Wine of Ages (Part VI)
Title: Wine of Ages (Part VI)
Pairing: Onew/Key, Onew/Taemin
Genre: Romance, Angst, Supernatural, Horror(ish)
Rating: PG-13
Summary: A young innocent boy with rosy cheeks and a beating heart, or a walking corpse with pale -almost ghostly blue, unpulsing flesh? It's up for him to choose.
Prologue | Part I | II | III | IV | V
Taemin thought after several hours of sleep he would be feeling better and he expected some wave of relief and surge of freshness to fill his mind. But to his dismay, none of those were happening. His head was slightly throbbing right now because he barely even got to close his eyes in the comfort of his own bed.
The tiredness and his lack of rest threatened to strike his consciousness at any time, but he resisted the urge to lay back and hug his pillow. He wasn’t in the mood to sleep and he assumed it wouldn’t be a good idea since he would be pretty much annoyed by the streaks of sunshine that went through the window inside the sanctuary of his room. It’s already the next day anyway, so why bother?
Taemin huffed angrily as he threw his blanket away and got out from the warm comforter. He strode past his bedside table to his wardrobe, picking up some clean suit to help him freshen up to start the bright new day.
Bright. Well, maybe not.
Right after he slipped into his clothes, a knock was heard at his door and immediately followed, brown tufts of hair he had known for a long time barged in, peeking through the creak before he got to answer.
“Good morning, young master,” Victoria greeted. “Breakfast is ready. Your parents are already downstairs.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll clean up this mess first,” Taemin said while searching for the corner of his blanket.
“Don’t worry about that, I’ll take care of it,” Victoria urged him to the door after he pulled the blanket away from Taemin’s grasp. “But before that… You may want to tidy yourself up a bit. And put on a tie- I’ll fetch it for you,” Victoria mumbled more like to herself before she then rushed to the wardrobe.
“Tie? What for? It’s breakfast!”
“Your father’s guest is still here, he had stayed for the night. And clearly, your father wouldn’t want you to appear like that in front of a guest.”
“Like what?”
“Horrible isn’t quite enough to describe, I think,” Victoria said absentmindedly as she slung a silky fabric over the back of Taemin’s neck and fiddled with his collar, straightening the wrinkle on his suit and fixing the unbuttoned shirt beneath.
“Has Jinki come?” Taemin whispered in between the silence.
The woman in front of him heaved a sigh before she gave the knot another pull.
“No, he hasn’t. And if this will make you better, Sungmin and Leeteuk still aren’t here either.”
Feeling the other nod in disappointment, Victoria gave him a comforting pat on Taemin’s shoulder. She then pushed him gently to the door and trailed behind him to the dining room.
Taemin heard clinks of forks and plates as he walked down the stairs. His parents and his father’s guest has already started eating the moment he walked into the dining room but their talks and laughter only made him want to head back to his bedroom.
“Taemin? Finally, I thought you’re going to sleep all day. Come here, quick,” Taemin’s mother flashed a smile which did a great job hiding a hint of annoyance in her tone. She would never let herself frown in front of an outsider, Taemin knew that. And now he thought it was nice to have a guest sometimes, so her mother’s face wouldn’t crease all the time.
“Hmph,” Taemin ignorantly walked to a vacant chair and plopped himself onto the hard cold surface. He stole a glance toward his mother and he could almost see her left eye twitching because of the lack of his manner. But he couldn’t help it. He wasn’t in the mood to act all nice.
“Taemin, meet Lord Jonghyun. He’s one of the participants in the antiques auction which I brought you to when you were eight, do you remember?” Taemin’s father broke the awkward silence by introducing the stranger across his seat at the table. He scrutinized the man in front of him for two seconds. His striking brown hair, twinkling dark eyes, and strong jaw line. Regardless of his startling appearance, something in his smile drew a small bit of uneasiness in the corner of Taemin’s notion. But he swept the irrelevant thought away.
Taemin scoffed, “It was ten years ago.”
“Ah, I thought so,” a soft and smooth voice reached Taemin’s hearing, it required him a split second to realize that it belongs to the stranger. “It was a long time ago, sir. If you can’t recall me, then I’m pretty sure he won’t either,” Jonghyun said with an amusement in his voice. Taemin spared him a glance, and the older return it with an impassive look. So much expressionless that it brought a wave of anxiety back to Taemin’s chest. “He was young.”
* * *
The first thing that came to Jinki’s head the moment he opened his eyes was how doomed and ill-fated he was for all the jinx that seemed to be poured onto him in one night. Although the soft and cushy mattress beneath him was providing contentment and tranquility, they did nothing to his bothered mind that’s been busy figuring out an answer for his worry. How he wished that it was all just a dream; the wedding, the path in the forest, the living corpses, and he would soon wake up on his own bed, realizing that it was a mere nightmare all along. But as a figure beside him shifted and snuggled comfortably in his arms as if seeking for his warmth, he knew all of the things he was hoping for were not going to happen.
