Title: Hanging By A Moment
Pairing: Yoochun/Junsu, Yunho/Jaejoong, Yunho/Changmin
Rating: PG-15 to NC-17 (for some parts)
Genre: fluff, angst, romance
Length: 11/?
Warning(s): violence, some language, mentions of harassment and rape, some bullying
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
-11-
JUNSU
As soon as I walked into the cafeteria, my eyes zero in on her. Victoria was seated with her usual group of stuck-up friends; gossiping, flirting, throwing insults to those who they think are losers. I scoffed but continue to look at her.
Feeling my glare, Victoria turns, facing me. I tilt my head to the side a bit, my eyes never leaving hers. I watched her make excuses to her friends as she got up and left their table.
I turned around and walked away. I knew she would be following me.
“I have no intention to apologize and you know it.” Victoria said arms folded in front of her chest.
“I don’t need your apology.” I said. “But you should apologize to him.”
Victoria scoffed. I tried hard not to roll my eyes.
“Why the hell are you so pissed off then?” I asked. “He’s done absolutely nothing to you.”
“He pisses me off.” Victoria answered. “Isn’t that reason enough?”
“You’re not answering my question.” I deadpanned. “Why are so angry at him?”
Victoria pursed her lips and turned away.
“Yoochun may look like a push over to you, but he’s not.” I said. “He’s a lot tougher than you think.”
Victoria scoffed again, disbelieving.
“You don’t believe me when you’ve witnessed it yourself?” I asked. “You didn’t hurt him. You couldn’t.”
“What does it matter?” Victoria shot back. “That was only a threat. I’m just getting started!”
“Really?” I asked smirking. “Fine. Do whatever you want. Let the game begin.” I shrugged.
I looked at her, watching her. I knew she saw the glint in my eyes. Victoria glared right back, challenging me.
“You know me, Victoria.” I said. “Whenever I play a game, I always go all out. I don’t hold back.”
“That’s…” Victoria laughed. “No you wouldn’t.” her voice shook.
It was my turn to scoff now.
“Why not?” I smirked.
“Why not?” Victoria asked incredulous. “You don’t want to be a criminal.”
“I could care less.” I said.
“You’re serious?” Victoria asked eyes widening. “I don’t believe you. You can’t do such a thing.”
“Would it really be that big of a deal?” I asked.
“But - ” Victoria said.
There was fear in her eyes.
“I’ve never really killed anyone before.” I said. “So I’m wondering what it would feel like.” I added before walking away.
---
Interlude: YUNHO
I saw Junsu walking with Victoria right behind him. I followed as silently as possible.
I heard everything.
“You shouldn’t be shocked.” I said as I walked up to Victoria. “You shouldn’t have taken it too far.”
Victoria looked away.
“This… Why would you even do this kind of thing?” I asked.
“He was in my way.” Victoria answered. “I’ve waited for so long. I’ve watched Junsu date others right in front of me while I waited for my turn. I tried everything. I had been successful but it was short-lived. And then HE’s suddenly in front of Junsu, taking his attention away from me.”
“Did you even stop to think that this is all a game to Junsu?” I asked. “Yoochun didn’t do anything here. Junsu made the first move.”
“You’re wrong!” Victoria said. “This… thing with Yoochun he has… it’s different. I can see it! I can feel it!”
I looked at Victoria, surprised. I wasn’t expecting those words to come out of her mouth.
“You’re his best friend. I know you’ve noticed it too.” Victoria said. “I’ve never seen Junsu like this. Whenever he looks at Yoochun, his eyes are soft, gentle.” She looked at me, eyes defeated. “He cares, even though he doesn’t realize it yet.”
I sighed, more in defeat than in exasperation. Junsu was… is my best friend… my brother. I’ve been with him for so long, I know him like the back of my hand. I’ve seen all the looks and the tension, the jealousy that was subtly hidden. I’ve tried to ignore it but failed.
“Those two are drawn to each other.” I said. “They just haven’t realized it.”
~
I found myself sitting on one of the benches in the park. This one was right under the tree, overlooking the children’s play ground. I watched several of them play, envious of how carefree they are and how they just seemed to enjoy every moment.
“You keep sighing like it’s going to be the end of the world.”
I turned and found Changmin seated beside me. He had a book open on his lap but he was looking at me with a mildly interested expression.
“Changmin.” I said. “I didn’t notice you. Sorry.”
