Work Affairs. Chapter 7.
Chapter 7: Return.
"Are you ready yet, dear?" I heard being shouted through the small apartment, almost echoing. I looked to see Dongwoon standing by the door, luggage in hand.
"Almost. Just have to grab a few more things." I replied, flashing him a smile.
"Honeeeey," he began, extending each syllable much longer than needed. His voice almost in a nagging tone. I couldn't help, but widen my smile. He was kind of adorable, even like this.
"You always take forever!" he finished.
"Look, don't use things like that against me! I'll be quick, I just need to grab a few more things!" I defended, walking in my small room, which seemed to grow smaller by the minute. I apprehended a small case in my hands and clasped it against my chest.
"I miss you.." I thought, nearly jumping ten feet in the air when I heard Dongwoon's voice.
"Key-ah!" he exclaimed. I could hear his voice approaching closer and closer. With no time to spare, I threw the container into the bag on my arm when he suddenly appeared in the doorway.
"I told you I was coming!" I interjected, exhaling a sigh of relief.
"That was close. He almost saw." I thought. We exited the room and made our way to the apartment's entrance. I stopped to take one last look of admiration. I could feel the tears forming in my eyes before turning my back for, what was hopefully, the last time. I flicked off the light switch, closed the door, and quickly exited. Outside, my eyes were greeted by Dongwoon holding his car door open for me. I appreciatively slid myself inside.
"So aren't you a little sad to be leaving?" he asked, loading my luggage into the backseat.
"No." I answered abruptly and dismissively.
"That was fast." he described. "You didn't even hesitate."
"I don't need to. I'm ready to go home. I couldn't stand another minute in that wretchedly lonesome quarter." I elaborated.
"I see," he began, slamming the door closed. He joined me up front, enlisting himself in the driver's seat. "Hm. Any reason why?" he seemed to ponder for a moment.
"No."
"Again with the fastness." he said, laughing to himself as I heard the key enter the ignition and the car being started. Nothing sounded sweeter at this moment than that. Not only was I so anxious to return home, I had also hoped it would end our current conversation.
"I don't believe you, but I won't keep asking." he proclaimed, understandingly.
"Jonghyun.." I called, laying my eyes upon the outside of the apartment. Even though I'd never admit it, he was the real reason I was so apprehensive to depart. I shook my head and forcefully applied my earbuds as the memories of our night flooded my mind. Dongwoon looked in my direction repeatedly as he drove, but I pretended to ignore him.
"Can you hear me with those things on?" he questioned, receiving no acknowledgment.
"My iPod is too loud. Yeah, that's my excuse." I decided in my head. Had this arose in later conversation, this would be my excuse.
He shook his head in disbelief and returned his eyes to the road.
"I can tell when you're lying, Kibum." he declared, lowering his tone.
"Don't.. call me that.."
"I know you don't want to discuss whatever is going on, and you don't need to, but I'm here for you, okay?" His words sounding very similar.
He held out his hand in aid. Almost as if metaphorically telling me everything would be alright. My gaze shifted from the window, downward, toward his hand. I, reluctantly, took it in mine and smiled.
"I don't care what he says. If he asks about this later, I'm still going with the iPod alibi." I concluded, chuckling silently.
My eyes nearly lit up when we pulled up to the front of my members' home.
"Oh how much I missed you." I thought, placing my hands on the window sill, revering at this beautiful sight like that of a child. I felt like I was an adolescent seeing an amusement park for the first time. My eyes marveling in delight. I could feel a bit of sweat accumulating on the nape of my neck as the temperature seemingly increased.
"Am I nervous?" I thought, mocking myself.
"Nervous of what? Come on, Key! There's nothing to be nervous about! I'm sure everyone will be thrilled to see you!" I halfheartedly tried convincing myself.
I opened the car door and walked to the back to grab the little bit of luggage I had.
"Do you need me to help you?" Dongwoon offered generously.
"No, it's fine. I got it."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, it's not even that many bags." I assured, lacing my arms with them.
I walked back to the passenger's side and leaned down to the opened window.
"Thank you for the ride." I obliged.
"Don't worry about it, beautiful." he tormentingly replied.
As I enclosed the space between me and the front entrance, I could feel my nerves amplifying. You could hear the bellowing sound of my rolling backpack against the sidewalk. I turned back in Dongwoon's location one final time to send him a wave. Belatedly, he drove away. I paused momentarily.
"I really wish he would stop calling me that." I initially deduced before resuming.
"Why do they have to be so fucking alike?" I catechized, nearing the front door.
"Oh well, no sense dwelling on it now. Jonghyun's in the hospital and you have Dongwoon now. Additionally, there are obviously things of greater importance you should be focusing on right now."
