Beyond This Illusion
Title: Beyond This Illusion (1/?)
Author: his_angel16
Pairing: Dongho/Xander
Genre: Angst, Romance, Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Shin Dongho’s life was nearly perfect. He had good grades, a well-paying job, and people surrounding him that loved him. Everything is taken away from him in mere hours and he finds himself starting over. Now running for his life, he ditches everything that he has ever known, including his identity. Assuming a new one, he has become the one thing he never thought possible: a girl.
Chapter One:
Shin Dongho winced as the hairdresser pulled his hair into a ponytail. He hated this already. A man came over just as she finished, smiling at him reassuringly. “Nobody will know who you are,” he claimed, staring at Dongho’s reflection in the mirror. “You’ll go by Jung Sangmi.”
Dongho stared at himself in the mirror. “Jung Sangmi,” he repeated. It left an odd taste in his mouth. If only I hadn’t gone into work yesterday, he told himself. He shuddered, remembering his friend screaming for help. He had hidden under the counter, his friend’s lifeless eyes staring at him as if he were the monster. He was snapped back to the present by the agent placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Don’t worry, kid. You won’t be found. We’re moving you to a different city. You won’t be living in Seoul anymore. You’ll be going to Busan. Although you’ll be on your own, the two from yesterday don’t know that you were even there. We’re only doing this as a precaution. You’re the only one who has seen them, the only lead we have comes from you.”
Dongho nodded. “All I can tell you, is that they kept calling each other Kim. I know it isn’t much of a lead, but if I remember any details, I’ll contact you immediately.”
The man nodded, motioning for him to follow. “I’ll drop you off at wardrobe on my way out. Come now, Miss Jung.”
Dongho sighed, standing up. He followed the detective down the hall, cringing once he noticed the clothes laid out for him. I’m going to have to get used to this. I can’t take any of my old things with me, including my picture of Mom and me. I can’t even take pictures of my friends in case there’s someone who might stumble across me in Busan.
Busan. It seemed so far away to him. His mom knew that he was leaving although she didn’t know why. All she really knew was that it was to protect him form something, from people who might be able to take him from her forever.
Dongho closed the door behind himself, pulling off his jeans and slipping out of his underwear. He wrinkled his nose as he slipped on the panties, pulling the pantyhose up his legs. If hyung could see me now, he’d die laughing at my expense. He paused, the skirt only midway up his thighs. Hyung, I’m going to miss you.
He finished pulling up the skirt, zipping the side. Ruffling through the pile of clothes, he let out a frustrated sigh. “You’ve got to be kidding!” he snapped, holding up a bra. He glared at it, noticing that it had been stuffed slightly to make him appear as if he had a chest. He squeezed one of the cups, dropping the bra to the counter. “That’s gross. Why would they stuff it with gunk that makes it all squishy?”
“To make them feel real,” someone said, making him jump. He whirled around, eyes wide at seeing another detective. “The name is Alexander Lee Eusebio. I work for the agency that’s working to hide you from the two who killed your friend.”
Dongho relaxed a little, turning to pull off his shirt. “All you had to do is relocate me. You didn’t have to go as far as turning me into a girl.” He tugged the bra straps up his arms, reaching behind himself to fasten them. He felt his face flush as he felt Alexander’s hands on his back, his nimble fingers quickly fastening the bra into place.
“Put your shirt on and pick out a pair of heels. We’re out of here in ten minutes and we still have to take your picture for your identity card.”
Dongho sighed, grabbing a random shirt from the rack. He frowned as he tugged it on, looking at himself in the mirror. “I look horrible.”
“Come one, Sangmi. Get your heels and let’s go. We don’t have all day.”
Dongho knelt, grabbing a pair and placing them in front of him. He stood, slipping the shoes on. He frowned once he looked in the mirror again. He noticed Alexander staring at him, grabbing his hand and tugging him out the door. Dongho nearly tripped over his own feet, not being used to walking around in heels. Alexander led him to the room where his photo would be taken, guiding him to the seat.