“You were too busy worrying about something else.” Changmin said as he turned back to his book. “No big deal. Though you shouldn’t do that. They’re both big boys now and can take care of themselves just fine.”
I looked at Changmin again.
“Do you just KNOW everything?” I asked.
“No, I don’t.” Changmin smiled. “I just pay attention.”
I smiled, feeling light.
“Thanks.” I said.
“For what?” Changmin asked.
“For cheering me up.” I answered. Changmin chuckled his eyes going mismatched.
“Now go play with the children on the play ground.” Changmin ordered with a smile.
---
YOOCHUN
Each note flowed into the next, blending, resonating. My fingers danced along the black and white keys, my eyes focused on the sheet music spread out in front of me with my messy handwriting. I continued to play, losing myself in the melody, the music, the emotions. I closed my eyes and immediately the scene from earlier flashed in my mind. My hands stopped, resting lightly over the keys as I sighed.
I lifted my left hand and looked at it in wonder.
One would call it a miracle. To think that I had almost gotten my fingers… both my hands broken just because…
The piano… it was the one thing that kept me sane. Music had always calmed me like nothing else would, with the exception of Changmin.
But…
Junsu stood in front of me, looking like he’d just run a marathon. He crouched down and reached out. I felt his hands gently take mine as I watched him look at them intently.
“I’m okay.” I whispered. “I’m okay.”
I found myself buried in Junsu’s embrace, his arms tightening around me. I felt him bury his face in my hair as fresh tears rolled down my cheeks and into his shirt.
I shivered in Junsu’s arms, letting my tears flow. The fear came at me in waves. I couldn’t stop shaking as I clutched at Junsu even tighter. But somehow, his arms around me comforted me, grounded me.
“Yoochun…” Junsu murmured. “It’s okay…” he hugged me tighter. “You’re safe… I’m here.”
But remembering how I felt in Junsu’s arms, his arms tight around me, both our hearts hammering in our chests, his simple words murmured in my ear.
If I got to be in Junsu’s arms even if my fingers were broken and I couldn’t play anymore, I wouldn’t have minded. I wouldn’t have minded at all.
Tap.
I looked up at the sound, turning my head towards it.
Tap. Tap.
I looked just in time to see a small rock hit the window, rattling it in its pane. Curious, I got up and walked towards it.
Junsu.
We looked at each other for a moment until he smiled at me and waved. Twenty seconds later I found myself right in front of him, sitting on the front steps at the entrance of the apartment.
“I wanted to see how you were doing, so I decided to pay a visit.” Junsu said breaking the silence.
“It wasn’t your fault, you know.” I said flushing but giving him a small smile.
“I won’t let Victoria do anything like that again.” Junsu said frowning at the ground. I remained silent, surprised by his words. “I’ll never let anyone do anything to you again. I promised you, didn’t I? I promised you that if anything happens, I’ll come and protect you.”
I looked down trying to fight the blood from rushing to my face. Junsu sighed running a hand through his hair.
“I’m sorry.” Junsu said. “I don’t sound very convincing at all, don’t I?”
“Mmmm.” I shook my head. “Don’t. You don’t need to do anything to Victoria. Everyone in school can see that she loves you.” I said. “It’s my fault. Really. I shouldn’t have been so stupid and gotten in her way.”
“Victoria.” Junsu said as he looked at me. “Whether she likes me or loves me, I don’t care. It has nothing to do with me.”
“Why?” I dared to ask.
“Because she’s just like all those other people who just wants me by their side because I make them look good.” Junsu answered. “I’m not some thing to just be passed around and displayed at anyone’s whim.” He paused with a frustrated huff. “I don’t really care what everyone says. Women… men… they’re best when they’re naked and in bed.”
I frowned at him, incredulous. I couldn’t believe what I just heard.
“Is sex really that important to you?” I asked. “Does it always have to end up that way?”
“That’s just who I am.” Junsu simply answered. “It’s all about being in the moment. I do the things I want to do when I want to. I’m only after that high, the moment of gratification. I don’t care about emotions.”
I looked at him, my frown disappearing.
“That’s not true.” I said. “You’re not that kind of person. Love is what you most need. I know and feel it.”
It was Junsu’s turn to look at me. Surprise was evident on his face.
“You are a melody.” I simply answered. “A complex combination of notes that harmonizes and blends. A forza* that is both energico* and yet mesto* at the same time. A magnificent composition that is strong, beautiful but heart wrenching. You don’t like dealing with emotions because it’s too much for you. You put up this wall for everyone to see, a defense against anyone who might hurt you. This is why you don’t commit in relationships.”
