tokyo lights
Title: Tokyo Lights
Pairings: Hyukjae x Shige; Donghae x Hyukjae
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 6200+
Note: For catskilt. Gem, I prostrate myself before you in apology. This monster of wtf-ery is absolutely pointless (see summary), and may require suspension of belief. I have no idea why I thought this would be a good idea :(
Summary: Hyukjae spends a week in Tokyo, where nothing and everything happens.
Tokyo Lights
When Jungsu goes to the army, Eunhyuk gets one week off from all duties and Hyukjae is finally allowed to rest. It’s all Jungsu’s idea apparently, and Hyukjae doesn’t believe him at first. He can barely believe he managed to pull it off in the first place.
“So I pulled some strings,” Jungsu says as Hyukjae stares. “You’ve got one week after I leave. Enjoy it.”
Hyukjae’s mouth is still gaping open. “I didn’t think we had any strings to pull,” he mumbles. Jungsu laughs, the sound ripping from Jungsu’s throat, and Hyukjae withers. Jungsu looks tired, so tired, and Hyukjae realizes with a start that he is too. He’d almost forgotten; exhaustion is like a second skin at this point, seeping into marrow. He swallows. “Thanks.”
Jungsu smiles, and Hyukjae burns the dimple into his memory.
The night before Jungsu leaves is bitterly cold. So many boys crowd around two tables meant for four, and they dine and drink and joke and cry. Donghae wraps himself around Hyukjae as Hyukjae sobs - so noisy, Heechul admonishes, but his eyes are wet and mouth a thin line - and then Hyukjae feels Donghae's limbs tighten around his torso as he too, begins to cry. Still, Donghae holds him and Hyukjae lets him, and together, with the rest of Super Junior, they bid Jungsu goodbye a thousand times over.
The next afternoon, Hyukjae steals into the airport and prays prays prays that no one notices.
That night, Hyukjae finds himself in Tokyo.
He doesn’t really know why he had chosen Tokyo, out of all the places he could go. Still, when he makes the final decision, his group mates do their best to help him prepare for it. Kyuhyun gives him advice because apparently going to Tokyo once on his own makes him an expert, and with Donghae, he compiles a list of things Hyukjae needs to do and buy (which really means eat; nearly half of Kyuhyun’s list includes food). They make Hyukjae promise that he’ll do everything on the list. The only useful item Hyukjae receives is from Sungmin, a pocket-sized travel dictionary. Jongwoon gives Hyukjae a book of phrases he really shouldn’t say in polite conversation, which mainly includes really pathetic oyaji gags and where is the nearest gay brothel?, and Junsu calls to say he’ll meet him later in the week after he arrives in Tokyo.
Donghae gives him a hug. “Stay safe,” Donghae says, and Hyukjae swallows. Wants the words to mean more, somehow, but he doesn’t raise his hopes up. He’s learned not to after all these years.
He spends his first night looking for Don Quijote. Kyuhyun orders him to go because seriously, hyung, this store’s got some of the best crap ever, the Japanese are insane. He’s beginning to regret choosing this as the first destination on his list though (4. Don Fucking Awesome Quijote), because it’s been fifteen minutes since he walked out of the metro station (at least, he hopes it’s the right one), and Don Quijote is nowhere in sight. He’s pretty sure he’s in the right vicinity if Google Maps hasn’t completely fucked him over, but for the life of him, there is no store to be found. He glances upwards and back, tiptoes on a street corner, and god, was Seoul ever this crowded, ever so busy? Though that’s a dumb question; when was the last time he’s been able to be let loose on the streets to see for himself? Even now, he’s half worried someone’s going to notice him. Hell, if people could in Paris, then Tokyo’s nothing.
Hyukjae tugs at his beanie out of nervous habit more than anything else, and then catches the eye of someone heading his way. He nearly shoves himself forward to ask for directions and forces the man to step back awkwardly. Hello, Hyukjae thinks, but just for a split second before the man tugs his hat ferociously over red-tipped ears. Under sepia shades too large for the man’s face, eyes swim frantically around them before they land on Hyukjae. Pink lips purse under a button nose, and Hyukjae gulps.
“Um,” he says a little too loudly. The man just stands there, looking at him, and Hyukjae sort of wants to die. “Where…Don Quijote?” Fumbling Japanese, but not as fumbling as Hyukjae’s fingers as they nearly tear Kyuhyun’s list to shreds in his pockets.
The man’s lip quirks, and he lifts a gloved hand. Points. Hyukjae turns around and then he really wants to die. He’s walked up and down that street twice already what the hell since when was Don Quijote there, in all its bright glory?
A squeal. Both men freeze. These are the moments he hates the most; it’s so hard to run away from fangirls in the middle of a busy street; he’s tried. But then, Hyukjae realizes that none of the girls are actually looking at him. They’re looking at the guy next to him. Hyukjae turns when he hears the man say something under his breath - chances are it's a swear - and then the man is smiling awkwardly.
“Good luck!” he says, and before Hyukjae can register that oh! I know that word, we used it at the concert, the man is gone, leaving a trail of girls at his wake.
Well. That was odd.
He sheepishly makes his way to Don Quijote, and of course, finds that Kyuhyun was right. It is the best store ever. By the end of the night, he’s already bought everyone’s souvenirs and the trip hasn’t even really begun.
The next morning, Hyukjae finds himself sitting in the Starbucks near his hotel. He contemplates moving but it’s really cold outside, so he’s content sitting in the corner of the café as he sips at his Chai latte. He was supposed to hit Harajuku (2. Harajuku. Bathing Ape. Don't ask. Just go.) but hell, he deserves some caffeine first. Even though caffeine in Chai latte is practically nonexistent; whatever, he can pretend.
The door’s bells chime and then a man shudders in. Hyukjae takes a cursory glance before nearly spitting his drink out, because what the hell, is Tokyo really that small?
Without the over-large sunglasses and cap, the man is even more handsome in person. He’s wrapped in a knitted navy scarf and a tailored black overcoat, and takes halting awkward steps toward the counter. Hyukjae watches as the man orders something in rapid Japanese, and the lady behind the counter smiles sweetly. Hyukjae desperately wants to understand what he’s saying even though it’s probably stupid and mundane like, like can I have a coffee. Hyukjae wonders if the guy drinks it black. He probably doesn't. For some reason Hyukjae pictures vanilla lattes topped with whipped cream. Or maybe cinnamon.
When his drink is done, the man leans against the counter and takes a sip, eyes casually raking over the premises when they finally land on Hyukjae. The man squints and then, to Hyukjae’s relief and mild panic - he’s not so insignificant after all (or it may just be that he's wearing the same multicolored beanie as yesterday) - the man takes a second glance. For a split second, the man's eyes widen, and then he walks over slowly, carefully, and says something to Hyukjae in Japanese.
“Uhh,” Hyukjae says intelligently.
The man bites his cheek, and Hyukjae thinks oh okay cute. He gnaws at his own in response. The man takes a sip in silent thought and then - “English… okay?”
No. Hyukjae panics. English is the last thing from okay. Nightmares of I’m long and other misadventures tumble into his brain. “Yeah…okay.”
Fuck.
The man nods absently, and Hyukjae wonders if he’s just shot himself in the foot. “How…was Don Quijote?”
“Good,” Hyukjae breathes.
“Good,” the man repeats, scratching at the back of his neck. Ah, Hyukjae realizes. This is just as hard for the other guy. Thank god.
“You…are famous?” Hyukjae asks, and he winces as his voice almost cracks. He sort of wants to bite the question back, just a little. After all, it’s something he would hate having to answer if he were in the same position. On the other hand, he can’t deny his curiosity.
The man flushes, “A little.” He glances at Hyukjae, and tilts his head. Hyukjae notices the way the man sort of naturally curls into himself, on guard at all times. Briefly, he wonders why he hadn't recognized it at first. After all, he does the exact same thing.
Then again, maybe that’s why they’re still trying to talk to each other, two strangers without a common language. Perhaps they can recognize a bit of themselves in each other.
As if on cue, the man nods at Hyukjae. “You?”
Hyukjae smiles lopsidedly. “A little.”
The man laughs and thrusts his hand forward, “My name is Kato. Kato Shigeaki.”
Eunhyuk, is on the tip of his tongue, but Kato is looking at him, still with that bright smile, and Hyukjae pauses. “Hyukjae,” he says, and shivers as Kato sounds out the word. “My name is Lee Hyukjae.”
