The Scoop 1/3
Title: The Scoop
Pairing: Junsu/Yoochun, Yoochun/Junsu
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fluff
Warning: Eager Junsu alert.
Summary: Park Yoochun-a budding reporter-uses his cousin’s connections to not-so-accidently approach Xia Junsu, Korea's idol sensation. Determined to find his breakthrough scoop, Yoochun is determined to expose the idol for what he is, a-rude-possibly-gay-casanova-or in the very least, get the popular idol star to properly confess, single or taken?
A/N: I was supposed to be working on my only ongoing story this month but this came out of nowhere. It’s Chunface. I don’t even question it anymore. *Slumps in defeat* OTL...So obviously, I recruited the lovely xiaozey to issue my challenge[s] for this story and they wanted Yoochun with a ponytail and a weird obsession woven into the plot. Pft. Easy peasy, right? Enjoy.
*낙하산 = Nag-ha-san = parachute - refers to a person who obtains position through high connections. Just putting that out there, right now.
/
//
///
It’s safe to say that proving oneself is-well-tricky. Because in the world of high business and entertainment there are usually only two types of people who survive; those hungry enough with nothing to lose, and those who too easily can indulge with seemingly plenty to spare.
If the first, then sacrifice is inevitable. Therefore-often times-hardening. Those who sacrifice to get what they want are as often humbled by their strife as they are bittered. However, despite any unpleasant disposition no one can miss acknowledging them. No matter how they turn out to be-good natured or not-if the first, then one can safely establish some amount of respect from the love of an audience if not by those who profit from them. That is not to ignore the disdain from those who will always deem them inferior, of course. However, contempt and appreciation are often given hand in hand, hardly in condition against the other.
But if the second-when truth exposed-then things become WORSE, assuming one is not the type to indulge in the privilege like a blinded idiot.
Sometimes Yoochun wished he was more of a blinded idiot.
“Naghasan [낙하산],” called his department’s senior and star reporter. If a bribing, backstabbing weasel could be considered a reporter. “Boss is looking for ya. Better hurry. She’s not looking too happy this morning,” he said with a self-satisfied smile.
Many of the women in the company swooned over the nasty reporter. Sure. The guy was tall, outwardly charming and handsome. However, his moral campus was more skewed than a pirate’s and apart from making work-life hellishly competitive, the guy took special pleasure in reminding everybody just how awesome Yoochun was not.
Yoochun fought the urge to scoff, forcing himself to answer cordially if only to keep the peace a little longer. A battle of wits-which Yoochun was confident he could win but found just not worth the caffeine overdose-was not on his agenda today. “Thank you Bi seonbaenim [선배님], for letting me know,” he replied with a slight bow before setting down his bag, tying up his hair and walking to the senior editor’s office.
He knocked. Three times. No more, no less. As specified in his contract.
The glass door slid open almost instantly.
Funny thing, technology. It can either make a person feel like they have the world on the palm of their hand-or like the world is about to end.
Yoochun was most certainly the latter.
“Sit. We have five minutes and not one to spare,” said the woman behind the editor’s desk.
“Yes, mam.”
“Park. What have I said about calling me mam?”
“Sorry m-” Yoochun swallowed. “-boss.”
The petite woman’s feline eyes narrowed but otherwise let her suspicions only show.
Everyone was always so skeptical of Yoochun’s show of respect yet dared not say much about it. However obvious, Yoochun chose to feign ignorance. Son Gain was not a woman to be trifled with after all.
“Hallyu. The recent pass of the Gay Marriage bill in South Korea. What do these have in common?” she asked, rouged lips perfectly unaffected by the tight line they were forced into.
“Um. I’m not sure, boss” Yoochun answered honestly.
“International exposure! Excited and fanatic buzz! What the hell do I pay you for, Park?!”
“Sorry. I’m not sure what this has to do with me. Do you want me to write an editorial on the new Gay Marriage law or Hallyu?”
She laughed as if the answer was obvious. “Both.”
Again, Yoochun just blinked, not following.
“You are going to give me the scoop on one of the most coveted men in Korea.”
Until a glossy photo was slapped in front of him bearing the face of none other than Xia Junsu, idol turned stage actor extraordinaire.
“This guy is on every damn gossip column from here to Timbuktu! He’s red hot. Rumor has it, this casanova is newly engaged to another male Hallyu super star and you are going to infiltrate any source you can. I want pictures! Visible evidence! Understood?”
“Why me?” Yoochun asked confused.
“You do want to go beyond being a mere fact-checker, no?”
