[FIC] Hanging By A Moment 3/?
Title: Hanging By A Moment
Author: haruno
Pairing: Yoochun/Junsu, Yunho/Jaejoong, Yunho/Changmin
Rating: PG-15, NC-17 for some parts and possibly future chapters
Genre: romance, angst, crack, fluff
Warning(s): violence, some language, mentions of harassment and rape, some bullying
Length: 3/?
Summary:
You are the light that's leading me to the place
Where I find peace again
You are the strength that keeps me walking
You are the hope that keeps me trusting
You are the life to my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything
-03-
YOOCHUN
“Yoochun-sshi,” the english professor, Han JooWon called. “Please read the next paragraph on your textbook.”
I felt everyone’s eyes on me as I slowly stood up, textbook in hand and started reading. A few seconds passed before the muttering of the class grew louder. I knew it drowned out my voice.
“I can’t hear a thing.” Victoria said, loud enough for the entire class to hear. “Professor Han, can’t you choose someone else instead?”
The class started muttering in agreement. Professor Han frowned and called the class to order.
“Yoochun-sshi, can’t you read a bit louder so that everyone in class can hear?” Professor Han asked.
“He’s always been so meek.” Victoria drawled. Her voice carried around the room. “Weak and fragile and breakable. Are you sure you’re a guy, Yoochun-sshi? I look stronger than you.” She taunted.
“Maybe he’s defective or something.” Sulli said in agreement. “Do you even have enough energy to stand that long?” I felt her eyes on me.
“Enough.” Professor Han said frowning at the two girls. “Try putting yourselves in his situation.”
I lowered my head as Professor Han came up to my seat. I felt his hand on my shoulder. He squeezed it reassuringly, giving me a small smile.
“Take your seat, Yoochun-sshi.” Professor Han softly said.
His hand stayed on my shoulder as he called for another student to read. I tried not to cringe and shake as I took my seat. Professor Han was kind.
“Victoria,” Professor Han called, finally taking his hand from my shoulder. “Since you’re the one who complained, you can read the paragraph.”
I listened as the classroom filled with Victoria’s loud voice.
“Psssst. Yah!”
“Yah!”
“Park Yoochun!”
I knew who was whispering but chose to ignore it. Then a folded piece of paper landed on my desk. I looked to my left, seeing Kim Junsu staring straight ahead, tapping his pen looking like he was bored. I turned my attention back to the paper and started to unfold it.
I saw neat handwriting. Kim Junsu’s handwriting.
‘You left your mp3 player on the park bench the other day. I’ve been holding onto it for you.’
I jumped, knocking my books to the floor in my surprise. It was loud enough for everyone to hear. The class fell silent and looked at me.
“Yoochun-sshi, is something the matter?” Professor Han asked.
I averted my eyes and shook my head, wishing I could disappear right at that moment.
---
JUNSU
I sat in front of Park Yoochun in the cafeteria, looking at him, studying him. I watched as he silently ate his lunch, shoulders hunched and head bowed as if he was praying. I rested my chin on my arms, ignoring every person that looked at us.
“Are you always alone?” I asked.
I waited for him to answer. He nodded instead. I frowned.
“Are you always this silent?” I asked again.
Another nod. I pursed my lips, narrowing my eyes.
“I heard you like to hang out in the music room.” I said, trying not to wince at my own words. “Do you play?” I asked.
I looked at him, tilting my head to the side, waiting for him to answer. I know he knows that I’m watching him, waiting for him to speak but he still chooses to not utter a single word.
“You know, I have other ways to force you to open your mouth.” I said narrowing my eyes at him and smirking. “If you still won’t say anything, I’ll kiss you.” I threatened.
Yoochun looked taken aback by my words having stopped midway of biting into his sandwich. He put it down and flicked his eyes to mine briefly before averting them again.
“Why are you here,” Yoochun asked, voice quiet, timid. “Talking to me?”
“Because,” I answered. “You caught my attention.”
“Why?” Yoochun asked, finally looking at me.
“Why… you ask…” I said, biting my lip. “That’s a good question.” I paused, furrowing my brow. “Because…”
“Because?” Yoochun prompted.