Kibum murmured in his sleep, his clutch on Jinki’s suit tightening, like he was afraid he would lose him if he let go for just a second. Hesitantly, Jinki’s hand circled the other’s shoulders to hug him back, only to jolt a bit when he felt Kibum’s nose brushing lightly against the crevice of his neck. As Jinki let himself relax, Kibum finally loosened his grip and his whimpers slowly subsided.
Jinki knew he wasn’t supposed to stay there, but to be quite honest, he couldn’t turn down the urge to follow Kibum back to the inn after their one-sided argument at The Morgue Hill. It’s not like he had no other choice, he just felt that it was the right thing for him to do. He was almost sure some kind of power that had possessed him the other time he first met Kibum had nothing to do with it.
The red curtains framing the windows were blown by the gentle wind that came into the room. The streaming air sent the mild fragrance from the hill and filled the space with a calming aroma. Jinki’s eyelids almost fluttered close if not because of Kibum’s hair that tickled his cheek.
His eyes quickly darted to the window, and there he noticed how the sky remained the same, giving no hint at all about the passing times. Still purple and hazy like it’s always been, with bits of yellow floating surrounding the moon. The very same scene pulled Jinki back, persuading him to take the pleasure of the unending night, whispering for him to stay composed forever.
Jinki was hoping ‘the world upstairs’ hasn’t reached its dawn yet. But deep inside, he was more than willing to know how people would really react if he didn’t show up until past the tolerated time. Obviously, the Lee family wasn’t going to be happy about that. It would bring disgrace to his family, the wedding would be cancelled, and his parents could say bye to the status and the money.
Maybe if his family didn’t want him back after that, he could stay with Kibum instead?
Jinki shook his head. The strange atmosphere in that place had really gotten into his right mind. He should have thought better before creating a stupid scenario inside his head, and he should have considered on how he would fulfill his promise to a certain boy he was going to declare his vow to in the future.
He had promised Taemin that he would make them both happy. And giving up wasn’t a way to keep his word.
But then again, did Taemin himself have enough courage to believe in him?
A frustrated groan escaped Jinki’s lips. Jinki untangled his arm from Kibum’s form and lifted himself up from his position. The mattress bounced slightly and despite the small interruption, the sleeping figure beside him was startled awake.
“Jinki,” Kibum mumbled as he rubbed the sleepiness off of his eyes. “You’re awake?”
Jinki rested his back on the headboard. His fingers went to comb through his hair, slightly massaging his scalp, the best thing his state could provide for now. He could feel the companion beside him hover his gaze into his eyes, but Jinki kept his silence, having no idea what kind of expression he should expect to see on the dead boy’s face.
Being sure that the other wouldn’t be giving any response for him, Kibum shifted closer to his side and slung Jinki’s arm once again around his shoulder. He rested his palm on Jinki’s chest and arose to face the latter to place a kiss on his lips. Despite his uncertainty, Jinki conformed to Kibum’s bold move. His lips pushing slightly against the latter’s, and the cold flesh slowly parted to allow the ardor of Jinki’s pair nipping at Kibum’s bottom lip.
The fervor inside Jinki grew bigger by seconds, his hand involuntarily grasped the back of Kibum’s neck and forced the boy to cling onto his shoulder for support as he locked their mouths together and eagerly lapped at the mild sweetness of the ice-cold skin. Kibum pulled back slightly then moved to kiss Jinki’s jaw a few moments later. And that was when Jinki sensed himself getting drunk again from the faint smell of the morning dew coming from every inch of Kibum’s being. Jinki felt strange but also secretly excited, knowing that he actually had more desires than Kibum did to maintain their contacts longer.
“I wish I could breathe your scent,” Kibum whispered. His lips lingered on Jinki’s for another few seconds before he slowly slide down and nuzzled his nose on the latter’s shoulder. His cold fingertips made a light trail across Jinki’s arm, the chilliness seeping through the clothe fibers, tickling the hot skin beneath and sending a thrilling shiver down his spine. Kibum went lower and placed little kisses on Jinki’s chest, his lips moving diffidently against the suit’s smooth fabric as he mumbled almost inaudibly, “I wish I could feel your warmth.”
Jinki struggled to suck some air to keep his lungs occupied, his fingers danced between Kibum’s dark locks, twirling and gripping the silky strands for distraction.
“But basking in your presence, Jinki…” Kibum looked up from his chest, desperately searching for a trace of affection in Jinki’s blank stare. Kibum’s eyes gleaming, the blue diamonds in them created magic without him even trying, “…it is more than enough.”
The guilt and remorse mounting in Jinki’s chest was suffocating him. As if it wasn’t awful enough to disappoint Taemin and his family, now he’s about to cause further pain to Kibum too?
“Jinki? What’s wrong?”
The reply didn’t come. Kibum had to keep his words from wavering. No matter what happened, he wouldn’t let his doubt consume him. Jinki would stay, he knew that. The man had proved his decision by his actions. Why would he even bother to kiss him back? Surely one wouldn’t do that kind of thing without any feelings involved. Because to Kibum, even in their lightest touch, the sparks flickering in his chest was sincerely showing that he does care.