“Well, yes. But-”
“Get me this story and I will give you your own column to test that supposed skill of yours.” Despite his boss’s promise he was still taken aback, unable to form any sort of appropriate response. “Besides, you have connections. If there is anyone who can infiltrate anything without much suspicion, it’s you. Bi’s last mishap set us back and I can’t afford another mistake any time soon.”
And there it was. The catch.
“Get me a story, Park. A juicy one. Whatever it takes. And I’ll make you a full-time journalist. Full creative rights included.”
Yoochun opened his mouth in vain. His boss didn’t seem to notice any attempt to refuse and just went right back to the documents on her desk before shooing him off.
Well, fuck.
He suddenly had the feeling this assignment was going to be a lot more troublesome than it was worth.
~@~
“She wants you to what?”
“Infiltrate.”
Yunho’s brow quirked as he shook his head. “What are you doing? Why do you even bother, Chun? You could easily start up your own magazine or overtake that one and do what you want with it. Why do you let those people degrade you?”
“Because I need the experience. Are you going to help me or not?” Yoochun insisted, coffee nearly spilling on the table when he not so coolly tried to cross his legs and lean back in what could have easily been a rightfully intimidating pose.
His best friend-slash cousin-looked at him, half grin firmly in place, obviously intrigued.
“Of course, I will.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you though. That guy has a reputation. He can be brutal,” Yunho emphasized with all the grace of a man who had never fallen in his life.
Truth be told, he probably hadn’t. Jung Yunho was the son of the second most influential person in Korean media industries and he never wasted an opportunity to make it known. His mother was a force to be reckoned with. Though his name was just as equally gaining stream power. After all, he was not only a shrewd business man but also one that was easy on the eyes with a charm that was hard to forget.
“I’ll be fine,” Yoochun assured with confidence.
~@~
“Sweeny-is waiting. I want you bleeders!”
Yoochun watched Sweeny Todd at the Seoul Arts Center Opera Theater for a week straight, front-row-center seats courtesy of his ever connected cousin.
On the first day. Nothing much happened.
But by the third day, he was sure Junsu did a double take.
And by the fifth day, it was obvious Junsu definitely noticed him; indicated by the slight smile he received when their eyes totally locked for an unmistakable three seconds.
Kim Junsu, as he made himself out to be in the world of theater, was a sight to behold indeed. As an idol singer he was fierce and charismatic with an-often times-odd mix of boyish naiveté he just couldn’t seem to shake away, despite his almost thirteen years in the business. But as a theater actor-well-he was unmatched. Even surrounded by dramatic props and a chorus of actors, Kim Junsu shined like the brightest star in any constellation.
But that is not why Yoochun added two more days to his exploration; or why he found himself feeling disappointed when he realized, Junsu did not perform on Fridays.
Definitely not.
He was only disappointed because the Friday actor sucked.
Fortunately, on the seventh day, where Junsu performed twice in one day, Yoochun was ready with a backstage pass after the seven o’clock show.
When the show ended, Yoochun made a beeline toward the facilities and decided escaping through the window was a better idea.
~@~
“Wait, you-you did what?” Yunho asked already laughing.
Yoochun huffed and did a full body slump, face down onto Yunho’s office sofa. “I couldn’t do it. I got this knot in my stomach-then I heard the fangirls talking to him out in the hall and I panicked. How am I supposed to talk to a guy like that?”
“To start, you could open your mouth and try some consonants and vowels, form a little something we civilized humans call words, instead of running away like you are about to meet the boogeyman. He’s only pretending to be a serial killer, Chunface. I mean, do you know what a backstage pass is worth to this guy’s shows?”
Somehow, Yoochun managed a glare despite half his face being buried under the leather seat.
Again, Yunho laughed. “I suppose we will have to try this another way,” he said before calling for his assistant.
“Yes, sir?” said the young man that entered.
“Sungjong, get me passes to the musical awards after-party we spoke about yesterday. Also, contact JC Inc.’s head coordinator and tell him we are considering his proposal to fund their next musical, including a rerun of Sweeny Todd. Better yet, schedule a lunch and request for the star artist to be present.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Thank you. You may leave.”
The too-young looking assistant bowed and quickly let the door shut behind him, all without ever taking any notice of Yoochun.
“Sungjong is very discreet. We won’t stir any trouble, we’ll just-mingle” Yunho said.
“What happened to the other one?” Yoochun had the mind to ask.
“What other one?”
“The pretty one with the blonde hair.”
“Taemin? Oh. He was scouted by one of our modeling agencies.”
“And you let him go? Just like that?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Yunho asked with no hint of remorse.
