Work Affairs. Chapter 8.
Chapter 8: Promise.
I exasperatedly lifted my phone up from the ground, reluctantly, skipping surveying the hallway for any trace of Jonghyun. I don't know how I managed to, but I flimsily rose to my feet, dragging myself to Jonghyun's bedroom door. Slowly, I brought my fist up, barely brushing against the wood, unnoticed. I couldn't muster up the energy to even knock adequately and I really didn't want to.
"He doesn't care. He doesn't even want me anymore. All he's concerned about is sex." I muttered weakly, resting my forehead against the door.
"Asshole. Asshole. Asshole." I cursed quietly, tears still streaming down my face.
"The two most important people in my life. Left me." I declared, now bringing my hands to cover my face.
I brought my phone up into view once more, combating the urge to cry loudly. I gradually ran my fingers across the dial-pad, ascending the device to my ear. After a few painstakingly long rings, a raspy voice answered.
"Key?" A voice asked groggily.
"Dongwoon.." I whispered, my voice still partially unstable.
Suddenly, the previously ajar bathroom door flew open. Before I even had time to turn around, the mechanism was snatched forcefully from my hand. I turned to see Jonghyun.
"He will call you back." He snarled, eyes firmly planted on the ground, before tossing the contraption over the stairway railing -- sending it hurling into the living room floor.
"Key, I'm sor-" he tried before my body interrupted. Immediately, I threw myself into his arms. He hugged me without hesitation. The feeling of his embrace: I didn't care about Dongwoon right now. I didn't care about the repercussions, or the scolding, or Manager-sshi, or about anyone else right now. I rested my head on his shoulder, no longer fighting the tears as they rained down from my face. For whatever reason, I was crying harder now than ever before.
"Key, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice lingering for a moment. It was so delicate and sounded almost scared.
"I don't want to be. I don't want to feel this vulnerable with anyone else, but you."
"Ke-"
"I hate you. I really really hate you, you know that?" I interjected.
"Key, I'm sorry for throwing your phone. I'll go get it back." he said. I could hear the regret in his voice. His words were always so real, so consumed by raw emotion. He tried motioning away from me, presumably to retrieve my phone, now downstairs.
"No." I declared softly.
"Don't leave me. Please." I requested. He clutched me tighter.
"I don't want my fucking phone. I want you, you moron." I reprimanded, laying my head back on his shoulder and cutting my eyes.
"You sure do know how to ruin a moment." he rebutted, laughing under his breath.
"I'm so sorry, Jjong-" I attempted.
"Don't." he interfered abruptly.
"We both know you don't have anything to apologize for." he continued. "I promise I won't ever leave you again, Key. I told you I've changed and I'm going to prove it to you. I'm so sorry for overreacting. Your phone is probably broken now." he declared, his voice soft. It almost didn't feel as if anything was real, but this. Him. Me. Assured me that it was. His words made me feel as if everything would be okay, no matter what -- just like they always did. His ability to make me melt was undeniable. I felt myself smiling, despite all the tears. He slowly tilted my chin upward, to face him.
"You're irreplaceable." he proclaimed, wiping the tears from my eyes. My heart nearly propelled through my chest.
"Your shirt is probably soaked." I joked, trying to change the subject the best way I knew how.
"I'll get a new one." he affirmed. A smile creeping my lips again.
Unexpectedly, he lifted me into his arms.
"Jjong!" I cried as he carried me into my room, kicking the door open like some hero who is returning home after saving the princess.
"You fool, put me down!" I bellowed, as loudly as I could: which wasn't very loud, considering I didn't want to wake anyone downstairs.
He brought me into my room, kicking the door closed behind him as he entered, and laid me on the bed. Throughout this entire ridiculous scene, I had almost completely forgotten why I had been crying in the first place. This is the effect this man has on me.
"Now please tell me what's wrong, Kibum." he requested, now kneeling to meet me on the bed. I immediately broke eye contact and could feel the water now building in my eyes.
"My.. my grandmother passed away today.." I wavered, my voice fragile.
I felt the warm sensation produced by the touch of his lips after those words were uttered. I didn't even pull away -- I wanted this, I wanted him. No one else could make me feel like this. No one else could comfort nor console me. He was the only one. It's better I admit this now than later, maybe. Out of everyone else in the world, the entire 6 billion some odd population, I had to fall in love with this man. No matter how much he used me, hurt me, made me cry, I just found myself loving him more and moments like this reminded me why I fell in love with him in the first place.
I accepted his lips generously, closing my eyes, delving deeper. He rested his hand on the back of my neck, gently pulling me in closer and wrapped his hand kindly around mine, holding it. His hands were so.. smooth and his actions were so undemanding. His kiss was so tender, so compassionate. He then slowly withdrew. My eyes sluggishly fluttered open, and I saw his eyes looking into mine. Those beautiful, dino eyes. I couldn't ever get enough of them. They were so real, so sincere, so honest. They always made me feel weak at the knees as if I were some schoolgirl.