“I’ll tell them that you’re ready,” Alexander murmured, smiling slightly. He turned and left, returning a few minutes later with the photographer.
“So, you’re name is…?”
Dongho straightened. “S-Sangmi. Jung Sangmi.”
She nodded, getting behind the camera. “Look at the camera, please, Miss Sangmi.” Dongho did as he was told, blinking after the shutter snapped and the light flashed. “I’ll print this out and have it brought back to you in just a minute.” After she left, Dongho looked at Alexander.
“Hyung, where am I supposed to live after I go to Busan?”
Alexander held up his hand. “Don’t call me hyung. You’re a girl, remember? Call me oppa.”
Dongho blinked. “You’re not being serious, are you?”
Alexander nodded as the photographer returned, handing him his card. “Here you are, Sangmi. Have a good second chance.”
Dongho took it, looking at the shiny card. He ran his finger over his face, barely recognizing himself. “Is this…really me?” He looked at Alexander before looking back down at the card. “I don’t even resemble myself.”
“That was kind of the point.” Xander smiled at him. “Come on. Let’s get you to Busan.”
Xander took Dongho’s hand, leading him from the room. He walked down corridor after corridor, the building seeming to be a maze. At the end of the hall, Dongho saw a door. He allowed Xander to pull him to it, stopping before he hit the button.
“Why are we stopping?” Dongho asked, voice quiet.
Xander turned to smile at him. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Stay right here. And if anyone tries to make you leave, tell them that Alexander Lee Eusebio said to stay put.” He smiled again at Dongho before turning and heading down a hall. Dongho sighed, leaning against the wall as Xander’s steps faded.
“First he says to rush, then he says to wait.” Hearing the elevator next to him ding, he took a few steps to the side, trying to mold with the wall. He kept his head down, trying not to be seen. He peeked through his veil of hair, eyes widening at seeing his friend’s lifeless face staring at him. He covered his mouth, watching as the detectives wheeled the gurney all the way out of the elevator.
I can’t believe it, he thought, a tear running down his face. Hyung…Doojoon hyung. I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything yesterday to save you. You won’t be mad at me, will you? He watched as the two detectives wheeled his friend away, down the hall and to the right. He choked back a sob, closing his eyes as his mind whirled.
Visions of the night before played through his head on constant repeat. Hearing Doojoon whisper to him to hide, the door banging open, two men shouting for money before a gun went off. Doojoon falling to the floor, eyes locked on him in a silent plea for him to stay hidden. Then nothing but footsteps as the two men went to the safe, cracking it open and taking the money.
Dongho felt arms go around him, leaning into the person before he tensed. He pushed away, glaring up at the man before him. The man blinked, looking at him as if he had done nothing wrong. “Don’t touch me,” Dongho spat, backing up. He felt his back hit the wall, hands clenching into fists at his sides in case he needed to start swinging.
The man held his hands up in surrender. “I’m not going to hurt you. Everyone here is trying to help you, miss,” he said.
Dongho smiled inwardly. This idiot really sees me as a girl. Tch. Shows how blind people can be in the face of beauty. I have a dick, you imbecile.
“I didn’t mean to startle you. Let me introduce myself. I’m Eli. I work with Alexander. He asked me to come sit with you until he could come back.”
Dongho straightened. “You’re friends with Alexander?”
Eli nodded, smiling. “I can see why he wanted someone to be with you until he got back. You’re too pretty to be left by yourself.”
Dongho rolled his eyes, crossing his ankles as he leaned against the wall. “Are you stupid? Can you really not see through all of this to the real me?”
Eli blinked, giving him a once-over. “I don’t get what you’re trying to say. Are you some ugly hag that witnessed a murder and we gave you a makeover to make you this pretty?”
Dongho scoffed, pushing off from the wall as Xander appeared, hurrying down the hall toward them. “Yah, Alexander hyung, is your partner stupid?”
Eli looked at Xander before looking back at Dongho. “Wait. Hyung? Not Alexander oppa, but hyung?” He looked at Xander, pointing at Dongho as he spoke. “Yah, Xander, what is this?”
