(fic) his clumsy employee
written for jaeho complex' fanfiction contest
thank you my beta jaeho_forever
Three years ago
He looked around and fidgeted nervously, anxiously waiting for his turn. He needed this job desperately. His brother was starting up college and the amount of salary his mom worked off was barely enough to cover the bills. The few candidates that have left earlier from the conference room looked intimidated. He was getting worried and could not help but wonder if this had anything to do with the interviewer.
“Mr Kim Jaejoong? Please come in.” A middle-aged lady opened the door, signalling him to go in. Jaejoong held his breath and counted to three to calm himself before proceeding inside.
“Please sit down. Mr Jung will be with you shortly.”
“Thank you.”
Several agonizing moments later, a tall man in formal business suit waltzed into the room, his aura oozing full-force charisma. “Good afternoon, Mr Kim. My name is Jung Yunho and I will be the one interviewing you.” Time seemed to have frozen as their eyes met for the first time. The man’s voice was full of authority and Jaejoong can’t help but feel intimidated. His face was ridiculously small for a guy and Jaejoong noticed how slender those fingers were as they shook hands. Feeling his heartbeat quickening, he quickly uttered a reply. “Go- good afternoon, Sir.” He prayed to all the Gods that he would survive the entire interview.
Little did he know that Yunho also fell in love with him right there.
A week later, Jaejoong received a phone call that he was officially accepted to the company. After getting to know his boss, he found out Yunho was actually an easy going person despite his strictness at work. He also held lots of expectations from Jaejoong, pushing him to improve himself. They would greet each other formally, have small conversations throughout the day and those moments were what Jaejoong would look forward to everyday.
It wasn’t until a few months later that the moment he had patiently been waiting for arrived. He was typing a report that was due at the end of the week. He was feeling incredibly stressed, the lack of Yunho’s presence that day didn’t help either. Unexpectedly he saw an A4 sized envelope being dropped onto his desk with his name written on it. Assuming that meant more reports, Jaejoong growled inwardly.
‘You’ve got to be kidding me!’
Having no choice but to open it, he was confused to find a pile of blank papers. Pulling it out gently, a tiny yellow post-it note appeared on the top and he couldn’t fight the stupid grin from blossoming on his face.
Coffee? 3 pm.
Yunho
That was how their relationship had started, coffee dates on weekdays to be followed by dinner and Jaejoong’s shopping sprees on weekends. They slowly became inseparable as months flew by despite having completely different personalities. Yunho was the serious one, very organised and loves to be the one in control whilst Jaejoong is witty, playful and awfully clumsy. In order to avoid unnecessary office gossips, they both decided to tone down the affection at work, thus no one in the company knew about their relationship.
No one except one.
--
It was another day in the middle of spring when his phone suddenly rang in the middle of his task. Glancing at the unknown phone number, he raised an eyebrow opting whether to answer it. It could well be another prank call or salesman offering him to apply loans. He took his chance anyway and greeted the other line.
“Is this Mr Kim Jaejoong speaking?”
He frowned, “Yes, anything I can help you?”
“Mr Kim Junsu has just been admitted in the hospital and you’re his only emergency contact.”
Shocked filled his entire being and his hands shook as he wrote down the hospital’s name and room number on a piece of paper, before leaving the office abruptly. His mobile phone dropped onto the ground but he barely registered it.
--
“Sheryl, can you get Jaejoong for me please.” Yunho ordered his secretary as he goes through numerous paperwork that had to be done for the day.
“He’s not at his desk sir.”
That statement caught Yunho’s attention and he frowned.
“Please contact his mobile.” He said calmly as he watched her immediately dial Jaejoong’s number.
A knock on the door and one of his subordinates Yoochun peeked out.
“Excuse me sir, I heard this mobile rang nearby and our office number came up on the caller ID. It seems that Jaejoong has forgotten to bring his phone.”
“What?”
He was already mentally preparing to scold Jaejoong on his never-ending clumsiness. “Alright thank you. You’re dismissed.” He waved them off, grateful that he remembered to keep his composure although worry was starting to overtake him. He didn’t even notice his employees bow as they left his room.