"I'm so sorry, Key." he whispered, still peering desperately into my eyes as he now stroked the back of my hand with his thumb.
He gradually lead my hand up his shirt, and installed it on his chest -- over his heart, still looking into my eyes the entire time.
"Key. With you and this heart as my witness, I swear I will never leave you." he announced as I watched silently in disbelief.
"I love you. I've always loved you. I've only done what is best for you. What is best for us. I know you may not understand right now, but someday, you will--" his words were interrupted by the ring of the doorbell.
"AH!" I expelled in dismay.
"Who the hell is there at this time!?" I shouted, pissed.
"Who the hell ruined this perfect moment!?" I furthered.
Jonghyun's gaze severed. He looked at the ground to the side of him, then up to my bedroom door before releasing a sigh. He unwillingly rose to his feet.
"I'll get it--" he stopped quickly when he saw me raise, as well, taking his hand in mine. He smiled and stared at me for a few seconds before another ring of the doorbell was sent echoing throughout the house.
"Idiot! He's going to wake the children!" I said, unintentionally referring to the other members as if they were my kids.
Swiftly, Jonghyun tugged at my hand and shepherded me down the stairs to the front door, with no time to spare. Before we arrived, we stopped for a moment to make sure everyone was asleep -- they were. Angrily, Jonghyun opened the door.
"Dongwoon!?" I questioned.
"Key!" he expelled with relief, pushing passed Jonghyun and hugging me.
"Is everything okay!?" he asked, worried, completely ignoring Jonghyun's presence and the fact that I was holding his hand.
"Yes, everything's fine, but you should go." I indicated, shifting my eyes to Jonghyun. He let go of my hand and was now looking at the ground.
"This isn't good."
"Key, but why!? Let me come in. I just want to make sure that everything is okay with you." he appealed, taking my hand in his. I could see Jonghyun's fist constricting from the corner of my eye.
"Lets talk outside." I suggested, guiding him out the front door.
"Anything to get him away from Jonghyun." I thought.
"Key? What's going on?" he questioned, yet again.
"Everyone is sleeping inside and I don't want you, nor us, to wake them." I pleaded.
He moved closer. Closer than normal. And rested his hands on my waist.
"Key, I'll go if you want, but just tell me that everything is okay. Look me in the eye." he said, his voice somber. I returned his gaze.
"Dongwoon, everything is fine. Thank you for caring so much. I really appreciate it. You don't need to drive over here every time you think something's wrong, though, you know that, right?" I said, a slight snicker escaping me.
"I know, but it's hard not to take every opportunity possible to see you." he rebutted with a grin. His lips began inching closer and closer as he motioned me with his hands on my hips -- pulling me in.
Out of nowhere, our contact was shattered and I saw Dongwoon practically fly from one location to the next, almost impaling the ground before catching himself. My lips parted.
"That's it. I've stood idle long enough. This is over." I heard a familiar voice affirm, raising in pitch.
"No, it's not. Why don't you let Key choose?" he beseeched, smiling.
"He's already made his choice!" Jonghyun shouted.
"Has he?" Dongwoon taunted.
Before Dongwoon could release anymore witty and provoking remarks, Jonghyun delivered a blow with his fist. Dongwoon returned his punch with one of his own to Jong's stomach. Before long, they were scrapping amongst themselves. My eyes shot open in amazement. This couldn't seriously be happening, could it?
"Yes, Jjong! Whoop his ass!" My mind edged on before I regained rationale.
I rushed over and inserted myself into the middle of it.
"Enough!" I screamed. I helped Dongwoon to his feet (he so obviously got his ass whooped) and chaperoned him to his car, cutting my eyes at Jonghyun every step of the way. After we exchanged a few words and I kissed him on the cheek, I sent him on his way. I looked back to see Jonghyun holding his stomach.
"Are you okay?" I asked, walking over to him.
"Fine." he snapped.
"You should see how he looks." I laughed: seemingly alone.
"Gah. Aigo, why are you so stupid?" I catechized as he laughed.
"Oh, now you laugh."
"Hold on for a second, okay?" he petitioned. I nodded my head and he soon disappeared back into the house. He returned with two jackets in his hand and a hat.
"For you." he explained, holding out the hat and jacket combo.
"What's this for?" I inquired, tilting my head to the side.
"Won't you go for a walk with me?" he queried.
I couldn't, nor did I try to, fight the smile now overwhelming my face. My heart was swooning from all of this affection. I graciously obtained the items, putting the coat on and sliding it up over my shoulders.
