leave out all the rest [3/?]
leave out all the rest
yoochun/junsu, changmin/junsu, yunho/jaejoong, yoochun/jaejoong, yunho/junsu
angst, action, drama, romance, chaptered, 2033 words, pg.
summary: breakups aren't always as simple as they look.
chapters: 1 | 2 | 3
a/n: the plot thickens ... and changmin makes a small appearance (: anyone has any good yoosu / jaesu / minsu fics to rec?
III
When they were in Jaejoong’s room, Yoochun hastily pulled the crimson curtains close behind them. Junsu was momentarily stunned by the grandeur of the room; he was expecting something similar to that of Yoochun’s house. The spacious room was dominated by a huge bed, with long drapes overhead; while a thick, mauve rug rested under their feet. Opposite the bed was an ajar door, where rows and rows of branded clothes hung and stylish shoes lay in their respective boxes. And on the desk, a rainbow-sparkling mouse glittered at him beside a flatscreen Macbook …
“Yah, Jun-chan, stop ogling and lend me some help here!” When he snapped out of his reverie, he realised that Yoochun had already begun his search.
“How am I supposed to help if I don’t even know what we’re looking for?” Junsu grumbled.
“It’s a specialised computer chip. It’s small, but noticeable because it’s programmed to blink when it detects humans’ body temperature. Jaejoong wouldn’t be bringing it around because people would notice easily. Not ideal for top commercial secrets but then again what is contained within the chip… only concerns me alone.”
They were careful not to leave any prints, donning leather gloves to avoid arousing suspicion. After some time, Yoochun spoke up. “I don’t think it’s in here.”
“Like you said, it’s impossible for Jaejoong to carry it around with him. The safest place … where’s the safest place to hide something as precious as that chip?”
The answer came quickly to Yoochun as it did for Junsu.
“The safe!” Both of them exclaimed in undertones. Making their way over to Jaejoong’s dressing room, Yoochun discovered a side door that opened to reveal a small, dark space where a silver, metal square box nestled. In the darkness, the digital glow of the words ‘INPUT PASSWORD’ was reflected in their orbs.
“I think this should be it.” Junsu knelt down beside Yoochun, who was trying to figure out the password. “Do you know the password?” He asked, but Yoochun shook his head.
Suddenly, loud footsteps echoed in the corridor towards Jaejoong’s room. “Quick, search Young Master’s room. We have spotted intruders!”
Junsu paled. “In here!” Yoochun wrenched the side door close behind them, plunging down into darkness just as security guards stormed into Jaejoong’s room. The space containing the safe was cramped; Junsu was sandwiched uncomfortably between the wall and Yoochun. “Go away … go away …” He could make out Yoochun’s mutterings, the warm air tickling his ear.
“The intruders must still be within this room! Search every nook and cranny until you find them!” The same voice rang out across the room. Yoochun and Junsu held their breaths in trepidation as Jaejoong’s dressing room door was flung open.
“Don’t move,” Yoochun whispered in Junsu’s ear again, both arms holding the trembling man in place, bodies pressed together. They could hear someone pacing up and down in the dressing room, pushing apart hangers roughly.
“Sir. We have not found signs of any intrusion. Could it be a mistake?” A low voice reported their results. Reluctantly, the leader dismissed the guards and the echoes of their footsteps died away gradually.
Inside the small space, two men let out sighs of relief in unison, tension leaving their bodies. “They’re gone.” Yoochun breathed easier.
“Yah … Park Yoochun, could you please let go of me? You’re crushing me!” Junsu complained softly. Their eyes were accustomed to the darkness now; Yoochun could make out Junsu’s eyes, Junsu’s nose, the soft contours of his face. He remembered the first time he laid eyes on Kim Junsu, and the first impression he had of him. Junsu’s lips were unlike Jaejoong’s, alluring and pouty; they were fuller and inviting. It reminded him of a soft, blooming flower, gentle and sweet. Yoochun put out his fingers to touch the flower; he wanted to know how it felt like under his caress.
“Park Yoochun, what’s wrong with you?” Junsu smacked his hand away, not knowing Yoochun’s intentions. “Hurry up and think of the password, we have to leave this place soon!”
The spell was broken. Yoochun tried to gather himself together and buried all thoughts of Junsu’s lips - no, the flower - at the back of his mind.
***
“Aish!” Yoochun scratched his head, ruffling his hair. “I can’t break the password!”
“Try your own name,” Junsu supplied helpfully.