Choosing to feign ignorance-as he often did-Yoochun shrugged. “No reason.”
“What are you going to do about your hair? This is a semi-formal event, you realize.” Yunho asked.
“What about my hair?”
Yunho’s brows rose. “At least get it under control. If you’re going to be my date, you have to look presentable-groomed!”
“Okay. Okay. I’ll see what I can do” Yoochun replied annoyed. “But I’m not cutting it.”
“Just think of it as one of your mother’s parties.”
Yoochun groan. Loudly.
“I’ll make an appointment for you at Heechul’s. He’ll be delighted to see you. Just make sure you are there on time.”
“Fine.”
~@~
With his hair tied back and a newly cut fringe, Yoochun felt unnecessarily groomed. However, it was the classic black on black brand suit he was draped in that made him feel like years of hard earned independence were suddenly flushed down the toilet. Being next to an equally decked man in even more luxurious Armani was just the cherry on top.
[Left: Yoochun-Like this but in all black, Right: Yunho]
“Perk up, cousin. We are at a party.”
“I thought you said this was semi-formal. Everyone here is wearing a tie” Yoochun pointed out, not really disappointed that he had skipped on that detail. Wearing a collared shirt was punishment enough. “Even you are wearing a tie! You tricked me!”
Yunho smiled. “Calm yourself,” he said. “Trust me. If you want him to notice you, you have to be different. I told you, didn’t I? He’s not one to be impressed by mere luxury. He is used to that.”
“How would you know?” Yoochun asked, crossing his arms.
“My dear cousin, knowing the laws of appeal is what I know best.”
“Let me punch you. Just once and I swear-nope-I will definitely still want to punch you.” Yoochun rolled his eyes. “I need a drink.”
“You, sir, need to lighten up.”
It was difficult to agree but maybe Yunho had a point. Something about being back in the glitz of the high life was familiar and though far from comforting, it was an environment he knew how to carry himself in.
The first hour passed rather quickly. Yoochun smiled and bowed occasionally to individuals he vaguely remembered from previous occasions, mostly staying free of Yunho’s way and conveniently roundabouting out of sight when the situation was right. That is, until Yunho called him to meet the one man that could unexpectedly sucker punch his lungs all with little more than simple gaze. Yoochun nearly walked into Yunho just trying to remind himself to put one foot in front of the other.
“Yoochun, come meet the representatives of my most recent business venture,” Yunho said.
Kim Junsu stood unnaturally masculine in a dark long patterned silk coat, black leather pants and black asymmetrical tunic underneath. No tie. Even his hair was a darker shade of violet not many could pull off.
Yoochun skimmed the idol’s features up close for the first time, noticing how his tear drop eyes shifted slowly from one person to the next. Initially he bore no smile, though Yoochun was sure he saw the glow of recognition for a second.
“This is Kim Mooyoung, JC Inc.’s CEO and one of his stars, Kim Junsu” Yunho introduced. “Gentlemen, this is my cousin and occasional advisor, Park Yoochun. He is an avid lover of the arts.”
Both bowed amicably. Yoochun returned the gesture with a smile which only the CEO returned. Noticing the likeness between the two men, he wondered if there was any relation. Neither seemed to feel it necessary to say anything about it though.
The interaction lasted all but ten minutes before they left. Only Yuhho and the CEO had spoken.
Yoochun missed his opportunity.
Again.
Next to him, Yunho sighed. “I’m done with you,” he said.
“What? I’m being mysteriously charming.”
Yoochun was trying to be smug.
“Smooth. But a faulty tactic,” Yunho pointed out quickly.
Obviously failing.
“You sure? He blinked. He most definitely blinked at me.”
Yunho scoffed at his cousin’s teasing. “Done. I’m done. You are a disgrace to my name.”
“We don’t have the same name,” Yoochun said monotonously.
Yunho turned and walked away, leaving Yoochun behind.
Alone.
In a party.
Splendid.
~@~
Yoochun walked into the pojangmacha [포장마차] with all the dignity of slumping frog, his Armani suit be dammed when hunger beckoned. The vendor lady that served him paid him little attention, giving him only a slight nod when he ordered not one but two soju bottles and a beer to accompany the food.
He was halfway through the second bottle when a familiarly sharp baritone voice caught his attention.
“Make them extra spicy, ajummonie [아주머니]. Please.”
Turning in its direction, Yoochun found none other than THE Kim Junsu, still in his fancy party get up much like himself. He briefly heard the vendor lady ask if there was a party nearby but was stumped out of his senses when he saw the idol smile and nod.
