Fic: Change 3/?
Title: Change 3/?
Pairings: Yunjae with a side of OCJae
Summary: Who knew that Jaejoong would be building a family out of a fling and who knew that his past will come back to haunt him. Jaejoong finds himself in a situation whereby a film contract is on his hand, he has JYJ members, company and family to please and oh, not forgetting a baby is on its way. Now throw in his ex-bandmates into the concoction and you've got a rollercoaster ride ready.
Rating: PG-15
Warnings: Canon with a dash of AU! Mpreg!
Disclaimer: Not mine. :(
“I can’t believe the internet is still buzzing about you.” Yoochun looked wide-eyed at news site he was surfing. Jaejoong had decided come over to spend a lazy weekend at Yoochun’s place who was currently struggling to write another song for upcoming solo album and as such had turned to reading articles about his best friend instead.
“Lee Jongyun and Kim Jaejoong to tie the knot. Kim Jaejoong announces his pregnancy shocking fans. Ex-DBSK member Hero Jaejoong to star next to DBSK member U-know Yunho in an upcoming movie.” Yoochun read off the article titles. “You do realize that you have led the cyber world into n state of uproar. Fans are going berserk!”
“Which is why I have not glanced at any news site, email or my twitter account. I can’t face this just yet.” Jaejoong said as he sipped on his milkshake.
“Even I haven’t stomached the news yet! I still can’t believe Jongyun proposed right in front of the press!” Yoochun exclaimed throwing up his hands in the air in a I-give-up-on-this-man notion. Yoochun had thought that coming out during a premier was big deal already and now that Jongyun had pulled this surprise proposal, Yoochun was convinced Jongyun was crazy.
“Jongyun doesn’t know the meaning of subtle.” Jaejoong defended his boyfriend, well, fiancé now.
“Yeah, no shit.” Yoochun deadpanned and switched off his laptop. “And that is still very gross.” He pointed to Jaejoong’s milkshake.
“Hey! No insulting a pregnant person’s milkshake!” Jaejoong narrowed his eyes at Yoochun, holding his sweet potato and avocado milkshake with a celery stalk as straw protectively against him. Yoochun threw his hands up in surrender.
“But look at you now.” Yoochun raked his eyes over his best friend’s frame. “Just 2 months ago, you were freaking out and calling me at 4 am in the morning and now you’re satisfying your gross cravings.”
Jaejoong smiled back at Yoochun, despite his jab at his milkshake once again. “Because I did not have Jongyun’s support then but now that I do, everything seems finally fit into place. And you should learn to like him a little, Yoochun.”
“Now you’re demanding too much!” Yoochun chastised him. “Anyway, how’s the shoot coming along?” He changed the subject instead.
“It has been great! Seung Hoon shi is an amazing actor and working with him is delightful.” Jaejoong told him but Yoochun obviously didn’t ask him that question to ask about Seung Hoon shi.
“What about Yunho?” Yoochun prompted, more curious about his ex-bandmate than the veteran actor. He wanted to know the two were getting along and if there were any problems, he would gladly step in.
“Things are fine, I suppose. He did ask for us to be friends again.” Jaejoong replied, putting his milkshake down.
“And you said…?” Yoochun trailed off.
“It’s not as easy as he thinks. It will take time to mend this.” With that, Jaejoong turned back to his milkshake ending the conversation on Yunho.
--
It had been a long day at work and each day was getting more intense. Jaejoong rubbed the small of his back which had begun aching half way through the shoot. He was just glad that he was home now and Jongyun will be bringing him something to eat. Hopefully it would be something garlic-y, Jaejoong had been craving that the whole day. The front door beeped as soon as the security code was entered and Jongyun stepped in with food in his hands.
“I’ve got great news!” Jongyun announced as he placed the food onto the table in front of Jaejoong.
“What is it?” Not really paying attention to what Jongyun had to say, Jaejoong dug through the containers. Yes! Garlic chicken! Jaejoong’s night was pretty much made.
“I’ve been offered a role in an upcoming film!” Jongyun proudly announced as he settled down next to Jaejoong. Jaejoong paused what he was doing and looked up at Jongyun.
“Which film?” he asked, chopsticks hanging limply from his hands.
“The title is yet to be decided but it’s being directed by Lee Moonhong and said to have an amazing cast lined up.” Jongyun was really excited about this opportunity. A great director, an amazing cast and what seemed to be a good storyline. He had never had opportunity of working with Director Moonhong who was considered one of the finest in the industry and now it seemed like Jongyun had the perfect chance of doing so. “Filming begins in October so there is still time for me to ponder about taking the role.”
“October?” Jaejoong asked, now having completely forgotten about his garlic chicken.
“Yes, October,” Jongyun replied as he opened up a container of rice. “Is that a problem?”
“Is that a problem?! Yes, it’s a problem!” Jaejoong was shocked at Jongyun’s question which seemed really silly to him. “I’ll be having a baby around that time so of course it’s a problem!”
“Exactly! You will be having a baby, not me, Jaejoong. I don’t see how that’s a problem.” Jongyun looked incredulously at Jaejoong while he continued to unpack the food.
“It’s our baby, Jongyun, not just mine! I will need you around!” Jaejoong exclaimed, throwing his chopsticks down onto the table in anger. He couldn’t believe how self-centred Jongyun was being, telling him how he was having baby instead of them as team.
“I will be around! It’s not as if I will disappear off the surface of earth when filming starts.” Jongyun reasoned as he stopped what he was doing as well.
“You don’t understand! I will need your entire time during that period. It’s not easy having a baby!” Jaejoong was fuming at how blatantly Jongyun was putting his interests first instead of their unborn child.