“I already did!” Yoochun moaned in frustration. All that was displayed on the screen were green infuriating words of “PASSWORD INCORRECT. PLEASE TRY AGAIN”.
“Well, what a shared anniversary? Or the day you first met him?”
“No use; I’ve tried that already.” Yoochun wished he was psychic now. They had already come this close to finding the chip and they had to be thwarted by a six-letter password.
“What about your birthday? Or his birthday?” Junsu’s suggestion rang a bell in his head.
Typing in six digits quickly, the sturdy lock finally yielded and opened with a click. Glancing over at Junsu, they wore identical grins of success and shared a high five.
When the door of the safe swung open with a grating sound, the smiles were wiped from their faces.
“What the hell?!” Yoochun could have smashed the safe if not for the fact that it would incur a great amount of noise.
“There’s no chip in here… there’s only a small box.” Junsu pulled it out and opened it quickly. “It’s a pair of rings … I’m really sorry, Yoochun. Our search was futile tonight.” He could see the apparent disappointment written all over the other’s face.
“It’s alright. As long as I have one breath remaining, I will find that chip.” Yoochun vowed. Taking a closer look at the rings, Yoochun spotted the curves inside the silver bands. “Junsu … there are engravings on these rings.”
“Hey, you’re right! But it’s in English … This one says … Jay … Jay Jung?”
“It’s Jaejoong.” Yoochun confirmed. Picking up the other ring, Yoochun hesitated.
“What is it?” Junsu was curious.
“… This one says Yunho.”
***
The effect that his words had on Junsu was instantaneous. The life in his eyes was replaced by a flood of hurt. Yunho and Jaejoong, Junsu placed both rings back with shaking hands. Yoochun pretended not to see the glistening tears that cascaded from the corners of Junsu’s eyes and busied himself with covering up their marks, hoping to leave Junsu with a little pride.
There was a pregnant silence as they panned the room and made their escape into the night before Kim Jaejoong returned from dinner. Yoochun was at a loss for words; he could not find the right words to comfort the other man because he, too, know how it felt.
When they reached the main streets of Seoul, Junsu turned to face Yoochun. “I’m sorry; that was inappropriate of me.”
“Junsu … It’s okay. You don’t have to be so formal with me. We may not be buddies, but we’re still friends. What’s more, I owe you for coming out with me tonight.” Yoochun tried to lighten the mood.
“Thanks.” Junsu’s voice was brittle now, his shirt fluttered in the cool autumn wind of Korea. “I’ll see you another time … call me if you need my help.”
“Sure thing. Take care of yourself, Jun-chan.” Yoochun patted Junsu’s shoulder, and the latter could only manage a feeble smile in reply.
Yoochun watched the retreating back stumble into the crowd that roamed Seoul’s streets at night. Somehow, Junsu’s disconsolate expression was etched deeply into his mind.
***
As he slipped off his shoes in the dimly-lit hallway, he could hear the sounds of a late night movie playing on television. Yunho hadn’t expected Junsu to wait for his return that night; he was still giving him the cold shoulder treatment. What further surprised him were the empty cans of beer strewn all over the living room, with Junsu half-lying, half-leaning on the edge of the couch. Hurriedly, Yunho went to check on Junsu and heaved a sigh of relief when he realised that he was just drunk.
Junsu did not stir as Yunho picked him up by his arms, steering him towards their bedroom. Dumping the unconscious man on the soft mattress, he carefully tugged the covers over Junsu, watching as the younger’s chest rose and fell with every breath. His Junsu had never gotten this drunk in the years of their relationship, so what exactly was the cause of his misery?
There was only one reason he could think of right now, and Yunho has had his suspicions for a long time now.
Still, it was highly unlike Junsu’s personality to keep things to himself even if he had found out about something. Since the day that he had decided to be together with Jaejoong, Yunho had imagined countless possibilities of Junsu’s reaction after knowing the truth, but he had not predicted that Junsu could keep such a big secret to himself. Someone, or something must have convinced him to do so.
Yunho was determined to get to the bottom of this. No matter what, Junsu was still important to him in his heart, and no one, no one was allowed to hurt this precious being but him.
***
Junsu scrunched up another piece of paper and tossed it into the overflowing paper bin. Countless drafts filled his table and none was satisfactory to his swollen red eyes. The deadline for his monthly submission was around the corner, but he could not draw up any inspiration for his column. Groaning, he pressed a hand to his throbbing stomach, which could not have chosen a better time to protest.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Picking himself up, Junsu did not bother to tidy his appearance before answering the door. “I’ve said many times, I’m not interested in buying a vacuum … Yoochun?”
