's time for Sungmin to meet his destined partner, as he has already gotten used to understanding love, and appreciating it." Eeteuk ordered. Eunhyuk stiffened at the last sentence, and Eeteuk cringed silently, knowing that he had approached a sensitive spot. He glanced in concern at Eunhyuk, who had turned away from him and walked out of the door, without a backwards glance.
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"WHAT!" Kyuhyun shouted right into Eunhyuk's face, and Eunhyuk moved away uncomfortably, hating himself silently for being the one to break the news to Kyuhyun. Kyuhyun slumped onto the wall behind him, lifting a hand to indicate that he knew it wasn't Eunhyuk's idea. His mind was in a whirl, he couldn't help it. Did Eeteuk think this is a good joke or what? At this time, at this juncture? Where I'm just so close to fully changing his perception? Kyuhyun grounded his teeth in frustration.
"Yah Kyuhyun, you are in too deep already. Too far. You know it yourself. You have fallen in love with Sungmin, and he needs to be with his fated partner. Get away from him now, before you make him fall deeper into this pit that will leave no way of return." Eunhyuk mumbled under his breath, knowing that Kyuhyun needed a moment by himself. He hugged Kyuhyun awkwardly, patting him on the back. He withdrew and glanced at Kyuhyun, who seemed too numb to notice his surroundings. Eunhyuk sighed, and unfolded his wings, disappearing within a blink of an eye.
Kyuhyun stumbled, knocking into the pavement and nearly tripping himself. "Eeteuk...." His mind thought. "I have to leave right....I know I'm wrong. I shouldn't have done this. Why did Eeteuk even make me do this in the first place....It's all wrong....it's wrong..." Kyuhyun knelt down at the side, and broke down for the first time since he became an angel.
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Pushing the glass door slightly open, Kyuhyun peeked into the reception area, noting that no one was inside. He carefully walked in and poked his head into the small opening leading to the studio. Sungmin was sleeping peacefully on the chair, a small smile on his face. Kyuhyun's heart gave a small leap, which it had never done before. His heart then gave a wrench, and Kyuhyun's face twisted into agony. He knew he had to do this, he had to complete his mission, the final task, the final thing he could for Sungmin before he could carry and move on.
He hurriedly scribbled a letter on a note pad, and placed the letter down at the side of the camera, which he knew Sungmin would see immediately when he woke up. He brushed Sungmin's hair carefully, remembering the first time he saw, ruffling Ryeowook's hair playfully, and to think that he is now the one playing with Sungmin's hair, he didn't want to leave. He hurriedly dropped his hand to his side, gave one last look, and tore himself away from the studio.
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Sungmin woke up with a start, he had a nightmare. It seemed too true, Kyuhyun leaving the studio with this look that Sungmin wanted to erase on his face, forever. Weird...why would I have this feeling? I definitely.....no way....I....cannot like him.... Sungmin shook his head furiously. He glanced over to the camera beside him, noticing a note. He grabbed it and brought it up to his eye level, scanning through it quickly.
Sungmin,
I'm sorry I have to leave. You taught me a lot, and I believed this experience was a great one for both of us. I have to leave, because I am not the one for you. But just so you know, you tugged my heartstrings like no other person had done for me before, and I believed that no one is able to sway an angel as much as you did. I'm sorry, and please move on without me. Until the end, I didn't want to let you go.
Kyuhyun
Sungmin grabbed his keys on the table and hurriedly picked up his coat, knocking down in the process a pile of photos on his table. He picked up the photos, gathering them into a pile, before his eyes finally dropped to one of the photos, capturing his attention fully.
He was standing in front of the small Korean store that Kyuhyun had took him on their first date, he was smiling so widely into the camera.
But he was alone.
The memories came rushing back into Sungmin's head, knocking into him a sense of déjà vu. Sungmin's eyes glazed over the photographs again, and flipped right to the last one, where he saw the picture of Donghae and his bride again, with Eunhyuk standing beside them so proudly, so happily. He flipped back again, only to notice himself, alone, standing in front of every restaurant Kyuhyun and he ate together at. Kyuhyun, where exactly are you? Who exactly are you? And why did you appear in front of me just to leave again? The thoughts rushed through Sungmin, leaving him feeling light-headed and faint.
Sungmin picked up his phone and hurriedly dialled Yesung's number. Without even waiting for Yesung to reply with a 'hey', he launched straight into his questions.
"Hyung, did you see the guy I was with on the day of Donghae's wedding? The guy who was wearing a white suit, something that looked as if he was ....." Sungmin paused. An angel. A freaking angel
"Yah Sungmin, you there? Hey are you okay? I'm sorry, but I didn't see anyone with you that day. I thought you were a little loner, standing by yourself, and even mumbling to yourself. I thought that lack of company had made you a little crazy." Yesung joked, his voice filtering through the phone, which was already dropped to the ground, forgotten.