Dongho glared, hands clenching into fists again. “I’m a-”
Xander clapped a hand over Dongho’s mouth, the younger silenced as Xander looked at Eli. “This is Jung Sangmi. We’re relocating her to Busan.” Xander gave Dongho a cold look, intimidating him slightly. “Let’s get going.”
Eli nodded, motioning for Dongho and Xander to go ahead of him into the elevator. After they entered, he followed, hitting the button for the parking garage. “Don’t worry, Sangmi. We’ll have you out of Seoul by nightfall. There’s a car waiting for you in the garage. I’ll follow on my motorcycle and Xander will be in the car with you. We only trust our top detectives for transporting witnesses.”
“So there’s no chance that the two from last night will be able to follow me?”
Xander shook his head. “If what you told us was true, that you were hiding under the counter, then they shouldn’t have known you were there. Relax, kid. You’re in good hands.”
“I’m not a kid.” Dongho pouted, leaning against the wall of the elevator. In his peripheral vision, he noticed Eli staring at him and Xander watching straight ahead. He dropped his gaze, only looking up when the elevator stopped.
“We’re in the garage.” Eli led them out, heading to a parked car. There was a detective leaning against it, smoke from his cigarette swirling through the air. He looked over, flicking the butt away as he blew out the rest of the smoke. “I’m Park Jungmin. Get in.”
Dongho frowned as Jungmin took his elbow, guiding him to the car as he opened the back door. Once inside, the door was slammed closed, Xander going around to get in the other side. He watched as Jungmin climbed in the front seat, shoving the keys into the ignition. He crossed his arms, frowning as Xander buckled beside him.
“Yah, put your seatbelt on. Jungmin drives fast to get the job done.” He looked at Dongho when he didn’t do as he was told. “Don’t ignore me. I’m your hyung.” He sighed, shaking his head as Jungmin gave him a look. “I mean, I’m your oppa so don’t ignore me.”
Getting annoyed, Dongho opened the door, Jungmin glaring at him in the rearview mirror. He slammed the door after climbing out, Eli shouting at him and pointing for him to get back in the car. He flipped him off before turning to storm away. He heard a car door slam, glancing over and expecting to see Xander. His eyes widened when he saw Jungmin walk around the car, eyes dangerously dark.
Dongho turned, breaking into a run. He hurried for the emergency exit, his heels clicking against the concrete. He didn’t dare look behind him, fearing that he’d see Jungmin right there, reaching out to grab him and pull him back. I don’t want to leave Seoul, his mind finally confessed. He huffed as he threw open the door, turning to the right and sprinting. He heard footsteps behind him, Jungmin’s boots hitting the concrete at a fast pace.
He glanced behind himself for a moment, seeing that Jungmin was still following him, eyes still sharper than swords. He turned back around, smacking into someone and falling back, landing on his backside. He looked up, freezing as he stared into his eyes.
It’s him, his mind screamed, his profile flashing back to him from below the counter. Shit, I’m dead. I’m too scared to move and he’s staring at me. I think I’m going to be sick.
“Are you okay?” Hyungjun asked, kneeling to meet Dongho’s gaze better. He smiled, Dongho’s stomach churning because of it. “Let me help you up.” He reached his hand out, waiting for Dongho to take it and frowned when he didn’t. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
Liar. If you knew who I was, you wouldn’t be saying that. Dongho shook his head, getting ready to stand on his own when he noticed a shadow cover him. Jungmin. Thank goodness. He turned his head around, heart sinking when he realized that it wasn’t Jungmin. It was the second one, the younger brother. Hell. I’m really dead now.
“Hyung, did you knock her down?” Kibum asked, kneeling to offer his hand. “Hyung can be clumsy sometimes. Let us help you up, miss.”
Dongho went to reach up to one of them, freezing when he heard boots scuffling on the concrete. He looked over, relief filling him at seeing Jungmin there. I’m saved, his mind told him. He felt a hand on his shoulder, flinching away from the touch.