“I am Korea’s number one handsome guy.”
Shige laughs - call me Shige, he had demanded, so Hyukjae does - and Hyukjae doesn’t even feel bad about stealing Youngwoon’s stupid one liner.
They’re walking to the train station, because apparently even famous people still take the train here. Hyukjae doesn’t understand, in Korea this would never be possible. But then, he remembers that fans here are a little more docile, just as excited to see idols but they tend to give a little more space. Or maybe it's just that no one recognizes them, who knows? Hyukjae resents the thought for a split second, but then Shige is tugging at his sleeve as they pass another convenience store. Hyukjae looks up.
“Lawsons,” he says as he reads the sign. Shige points at the poster in the window and Hyukjae doesn’t get it, until he gets closer and takes a better look. In a group of six boys, Shige stands off to the side, but he's smiling as he hangs off a taller man's shoulder. “Oh!” He turns to look at Shige, “This is you?”
Shige nods, and Hyukjae is surprised at the bashfulness that flashes across Shige’s features. “We did...” his brow furrows as he thinks. Hyukjae admires Shige’s concentration as he gestures, face helpless. “…CM…commercial?”
Hyukjae puts a hand in Shige’s forearm, nods. I get it he thinks, but doesn’t know how to say that in English. He wills the thought to Shige’s brain.
Shige beams. He gets it too.
They happen to be taking the same train to the city, and on the train, through much gesticulation and broken English, Hyukjae somehow manages to convey to Shige that he is here on holiday, and alone. He waves Kyuhyun's list with dramatic cries of "Must do!" and Shige glances over it briefly. There are fifteen places and food items on the list. Even though it's all in Korean and there's no way he could read it, for a minute, Shige is silent. Hyukjae gets a little confused when Shige ignores him to briefly flip through his phone.
Finally, Shige smiles shyly. "I...can help?"
Hyukjae stares. "WHAT," he blurts out a little too loudly.
A nervous sounding chuckle as an elderly woman glares in their general direction. "List, I can show you...Tokyo."
Hyukjae continues to stare. Aren't you a celebrity? he asks accusingly in his mind. Does this guy really have this much free time? Though maybe it's off season for his group. After all, Hyukjae's here and certainly not working for the whole week.
He nods dumbly, and Shige nods back. They don't shake on it, but it feels a little like they've made a pact.
Still, for some reason - maybe because he's with a celebrity he can't fully talk to - he's embarrassed when he exchanges phone numbers with Shige, a little like a teenage girl on Valentine’s Day. There’s a split second where he thinks oh shit management’s going to hang me for the roaming bill but then Shige’s smiling at him, perhaps just as stupidly, and he forgets.
They must look really suspicious, two men smiling so widely at each other in the crowded train car.
Hyukjae plugs Shige’s number into his phone shakily and isn’t sure how to input Shige’s name. Before he can ask, the train is pulling to a stop and Shige looks up. “Mine,” he says. Hyukjae nods. “I…call you…later?” He points at his watch and Hyukjae nods again. He looks a little shy as he asks, and Hyukjae thinks he probably looks worse as his head bobs up and down.
His knees buckle a little as Shige leaves the car, and he nearly slaps himself against a pole as he thinks about what had just happened. People are looking at him oddly and maybe it’s because he’s melting and maybe it’s because he was just talking with a famous person, but chances are it’s because no one should ever be that happy on a Monday morning, and he is.
Eventually, he puts Shige’s number down as Don Quijote. He thinks it's fitting.
When Shige calls later that night, he sounds tired. Hyukjae can understand. Work, especially of the idol variety, is draining at best. Besides, he’s tired too. After going to Harajuku, where he bought an awesome pair of shoes that cost way too much and then went to the 100 yen store to make himself feel better (7. 100 yen store. ALSO AWESOME.), he made his way to Shibuya (6. Hachiko. It's so cute~ Unlike you D:). He’s currently walking down the streets of Shibuya and wondering why he's having such a hard time finding a statue of a dog. It's a dog. This shouldn't be difficult.
He's about to ask a passerby for directions when Shige calls him.
After stilting hellos, there is a long pause, as if Shige’s struggling for words. Hyukjae muses that he probably is. In the background, Hyukjae thinks he hears the clatter of Japanese-sounding syllables, high-pitched and fast. A sigh cuts through the chatter. “Dinner?”
Hyukjae smiles into the phone, even if Shige doesn’t see it. “I'm hungry,” Hyukjae says in response. He really is.
He says he's in Shibuya, and Shige asks Hyukjae to meet him at Hachiko. Hyukjae says yes while inwardly thinking Damn. Now he has to find the thing.
Eventually, after accosting an elderly gentleman and barking loudly in the middle of the street, he finally gets directions to the statue. There's a seat right in front of the statue that clears so Hyukjae sits down and pulls out his notebook as he waits for Shige. He attempts to write lyrics but nothing comes, so instead he tries to draw the dog. It ends up looking more like a mutant gorilla though, so he vows to remember to throw the scrap away before anyone gets a hold of it; he's pretty sure Donghae is going to raid his luggage the moment he gets home.
Shige arrives fairly quickly considering how crowded Shibuya is, and Shige peers at the list. Hyukjae sounds out the first food item. He thinks he's said it correctly because Shige looks like he recognizes the term, and then Shige brings Hyukjae to his car. They listen to Japanese music that Hyukjae's never heard before on the way there, and though it's definitely an awkward car ride, Hyukjae doesn't find himself minding too much. Shige tries really hard to talk to him, and their collective English may not be stellar but somehow Hyukjae thinks he can understand the gist of what Shige says. He only hopes Shige can as well.
He takes him to a discreet restaurant about ten minutes away, and they squeeze into a table in the back. It turns out that Shige heard correctly, because around globs of what is the grossest looking pancake but also the most amazing thing ever (3. Okonomiyaki. Like pajeon only nasty-looking, BUT EAT IT), Hyukjae reads aloud Kyuhyun’s list. When Shige can’t understand something on the list, Hyukjae plays charades. When that doesn’t work, he attempts to draw diagrams, which is never a good idea for Hyukjae. The breast pudding cups were especially difficult to draw (5. Breast pudding cups. THEY ARE PUDDINGS IN THE SHAPE OF BREASTS. HOW IS THIS NOT AWESOME.).
When they’re done eating and Hyukjae feels ready to explode with the warm gooey awesomeness, Shige points at the list again. He glances at Hyukjae shyly before calling for the bill. “One, we can go tonight.”
He peers at what Shige is pointing to, 1. Tokyo Tower at night, and when he looks up Shige is smiling. “Okay.”
Tokyo Tower really is beautiful at midnight.
(It is difficult to ignore the approximately two million couples roaming around holding hands; there is one couple right behind them that won't stop cooing to each other in high pitched voices, and even Hyukjae can tell that their dialogue is probably nauseating. They keep their hands in their pockets and Hyukjae walks slightly behind Shige as he points out various buildings around them, as if that will make a difference. Still, they try, or maybe even pretend.)
Tuesday is boring. The night before, Shige spends about ten minutes trying to explain something to Hyukjae. From the exaggerated gestures and broken sentences, Hyukjae thinks that Shige has filming for a show or something. He isn’t too sure. Either way, Shige looks apologetic as he tells Hyukjae to enjoy his day. Hyukjae tries not to be too disappointed.
Hyukjae stands at the window of a porn store and attempts to surreptitiously peek in (10. Ni-chome, but if you're too sissy, then just go to a porn shop. Aren't you glad I think about your needs?) - which totally counts enough to cross it off his list, eats in front of a takoyaki stand (3. Takoyaki stand. We need these in Korea, seriously.) and goes to the Ghibli Museum (13. Ghibli museum. Self-explanatory, hyung.), but sadly, it isn’t half as fun as Hyukjae thinks it’s supposed to be.
Wednesday is spent going to the Meiji shrine (14. Meiji shrine. I know it's not sexy, but you're in Japan so might as well.) and shopping for his family. Later that evening, Shige picks Hyukjae up from his hotel and takes him to an amazing sushi restaurant (12. Of course you have to get sushi). As they wait for their food, Shige shows him pictures of himself with five other guys.