“Jaejoong, when I agreed to have this baby with you, it was understood that it wouldn’t interfere with my career.” Jongyun explained. “I don’t care if you’re willing to sacrifice yours but it should not be affecting me.”
“Unbelievable!” Jaejoong yelled, standing up. “I didn’t realize you’d be so selfish! Even to your own child!”
“Don’t twist the situation to make me look bad!” Jongyun howled back. “I said I will be there for you while continuing my career! You’re the one being selfish, asking me sacrifice this big opportunity which I have been waiting for so long!” Jaejoong fell silent, not knowing how to reply now that tables had turned against him.
“Jaejoong, sit down and think reasonably. Me taking on this role isn’t going to affect you or our kid in any negative way. So stop overthinking the situation and think practically, alright?” Jongyun appeased his partner by patting the seat next to him and setting up a dinner plate.
Jaejoong slumped back onto the couch still feeling upset with the arrangement. Jongyun passed him his plate but Jaejoong had lost his appetite because somehow he felt that things aren’t going to work out well.
--
“Why so glum, chum?” Seung Hoon asked the following day when they had wrapped filming for all the office scenes.
“It’s nothing, I’m just really tired.” Jaejoong tried to force a smile, lying about why he was really feeling glum. Jaejoong had not forgotten about the fight Jongyun and he had last night and how easily he had given up on his cause. Things had continued to be tense between them.
“You need to take extra care of yourself. This job taxing enough on all of us even more so on you.” Seung Hoon advised, it was his nature to look out for the younger ones.
“I know, thanks, I will take care.” This time Jaejoong genuinely smiled at Seung Hoon’s caring personality.
“Alright then you’re up to act next to our devilishly handsome Do Hoon soon.” Seung Joon joked referring to Yunho who was getting ready for his scene looking indeed devilishly handsome in that crisp black tux of his.
“Jaejoong, we need you on set!” The director’s voice was Jaejoong’s cue to get his bum off the chair.
--
“That was good.” Yunho complimented as the two sat in the trailer getting their make-up removed.
“Thanks, you were good too.” Jaejoong commented back and he was not lying. Jaejoong could still remember Yunho’s and even his own terrible acting back during the Banjun dramas. But they had come a long way from that. Yunho had always put in a 101% into everything he did whether it was singing, dancing or acting. So when he had received terrible ratings for his first drama, he had been terribly upset. Jaejoong remembered giving him comfort and strength during those days. Today though, Yunho had once again put in his 101% but this time Jaejoong was sure his efforts will not be wasted.
“You seem upset though.” Yunho observed. “Is something bothering you?” Was Jaejoong that much of an open book? It seemed like his stoic exterior wasn’t so stoic anymore. Or it could have the fact that Yunho had not lost the ability to read him like an open book. Jaejoong remembered he could never hide anything from Yunho.
“No, it’s nothing.” Jaejoong replied, obviously lying through his teeth. Yunho kept looking at him knowing that Jaejoong was hiding something.
Jaejoong sighed and relented. He knew that Yunho will not give up until the problem was out of mouth. “It’s Jongyun.”
“What about him?” Yunho inched his chair closer, feeling extremely curious now. After he had found about Jaejoong dating Jongyun, he had done all his research. He had found out all about him through his online profiles, fan cafes and even mutual friends of theirs. He had learnt various things about Jongyun. For example, how career driven this man was, how he was well-known his for flings and lack of commitment and finally how he was apparently really good in bed according to his friends whom he had slept with. Yunho straight up knew he did not like this Jongyun guy despite having not met him yet. Jaejoong was definitely looking for trouble getting involved with a guy like him. But he could understand why Jaejoong fell for him. Yunho couldn’t deny that Jongyun was definitely a dashing looking man who came with a charismatic personality. This was something right up Jaejoong’s alley, Yunho would know.
“He’s taking on a film.” Jaejoong twiddled with his thumbs. “And it’s going to clash with the time when I have our baby.” Yunho seemed to tense up a little whenever Jaejoong mentioned their baby. Yunho still could not get over the fact that his ex-bandmate, his ex-boyfriend was having a baby. Something he had always dreamed about having with Jaejoong if they had worked out. In fact, this was a reason leading up to their big fight but Yunho didn’t want to think about it any further.
“So tell him not to take it up.” Yunho presented the solution as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“You’d think it’ll be so easy. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for him.” Jaejoong sighed, his brain felt overworked with this dilemma.
“So is having a baby.” Yunho defended.
Jaejoong scoffed at the irony of Yunho telling him that. “Like you’d know anything about that.”
--
“Hello, love.” Jongyun greeted as Jaejoong entered the car. They shared a quick kiss, nothing like those loved ones that they had been exchanging.
“Hello.” Jaejoong replied stiffly.
“How was your day?” Jongyun asked, wanting to start a simple, pleasant conversation.
“Good except for throwing up everything I have been eating.” Jaejoong grumbled. It was then when Jongyun notice that indeed Jaejoong looked paler than usual.
“Poor baby.” Jongyun rubbed Jaejoong’s knuckles with his thumb. “Do you want me book an appointment with a doctor?”
“It’s fine, I’m sure it will pass.” Jaejoong turned away from Jongyun, seeking comfort in the passing lights from the car window.
“Look, Jae…about yesterday…”Jongyun started. “I’m sorry, it shouldn’t have escalated to the point of insulting each other. But you have to trust me alright? I can and will take care you, our kid and my job. You have to trust my capabilities.”
“I do trust you.” Jaejoong replied. “It’s just that I’m worried.”
“There is no need to worry. Just believe in me and everything will be alright.” Jongyun comforted. “Now give me a smile.”
Jaejoong didn’t have to try as it came out naturally.