He knew he was staring. However, even being caught by the other man didn’t keep Yoochun from it. He kept staring, unaware of slight sense of challenge Junsu fronted. They continued JUST looking at each other until the vendor lady gave Junsu his order, neatly packed and ready to go.
Then it hit Yoochun like meteor in the New Year.
Junsu was about to leave.
Or so he thought.
His eyes dumbly followed Junsu until the idol stood inches from his table, looking down. “You found me again,” Junsu said.
Yoochun’s head was heavy. He could feel it bobbing from side to side. Still. Junsu’s voice was like a sweet aria in the spring time he couldn’t help but savor.
“I was here first,” Yoochun found himself saying back. “Smooth,” he thought to himself for a brief moment.
Then he burped and his hard earned effort went to hell.
To his surprise, Junsu kind of-sort of-laughed. “So it would seem. May I?” he asked, pointing to the shot glass.
Yoochun nodded. “I would pour it for you but-hic-I’d probably miss. And THAT would be bad-no no-no miss. Miss is bad. Yep-hic-Yunho always says-hic-”
Surprising him again, Junsu joined him at the table before pouring the clear liquid into the glass and backing it like a champ. Somehow, that gesture didn’t suit the boyishly handsome idol but Yoochun didn’t react adversely to it. In fact, the slight stir below his gut told him he found it quite the opposite.
“Thank you for the drink. I’ll see you around Park Yoochun. Get home safely,” was the last thing Yoochun heard before Junsu disappeared.
~@~
“Fuck-my-life. Fuck-it-all,” Yoochun ranted as he burst into Yunho’s office.
Yunho hardly stirred as he typed away in his computer. “Good morning to you too, cousin.”
“I’m almost thirty” Yoochun huffed, taking claim of the plush leather sofa.
“As am I. What’s your point?”
Yoochun groaned-a sound that resonated louder than his words-before he oozed up and slammed his palms onto Yunho’s desk, cause for the other to finally face him. “This is all your fault. How could you?”
“Could what?” Yunho asked genuinely curious, fooled by Yoochun’s monotonous tone.
“Make me like this.”
“Chunface, bears have more influence over you than me. What is this about?”
Giving up on life, Yoochun shoulders slumped as his head fell forward. “Why me?” he whined.
“Why you what? You are going to have to be more specific. Some adjectives would help.”
“You and your stupid gayness!” he finally shouted.
“Woah! Hey! I thought we got over this years ago. What is going on?”
The intercom suddenly came alive, interrupting the banter. “Sir? Is everything alright?” Sungjong asked.
“I’m not sure. Cancel my next meeting, would you?” Yunho requested.
“Right away, sir. Anything else?”
“Yes. Call out for an early lunch.”
“Of course, sir.”
“And some of that sludge you like to make. Make it heavy.”
“Will do, sir.”
“Thank you, Sungjong,” Yunho dismissed his secretary promptly before turning back to his cousin, waiting.
Unable to let go of his impending doom, Yoochun went back to the sofa. Where it was safe.
“So?’ Yunho instigated.
Yoochun huffed. His mouth opened and closed three times before something more audible escaped. “He looked hot,” he said finally.
“Who looked what now?” Yunho’s brows rose.
“Junsu. Junsu looked-attractive-”
“Well, yeah. Anyone with-”
“-to me. He looked attractive to me and-”
“And?”
“And it wasn’t just my eyes that got happy.”
“Oh. OH!”
Silence endured for about minute before Yunho stood and walked around his desk, leaning against its front. “Chun, talk to me.”
“I’m confused.”
“Understandably so. But maybe you might want to take a step back for a minute. You have only interacted with him once,” Yunho advised.
“I know. But what if it is THAT kind of attraction?”
“Then you deal with it when it’s confirmed.”
“Is it even possible? I mean, I’m almost thirty and I’ve never thought-I’ve never-noticed.”
Yunho smiled. “It wouldn’t be unheard off, particularly for those with certain-uh-social inhibitors.”
“I date!” Yoochun claimed.
“Oh yeah? When was the last time you asked anyone out?”
Yoochun couldn’t remember.
“That’s what I thought. Chunface, you spend so much energy concentrated on that job of yours, you hardly give anyone a second look if they are not caught behind your camera. It has been almost three years since you-”
“Okay, okay. I get it. I need to get out more. So what now?
“You want to meet your pretty idol again, don’t you?” Yunho asked.
“I kind of have to.”
“Then, it is time to start getting out more.”
1-- 2-- 3
P.S. The next two chapters won't have extra images because THE COVER.