“Because…” I answered. “You’re interesting.”
Yoochun looked at me, his eyes curious.
“You remind me of something I thought I had forgotten.” I said looking down. Something I tried to forget. I corrected myself.
We both looked away and didn’t speak for a few seconds, dwelling in our own thoughts. I scoffed at myself and smiled, looking at him again.
“How about you give me your cell phone number?” I asked. “We can go hang out, eat, whatever.”
I chuckled at myself and at the flushed Yoochun in front of me. He ducked his head again as he tried to continue to eat.
“You stopped talking again.” I said, smiling. I leaned forward, chin on my arms again, looking at Yoochun. “That makes me think that you really want me to kiss you.”
Yoochun gasped and looked at me incredulously. Then he suddenly stood up and hurriedly walked away.
“Hey,” I called out chuckling again. “I was only kidding.”
When I turned I saw Yunho frowning at me disapprovingly.
“What?” I asked.
Yunho just sighed and shook his head.
---
Interlude: YUNHO
I sat, sighing in relief, leaning back on my chair. It was a good thing that I only had a few classes with Junsu. Even if the guy was… is my best friend, it could be rather taxing just to keep up with him.
“You look like you need a break, Yunho-sshi.”
I looked up to find Shim Changmin taking the vacant seat beside me, staring at me with curiosity and pity. It wasn’t a secret to everyone in the university that he and Yoochun were close, almost like brothers.
“Kim Junsu.” Changmin said shaking his head with a frown. “Seeing as I don’t see Kim Junsu anywhere near I should be charging at you with all-guns-a-blazing but that’s not my style.”
“I guess it already spread like wild fire.” I mused, sighing again.
“With the stunt he just pulled in your class and at the cafeteria?” Changmin said sarcastic. “It’s pretty obvious that Kim Junsu keeps trying to make a move on Park Yoochun.” He added, looking at me pointedly. “He’s better off bothering someone else, Yunho-sshi.”
“You think I haven’t told Junsu that already?” I asked, exasperated.
“I know you keep a careful eye on your brother, Yunho-sshi.” Changmin spoke. “And keep him away from mine. He’s been through enough already. With Kim Junsu’s reputation preceding him, my best friend doesn’t need another trauma to add to his life.”
I looked at Changmin. Another trauma?
“Can we just drop the honorifics, Changmin?” I suggested. Changmin just shrugged. “And what do you mean, Yoochun’s been through enough?” I asked.
“I would tell you but it’s none of your business, Yunho-hyung.” Changmin answered, smiling sadly. “I would prefer that my best friend live in peace if you don’t mind.”
“Believe me, Changmin, I’m trying to keep it that way.” I answered.
“I know you are, hyung.” Changmin said, something I didn’t quite catch flashing in his eyes, a knowing smile on his lips.
The sudden realization hit me and I looked away from Changmin’s sharp gaze, flushing. I had a feeling that Changmin could see right through me.
“I won’t.” I said pausing. “I’m not one to force anyone into anything.” I sighed.
“Good.” Changmin said. “At least you have some common sense.”
I looked at Changmin, eyes narrowed, lips pressed in a line. His snark usually pisses a lot of people off, including me but I decided to let it go. For now.
I sighed. My concern over Yoochun just took over my annoyance at his best friend.
“I can’t help but think that something really terrible had happened to him, Changmin.” I said, worrying. “Seeing him like that makes me want to find whoever made him like that and punch him into oblivion.”
Changmin chuckled at my words. It was hollow, emotionless.
“It’s in the past.” Changmin said. “Every person should be wary of everyone around him.”
“He’s protecting himself.” I said. “I just know it. But it’d be nice to know if he hates me or something.”
“He doesn’t.” Changmin answered, almost instantly. “At least I know he doesn’t.”
I smiled slightly reassured.
“I’m not one to forbid you from anything, hyung.” Changmin calmly said. “You can do whatever you want.” He paused before adding, “ Just don’t hurt him.”
I looked at him, seeing his smile. It was tinged with sadness.
Somehow, I felt bad seeing Changmin look like that. It felt like it’s my fault. It felt like somehow I had hurt him.
---
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