I, unanticipatedly, burst out in a fit of laughter.
"Wait.. did I just.. scold myself?" I shook my head in disbelief, still laughing.
"Key!" I heard being vociferated from a familiar voice. My knees almost gave out simultaneously as my eyes happened upon Jonghyun, now limping in my proximity.
"Thank the Maker Dongwoon already drove off. This could end badly.. for Dongwoon." I snickered under my breath as I gave him no credit whatsoever.
"Wait u-" he tried requesting before his body collided with the ground. Immediately, before he had even impacted, my feet darted out from under me. I hadn't even had time to recognize what was happening, my legs just moved of their own conviction. I rushed to his position.
"Jjong, are you okay!?" I pleaded, my facial expression alarmed with concern, kneeling down.
"Are you hurt!?" I furthered.
He began laughing uncontrollably.
"Aigo, what are you laughing for!? Now is not a time for laughter! You need to be more careful. What are you even doing out of the hospital!? If you're going to go off wandering, you at least need to be more careful, you buffoon! What are you th-" I began scolding, only to be interrupted with a warm hand resting on my head.
"I.." I tried resuming, but couldn't find the energy to persevere. I melted underneath that touch; it made me forget everything that I was going to say.
"You worry too much, Kibum." he teased, still trying to fight his undeniable laughter. He ruffled my hair gently and looked into my eyes as he grinned.
"Aigo! Seriously.. what were you thinking." I said, almost contemplating aloud. He wrapped his arms around my body while I tried helping him to his feet. There it was again, that touch. It sent my senses heightening.
"You didn't need to drop all of your luggage to come and help me, Kibummie." he said in the most selfless tone. I had almost forgotten how charming he was.
"I did?" I clarified.
"Oh.." I thought, looking at my dispersed luggage, sprawled across the ground. Amidst Jonghyun falling, I hadn't even noticed. In fact, there was a lot I had forgotten. This man is the reason I was on the verge of tears earlier and now here I am -- finding myself accompanying him in amusement. I couldn't even recall why I had previously been so upset. Being around him always made me feel like this. This blissful happiness.
"I wonder if he knows the effect he has on me.." I considered for a moment, before reminding myself to stay focused. Meanwhile, His arms left from around my body, but I felt it begging for more.
"More." I felt it petition, almost demanding. I felt myself unnecessarily close to him while I was supporting his weight against me.
"You called me Jjong." he stated.
"Shut up!" I interjected.
"I.. guess I did.." I reflected in my mind.
"I really have no control when I'm around you.." I deliberated, the words slipping past my lips accidentally. He returned with an extremely broadened smile. I blushed in embarrassment, praying that he didn't hear me. He seemingly didn't.
"He's always smiling excessively like a fool. Now's no different, right?" I tried reassuring myself as we began walking jointly. The path to the door never seemed so long.
"So what are you doing home anyway?" I asked, attempting to change the conversation.
"I came home to see--" his words became discontinued when I stumbled for a second time. This time, though, he was able to rectify my previous mistake of not arriving sooner. My entire body angled itself at him as I practically fell into his arms purposely. Chills were sent lancing through my body. Dongwoon's touch did nothing to me. Nothing like this. I was lucky if I could salvage even one coherent thought at Jonghyun's touch: no matter how brief. His hands composed on my waist.
"Ah.. sorry." I said with him in front of me, my gaze cemented to the ground. I rose it, hesitatingly, catching his eyes.
"D-Don't mention it.." he said, stuttering. Everything was silent as our eyes seemed to reconcile for us. I can't explain it. Unlike Dongwoon, Jonghyun didn't have to say anything to ease me. Jonghyun wasn't the most articulate person in the first place, but it was just something about his mere presence that affirms everything will be okay. I couldn't look away. I was just so lost in his eyes.
He took one of his hands off my hip and used it to just barely brush across my cheek -- moving some of my hair behind my ear. He slowly began closing the distance between us as I anticipated his lips. Forthwith, the door spun open with velocity.
"Key! Jonghyun! So happy to see you two again!" Manager-sshi greeted, enthusiastically. Moreso than he ever had before. I was a tad thankful, now that I was able to think rationally, but my body was cursing him something horrid.
I looked past him at my fellow members waiting patiently in a uniform line beside one another. It was such a beautiful sight to return to.
"Fuck Manager-sshi right now. I'm happy to be home." I flashed him a false smile and tried pushing past him.
"T-Thanks." Jonghyun said, showing appreciation. Despite his displeasure, he managed to supply a smile. Even though we both knew it was the opposite of what he wanted to do. Which was, presumably, to strangle the man. I mean, I did, too. I mean my body did, anyway. Jonghyun is so easy to see through. He's so awful at being dishonest.
