Jaemin "Just a Day" Oneshot
Title: Just a Day
Genre: One-shot
Rating: PG
A/N: So, was going to enter this in a contest, but decided not to; there’s something I just want to change about it, but I can’t figure it out. Oh well! Maybe some other time…Oh, and I set it during their training days.
“Changmin! Get up! You’re late!”
“C’mon Min, stop sleeping in!”
“Would you get up already?”
“Changmin, NOW.”
It was a cold, wintry day that morning when Min heard his hyungs yelling at him at various points in the morning. Groaning when he noticed the time, Changmin cursed at himself for forgetting to set his clock. He got up, or at least tried to, but found himself quickly sitting down at the sudden rush of dizziness and slight nausea. Wincing in pain, he patiently waited for the ache to pass.
“Changmin! We have to go NOW, so get your ass up!” Jaejoong banged at the door again.
“Ah…yeah, sorry, I’ll be up,” Min said, forcing himself to stand. It was a little better this time, and he tried to quickly put on some clothes and wash his face. Of all the days that I have dance practice, singing practice, and then photo shoots all strung together so closely, Min thought. Struggling with his shoes, Min grabbed his coat and ran out the door to the van.
********************
“Changmin, you have to work on your control more. I want you to be aware of your pitch and tone and make sure you listen to the others. Your singing is very passionate, very powerful, but you also have to express it with a certain amount of control and finesse. Now, start from here again please,” the instructor snapped out the rhythm as they began again.
“Okay, Changmin, do you hear at this point? You tend to go a little sharp; try not to force the note so abruptly or immediately, make sure you have the proper support to really build into the note, okay?”
“Yes sir,” Changmin said. He was still feeling rather out of sorts, and it wasn’t helping his singing was off today. Frustrated, but trying very hard to focus and concentrate, Min worked on his control. They finally made it through the song, though Yoochun and Junsu had gone a little flat at times and Yunho didn’t quite project enough. But they had practiced for hours and had made some progress. It was hard to get them all to sync together, but it was slowly developing.
Min sat on the floor, leaning against the vending machine in the hallway. Why did he feel so shitty? He knew he should get off the cold floor but he was too tired to move.
“You know, that kid Changmin is so weird. He keeps talking about the randomest shit…”
“I know right? Such a nerd sometimes…and man, sometimes he’ll sing so strong that he almost screeches…”
“He’s so tall and gawky you know? Amazing he can even do simple steps…”
Min had been slowly biting his lip while hearing the other trainees talking in the dance studio. He didn’t really like that crew, always thinking they were the greatest and the best in the academy. Blood ran a little bit from his abused bottom lip as he couldn’t help but hear their cajoles. Asses.
Frustrated, he got up to go into the music room. He almost bumped into Yunho, who slightly grimaced before saying,
“Changmin, I know we just have an hour of singing left but I wanted to go over some steps with you because you kept messing up some parts yesterday. I think it will be good to go over them since we have some time in the afternoon.”
Changmin wanted to scream, but just bit his lip harder and quickly nodded.
“Good. I’ll see you in the studio at 3pm.”
**************************
His private vocal lesson hadn’t been so bad, though his throat felt slightly ticklish. Shrugging it off, Changmin schlepped to the dance studio to find Yunho and Jaejoong. Yunho looked mad for some reason, but Jae kept speaking in calm tones. As this failed, Jae put his hands on Yunho’s shoulders, squeezing in reassurance. Yunho looked up and gave a quick grin, while Jae smiled back.
Changmin wasn’t quite sure what to make of Yunho and Jaejoong sometimes. They often had the worst verbal fighting among the whole group, but also seemed to be the most open with each other. Then again, Yoochun was pretty sensitive too and open, but he was like that with everyone.
Changmin had always been the oldest, the eldest son, the one who had to bear all the responsibility. Yet now, he was the youngest and unsure of how to really present himself. It had never been easy for Changmin to open up to anyone, especially since he had always been the one having others opening up to him. But no one really did that anymore…he was so used to another initiating and him opening up in response. But how could he initiate? It was bad enough being the youngest; he didn't also want to be seen as some sensitive crybaby who needed coddling and care.
“Changmin? Is that you?”