Pairing: Junsu/Yoochun, Yoochun/Junsu
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fluff
Warning: Eager Junsu alert.
Summary: Park Yoochun-a budding reporter-uses his cousin’s connections to not-so-accidently approach Xia Junsu, Korea's idol sensation. Determined to find his breakthrough scoop, Yoochun is determined to expose the idol for what he is, a-rude-possibly-gay-casanova-or in the very least, get the popular idol star to properly confess, single or taken?
A/N: I was supposed to be working on my only ongoing story this month but this came out of nowhere. It’s Chunface. I don’t even question it anymore. *Slumps in defeat* OTL...So obviously, I recruited the lovely xiaozey to issue my challenge[s] for this story and they wanted Yoochun with a ponytail and a weird obsession woven into the plot. Pft. Easy peasy, right? Enjoy.
*낙하산 = Nag-ha-san = parachute - refers to a person who obtains position through high connections. Just putting that out there, right now.
/
//
///
It’s safe to say that proving oneself is-well-tricky. Because in the world of high business and entertainment there are usually only two types of people who survive; those hungry enough with nothing to lose, and those who too easily can indulge with seemingly plenty to spare.
If the first, then sacrifice is inevitable. Therefore-often times-hardening. Those who sacrifice to get what they want are as often humbled by their strife as they are bittered. However, despite any unpleasant disposition no one can miss acknowledging them. No matter how they turn out to be-good natured or not-if the first, then one can safely establish some amount of respect from the love of an audience if not by those who profit from them. That is not to ignore the disdain from those who will always deem them inferior, of course. However, contempt and appreciation are often given hand in hand, hardly in condition against the other.
But if the second-when truth exposed-then things become WORSE, assuming one is not the type to indulge in the privilege like a blinded idiot.
Sometimes Yoochun wished he was more of a blinded idiot.
“Naghasan [낙하산],” called his department’s senior and star reporter. If a bribing, backstabbing weasel could be considered a reporter. “Boss is looking for ya. Better hurry. She’s not looking too happy this morning,” he said with a self-satisfied smile.
Many of the women in the company swooned over the nasty reporter. Sure. The guy was tall, outwardly charming and handsome. However, his moral campus was more skewed than a pirate’s and apart from making work-life hellishly competitive, the guy took special pleasure in reminding everybody just how awesome Yoochun was not.
Yoochun fought the urge to scoff, forcing himself to answer cordially if only to keep the peace a little longer. A battle of wits-which Yoochun was confident he could win but found just not worth the caffeine overdose-was not on his agenda today. “Thank you Bi seonbaenim [선배님], for letting me know,” he replied with a slight bow before setting down his bag, tying up his hair and walking to the senior editor’s office.
He knocked. Three times. No more, no less. As specified in his contract.
The glass door slid open almost instantly.
Funny thing, technology. It can either make a person feel like they have the world on the palm of their hand-or like the world is about to end.
Yoochun was most certainly the latter.
“Sit. We have five minutes and not one to spare,” said the woman behind the editor’s desk.
“Yes, mam.”
“Park. What have I said about calling me mam?”
“Sorry m-” Yoochun swallowed. “-boss.”
The petite woman’s feline eyes narrowed but otherwise let her suspicions only show.
Everyone was always so skeptical of Yoochun’s show of respect yet dared not say much about it. However obvious, Yoochun chose to feign ignorance. Son Gain was not a woman to be trifled with after all.
“Hallyu. The recent pass of the Gay Marriage bill in South Korea. What do these have in common?” she asked, rouged lips perfectly unaffected by the tight line they were forced into.
“Um. I’m not sure, boss” Yoochun answered honestly.
“International exposure! Excited and fanatic buzz! What the hell do I pay you for, Park?!”
“Sorry. I’m not sure what this has to do with me. Do you want me to write an editorial on the new Gay Marriage law or Hallyu?”
She laughed as if the answer was obvious. “Both.”
Again, Yoochun just blinked, not following.
“You are going to give me the scoop on one of the most coveted men in Korea.”
Until a glossy photo was slapped in front of him bearing the face of none other than Xia Junsu, idol turned stage actor extraordinaire.
“This guy is on every damn gossip column from here to Timbuktu! He’s red hot. Rumor has it, this casanova is newly engaged to another male Hallyu super star and you are going to infiltrate any source you can. I want pictures! Visible evidence! Understood?”
“Why me?” Yoochun asked confused.
“You do want to go beyond being a mere fact-checker, no?”