"We are NEWS," he says, pointing at six pretty boys who are all smiling and happy. Shige tells him their names but the only two Hyukjae can remember is Yamapi - he remembers Sooyoung flailing about him once - and Koyama, because apparently he is Shige's best friend. He pretends not to notice the shine that enters Shige's eye as he talks about him, with wide gestures and an even wider smile.
Hyukjae shows him pictures of fifteen boys, and Shige stares cross-eyed as he tries to see everyone’s face on the small cell-phone screen.
“Your…company?” Shige asks slowly.
Hyukjae laughs. “No. My members. We are Super Junior!” He pushes his hand out dramatically and Shige completely misses it.
“Super Junior,” Shige says, boggled, trying to count everyone in the frame.
Shige counts to eight when Hyukjae's phone rings in Shige’s palm, and they both start. Shige hands him the phone, and Hyukjae glances at the caller id and promptly deflates, which surprises him. He doesn’t think he’s ever not looked forward to a call from him before.
Then again, everything about this trip seems to be made of firsts.
“Hey slave,” Junsu’s voice crackles. “We just got back to the apartment, where are you? I'm actually really busy most of the week, sorry, but let's hang out tonight. I’ll show you around town.”
Hyukjae’s throat closes. Shige’s looking at him curiously and Hyukjae feels it. “I’m eating sushi," he says.
Junsu’s laughter clangs through the phone, “What? Without me? You whore.”
They make plans to meet back at Hyukjae's hotel, and when Junsu hangs up, Shige asks, "Friend?"
Hyukjae nods slowly, "Yes. Um...Dongbangshingi? No, uh, To...Tohoshinki?"
"Ah," Shige says in recognition, and Hyukjae wonders if he is just imagining the look that flashes across Shige's face. "Okay."
He apologizes for essentially ditching Shige later that night, and Shige says it's fine, but their dinner conversation ends up feeling even more stilted than usual. Hyukjae isn't so sure anymore if it's because of the language barrier or if it's because Hyukjae is sort of being really rude by leaving Shige like this after Shige had done so much to help Hyukjae so far. Still, he tries to keep the conversation light, and he can see Shige make the same effort. Finally, when Hyukjae attempts to describe his day and ends up flinging over a glass of water with a sweeping move of his hand, Shige cracks up, Hyukjae's face turns a brilliant shade of red, and the awkwardness that was beginning to build up fades. The rest of the night goes fairly well and Hyukjae doesn't knock over anything else, and when Shige drives Hyukjae back to the hotel, it's in a comfortable silence.
When Junsu's taxi pulls up, Hyukjae piles in. Junsu is about to say hi, but then he takes one look at Hyukjae and frowns. “Why do you look like you want to spear me?”
Hyukjae snorts, "Because your ugly face is asking for it." He's a little surprised though at Junsu's observation, because he hadn't realized he was looking that upset.
"I am hot and you are just jealous," Junsu says, and then proceeds to say something in Japanese to the taxi driver.
Junsu ends up showing him the Asahi beer hall, which is apparently his favorite building ever because from a certain angle, it looks like it has a penis.
"That is not a penis," Hyukjae says. "It looks more like poo if anything else. What the hell is it supposed to be?"
"Maybe it's a really malformed penis," Junsu insists. "I mean come on, the building is erect in more ways than one. Isn't it awesome?"
Hyukjae sighs loudly. "Why am I friends with you?"
Junsu punches him.
A beat.
"Are we really just going to sit here and stare at a building with a penis?"
Junsu punches him again, but then he shrugs. "Well I was going to take you to some clubs, but somehow I get the impression that you're not really in the mood." He cocks his head at Hyukjae. "Seriously, what's up?"
This time it's Hyukjae's turn to shrug. He feels a little self-conscious; Junsu always was a little too good at reading him. "I met a guy the other day."
"A...guy," Junsu says skeptically. He pauses, then looks at Hyukjae hard. "And...?"
Hyukjae bites his cheek, eyes falling to the floor. "He was really nice, took me out to eat and took me to the Tokyo Tower. I sort of ditched him to hang out with you. I guess I feel bad." And okay, so maybe he has a tiny, tiny crush on the guy, but there's no way Hyukjae's going to tell Junsu that. There are some things Hyukjae doesn't talk about, even with his best friend. Potential homosexual tendencies is one of them. There is a reason, naturally, why he and Donghae have never dared to bring the subject up to each other either.
"Oh," Junsu says, drawing the vowel out, "Well, it's not like he's going to fault you for hanging out with your best friend, right?"
Hyukjae nods. "Of course not. I don't think he's that kind of person." And then he pauses, because how would he know, really? It's only been three days since they met on that fateful day on the streets, after all.
Junsu doesn't seem to notice the hesitation and begins walking down the street. "Well then, come on. I need to at least pretend to be a good host, even if it's just for tonight," he laughs. "Have you been to Shinjuku yet?"
Hyukjae follows.
When Hyukjae calls him the next day, Shige doesn’t pick up. He shouldn’t be too surprised, but it still leaves a bad taste in his mouth. He wonders if Shige is angry with him, wonders what it would take to make it up to him, wonders why he even wants to.
Two hours later, he’s outside a convenience store nibbling on an onigiri (9. Go to any conbini and grab an onigiri. Do you feel Japanese yet?) when his phone rings.
“Sorry,” he can hear Shige breathing heavily, Japanese chatter filtering through from the background. “I…had photoshoot.”
Hyukjae nods, then remembers that Shige can’t see him. “Want to meet?”
Shige pauses, and Hyukjae sags against the wall, sure of the inevitable rejection. “Work,” Shige mumbles. “Tomorrow?”
Tomorrow is Hyukjae’s last day. It’s probably fitting, if not ironic. Hyukjae says yes.
There are three more things left on his list, so after getting lost for a half hour on his way to the metro station, he finds his way to Akihabara (11. Akihabara. I love it and so will you. GO.). Though he doesn't plan to, he ends up spending the rest of his day there. Akihabara is sort of amazing. He doesn't know what he likes more about the place: the robots, those girls in maid costumes - he buys one because he's sure if he gets someone drunk, they will wear it and it will be hilarious - or the vast amount of hentai manga everywhere he turns. And he can't believe this, but there are actually breast pudding cups here - he had been planning to give up on those; he couldn't keep asking Shige, it was embarrassing. But finally, he stumbles upon them in a novelty store, and then proceeds to buy ten packs. He would buy more but the guy behind the counter kept leering at him so Hyukjae stopped stuffing them into his basket. Maybe each member could eat one boob each, then.
All in all, if there was a heaven on earth, Hyukjae is pretty sure Akihabara would be it. He's practically on cloud nine as he heads back to his hotel.
There's only one more thing left on his list.
In the hotel room before he goes to bed, Hyukjae decides to call home. He contemplates not being obvious and calling Kyuhyun instead, but before he knows it he's already plugged in Donghae's number.
Donghae picks up almost immediately.
“What, it only took you four days to cave? Aren’t you coming back here, like, in two days?”
“Shut up,” Hyukjae glares at his phone. "You know you're just happy to hear from me."
Donghae laughs. "Of course," he says, and even through the lines Hyukjae can feel the warmth of Donghae's voice. He settles into his bed and listens to Donghae ramble about his day, about the cute new dancer who's working with them, about the kimchi jjigae Ryeowook made for dinner, about how much he misses Hyukjae and wants him to come back home.
And as he listens, he thinks about the things he wants to say back.
I think I've always liked you, he nearly scoffs at the thought. Not only was it ridiculously cheesy, but he can't. He just...he can't.
There's this guy, he tries again, This guy whose eyes crinkle when he's amused and who laughs loudly at stupid things. He can't speak English but somehow we are getting along amazingly, it's like we don't even need words. Hyukjae stops himself again, but the thought spills before he can help it. "He's a little like you."
Donghae pauses. "What?"
Hyukjae shakes his head, and then closes his eyes. "Nothing, Donghae. You were saying?"
When he and Donghae finally hang up (they have talked nearly two hours and his phone bill is going to be atrocious), Hyukjae lies down and exhales. He thinks about Donghae, and then, to his surprise, he finds himself thinking about Shige.
Early Friday afternoon, Shige meets Hyukjae at Starbucks, a hurrah to their first 'official' meeting. “List done?”