--
Jongyun was still sleeping soundly when Jaejoong woke up with a growling stomach. At 2 months, Jaejoong had started spotting a little bump and that little bump had already started demanding a lot of food. But Jaejoong did not have the time to consume that much of food with the busy schedule he had. Not only that, he wasn’t able to keep down any food he was eating either. He rustled around on the sheets, trying to get comfortable before the alarm clock blared and he had to officially get up from bed. Jongyun’s eyes also squinted open when he was disturbed by Jaejoong’s movements.
“Morning babe.” Jongyun’s voice was still heavy with sleep. He scooted closer to Jaejoong and took him into his arms, cuddling him softy. Jaejoong responded by wrapping his arms around his fiancé, savouring this amazing feeling of waking up next to man he loved.
“Morning to you too.” Jaejoong whispered as he kissed Jongyun’s unshaven jaw, enjoying the prickly feeling on his lips.
Everything seemed perfect until the alarm started ringing causing both parties to groan but the two sat up on their bed anyway.
“Eggs for breakfast?” Jongyun asked, stretching his stiff joints while Jaejoong was putting his boxer briefs on.
“Perfect” Jaejoong replied, getting up but before he could move out of the room, his world began spinning dangerously.
“Woah there!” Jongyun grabbed onto him quickly. Jaejoong quickly laid his head onto Jongyun’s shoulder, not wanting to move and increase the dizziness further. However, he had no choice when he felt bile rising up his throat. Pushing Jongyun aside, Jaejoong rushed to the connecting bathroom unsteadily, only stopping once he had reached the porcelain toilet bowl.
“This is getting worse.” Jongyun commented as he soothed Jaejoong’s back who continued to heave into the bowl. He got up a got a glass of water for ill man. “Here you go.”
Jaejoong took the glass of water gratefully, not knowing how he was going to survive the rest of day, much less the shoot.
--
“And cut!” the director called out, pulling Jaejoong and Yunho out of their trance. The two were engaged in an intense scene where their characters had fallen hard for each other. It didn’t require much acting from either side as all they had to do was remember when they fell for each other years back. To snap out of that scene was like a wake-up call to both them where they recalled they were no longer with each other and lived their separate lives.
“Ahem!” Jaejoong purposefully coughed, alerting Yunho was still too close for comfort. Yunho sheepishly backed away.
“Alright, Jaejoong, tomorrow we will be shooting the bed scene between Kyungsam and Choi Hyun, so you will have to report an hour earlier than usual.” The script director came forward to speak to Jaejoong who was being escorted to his trailer before taking his leave for the day. Jaejoong nodded okay as the director than turned to Yunho instead.
“As for you, Yunho, we have one more scene after an hour’s break, we need to re-do the office scene from yesterday.” The director turned the script pages to show Yunho the scene he was talking about. “Then for tomorrow, I have good news for you as you will not be having any scenes so you can take the day off. I will see you on Monday instead.”
Yunho nodded as well while the director took off to notify the other cast members about their respective scenes.
“Heading home?” Yunho asked while shrugging off the upper cost of his costume.
“Most likely.” Jaejoong replied shrugging his own clothes off.
“Would you care to have tea with me then?” Yunho asked, trying to get Jaejoong to spend as much time with him as could.
“I thought you would want to spend your break time more wisely.” Jaejoong replied.
“This is as wise as it could get.” Yunho countered and it made Jaejoong smile a little.
“I don’t want us to be seen together though.” Jaejoong did not want his fans to think that the two band mates have patched things up between them when actually Jaejoong still needed time with Yunho.
“Okay, sure, we have done this in the past; we can do that today too.” Yunho replied calmly. Yes, indeed, they had escaped the eyes of prying fans back when they used to date. They had come up with different schemes and strategies, some that worked and some that failed. Lucky for them that they were band mates and friends and could pass it off as merely hanging out with each other when they did get caught. However, this time they had to be more careful than before especially when the fans would do anything to find out what was really going on between them ever since the news of them working together came out.
“I’m not sure if we should.” Jaejoong still refused partially because he didn’t think that they should be getting this friendly so fast and also because the same nauseous and woozy feeling had returned from earlier this morning.
“We could talk.” Yunho suggested. Yes, they could talk. They had a lot to talk about since they met. Things that could not simply be discussed in a midst of a filming set. But Jaejoong simply did not feel up to have a hearty conversation, not when his stomach was churning so rebelliously.
“Jaejoong-shi, we need to get your make-up removed.” A petite make up girl approached Jaejoong wanting him to come over to the dressing area before going back to his trailer. Jaejoong agreed and switched directions to the dressing area instead. In the midst of doing, those awful black spots appeared in front of his eyes once more. The world around him started turning.
“Stop.” Jaejoong ordered, not wanting to walk any further afraid that he will make the dizziness worse and end up collapsing.
Jaejoong breathed heavily as cold sweat began forming on his forehead. The spots continue to appear before his eyes and the space around him continued to turn. His legs felt weakened almost as if he could no longer balance and support himself. He felt himself crouching, wanting to sit down somewhere and not wanting to fall face forward when his legs gave way.
“Jaejoong!” Both Yunho and girl yelled as they watched him slump heavily to the ground. Yunho rushed forward and cushioned him with his arms before Jaejoong’s head could connect with the floor. He watched as Jaejoong’s face turn deathly pale and his eyes fighting to remain open.
“Jongyun…call Jongyun…” Jaejoong whispered, just before the world went completely black.
--
Jaejoong woke up to the smell of disinfectant and instantly understood where he had ended up. It had been a while since he woke up this way since the past few years he had the liberty of not driving himself to exhaustion. He did feel much better now that the nasty feelings were gone despite his stiff muscles and dry mouth.