The grinning, suave man in his doorway merely raised the bagful of food in his hands.
***
“You are absolutely my saviour,” Junsu exclaimed between mouthfuls of ramen and chicken, “How did you manage to find my place?”
“I texted Yunho to ask him on the pretext that I had something important to consult you. I could tell he wasn’t exactly willing to, though. Where’s he, anyway?” Yoochun asked casually over the steaming bowls of ramen he had brought.
At the mention of Yunho’s name, Junsu’s hand slipped, knocking his spoon on the edge of the ceramic bowl. “He’s away again...” With Jaejoong was what completed the rest of his sentence, but he swallowed it down together with the rest of his soup.
“Have you guys talked it over?” Yoochun’s tone was concerned.
Junsu evaded all eye contact with the other. “I barely see him around these days, let alone get to even talk to him.” I don’t want to talk to him was the honest answer, but Junsu did not want to admit that.
Yoochun looked sympathetic towards his plight. “I can understand how that feels.”
“Enough about me,” Junsu changed the topic abruptly. “How are things progressing on your side?”
“Junsu …” Wordlessly, Yoochun slid a tabloid cover towards him hesitantly. “I know this may hurt you, but I think it’s important that you know.”
The headline stung his eyes, but the photo was nothing new to him anymore. Ugly Truth Exposed: Heir of Kim Corporations With His Homosexual Lover?
“… You did this?” Trembling, he placed the tabloid back on the table top. A few words that carried thousands of tons of weight, enough to shatter the lives of both Kim Jaejoong and Jung Yunho.
“That’s my point. I wasn’t responsible for this.” Yoochun’s hands were curled into fists now. “It was supposed to be part of my plan, but only as a bargaining chip. I intended to bargain with Kim Jaejoong using his affair with Yunho, but I hadn’t expected the news to leak out so soon. Someone else must have does this to ruin my plans.”
“If it wasn’t you … then who?” Junsu was perplexed now. “Who else would know of the truth between you and Jaejoong?”
“I can only think of two people right now,” Yoochun wore a grim expression. “Kim Shin Wook and Shim Changmin.”
***
yoochun/junsu, changmin/junsu, yunho/jaejoong, yoochun/jaejoong, yunho/junsu
angst, action, drama, romance, chaptered, 2033 words, pg.
summary: breakups aren't always as simple as they look.
chapters: 1 | 2 | 3
a/n: the plot thickens ... and changmin makes a small appearance (: anyone has any good yoosu / jaesu / minsu fics to rec?
III
When they were in Jaejoong’s room, Yoochun hastily pulled the crimson curtains close behind them. Junsu was momentarily stunned by the grandeur of the room; he was expecting something similar to that of Yoochun’s house. The spacious room was dominated by a huge bed, with long drapes overhead; while a thick, mauve rug rested under their feet. Opposite the bed was an ajar door, where rows and rows of branded clothes hung and stylish shoes lay in their respective boxes. And on the desk, a rainbow-sparkling mouse glittered at him beside a flatscreen Macbook …
“Yah, Jun-chan, stop ogling and lend me some help here!” When he snapped out of his reverie, he realised that Yoochun had already begun his search.
“How am I supposed to help if I don’t even know what we’re looking for?” Junsu grumbled.
“It’s a specialised computer chip. It’s small, but noticeable because it’s programmed to blink when it detects humans’ body temperature. Jaejoong wouldn’t be bringing it around because people would notice easily. Not ideal for top commercial secrets but then again what is contained within the chip… only concerns me alone.”
They were careful not to leave any prints, donning leather gloves to avoid arousing suspicion. After some time, Yoochun spoke up. “I don’t think it’s in here.”
“Like you said, it’s impossible for Jaejoong to carry it around with him. The safest place … where’s the safest place to hide something as precious as that chip?”
The answer came quickly to Yoochun as it did for Junsu.
“The safe!” Both of them exclaimed in undertones. Making their way over to Jaejoong’s dressing room, Yoochun discovered a side door that opened to reveal a small, dark space where a silver, metal square box nestled. In the darkness, the digital glow of the words ‘INPUT PASSWORD’ was reflected in their orbs.
“I think this should be it.” Junsu knelt down beside Yoochun, who was trying to figure out the password. “Do you know the password?” He asked, but Yoochun shook his head.