Junsu’s mouth was slightly open. I had said too much. I looked away and flushed and tried to pick myself up into a standing position. I was so focused on getting away that I tripped over my own feet. I felt Junsu’s hands steady me, one on my shoulder and the other curled around my waist. My hands automatically grabbed the front of his shirt.
“Whoa there.” Junsu said. I could feel him smiling amusedly at me. “You alright?” he asked.
I nodded and then ducked to hide my crimson face and flushed even darker. Junsu chuckled again as I decided to pull away.
“Ow.” I gasped but tugged again.
Something… I caught my hair into something. My hand automatically reached up to tug it away and grabbed onto Junsu’s wrist. I froze and looked at him.
Junsu smiled as his other hand reach behind my head. I could feel him gently tugging my hair free from whatever it snagged on to. I watched him as he leaned over and concentrated on the task at hand, his brows slightly furrowed. His face was so close to mine. I couldn’t help myself and just stared at him silently.
“There.” Junsu said. “Done.”
Junsu’s hands were back at his sides. He smiled at me. I flushed again my eyes finding the culprit on Junsu’s wrist*. Junsu noticed where I was looking and chuckled softly.
“My bracelet seems to like you.” Junsu joked. “It took a while for me to get your hair untangled from it. Looks like it might be telling us something.”
I looked at the bracelet again and remembered that Junsu always wore it. I wondered who it was from.
“Someone very precious gave it to me a long time ago.” Junsu said seeming to know what I wanted but refused to ask. “I promised to never take it off.”
I watched as Junsu put a hand on his bracelet, his fingers lightly touching the silver metal. It was a simple silver band done in a chain link style design. Pieces of rectangular-shaped metal alternately grouped into twos and threes and screwed together in stainless steel.
“It’s beautiful.” I murmured.
Junsu looked a bit surprised but recovered quickly. With a soft smile, he unclasped the bracelet from his wrist and took mine in his hand. I stared in stunned silence as he finished putting the bracelet on.
“You can wear it.” Junsu simply said. My eyes widened.
“But - ” I started to protest. “You said that someone important had given it to you. I - I can’t take this.” I stammered flushing yet again.
Junsu just softly smiled at me and shook his head, squeezing my hand. I looked away, flushing darker. His fingers were suddenly under my chin, gently tilting my head up and waiting until my eyes locked on to his. His fingers brushed the hair out of my face as he cupped my cheek. He brought our faces together.
I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think.
Junsu’s thumb stroked my cheek, his touch feather-light. My heart was hammering against my chest, my pulse beating in my ears. He was so close. Our breaths mingled. And then his lips touched mine in a soft, sweet kiss.
~
I clutched my books in nervousness. I was leaning on the wall, just by the steps. I didn’t look at anyone but kept an eye out for someone in particular. I didn’t know what came over me. After last night, we had just looked at each other for a while before he gently pushed me away with a soft smile, telling me to go back inside. I had looked at him curiously, my words caught in my throat but he just smiled and kissed my forehead and told me that he’ll watch until I got inside before he leaves.
I looked up in time to see him approaching. I straightened up and waited for him to come nearer. When he saw me, I offered a small smile.
“Good morning.” I greeted with a slight bow.
Junsu looked at me, surprised at first, but then changed into a cold indifference. He looked away as regret flashed in his eyes. I swallowed past the lump in my throat.
“About last night…” Junsu trailed off.
“Should I give the bracelet back?” I asked feigning surprise. I started to take it off.
“That’s not what I meant.” Junsu said his hand covering mine, stopping me from taking his bracelet off. “The kiss…” he looked down.
I tried to breathe normally as I let my hands hang limply at my sides.
“What happened last night, it has no other meaning.” Junsu tried to explain. “It was just a kiss. I lived in the states and I’d gotten used to doing that sort of thing.”
“I understand.” I said giving him my most honest smile. “You were just in the moment. It’s fine, Junsu-sshi.”
I turned around smile gone as I tried very hard not to let the hurt show on my face as I walked away.
---
A/N: forza - musical force; energico - energetic, strong; mesto - mournful, sad
junsu's bracelet:
A/N: i'm so sorry for only updating now... it's just been toxic... having trouble at work, quitting said work and then trying to look for work... then family stuff... and then add having writer's block... it's just been frustrating... i'm hoping that i'll somehow get my muse back... and i'm starting with this update. :)
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