untitled
one
junsu/liyin
I.
"If she doesn't show up this instant I'm going to cease all communications with her!" A distraught bride cries, slumping onto the floor. The bridesmaids scurry along to soothe her, warning that if she cries now she would have to take another hour and half of make up. "She has to be here! My angel!"
They reassure that she will, she wouldn't miss it for the world. You know she never breaks promises! The bride pauses to look at them, tears brimming her eyes. Yes, of course, she never breaks her promises, especially ones she'd made years ago-that she'd sing in her wedding when the time comes. Still, the four and half month pregnant bride feels unassured, and with the mood swings already a mess, another cry is ready to erupt from her trembling lips.
"Yeobo yah!" A panic-stricken groom yells through the door to their room. "Are you alright!?"
One of the bridesmaids rush to the door and effectively blocks the groom from entering-wedding superstitions and all-and hurriedly asks if the singer arrived yet.
"What? No-"
"Your wife-to-be-soon-mother is fine, she just wants her here," she calms the groom. "She'll be ready, I promise." And with that she slams the door, leaving him and the gathered best men dumbfounded.
The doors to the hall open abruptly to reveal a disheveled woman dressed for the occasion, heels in hand and out of breath.
"Riin ah!"
"Oppa!" She gasps, running towards the men in black suits. "I'm so sorry, the air traffic was ridiculous. The plane wouldn't land."
"Okay, okay. Just please get in there, she's losing her mind," he pushes her gently to the bride's dressing room. "I have to get married tonight!"
Riin laughs, and gives the older man a pat on the shoulder. I will make sure you'll get married. They hear another cry, giving her the cue to leave, but not before double checking his attire and fixing his bow.
"We'll see you in twenty minutes," she smiles, disappearing into the room.
"You have got to be kidding me," Asia's brightest star groans, staring at the long line of seemingly immobile cars in front of them. "The wedding is in less than an hour!"
His manager glares through the front mirror, ready to scowl with a I told you so! If the former didn't insist on leaving much more later-but it's only twenty minutes away-
"I would so not care about you getting roasted by Seungho if I wasn't going to be part of it too," he shudders at the wrath they'll encounter if they don't make it on time. "You're lucky you're not singing for the wedding!"
The younger man grumbles in the backseat, "why am I not the singer for their wedding? I thought Seungho and I had something special."
"Okay, Xia Junsu, this isn't about you," the manager rolls his eyes before swiftly changing lanes. There has got to be another way to get to the wedding reception. "And his bride already set her foot down about such things before he could have suggested you. Besides, you know what they say about weddings, it's more of the woman's big day so all those fancy and intricate details are of her choosing."
He shakes head, he'd have to agree to that. The fast lane was slowing down and both let out a heavy sigh. Junsu loosens his tie from frustration, sulking over wedding singer preferences didn't matter if their asses weren't where the groom was in thirty minutes.
"Yah," he sits up from the seat, sudden realization hitting him, "aren't I one of his best men?"
"Not here!?"
Riin jumps from the sudden outburst that echoed across their dressing room. "Looks like he's got a problem of his own," she laughs, adjusting the bride's veil.
"He's probably worrying about his boys, apparently one of them hasn't arrived yet," the soon-to-be wife snickers, "they were inseparable in the military. But you know how he is, too anxious for his own good."
Riin pauses, eyeing the woman who was having a total breakdown before her arrival. As if reading her thoughts, she pouts, "you're important! And I wouldn't have been overdramatic if I wasn't already pregnant."
"If you say so," the former giggles, carefully lifting her friend to her feet. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you."
They both smile, and it was one of those moments that Riin was genuinely happy for. Friends of almost ten years, she would've never thought they'd last this long, more so that she was now based in China. Friendships tend to fade out for her within years, so being able to keep one for this long made her cherish it even more.
"I hope you find the one tonight, Riinie." And with that, Riin's smile drops, earning a laugh from everyone in the room. "What? Don't you know weddings are where couples are made?"
She rolls her eyes and holds a hand up, "I'm not interested in looking for a relationship."
"Oh come on! Seungho oppa has like, five best men, please do choose," she grabs her hand excitedly. "Riin ah, you make me worry, I can't have you be by yourself! Especially since you've relocated, I can't call you out often."
"You make being single sound so bad. I'm totally enjoying this time to myself," Riin pats herself on the chest, as if she'd said it so many times before. "Stress. Free."
She'd said it so mockingly her friend had to snort.
The groom was so nervous he felt like on the brink of death, and his best men couldn't help but laugh. The reception hall was gradually filling with guests, everyone practically present, except for one.
"Yah, before I die I have to strangle that guy first!" Seungho lets out a harsh sigh, both to relieve the anxiety and to express how upset that one of his appointed best men was about to miss his most important day.
"He's really living up to that nickname," one of his friends laugh, "what did he say when we gave it to him?"
If you wait until the last minute, then it only takes a minute to do it.
They all chorus, bursting into laughter at the memory. Seungho had to roll his eyes, but even if he wanted to laugh, the anxiousness of getting married and a missing best man had him thinking otherwise.
"Don't worry about it, hyung. It's better late than never."