Changmin heard Yunho’s voice coming from the studio.
“Y-yeah. It’s me.”
Min walked in to see Jae sitting and Yunho standing by the bar.
“Jae just wanted a quick review too, which I think is good. Okay, let’s go!”
*************************
Exhausted, Changmin grabbed the shower and stood under the hot spray. Leaning against the wall, he let the water flow down, washing everything away. He would’ve stayed longer, but he knew Jae and Yunho needed to shower too so he quickly soaped up and rinsed off.
Changing into some clean clothes, Changmin decided that perhaps he would treat himself. After all, it was his birthday in four hours and for once they would have a late practice tomorrow. He wasn’t quite sure what his hyungs were up; probably playing some computer game or watching a movie. He felt slightly guilty for not really involving himself…he knew he ought to be more social, but it was hard. Yunho was always giving out advice, Jaejoong always seemed so cold and reserved, Yoochun didn’t always understand his references, and Junsu never really seemed to open up.
Changmin grabbed his wallet and coat before peeking into the lounge. He could see Yoochun reading a book in the bedroom while Junsu was battling Yunho on the PS2. He didn't see Jaejoong anywhere, but figured he was probably either lifting weights or maybe composing songs.
“Hey, I’m gonna step out for a little bit, I’ll be right back,” Changmin said.
“Okay.”
“Sure, just be careful.”
“…” Yoochun was intent on his book.
Min stepped out to scurry towards his favorite patisserie, which would be closing soon. Bells tinkled as he entered the store.
“Changmin! Good to see you again,” Mrs. Kim, the store owner greeted him readily.
“Hello! Could I have…a strawberry napoleon, a piece of lemon meringue pie, one slice of chocolate ganache torte, one mini green tea shortcake, and a fruit tart please?”
“Hmmm, not going for your usual 6’’ chocolate torte? Any special reason why?”
“No, I thought a variety might be nice…and it’ll be my birthday soon, so!”
“Ah ha…when?”
“Ummm, in four hours.”
“Well then, must celebrate in style! Let me just wrap these up for you…”
While she wrapped the deserts, Changmin noticed that it had begun to snow lightly. He peered out the window, noticing that the street lights were glowing a faint gold and that not many people were out.
“Here you go! And it’s on the house, since you’re such a good customer.”
“No, I couldn’t… I should really-“
“Nope! Anyway, I’ve locked the register so you can’t give me any money. Now, go, shoo!”
“Th-thank you very much!”
Changmin grinned brightly before stepping out into the hauntingly quiet, snowy night. There were some kids playing and cars would intermittently pass by as he walked back towards their apartment. It was peaceful, and for once, Changmin felt that he could simply be. It had been a while since he had had any alone time and he found himself wandering…
All too soon though, he found himself in front of the house. Fishing his keys, he was about to open the door when the door slammed open, hitting Min directly into his chest.
“Ouch! What are you doing?” Changmin exclaimed.
“Changmin! Where have you been? It’s been well over 3 hours!” A frustrated and angry looking Jae stared down at him as Min rubbed his sore butt.
“And what the hell did you spill?”
Changmin suddenly realized that he wasn’t carrying his box anymore; in fact, the contents had completely spilled onto the ground in colors of red, green, and yellow. Pushed to the limit, Changmin couldn't take it anymore. His throat began to choke up as he could feel the uncomfortable prickling in his eyes. He knew it would only be a matter of time before the tears filled and overflowed, making him earn once again the title of crybaby. He didn't, couldn’t look at Jae as he pushed passed him harshly and dashed to the study.
****************************
Changmin couldn't deal with this crap right now; it was already 11:45pm and he should really go to sleep. He calmed himself down, slowly easing the hiccups and the tears as he tried to breathe normally. Wiping his eyes, he walked to the window and sat down on the seat. If only he could just watch the snow fall and just forget today. Well, not that tomorrow would promise anything better considering the way things were going.
He found himself startling a little to hear the clock chiming midnight. Ah, another year was it now…and he was sixteen…
Happy Birthday, to me…Happy birthday to me…
Min softly sang to himself, drawing a cake and candles on the window frost.
“Changmin? You in here?”
It was Jaejoong. Changmin really didn't want to answer.