Sungmin rushed out of the wedding studio, and out onto the streets, trying to find for that exact person who had taught him love, but now seemed to have cruelly tore it away from him. He rushed to the car, holding the frame for support. This was too much, it overwhelmed his sense.
Kyuhyun, just who and where the heck are you? Sungmin thought for the last time, before fainting on the streets.
----One month later----
Sungmin stood, alone, in front of the Korean restaurant that Kyuhyun had first pulled him to. He gazed at the busy crew inside, hurrying around to take the orders and serve dishes to each table. The atmosphere, everything was exactly the same as it was on that day. He closed his eyes, trying to breathe in the scent that he thought he knew, that he thought he was so familiar with, that he thought, it was the only thing that would stay there even as everything else crumbles around him. He opened his eyes, a hint of glimmer shown.
"Hey sir, you okay there?" A lady on his right asked concernedly, noticing the hint of tears at the corner of his eyes. She stood there awkwardly, while Sungmin hurriedly nodded his head, dragging his gaze back into the restaurant. "I'm Sunny." She raised her hand, and waited, only to drop it by her side when she realised that he wasn't responding, as he had once again closed his eyes. She stood quietly, beside him, looking into the restaurant, trying to figure out what exactly was inside that drew this guy to that exact spot.
Kyuhyun, you make me believe. Now, even without you, I still believe in your views and your opinions. Heck my previous stand, I do believe in love now. Sungmin cried inwardly, knowing that Kyuhyun would be laughing and celebrating in joy, once he learnt that Sungmin already learnt to love and accept others.
-----3 years later-----
"Yah Sungmin, finally." Yesung rolled his eyes. "Finally I'm standing here at my brother's wedding, knowing that when I die I can at least tell my parents that I had done my best."
Sungmin punched his brother lightly on the arm, smiling to himself. It has been 3 years since he met the person who opened his eyes to this world, to the concept and idea of love. And today, he was finally marrying the girl of his dreams, whom he would definitely have not seen without the help of Kyuhyun's. After all, it was Kyuhyun who taught him to believe in love, to persuade him to try it out again, to fall in love.
As the doorway opened, Sungmin looked at Sunny, who wore a simply radiant smile on her face, and Sungmin broke out into his own smile unknowingly.
Thank you, Kyuhyun. Thank you. Wherever you are now, whatever you are doing, thank you for teaching me this. I will never forget you once, because you are the very first person to teach me how to love. The only reason I can find myself such a wonderful lady, is all because of you. I wonder if you are at the centre of the universe now, trying to hold everything tightly in place, teaching others of the idea of love, just like how you taught me. That experience with you, I will always remember it. Sungmin breathed in that familiar scent, and wondered if Kyuhyun was seated now among his guests, just that he couldn't see him. His eyes pricked slightly, as he held on to Sunny's hand, facing the front of the church.
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Kyuhyun stared at the couple in front of the church, taking their vows. Eunhyuk sat down beside him, quietly, fingers placed softly on his lap to give him encouragement. Kyuhyun raised his eyes to meet those of Eunhyuk's, and he smiled softly, allowing Eunhyuk to see that he was fine, and he was okay.
Thank you Sungmin. For teaching me what love really is. For allowing me to experience it myself. To teach others about it, but never experiencing it, isn't really the best method for me, right? So thank you, for allowing me to understand this complicated notion of love. I wish you all the best Sungmin, and I will remember you. You will always be the student that I am most proud of, because, I am your student as well. Kyuhyun breathed in deeply, and exhaled, letting everything go.
Kyuhyun threw his head back and laughed freely, as Sungmin bent down to kiss the bride softly on her cheek.
----End of Wedding Photos----
A/N: OMG I outdid myself this time. This fanfiction is so long! *gasps at the length* I really like this piece, and although I don't think it can make anyone tear this time, it kind of touches on this very deep concept called love. I can't claim the idea though, I got it from Cecelia Ahern's If you could see me now (I think the title is like that). I just tweaked it slightly to fit members of SUJU in! Comments are <3s, so please comment? There may be a side-story...Yesung and his wife? XD
Pairings: Kyumin, Eunhae
Ratings: PG
Summary: Sungmin is afraid to love, until someone slowly coax him out of his shell and help him to learn how to love. Until that someone disappears. Or is that someone, a someone, in the first place?
Sungmin carefully removed the cover from the lens of his camera, taking a piece of special cloth to wipe the equipment fondly. It has accompanied him from the start of his career, and it had given him many fond memories, including the one that had just happened 6 months ago. Although Sungmin didn't use to believe in afterlife, or even ghosts or angels, or even the noble concept of love, that incident did change his life and view on love. He had not told anyone about it before, preferring to keep it a secret between him, Donghae, and Eunhyuk.