--
Jaejoong had always believed that Yunho was the one. But it wasn’t until these incidents occurred that he was fully reassured of how even in his weakest moment, the other was still willing to stay by his side. He had come home close to midnight that day, after an exhausting evening in the hospital. He was glad to have his brother finally released to rest at home.
As he approached his house, he saw Yunho’s Mercedes parked nearby and wondered what urgency happened that he came all the way here. Yunho’s residence was around Apgujung and he was staying at Anguk area, at the opposite side of the city.
“Yunho?” he inquired as he guided Junsu inside the house. “What are you doing here?”
He received no answer as Yunho moved forward and engulfed him in a tight hug.
“What were you thinking, leaving your phone behind like that? I had no way to contact you.”
“Ah I did?” Jaejoong wrapped his arms around the other’s waist. “Sorry, my brother was admitted in the hospital and I panicked, couldn’t really think straight.’
“You scared me. I thought something had happened to you.” Yunho said holding the other as if his life depended on it.
Jaejoong chuckled.
“Hey don’t laugh! I was really worried over here.”
“I’m sorry, again.” He pecked Yunho’s lips to reassure him, smile still attached on his beautiful face. He felt the other deepened the kiss, holding his waist in the process. He felt so warm inside knowing how much the other man cared. How he came all this way and waited for hours at his house just to make sure he was safe and sound. His grip unconsciously tightened.
--
“Earth to Jaejoong?”
Yoochun waved a hand in front of his face as he came back to reality, not even realising the grin on his face that would appear whenever he’s thinking of Yunho.
“You’ve got to control that grin on your face. People might suspect.”
“Okay I’ll put my poker face back on.” Yoochun laughed.
“Hey there is an office party this Friday, you’re coming right?”
“Probably. I’m just tired of pretending there isn’t anything going on between us.” He muttered glumly, looking around to make sure no one overheard him. Yoochun was his best-friend and the only one he trusted enough to keep the secret.
Or so he thought.
--
It was Friday night and he was nearly finished with his work, feeling like he was about to pass out anytime soon. As he was about to shut down his computer, a pop-out screen appeared on the corner notifying an incoming mail. It was titled “Who would’ve thought this guy is homosexual?”
Out of curiosity he opened the email, and what he saw made his heart drop. There was a picture of Jaejoong kissing an unknown guy at the balcony of his house. How did they get this? Did they have a stalker? Nothing but pure humiliation crept onto him, and for the second time that year, he left the office in haste as he felt looks of disgust thrown in his way.
--
Yunho called numerous times as soon as he heard about the scandal and rushed off to Jaejoong’s place after futile attempts of contacting him. As he arrived Jaejoong’s mom greeted him claiming she had tried in vain to call Jaejoong out of his room.
“He has been locking himself in since he came home earlier. He hasn’t eaten anything at all. Did anything happen in the office?” his mom asked, lines decorating her tired eyes.
Yunho smiled tiredly and gave her a comforting hug. “Don’t worry, I will get him out auntie.” he said determinedly.
Out of his haze, Jaejoong heard Yunho’s voice and suddenly sat up, not knowing what to do. The man was still his boss after all, even if they were lovers. What if he came to fire him? He was such a lousy employee after all. Or what if he’s had enough of him and wanted to break up? Jaejoong thought in panic.
“Jae, I know you’re there. I’m sorry that I had to resort this way, but I won’t hesitate to break down your door if you still choose to be stubborn.” Yunho stated firmly.
He had no choice but to face him sooner or later, he could never win when it comes to Yunho.
“Are you alright?” was the first thing Yunho had said once he was inside.
He shook his head, feeling tears ready to fall again at his lover’s concern. He was trying to prep himself shall the worst scenario happen.
Instead Yunho gently lifted his chin, making Jaejoong look him straight in the eye.
“I will solve this. Trust me.”