“Changmin, I'm opening the door if you’re here…”
Resigned, Changmin watched the door open to reveal Jaejoong. Changmin quickly looked away and wiped the cake and candles off the window.
“Changmin, were those cakes you spilled outside?”
Changmin kept staring out the window, but found himself nodding slightly. He looked at Jaejoong to see if he would make some joke about Min eating all the time, but Jae was rather quiet.
Suddenly, Jae grabbed Changmin’s wrist and dragged him off the window seat.
“What are you doing?!”
“Shhh, don't yell so loudly, the others are sleeping,” Jae said.
Jae dragged him into the kitchen and pulled him into a chair.
“Now, just watch and wait,” Jae said.
Changmin was annoyed at the rough treatment, but was curious enough to stay seated. He watched Jae grab butter, eggs, sugar, flour, cream, strawberries and baking powder. Creaming the butter with sugar, Jae expertly cracked the eggs. He added the baking powder and some salt to the flour, and then slowly added this to the eggs. Mixing and pouring the batter into two cake pans, Jae put the two pans in the oven as he mixed the cream with some confectioner’s sugar in another bowl.
“I…didn’t know you made deserts too…” Jae often cooked dinners, but it was the first time Min had seen Jae cook in front of him.
“I actually don't really like sweet things. But my sisters really like strawberry shortcake, so I got really good at making it,” Jae replied.
He quickly washed the strawberries and sliced them thinly. Popping them in the fridge, he checked on the cakes with a toothpick.
“Hmm, about ten more minutes…”
“Why are you doing this?” Changmin asked. Jae wasn’t usually prone to sudden acts of kindness. It was true that he did cook a lot and often would go into organizing frenzies when frustrated, but it was usually also for himself and not just for others.
Jae didn't quite answer, only exclaiming a little happily to find the cakes done. Carefully lifting the two cakes onto racks, he took out the strawberries. He beat the cream steadily, adding some cream of tartar until stiff peaks formed. Testing the cakes to make sure they were cool enough, he spread the frosting and arranged the strawberries. Putting another layer of cream on top, he placed the other cake on top. The top layer was soon frosted and Jae arranged the strawberries.
Changmin’s mouth watered at the sight of the cake, freshly baked and made right in front of him. He grabbed two forks, plates and a knife and was about to cut slices when Jae stopped him.
“Changmin, I know things can be tough, but…you should never have to sing happy birthday to yourself,” Jae quietly said. He then softly kissed Min’s cheek.
Changmin was shocked to really do anything at first. He turned bright red, and also found himself choking up again.
“I, uh, um…th-thank you…” But Min couldn’t hold it any longer and he felt his eyes brim full with tears.
“And, I'm sorry if I seem overbearing on you sometimes. I’m just worried about you,” Jae whispered as he hugged Min and wiped the tears away.
“N-no, I’m sorry for worrying you-“ Min was finding himself floundering in his emotions, though with Jae hugging him he began to feel another form of nervousness. Changmin didn't quite know what to make of his sudden shift of feeling, from embarrassed to overjoyed to…excited?
“A-ah, we should um, cut the cake! Yes…” Changmin was slowly trying to extricate himself from Jae and focus on the food instead of feeling distracted. Damn his stupid teenager hormones; this was NOT the appropriate feeling nor was it appropriate in front of Jae who was only being a friend.
Jae simply smiled. He could see Changmin was flustered and seemed to be having a “problem.” He felt bad for not realizing earlier that it was Changmin’s birthday but wished the boy would talk more to him.
“So…Changmin…”
“Uh, y-yes?”
“I was wondering if I could give you a present…”
“But, you already made me a cake! I think, I think that’s plenty! and thank you!”
“Mmmm, this is true. But I wanted to give you something else.”
“Something else? Like what?”
“And I’m going to ask you if you want it.”
“But it’s a present! I’m sure whatever it is, I’ll like it.”
“Can I kiss you?”
“Wait, wha-“
But Jae didn't wait for Min to answer. He lightly brushed Changmin’s lips, slightly caressing Min’s top lip with his own. Coaxing Changmin’s mouth apart, Jae lightly sucked while quickly teasing with his tongue. He felt Min tremble, felt knees buckle slightly and grabbed Min’s hips to steady him.