“Well, yes. But-”
“Get me this story and I will give you your own column to test that supposed skill of yours.” Despite his boss’s promise he was still taken aback, unable to form any sort of appropriate response. “Besides, you have connections. If there is anyone who can infiltrate anything without much suspicion, it’s you. Bi’s last mishap set us back and I can’t afford another mistake any time soon.”
And there it was. The catch.
“Get me a story, Park. A juicy one. Whatever it takes. And I’ll make you a full-time journalist. Full creative rights included.”
Yoochun opened his mouth in vain. His boss didn’t seem to notice any attempt to refuse and just went right back to the documents on her desk before shooing him off.
Well, fuck.
He suddenly had the feeling this assignment was going to be a lot more troublesome than it was worth.
~@~
“She wants you to what?”
“Infiltrate.”
Yunho’s brow quirked as he shook his head. “What are you doing? Why do you even bother, Chun? You could easily start up your own magazine or overtake that one and do what you want with it. Why do you let those people degrade you?”
“Because I need the experience. Are you going to help me or not?” Yoochun insisted, coffee nearly spilling on the table when he not so coolly tried to cross his legs and lean back in what could have easily been a rightfully intimidating pose.
His best friend-slash cousin-looked at him, half grin firmly in place, obviously intrigued.
“Of course, I will.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you though. That guy has a reputation. He can be brutal,” Yunho emphasized with all the grace of a man who had never fallen in his life.
Truth be told, he probably hadn’t. Jung Yunho was the son of the second most influential person in Korean media industries and he never wasted an opportunity to make it known. His mother was a force to be reckoned with. Though his name was just as equally gaining stream power. After all, he was not only a shrewd business man but also one that was easy on the eyes with a charm that was hard to forget.
“I’ll be fine,” Yoochun assured with confidence.
~@~
“Sweeny-is waiting. I want you bleeders!”
Yoochun watched Sweeny Todd at the Seoul Arts Center Opera Theater for a week straight, front-row-center seats courtesy of his ever connected cousin.
On the first day. Nothing much happened.
But by the third day, he was sure Junsu did a double take.
And by the fifth day, it was obvious Junsu definitely noticed him; indicated by the slight smile he received when their eyes totally locked for an unmistakable three seconds.
Kim Junsu, as he made himself out to be in the world of theater, was a sight to behold indeed. As an idol singer he was fierce and charismatic with an-often times-odd mix of boyish naiveté he just couldn’t seem to shake away, despite his almost thirteen years in the business. But as a theater actor-well-he was unmatched. Even surrounded by dramatic props and a chorus of actors, Kim Junsu shined like the brightest star in any constellation.
But that is not why Yoochun added two more days to his exploration; or why he found himself feeling disappointed when he realized, Junsu did not perform on Fridays.
Definitely not.
He was only disappointed because the Friday actor sucked.
Fortunately, on the seventh day, where Junsu performed twice in one day, Yoochun was ready with a backstage pass after the seven o’clock show.
When the show ended, Yoochun made a beeline toward the facilities and decided escaping through the window was a better idea.
~@~
“Wait, you-you did what?” Yunho asked already laughing.
Yoochun huffed and did a full body slump, face down onto Yunho’s office sofa. “I couldn’t do it. I got this knot in my stomach-then I heard the fangirls talking to him out in the hall and I panicked. How am I supposed to talk to a guy like that?”
“To start, you could open your mouth and try some consonants and vowels, form a little something we civilized humans call words, instead of running away like you are about to meet the boogeyman. He’s only pretending to be a serial killer, Chunface. I mean, do you know what a backstage pass is worth to this guy’s shows?”
Somehow, Yoochun managed a glare despite half his face being buried under the leather seat.
Again, Yunho laughed. “I suppose we will have to try this another way,” he said before calling for his assistant.
“Yes, sir?” said the young man that entered.
“Sungjong, get me passes to the musical awards after-party we spoke about yesterday. Also, contact JC Inc.’s head coordinator and tell him we are considering his proposal to fund their next musical, including a rerun of Sweeny Todd. Better yet, schedule a lunch and request for the star artist to be present.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Thank you. You may leave.”
The too-young looking assistant bowed and quickly let the door shut behind him, all without ever taking any notice of Yoochun.
“Sungjong is very discreet. We won’t stir any trouble, we’ll just-mingle” Yunho said.
“What happened to the other one?” Yoochun had the mind to ask.
“What other one?”
“The pretty one with the blonde hair.”
“Taemin? Oh. He was scouted by one of our modeling agencies.”
“And you let him go? Just like that?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Yunho asked with no hint of remorse.