"Yah Sungmin! You have a visitor!" Yesung shouted to his younger brother, peeking his head into the studio. Sungmin glared at his brother, for he almost dropped the camera in fright. Yesung gave an apologetic smile and stuck his tongue out at his younger brother, quickly ducking his head back to head for the reception at the front. Sungmin shook his head. It's hard to believe that he is already married and a father of a 5 year old child as well. He acts as if he is younger than me. Sungmin chuckled quietly to himself. He set his camera down on the table beside him, and walked out to welcome his visitor.
Sungmin walked out to the front, spotting a lone man standing, watching the scenery outside through the glass panels. His visitor whirled around, hearing the footsteps that came closer. Donghae smiled widely at Sungmin, who had frozen in his steps, just simply staring at the guest. Donghae grinned even widely, and Sungmin felt himself relax a little. He opened his mouth to speak, but was beaten to it by Donghae.
"Sungmin! I'm here to hand you this..." Donghae pressed an envelope into Sungmin's hands. Sungmin glanced up, curious. Donghae gestured and motioned for him to open it, and Sungmin opened it carefully. He drew out an invitation card, inviting him to Donghae's and Hyejin's wedding. He raised his eyebrows at Donghae, who was grinning sheepishly back at him.
"We want you to come to our wedding, and take pictures of us together." Donghae requested, and Sungmin glanced at the date on the card. 4th April Sungmin met the expectant gaze of Donghae, agreeing to the request immediately. He raised his eyebrows though, silently transmitting his question through his gaze, knowing that Donghae knew what he was asking.
"Well...I postponed the marriage. It was supposed to be the month right after that wedding shoot, but after the day you came and visited me at my house, I needed time. I told Hyejin that I needed time to reminisce and time to really start all over again. She agreed." Donghae said, a small smile creeping onto his face. "I left Korea. I went to Japan, as it was the only place we once went together. I searched, and thought and recalled everything about him. I nearly couldn't let go, after that episode, I knew he was there, but I couldn't find him anymore. It wasn't until one day, when a girl pressed a smooth stone into my hands, smiling gently, that I knew Eunhyuk wanted me to give it up. He always loved the way stones were smoothed out in rivers, with waves beating against it, pressing every fault and edge into a smooth plane, like kneading dough into that perfect shape. At that time, I understood, and somehow, I thought I breathed his scent. I came back, and now I finally know that I had let it go, and I'm really happy with her." Donghae stated simply.
Sungmin nodded peacefully at Donghae, smiling back at him. He looked down at the envelope, and noticed that there was something inside. He slowly pulled it out, to realise that it was one of the photographs he had taken for the couple. He looked up at Donghae again.
"Uhm ah..we have decided to let you have this photograph." Donghae mumbled. "We really want you to have it, we even made another piece just for ourselves. But this is different, and I think you know why." Donghae stared at the photograph, motioning for Sungmin to turn it over to the picture.
Sungmin cautiously turned the picture over, gasping at the sight he saw. Now, instead of two people, the best man was also present in the picture, showing off his gummy smile wide at the camera, representing someone who had truly understood, and was content that his lover had let go. Sungmin glanced up, and Donghae mumbled, "I see him too. I see him in the picture right after I knew I had to give up. I guess only the two of us can see him, isn't it? She can't see him, but it's okay. We cherish our days together now, because I don't want something like that to happen to me again."
----4th April----
It was one of the most beautiful days ever. Donghae's wedding was held on a vast green lawn, with the sun gently shining down on the ceremony, where guests were mingling around, with soft music playing in the background, and Sungmin knelt on the grass, positioning his camera to his eyes, and snapped a photo of the bride shyly whispering into her husband's ear. He continued to take more photos as Donghae laughed, pressing his lips to his bride's cheek, making her blush furiously. The guests laughed politely, and happiness was present in the atmosphere, and Sungmin unknowingly smiled, surprised.
"UNCLE!" a child shouted, running at full speed towards Sungmin, nearly knocking Sungmin over in the process. Sungmin chuckled at the sight of the child, who had fallen onto the grass after his failed attempt to jump onto his uncle. He carefully straightened the child, brushing off bits of grasses that were stuck onto his white suit. He ruffled his hair gently, pulling the child onto his knee, as he remained in a kneeling position.
"UNCLE! PLAY WITH ME!" The child tugged at Sungmin's sleeve, teasing another smile on his uncle's face. Sungmin grinned down at the hyperactive child, looking around to spot Yesung and his wife mingling around with bride and the groom. He carefully covered his camera lens, and placed his camera in his bag, keeping it safe.
"Ryeowook." Sungmin stated simply, happy that his nephew was happy. The 5 year old child had brought him happiness in ways he had not even explored, helped him gained new perspectives with every sentence or gesture that the child made. "Uncle has to work now you know, I can play with you later? Okay? Go find your parents and bother your father." Sungmin pried his nephew's fingers off this suit, while the little boy pouted adorably at his uncle. Sungmin laughed at the sight, it seemed like Ryeowook had inherited his father's weird and unpredictable nature, and most of all that face shape which resembled Yesung so much. The child refused to move, or even budge, sitting firmly on Sungmin's lap. Sungmin raised an eyebrow at the child, which made Ryeowook even more determined to plant himself right on his uncle's lap.