Hyukjae pulls the paper out, crumpled and worn from days of Hyukjae's abuse, and they both peer at it. Shige raises his brow at 5. Breast pudding cups. THEY ARE PUDDINGS IN THE SHAPE OF BREASTS. HOW IS THIS NOT AWESOME and Hyukjae grins, reaching into his bag and pulling out the object in question. They laugh, and Hyukjae pushes the puddings to Shige. "For you," he says, and Shige looks up in surprise. "Thank you," he says. He doesn't know how to say everything he wants to say, thank you for hanging out with me, thank you for showing me around, thank you for your time. Still, he hopes that Shige gets it anyway, even if it's accompanied by a stupid gift.
After they awkwardly eat out of the pudding cups - Hyukjae goes straight for the nipple while Shige is a little more tactful about it - they get back to the list.
“Fifteen.” From the very beginning, Hyukjae has been especially conscious of this last one. Donghae's handwriting is immediately recognizable to Hyukjae at this point, large and deeply imprinted in the paper. The words are cheesy, but they're also so him, and for the past week, Hyukjae has been studiously attempting to avoid it as well as continually re-reading it. He certainly doesn't even need to look at the paper anymore to know what it says.
15. Anywhere you want to go
After Hyukjae attempts to explain what that means, Shige’s silent for a long time, hesitant more than anything else. “Can I?” Hyukjae looks at home, and Shige falters. “My...my home. Want to...come to my home?"
Hyukjae stares. Did people in Japan normally invite people to their houses so soon after meeting them? Weren't the Japanese supposed to be a conservative society? He thinks he had read that somewhere. But then he looks down at their empty pudding cups, and he nearly snorts. When he looks back up to Shige, Shige isn't looking at him, gaze rooted to something under the table, and Hyukjae swallows.
"Okay."
He isn't sure what he was expecting, but when Shige takes him back to his place, he can see why they met at Starbucks that first Monday morning - his apartment is less than ten minutes away from his hotel. As he sits on a black leather couch, he realizes belatedly that perhaps what he should have done was to politely turn Shige down, that may have been what Shige was expecting him to do. But then he glances at the rack of DVDs by the television, and his thoughts go elsewhere. There are a number of DVDs with NEWS plastered all over them, and Hyukjae looks at them curiously. That was Shige's group, right?
"These are you?" Shige looks up from the mail he is sorting at the dinner table, and he blanches, red-faced in embarrassment.
Hyukjae grins, wondering if Shige's debut was just as embarrassing as his own. "Can I...watch?"
Shige's eyes narrow. "Only if...me too."
So instead Shige brings out his latpop and they crowd around his computer, taking turns to show each other video clips on YouTube. They start with their debut songs. Shige shows him an extremely colorful music video with teenage boys bouncing all over the place to a poppy upbeat tune. He can spot Shige among the crowd and then, wait, why are there nine of them?
Shige sighs, and his mouth thins. "We...were nine. Now we are six."
Hyukjae swallows. Sounds like a familiar situation. He moves to pull up Super Junior's Twins, typing the words in English and surprised to see results pop up immediately. Then the video starts and Shige tries not to snort at the copious and blatant abuse of fire.
I understand, Hyukjae thinks to Shige. He points at the screen. "We were thirteen. Now we are ten." He thinks of Zhou Mi and Henry, and then of Jungsu serving in the army, of Youngwoon who is about to return; but that would be too hard to explain, even in Korean. So he leaves it at that, hoping Shige gets it.
Shige nods, and his eyes say it all.
They continue to YouTube each other. Hyukjae thinks that music video with the doppelgangers is kind of creepy and Shige doesn't understand the point of Cooking Cooking. Shige's voice is apparently very low when he sings (and a little off-key, but who's Hyukjae to judge), and Hyukjae admits he's a little smug when he shows Shige videos of his dancing and Shige is promptly awed. They have a dance battle in Shige's living room and shige almost cracks his back trying to imitate one of Hyukjae's popping moves. It's sort of hilarious.
Later, they're back in front of the computer and Shige squints at one of the YouTube links in a video of one of Super Junior's dance breaks. "What is...Eunhae?"
He pronounces it completely wrong, so it takes a while for the word to register. Once it does though, it is too late, and Shige clicks on the link before Hyukjae can say anything to stop him.
Oh god, Hyukjae realizes. They're watching a video made by fans, clips and images set to Marry U, which is simultaneously hilarious and extremely embarrassing. Shige seems adamant that they continue to watch though, so even though Hyukjae whines at him a little bit, he ends up sitting through the whole thing. It's a bit of an out-of-body experience for Hyukjae, seeing Donghae flirt with him so blatantly on screen, and vice versa. They had looked so infatuated with each other, a little in love even.
When Hyukjae finally tears his eyes away from the screen, Shige's looking at him with an odd expression across his features. As if he understands him then too.
Then he glances at the counter where a picture of Shige and his friend - Koyama, was it? - are wrapped around each other, smiling.
Shige probably really does.
The rest of the night passes in a blur. Shige makes ramen for the two of them, and the noodles eventually become soggy as Hyukjae and Shige continually distract each other from eating. Still, they try to eat as they talk and laugh, and the next thing Hyukjae knows, Shige is driving Hyukjae back to his hotel.
They loiter in front of the hotel lobby, and though the valet is looking at them as they he wants them to move, Shige leaves his engine on as Hyukjae fumbles with his seatbelt.
“Nice to meet you,” he finally, knowing those are the wrong words but he says them more out of desperation than anything else. Then again, perhaps they are the right words too. You’re really handsome when you smile, Eunhyuk thinks frantically, and I want to get to know you more, because we are so alike that it scares me.
“Nice to meet you too,” Shige laughs, the sounds low and deep in the car. They hug sideways, more awkwardly than comfortably, and Shige’s about to pull back when Hyukjae grabs him by the sleeve.
“Thank you,” he says again. Means every word. He doesn't know what his week would have looked like without Shige there, but he is sure it wouldn't have been half as amazing.
Shige smiles, mouth crooked as he shakes Hyukjae's hand. “Have a safe flight.”
Hyukjae nods, and he finally gets out of the car.
Junsu drops him off at the airport the next morning, a little nicer about the listlessness that settles on Hyukjae’s shoulders.
"That guy," Junsu says softly, and Hyukjae grunts in response, tensing imperceptibly.
Junsu pauses, and then he reaches an awkward hand to Hyukjae's shoulder. “You know it wouldn’t have worked out, right?" he says.
Hyukjae doesn't say anything.
“This is the last thing you need, Hyukjae,” he says after another pause, voice grating in a familiar and comforting way.
At that, Hyukjae shifts deeper into his jacket, sighing an “I know” into his collar.
When they get to the airport, Junsu hugs him tight, and for those few seconds Hyukjae sinks into the warmth and soaks it all in.
He doesn't tell Junsu that he has Shige's e-mail address, and the moment he gets back to Seoul, he plans on using it.
He arrives at the dorm with too many bags, nearly throwing them at his band mates’ feet. “You better love me for this.”
“We loved you more when you were gone,” Ryeowook says cheekily.
“Fuck you,” Hyukjae laughs.
“The mouth on you,” Jongwoon shakes his head, smiling as he comes up behind Ryeowook. “So did you get me my pudding cups?”
Hyukjae stares, “That was you?" He's about to say yes but Jongwoon starts cracking up so he shakes his head in mock anger. They'll find the puddings later when they inevitably raid his luggage. "You know how embarrassing it was trying to describe it to people?” To Shige, Hyukjae thinks. He blinks at the memory.
They laugh, and Donghae drags him inside with a whine. “Welcome home,” he says, arms wide as he pulls Hyukjae into his body. Hyukjae shudders into his arms.
For once, he thinks about someone else.
That night he dreams of Tokyo lights and Shige’s voice, and when he wakes up he's smiling.
AN: ...I think I am the only person who would actually read (let alone write, fml) a Hyukjae/Shige fic. Why do I do these things aldkfm T_T. Gem - once again, my sincerest apologies. This was supposed to be cracky and short and fun, but instead it is...well, this.
Also, htenywg says that you need to order tickets in advance for the Ghibli museum, and she is distraught that I botched up this detail. :( Um, actually, I apologize in general for any inaccuracies with my description of Hyukjae’s time in Japan, as well as (probably) dumbing down their English skills. To be honest, the only thing I was completely sure about were the breast pudding cups…yeah.