That had been the cue for Jaejoong to break down and cry out of relief as Yunho held him for the rest of the night.
--
“Track the IP number, find out the culprit and make sure to bring him straight to me. I want an answer by the end of the day.” Yunho commanded sternly to the IT department staffs that were all standing rigidly in front of the charismatic man.
“Yes sir, we will do our best.”
--
A beep signalled an incoming text message from his depressed lover.
‘Should I start looking for a new job?’
He frowned at the statement and quickly replied back.
‘You will do no such thing.
I will have your regular salary transferred into your account.
None of this is your fault baby.’
There was no reply but he was sure Jaejoong had read it. Even if he had to reassure him over and over again, he will do whatever it takes to keep him close.
--
“Explain yourself.”
“It wasn’t me who did it. I’m his best friend, how could you sir?”
“The proof is right in front of your eyes and you still have the guts to deny your deeds?”
Yunho shoved the documents straight in Yoochun’s face. He saw the latter gulped and knew he had found the culprit.
“I’m going to repeat myself for the last time, explain yourself or I will not hesitate to dismiss your job.”
Yoochun cringed, knowing there was no way to lie to this man. He shouldn’t have underestimated the power of Jung Yunho.
“I knew about your relationship. I couldn’t comprehend how he could get so lucky to have you.” He muttered in low voice. “He’s no more different than me but how come we have such different fate?” He couldn’t comprehend how unfair life is.
“He has done nothing but be a good friend to you. Do you think he deserves this?” Yunho answered in rage. “You owe him an explanation. He will decide from there whether I should keep you in this company.”
--
Yunho held the ring on his hands, staring at the shining diamond. He had been planning to propose for weeks, and then this incident had to happen to crush Jaejoong’s feelings. As impatient as he was, he had to wait for the right timing. Truth be told the great Jung Yunho also has his own fears. What if he was rejected? What if Jaejoong doesn’t love him as much as he does? Yunho has always been the one to initiate most dates and phone calls.
A knock on his door and the crestfallen face of Jaejoong popped out. Yunho immediately stood up and encircled him in his arms, feeling relieved that he had decided to come after all. He wanted to be there as mental support as Yoochun spills the ugly truth.
--
Jaejoong wanted to scream and yell hearing his best friend’s confession, but instead he felt numb, still unable to digest the fact of Yoochun’s betrayal. The man had asked for forgiveness but Jaejoong refused him with a lifeless and disappointed stare.
“I need time. Please leave, Chunnie.“ The kind hearted soul that he is, he couldn’t let himself be the reason for the cut of living cost in Yoochun’s family. He knew well of the other’s financial status.
Afterwards, Jaejoong curled up in Yunho’s arms on his office room’s sofa. He still hasn’t said a single word since Yoochun left. It was past working hours and most employees had already gone home.
“Baby, do you still feel like having dinner?” Yunho spoke gently.
Jaejoong raised his big doe-eyes at him, feeling exhausted and hurt and wanting nothing but to forget about it all. He gently nodded as he let himself be led out of their office.
--
Yunho insisted on taking them to a fancy Italian restaurant in one of Seoul’s five-star hotels. Jaejoong didn’t have much appetite but seeing Yunho’s efforts he was at least going to have a bite. However he noticed the other was fidgeting every so often and looked highly uncomfortable.
“Are you okay Yunho? You’re sweating.” Jaejoong noted in concern as he put down his fork.
“Yeah of course. It’s a bit hot in here.”
He frowned; the restaurant’s air conditioner was about as hot as ice.
Yunho tried to look anywhere else but the man in front of him. Jaejoong’s beauty was strangely making him nervous as all kinds of questions started to pop out in his head. His gaze landed on an elderly couple enjoying their meal, looking in love even at such a late age.
He could have that with Jaejoong. He decided he couldn’t wait a moment more to propose.
“Baby you’re acting so weird. Is something bothering you?”