"Hey." An unknown voice addressed both of them. Sungmin looked up, his eyes slightly closed as he tried to look at the face against the sunlight. The man's face was a silhouette, and Sungmin thought he saw something. The man knelt down, to reach the same level as Ryeowook, smiling gently at the petulant child.
"What's this?" The stranger smiled, reaching out, and producing a chocolate coin behind Ryeowook's ear. Ryeowook's eyes widened immediately, as he jumped up from Sungmin's knee to grasp that chocolate coin in front of him, and proceeded to hug the unknown man. Sungmin raised his eyebrows, amused at his nephew's gestures. He nodded politely at the stranger, who was trying his best to pry Ryeowook off himself. Sungmin chuckled, pulling the young child away, who then proceeded to run off to his father to show his chocolate coin.
The stranger raised a hand out to Sungmin, who grasped it and shook it firmly. He politely handed his business card over, and the stranger did the same as well. Sungmin glanced down discreetly at the card.
Cho Kyuhyun
C.E.O. / Director in Korea
Sungmin smiled back at the stranger, who had already kept his card deep within his breast pocket. "Nice to meet you, Sungmin-shii" Kyuhyun said. He had not once glanced at the card, yet he knew my name already? Sungmin questioned silently in his head. He glanced down at the drink offered to him by Kyuhyun, which seemed to have magically appeared all of a sudden. He graciously accepted it, thanking the man, wondering how the man knew that at that exact moment, he was feeling thirsty and desperately in need of a break. He looked up at Kyuhyun, noticing that Kyuhyun was looking over his shoulder and at someone in the distance. Kyuhyun met his gaze, and politely excused himself, before walking past with a determined look in his eyes.
------------
Kyuhyun reached the edge of the lawn, where he had spotted a familiar figure dancing by himself, swaying to the soft classical music that was playing in the air, enjoying himself thoroughly. Kyuhyun pulled the guy off the lawn to a discreet area under the shadows, where he proceeded to question the man.
"What are you doing here? You know you are not supposed to be here. What if someone saw you?" Kyuhyun hissed, maintaining a calm expression on his face in case someone looked over.
"The same as you are, attending the wedding." Eunhyuk replied calmly, still swaying to the beat of the music, smiling to himself.
"You know you will be punished if you were under Kangin's jurisdiction. He would have killed you in the first place for even going to Japan without informing us, or immediately removed you from your post when you appeared in front of Donghae to give him that stone of yours. You did break the rule, and now you are pushing the line a bit too far." Kyuhyun glared at the man in front of him.
"Well, a pity I'm under you, and I know you are too nice to punish me." Eunhyuk smiled back at the angry man, whose anger immediately dissipated. "Anyway, I'm here to be his best man! You can't stop me. I don't think I made myself obvious enough to let anyone spot me today. He looks happy and content with his bride, and that's all I want. It's the last thing I want to see, his wedding, before I proceed on with my duties that I have to complete. I do remember, you know, Kyuhyun." Eunhyuk glanced back, patting his shoulder gently.
Kyuhyun sighed, immediately acquiescing to Eunhyuk's request. "Just this last time, okay?" Eunhyuk smiled quietly, thanking him silently. "Oh and Eunhyuk, happy birthday." Kyuhyun stated, pulling out a simple gift from his pocket. Eunhyuk smiled widely, bouncing up and down and showed off that popular smile of his. He quickly snatched the present and pocketed it, pulling his boss into a hug, while Kyuhyun hurriedly tried to remove himself from the firm grasp, wiggling furiously. "Being at his wedding is actually enough for my birthday present. Thanks." Eunhyuk released Kyuhyun.
Kyuhyun raised his eyebrows. "You do know the exact reason why this happened, now, right?" Eunhyuk hesitated, nodding carefully after a short while. Kyuhyun patted him softly on the shoulder, while Eunhyuk carefully turned his face towards the ground, not wanting his dongsaeng to see the emotions that were displayed on his face. Kyuhyun glanced at the wedding reception. Donghae was meant to be with Hyejin after all, it was the way this universe was written, it was the way how this world turned out to be. After all, it was destiny and fate that brought everything together in the first place. Eunhyuk's phone rang suddenly, jolting both of them out of their thoughts.
"Wow, I didn't know there will be reception here as well." Eunhyuk mused to himself, earning a snort from his boss. "Well, I'm new here afterall!" Eunhyuk glared at the man who was chuckling to himself. He hurriedly flipped the phone open when he saw the caller ID.