“You’re awake.” A person sitting next to him pointed out obviously. Yunho’s familiar face came to view as he stood up from his seat, watching over Jaejoong.
“Thank you for bringing me here.” Jaejoong inferred it was probably Yunho who brought him here since he saw no one else around in the room and only Yunho was there when he fainted. Jaejoong sat up and stretched his limbs as far as could. His stiff muscles probably appreciated that. He undoubtedly thought that he looked like a mess at the moment while Yunho sat there still in his makeup and costume. He tried using his right hand to take the mussed up hair out of his face when he realized his arm was attached to a drip.
“The doctor said that you needed that,” Yunho answered his unasked question. “He said that you were dehydrated and your blood sugar was really low which is probably due to the constant vomiting that is prevalent in your condition.”
Jaejoong nodded, understanding the situation. “Where is Jongyun?”
Yunho’s shoulder tensed at the name. “We tried contacting him but we couldn’t reach him.” It was true. The moment Jaejoong had collapsed, Yunho and crew had rushed him to the hospital before any more chaos could ensue on set. Once, Yunho was ensured that Jaejoong was indeed in safe hands, he had tried contacting Jongyun using Jaejoong’s phone but it seemed like the movie star was busy.
“Could you get me my phone?” But it seemed like Jaejoong wasn’t convinced. He was in a very vulnerable state and all he wanted was Jongyun by his side.
Yunho fished out Jaejoong’s phone from his pocket and handed it over to the rightful owner. Jaejoong dialled Jongyun’s number in a heartbeat as soon as the phone was in his hands. The ringtone went off and continued ringing for some time. Just as Jaejoong was about cancel the call before it reached voicemail, the call got picked up.
“Hello? Jaejoong?” The voice spoke at the other end.
“Jongyun!” Jaejoong exclaimed feeling relieved. “Where are you?!”
“At a friend’s party, I thought I told you?” Jongyun asked.
“You didn’t…” Jaejoong would have recalled if he had.
“Must have slipped my mind.” Jongyun said. “Anyway, why’d you call?”
“I’m at the hospital.” Jaejoong informed.
“Hospital? What are you doing at the hospital? Are you alright? Did something happen?” Jongyun’s calm voice now was dripping with anxiousness as he shot questions at Jaejoong.
“I fainted at the set.” Jaejoong told him. “Can you just come over here? I need you.”
“Of course! I’m coming right over!” And with a couple more comforting words and asking Jaejoong to a wait a little while, Jongyun hung up.
--
“Okay, thank you, Dr. Choi.” Jongyun thanked Jaejoong’s doctor as they made their way out of the doctor’s clinic. Jaejoong had been finally discharged and the doctor had advised him to have smaller meals throughout the day so as to keep his food down together with prescribing him some vitamins to take. The good news was that the baby was doing well and the pregnancy was continuing without a hitch.
“Yunho-shi, thank you for bringing Jaejoong over here as quickly as possible.” Jongyun stretched out his hand towards Yunho who was standing outside the doctor’s room waiting for Jaejoong’s dismissal. Yunho took his hand and gave it a firm shake but all the while he kept his eyes on Jaejoong. Jongyun knew about the history Yunho and Jaejoong had. It was common knowledge that Yunho and Jaejoong had been band mates and friends for many years but Jaejoong had also told him about the relationship they had had for 5 years when Jongyun and Jaejoong had first gotten together. Both of them had come clean about people they had dated so Jongyun did have knowledge about Yunho and his relations with Jaejoong. Now Jongyun wasn’t the jealous type or anything of that sort but he was very tempted to ask Jaejoong to keep clear of Yunho. If anything, Jongyun could tell what kind of intentions people had when they approached Jaejoong. He had a way of reading people well and Yunho’s intentions did seem more than friendly. But Jongyun had not bothered to bring up Yunho yet because he knew about the bitterness between Jaejoong and him. Also, with all the fights he had been having with Jaejoong, he didn’t need another one.
“It’s getting late, Yunho, you should get going.” Jaejoong said, seeing how Yunho’s eyes looked tired as his make-up had become even more smudged.
“You’re right.” Yunho continued looking at him. “Good night, Jaejoong. And you too, Jongyun”
Both parties said goodbye to each other before walking opposite directions to their cars.
--
“So I finally got to meet the legendary U-know Yunho,” Jongyun commented as they sat in the car, making their way to Jaejoong’s apartment.
“I guess you did.” Jaejoong really did not want to discuss Yunho with Jongyun.
“It was nice of him to bring you to hospital.” Jongyun continued.
“It was.” Really, where was Jongyun going with this?
Silence ensued in the car.
“You have to be careful of him.” Jongyun said out of a sudden.
“Jongyun…” Jaejoong trailed of dangerously, warning Jongyun that he should proceed with caution.
“I’m just saying!” Jongyun defended himself. “You may be over him but he clearly isn’t.”
“You don’t know that!” Jaejoong retorted.
“I do know that! The way he looks at you, the way he behaves around you!” Jongyun pointed out all the evidence.
“Jongyun, you have only met him once! You can’t be sure of such things! Plus, we are still very awkward around each other so I doubt he feels that way about me. So can we please stop talking about this?” Jaejoong desperately wanted Jongyun to stop talking. It was just weird discussing his ex-boyfriend with his fiancé.
“Fine then. How are you feeling?” Jongyun changed the subject.
“Much better now,” Jaejoong replied glad that they had switched topics.
“Maybe you should take a couple of days off.” Jongyn suggested.
“I don’t think that’s possible with our filming schedule already lagging behind.” Jaejoong contested. It was simply not okay for him to take a few days off just like that despite how much of a break Jaejoong wanted.
What Jaejoong did not was that his life was just about to get even crazier.