Yunho tried to recite those lines he practiced earlier in the bathroom but none of the words seems to come up on his head. This wasn’t supposed to happen, he thought as more sweat drops formed on his forehead. If there is one thing Yunho aced it was presentation. Having no choice he opted to be spontaneous and speaks out the first thing that comes to mind.
“You’re a bad employee.”
“Excuse me?” Jaejoong looked startled.
Way to go Yunho, such a great catchy line you possess.
“You’re clumsy because you never pick up your phone, you always make people worried, you run away when problems arise-“ Yunho paused, gaze never leaving Jaejoong’s flabbergasted expression. He was doing this. He has never been so sure.
“-yet I still love you. I love you so much.”
Jaejoong sighed in relief after hearing the end of that sentence.
“I love you too.”
“I’m glad you do. You asked earlier whether something is bothering me. Jae this thing keeps poking my thigh.” Jaejoong watched in confusion until realization dawned upon him of what Yunho was about to do.
“Nonono-“ he said out of reflex.
“No?”
“I mean, not no as an answer! I -“ he paused scrambling for words to say, suddenly feeling very faint.
This is such a disaster. Yunho feels like banging his head on the table right there.
“Sweetheart please answer me honestly and quickly if you may; as you can see I am already a nervous wreck here.” He forced a chuckle and took a deep cleansing breath before moving to kneel in front of Jaejoong , a custom designed 20.5 carat Harry Winston diamond ring on his hand.
Jaejoong gasped in disbelief, holding his breath as he felt the other look at him nervously, honesty and love reflected in his eyes.
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you. See that old couple over there?” He pointed at their direction and Jaejoong’s eyes followed. “I want that to be us in fifty years to come.”
Jaejoong laughed heartily, torn between crying and laughing at his statement.
“Will you do the honour of marrying me? I promise to always be the protective and possessive partner you love.”
Jaejoong raised an eyebrow, still smiling in mirth. So Yunho sucked at proposing; he thought in amusement. If only his employees were to witness this. They would have given him the laugh of their lives behind his back. Who knew such a charismatic man could be so candid?
“Baby you are so adorable, and I’m glad to have seen this part of you. You should look at yourself right now.” He giggled in happiness, tears of joy starting to cloud his vision.
Yunho waited anxiously, practically dying to hear the final answer. Jaejoong decided to stop torturing him.
“It’s a yes Yunho, with all my heart.”
Yunho beamed in glee, looking very much like a kid who had been given his most favourite toy. He slowly inserted the ring onto Jaejoong’s fourth finger.
“You have no idea how happy you make me.” Jaejoong confessed, wiping his eyes. “You always make my crappy day brighter, just by being there effortlessly.” He cupped Yunho’s small adorable face. “I need you to know that I love you very much and that you can put away all those doubts and worries from your mind. Otherwise this -“ He gently smoothed out the wrinkles on his forehead. “-will make you age faster like that grandpa over there.”
Yunho smiled as he captured him in a passionate kiss, hardly caring if anyone sees them at the moment. His proposal had been clumsy and embarrassing enough but he could care less now. The love of his life has finally agreed on spending the rest of their lives together. He was the happiest man alive.
Out of his gracefulness Jaejoong has finally forgiven Yoochun; but the latter resigned out of guilt, claiming he had already found a job elsewhere. He had awfully missed their close friendship but his engagement with Yunho was his new focus. Jaejoong eventually resigned as well, assuring Yunho that it was for the best to start over and leave those bitter memories behind. The latter had reluctantly agreed, for there isn’t anything he would not do to make his fiancée happy.
--
“Good afternoon Mr Jung.”
Jaejoong nodded politely and smirked as he saw his new replacement. They had gotten married in Canada, with only family and close friends invited. Yunho had made an announcement of their marriage shortly afterwards, claiming any staff that says a word about Jaejoong would say goodbye to their career, even though the man himself was no longer working in the company.