"Why only one hat, though?" I asked, confused.
"Just in case someone does see us. I don't care about me. I just wanted it to keep you safe from them and Manager-sshi." he said as he did the same: sliding his coat on. My eyes smiled, yet again.
"Why are you so damn romantic tonight?"
I tossed the hat.
"I don't need it."
He lifted my hand up in his and we went walking, him proudly smiling as he held my hand. The streets of Seoul were beautiful at night and the best part is that you can fully enjoy and admire them. The hussle and bussle of the daytime goings seemingly vanish once nightfall hits. The streets were quiet, but I enjoyed it. I marveled at the street lights and all the various signs still lit. We seldom were able to venture so freely as idols, let alone at night. Yet, this is why this occasion was so nice. We stopped along the way and got a midnight snack from one of the venues on the side and some sweets. Well, I did, anyway. Jonghyun just kind of stared in pleasure, smiling the entire way. He's such a beautiful sight. Even though we know we shouldn't have, we enjoyed this.
"Key, don't you wish this could just last forever?" he canvassed deeply, the look in his eye changing.
"All the time." I said, looking at the ground. I could have swore that this would have lead somewhere had I pushed, like I usually do.
Finally, we were nearing home, and as it entered our sights, we both let out a slight sigh. Possibly one of frustration and discontentment. I don't think either of us wanted to return home that night.
"Well, thank you for the lovely evening." I said, grinning from ear to ear, playing off the scenario as if we were teenagers on a date.
"So when am I going to see you again?" Jonghyun asked playfully.
"I don't know.. Umma told me to stay away from guys like you." I said with a laugh.
"She was right." he said, leaning in closer. I welcomed his lips as they pressed against mine. He placed his hands gently on my waist, gravitating them towards him. Our bodies met and I could feel his warmth radiating. I pushed him away.
"We better stop, appa wouldn't like this!" I said, still roleplaying. He laughed under his breath as he chased me inside.
All of the lights in the house were off, just as we left them and we slowly began creeping our way upstairs when they all suddenly switched on.
"AND JUST WHERE HAVE YOU CRAZY KIDS BEEN?" Onew yelped.
"WE HAVE BEEN WORRIED SICK." Minho added.
"BOTH OF YOU, TO YOUR ROOMS NOW!" Taemin advanced.
"When did you all wake u-"
"DID YOU NOT HEAR US? TO YOUR ROOMS." Minho expunged with another smile.
Jonghyun took me by the hand and rushed upstairs, both of us dying of laughter along the way. All of the lights turned back off and I heard someone say "Alright, I'm tired, lets go back to sleep."
He threw his hands in the air and fell back onto my bed.
"Boy, am I exhausted." he muttered.
I crawled up on top of him after kicking my shoes off. I laid my head on his chest as he wrapped his arm around me, pulling me closer. This is all I ever wanted. To be held by him. This is the perfect way to end the day. In his arms.
"I truly do wish this could last forever." I managed to proclaim, nuzzling between his chin and shoulder.
"I know." he said, tensing, pulling me in tighter. Within a few seconds, I fell asleep.
--
My eyes opened grudgingly, surveying the vicinity. I smiled wider than ever as I nuzzled closer to Jonghyun, still asleep next to me.
"So cute." I praised.
I looked past him to see a compilation of printed photographs on the bedside table. I tilted my head to the side as I gently reached across him to retrieve them, being sure not to wake him. I shifted through them. It was a collection of the pictures we took yesterday. The one that Manager-sshi took and then the rest were random shots Taemin had accumulated throughout the day. We all looked so happy. Tears began streaming down my face as I continued shuffling through them. Jjong suddenly sat up.
"Key, why are you crying?" he asked, wiping the tears from my eyes.
"T-this is just.. so beautiful." I mustered up the strength to say.
"How did you do all this? No, when did you do all this!?"
"I woke up really early this morning to get them printed." he answered, rubbing his eyes.
I didn't ask anything else, I just pressed my body firmly against his, resting my head on his shoulder. He embraced me and I soaked him, once more, with my tears. We laid back down together.
"Thank you." I said.
"Sh." he retracted, closing his eyes and reaffirming his grip on me.
A/N: oh. my. dear. maker. GUYS, I AM SO SORRY. CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? T____T I know this chapter is short, but selfkmselfsmelf. I feel so terribly, terribly sorry. ;----; I don't even know what happened! School. Family. Life. Everything just became a bit too much and I had to take a break, y'know? I hope you all don't completely hate me and haven't completely forgotten about me. ;~; You're all far too nice to me. Thank you for all of your helpful wishes! You all are great! Honestly! It has meant more than the world to me to know that I have such amazing readers. Good news, though, I am no longer suffering from writer's block! :3 I just needed to take some time for myself and that is exactly what I did.