Dearest Gem, since you demanded that I write you a letter. Here is a letter. Thanks for everything. Stay awesome. Love, Triv :D
Pairings: Hyukjae x Shige; Donghae x Hyukjae
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 6200+
Note: For catskilt. Gem, I prostrate myself before you in apology. This monster of wtf-ery is absolutely pointless (see summary), and may require suspension of belief. I have no idea why I thought this would be a good idea :(
Summary: Hyukjae spends a week in Tokyo, where nothing and everything happens.
Tokyo Lights
When Jungsu goes to the army, Eunhyuk gets one week off from all duties and Hyukjae is finally allowed to rest. It’s all Jungsu’s idea apparently, and Hyukjae doesn’t believe him at first. He can barely believe he managed to pull it off in the first place.
“So I pulled some strings,” Jungsu says as Hyukjae stares. “You’ve got one week after I leave. Enjoy it.”
Hyukjae’s mouth is still gaping open. “I didn’t think we had any strings to pull,” he mumbles. Jungsu laughs, the sound ripping from Jungsu’s throat, and Hyukjae withers. Jungsu looks tired, so tired, and Hyukjae realizes with a start that he is too. He’d almost forgotten; exhaustion is like a second skin at this point, seeping into marrow. He swallows. “Thanks.”
Jungsu smiles, and Hyukjae burns the dimple into his memory.
The night before Jungsu leaves is bitterly cold. So many boys crowd around two tables meant for four, and they dine and drink and joke and cry. Donghae wraps himself around Hyukjae as Hyukjae sobs - so noisy, Heechul admonishes, but his eyes are wet and mouth a thin line - and then Hyukjae feels Donghae's limbs tighten around his torso as he too, begins to cry. Still, Donghae holds him and Hyukjae lets him, and together, with the rest of Super Junior, they bid Jungsu goodbye a thousand times over.
The next afternoon, Hyukjae steals into the airport and prays prays prays that no one notices.
That night, Hyukjae finds himself in Tokyo.
He doesn’t really know why he had chosen Tokyo, out of all the places he could go. Still, when he makes the final decision, his group mates do their best to help him prepare for it. Kyuhyun gives him advice because apparently going to Tokyo once on his own makes him an expert, and with Donghae, he compiles a list of things Hyukjae needs to do and buy (which really means eat; nearly half of Kyuhyun’s list includes food). They make Hyukjae promise that he’ll do everything on the list. The only useful item Hyukjae receives is from Sungmin, a pocket-sized travel dictionary. Jongwoon gives Hyukjae a book of phrases he really shouldn’t say in polite conversation, which mainly includes really pathetic oyaji gags and where is the nearest gay brothel?, and Junsu calls to say he’ll meet him later in the week after he arrives in Tokyo.
Donghae gives him a hug. “Stay safe,” Donghae says, and Hyukjae swallows. Wants the words to mean more, somehow, but he doesn’t raise his hopes up. He’s learned not to after all these years.
He spends his first night looking for Don Quijote. Kyuhyun orders him to go because seriously, hyung, this store’s got some of the best crap ever, the Japanese are insane. He’s beginning to regret choosing this as the first destination on his list though (4. Don Fucking Awesome Quijote), because it’s been fifteen minutes since he walked out of the metro station (at least, he hopes it’s the right one), and Don Quijote is nowhere in sight. He’s pretty sure he’s in the right vicinity if Google Maps hasn’t completely fucked him over, but for the life of him, there is no store to be found. He glances upwards and back, tiptoes on a street corner, and god, was Seoul ever this crowded, ever so busy? Though that’s a dumb question; when was the last time he’s been able to be let loose on the streets to see for himself? Even now, he’s half worried someone’s going to notice him. Hell, if people could in Paris, then Tokyo’s nothing.
Hyukjae tugs at his beanie out of nervous habit more than anything else, and then catches the eye of someone heading his way. He nearly shoves himself forward to ask for directions and forces the man to step back awkwardly. Hello, Hyukjae thinks, but just for a split second before the man tugs his hat ferociously over red-tipped ears. Under sepia shades too large for the man’s face, eyes swim frantically around them before they land on Hyukjae. Pink lips purse under a button nose, and Hyukjae gulps.
“Um,” he says a little too loudly. The man just stands there, looking at him, and Hyukjae sort of wants to die. “Where…Don Quijote?” Fumbling Japanese, but not as fumbling as Hyukjae’s fingers as they nearly tear Kyuhyun’s list to shreds in his pockets.
The man’s lip quirks, and he lifts a gloved hand. Points. Hyukjae turns around and then he really wants to die. He’s walked up and down that street twice already what the hell since when was Don Quijote there, in all its bright glory?
A squeal. Both men freeze. These are the moments he hates the most; it’s so hard to run away from fangirls in the middle of a busy street; he’s tried. But then, Hyukjae realizes that none of the girls are actually looking at him. They’re looking at the guy next to him. Hyukjae turns when he hears the man say something under his breath - chances are it's a swear - and then the man is smiling awkwardly.
“Good luck!” he says, and before Hyukjae can register that oh! I know that word, we used it at the concert, the man is gone, leaving a trail of girls at his wake.
Well. That was odd.
He sheepishly makes his way to Don Quijote, and of course, finds that Kyuhyun was right. It is the best store ever. By the end of the night, he’s already bought everyone’s souvenirs and the trip hasn’t even really begun.
The next morning, Hyukjae finds himself sitting in the Starbucks near his hotel. He contemplates moving but it’s really cold outside, so he’s content sitting in the corner of the café as he sips at his Chai latte. He was supposed to hit Harajuku (2. Harajuku. Bathing Ape. Don't ask. Just go.) but hell, he deserves some caffeine first. Even though caffeine in Chai latte is practically nonexistent; whatever, he can pretend.
The door’s bells chime and then a man shudders in. Hyukjae takes a cursory glance before nearly spitting his drink out, because what the hell, is Tokyo really that small?
Without the over-large sunglasses and cap, the man is even more handsome in person. He’s wrapped in a knitted navy scarf and a tailored black overcoat, and takes halting awkward steps toward the counter. Hyukjae watches as the man orders something in rapid Japanese, and the lady behind the counter smiles sweetly. Hyukjae desperately wants to understand what he’s saying even though it’s probably stupid and mundane like, like can I have a coffee. Hyukjae wonders if the guy drinks it black. He probably doesn't. For some reason Hyukjae pictures vanilla lattes topped with whipped cream. Or maybe cinnamon.
When his drink is done, the man leans against the counter and takes a sip, eyes casually raking over the premises when they finally land on Hyukjae. The man squints and then, to Hyukjae’s relief and mild panic - he’s not so insignificant after all (or it may just be that he's wearing the same multicolored beanie as yesterday) - the man takes a second glance. For a split second, the man's eyes widen, and then he walks over slowly, carefully, and says something to Hyukjae in Japanese.
“Uhh,” Hyukjae says intelligently.
The man bites his cheek, and Hyukjae thinks oh okay cute. He gnaws at his own in response. The man takes a sip in silent thought and then - “English… okay?”
No. Hyukjae panics. English is the last thing from okay. Nightmares of I’m long and other misadventures tumble into his brain. “Yeah…okay.”
Fuck.
The man nods absently, and Hyukjae wonders if he’s just shot himself in the foot. “How…was Don Quijote?”
“Good,” Hyukjae breathes.
“Good,” the man repeats, scratching at the back of his neck. Ah, Hyukjae realizes. This is just as hard for the other guy. Thank god.
“You…are famous?” Hyukjae asks, and he winces as his voice almost cracks. He sort of wants to bite the question back, just a little. After all, it’s something he would hate having to answer if he were in the same position. On the other hand, he can’t deny his curiosity.
The man flushes, “A little.” He glances at Hyukjae, and tilts his head. Hyukjae notices the way the man sort of naturally curls into himself, on guard at all times. Briefly, he wonders why he hadn't recognized it at first. After all, he does the exact same thing.
Then again, maybe that’s why they’re still trying to talk to each other, two strangers without a common language. Perhaps they can recognize a bit of themselves in each other.
As if on cue, the man nods at Hyukjae. “You?”
Hyukjae smiles lopsidedly. “A little.”
The man laughs and thrusts his hand forward, “My name is Kato. Kato Shigeaki.”
Eunhyuk, is on the tip of his tongue, but Kato is looking at him, still with that bright smile, and Hyukjae pauses. “Hyukjae,” he says, and shivers as Kato sounds out the word. “My name is Lee Hyukjae.”