Jaejoong had moved in Yunho’s apartment suite, and occasionally he would come to the office and bring his husband delicious home-made lunch that the other never failed to appreciate. And every time he passed by that conference room, he would smile remembering a nervous version of himself helplessly falling in love with a charismatic boss he now calls husband.
thank you my beta jaeho_forever
Three years ago
He looked around and fidgeted nervously, anxiously waiting for his turn. He needed this job desperately. His brother was starting up college and the amount of salary his mom worked off was barely enough to cover the bills. The few candidates that have left earlier from the conference room looked intimidated. He was getting worried and could not help but wonder if this had anything to do with the interviewer.
“Mr Kim Jaejoong? Please come in.” A middle-aged lady opened the door, signalling him to go in. Jaejoong held his breath and counted to three to calm himself before proceeding inside.
“Please sit down. Mr Jung will be with you shortly.”
“Thank you.”
Several agonizing moments later, a tall man in formal business suit waltzed into the room, his aura oozing full-force charisma. “Good afternoon, Mr Kim. My name is Jung Yunho and I will be the one interviewing you.” Time seemed to have frozen as their eyes met for the first time. The man’s voice was full of authority and Jaejoong can’t help but feel intimidated. His face was ridiculously small for a guy and Jaejoong noticed how slender those fingers were as they shook hands. Feeling his heartbeat quickening, he quickly uttered a reply. “Go- good afternoon, Sir.” He prayed to all the Gods that he would survive the entire interview.
Little did he know that Yunho also fell in love with him right there.
A week later, Jaejoong received a phone call that he was officially accepted to the company. After getting to know his boss, he found out Yunho was actually an easy going person despite his strictness at work. He also held lots of expectations from Jaejoong, pushing him to improve himself. They would greet each other formally, have small conversations throughout the day and those moments were what Jaejoong would look forward to everyday.
It wasn’t until a few months later that the moment he had patiently been waiting for arrived. He was typing a report that was due at the end of the week. He was feeling incredibly stressed, the lack of Yunho’s presence that day didn’t help either. Unexpectedly he saw an A4 sized envelope being dropped onto his desk with his name written on it. Assuming that meant more reports, Jaejoong growled inwardly.
‘You’ve got to be kidding me!’
Having no choice but to open it, he was confused to find a pile of blank papers. Pulling it out gently, a tiny yellow post-it note appeared on the top and he couldn’t fight the stupid grin from blossoming on his face.
Coffee? 3 pm.
Yunho
That was how their relationship had started, coffee dates on weekdays to be followed by dinner and Jaejoong’s shopping sprees on weekends. They slowly became inseparable as months flew by despite having completely different personalities. Yunho was the serious one, very organised and loves to be the one in control whilst Jaejoong is witty, playful and awfully clumsy. In order to avoid unnecessary office gossips, they both decided to tone down the affection at work, thus no one in the company knew about their relationship.
No one except one.
--
It was another day in the middle of spring when his phone suddenly rang in the middle of his task. Glancing at the unknown phone number, he raised an eyebrow opting whether to answer it. It could well be another prank call or salesman offering him to apply loans. He took his chance anyway and greeted the other line.
“Is this Mr Kim Jaejoong speaking?”
He frowned, “Yes, anything I can help you?”
“Mr Kim Junsu has just been admitted in the hospital and you’re his only emergency contact.”
Shocked filled his entire being and his hands shook as he wrote down the hospital’s name and room number on a piece of paper, before leaving the office abruptly. His mobile phone dropped onto the ground but he barely registered it.
--
“Sheryl, can you get Jaejoong for me please.” Yunho ordered his secretary as he goes through numerous paperwork that had to be done for the day.
“He’s not at his desk sir.”
That statement caught Yunho’s attention and he frowned.
“Please contact his mobile.” He said calmly as he watched her immediately dial Jaejoong’s number.
A knock on the door and one of his subordinates Yoochun peeked out.
“Excuse me sir, I heard this mobile rang nearby and our office number came up on the caller ID. It seems that Jaejoong has forgotten to bring his phone.”
“What?”
He was already mentally preparing to scold Jaejoong on his never-ending clumsiness. “Alright thank you. You’re dismissed.” He waved them off, grateful that he remembered to keep his composure although worry was starting to overtake him. He didn’t even notice his employees bow as they left his room.