“I need some fresh air,” Jinki finally said, avoiding the look Kibum has been sending him. He got up from bed and pulled his arm from Kibum’s grip, ignoring the fact that the other had tightened his hold as he realized that Jinki was going to leave his side. For a brief glance at the boy’s hand, Jinki’s heart thumped in discomfort, seeing the ring that wrapped perfectly around Kibum’s finger.
* * *
The breakfast went on rather smoothly. In Taemin’s perception, it was. After a brief and unimportant explanation of who’s who, the table became silent. When someone decided to make a conversation, it was either Taemin’s father or mother, and the question they uttered was always intended to the house guest, Lord Jonghyun. Taemin had no problem with it. He was actually quite relieved that neither of them had tried talking to him.
The third time his elbows rested on the table, Taemin came to realize that the lost case of his future husband had kept him in his disorder state. He hasn’t tried to be well behaved since last night, he hadn’t taken too much notice on what he’s wearing, and he truly didn’t care about the current topic that was being discussed on the table. Every once in a while, the corner of his eye would catch his mother’s warning glare, which normally the gesture would’ve been enough for him to vanish his guts and fixed his mistakes in no time. This time however, it looked like nothing would make a change to Taemin’s attitude.
The whole thing about the wedding was like completely forgotten. And with Sungmin away for the searching of the missing bridegroom, any news from town was automatically cut off. They didn’t even have to guess, rumors and gossips about the delayed wedding must’ve been leaked out by then. People were most definitely busy wondering about the cause, and as soon as the thought passed Taemin’s consideration, Jinki’s face popped out in his head.
Without him knowing, his grip on the fork he’s holding was tightened. He wasn’t sure as to what he’s supposed to feel. Disappointed? Sure. Angry? He had every right to be. But one thing he knew, the worry inside his chest was so much bigger than anything that could occupy the space.
He didn’t know anything about Jinki at all, that’s true. But somehow he was certain that they had created some bond in between them that allow one to have the ability to see through another’s heart. And disappearing a night right before their day? That doesn’t really sound like Jinki. What could possibly happen to him that make him able to do that?
Taemin took a napkin next to his plate then wiped the corner of his lips with it. His fingertips grazed his bottom lip for a second as he moved the piece of cloth, and suddenly the memory of them kissing the day before was rushing unavoidably into his head.
Jinki was gentle, was what he recalled. But as he pictured it more, there’s more to it than meets the eye. The feel of Jinki’s lips against his own was amazing, regardless of the fact that it was Taemin’s first kiss. The older was passionate yet calm, his ragged breath and tender touch were wondrous, Taemin almost could still feel it lingering on his skin, warm and real. Jinki’s enchanting smile, his bronze eyes that sent him comfort and encouragement that enliven his soul, the picture too perfect made Taemin unsure about putting the blame on Jinki’s shoulders.
Jinki will come back. The most important thing of all, they love each other, and there’s a promise to fulfill.
“So what’s the real issue of the bridegroom?” Jonghyun walked past the wide doors to the balcony, offering company which Taemin wasn’t hoping for.
Taemin spared him a glance and mumbled as he looked off into the distance again. “Not your business you should poke your nose into.”
“Ouch,” Jonghyun laughed lightly. “I’m not an outsider, you know. I’m your father’s friend. ”
“Yeah, I’m not really convinced about that,” Taemin scoffed. A second later he could feel Jonghyun’s presence next to him, way too close for his liking. Jonghyun rested his forearms on the railing and bent his figure to get a better view of Taemin’s face.
“We met at the antiques auction when your father was on travel. You really don’t remember, do you?” He smiled. The younger felt uncomfortable, so he shifted away from the man and huffed.
“No. I remember that auction, I don’t remember you,” Taemin’s voice came out stern and confident. Something wasn’t right about the man beside him, and he was going to find out that falsity in him. “Do you even know what my father bought at that auction?” He asked with a smirk.
“A grand piano for his dear son?” Jonghyun answered smugly. “What, you thought I’d forget?”
Taemin scowled. He wasn’t going to argue further and he tried busying his mind to focus at the land across his sight instead.
“Too bad, I was so curious about this Jinki when I heard the news,” Jonghyun chirped again. “Ah, I figured it’s not my lucky day.” Taemin stood still, his head working hard to block the guest’s annoying remarks but it kept echoing through his deliberation. Jonghyun eventually kept his quiet for a good five minutes. But Taemin really should’ve known better. The older leaned his weight on the railing using his left arm and scooted closer to Taemin’s side. “Did he run away?” Jonghyun whispered, lips suddenly an inch away from Taemin’s ear.
“I’m leaving,” Taemin murmured under his breath, anger and resentment veiled well under stoic expression. “Please make yourself at home, Lord Jonghyun.”
Jonghyun chuckled as he waved his hand, “Oh I will.”
* * *
The bar that was located on the first floor of the inn was still empty, save for three persons who were sitting around a large table on the furthest side of the room; two familiar figures and one that Jinki had never met before.