"Hey!....Yes I remember!....Yup, I'm leaving soon!....Yes I know!....You are very naggy at times, you know that Eeteuk?" Eunhyuk hurriedly drew the phone away from his ear, as shouts and exclamations quickly followed from the phone. He winced, and pressed the phone back to his ear after the shouting has stopped. Eunhyuk grinned quietly, nodding his head all of a sudden, flashing a grin at this boss. Kyuhyun raised his eyebrows, curious as to what the leader, the main man behind all this, had told Eunhyuk. Eunhyuk shut the phone closed.
"What was that?" Kyuhyun questioned, still with his eyebrows raised. Eunhyuk flashed a devilish grin at his boss, shaking his head. "It's top secret," earning a glare and a slight push on his shoulder. Eunhyuk grinned widely, waving to someone on to the lawn. Kyuhyun glared harder at Eunhyuk, and turned around to spot the guy he was waving to. Sungmin stared back, raising his trembling arm to wave at Eunhyuk. Kyuhyun pushed Eunhyuk behind him, hissing under his breath. "That's enough Eunhyuk. Go before Eeteuk knows about this, before he kills you for this." Kyuhyun shot a glance at the man behind him.
"ALRIGHT BOSS! Eeteuk wouldn't kill me! I'm his favourite dongsaeng afterall! He likes me better than you! I bet I will raise through the ranks faster than you can imagine! See ya!" Eunhyuk bidded goodbye, before taking one last look at Donghae, and ran across the lawn to disappear halfway through.
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Sungmin rubbed his eyes furiously. Did he just see Eunhyuk? Again? Talking to Kyuhyun? Did Kyuhyun also see Eunhyuk? Is Kyuhyun also able to see Eunhyuk? He shook his head, trying to clear his eyesight. He glanced back at the exact spot again, to notice that both Kyuhyun and Eunhyuk had disappeared. He froze, staring at the spot again.
"Yah Sungmin! Why are you staring at that spot? Saw a girl you like?" Yesung stepped quietly behind his younger brother, with his wife right beside him, holding Ryeowook's small hand in his other arm. Sungmin rolled his eyes at his brother, and gave him a mock punch on his shoulder, earning a small 'oww' from his brother.
"You haven't changed your perspective yet, have you?" Yesung asked silently, and his wife drew Ryeowook away from their conversation, knowing that the brothers need to have a talk with each other. Sungmin hesitated, shaking his head slowly afterwards. He looked at his brother in the eye, who seemed to understand. Yesung placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed tightly.
"Well, I hope you learn more about this wonderful thing called love soon." Yesung replied, his eyes swinging towards his wife and his child, who was occupied by the flowers right beside the lawn. Sungmin laughed quietly, nudging his brother in the side. I didn't know that all of a sudden he had become the family man. I guess love and marriage had changed him after all.
---One week later----
Sungmin yawned tiredly, pulling out the key from his pocket to lock the studio up carefully. He left his camera and equipment in the studio, and he was a little reluctant to leave the studio each day to return to an empty house. He sighed to himself, and stiffened, noticing that someone was right beside him all of a sudden. He turned around to face the 'intruder', after all, he had kind of intruded on his privacy.
Kyuhyun smiled lazily at Sungmin, raising a hand up in acknowledgement. Sungmin raised an eyebrow at the man, who then withdrew the business card from his pocket. Oh. Yes. The address was written on the business card. Sungmin thought to himself. He raised his head further, tilting his head slightly to the side. Kyuhyun glanced at the studio, studying the interior through the glass doors. After a moment of silence, Sungmin shifted uncomfortably. It is as if he is standing here, studying where I work at, where I like to be at.
"What do you want to eat? My treat." Kyuhyun said, waiting for Sungmin to reply. Sungmin stared at Kyuhyun, while Kyuhyun's face fell slightly, as if he thought Sungmin was rejecting his offer. Sungmin hurriedly shook his head.
"Uh...Korean food?" Sungmin ventured. Kyuhyun's face immediately lit up, as he pulled Sungmin along. "I know the BEST place for Korean food!" Kyuhyun exclaimed, and started to run at full speed, pulling a bewildered Sungmin along, who completely didn't know the intent of the younger man.
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"Thanks!" Kyuhyun started to dig in into the plates of Korean food placed in front of him. "Wow, I haven't had Korean food for ages. The stuff here is really good...I wonder why Eeteuk just can't cook like this guy here." Kyuhyun mumbled to himself. Sungmin had managed to hear that, and chuckled at the statement. Kyuhyun raised his head slowly to stare at Sungmin, and choked on his food.
"You heard what I said?" Kyuhyun spluttered out, as he hurriedly reached for his glass to water to soothe himself. Coughing loudly, he looked at Sungmin through the glass. I wonder why Eeteuk sent me down here. Sungmin nodded in affirmation, and dug in as well. Eeteuk is really weird....pushing this guy to me as my responsibility all of a sudden Kyuhyun scowled to himself, placing more food into his mouth.