Nevertheless, I sped past the cock-blocking Manager-sshi to everyone else, embracing all of them unanimously.
"Umma, we're missing one person!" Taemin pointed out, smiling innocently.
"You're not slick." I whispered with a grin before Onew and Minho added.
"Hyung, c'mon!" Minho beckoned.
"Yeah, Jonghyun, you're apart of the group, too!" Onew supported.
Jonghyun limped his way over to us, entering our group hug. I couldn't stop smiling. I was just so happy to be home. I had waited so long to feel like this again. I knew how much I missed them, but that revelation just intensified the longer I was around them. It seemed like I had been gone for forever and not once had I imagined returning to this. I just know that I never wanted to experience being away from them again and I would do whatever it took to prevent this from happening.
"Group picture!" Manager-sshi warned. We all agilely conjured a pose as he snapped a photo with a camera before storing it back in his pocket.
"Alright, I know you all are happy to be reunited, but don't become too relaxed. After Jonghyun recovers fully, we have a lot to do in the upcoming months." he continued to admonish.
"Now, will someone help Jonghyun to his room?" Manager-sshi entreated.
"Me!" Taemin volunteered, raising his hand.
"Let's go, hyung!" he implied, tugging at Jonghyun's hand. I was actually surprised to see them behaving so friendly. I thought that Onew would have offered to do so. Jonghyun is his best friend, after all.
"Suspicious." I thought, shooting a glare at Minho and Onew. They smiled without guilt as Jonghyun was being lead up the stairs.
"Oh, Manager-sshi!" Taemin called.
"Hm?"
"Do you mind if we borrow your camera for the day? We want to make memories!" he declared with the most adorable face.
"Aw, of course not." Manager-sshi replied, reaching in his pocket and holding it out in front of him.
"Thank you, sshi!" Taemin said, racing down the stairs to retrieve it, temporarily leaving Jonghyun waiting on the stairs. He shoved the device into his pocket and accelerated back up the stairs, guiding Jonghyun to his room. You could hear him taking photos all along the way. Manager-sshi's phone began ringing as he walked out the door.
"Sorry about that, Key." Onew apologized.
"Yeah, we tried stopping Manager-sshi." Minho advanced.
"No, I'm glad he interfered," I began. "but all of you aren't clever. I saw you all peering out the window from the moment Dongwoon left and Jonghyun appeared. You're not off the hook. Expect a good scolding." I grinned spitefully.
They let out a small laugh under their breath, Onew smiling, avoiding eye contact, and Minho rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh, let us help you with your bags!" Minho swiftly suggested in payment.
"Ah, yes!" Onew immediately advocating.
I let out a chuckle as they scurried over to my bags, grabbing at them frantically, presumably hoping I would forget about their punishment.
"It feels so good to be home." I deduced, surveying the house in appreciation. I couldn't stop smiling from the moment I walked through the door. Soon, before I knew it, I was being lead up the stairs by Minho and Onew, escorting me to my room. Onew pushed the door open with his butt and I was overwhelmed with affection. Everything was exactly how I left it, except it was a little cleaner than I remembered. They sat everything down by the door and left sooner than they arrived.
"Get ready, hyung. Taemin has a big day planned ahead." Minho's deep voice echoing as he traveled down the stairs behind Onew.
I fell back on my bed, leisurely, and laid there, just staring up at the ceiling.
"Wait.." I said, in retrospect. The flashback from earlier today began processing in my head.
"Me?" I asked, dumbly.
"Who did he come home to see?" I questioned, lowering my voice.
"You." a familiar voice said, so full of lust that it nearly sent my eager heart pounding.
I looked in the direction the voice came and my eyes smiled when I saw Jonghyun standing in my doorway. He slowly pushed the ajar door open gradually and progressed to my position. My eyes widened and I sat up on the bed as he materialized in front of me. He brought his hand up to my cheek, composing it there. I covered his hand with mine.
"I came home to see you." he whispered delicately, leaning in closer. I noticed his lips inching closer and closer to mine again. The door flew open and in came Taemin, snapping countless pictures.
"Yeah, hyungs! More! More! I need more action!" he shouted playfully, moving in various directions and turning the camera in odd angles, like he saw all of our photographers doing. Following him were Minho and Onew, smiling shamelessly as always.
"Aigo, seriously.." I signaled in my mind, cursing at not only at him, but also myself.
"How can you constantly accept him back after everything he's done?" I damned.
"Umma!" Taemin whined.
"My son is so cute." I thought.