The three pairs of eyes darted their attention at him almost immediately after he landed his feet at the bottom of the stairs. Yoogeun waved at him with his innocent smile, and Minho gestured him to join them at the table.
However, the short blonde haired girl in red robe beside them only seemed to be staring at him with an unnecessary intense gaze that hauled his prudence out of him. Jinki gulped heavily as her fierce brown eyes sent him a scornful gaze. He smiled back to Minho and Yoogeun, making his way past the empty tables. But as Jinki lessened their distance, the girl got up from her seat and strode past Jinki at the middle of the room, purposely bumping her shoulder against his in a rather rough thud.
“She’s not really happy today,” Yoogeun said as Jinki took a seat across him. “Please forgive her.”
“She’s just not in the mood today,” Minho commented. “And… you kinda showed up at the wrong time. She’s not really pleased to hear about you. You and Kibum, I mean.”
“Stop it, Minho. You’re scaring him,” Yoogeun interrupted when he saw the frown on Jinki’s face.
Minho chuckled. “She’s Amber, the one who owns this inn. She and Kibum are practically brother and sister. Or should I say it the other way around?” He laughed again.
Yoogeun hissed at him. “You’re making no sense. Anyway,” the boy turned to him again and grinned. “You don’t have to worry about her. All she needs is time.”
Jinki really didn’t get to say anything to respond as they parted when the room started to fill. Minho and Yoogeun had decided to head upstairs and it left him with no other option but to leave the building. He wasn’t ready to see Kibum again. He reminded him more of Taemin and all the catastrophes he had caused.
Jinki breathed a lungful of air as soon as he stepped outside. He looked up to the sky and found that although the view was still the same since he last saw it, it never bored him. He let his feet wander further to one side of a deserted neighborhood, paying no heed to the narrow street ahead. His mind was too occupied with emptiness, because truthfully he didn’t feel like thinking for the moment.
“You,” a deep voice echoed in the alleyway and startled Jinki from his daydream. Jinki squinted, trying to recognize the person under the murky silhouette of the tall houses.
Amber walked out from the shadow, approaching the man in surprise with slow strides. The robe wrapping her torso was all red, a wet dark spot from her left shoulder down her waist creating a contrast hue and giving details about the whereabouts of her wound. The crimson trailed further downward her white trousers, and slightly fading on the knee, leaving behind tiny splatters of blood.
The last thing Jinki wanted was to appear weak in front of this intimidating fellow, but he couldn’t stop another audible gulp when Amber had stopped right in front of him.
“What do you want?” Much to his disappointment, his voice came as a whisper, raspy and hoarse.
The girl furtively scrutinized him from head to toe, and scoffed as she put her weight on a leg. “Have you no doubt in what you’re doing down here, breathing boy?” She smiled ruefully at him. “You’re marrying a corpse.”
Jinki sighed. He didn’t need somebody else to tell him this. He knew how screwed up that sounded.
“I never wished for this to happen.”
“You never wished for this to happen? Yoogeun told me about the ring. What the fuck are you thinking??” Amber raised her brows, her tone still unconvinced.
“It’s not like that!” Jinki groaned. He disheveled his hair in frustration. “This whole thing… it’s- God! It’s a misunderstanding! But Kibum, he-”
Amber raised a finger, motioning for him to stop the pointless blabbering, “I beg no excuse. Kibum is out of this.” Jinki looked at a loss. A minute before he was sure the girl would be his helper but she wasn’t going to let Jinki defend himself. “The decision was in your hand, to stay or to leave, as clear as that. You had the control in this yet you chose to leave him hoping for nothing.”
“That wasn’t my intention,” Jinki’s objection a mere whisper. “I didn’t have the courage to say no. He was too-”
Amber growled, stopping Jinki mid-sentence again. The fury in her eyes never once weakened. “Even with my brain barely functioning right now, I still have my common sense with me. And it tells me that you’re clearly just looking for trouble. Hurry collect your guts and tell him you’re leaving tonight.”
Jinki’s chest was pounding, knowing nothing as to how he should act in response. He felt a mixed emotion inside him, there was worry and there was assurance. But it wasn’t the thought of coming back to Lee manor that made Jinki sick to his stomach, absolutely not. He should’ve been certain and he should’ve been grateful to Amber. She snapped him out of his trance and with her urging he would soon be taken back to where he belongs. He would see Taemin again and that should’ve been more than enough to feed his bravery. Yet the memory of Kibum’s pleading gaze and his content smile when he’s in Jinki’s arms, it hurt him to no end.
Jinki was too stunned with the firm command, and it showed on his face, that Amber had to narrow her eyes for him to remember his place.
“Go back to your own world, before you end up giving more hurt to our Kibum,” she broke his train of thoughts, before turning her back on him and flung her robe as she left.
A/N: I think I should work on my details .__. and by that, I mean I should lessen them so I won't end up dragging this story like this. I'm sorry for that :(
Anyway, Amber is here! XD
Comments and critiques? :) and please be honest .__.