Choosing to feign ignorance-as he often did-Yoochun shrugged. “No reason.”
“What are you going to do about your hair? This is a semi-formal event, you realize.” Yunho asked.
“What about my hair?”
Yunho’s brows rose. “At least get it under control. If you’re going to be my date, you have to look presentable-groomed!”
“Okay. Okay. I’ll see what I can do” Yoochun replied annoyed. “But I’m not cutting it.”
“Just think of it as one of your mother’s parties.”
Yoochun groan. Loudly.
“I’ll make an appointment for you at Heechul’s. He’ll be delighted to see you. Just make sure you are there on time.”
“Fine.”
~@~
With his hair tied back and a newly cut fringe, Yoochun felt unnecessarily groomed. However, it was the classic black on black brand suit he was draped in that made him feel like years of hard earned independence were suddenly flushed down the toilet. Being next to an equally decked man in even more luxurious Armani was just the cherry on top.
[Left: Yoochun-Like this but in all black, Right: Yunho]
“Perk up, cousin. We are at a party.”
“I thought you said this was semi-formal. Everyone here is wearing a tie” Yoochun pointed out, not really disappointed that he had skipped on that detail. Wearing a collared shirt was punishment enough. “Even you are wearing a tie! You tricked me!”
Yunho smiled. “Calm yourself,” he said. “Trust me. If you want him to notice you, you have to be different. I told you, didn’t I? He’s not one to be impressed by mere luxury. He is used to that.”
“How would you know?” Yoochun asked, crossing his arms.
“My dear cousin, knowing the laws of appeal is what I know best.”
“Let me punch you. Just once and I swear-nope-I will definitely still want to punch you.” Yoochun rolled his eyes. “I need a drink.”
“You, sir, need to lighten up.”
It was difficult to agree but maybe Yunho had a point. Something about being back in the glitz of the high life was familiar and though far from comforting, it was an environment he knew how to carry himself in.
The first hour passed rather quickly. Yoochun smiled and bowed occasionally to individuals he vaguely remembered from previous occasions, mostly staying free of Yunho’s way and conveniently roundabouting out of sight when the situation was right. That is, until Yunho called him to meet the one man that could unexpectedly sucker punch his lungs all with little more than simple gaze. Yoochun nearly walked into Yunho just trying to remind himself to put one foot in front of the other.
“Yoochun, come meet the representatives of my most recent business venture,” Yunho said.
Kim Junsu stood unnaturally masculine in a dark long patterned silk coat, black leather pants and black asymmetrical tunic underneath. No tie. Even his hair was a darker shade of violet not many could pull off.
Yoochun skimmed the idol’s features up close for the first time, noticing how his tear drop eyes shifted slowly from one person to the next. Initially he bore no smile, though Yoochun was sure he saw the glow of recognition for a second.
“This is Kim Mooyoung, JC Inc.’s CEO and one of his stars, Kim Junsu” Yunho introduced. “Gentlemen, this is my cousin and occasional advisor, Park Yoochun. He is an avid lover of the arts.”
Both bowed amicably. Yoochun returned the gesture with a smile which only the CEO returned. Noticing the likeness between the two men, he wondered if there was any relation. Neither seemed to feel it necessary to say anything about it though.
The interaction lasted all but ten minutes before they left. Only Yuhho and the CEO had spoken.
Yoochun missed his opportunity.
Again.
Next to him, Yunho sighed. “I’m done with you,” he said.
“What? I’m being mysteriously charming.”
Yoochun was trying to be smug.
“Smooth. But a faulty tactic,” Yunho pointed out quickly.
Obviously failing.
“You sure? He blinked. He most definitely blinked at me.”
Yunho scoffed at his cousin’s teasing. “Done. I’m done. You are a disgrace to my name.”
“We don’t have the same name,” Yoochun said monotonously.
Yunho turned and walked away, leaving Yoochun behind.
Alone.
In a party.
Splendid.
~@~
Yoochun walked into the pojangmacha [포장마차] with all the dignity of slumping frog, his Armani suit be dammed when hunger beckoned. The vendor lady that served him paid him little attention, giving him only a slight nod when he ordered not one but two soju bottles and a beer to accompany the food.
He was halfway through the second bottle when a familiarly sharp baritone voice caught his attention.
“Make them extra spicy, ajummonie [아주머니]. Please.”
Turning in its direction, Yoochun found none other than THE Kim Junsu, still in his fancy party get up much like himself. He briefly heard the vendor lady ask if there was a party nearby but was stumped out of his senses when he saw the idol smile and nod.