"Alright!" I complied, asking Jonghyun to do the same with my eyes. We both spontaneously smiled, emitting our famous 'couple peace signs' as Taemin shot another picture. Everyone scrambled in for the next picture, compressing as much as possible. Including Taemin. He flashed another picture of the group, everyone leaning in uncomfortably in awkward positions.
"Come on, hyungs!" Taemin yelled, bolting out the door with Minho's arm attached to his. Minho laughed and acquiesced to his grip, allowing himself to be ushered out the door. We all laughed at Taemin's liveliness and pursued them.
--
We spent the rest of that day out in the town. We explored every store and even ate out at some expensive restaurant. We visited my favourite book store, in commemoration of me returning home, as well. We honestly had no where specific to go, so we just wandered aimlessly, being shepherded by Taemin. "Let's go here, hyungs!" "Can we go in there?" is all I heard that day while the rest of us just laughed. We went shopping, too. By the time we finally returned home, we were all more tired than describable. We all were on the verge of fainting from exhaustion, but I still couldn't remove the smile from my face. Even though my legs were in the most pain they had ever experienced, I was so happy to be with them all again. Even Jong. Things seemed like they were finally restoring to normal. When we did find ourselves back home, we all staggered onto the couch. Everyone fell asleep there, excluding me and Jong.
"Shh." I hushed, as Jong brought a blanket from one of the rooms. We covered them all up as they nuzzled against each other.
"Taemin's so cute." I murmured, complimentary.
"Yes, he is." Jonghyun added, looking at Taemin now sleeping on Minho's shoulder. He took the camera from Taemin's clutching hands and placed it in his pocket.
"We used to be that cute." he said, the words slipping past his lips with a smile.
"Oh, shut up." I laughed quietly.
"Let me walk you to your room?" he requested. I nodded my head in concurrence as I circled the sofa and we headed up the stairs. We paused at my door and I looked at him confusedly. Even though things should be awkward, they weren't. Never with Jong.
"Kibum," he started, taking my hand in his. My lips parted as I realized how much I truly missed him. In my mind, I couldn't stop comparing these feelings I had with him to Dongwoon. When he held my hand, it was like my body's temperature skyrocketed and I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. But a good sick. The kind of sick you feel when butterflies enter your stomach. Yeah, that kind.
"Don't give in. He will just leave like he always does, Key." I consoled.
"What happened to us?" he asked in a somber tone. My eyes spread as the sound of his words brushed against my ears.
"You tell me." I rebutted.
"Can I come to bed with you?" he said, looking at the ground and leaning forward. My back was resting against my bedroom door.
"You would like that, wouldn't you?" I asked, teasingly with a grin.
"I really would."
"You're not going to be forgiven that easily, you idiot." I scoffed, him still looking at the ground.
"Please?" he begged, looking into my eyes with his beaten puppy-dog expression.
"You will just be gone again in the morning." I whispered.
"No!" he argued, raising his voice.
"Quiet down, everyone's asleep!" I scolded.
"I'll prove it to you." he appealed. A smile escaped from my lips.
"No." I reminded, trying to steal this happiness I felt overwhelming me.
"He's so fucking irresistible, it's ridiculous." I accepted. If this had been any other person, I would have rejected them without any hesitation. I parted our hands and managed to slip into my room, closing the door behind me.
"Then be here in the morning!" I shouted, still smiling as I sighed a sigh of relief. It feels just like three years ago when we first met. The flirting, the cuteness, his adorable little requests. It was unbearable.
"I'll prove to you I changed, Key! I promise! I want to start over with you!" he proclaimed outside my door.
Suddenly, my phone started ringing. I brought it up to my ear as I snickered.
"Torturing Jonghyun is so much fun."
"Annyeonghaseyo?" I muttered.
"Key, sweetie. I don't know how to tell you this, but Grandmom passed away today." My phone smashed against the the floor. I abruptly felt weak. I swung the door open, hoping to see Jonghyun's flawless silhouette. Only for my eyes to be met with an empty hallway.
"J-Jong.." I cried, unable to speak. I wanted to shout, but my voice became unstable. My breathing instantly shallowed as I fell to my knees. The tears wouldn't stop.
A/N: Sorry guys that this took so long! Truthfully, I've been writing this since yesterday, but just now finished. T_T Honestly, I've felt so terribad lately and that's why it has taken so long to write this chapter. School has been really stressful lately so I apologize in advance if this ever happens again! I want to try to AT LEAST update a chapter every other day. I feel like a chapter a day may have been too much of a commitment. I didn't foresee these obstacles and I feel so horrible about breaking my promise to you guys. but er, yeah. Here's the next installment of the Work Affairs series. It's not that great, but bare with me. ;-; I've been suffering from a bit of writer's block, as well.