Thank you for reading, all♥
Pairing: Onew/Key, Onew/Taemin
Genre: Romance, Angst, Supernatural, Horror(ish)
Rating: PG-13
Summary: A young innocent boy with rosy cheeks and a beating heart, or a walking corpse with pale -almost ghostly blue, unpulsing flesh? It's up for him to choose.
Prologue | Part I | II | III | IV | V
Taemin thought after several hours of sleep he would be feeling better and he expected some wave of relief and surge of freshness to fill his mind. But to his dismay, none of those were happening. His head was slightly throbbing right now because he barely even got to close his eyes in the comfort of his own bed.
The tiredness and his lack of rest threatened to strike his consciousness at any time, but he resisted the urge to lay back and hug his pillow. He wasn’t in the mood to sleep and he assumed it wouldn’t be a good idea since he would be pretty much annoyed by the streaks of sunshine that went through the window inside the sanctuary of his room. It’s already the next day anyway, so why bother?
Taemin huffed angrily as he threw his blanket away and got out from the warm comforter. He strode past his bedside table to his wardrobe, picking up some clean suit to help him freshen up to start the bright new day.
Bright. Well, maybe not.
Right after he slipped into his clothes, a knock was heard at his door and immediately followed, brown tufts of hair he had known for a long time barged in, peeking through the creak before he got to answer.
“Good morning, young master,” Victoria greeted. “Breakfast is ready. Your parents are already downstairs.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll clean up this mess first,” Taemin said while searching for the corner of his blanket.
“Don’t worry about that, I’ll take care of it,” Victoria urged him to the door after he pulled the blanket away from Taemin’s grasp. “But before that… You may want to tidy yourself up a bit. And put on a tie- I’ll fetch it for you,” Victoria mumbled more like to herself before she then rushed to the wardrobe.
“Tie? What for? It’s breakfast!”
“Your father’s guest is still here, he had stayed for the night. And clearly, your father wouldn’t want you to appear like that in front of a guest.”
“Like what?”
“Horrible isn’t quite enough to describe, I think,” Victoria said absentmindedly as she slung a silky fabric over the back of Taemin’s neck and fiddled with his collar, straightening the wrinkle on his suit and fixing the unbuttoned shirt beneath.
“Has Jinki come?” Taemin whispered in between the silence.
The woman in front of him heaved a sigh before she gave the knot another pull.
“No, he hasn’t. And if this will make you better, Sungmin and Leeteuk still aren’t here either.”
Feeling the other nod in disappointment, Victoria gave him a comforting pat on Taemin’s shoulder. She then pushed him gently to the door and trailed behind him to the dining room.
Taemin heard clinks of forks and plates as he walked down the stairs. His parents and his father’s guest has already started eating the moment he walked into the dining room but their talks and laughter only made him want to head back to his bedroom.
“Taemin? Finally, I thought you’re going to sleep all day. Come here, quick,” Taemin’s mother flashed a smile which did a great job hiding a hint of annoyance in her tone. She would never let herself frown in front of an outsider, Taemin knew that. And now he thought it was nice to have a guest sometimes, so her mother’s face wouldn’t crease all the time.
“Hmph,” Taemin ignorantly walked to a vacant chair and plopped himself onto the hard cold surface. He stole a glance toward his mother and he could almost see her left eye twitching because of the lack of his manner. But he couldn’t help it. He wasn’t in the mood to act all nice.
“Taemin, meet Lord Jonghyun. He’s one of the participants in the antiques auction which I brought you to when you were eight, do you remember?” Taemin’s father broke the awkward silence by introducing the stranger across his seat at the table. He scrutinized the man in front of him for two seconds. His striking brown hair, twinkling dark eyes, and strong jaw line. Regardless of his startling appearance, something in his smile drew a small bit of uneasiness in the corner of Taemin’s notion. But he swept the irrelevant thought away.
Taemin scoffed, “It was ten years ago.”
“Ah, I thought so,” a soft and smooth voice reached Taemin’s hearing, it required him a split second to realize that it belongs to the stranger. “It was a long time ago, sir. If you can’t recall me, then I’m pretty sure he won’t either,” Jonghyun said with an amusement in his voice. Taemin spared him a glance, and the older return it with an impassive look. So much expressionless that it brought a wave of anxiety back to Taemin’s chest. “He was young.”
* * *
The first thing that came to Jinki’s head the moment he opened his eyes was how doomed and ill-fated he was for all the jinx that seemed to be poured onto him in one night. Although the soft and cushy mattress beneath him was providing contentment and tranquility, they did nothing to his bothered mind that’s been busy figuring out an answer for his worry. How he wished that it was all just a dream; the wedding, the path in the forest, the living corpses, and he would soon wake up on his own bed, realizing that it was a mere nightmare all along. But as a figure beside him shifted and snuggled comfortably in his arms as if seeking for his warmth, he knew all of the things he was hoping for were not going to happen.