“I am Korea’s number one handsome guy.”
Shige laughs - call me Shige, he had demanded, so Hyukjae does - and Hyukjae doesn’t even feel bad about stealing Youngwoon’s stupid one liner.
They’re walking to the train station, because apparently even famous people still take the train here. Hyukjae doesn’t understand, in Korea this would never be possible. But then, he remembers that fans here are a little more docile, just as excited to see idols but they tend to give a little more space. Or maybe it's just that no one recognizes them, who knows? Hyukjae resents the thought for a split second, but then Shige is tugging at his sleeve as they pass another convenience store. Hyukjae looks up.
“Lawsons,” he says as he reads the sign. Shige points at the poster in the window and Hyukjae doesn’t get it, until he gets closer and takes a better look. In a group of six boys, Shige stands off to the side, but he's smiling as he hangs off a taller man's shoulder. “Oh!” He turns to look at Shige, “This is you?”
Shige nods, and Hyukjae is surprised at the bashfulness that flashes across Shige’s features. “We did...” his brow furrows as he thinks. Hyukjae admires Shige’s concentration as he gestures, face helpless. “…CM…commercial?”
Hyukjae puts a hand in Shige’s forearm, nods. I get it he thinks, but doesn’t know how to say that in English. He wills the thought to Shige’s brain.
Shige beams. He gets it too.
They happen to be taking the same train to the city, and on the train, through much gesticulation and broken English, Hyukjae somehow manages to convey to Shige that he is here on holiday, and alone. He waves Kyuhyun's list with dramatic cries of "Must do!" and Shige glances over it briefly. There are fifteen places and food items on the list. Even though it's all in Korean and there's no way he could read it, for a minute, Shige is silent. Hyukjae gets a little confused when Shige ignores him to briefly flip through his phone.
Finally, Shige smiles shyly. "I...can help?"
Hyukjae stares. "WHAT," he blurts out a little too loudly.
A nervous sounding chuckle as an elderly woman glares in their general direction. "List, I can show you...Tokyo."
Hyukjae continues to stare. Aren't you a celebrity? he asks accusingly in his mind. Does this guy really have this much free time? Though maybe it's off season for his group. After all, Hyukjae's here and certainly not working for the whole week.
He nods dumbly, and Shige nods back. They don't shake on it, but it feels a little like they've made a pact.
Still, for some reason - maybe because he's with a celebrity he can't fully talk to - he's embarrassed when he exchanges phone numbers with Shige, a little like a teenage girl on Valentine’s Day. There’s a split second where he thinks oh shit management’s going to hang me for the roaming bill but then Shige’s smiling at him, perhaps just as stupidly, and he forgets.
They must look really suspicious, two men smiling so widely at each other in the crowded train car.
Hyukjae plugs Shige’s number into his phone shakily and isn’t sure how to input Shige’s name. Before he can ask, the train is pulling to a stop and Shige looks up. “Mine,” he says. Hyukjae nods. “I…call you…later?” He points at his watch and Hyukjae nods again. He looks a little shy as he asks, and Hyukjae thinks he probably looks worse as his head bobs up and down.
His knees buckle a little as Shige leaves the car, and he nearly slaps himself against a pole as he thinks about what had just happened. People are looking at him oddly and maybe it’s because he’s melting and maybe it’s because he was just talking with a famous person, but chances are it’s because no one should ever be that happy on a Monday morning, and he is.
Eventually, he puts Shige’s number down as Don Quijote. He thinks it's fitting.
When Shige calls later that night, he sounds tired. Hyukjae can understand. Work, especially of the idol variety, is draining at best. Besides, he’s tired too. After going to Harajuku, where he bought an awesome pair of shoes that cost way too much and then went to the 100 yen store to make himself feel better (7. 100 yen store. ALSO AWESOME.), he made his way to Shibuya (6. Hachiko. It's so cute~ Unlike you D:). He’s currently walking down the streets of Shibuya and wondering why he's having such a hard time finding a statue of a dog. It's a dog. This shouldn't be difficult.
He's about to ask a passerby for directions when Shige calls him.
After stilting hellos, there is a long pause, as if Shige’s struggling for words. Hyukjae muses that he probably is. In the background, Hyukjae thinks he hears the clatter of Japanese-sounding syllables, high-pitched and fast. A sigh cuts through the chatter. “Dinner?”
Hyukjae smiles into the phone, even if Shige doesn’t see it. “I'm hungry,” Hyukjae says in response. He really is.
He says he's in Shibuya, and Shige asks Hyukjae to meet him at Hachiko. Hyukjae says yes while inwardly thinking Damn. Now he has to find the thing.
Eventually, after accosting an elderly gentleman and barking loudly in the middle of the street, he finally gets directions to the statue. There's a seat right in front of the statue that clears so Hyukjae sits down and pulls out his notebook as he waits for Shige. He attempts to write lyrics but nothing comes, so instead he tries to draw the dog. It ends up looking more like a mutant gorilla though, so he vows to remember to throw the scrap away before anyone gets a hold of it; he's pretty sure Donghae is going to raid his luggage the moment he gets home.
Shige arrives fairly quickly considering how crowded Shibuya is, and Shige peers at the list. Hyukjae sounds out the first food item. He thinks he's said it correctly because Shige looks like he recognizes the term, and then Shige brings Hyukjae to his car. They listen to Japanese music that Hyukjae's never heard before on the way there, and though it's definitely an awkward car ride, Hyukjae doesn't find himself minding too much. Shige tries really hard to talk to him, and their collective English may not be stellar but somehow Hyukjae thinks he can understand the gist of what Shige says. He only hopes Shige can as well.
He takes him to a discreet restaurant about ten minutes away, and they squeeze into a table in the back. It turns out that Shige heard correctly, because around globs of what is the grossest looking pancake but also the most amazing thing ever (3. Okonomiyaki. Like pajeon only nasty-looking, BUT EAT IT), Hyukjae reads aloud Kyuhyun’s list. When Shige can’t understand something on the list, Hyukjae plays charades. When that doesn’t work, he attempts to draw diagrams, which is never a good idea for Hyukjae. The breast pudding cups were especially difficult to draw (5. Breast pudding cups. THEY ARE PUDDINGS IN THE SHAPE OF BREASTS. HOW IS THIS NOT AWESOME.).
When they’re done eating and Hyukjae feels ready to explode with the warm gooey awesomeness, Shige points at the list again. He glances at Hyukjae shyly before calling for the bill. “One, we can go tonight.”
He peers at what Shige is pointing to, 1. Tokyo Tower at night, and when he looks up Shige is smiling. “Okay.”
Tokyo Tower really is beautiful at midnight.
(It is difficult to ignore the approximately two million couples roaming around holding hands; there is one couple right behind them that won't stop cooing to each other in high pitched voices, and even Hyukjae can tell that their dialogue is probably nauseating. They keep their hands in their pockets and Hyukjae walks slightly behind Shige as he points out various buildings around them, as if that will make a difference. Still, they try, or maybe even pretend.)
Tuesday is boring. The night before, Shige spends about ten minutes trying to explain something to Hyukjae. From the exaggerated gestures and broken sentences, Hyukjae thinks that Shige has filming for a show or something. He isn’t too sure. Either way, Shige looks apologetic as he tells Hyukjae to enjoy his day. Hyukjae tries not to be too disappointed.
Hyukjae stands at the window of a porn store and attempts to surreptitiously peek in (10. Ni-chome, but if you're too sissy, then just go to a porn shop. Aren't you glad I think about your needs?) - which totally counts enough to cross it off his list, eats in front of a takoyaki stand (3. Takoyaki stand. We need these in Korea, seriously.) and goes to the Ghibli Museum (13. Ghibli museum. Self-explanatory, hyung.), but sadly, it isn’t half as fun as Hyukjae thinks it’s supposed to be.
Wednesday is spent going to the Meiji shrine (14. Meiji shrine. I know it's not sexy, but you're in Japan so might as well.) and shopping for his family. Later that evening, Shige picks Hyukjae up from his hotel and takes him to an amazing sushi restaurant (12. Of course you have to get sushi). As they wait for their food, Shige shows him pictures of himself with five other guys.