He lets out a choked scoff, "I'll kill him after the wedding." And that was enough to put his mind at ease.
The couple was in the middle of their vows when Junsu arrived, and thankfully everyone was too focused on listening and crying to notice a man in a black suit trying to quietly skid to the front row. When he seats himself with the rest of the best men, they momentarily acknowledge his presence before taking two fingers and sliding it across their necks, a sign of his impending doom.
Junsu silently groans and waves them off. Surely, the new wife would come and save him. He sees Seungho's shoulder shake from crying and he hoped it was enough to put out the fire when he faces him at the after party.
When they finally finish with the I do's and kiss, everyone stood to clap and cheer. Seungho yelled out some sort of victory speech making everyone laugh, and the couple prepare to walk back down the aisle.
The bride stops to hug her girls one last time while the groom does the same to his.
"Crazy bastard, you made it after all," the groom frowns, chest swelling of happiness that he didn't feel an ounce of anger from his earlier rant. Junsu smiles shamefully before being pulled in for a hug. "I'm off, wish me luck in this marriage life!"
"I'm giving you all the best-"
Riin ah!
Amongst the noise the crowd was making, the familiar cry for the name manages to catch Junsu's ears, whipping his head at the direction of the call.
"Yah, why aren't you crying!" The bride scolds lightly, tears running down her face. "Riin ah, aren't you happy for me at all!"
The followed laugh was a sound he hasn't heard in years and it rings in his ears repeatedly like an overplayed tune stuck in one's head. He moves around to find its source, dodging around people's heads and only stopping when the recognizable face finally came into view.
"I don't need to cry to feel happy!" She reaches over to gently wipe her tears away. "Congratulations. I wish you all the happiness in the world." She pushes her friend towards her new husband, quickly telling her that she'll see them at the after party in a little while.
Junsu tries to make his way over to the other side of the cue where the bridesmaids were, but his friends were busy blocking with comments he didn't care to hear-
Yah, aren't you a lucky bastard!
Should we also celebrate that he didn't die today?
Seungho was so was ready to disown you.
She disappeared as quickly as she appeared, and Junsu lets out a sigh he hadn't realize was holding the whole time. Surely, sleep wasn't catching up on him, right? Ridiculous, he'd just come from a vacation at Jeju.
"Junsu yah, who are you looking for?"
"What?" He turns back at the call of his name, dazed.
"The after party is next!"
They grab him before he's able to properly register their excitement for drinking and makes one last attempt to look back to the same spot he'd saw her.
Truly, the only perk of holding receptions and parties at villas is the balcony, which really its only purpose was to allow slight claustrophobic people like her to go out for some air when needed.
Riin exhales loudly, slightly shivering from the chilly air. She guesses that she'd been asked one too many times for a dance, after saying yes to two, the rest came flocking out of nowhere. She didn’t miss her lovely friend’s wiggling of eyebrows every time someone asked, which did nothing but confirm that she was the one sending them her way.
She closes her eyes and lets the air blow against her skin.
Marriage.
It was a concept she considered once, when it didn’t seem like things weren’t going the way they were supposed to be anymore. Her career, that is. That, and when the now ex-boyfriend asked for her hand in marriage a few years back, she might be settling somewhere quietly now. It’d have to be in Sichuan though, she muses to herself. Korea had its turn and it was time to go home.
A frown forms on her lips, but how was he to survive living in China? A crash course in the language? Riin shakes her head, it’d be difficult, and since she spoke both languages in their respective countries, it’s only fair to stay in Korea. Always putting others before yourself, she’d counter, but it’d be nice to be home longer than a month for once. Her frown deepens, well, he didn't have to be Korean in the first place-
Jang Riin.
Oh? Riin opens her eyes, train of thoughts interrupted by a voice that sounded awfully familiar. It calls her name again, low and husky, tickling her ears. She chuckles to herself, pushing away from the ledge, that almost sounded like-
Kim Junsu.
She blinks repeatedly as soon as she turns to greet the owner, face washed blank with confusion at the man she'd barely seen or talked in so long. Words elude her and all she hears next is a chuckle followed by a toothy grin.
"Jang Riin," Junsu repeats for the third time, approaching her until he was a little under arm's length. "Long time no see."
"What are you doing here?" She manages to reply after a very long pause.
Junsu shrugs, quietly amused that she hasn't registered his presence yet, "wedding after party."
Oh. Riin nods slowly, but her puzzled expression only meant she still couldn't believe who she was seeing, more so talking to. She feels slightly offended when he laughs in between explanations (her blank face was just too funny), but his infamous mirth was enough to bring her back from her frozen state and finally acknowledge the man standing before her.
"You're acquainted with Seungho oppa," she finally says, but more to herself.
"And you, with the bride."
"Actually, both," she takes a deep breath and turns away. She wanted to make sure the wine hadn't already hit, hoping the chilly air would wake her senses up. When she turns back, she finds the towering figure standing at the same position, with the same amused look on his face. She takes another second to register before giving a s small smile, "long time no see."
He nods, "I was wondering why my best bud didn't ask me to sing for the wedding. Good thing I didn't pry."