--
Jaejoong had always believed that Yunho was the one. But it wasn’t until these incidents occurred that he was fully reassured of how even in his weakest moment, the other was still willing to stay by his side. He had come home close to midnight that day, after an exhausting evening in the hospital. He was glad to have his brother finally released to rest at home.
As he approached his house, he saw Yunho’s Mercedes parked nearby and wondered what urgency happened that he came all the way here. Yunho’s residence was around Apgujung and he was staying at Anguk area, at the opposite side of the city.
“Yunho?” he inquired as he guided Junsu inside the house. “What are you doing here?”
He received no answer as Yunho moved forward and engulfed him in a tight hug.
“What were you thinking, leaving your phone behind like that? I had no way to contact you.”
“Ah I did?” Jaejoong wrapped his arms around the other’s waist. “Sorry, my brother was admitted in the hospital and I panicked, couldn’t really think straight.’
“You scared me. I thought something had happened to you.” Yunho said holding the other as if his life depended on it.
Jaejoong chuckled.
“Hey don’t laugh! I was really worried over here.”
“I’m sorry, again.” He pecked Yunho’s lips to reassure him, smile still attached on his beautiful face. He felt the other deepened the kiss, holding his waist in the process. He felt so warm inside knowing how much the other man cared. How he came all this way and waited for hours at his house just to make sure he was safe and sound. His grip unconsciously tightened.
--
“Earth to Jaejoong?”
Yoochun waved a hand in front of his face as he came back to reality, not even realising the grin on his face that would appear whenever he’s thinking of Yunho.
“You’ve got to control that grin on your face. People might suspect.”
“Okay I’ll put my poker face back on.” Yoochun laughed.
“Hey there is an office party this Friday, you’re coming right?”
“Probably. I’m just tired of pretending there isn’t anything going on between us.” He muttered glumly, looking around to make sure no one overheard him. Yoochun was his best-friend and the only one he trusted enough to keep the secret.
Or so he thought.
--
It was Friday night and he was nearly finished with his work, feeling like he was about to pass out anytime soon. As he was about to shut down his computer, a pop-out screen appeared on the corner notifying an incoming mail. It was titled “Who would’ve thought this guy is homosexual?”
Out of curiosity he opened the email, and what he saw made his heart drop. There was a picture of Jaejoong kissing an unknown guy at the balcony of his house. How did they get this? Did they have a stalker? Nothing but pure humiliation crept onto him, and for the second time that year, he left the office in haste as he felt looks of disgust thrown in his way.
--
Yunho called numerous times as soon as he heard about the scandal and rushed off to Jaejoong’s place after futile attempts of contacting him. As he arrived Jaejoong’s mom greeted him claiming she had tried in vain to call Jaejoong out of his room.
“He has been locking himself in since he came home earlier. He hasn’t eaten anything at all. Did anything happen in the office?” his mom asked, lines decorating her tired eyes.
Yunho smiled tiredly and gave her a comforting hug. “Don’t worry, I will get him out auntie.” he said determinedly.
Out of his haze, Jaejoong heard Yunho’s voice and suddenly sat up, not knowing what to do. The man was still his boss after all, even if they were lovers. What if he came to fire him? He was such a lousy employee after all. Or what if he’s had enough of him and wanted to break up? Jaejoong thought in panic.
“Jae, I know you’re there. I’m sorry that I had to resort this way, but I won’t hesitate to break down your door if you still choose to be stubborn.” Yunho stated firmly.
He had no choice but to face him sooner or later, he could never win when it comes to Yunho.
“Are you alright?” was the first thing Yunho had said once he was inside.
He shook his head, feeling tears ready to fall again at his lover’s concern. He was trying to prep himself shall the worst scenario happen.
Instead Yunho gently lifted his chin, making Jaejoong look him straight in the eye.
“I will solve this. Trust me.”
That had been the cue for Jaejoong to break down and cry out of relief as Yunho held him for the rest of the night.