He knew he was staring. However, even being caught by the other man didn’t keep Yoochun from it. He kept staring, unaware of slight sense of challenge Junsu fronted. They continued JUST looking at each other until the vendor lady gave Junsu his order, neatly packed and ready to go.
Then it hit Yoochun like meteor in the New Year.
Junsu was about to leave.
Or so he thought.
His eyes dumbly followed Junsu until the idol stood inches from his table, looking down. “You found me again,” Junsu said.
Yoochun’s head was heavy. He could feel it bobbing from side to side. Still. Junsu’s voice was like a sweet aria in the spring time he couldn’t help but savor.
“I was here first,” Yoochun found himself saying back. “Smooth,” he thought to himself for a brief moment.
Then he burped and his hard earned effort went to hell.
To his surprise, Junsu kind of-sort of-laughed. “So it would seem. May I?” he asked, pointing to the shot glass.
Yoochun nodded. “I would pour it for you but-hic-I’d probably miss. And THAT would be bad-no no-no miss. Miss is bad. Yep-hic-Yunho always says-hic-”
Surprising him again, Junsu joined him at the table before pouring the clear liquid into the glass and backing it like a champ. Somehow, that gesture didn’t suit the boyishly handsome idol but Yoochun didn’t react adversely to it. In fact, the slight stir below his gut told him he found it quite the opposite.
“Thank you for the drink. I’ll see you around Park Yoochun. Get home safely,” was the last thing Yoochun heard before Junsu disappeared.
~@~
“Fuck-my-life. Fuck-it-all,” Yoochun ranted as he burst into Yunho’s office.
Yunho hardly stirred as he typed away in his computer. “Good morning to you too, cousin.”
“I’m almost thirty” Yoochun huffed, taking claim of the plush leather sofa.
“As am I. What’s your point?”
Yoochun groaned-a sound that resonated louder than his words-before he oozed up and slammed his palms onto Yunho’s desk, cause for the other to finally face him. “This is all your fault. How could you?”
“Could what?” Yunho asked genuinely curious, fooled by Yoochun’s monotonous tone.
“Make me like this.”
“Chunface, bears have more influence over you than me. What is this about?”
Giving up on life, Yoochun shoulders slumped as his head fell forward. “Why me?” he whined.
“Why you what? You are going to have to be more specific. Some adjectives would help.”
“You and your stupid gayness!” he finally shouted.
“Woah! Hey! I thought we got over this years ago. What is going on?”
The intercom suddenly came alive, interrupting the banter. “Sir? Is everything alright?” Sungjong asked.
“I’m not sure. Cancel my next meeting, would you?” Yunho requested.
“Right away, sir. Anything else?”
“Yes. Call out for an early lunch.”
“Of course, sir.”
“And some of that sludge you like to make. Make it heavy.”
“Will do, sir.”
“Thank you, Sungjong,” Yunho dismissed his secretary promptly before turning back to his cousin, waiting.
Unable to let go of his impending doom, Yoochun went back to the sofa. Where it was safe.
“So?’ Yunho instigated.
Yoochun huffed. His mouth opened and closed three times before something more audible escaped. “He looked hot,” he said finally.
“Who looked what now?” Yunho’s brows rose.
“Junsu. Junsu looked-attractive-”
“Well, yeah. Anyone with-”
“-to me. He looked attractive to me and-”
“And?”
“And it wasn’t just my eyes that got happy.”
“Oh. OH!”
Silence endured for about minute before Yunho stood and walked around his desk, leaning against its front. “Chun, talk to me.”
“I’m confused.”
“Understandably so. But maybe you might want to take a step back for a minute. You have only interacted with him once,” Yunho advised.
“I know. But what if it is THAT kind of attraction?”
“Then you deal with it when it’s confirmed.”
“Is it even possible? I mean, I’m almost thirty and I’ve never thought-I’ve never-noticed.”
Yunho smiled. “It wouldn’t be unheard off, particularly for those with certain-uh-social inhibitors.”
“I date!” Yoochun claimed.
“Oh yeah? When was the last time you asked anyone out?”
Yoochun couldn’t remember.
“That’s what I thought. Chunface, you spend so much energy concentrated on that job of yours, you hardly give anyone a second look if they are not caught behind your camera. It has been almost three years since you-”
“Okay, okay. I get it. I need to get out more. So what now?
“You want to meet your pretty idol again, don’t you?” Yunho asked.
“I kind of have to.”
“Then, it is time to start getting out more.”
1-- 2-- 3
P.S. The next two chapters won't have extra images because THE COVER.