Kibum murmured in his sleep, his clutch on Jinki’s suit tightening, like he was afraid he would lose him if he let go for just a second. Hesitantly, Jinki’s hand circled the other’s shoulders to hug him back, only to jolt a bit when he felt Kibum’s nose brushing lightly against the crevice of his neck. As Jinki let himself relax, Kibum finally loosened his grip and his whimpers slowly subsided.
Jinki knew he wasn’t supposed to stay there, but to be quite honest, he couldn’t turn down the urge to follow Kibum back to the inn after their one-sided argument at The Morgue Hill. It’s not like he had no other choice, he just felt that it was the right thing for him to do. He was almost sure some kind of power that had possessed him the other time he first met Kibum had nothing to do with it.
The red curtains framing the windows were blown by the gentle wind that came into the room. The streaming air sent the mild fragrance from the hill and filled the space with a calming aroma. Jinki’s eyelids almost fluttered close if not because of Kibum’s hair that tickled his cheek.
His eyes quickly darted to the window, and there he noticed how the sky remained the same, giving no hint at all about the passing times. Still purple and hazy like it’s always been, with bits of yellow floating surrounding the moon. The very same scene pulled Jinki back, persuading him to take the pleasure of the unending night, whispering for him to stay composed forever.
Jinki was hoping ‘the world upstairs’ hasn’t reached its dawn yet. But deep inside, he was more than willing to know how people would really react if he didn’t show up until past the tolerated time. Obviously, the Lee family wasn’t going to be happy about that. It would bring disgrace to his family, the wedding would be cancelled, and his parents could say bye to the status and the money.
Maybe if his family didn’t want him back after that, he could stay with Kibum instead?
Jinki shook his head. The strange atmosphere in that place had really gotten into his right mind. He should have thought better before creating a stupid scenario inside his head, and he should have considered on how he would fulfill his promise to a certain boy he was going to declare his vow to in the future.
He had promised Taemin that he would make them both happy. And giving up wasn’t a way to keep his word.
But then again, did Taemin himself have enough courage to believe in him?
A frustrated groan escaped Jinki’s lips. Jinki untangled his arm from Kibum’s form and lifted himself up from his position. The mattress bounced slightly and despite the small interruption, the sleeping figure beside him was startled awake.
“Jinki,” Kibum mumbled as he rubbed the sleepiness off of his eyes. “You’re awake?”
Jinki rested his back on the headboard. His fingers went to comb through his hair, slightly massaging his scalp, the best thing his state could provide for now. He could feel the companion beside him hover his gaze into his eyes, but Jinki kept his silence, having no idea what kind of expression he should expect to see on the dead boy’s face.
Being sure that the other wouldn’t be giving any response for him, Kibum shifted closer to his side and slung Jinki’s arm once again around his shoulder. He rested his palm on Jinki’s chest and arose to face the latter to place a kiss on his lips. Despite his uncertainty, Jinki conformed to Kibum’s bold move. His lips pushing slightly against the latter’s, and the cold flesh slowly parted to allow the ardor of Jinki’s pair nipping at Kibum’s bottom lip.
The fervor inside Jinki grew bigger by seconds, his hand involuntarily grasped the back of Kibum’s neck and forced the boy to cling onto his shoulder for support as he locked their mouths together and eagerly lapped at the mild sweetness of the ice-cold skin. Kibum pulled back slightly then moved to kiss Jinki’s jaw a few moments later. And that was when Jinki sensed himself getting drunk again from the faint smell of the morning dew coming from every inch of Kibum’s being. Jinki felt strange but also secretly excited, knowing that he actually had more desires than Kibum did to maintain their contacts longer.
“I wish I could breathe your scent,” Kibum whispered. His lips lingered on Jinki’s for another few seconds before he slowly slide down and nuzzled his nose on the latter’s shoulder. His cold fingertips made a light trail across Jinki’s arm, the chilliness seeping through the clothe fibers, tickling the hot skin beneath and sending a thrilling shiver down his spine. Kibum went lower and placed little kisses on Jinki’s chest, his lips moving diffidently against the suit’s smooth fabric as he mumbled almost inaudibly, “I wish I could feel your warmth.”
Jinki struggled to suck some air to keep his lungs occupied, his fingers danced between Kibum’s dark locks, twirling and gripping the silky strands for distraction.
“But basking in your presence, Jinki…” Kibum looked up from his chest, desperately searching for a trace of affection in Jinki’s blank stare. Kibum’s eyes gleaming, the blue diamonds in them created magic without him even trying, “…it is more than enough.”
The guilt and remorse mounting in Jinki’s chest was suffocating him. As if it wasn’t awful enough to disappoint Taemin and his family, now he’s about to cause further pain to Kibum too?
“Jinki? What’s wrong?”
The reply didn’t come. Kibum had to keep his words from wavering. No matter what happened, he wouldn’t let his doubt consume him. Jinki would stay, he knew that. The man had proved his decision by his actions. Why would he even bother to kiss him back? Surely one wouldn’t do that kind of thing without any feelings involved. Because to Kibum, even in their lightest touch, the sparks flickering in his chest was sincerely showing that he does care.