"We are NEWS," he says, pointing at six pretty boys who are all smiling and happy. Shige tells him their names but the only two Hyukjae can remember is Yamapi - he remembers Sooyoung flailing about him once - and Koyama, because apparently he is Shige's best friend. He pretends not to notice the shine that enters Shige's eye as he talks about him, with wide gestures and an even wider smile.
Hyukjae shows him pictures of fifteen boys, and Shige stares cross-eyed as he tries to see everyone’s face on the small cell-phone screen.
“Your…company?” Shige asks slowly.
Hyukjae laughs. “No. My members. We are Super Junior!” He pushes his hand out dramatically and Shige completely misses it.
“Super Junior,” Shige says, boggled, trying to count everyone in the frame.
Shige counts to eight when Hyukjae's phone rings in Shige’s palm, and they both start. Shige hands him the phone, and Hyukjae glances at the caller id and promptly deflates, which surprises him. He doesn’t think he’s ever not looked forward to a call from him before.
Then again, everything about this trip seems to be made of firsts.
“Hey slave,” Junsu’s voice crackles. “We just got back to the apartment, where are you? I'm actually really busy most of the week, sorry, but let's hang out tonight. I’ll show you around town.”
Hyukjae’s throat closes. Shige’s looking at him curiously and Hyukjae feels it. “I’m eating sushi," he says.
Junsu’s laughter clangs through the phone, “What? Without me? You whore.”
They make plans to meet back at Hyukjae's hotel, and when Junsu hangs up, Shige asks, "Friend?"
Hyukjae nods slowly, "Yes. Um...Dongbangshingi? No, uh, To...Tohoshinki?"
"Ah," Shige says in recognition, and Hyukjae wonders if he is just imagining the look that flashes across Shige's face. "Okay."
He apologizes for essentially ditching Shige later that night, and Shige says it's fine, but their dinner conversation ends up feeling even more stilted than usual. Hyukjae isn't so sure anymore if it's because of the language barrier or if it's because Hyukjae is sort of being really rude by leaving Shige like this after Shige had done so much to help Hyukjae so far. Still, he tries to keep the conversation light, and he can see Shige make the same effort. Finally, when Hyukjae attempts to describe his day and ends up flinging over a glass of water with a sweeping move of his hand, Shige cracks up, Hyukjae's face turns a brilliant shade of red, and the awkwardness that was beginning to build up fades. The rest of the night goes fairly well and Hyukjae doesn't knock over anything else, and when Shige drives Hyukjae back to the hotel, it's in a comfortable silence.
When Junsu's taxi pulls up, Hyukjae piles in. Junsu is about to say hi, but then he takes one look at Hyukjae and frowns. “Why do you look like you want to spear me?”
Hyukjae snorts, "Because your ugly face is asking for it." He's a little surprised though at Junsu's observation, because he hadn't realized he was looking that upset.
"I am hot and you are just jealous," Junsu says, and then proceeds to say something in Japanese to the taxi driver.
Junsu ends up showing him the Asahi beer hall, which is apparently his favorite building ever because from a certain angle, it looks like it has a penis.
"That is not a penis," Hyukjae says. "It looks more like poo if anything else. What the hell is it supposed to be?"
"Maybe it's a really malformed penis," Junsu insists. "I mean come on, the building is erect in more ways than one. Isn't it awesome?"
Hyukjae sighs loudly. "Why am I friends with you?"
Junsu punches him.
A beat.
"Are we really just going to sit here and stare at a building with a penis?"
Junsu punches him again, but then he shrugs. "Well I was going to take you to some clubs, but somehow I get the impression that you're not really in the mood." He cocks his head at Hyukjae. "Seriously, what's up?"
This time it's Hyukjae's turn to shrug. He feels a little self-conscious; Junsu always was a little too good at reading him. "I met a guy the other day."
"A...guy," Junsu says skeptically. He pauses, then looks at Hyukjae hard. "And...?"
Hyukjae bites his cheek, eyes falling to the floor. "He was really nice, took me out to eat and took me to the Tokyo Tower. I sort of ditched him to hang out with you. I guess I feel bad." And okay, so maybe he has a tiny, tiny crush on the guy, but there's no way Hyukjae's going to tell Junsu that. There are some things Hyukjae doesn't talk about, even with his best friend. Potential homosexual tendencies is one of them. There is a reason, naturally, why he and Donghae have never dared to bring the subject up to each other either.
"Oh," Junsu says, drawing the vowel out, "Well, it's not like he's going to fault you for hanging out with your best friend, right?"
Hyukjae nods. "Of course not. I don't think he's that kind of person." And then he pauses, because how would he know, really? It's only been three days since they met on that fateful day on the streets, after all.
Junsu doesn't seem to notice the hesitation and begins walking down the street. "Well then, come on. I need to at least pretend to be a good host, even if it's just for tonight," he laughs. "Have you been to Shinjuku yet?"
Hyukjae follows.
When Hyukjae calls him the next day, Shige doesn’t pick up. He shouldn’t be too surprised, but it still leaves a bad taste in his mouth. He wonders if Shige is angry with him, wonders what it would take to make it up to him, wonders why he even wants to.
Two hours later, he’s outside a convenience store nibbling on an onigiri (9. Go to any conbini and grab an onigiri. Do you feel Japanese yet?) when his phone rings.
“Sorry,” he can hear Shige breathing heavily, Japanese chatter filtering through from the background. “I…had photoshoot.”
Hyukjae nods, then remembers that Shige can’t see him. “Want to meet?”
Shige pauses, and Hyukjae sags against the wall, sure of the inevitable rejection. “Work,” Shige mumbles. “Tomorrow?”
Tomorrow is Hyukjae’s last day. It’s probably fitting, if not ironic. Hyukjae says yes.
There are three more things left on his list, so after getting lost for a half hour on his way to the metro station, he finds his way to Akihabara (11. Akihabara. I love it and so will you. GO.). Though he doesn't plan to, he ends up spending the rest of his day there. Akihabara is sort of amazing. He doesn't know what he likes more about the place: the robots, those girls in maid costumes - he buys one because he's sure if he gets someone drunk, they will wear it and it will be hilarious - or the vast amount of hentai manga everywhere he turns. And he can't believe this, but there are actually breast pudding cups here - he had been planning to give up on those; he couldn't keep asking Shige, it was embarrassing. But finally, he stumbles upon them in a novelty store, and then proceeds to buy ten packs. He would buy more but the guy behind the counter kept leering at him so Hyukjae stopped stuffing them into his basket. Maybe each member could eat one boob each, then.
All in all, if there was a heaven on earth, Hyukjae is pretty sure Akihabara would be it. He's practically on cloud nine as he heads back to his hotel.
There's only one more thing left on his list.
In the hotel room before he goes to bed, Hyukjae decides to call home. He contemplates not being obvious and calling Kyuhyun instead, but before he knows it he's already plugged in Donghae's number.
Donghae picks up almost immediately.
“What, it only took you four days to cave? Aren’t you coming back here, like, in two days?”
“Shut up,” Hyukjae glares at his phone. "You know you're just happy to hear from me."
Donghae laughs. "Of course," he says, and even through the lines Hyukjae can feel the warmth of Donghae's voice. He settles into his bed and listens to Donghae ramble about his day, about the cute new dancer who's working with them, about the kimchi jjigae Ryeowook made for dinner, about how much he misses Hyukjae and wants him to come back home.
And as he listens, he thinks about the things he wants to say back.
I think I've always liked you, he nearly scoffs at the thought. Not only was it ridiculously cheesy, but he can't. He just...he can't.
There's this guy, he tries again, This guy whose eyes crinkle when he's amused and who laughs loudly at stupid things. He can't speak English but somehow we are getting along amazingly, it's like we don't even need words. Hyukjae stops himself again, but the thought spills before he can help it. "He's a little like you."
Donghae pauses. "What?"
Hyukjae shakes his head, and then closes his eyes. "Nothing, Donghae. You were saying?"
When he and Donghae finally hang up (they have talked nearly two hours and his phone bill is going to be atrocious), Hyukjae lies down and exhales. He thinks about Donghae, and then, to his surprise, he finds himself thinking about Shige.
Early Friday afternoon, Shige meets Hyukjae at Starbucks, a hurrah to their first 'official' meeting. “List done?”