Suddenly, loud footsteps echoed in the corridor towards Jaejoong’s room. “Quick, search Young Master’s room. We have spotted intruders!”
Junsu paled. “In here!” Yoochun wrenched the side door close behind them, plunging down into darkness just as security guards stormed into Jaejoong’s room. The space containing the safe was cramped; Junsu was sandwiched uncomfortably between the wall and Yoochun. “Go away … go away …” He could make out Yoochun’s mutterings, the warm air tickling his ear.
“The intruders must still be within this room! Search every nook and cranny until you find them!” The same voice rang out across the room. Yoochun and Junsu held their breaths in trepidation as Jaejoong’s dressing room door was flung open.
“Don’t move,” Yoochun whispered in Junsu’s ear again, both arms holding the trembling man in place, bodies pressed together. They could hear someone pacing up and down in the dressing room, pushing apart hangers roughly.
“Sir. We have not found signs of any intrusion. Could it be a mistake?” A low voice reported their results. Reluctantly, the leader dismissed the guards and the echoes of their footsteps died away gradually.
Inside the small space, two men let out sighs of relief in unison, tension leaving their bodies. “They’re gone.” Yoochun breathed easier.
“Yah … Park Yoochun, could you please let go of me? You’re crushing me!” Junsu complained softly. Their eyes were accustomed to the darkness now; Yoochun could make out Junsu’s eyes, Junsu’s nose, the soft contours of his face. He remembered the first time he laid eyes on Kim Junsu, and the first impression he had of him. Junsu’s lips were unlike Jaejoong’s, alluring and pouty; they were fuller and inviting. It reminded him of a soft, blooming flower, gentle and sweet. Yoochun put out his fingers to touch the flower; he wanted to know how it felt like under his caress.
“Park Yoochun, what’s wrong with you?” Junsu smacked his hand away, not knowing Yoochun’s intentions. “Hurry up and think of the password, we have to leave this place soon!”
The spell was broken. Yoochun tried to gather himself together and buried all thoughts of Junsu’s lips - no, the flower - at the back of his mind.
***
“Aish!” Yoochun scratched his head, ruffling his hair. “I can’t break the password!”
“Try your own name,” Junsu supplied helpfully.
“I already did!” Yoochun moaned in frustration. All that was displayed on the screen were green infuriating words of “PASSWORD INCORRECT. PLEASE TRY AGAIN”.
“Well, what a shared anniversary? Or the day you first met him?”
“No use; I’ve tried that already.” Yoochun wished he was psychic now. They had already come this close to finding the chip and they had to be thwarted by a six-letter password.
“What about your birthday? Or his birthday?” Junsu’s suggestion rang a bell in his head.
Typing in six digits quickly, the sturdy lock finally yielded and opened with a click. Glancing over at Junsu, they wore identical grins of success and shared a high five.
When the door of the safe swung open with a grating sound, the smiles were wiped from their faces.
“What the hell?!” Yoochun could have smashed the safe if not for the fact that it would incur a great amount of noise.
“There’s no chip in here… there’s only a small box.” Junsu pulled it out and opened it quickly. “It’s a pair of rings … I’m really sorry, Yoochun. Our search was futile tonight.” He could see the apparent disappointment written all over the other’s face.
“It’s alright. As long as I have one breath remaining, I will find that chip.” Yoochun vowed. Taking a closer look at the rings, Yoochun spotted the curves inside the silver bands. “Junsu … there are engravings on these rings.”
“Hey, you’re right! But it’s in English … This one says … Jay … Jay Jung?”
“It’s Jaejoong.” Yoochun confirmed. Picking up the other ring, Yoochun hesitated.
“What is it?” Junsu was curious.
“… This one says Yunho.”
***
The effect that his words had on Junsu was instantaneous. The life in his eyes was replaced by a flood of hurt. Yunho and Jaejoong, Junsu placed both rings back with shaking hands. Yoochun pretended not to see the glistening tears that cascaded from the corners of Junsu’s eyes and busied himself with covering up their marks, hoping to leave Junsu with a little pride.
There was a pregnant silence as they panned the room and made their escape into the night before Kim Jaejoong returned from dinner. Yoochun was at a loss for words; he could not find the right words to comfort the other man because he, too, know how it felt.
When they reached the main streets of Seoul, Junsu turned to face Yoochun. “I’m sorry; that was inappropriate of me.”