Eunhyuk watched at a distance, throwing his head back and laughing wildly at the sight in front of him. It was hilarious, the way his boss was acting at this time. Well, don't you already have a hint of what's going on, Kyuhyun? I think Eeteuk is right, you are really dense and stupid when it comes down to you, yourself. Eunhyuk thought to himself. He smirked at the sight in front of him, with Kyuhyun being more bewildered as Sungmin continued to surprise him with his gestures, astounding Kyuhyun, for he had never seen someone like Sungmin before. Eunhyuk did a celebratory dance by himself, grinning widely, before settling down to continue to observe in silence. Never thought that you would be the one who needs help at this time right, Kyuhyun dongsaeng? Eunhyuk smiled.
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Kyuhyun continued to ask Sungmin out of dinner every day, since that day. They had countless conversations about every minute detail, Sungmin's opinion on his brother, his work, his camera, his passion, his view on everything, politics, education, environment, and even love. Kyuhyun seemed to be fairly intrigued by the person he ate with everyday, pestering him with questions and swamping him with loads of opinions and debates. Being the photographer Sungmin is, he took a lot of photos of them being together, somehow, he thought that he would want these moments to last forever, etched and seared into his memories. He fingered with the photographs in the envelope, smiling at the thought of Kyuhyun sieving through them later on.
"Hey." A voice said, behind Sungmin. Sungmin smiled, knowing who it was without even turning around. "Hey Kyuhyun." Sungmin greeted simply, placing his camera slowly down on the table, before turning around to face the man. He raised an eyebrow at the suit Kyuhyun was wearing, who was fidgeting nervously with the cuff of his sleeves.
"What's the ocassion?" Sungmin stared at the appearance, earning a uncomfortable shift from Kyuhyun. Kyuhyun cursed silently, cursing Eeteuk to the depths of hell, instead of the post Eetuek was holding now. Eeteuk, I'm so going to kill you after I finish this mission here. You are so dead. Kyuhyun shifted again.
"Uhm, I guess I'm here to ask you dinner again. I think." Kyuhyun mumbled, earning another laugh from Sungmin. I haven't laughed this much, before Kyuhyun came along Sungmin thought silently to himself. He looked once over at Kyuhyun's suit, before motioning for Kyuhyun to wait, proceeding to change back into his normal clothes before locking the studio up safely and securely.
------------
Kyuhyun directed Sungmin to drive his car to a restaurant, where they proceeded to order their dinner for that day. Kyuhyun stared at the way Sungmin ordered his food, as if he couldn't decide which to pick, drawing his finger from one end to the other, and back up again. Being amused, he copied Sungmin's gestures, earning a glare from the latter when he realised he was being teased. Kyuhyun laughed, earning a smack on his shoulder from the man across the table. His fits of laughter quickly subsided under Sungmin's glare, and went on to speak.
"Sungmin, why are you afraid of love?" Kyuhyun asked quietly, noticing that the man in question had frozen in his place, eyes glancing down at the bottom of the menu, with his hands gripping tightly on the table. "I know you heard me, answer me." Kyuhyun ventured further, knowing that Eeteuk dressed him up for this particular day.
"I'm afraid...because I'm frightened, that this will only be part of my imagination, that everything will fall apart once I wake up in the morning, that one day the couple will separate. I have seen so many couples coming into my studio happily, as if they were made perfectly for each other, just to see them quarrel and divorce the very next year, and then coming in with another man or lady in their arms, assuring me that this was the last time they would be holding a wedding. Divorce rates are rapidly increasing, and I think I have lost faith, it seems like love is something for people with time to play at, and I don't have the time, or even the energy, much less the heart to try my hand at it." Sungmin confided quietly, while Kyuhyun listened to him.
It's as complicated as I thought it to be Kyuhyun thought to himself. He hesitantly raised his hands to place them on the table, leaning slightly forward, staring right into Sungmin's eyes. Sungmin startled, shifting back a little.
"I don't know why, I feel rather safe to confide and tell you my secrets. Not even my older brother knows about this. He just knows that I am averse to love, but he doesn't know the exact reason." Sungmin stated quietly.
Kyuhyun leaned back onto his chair. It's worse than I thought. He opened his mouth to speak, but then to close it again, for he didn't know what to do exactly to persuade Sungmin. He sighed, and tried his best to change Sungmin's opinion on love.
Eunhyuk glanced through the windows at the two people sitting quietly inside, enjoying their meal. Kyuhyun seemed to be at a loss, as if he did not know what to do at this juncture. Eeteuk was right. Kyuhyun, it's time you open your eyes and learn about something. It's time you experience it yourself. You have been dedicating your life to helping others all this while, it's time you help yourself along too.
------------
Kyuhyun quietly removed his seatbelt, and left the car. Sungmin smiled at the younger man, who tried to smile back, but seemed as if he was withholding great emotions within. He raised his eyebrows, only to be dismissed by a flick of Kyuhyun's hand. Kyuhyun then walked away simply from the car, to a pavement around the corner, out of Sungmin's eyes. Somehow, Sungmin couldn't explain the way that Kyuhyun has affected him. It was something that he had never experienced before, and he was learning from this experience.