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Pairings: Yunjae with a side of OCJae
Summary: Who knew that Jaejoong would be building a family out of a fling and who knew that his past will come back to haunt him. Jaejoong finds himself in a situation whereby a film contract is on his hand, he has JYJ members, company and family to please and oh, not forgetting a baby is on its way. Now throw in his ex-bandmates into the concoction and you've got a rollercoaster ride ready.
Rating: PG-15
Warnings: Canon with a dash of AU! Mpreg!
Disclaimer: Not mine. :(
“I can’t believe the internet is still buzzing about you.” Yoochun looked wide-eyed at news site he was surfing. Jaejoong had decided come over to spend a lazy weekend at Yoochun’s place who was currently struggling to write another song for upcoming solo album and as such had turned to reading articles about his best friend instead.
“Lee Jongyun and Kim Jaejoong to tie the knot. Kim Jaejoong announces his pregnancy shocking fans. Ex-DBSK member Hero Jaejoong to star next to DBSK member U-know Yunho in an upcoming movie.” Yoochun read off the article titles. “You do realize that you have led the cyber world into n state of uproar. Fans are going berserk!”
“Which is why I have not glanced at any news site, email or my twitter account. I can’t face this just yet.” Jaejoong said as he sipped on his milkshake.
“Even I haven’t stomached the news yet! I still can’t believe Jongyun proposed right in front of the press!” Yoochun exclaimed throwing up his hands in the air in a I-give-up-on-this-man notion. Yoochun had thought that coming out during a premier was big deal already and now that Jongyun had pulled this surprise proposal, Yoochun was convinced Jongyun was crazy.
“Jongyun doesn’t know the meaning of subtle.” Jaejoong defended his boyfriend, well, fiancé now.
“Yeah, no shit.” Yoochun deadpanned and switched off his laptop. “And that is still very gross.” He pointed to Jaejoong’s milkshake.
“Hey! No insulting a pregnant person’s milkshake!” Jaejoong narrowed his eyes at Yoochun, holding his sweet potato and avocado milkshake with a celery stalk as straw protectively against him. Yoochun threw his hands up in surrender.
“But look at you now.” Yoochun raked his eyes over his best friend’s frame. “Just 2 months ago, you were freaking out and calling me at 4 am in the morning and now you’re satisfying your gross cravings.”
Jaejoong smiled back at Yoochun, despite his jab at his milkshake once again. “Because I did not have Jongyun’s support then but now that I do, everything seems finally fit into place. And you should learn to like him a little, Yoochun.”
“Now you’re demanding too much!” Yoochun chastised him. “Anyway, how’s the shoot coming along?” He changed the subject instead.
“It has been great! Seung Hoon shi is an amazing actor and working with him is delightful.” Jaejoong told him but Yoochun obviously didn’t ask him that question to ask about Seung Hoon shi.
“What about Yunho?” Yoochun prompted, more curious about his ex-bandmate than the veteran actor. He wanted to know the two were getting along and if there were any problems, he would gladly step in.
“Things are fine, I suppose. He did ask for us to be friends again.” Jaejoong replied, putting his milkshake down.
“And you said…?” Yoochun trailed off.
“It’s not as easy as he thinks. It will take time to mend this.” With that, Jaejoong turned back to his milkshake ending the conversation on Yunho.
--
It had been a long day at work and each day was getting more intense. Jaejoong rubbed the small of his back which had begun aching half way through the shoot. He was just glad that he was home now and Jongyun will be bringing him something to eat. Hopefully it would be something garlic-y, Jaejoong had been craving that the whole day. The front door beeped as soon as the security code was entered and Jongyun stepped in with food in his hands.
“I’ve got great news!” Jongyun announced as he placed the food onto the table in front of Jaejoong.
“What is it?” Not really paying attention to what Jongyun had to say, Jaejoong dug through the containers. Yes! Garlic chicken! Jaejoong’s night was pretty much made.
“I’ve been offered a role in an upcoming film!” Jongyun proudly announced as he settled down next to Jaejoong. Jaejoong paused what he was doing and looked up at Jongyun.
“Which film?” he asked, chopsticks hanging limply from his hands.
“The title is yet to be decided but it’s being directed by Lee Moonhong and said to have an amazing cast lined up.” Jongyun was really excited about this opportunity. A great director, an amazing cast and what seemed to be a good storyline. He had never had opportunity of working with Director Moonhong who was considered one of the finest in the industry and now it seemed like Jongyun had the perfect chance of doing so. “Filming begins in October so there is still time for me to ponder about taking the role.”
“October?” Jaejoong asked, now having completely forgotten about his garlic chicken.
“Yes, October,” Jongyun replied as he opened up a container of rice. “Is that a problem?”
“Is that a problem?! Yes, it’s a problem!” Jaejoong was shocked at Jongyun’s question which seemed really silly to him. “I’ll be having a baby around that time so of course it’s a problem!”
“Exactly! You will be having a baby, not me, Jaejoong. I don’t see how that’s a problem.” Jongyun looked incredulously at Jaejoong while he continued to unpack the food.
“It’s our baby, Jongyun, not just mine! I will need you around!” Jaejoong exclaimed, throwing his chopsticks down onto the table in anger. He couldn’t believe how self-centred Jongyun was being, telling him how he was having baby instead of them as team.
“I will be around! It’s not as if I will disappear off the surface of earth when filming starts.” Jongyun reasoned as he stopped what he was doing as well.
“You don’t understand! I will need your entire time during that period. It’s not easy having a baby!” Jaejoong was fuming at how blatantly Jongyun was putting his interests first instead of their unborn child.