“Happy Birthday Minnie…”
Genre: One-shot
Rating: PG
A/N: So, was going to enter this in a contest, but decided not to; there’s something I just want to change about it, but I can’t figure it out. Oh well! Maybe some other time…Oh, and I set it during their training days.
“Changmin! Get up! You’re late!”
“C’mon Min, stop sleeping in!”
“Would you get up already?”
“Changmin, NOW.”
It was a cold, wintry day that morning when Min heard his hyungs yelling at him at various points in the morning. Groaning when he noticed the time, Changmin cursed at himself for forgetting to set his clock. He got up, or at least tried to, but found himself quickly sitting down at the sudden rush of dizziness and slight nausea. Wincing in pain, he patiently waited for the ache to pass.
“Changmin! We have to go NOW, so get your ass up!” Jaejoong banged at the door again.
“Ah…yeah, sorry, I’ll be up,” Min said, forcing himself to stand. It was a little better this time, and he tried to quickly put on some clothes and wash his face. Of all the days that I have dance practice, singing practice, and then photo shoots all strung together so closely, Min thought. Struggling with his shoes, Min grabbed his coat and ran out the door to the van.
********************
“Changmin, you have to work on your control more. I want you to be aware of your pitch and tone and make sure you listen to the others. Your singing is very passionate, very powerful, but you also have to express it with a certain amount of control and finesse. Now, start from here again please,” the instructor snapped out the rhythm as they began again.
“Okay, Changmin, do you hear at this point? You tend to go a little sharp; try not to force the note so abruptly or immediately, make sure you have the proper support to really build into the note, okay?”
“Yes sir,” Changmin said. He was still feeling rather out of sorts, and it wasn’t helping his singing was off today. Frustrated, but trying very hard to focus and concentrate, Min worked on his control. They finally made it through the song, though Yoochun and Junsu had gone a little flat at times and Yunho didn’t quite project enough. But they had practiced for hours and had made some progress. It was hard to get them all to sync together, but it was slowly developing.
Min sat on the floor, leaning against the vending machine in the hallway. Why did he feel so shitty? He knew he should get off the cold floor but he was too tired to move.
“You know, that kid Changmin is so weird. He keeps talking about the randomest shit…”
“I know right? Such a nerd sometimes…and man, sometimes he’ll sing so strong that he almost screeches…”
“He’s so tall and gawky you know? Amazing he can even do simple steps…”
Min had been slowly biting his lip while hearing the other trainees talking in the dance studio. He didn’t really like that crew, always thinking they were the greatest and the best in the academy. Blood ran a little bit from his abused bottom lip as he couldn’t help but hear their cajoles. Asses.
Frustrated, he got up to go into the music room. He almost bumped into Yunho, who slightly grimaced before saying,
“Changmin, I know we just have an hour of singing left but I wanted to go over some steps with you because you kept messing up some parts yesterday. I think it will be good to go over them since we have some time in the afternoon.”
Changmin wanted to scream, but just bit his lip harder and quickly nodded.
“Good. I’ll see you in the studio at 3pm.”
**************************
His private vocal lesson hadn’t been so bad, though his throat felt slightly ticklish. Shrugging it off, Changmin schlepped to the dance studio to find Yunho and Jaejoong. Yunho looked mad for some reason, but Jae kept speaking in calm tones. As this failed, Jae put his hands on Yunho’s shoulders, squeezing in reassurance. Yunho looked up and gave a quick grin, while Jae smiled back.
Changmin wasn’t quite sure what to make of Yunho and Jaejoong sometimes. They often had the worst verbal fighting among the whole group, but also seemed to be the most open with each other. Then again, Yoochun was pretty sensitive too and open, but he was like that with everyone.
Changmin had always been the oldest, the eldest son, the one who had to bear all the responsibility. Yet now, he was the youngest and unsure of how to really present himself. It had never been easy for Changmin to open up to anyone, especially since he had always been the one having others opening up to him. But no one really did that anymore…he was so used to another initiating and him opening up in response. But how could he initiate? It was bad enough being the youngest; he didn't also want to be seen as some sensitive crybaby who needed coddling and care.
“Changmin? Is that you?”
Changmin heard Yunho’s voice coming from the studio.