Sungmin couldn't deny that security and attraction that surrounded Kyuhyun.
------------
Eeteuk sighed, as he listened to Eunhyuk's report. Kyuhyun is falling right smack into it, the way that I didn't want it to be... Eunhyuk glanced at Eeteuk, noting the troubled expression on his face. "Kyu has fallen in too deep, has he?" Eunhyuk asked hesitantly, wondering if he was going too far. Eeteuk sighed, and nodded slowly in confirmation.
"Eunhyuk, ask him to withdraw from his mission immediately. Sungmin has learnt enough. He is too attracted to Kyuhyun now, and this is dangerous. It's time for Sungmin to meet his destined partner, as he has already gotten used to understanding love, and appreciating it." Eeteuk ordered. Eunhyuk stiffened at the last sentence, and Eeteuk cringed silently, knowing that he had approached a sensitive spot. He glanced in concern at Eunhyuk, who had turned away from him and walked out of the door, without a backwards glance.
--------------
"WHAT!" Kyuhyun shouted right into Eunhyuk's face, and Eunhyuk moved away uncomfortably, hating himself silently for being the one to break the news to Kyuhyun. Kyuhyun slumped onto the wall behind him, lifting a hand to indicate that he knew it wasn't Eunhyuk's idea. His mind was in a whirl, he couldn't help it. Did Eeteuk think this is a good joke or what? At this time, at this juncture? Where I'm just so close to fully changing his perception? Kyuhyun grounded his teeth in frustration.
"Yah Kyuhyun, you are in too deep already. Too far. You know it yourself. You have fallen in love with Sungmin, and he needs to be with his fated partner. Get away from him now, before you make him fall deeper into this pit that will leave no way of return." Eunhyuk mumbled under his breath, knowing that Kyuhyun needed a moment by himself. He hugged Kyuhyun awkwardly, patting him on the back. He withdrew and glanced at Kyuhyun, who seemed too numb to notice his surroundings. Eunhyuk sighed, and unfolded his wings, disappearing within a blink of an eye.
Kyuhyun stumbled, knocking into the pavement and nearly tripping himself. "Eeteuk...." His mind thought. "I have to leave right....I know I'm wrong. I shouldn't have done this. Why did Eeteuk even make me do this in the first place....It's all wrong....it's wrong..." Kyuhyun knelt down at the side, and broke down for the first time since he became an angel.
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Pushing the glass door slightly open, Kyuhyun peeked into the reception area, noting that no one was inside. He carefully walked in and poked his head into the small opening leading to the studio. Sungmin was sleeping peacefully on the chair, a small smile on his face. Kyuhyun's heart gave a small leap, which it had never done before. His heart then gave a wrench, and Kyuhyun's face twisted into agony. He knew he had to do this, he had to complete his mission, the final task, the final thing he could for Sungmin before he could carry and move on.
He hurriedly scribbled a letter on a note pad, and placed the letter down at the side of the camera, which he knew Sungmin would see immediately when he woke up. He brushed Sungmin's hair carefully, remembering the first time he saw, ruffling Ryeowook's hair playfully, and to think that he is now the one playing with Sungmin's hair, he didn't want to leave. He hurriedly dropped his hand to his side, gave one last look, and tore himself away from the studio.
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Sungmin woke up with a start, he had a nightmare. It seemed too true, Kyuhyun leaving the studio with this look that Sungmin wanted to erase on his face, forever. Weird...why would I have this feeling? I definitely.....no way....I....cannot like him.... Sungmin shook his head furiously. He glanced over to the camera beside him, noticing a note. He grabbed it and brought it up to his eye level, scanning through it quickly.
Sungmin,
I'm sorry I have to leave. You taught me a lot, and I believed this experience was a great one for both of us. I have to leave, because I am not the one for you. But just so you know, you tugged my heartstrings like no other person had done for me before, and I believed that no one is able to sway an angel as much as you did. I'm sorry, and please move on without me. Until the end, I didn't want to let you go.
Kyuhyun
Sungmin grabbed his keys on the table and hurriedly picked up his coat, knocking down in the process a pile of photos on his table. He picked up the photos, gathering them into a pile, before his eyes finally dropped to one of the photos, capturing his attention fully.
He was standing in front of the small Korean store that Kyuhyun had took him on their first date, he was smiling so widely into the camera.
But he was alone.
The memories came rushing back into Sungmin's head, knocking into him a sense of déjà vu. Sungmin's eyes glazed over the photographs again, and flipped right to the last one, where he saw the picture of Donghae and his bride again, with Eunhyuk standing beside them so proudly, so happily. He flipped back again, only to notice himself, alone, standing in front of every restaurant Kyuhyun and he ate together at. Kyuhyun, where exactly are you? Who exactly are you? And why did you appear in front of me just to leave again? The thoughts rushed through Sungmin, leaving him feeling light-headed and faint.