Kibum frowned. “We aren’t going to hurt you.”
“Don’t touch her,” Jungmin ordered, walking over. Kibum and Hyungjun stood, backing away a couple of steps.
“I accidentally knocked her down so I was only offering to help her up. I didn’t mean to encroach on your territory.”
Jungmin felt his eyebrow twitch. “Excuse me? My territory? You think that humans are territories? That they can be handed over to whomever, whenever?”
“That’s not what hyung meant,” Kibum interrupted. “Hyung meant that we didn’t mean to come between you and your girl.”
“She isn’t my girl.” Jungmin knelt, looking Dongho in the face. “You hurt?” Dongho shook his head in response, his feeling of safety vanishing as Jungmin grabbed his arms and hoisted him to his feet. “Next time you try to run away, I’ll put a leash on you.” He picked Dongho up, throwing him over his shoulder. “Let’s get going. We’re behind schedule.”
Dongho kicked his feet, banging his hands into Jungmin’s back. “Yah, put me down, you ape! I can walk by myself!” His squirming ceased when Jungmin repositioned his hand from his back to his thigh.
“You’re going to fall if you don’t stop wiggling. Make things easy for me, kid.” Jungmin lowered his voice to a mere whisper, making sure only Dongho could hear. “Besides, you flail too much and you’ll wind up exposing yourself to everyone. Sit still until we get back to the garage.”
Dongho sighed. I might as well do as he says. After all, he just saved me from those two. He straightened. “Yah, hyung, those two back there…”
“What about them?”
“You might want to keep a close watch on them. They seem like the two from last night.” Dongho’s eyes widened when Jungmin stopped.
“They what?” Dongho felt himself being pulled, his feet placed on the ground with Jungmin’s hands on his arms. “You recognized them?”
“All I said is they might be them. I’m not sure if they are or not. All I saw last night were their profiles. If I got a good look at their actual faces last night, I could have told you for certain or not.”
Jungmin released him, pulling out his phone. “Yah, Xander, tell Eli to come scope out these few blocks surrounding the building. He thinks he might have seen the guys from last night walking around. Yeah, I’m bringing him back. We have to leave Seoul.” Hanging up his phone, Jungmin looked at Dongho. “Let’s go.”
Taking Dongho’s hand, he hurried back to the building. Dongho kept quiet, silently worrying if Hyungjun and Kibum had recognized him. He shook his head. They don’t know I was there last night. They won’t be able to find me. I’ll be safe outside of Seoul.
Hyungjun smiled, walking with Kibum into their apartment. “That girl was cute,” he said, making smile talk as they closed the door. He went over to the couch and dropped down onto the cushions. “Play the tape we stole from that store last night.”
Kibum nodded, grabbing the remote as he sat down next to Hyungjun. “Hyung, turn the lights off,” Kibum mumbled, waiting as Hyungjun stretched over the arm of the couch and clicked the lamp off.
He turned to the television, clicking the play button on the remote. He glanced at Hyungjun, noticing his brother was watching the tape intently. He flicked his eyes back to the screen in time to see their guns go off, the boy falling to the floor. He smirked, watching as they ransacked the place. He was about to turn it off when Hyungjun grabbed his hand.
“Hold on. We never watch pass this part.”
“Because there’s nothing to see after we killed that kid.” Kibum moved to stand, pausing when he noticed a boy scurry out from below the counter. He sat back against the cushions. “There was a second worker…”
Hyungjun frowned. “We have to find him. He knows who we are.” Hyungjun looked over at the end table, sunlight flickering through the curtains to fall upon a bloody nametag. Yoon Doojoon was written in bold letters, his face smiling brightly toward the front. “That kid, Doojoon, we have to find his friend. Let’s get to the store.”
“Wait, hyung.” Kibum paused the tape. “Look.” He pointed to the screen, the kid on it too stunned to hide his face from the camera. “We know what he looks like.” He zoomed in, smirking. “His name is Shin Dongho.”