“Y-yeah. It’s me.”
Min walked in to see Jae sitting and Yunho standing by the bar.
“Jae just wanted a quick review too, which I think is good. Okay, let’s go!”
*************************
Exhausted, Changmin grabbed the shower and stood under the hot spray. Leaning against the wall, he let the water flow down, washing everything away. He would’ve stayed longer, but he knew Jae and Yunho needed to shower too so he quickly soaped up and rinsed off.
Changing into some clean clothes, Changmin decided that perhaps he would treat himself. After all, it was his birthday in four hours and for once they would have a late practice tomorrow. He wasn’t quite sure what his hyungs were up; probably playing some computer game or watching a movie. He felt slightly guilty for not really involving himself…he knew he ought to be more social, but it was hard. Yunho was always giving out advice, Jaejoong always seemed so cold and reserved, Yoochun didn’t always understand his references, and Junsu never really seemed to open up.
Changmin grabbed his wallet and coat before peeking into the lounge. He could see Yoochun reading a book in the bedroom while Junsu was battling Yunho on the PS2. He didn't see Jaejoong anywhere, but figured he was probably either lifting weights or maybe composing songs.
“Hey, I’m gonna step out for a little bit, I’ll be right back,” Changmin said.
“Okay.”
“Sure, just be careful.”
“…” Yoochun was intent on his book.
Min stepped out to scurry towards his favorite patisserie, which would be closing soon. Bells tinkled as he entered the store.
“Changmin! Good to see you again,” Mrs. Kim, the store owner greeted him readily.
“Hello! Could I have…a strawberry napoleon, a piece of lemon meringue pie, one slice of chocolate ganache torte, one mini green tea shortcake, and a fruit tart please?”
“Hmmm, not going for your usual 6’’ chocolate torte? Any special reason why?”
“No, I thought a variety might be nice…and it’ll be my birthday soon, so!”
“Ah ha…when?”
“Ummm, in four hours.”
“Well then, must celebrate in style! Let me just wrap these up for you…”
While she wrapped the deserts, Changmin noticed that it had begun to snow lightly. He peered out the window, noticing that the street lights were glowing a faint gold and that not many people were out.
“Here you go! And it’s on the house, since you’re such a good customer.”
“No, I couldn’t… I should really-“
“Nope! Anyway, I’ve locked the register so you can’t give me any money. Now, go, shoo!”
“Th-thank you very much!”
Changmin grinned brightly before stepping out into the hauntingly quiet, snowy night. There were some kids playing and cars would intermittently pass by as he walked back towards their apartment. It was peaceful, and for once, Changmin felt that he could simply be. It had been a while since he had had any alone time and he found himself wandering…
All too soon though, he found himself in front of the house. Fishing his keys, he was about to open the door when the door slammed open, hitting Min directly into his chest.
“Ouch! What are you doing?” Changmin exclaimed.
“Changmin! Where have you been? It’s been well over 3 hours!” A frustrated and angry looking Jae stared down at him as Min rubbed his sore butt.
“And what the hell did you spill?”
Changmin suddenly realized that he wasn’t carrying his box anymore; in fact, the contents had completely spilled onto the ground in colors of red, green, and yellow. Pushed to the limit, Changmin couldn't take it anymore. His throat began to choke up as he could feel the uncomfortable prickling in his eyes. He knew it would only be a matter of time before the tears filled and overflowed, making him earn once again the title of crybaby. He didn't, couldn’t look at Jae as he pushed passed him harshly and dashed to the study.
****************************
Changmin couldn't deal with this crap right now; it was already 11:45pm and he should really go to sleep. He calmed himself down, slowly easing the hiccups and the tears as he tried to breathe normally. Wiping his eyes, he walked to the window and sat down on the seat. If only he could just watch the snow fall and just forget today. Well, not that tomorrow would promise anything better considering the way things were going.
He found himself startling a little to hear the clock chiming midnight. Ah, another year was it now…and he was sixteen…
Happy Birthday, to me…Happy birthday to me…
Min softly sang to himself, drawing a cake and candles on the window frost.
“Changmin? You in here?”
It was Jaejoong. Changmin really didn't want to answer.