“Jaejoong, when I agreed to have this baby with you, it was understood that it wouldn’t interfere with my career.” Jongyun explained. “I don’t care if you’re willing to sacrifice yours but it should not be affecting me.”
“Unbelievable!” Jaejoong yelled, standing up. “I didn’t realize you’d be so selfish! Even to your own child!”
“Don’t twist the situation to make me look bad!” Jongyun howled back. “I said I will be there for you while continuing my career! You’re the one being selfish, asking me sacrifice this big opportunity which I have been waiting for so long!” Jaejoong fell silent, not knowing how to reply now that tables had turned against him.
“Jaejoong, sit down and think reasonably. Me taking on this role isn’t going to affect you or our kid in any negative way. So stop overthinking the situation and think practically, alright?” Jongyun appeased his partner by patting the seat next to him and setting up a dinner plate.
Jaejoong slumped back onto the couch still feeling upset with the arrangement. Jongyun passed him his plate but Jaejoong had lost his appetite because somehow he felt that things aren’t going to work out well.
--
“Why so glum, chum?” Seung Hoon asked the following day when they had wrapped filming for all the office scenes.
“It’s nothing, I’m just really tired.” Jaejoong tried to force a smile, lying about why he was really feeling glum. Jaejoong had not forgotten about the fight Jongyun and he had last night and how easily he had given up on his cause. Things had continued to be tense between them.
“You need to take extra care of yourself. This job taxing enough on all of us even more so on you.” Seung Hoon advised, it was his nature to look out for the younger ones.
“I know, thanks, I will take care.” This time Jaejoong genuinely smiled at Seung Hoon’s caring personality.
“Alright then you’re up to act next to our devilishly handsome Do Hoon soon.” Seung Joon joked referring to Yunho who was getting ready for his scene looking indeed devilishly handsome in that crisp black tux of his.
“Jaejoong, we need you on set!” The director’s voice was Jaejoong’s cue to get his bum off the chair.
--
“That was good.” Yunho complimented as the two sat in the trailer getting their make-up removed.
“Thanks, you were good too.” Jaejoong commented back and he was not lying. Jaejoong could still remember Yunho’s and even his own terrible acting back during the Banjun dramas. But they had come a long way from that. Yunho had always put in a 101% into everything he did whether it was singing, dancing or acting. So when he had received terrible ratings for his first drama, he had been terribly upset. Jaejoong remembered giving him comfort and strength during those days. Today though, Yunho had once again put in his 101% but this time Jaejoong was sure his efforts will not be wasted.
“You seem upset though.” Yunho observed. “Is something bothering you?” Was Jaejoong that much of an open book? It seemed like his stoic exterior wasn’t so stoic anymore. Or it could have the fact that Yunho had not lost the ability to read him like an open book. Jaejoong remembered he could never hide anything from Yunho.
“No, it’s nothing.” Jaejoong replied, obviously lying through his teeth. Yunho kept looking at him knowing that Jaejoong was hiding something.
Jaejoong sighed and relented. He knew that Yunho will not give up until the problem was out of mouth. “It’s Jongyun.”
“What about him?” Yunho inched his chair closer, feeling extremely curious now. After he had found about Jaejoong dating Jongyun, he had done all his research. He had found out all about him through his online profiles, fan cafes and even mutual friends of theirs. He had learnt various things about Jongyun. For example, how career driven this man was, how he was well-known his for flings and lack of commitment and finally how he was apparently really good in bed according to his friends whom he had slept with. Yunho straight up knew he did not like this Jongyun guy despite having not met him yet. Jaejoong was definitely looking for trouble getting involved with a guy like him. But he could understand why Jaejoong fell for him. Yunho couldn’t deny that Jongyun was definitely a dashing looking man who came with a charismatic personality. This was something right up Jaejoong’s alley, Yunho would know.
“He’s taking on a film.” Jaejoong twiddled with his thumbs. “And it’s going to clash with the time when I have our baby.” Yunho seemed to tense up a little whenever Jaejoong mentioned their baby. Yunho still could not get over the fact that his ex-bandmate, his ex-boyfriend was having a baby. Something he had always dreamed about having with Jaejoong if they had worked out. In fact, this was a reason leading up to their big fight but Yunho didn’t want to think about it any further.
“So tell him not to take it up.” Yunho presented the solution as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“You’d think it’ll be so easy. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for him.” Jaejoong sighed, his brain felt overworked with this dilemma.
“So is having a baby.” Yunho defended.
Jaejoong scoffed at the irony of Yunho telling him that. “Like you’d know anything about that.”
--
“Hello, love.” Jongyun greeted as Jaejoong entered the car. They shared a quick kiss, nothing like those loved ones that they had been exchanging.
“Hello.” Jaejoong replied stiffly.
“How was your day?” Jongyun asked, wanting to start a simple, pleasant conversation.
“Good except for throwing up everything I have been eating.” Jaejoong grumbled. It was then when Jongyun notice that indeed Jaejoong looked paler than usual.
“Poor baby.” Jongyun rubbed Jaejoong’s knuckles with his thumb. “Do you want me book an appointment with a doctor?”
“It’s fine, I’m sure it will pass.” Jaejoong turned away from Jongyun, seeking comfort in the passing lights from the car window.
“Look, Jae…about yesterday…”Jongyun started. “I’m sorry, it shouldn’t have escalated to the point of insulting each other. But you have to trust me alright? I can and will take care you, our kid and my job. You have to trust my capabilities.”
“I do trust you.” Jaejoong replied. “It’s just that I’m worried.”
“There is no need to worry. Just believe in me and everything will be alright.” Jongyun comforted. “Now give me a smile.”
Jaejoong didn’t have to try as it came out naturally.