“I need some fresh air,” Jinki finally said, avoiding the look Kibum has been sending him. He got up from bed and pulled his arm from Kibum’s grip, ignoring the fact that the other had tightened his hold as he realized that Jinki was going to leave his side. For a brief glance at the boy’s hand, Jinki’s heart thumped in discomfort, seeing the ring that wrapped perfectly around Kibum’s finger.
* * *
The breakfast went on rather smoothly. In Taemin’s perception, it was. After a brief and unimportant explanation of who’s who, the table became silent. When someone decided to make a conversation, it was either Taemin’s father or mother, and the question they uttered was always intended to the house guest, Lord Jonghyun. Taemin had no problem with it. He was actually quite relieved that neither of them had tried talking to him.
The third time his elbows rested on the table, Taemin came to realize that the lost case of his future husband had kept him in his disorder state. He hasn’t tried to be well behaved since last night, he hadn’t taken too much notice on what he’s wearing, and he truly didn’t care about the current topic that was being discussed on the table. Every once in a while, the corner of his eye would catch his mother’s warning glare, which normally the gesture would’ve been enough for him to vanish his guts and fixed his mistakes in no time. This time however, it looked like nothing would make a change to Taemin’s attitude.
The whole thing about the wedding was like completely forgotten. And with Sungmin away for the searching of the missing bridegroom, any news from town was automatically cut off. They didn’t even have to guess, rumors and gossips about the delayed wedding must’ve been leaked out by then. People were most definitely busy wondering about the cause, and as soon as the thought passed Taemin’s consideration, Jinki’s face popped out in his head.
Without him knowing, his grip on the fork he’s holding was tightened. He wasn’t sure as to what he’s supposed to feel. Disappointed? Sure. Angry? He had every right to be. But one thing he knew, the worry inside his chest was so much bigger than anything that could occupy the space.
He didn’t know anything about Jinki at all, that’s true. But somehow he was certain that they had created some bond in between them that allow one to have the ability to see through another’s heart. And disappearing a night right before their day? That doesn’t really sound like Jinki. What could possibly happen to him that make him able to do that?
Taemin took a napkin next to his plate then wiped the corner of his lips with it. His fingertips grazed his bottom lip for a second as he moved the piece of cloth, and suddenly the memory of them kissing the day before was rushing unavoidably into his head.
Jinki was gentle, was what he recalled. But as he pictured it more, there’s more to it than meets the eye. The feel of Jinki’s lips against his own was amazing, regardless of the fact that it was Taemin’s first kiss. The older was passionate yet calm, his ragged breath and tender touch were wondrous, Taemin almost could still feel it lingering on his skin, warm and real. Jinki’s enchanting smile, his bronze eyes that sent him comfort and encouragement that enliven his soul, the picture too perfect made Taemin unsure about putting the blame on Jinki’s shoulders.
Jinki will come back. The most important thing of all, they love each other, and there’s a promise to fulfill.
“So what’s the real issue of the bridegroom?” Jonghyun walked past the wide doors to the balcony, offering company which Taemin wasn’t hoping for.
Taemin spared him a glance and mumbled as he looked off into the distance again. “Not your business you should poke your nose into.”
“Ouch,” Jonghyun laughed lightly. “I’m not an outsider, you know. I’m your father’s friend. ”
“Yeah, I’m not really convinced about that,” Taemin scoffed. A second later he could feel Jonghyun’s presence next to him, way too close for his liking. Jonghyun rested his forearms on the railing and bent his figure to get a better view of Taemin’s face.
“We met at the antiques auction when your father was on travel. You really don’t remember, do you?” He smiled. The younger felt uncomfortable, so he shifted away from the man and huffed.
“No. I remember that auction, I don’t remember you,” Taemin’s voice came out stern and confident. Something wasn’t right about the man beside him, and he was going to find out that falsity in him. “Do you even know what my father bought at that auction?” He asked with a smirk.
“A grand piano for his dear son?” Jonghyun answered smugly. “What, you thought I’d forget?”
Taemin scowled. He wasn’t going to argue further and he tried busying his mind to focus at the land across his sight instead.
“Too bad, I was so curious about this Jinki when I heard the news,” Jonghyun chirped again. “Ah, I figured it’s not my lucky day.” Taemin stood still, his head working hard to block the guest’s annoying remarks but it kept echoing through his deliberation. Jonghyun eventually kept his quiet for a good five minutes. But Taemin really should’ve known better. The older leaned his weight on the railing using his left arm and scooted closer to Taemin’s side. “Did he run away?” Jonghyun whispered, lips suddenly an inch away from Taemin’s ear.
“I’m leaving,” Taemin murmured under his breath, anger and resentment veiled well under stoic expression. “Please make yourself at home, Lord Jonghyun.”
Jonghyun chuckled as he waved his hand, “Oh I will.”
* * *
The bar that was located on the first floor of the inn was still empty, save for three persons who were sitting around a large table on the furthest side of the room; two familiar figures and one that Jinki had never met before.