--
“Track the IP number, find out the culprit and make sure to bring him straight to me. I want an answer by the end of the day.” Yunho commanded sternly to the IT department staffs that were all standing rigidly in front of the charismatic man.
“Yes sir, we will do our best.”
--
A beep signalled an incoming text message from his depressed lover.
‘Should I start looking for a new job?’
He frowned at the statement and quickly replied back.
‘You will do no such thing.
I will have your regular salary transferred into your account.
None of this is your fault baby.’
There was no reply but he was sure Jaejoong had read it. Even if he had to reassure him over and over again, he will do whatever it takes to keep him close.
--
“Explain yourself.”
“It wasn’t me who did it. I’m his best friend, how could you sir?”
“The proof is right in front of your eyes and you still have the guts to deny your deeds?”
Yunho shoved the documents straight in Yoochun’s face. He saw the latter gulped and knew he had found the culprit.
“I’m going to repeat myself for the last time, explain yourself or I will not hesitate to dismiss your job.”
Yoochun cringed, knowing there was no way to lie to this man. He shouldn’t have underestimated the power of Jung Yunho.
“I knew about your relationship. I couldn’t comprehend how he could get so lucky to have you.” He muttered in low voice. “He’s no more different than me but how come we have such different fate?” He couldn’t comprehend how unfair life is.
“He has done nothing but be a good friend to you. Do you think he deserves this?” Yunho answered in rage. “You owe him an explanation. He will decide from there whether I should keep you in this company.”
--
Yunho held the ring on his hands, staring at the shining diamond. He had been planning to propose for weeks, and then this incident had to happen to crush Jaejoong’s feelings. As impatient as he was, he had to wait for the right timing. Truth be told the great Jung Yunho also has his own fears. What if he was rejected? What if Jaejoong doesn’t love him as much as he does? Yunho has always been the one to initiate most dates and phone calls.
A knock on his door and the crestfallen face of Jaejoong popped out. Yunho immediately stood up and encircled him in his arms, feeling relieved that he had decided to come after all. He wanted to be there as mental support as Yoochun spills the ugly truth.
--
Jaejoong wanted to scream and yell hearing his best friend’s confession, but instead he felt numb, still unable to digest the fact of Yoochun’s betrayal. The man had asked for forgiveness but Jaejoong refused him with a lifeless and disappointed stare.
“I need time. Please leave, Chunnie.“ The kind hearted soul that he is, he couldn’t let himself be the reason for the cut of living cost in Yoochun’s family. He knew well of the other’s financial status.
Afterwards, Jaejoong curled up in Yunho’s arms on his office room’s sofa. He still hasn’t said a single word since Yoochun left. It was past working hours and most employees had already gone home.
“Baby, do you still feel like having dinner?” Yunho spoke gently.
Jaejoong raised his big doe-eyes at him, feeling exhausted and hurt and wanting nothing but to forget about it all. He gently nodded as he let himself be led out of their office.
--
Yunho insisted on taking them to a fancy Italian restaurant in one of Seoul’s five-star hotels. Jaejoong didn’t have much appetite but seeing Yunho’s efforts he was at least going to have a bite. However he noticed the other was fidgeting every so often and looked highly uncomfortable.
“Are you okay Yunho? You’re sweating.” Jaejoong noted in concern as he put down his fork.
“Yeah of course. It’s a bit hot in here.”
He frowned; the restaurant’s air conditioner was about as hot as ice.
Yunho tried to look anywhere else but the man in front of him. Jaejoong’s beauty was strangely making him nervous as all kinds of questions started to pop out in his head. His gaze landed on an elderly couple enjoying their meal, looking in love even at such a late age.
He could have that with Jaejoong. He decided he couldn’t wait a moment more to propose.
“Baby you’re acting so weird. Is something bothering you?”
Yunho tried to recite those lines he practiced earlier in the bathroom but none of the words seems to come up on his head. This wasn’t supposed to happen, he thought as more sweat drops formed on his forehead. If there is one thing Yunho aced it was presentation. Having no choice he opted to be spontaneous and speaks out the first thing that comes to mind.