--
Jongyun was still sleeping soundly when Jaejoong woke up with a growling stomach. At 2 months, Jaejoong had started spotting a little bump and that little bump had already started demanding a lot of food. But Jaejoong did not have the time to consume that much of food with the busy schedule he had. Not only that, he wasn’t able to keep down any food he was eating either. He rustled around on the sheets, trying to get comfortable before the alarm clock blared and he had to officially get up from bed. Jongyun’s eyes also squinted open when he was disturbed by Jaejoong’s movements.
“Morning babe.” Jongyun’s voice was still heavy with sleep. He scooted closer to Jaejoong and took him into his arms, cuddling him softy. Jaejoong responded by wrapping his arms around his fiancé, savouring this amazing feeling of waking up next to man he loved.
“Morning to you too.” Jaejoong whispered as he kissed Jongyun’s unshaven jaw, enjoying the prickly feeling on his lips.
Everything seemed perfect until the alarm started ringing causing both parties to groan but the two sat up on their bed anyway.
“Eggs for breakfast?” Jongyun asked, stretching his stiff joints while Jaejoong was putting his boxer briefs on.
“Perfect” Jaejoong replied, getting up but before he could move out of the room, his world began spinning dangerously.
“Woah there!” Jongyun grabbed onto him quickly. Jaejoong quickly laid his head onto Jongyun’s shoulder, not wanting to move and increase the dizziness further. However, he had no choice when he felt bile rising up his throat. Pushing Jongyun aside, Jaejoong rushed to the connecting bathroom unsteadily, only stopping once he had reached the porcelain toilet bowl.
“This is getting worse.” Jongyun commented as he soothed Jaejoong’s back who continued to heave into the bowl. He got up a got a glass of water for ill man. “Here you go.”
Jaejoong took the glass of water gratefully, not knowing how he was going to survive the rest of day, much less the shoot.
--
“And cut!” the director called out, pulling Jaejoong and Yunho out of their trance. The two were engaged in an intense scene where their characters had fallen hard for each other. It didn’t require much acting from either side as all they had to do was remember when they fell for each other years back. To snap out of that scene was like a wake-up call to both them where they recalled they were no longer with each other and lived their separate lives.
“Ahem!” Jaejoong purposefully coughed, alerting Yunho was still too close for comfort. Yunho sheepishly backed away.
“Alright, Jaejoong, tomorrow we will be shooting the bed scene between Kyungsam and Choi Hyun, so you will have to report an hour earlier than usual.” The script director came forward to speak to Jaejoong who was being escorted to his trailer before taking his leave for the day. Jaejoong nodded okay as the director than turned to Yunho instead.
“As for you, Yunho, we have one more scene after an hour’s break, we need to re-do the office scene from yesterday.” The director turned the script pages to show Yunho the scene he was talking about. “Then for tomorrow, I have good news for you as you will not be having any scenes so you can take the day off. I will see you on Monday instead.”
Yunho nodded as well while the director took off to notify the other cast members about their respective scenes.
“Heading home?” Yunho asked while shrugging off the upper cost of his costume.
“Most likely.” Jaejoong replied shrugging his own clothes off.
“Would you care to have tea with me then?” Yunho asked, trying to get Jaejoong to spend as much time with him as could.
“I thought you would want to spend your break time more wisely.” Jaejoong replied.
“This is as wise as it could get.” Yunho countered and it made Jaejoong smile a little.
“I don’t want us to be seen together though.” Jaejoong did not want his fans to think that the two band mates have patched things up between them when actually Jaejoong still needed time with Yunho.
“Okay, sure, we have done this in the past; we can do that today too.” Yunho replied calmly. Yes, indeed, they had escaped the eyes of prying fans back when they used to date. They had come up with different schemes and strategies, some that worked and some that failed. Lucky for them that they were band mates and friends and could pass it off as merely hanging out with each other when they did get caught. However, this time they had to be more careful than before especially when the fans would do anything to find out what was really going on between them ever since the news of them working together came out.
“I’m not sure if we should.” Jaejoong still refused partially because he didn’t think that they should be getting this friendly so fast and also because the same nauseous and woozy feeling had returned from earlier this morning.
“We could talk.” Yunho suggested. Yes, they could talk. They had a lot to talk about since they met. Things that could not simply be discussed in a midst of a filming set. But Jaejoong simply did not feel up to have a hearty conversation, not when his stomach was churning so rebelliously.
“Jaejoong-shi, we need to get your make-up removed.” A petite make up girl approached Jaejoong wanting him to come over to the dressing area before going back to his trailer. Jaejoong agreed and switched directions to the dressing area instead. In the midst of doing, those awful black spots appeared in front of his eyes once more. The world around him started turning.
“Stop.” Jaejoong ordered, not wanting to walk any further afraid that he will make the dizziness worse and end up collapsing.
Jaejoong breathed heavily as cold sweat began forming on his forehead. The spots continue to appear before his eyes and the space around him continued to turn. His legs felt weakened almost as if he could no longer balance and support himself. He felt himself crouching, wanting to sit down somewhere and not wanting to fall face forward when his legs gave way.
“Jaejoong!” Both Yunho and girl yelled as they watched him slump heavily to the ground. Yunho rushed forward and cushioned him with his arms before Jaejoong’s head could connect with the floor. He watched as Jaejoong’s face turn deathly pale and his eyes fighting to remain open.
“Jongyun…call Jongyun…” Jaejoong whispered, just before the world went completely black.
--
Jaejoong woke up to the smell of disinfectant and instantly understood where he had ended up. It had been a while since he woke up this way since the past few years he had the liberty of not driving himself to exhaustion. He did feel much better now that the nasty feelings were gone despite his stiff muscles and dry mouth.