Hyukjae pulls the paper out, crumpled and worn from days of Hyukjae's abuse, and they both peer at it. Shige raises his brow at 5. Breast pudding cups. THEY ARE PUDDINGS IN THE SHAPE OF BREASTS. HOW IS THIS NOT AWESOME and Hyukjae grins, reaching into his bag and pulling out the object in question. They laugh, and Hyukjae pushes the puddings to Shige. "For you," he says, and Shige looks up in surprise. "Thank you," he says. He doesn't know how to say everything he wants to say, thank you for hanging out with me, thank you for showing me around, thank you for your time. Still, he hopes that Shige gets it anyway, even if it's accompanied by a stupid gift.
After they awkwardly eat out of the pudding cups - Hyukjae goes straight for the nipple while Shige is a little more tactful about it - they get back to the list.
“Fifteen.” From the very beginning, Hyukjae has been especially conscious of this last one. Donghae's handwriting is immediately recognizable to Hyukjae at this point, large and deeply imprinted in the paper. The words are cheesy, but they're also so him, and for the past week, Hyukjae has been studiously attempting to avoid it as well as continually re-reading it. He certainly doesn't even need to look at the paper anymore to know what it says.
15. Anywhere you want to go
After Hyukjae attempts to explain what that means, Shige’s silent for a long time, hesitant more than anything else. “Can I?” Hyukjae looks at home, and Shige falters. “My...my home. Want to...come to my home?"
Hyukjae stares. Did people in Japan normally invite people to their houses so soon after meeting them? Weren't the Japanese supposed to be a conservative society? He thinks he had read that somewhere. But then he looks down at their empty pudding cups, and he nearly snorts. When he looks back up to Shige, Shige isn't looking at him, gaze rooted to something under the table, and Hyukjae swallows.
"Okay."
He isn't sure what he was expecting, but when Shige takes him back to his place, he can see why they met at Starbucks that first Monday morning - his apartment is less than ten minutes away from his hotel. As he sits on a black leather couch, he realizes belatedly that perhaps what he should have done was to politely turn Shige down, that may have been what Shige was expecting him to do. But then he glances at the rack of DVDs by the television, and his thoughts go elsewhere. There are a number of DVDs with NEWS plastered all over them, and Hyukjae looks at them curiously. That was Shige's group, right?
"These are you?" Shige looks up from the mail he is sorting at the dinner table, and he blanches, red-faced in embarrassment.
Hyukjae grins, wondering if Shige's debut was just as embarrassing as his own. "Can I...watch?"
Shige's eyes narrow. "Only if...me too."
So instead Shige brings out his latpop and they crowd around his computer, taking turns to show each other video clips on YouTube. They start with their debut songs. Shige shows him an extremely colorful music video with teenage boys bouncing all over the place to a poppy upbeat tune. He can spot Shige among the crowd and then, wait, why are there nine of them?
Shige sighs, and his mouth thins. "We...were nine. Now we are six."
Hyukjae swallows. Sounds like a familiar situation. He moves to pull up Super Junior's Twins, typing the words in English and surprised to see results pop up immediately. Then the video starts and Shige tries not to snort at the copious and blatant abuse of fire.
I understand, Hyukjae thinks to Shige. He points at the screen. "We were thirteen. Now we are ten." He thinks of Zhou Mi and Henry, and then of Jungsu serving in the army, of Youngwoon who is about to return; but that would be too hard to explain, even in Korean. So he leaves it at that, hoping Shige gets it.
Shige nods, and his eyes say it all.
They continue to YouTube each other. Hyukjae thinks that music video with the doppelgangers is kind of creepy and Shige doesn't understand the point of Cooking Cooking. Shige's voice is apparently very low when he sings (and a little off-key, but who's Hyukjae to judge), and Hyukjae admits he's a little smug when he shows Shige videos of his dancing and Shige is promptly awed. They have a dance battle in Shige's living room and shige almost cracks his back trying to imitate one of Hyukjae's popping moves. It's sort of hilarious.
Later, they're back in front of the computer and Shige squints at one of the YouTube links in a video of one of Super Junior's dance breaks. "What is...Eunhae?"
He pronounces it completely wrong, so it takes a while for the word to register. Once it does though, it is too late, and Shige clicks on the link before Hyukjae can say anything to stop him.
Oh god, Hyukjae realizes. They're watching a video made by fans, clips and images set to Marry U, which is simultaneously hilarious and extremely embarrassing. Shige seems adamant that they continue to watch though, so even though Hyukjae whines at him a little bit, he ends up sitting through the whole thing. It's a bit of an out-of-body experience for Hyukjae, seeing Donghae flirt with him so blatantly on screen, and vice versa. They had looked so infatuated with each other, a little in love even.
When Hyukjae finally tears his eyes away from the screen, Shige's looking at him with an odd expression across his features. As if he understands him then too.
Then he glances at the counter where a picture of Shige and his friend - Koyama, was it? - are wrapped around each other, smiling.
Shige probably really does.
The rest of the night passes in a blur. Shige makes ramen for the two of them, and the noodles eventually become soggy as Hyukjae and Shige continually distract each other from eating. Still, they try to eat as they talk and laugh, and the next thing Hyukjae knows, Shige is driving Hyukjae back to his hotel.
They loiter in front of the hotel lobby, and though the valet is looking at them as they he wants them to move, Shige leaves his engine on as Hyukjae fumbles with his seatbelt.
“Nice to meet you,” he finally, knowing those are the wrong words but he says them more out of desperation than anything else. Then again, perhaps they are the right words too. You’re really handsome when you smile, Eunhyuk thinks frantically, and I want to get to know you more, because we are so alike that it scares me.
“Nice to meet you too,” Shige laughs, the sounds low and deep in the car. They hug sideways, more awkwardly than comfortably, and Shige’s about to pull back when Hyukjae grabs him by the sleeve.
“Thank you,” he says again. Means every word. He doesn't know what his week would have looked like without Shige there, but he is sure it wouldn't have been half as amazing.
Shige smiles, mouth crooked as he shakes Hyukjae's hand. “Have a safe flight.”
Hyukjae nods, and he finally gets out of the car.
Junsu drops him off at the airport the next morning, a little nicer about the listlessness that settles on Hyukjae’s shoulders.
"That guy," Junsu says softly, and Hyukjae grunts in response, tensing imperceptibly.
Junsu pauses, and then he reaches an awkward hand to Hyukjae's shoulder. “You know it wouldn’t have worked out, right?" he says.
Hyukjae doesn't say anything.
“This is the last thing you need, Hyukjae,” he says after another pause, voice grating in a familiar and comforting way.
At that, Hyukjae shifts deeper into his jacket, sighing an “I know” into his collar.
When they get to the airport, Junsu hugs him tight, and for those few seconds Hyukjae sinks into the warmth and soaks it all in.
He doesn't tell Junsu that he has Shige's e-mail address, and the moment he gets back to Seoul, he plans on using it.
He arrives at the dorm with too many bags, nearly throwing them at his band mates’ feet. “You better love me for this.”
“We loved you more when you were gone,” Ryeowook says cheekily.
“Fuck you,” Hyukjae laughs.
“The mouth on you,” Jongwoon shakes his head, smiling as he comes up behind Ryeowook. “So did you get me my pudding cups?”
Hyukjae stares, “That was you?" He's about to say yes but Jongwoon starts cracking up so he shakes his head in mock anger. They'll find the puddings later when they inevitably raid his luggage. "You know how embarrassing it was trying to describe it to people?” To Shige, Hyukjae thinks. He blinks at the memory.
They laugh, and Donghae drags him inside with a whine. “Welcome home,” he says, arms wide as he pulls Hyukjae into his body. Hyukjae shudders into his arms.
For once, he thinks about someone else.
That night he dreams of Tokyo lights and Shige’s voice, and when he wakes up he's smiling.
AN: ...I think I am the only person who would actually read (let alone write, fml) a Hyukjae/Shige fic. Why do I do these things aldkfm T_T. Gem - once again, my sincerest apologies. This was supposed to be cracky and short and fun, but instead it is...well, this.
Also, htenywg says that you need to order tickets in advance for the Ghibli museum, and she is distraught that I botched up this detail. :( Um, actually, I apologize in general for any inaccuracies with my description of Hyukjae’s time in Japan, as well as (probably) dumbing down their English skills. To be honest, the only thing I was completely sure about were the breast pudding cups…yeah.
Dearest Gem, since you demanded that I write you a letter. Here is a letter. Thanks for everything. Stay awesome. Love, Triv :D