“I think you were closely considered,” she lets out a small laugh, “I did hear of a singer repeatedly suggested by Seunghoon oppa but was totally ignored by his now-wife.”
Junsu chuckles, acknowledging his defeat. "How are you?"
"I've been well," she smiles lightly. "You?"
"Never been better." He, too, smiles. The silence that befalls after allowed both to study each other, neither bothered, nothing awkward.
His features changed a little, but she thinks it's the age getting the better of him. He was aging well; had a face that no longer held the cute, childish, dolphin-like expression, but rather a face that sculpted his masculinity. The military had done its work, she muses to herself. Or maybe it was the suit.
Her features haven't changed much, and he thinks she's gotten more beautiful than ever. She was no longer the seventeen-year-old girl that held immense maturity for her age, but a woman who grew into something more, a woman he once imagined her to be. The light pink dress also never looked better. He mulls on how the color always matched her complexion.
"Ah!" Riin says suddenly, breaking the comforting silence. "You're the one who oppa wanted to strangle for being late." She giggles, imagining his wrath.
"Let's just be thankful that it didn't happen," he groans as she nods in agreement.
"His temper..." They both say in unison, causing laughter. It was definitely a personality he was known for. Their laughter is ceased when she frowns, a sudden realization hitting her.
“Wait, how long did you know I was here?”
“Since the wedding,” he admits with a sheepish grin, which she returns with a bewildered look. The wedding was over three hours ago, how could she possibly have not spotted him since then? "I couldn't approach you earlier. You’re quite popular, you know.”
He raises his brows, referring to the multiple offered dances from the other bachelors, including his own friends. But she seemed to have zoned out the last of his words, shuffling her feet nervously before looking back at him.
"How was I?" She clears her throat, fingers fumbling, "did I sing well? I'm asking as a hoobae to her sunbae."
Junsu's confusion is replaced with a wide grin, then pretends to think, frowning and humming, making her increasingly worried.
"Just a little..." He watches as her face falls slightly, biting back the urge to laugh. "...closer to perfect. You were great."
He couldn't help but chuckle as she beamed. "Really? I need you to be really, really, honest with me."
"I am. You were great, Riin," he repeats. "When have you not?"
Junsu thought he was being genuine, because he did really, felt that way. She'd been busy singing and being giddy to the couple dancing that she didn't notice the guests had focused their attention somwhere else.
Somewhere being towards the singer.
"Oh my god," she lets out a sigh, her slight disappointment causing him to frown. "You're trying to protect my feelings."
"What?"
"You're saying the same exact words you said years ago," she pauses as she turns back to him. "I guess I didn't perform well."
"Wait, no, Riin-" he stops midway, remembering what she meant. She was right, at that time, her nerves were getting the better of her but he'd always reassure after. You were great, you did well, don't worry too much about it, you'll get better. "I'm being sincere. Everyone was enraptured by you," he laughs.
"Really?" She says in a small voice, still somehow unconvinced.
"I would know best."
She almost rolls her eyes, his smug self never seemed to diminish, even with age.
"Actually, the vocal teacher who taught both of us would," she corrects, causing him to pout. "But you'd still be second best," she adds.
They suddenly hear the call of her name, and a few seconds later, a slightly boozed bridesmaid appears. She smiles brightly when she spots Riin. As if on cue, Junsu swiftly moves to the side when she tackles her with a hug.
"Why are you here? The party is inside!"
"I know, it's cramped in there. I just needed air," Riin steadies the woman in her arms. "I'll be there in a few minutes."
"A few minutes means an hour! I know you!" She slurs, "besides, unnie's looking for you. I think she has someone she'd like you to meet-"
Somehow she didn't notice the other person standing beside them, looking very amused at the both of them. It only takes a few moments of connecting the dots (a man and a woman, standing leisurely on the balcony, away from rest of the party) before eyeing the two and breaking into a huge smile
"How rude of me!" She giggles, slapping Riin's arm lightly. "I've interrupted something, I'm so sorry! Let me leave you two to um, entertain one another!" She winks.
"What-"
"Shh, don't worry, I'll let her know you're uh, occupied."
Riin is left red with embarrassment while Junsu could only snort as they watch her friend skip her way back to the crowd. She quickly apologizes on her behalf, blaming the alcohol.
"I'm going to go fetch her," she points with her thumb, "before she embarrasses me even more."
"Wait," Junsu quickly grabs her wrist when she started to walk away. She looks back, confused, but not bothered at the sudden touch. "What's your new number?"
Riin laughs. "Wow, the Kim Xia Junsu can't get anymore straight-forward." He could only clear his throat as he shoved his hands into his pant pockets. She motions for him to give his phone, and inputs the number.
"Um, it'll be international, so-"
The shrill call of her name from the bride herself causes Riin to groan. "I have to go, um. I'm assuming the one I have isn't the same anymore?"
Junsu pauses, surprised that she still had his contact. "Yeah. No worries, I'll call."
She nods, then says that she might not see him for the rest of the evening-sober duties and all-so she follows with an advanced good night.
For the rest of the night, Junsu watches her from afar, the smile on his lips, never disappearing.