“You’re awake.” A person sitting next to him pointed out obviously. Yunho’s familiar face came to view as he stood up from his seat, watching over Jaejoong.
“Thank you for bringing me here.” Jaejoong inferred it was probably Yunho who brought him here since he saw no one else around in the room and only Yunho was there when he fainted. Jaejoong sat up and stretched his limbs as far as could. His stiff muscles probably appreciated that. He undoubtedly thought that he looked like a mess at the moment while Yunho sat there still in his makeup and costume. He tried using his right hand to take the mussed up hair out of his face when he realized his arm was attached to a drip.
“The doctor said that you needed that,” Yunho answered his unasked question. “He said that you were dehydrated and your blood sugar was really low which is probably due to the constant vomiting that is prevalent in your condition.”
Jaejoong nodded, understanding the situation. “Where is Jongyun?”
Yunho’s shoulder tensed at the name. “We tried contacting him but we couldn’t reach him.” It was true. The moment Jaejoong had collapsed, Yunho and crew had rushed him to the hospital before any more chaos could ensue on set. Once, Yunho was ensured that Jaejoong was indeed in safe hands, he had tried contacting Jongyun using Jaejoong’s phone but it seemed like the movie star was busy.
“Could you get me my phone?” But it seemed like Jaejoong wasn’t convinced. He was in a very vulnerable state and all he wanted was Jongyun by his side.
Yunho fished out Jaejoong’s phone from his pocket and handed it over to the rightful owner. Jaejoong dialled Jongyun’s number in a heartbeat as soon as the phone was in his hands. The ringtone went off and continued ringing for some time. Just as Jaejoong was about cancel the call before it reached voicemail, the call got picked up.
“Hello? Jaejoong?” The voice spoke at the other end.
“Jongyun!” Jaejoong exclaimed feeling relieved. “Where are you?!”
“At a friend’s party, I thought I told you?” Jongyun asked.
“You didn’t…” Jaejoong would have recalled if he had.
“Must have slipped my mind.” Jongyun said. “Anyway, why’d you call?”
“I’m at the hospital.” Jaejoong informed.
“Hospital? What are you doing at the hospital? Are you alright? Did something happen?” Jongyun’s calm voice now was dripping with anxiousness as he shot questions at Jaejoong.
“I fainted at the set.” Jaejoong told him. “Can you just come over here? I need you.”
“Of course! I’m coming right over!” And with a couple more comforting words and asking Jaejoong to a wait a little while, Jongyun hung up.
--
“Okay, thank you, Dr. Choi.” Jongyun thanked Jaejoong’s doctor as they made their way out of the doctor’s clinic. Jaejoong had been finally discharged and the doctor had advised him to have smaller meals throughout the day so as to keep his food down together with prescribing him some vitamins to take. The good news was that the baby was doing well and the pregnancy was continuing without a hitch.
“Yunho-shi, thank you for bringing Jaejoong over here as quickly as possible.” Jongyun stretched out his hand towards Yunho who was standing outside the doctor’s room waiting for Jaejoong’s dismissal. Yunho took his hand and gave it a firm shake but all the while he kept his eyes on Jaejoong. Jongyun knew about the history Yunho and Jaejoong had. It was common knowledge that Yunho and Jaejoong had been band mates and friends for many years but Jaejoong had also told him about the relationship they had had for 5 years when Jongyun and Jaejoong had first gotten together. Both of them had come clean about people they had dated so Jongyun did have knowledge about Yunho and his relations with Jaejoong. Now Jongyun wasn’t the jealous type or anything of that sort but he was very tempted to ask Jaejoong to keep clear of Yunho. If anything, Jongyun could tell what kind of intentions people had when they approached Jaejoong. He had a way of reading people well and Yunho’s intentions did seem more than friendly. But Jongyun had not bothered to bring up Yunho yet because he knew about the bitterness between Jaejoong and him. Also, with all the fights he had been having with Jaejoong, he didn’t need another one.
“It’s getting late, Yunho, you should get going.” Jaejoong said, seeing how Yunho’s eyes looked tired as his make-up had become even more smudged.
“You’re right.” Yunho continued looking at him. “Good night, Jaejoong. And you too, Jongyun”
Both parties said goodbye to each other before walking opposite directions to their cars.
--
“So I finally got to meet the legendary U-know Yunho,” Jongyun commented as they sat in the car, making their way to Jaejoong’s apartment.
“I guess you did.” Jaejoong really did not want to discuss Yunho with Jongyun.
“It was nice of him to bring you to hospital.” Jongyun continued.
“It was.” Really, where was Jongyun going with this?
Silence ensued in the car.
“You have to be careful of him.” Jongyun said out of a sudden.
“Jongyun…” Jaejoong trailed of dangerously, warning Jongyun that he should proceed with caution.
“I’m just saying!” Jongyun defended himself. “You may be over him but he clearly isn’t.”
“You don’t know that!” Jaejoong retorted.
“I do know that! The way he looks at you, the way he behaves around you!” Jongyun pointed out all the evidence.
“Jongyun, you have only met him once! You can’t be sure of such things! Plus, we are still very awkward around each other so I doubt he feels that way about me. So can we please stop talking about this?” Jaejoong desperately wanted Jongyun to stop talking. It was just weird discussing his ex-boyfriend with his fiancé.
“Fine then. How are you feeling?” Jongyun changed the subject.
“Much better now,” Jaejoong replied glad that they had switched topics.
“Maybe you should take a couple of days off.” Jongyn suggested.
“I don’t think that’s possible with our filming schedule already lagging behind.” Jaejoong contested. It was simply not okay for him to take a few days off just like that despite how much of a break Jaejoong wanted.
What Jaejoong did not was that his life was just about to get even crazier.
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