The three pairs of eyes darted their attention at him almost immediately after he landed his feet at the bottom of the stairs. Yoogeun waved at him with his innocent smile, and Minho gestured him to join them at the table.
However, the short blonde haired girl in red robe beside them only seemed to be staring at him with an unnecessary intense gaze that hauled his prudence out of him. Jinki gulped heavily as her fierce brown eyes sent him a scornful gaze. He smiled back to Minho and Yoogeun, making his way past the empty tables. But as Jinki lessened their distance, the girl got up from her seat and strode past Jinki at the middle of the room, purposely bumping her shoulder against his in a rather rough thud.
“She’s not really happy today,” Yoogeun said as Jinki took a seat across him. “Please forgive her.”
“She’s just not in the mood today,” Minho commented. “And… you kinda showed up at the wrong time. She’s not really pleased to hear about you. You and Kibum, I mean.”
“Stop it, Minho. You’re scaring him,” Yoogeun interrupted when he saw the frown on Jinki’s face.
Minho chuckled. “She’s Amber, the one who owns this inn. She and Kibum are practically brother and sister. Or should I say it the other way around?” He laughed again.
Yoogeun hissed at him. “You’re making no sense. Anyway,” the boy turned to him again and grinned. “You don’t have to worry about her. All she needs is time.”
Jinki really didn’t get to say anything to respond as they parted when the room started to fill. Minho and Yoogeun had decided to head upstairs and it left him with no other option but to leave the building. He wasn’t ready to see Kibum again. He reminded him more of Taemin and all the catastrophes he had caused.
Jinki breathed a lungful of air as soon as he stepped outside. He looked up to the sky and found that although the view was still the same since he last saw it, it never bored him. He let his feet wander further to one side of a deserted neighborhood, paying no heed to the narrow street ahead. His mind was too occupied with emptiness, because truthfully he didn’t feel like thinking for the moment.
“You,” a deep voice echoed in the alleyway and startled Jinki from his daydream. Jinki squinted, trying to recognize the person under the murky silhouette of the tall houses.
Amber walked out from the shadow, approaching the man in surprise with slow strides. The robe wrapping her torso was all red, a wet dark spot from her left shoulder down her waist creating a contrast hue and giving details about the whereabouts of her wound. The crimson trailed further downward her white trousers, and slightly fading on the knee, leaving behind tiny splatters of blood.
The last thing Jinki wanted was to appear weak in front of this intimidating fellow, but he couldn’t stop another audible gulp when Amber had stopped right in front of him.
“What do you want?” Much to his disappointment, his voice came as a whisper, raspy and hoarse.
The girl furtively scrutinized him from head to toe, and scoffed as she put her weight on a leg. “Have you no doubt in what you’re doing down here, breathing boy?” She smiled ruefully at him. “You’re marrying a corpse.”
Jinki sighed. He didn’t need somebody else to tell him this. He knew how screwed up that sounded.
“I never wished for this to happen.”
“You never wished for this to happen? Yoogeun told me about the ring. What the fuck are you thinking??” Amber raised her brows, her tone still unconvinced.
“It’s not like that!” Jinki groaned. He disheveled his hair in frustration. “This whole thing… it’s- God! It’s a misunderstanding! But Kibum, he-”
Amber raised a finger, motioning for him to stop the pointless blabbering, “I beg no excuse. Kibum is out of this.” Jinki looked at a loss. A minute before he was sure the girl would be his helper but she wasn’t going to let Jinki defend himself. “The decision was in your hand, to stay or to leave, as clear as that. You had the control in this yet you chose to leave him hoping for nothing.”
“That wasn’t my intention,” Jinki’s objection a mere whisper. “I didn’t have the courage to say no. He was too-”
Amber growled, stopping Jinki mid-sentence again. The fury in her eyes never once weakened. “Even with my brain barely functioning right now, I still have my common sense with me. And it tells me that you’re clearly just looking for trouble. Hurry collect your guts and tell him you’re leaving tonight.”
Jinki’s chest was pounding, knowing nothing as to how he should act in response. He felt a mixed emotion inside him, there was worry and there was assurance. But it wasn’t the thought of coming back to Lee manor that made Jinki sick to his stomach, absolutely not. He should’ve been certain and he should’ve been grateful to Amber. She snapped him out of his trance and with her urging he would soon be taken back to where he belongs. He would see Taemin again and that should’ve been more than enough to feed his bravery. Yet the memory of Kibum’s pleading gaze and his content smile when he’s in Jinki’s arms, it hurt him to no end.
Jinki was too stunned with the firm command, and it showed on his face, that Amber had to narrow her eyes for him to remember his place.
“Go back to your own world, before you end up giving more hurt to our Kibum,” she broke his train of thoughts, before turning her back on him and flung her robe as she left.
A/N: I think I should work on my details .__. and by that, I mean I should lessen them so I won't end up dragging this story like this. I'm sorry for that :(
Anyway, Amber is here! XD
Comments and critiques? :) and please be honest .__.
Thank you for reading, all♥