“Changmin, I'm opening the door if you’re here…”
Resigned, Changmin watched the door open to reveal Jaejoong. Changmin quickly looked away and wiped the cake and candles off the window.
“Changmin, were those cakes you spilled outside?”
Changmin kept staring out the window, but found himself nodding slightly. He looked at Jaejoong to see if he would make some joke about Min eating all the time, but Jae was rather quiet.
Suddenly, Jae grabbed Changmin’s wrist and dragged him off the window seat.
“What are you doing?!”
“Shhh, don't yell so loudly, the others are sleeping,” Jae said.
Jae dragged him into the kitchen and pulled him into a chair.
“Now, just watch and wait,” Jae said.
Changmin was annoyed at the rough treatment, but was curious enough to stay seated. He watched Jae grab butter, eggs, sugar, flour, cream, strawberries and baking powder. Creaming the butter with sugar, Jae expertly cracked the eggs. He added the baking powder and some salt to the flour, and then slowly added this to the eggs. Mixing and pouring the batter into two cake pans, Jae put the two pans in the oven as he mixed the cream with some confectioner’s sugar in another bowl.
“I…didn’t know you made deserts too…” Jae often cooked dinners, but it was the first time Min had seen Jae cook in front of him.
“I actually don't really like sweet things. But my sisters really like strawberry shortcake, so I got really good at making it,” Jae replied.
He quickly washed the strawberries and sliced them thinly. Popping them in the fridge, he checked on the cakes with a toothpick.
“Hmm, about ten more minutes…”
“Why are you doing this?” Changmin asked. Jae wasn’t usually prone to sudden acts of kindness. It was true that he did cook a lot and often would go into organizing frenzies when frustrated, but it was usually also for himself and not just for others.
Jae didn't quite answer, only exclaiming a little happily to find the cakes done. Carefully lifting the two cakes onto racks, he took out the strawberries. He beat the cream steadily, adding some cream of tartar until stiff peaks formed. Testing the cakes to make sure they were cool enough, he spread the frosting and arranged the strawberries. Putting another layer of cream on top, he placed the other cake on top. The top layer was soon frosted and Jae arranged the strawberries.
Changmin’s mouth watered at the sight of the cake, freshly baked and made right in front of him. He grabbed two forks, plates and a knife and was about to cut slices when Jae stopped him.
“Changmin, I know things can be tough, but…you should never have to sing happy birthday to yourself,” Jae quietly said. He then softly kissed Min’s cheek.
Changmin was shocked to really do anything at first. He turned bright red, and also found himself choking up again.
“I, uh, um…th-thank you…” But Min couldn’t hold it any longer and he felt his eyes brim full with tears.
“And, I'm sorry if I seem overbearing on you sometimes. I’m just worried about you,” Jae whispered as he hugged Min and wiped the tears away.
“N-no, I’m sorry for worrying you-“ Min was finding himself floundering in his emotions, though with Jae hugging him he began to feel another form of nervousness. Changmin didn't quite know what to make of his sudden shift of feeling, from embarrassed to overjoyed to…excited?
“A-ah, we should um, cut the cake! Yes…” Changmin was slowly trying to extricate himself from Jae and focus on the food instead of feeling distracted. Damn his stupid teenager hormones; this was NOT the appropriate feeling nor was it appropriate in front of Jae who was only being a friend.
Jae simply smiled. He could see Changmin was flustered and seemed to be having a “problem.” He felt bad for not realizing earlier that it was Changmin’s birthday but wished the boy would talk more to him.
“So…Changmin…”
“Uh, y-yes?”
“I was wondering if I could give you a present…”
“But, you already made me a cake! I think, I think that’s plenty! and thank you!”
“Mmmm, this is true. But I wanted to give you something else.”
“Something else? Like what?”
“And I’m going to ask you if you want it.”
“But it’s a present! I’m sure whatever it is, I’ll like it.”
“Can I kiss you?”
“Wait, wha-“
But Jae didn't wait for Min to answer. He lightly brushed Changmin’s lips, slightly caressing Min’s top lip with his own. Coaxing Changmin’s mouth apart, Jae lightly sucked while quickly teasing with his tongue. He felt Min tremble, felt knees buckle slightly and grabbed Min’s hips to steady him.
“Happy Birthday Minnie…”