“You’re a bad employee.”
“Excuse me?” Jaejoong looked startled.
Way to go Yunho, such a great catchy line you possess.
“You’re clumsy because you never pick up your phone, you always make people worried, you run away when problems arise-“ Yunho paused, gaze never leaving Jaejoong’s flabbergasted expression. He was doing this. He has never been so sure.
“-yet I still love you. I love you so much.”
Jaejoong sighed in relief after hearing the end of that sentence.
“I love you too.”
“I’m glad you do. You asked earlier whether something is bothering me. Jae this thing keeps poking my thigh.” Jaejoong watched in confusion until realization dawned upon him of what Yunho was about to do.
“Nonono-“ he said out of reflex.
“No?”
“I mean, not no as an answer! I -“ he paused scrambling for words to say, suddenly feeling very faint.
This is such a disaster. Yunho feels like banging his head on the table right there.
“Sweetheart please answer me honestly and quickly if you may; as you can see I am already a nervous wreck here.” He forced a chuckle and took a deep cleansing breath before moving to kneel in front of Jaejoong , a custom designed 20.5 carat Harry Winston diamond ring on his hand.
Jaejoong gasped in disbelief, holding his breath as he felt the other look at him nervously, honesty and love reflected in his eyes.
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you. See that old couple over there?” He pointed at their direction and Jaejoong’s eyes followed. “I want that to be us in fifty years to come.”
Jaejoong laughed heartily, torn between crying and laughing at his statement.
“Will you do the honour of marrying me? I promise to always be the protective and possessive partner you love.”
Jaejoong raised an eyebrow, still smiling in mirth. So Yunho sucked at proposing; he thought in amusement. If only his employees were to witness this. They would have given him the laugh of their lives behind his back. Who knew such a charismatic man could be so candid?
“Baby you are so adorable, and I’m glad to have seen this part of you. You should look at yourself right now.” He giggled in happiness, tears of joy starting to cloud his vision.
Yunho waited anxiously, practically dying to hear the final answer. Jaejoong decided to stop torturing him.
“It’s a yes Yunho, with all my heart.”
Yunho beamed in glee, looking very much like a kid who had been given his most favourite toy. He slowly inserted the ring onto Jaejoong’s fourth finger.
“You have no idea how happy you make me.” Jaejoong confessed, wiping his eyes. “You always make my crappy day brighter, just by being there effortlessly.” He cupped Yunho’s small adorable face. “I need you to know that I love you very much and that you can put away all those doubts and worries from your mind. Otherwise this -“ He gently smoothed out the wrinkles on his forehead. “-will make you age faster like that grandpa over there.”
Yunho smiled as he captured him in a passionate kiss, hardly caring if anyone sees them at the moment. His proposal had been clumsy and embarrassing enough but he could care less now. The love of his life has finally agreed on spending the rest of their lives together. He was the happiest man alive.
Out of his gracefulness Jaejoong has finally forgiven Yoochun; but the latter resigned out of guilt, claiming he had already found a job elsewhere. He had awfully missed their close friendship but his engagement with Yunho was his new focus. Jaejoong eventually resigned as well, assuring Yunho that it was for the best to start over and leave those bitter memories behind. The latter had reluctantly agreed, for there isn’t anything he would not do to make his fiancée happy.
--
“Good afternoon Mr Jung.”
Jaejoong nodded politely and smirked as he saw his new replacement. They had gotten married in Canada, with only family and close friends invited. Yunho had made an announcement of their marriage shortly afterwards, claiming any staff that says a word about Jaejoong would say goodbye to their career, even though the man himself was no longer working in the company.
Jaejoong had moved in Yunho’s apartment suite, and occasionally he would come to the office and bring his husband delicious home-made lunch that the other never failed to appreciate. And every time he passed by that conference room, he would smile remembering a nervous version of himself helplessly falling in love with a charismatic boss he now calls husband.