“Junsu … It’s okay. You don’t have to be so formal with me. We may not be buddies, but we’re still friends. What’s more, I owe you for coming out with me tonight.” Yoochun tried to lighten the mood.
“Thanks.” Junsu’s voice was brittle now, his shirt fluttered in the cool autumn wind of Korea. “I’ll see you another time … call me if you need my help.”
“Sure thing. Take care of yourself, Jun-chan.” Yoochun patted Junsu’s shoulder, and the latter could only manage a feeble smile in reply.
Yoochun watched the retreating back stumble into the crowd that roamed Seoul’s streets at night. Somehow, Junsu’s disconsolate expression was etched deeply into his mind.
***
As he slipped off his shoes in the dimly-lit hallway, he could hear the sounds of a late night movie playing on television. Yunho hadn’t expected Junsu to wait for his return that night; he was still giving him the cold shoulder treatment. What further surprised him were the empty cans of beer strewn all over the living room, with Junsu half-lying, half-leaning on the edge of the couch. Hurriedly, Yunho went to check on Junsu and heaved a sigh of relief when he realised that he was just drunk.
Junsu did not stir as Yunho picked him up by his arms, steering him towards their bedroom. Dumping the unconscious man on the soft mattress, he carefully tugged the covers over Junsu, watching as the younger’s chest rose and fell with every breath. His Junsu had never gotten this drunk in the years of their relationship, so what exactly was the cause of his misery?
There was only one reason he could think of right now, and Yunho has had his suspicions for a long time now.
Still, it was highly unlike Junsu’s personality to keep things to himself even if he had found out about something. Since the day that he had decided to be together with Jaejoong, Yunho had imagined countless possibilities of Junsu’s reaction after knowing the truth, but he had not predicted that Junsu could keep such a big secret to himself. Someone, or something must have convinced him to do so.
Yunho was determined to get to the bottom of this. No matter what, Junsu was still important to him in his heart, and no one, no one was allowed to hurt this precious being but him.
***
Junsu scrunched up another piece of paper and tossed it into the overflowing paper bin. Countless drafts filled his table and none was satisfactory to his swollen red eyes. The deadline for his monthly submission was around the corner, but he could not draw up any inspiration for his column. Groaning, he pressed a hand to his throbbing stomach, which could not have chosen a better time to protest.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Picking himself up, Junsu did not bother to tidy his appearance before answering the door. “I’ve said many times, I’m not interested in buying a vacuum … Yoochun?”
The grinning, suave man in his doorway merely raised the bagful of food in his hands.
***
“You are absolutely my saviour,” Junsu exclaimed between mouthfuls of ramen and chicken, “How did you manage to find my place?”
“I texted Yunho to ask him on the pretext that I had something important to consult you. I could tell he wasn’t exactly willing to, though. Where’s he, anyway?” Yoochun asked casually over the steaming bowls of ramen he had brought.
At the mention of Yunho’s name, Junsu’s hand slipped, knocking his spoon on the edge of the ceramic bowl. “He’s away again...” With Jaejoong was what completed the rest of his sentence, but he swallowed it down together with the rest of his soup.
“Have you guys talked it over?” Yoochun’s tone was concerned.
Junsu evaded all eye contact with the other. “I barely see him around these days, let alone get to even talk to him.” I don’t want to talk to him was the honest answer, but Junsu did not want to admit that.
Yoochun looked sympathetic towards his plight. “I can understand how that feels.”
“Enough about me,” Junsu changed the topic abruptly. “How are things progressing on your side?”
“Junsu …” Wordlessly, Yoochun slid a tabloid cover towards him hesitantly. “I know this may hurt you, but I think it’s important that you know.”
The headline stung his eyes, but the photo was nothing new to him anymore. Ugly Truth Exposed: Heir of Kim Corporations With His Homosexual Lover?
“… You did this?” Trembling, he placed the tabloid back on the table top. A few words that carried thousands of tons of weight, enough to shatter the lives of both Kim Jaejoong and Jung Yunho.
“That’s my point. I wasn’t responsible for this.” Yoochun’s hands were curled into fists now. “It was supposed to be part of my plan, but only as a bargaining chip. I intended to bargain with Kim Jaejoong using his affair with Yunho, but I hadn’t expected the news to leak out so soon. Someone else must have does this to ruin my plans.”
“If it wasn’t you … then who?” Junsu was perplexed now. “Who else would know of the truth between you and Jaejoong?”
“I can only think of two people right now,” Yoochun wore a grim expression. “Kim Shin Wook and Shim Changmin.”
***