Sungmin picked up his phone and hurriedly dialled Yesung's number. Without even waiting for Yesung to reply with a 'hey', he launched straight into his questions.
"Hyung, did you see the guy I was with on the day of Donghae's wedding? The guy who was wearing a white suit, something that looked as if he was ....." Sungmin paused. An angel. A freaking angel
"Yah Sungmin, you there? Hey are you okay? I'm sorry, but I didn't see anyone with you that day. I thought you were a little loner, standing by yourself, and even mumbling to yourself. I thought that lack of company had made you a little crazy." Yesung joked, his voice filtering through the phone, which was already dropped to the ground, forgotten.
Sungmin rushed out of the wedding studio, and out onto the streets, trying to find for that exact person who had taught him love, but now seemed to have cruelly tore it away from him. He rushed to the car, holding the frame for support. This was too much, it overwhelmed his sense.
Kyuhyun, just who and where the heck are you? Sungmin thought for the last time, before fainting on the streets.
----One month later----
Sungmin stood, alone, in front of the Korean restaurant that Kyuhyun had first pulled him to. He gazed at the busy crew inside, hurrying around to take the orders and serve dishes to each table. The atmosphere, everything was exactly the same as it was on that day. He closed his eyes, trying to breathe in the scent that he thought he knew, that he thought he was so familiar with, that he thought, it was the only thing that would stay there even as everything else crumbles around him. He opened his eyes, a hint of glimmer shown.
"Hey sir, you okay there?" A lady on his right asked concernedly, noticing the hint of tears at the corner of his eyes. She stood there awkwardly, while Sungmin hurriedly nodded his head, dragging his gaze back into the restaurant. "I'm Sunny." She raised her hand, and waited, only to drop it by her side when she realised that he wasn't responding, as he had once again closed his eyes. She stood quietly, beside him, looking into the restaurant, trying to figure out what exactly was inside that drew this guy to that exact spot.
Kyuhyun, you make me believe. Now, even without you, I still believe in your views and your opinions. Heck my previous stand, I do believe in love now. Sungmin cried inwardly, knowing that Kyuhyun would be laughing and celebrating in joy, once he learnt that Sungmin already learnt to love and accept others.
-----3 years later-----
"Yah Sungmin, finally." Yesung rolled his eyes. "Finally I'm standing here at my brother's wedding, knowing that when I die I can at least tell my parents that I had done my best."
Sungmin punched his brother lightly on the arm, smiling to himself. It has been 3 years since he met the person who opened his eyes to this world, to the concept and idea of love. And today, he was finally marrying the girl of his dreams, whom he would definitely have not seen without the help of Kyuhyun's. After all, it was Kyuhyun who taught him to believe in love, to persuade him to try it out again, to fall in love.
As the doorway opened, Sungmin looked at Sunny, who wore a simply radiant smile on her face, and Sungmin broke out into his own smile unknowingly.
Thank you, Kyuhyun. Thank you. Wherever you are now, whatever you are doing, thank you for teaching me this. I will never forget you once, because you are the very first person to teach me how to love. The only reason I can find myself such a wonderful lady, is all because of you. I wonder if you are at the centre of the universe now, trying to hold everything tightly in place, teaching others of the idea of love, just like how you taught me. That experience with you, I will always remember it. Sungmin breathed in that familiar scent, and wondered if Kyuhyun was seated now among his guests, just that he couldn't see him. His eyes pricked slightly, as he held on to Sunny's hand, facing the front of the church.
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Kyuhyun stared at the couple in front of the church, taking their vows. Eunhyuk sat down beside him, quietly, fingers placed softly on his lap to give him encouragement. Kyuhyun raised his eyes to meet those of Eunhyuk's, and he smiled softly, allowing Eunhyuk to see that he was fine, and he was okay.
Thank you Sungmin. For teaching me what love really is. For allowing me to experience it myself. To teach others about it, but never experiencing it, isn't really the best method for me, right? So thank you, for allowing me to understand this complicated notion of love. I wish you all the best Sungmin, and I will remember you. You will always be the student that I am most proud of, because, I am your student as well. Kyuhyun breathed in deeply, and exhaled, letting everything go.
Kyuhyun threw his head back and laughed freely, as Sungmin bent down to kiss the bride softly on her cheek.
----End of Wedding Photos----
A/N: OMG I outdid myself this time. This fanfiction is so long! *gasps at the length* I really like this piece, and although I don't think it can make anyone tear this time, it kind of touches on this very deep concept called love. I can't claim the idea though, I got it from Cecelia Ahern's If you could see me now (I think the title is like that). I just tweaked it slightly to fit members of SUJU in! Comments are <3s, so please comment? There may be a side-story...Yesung and his wife? XD