Beauty and the Beast | Chapter 9/?
Beauty and the Beast
Author: love_cassiopeia
Summary: Jung Yunho - a gifted and successful actor. Kim Jaejoong - Yunho's biggest fan. After receiving the task to interview Yunho for his journalism assignment, Jaejoong realizes that his favourite actor just might transform him from a "fan" into something much more.
Rated: PG-13 ~ NC-17
Disclaimer: I don’t own the five members, I’m simply borrowing them.
Warning(s): NC-17 material, language
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Pairing(s): YunJae
Chapter 9: Puzzel Pieces
9.
Puzzle Pieces
Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa. 10:15 PM Bora Bora
It had been nearly five days since Yunho and I have been stranded on the serene yet enrapturing island of Bora Bora. The valuable time spent with the actor rendered me ecstatic but tense, preoccupied by his attractive looks and endearing personality. It was difficult to sleep in the same hotel room knowing he was beside me-so close, and yet so far.
I had written a bit on Yunho’s youthful personality for my assignment, but none of which I decided to let him see. After all, I was stubborn to show anyone my work before I fully completed the article. The actor was required to wait at least another two weeks before I was confident enough to show him the finished product.
It was a quarter past ten when the talkative hotel manager, Park Yoochun, brought us safe and sound back to the hotel from our long day of hiking. I desired to thank the man greatly, not only for his kindness, but also for his grave dedication towards us as tourists. But what could I say? I was only receiving special treatment because I was Jung Yunho’s so-called ‘assistant.’ As the real Kim Jaejoong, I wouldn’t receive such luxurious pampering or indulgence. Yunho had made the impossible possible, and in a way, I was indebted to him as well.
Having spent quite a long day touring the island, I was resolute to head back up to my suite to allow my fatigued body a bit of sleep. Hiking sure had taken its toll upon me, and energy was certainly needed to be stored up before the next day. Yunho had intended to go bungee jumping on the island tomorrow, and I needed to be wide awake for such an entertaining event.
Yunho was not at all thinking in the same direction that I was. With our hotel only blocks away from the shore, the actor desired to have one last sight of the beach before we were sent up to our rooms for rest. However, I was in no position whatsoever to stay awake any longer. Every nerve in my body had craved rest, putting the thought of going to the beach in the ‘preposterous’ category.
“You want to go to the beach?” I yelled. “At 10:30? There’s nothing to see!” I pointed out.
Yunho strolled out of the lobby imperturbably, me following closely behind him, trying my best to prevent him from walking any further. “The beach looks most spectacular at night, don’t you know?” He turned around and fixed me with a naughty smirk. “We came to this island for a reason, so let’s fulfill that reason.”
I rubbed my temples in aggravation, furious that the two of us were approaching the beach with ever step we took. “You’re insane!”
“So what if I’m insane?” He declared, utter pride in his voice. “At least I’m not ridiculous and clumsy like you!”
I gasped. The actor had offered me an irreverent insult, one which I was not able to take lightly. “I am not ridiculous and clumsy!” I denied, my face flustered with shades of pink. It was reasonable for my conscious to affront me about my weaknesses, but Yunho was in no situation possible to criticize me whatsoever.
“Then what are you, if you’re not clumsy?” He asked, his footsteps accelerating as we advanced closer to the beach.
“Oh, I’ll tell you what I am!” I gave him a vicious glance. “I’m tired from our long hike today and our long-term traveling! I am also tired of you, dragging me everywhere, unaware of my needs. You woke me up at five this morning so we could pet the dolphins at the sea-animal exhibit, and still, you expect me to follow you to the beach and watch the waves with you? Actor Jung Yunho-sshi, please have mercy on me!”
He refused to glance back as I finished, breathless. “Look, Reporter Kim Jaejoong-sshi, I don’t need you holding me back and interrupting me from my vacation.” He roared in bitter vehemence. “If you want to go back to the hotel room, or even back to Seoul, don’t be afraid to do so.”
I eyed him incredulously, unable to believe him for his harsh words. “B-but…”
“But what?”
I sighed, giving in to his demands. “Okay, fine, fine, I’ll come with you!” My heart approved of my actions as my body obligated me to stop. There was an invulnerable desire to be with him wherever he went, so there was no way on earth which my heart would refuse his request. I had a bit of stalker potential, after all.
The two of us abruptly arrived at the unoccupied beach, now engulfed in total darkness from the tender night. Yunho was right: the beach looked absolutely magnificent under the stars. I only had to see if for myself to believe him.
The crescent moon hung gently above us, guiding over her stars and commanding her waves. The fierce tides crashed against the reefs, making attractive sound effects that filled the air. The atmosphere was tainted with a salty smell, one which was irritating but also distinctive.
Yunho put no hesitation whatsoever into his actions as he walked through the white sand, approaching the ocean waves. He took off his shoes and rolled up the cuff of his pants as he walked through the water, letting the waves kiss his ankles lightly.
“Eh, Yunho, what the hell are you doing?” I rushed over to him, frightened that the waves would engulf him at any second. I ran through the water, getting a hold of the actor and trying to be a superhero as the foot of my jeans was deluged in water.
“I’m all right, I’m all right!” He yelled, hurling me off him in irritation. “It’s not like I’m going to drown! It’s completely shallow here next to the sand.”
“But you walked straight into the water!”
“Yes, and now I’m standing here, not drowning.”
“Oh.” I took a look at him. The water only came up to his ankles, contradicting my bizarre assumption.
He scoffed. “Worried about me, weren’t you?”
I frowned, shivering as the cold water seeped through the material of my shoes. “Of course not!” I denied, trying to be as tough as possible. “I was only trying to retrieve you from the cold water because you might get a cold and delay our vacation!”
He eyed me skeptically, his sharp glare reading me from head to toe. “Oh yeah, you are definitely worried about me.”
I was completely outraged, so I bent down into the water and splashed him with the cool liquid. He blinked his eyes, trying to guard himself from the water as he fervently backed away.
“Oh no, you didn’t!” The actor replied my actions with his own, splashing the cold sea water towards me in response. I chuckled uncontrollably as the chill of the water hit my clothes, seeping all the way down to my skin as the actor continued splashing onto me.
“Mercy!” I yelled, trying to defend myself from the water. I was in no mood to show any mercy for him, though. When his guard was momentarily down, I splashed towards him yet again, causing his chocolate-brown hair to become entirely soaked with the salty seawater.
“Ha!” I yelled, a naughty grin on my lips. “That’s what you get when you mess around with Reporter Kim Jaejoong-sshi!”
He gave me a ferocious look, trying to dry off his damp hair. “That joke is getting quite old, and so are you!” Without hesitation, Yunho humorously pushed me into the water, soaking my whole body. I tried not to shiver as the chill hit my skin, powerlessly attempting to stand up from my defenseless position.
Yunho instantly released a laugh as my attempt failed, my body now crashing once again into the cool water. My frustration overwhelmed me as Yunho offered to help me-a vague sign to me that my body was too frail for his liking. The man who had gotten me into this entire mess smirked towards me roguishly, teasing me about my lack in strength and my devastating clumsiness.
Allowing myself to obtain a stable standing position, I pushed Yunho into the water, trying to take on my revenge. It was only moments before he stood up, chasing after me with a soggy piece of seaweed draped over his shoulders. I ran as fast as I could amidst the seawater, trying to escape his frightening wrath.
He chased after me nonstop for a few minutes, outright determined to fight back. However, my chest tightened from the run as my endurance became weak. I halted, hoping my body would regain a fraction of its energy before falling onto the beach, lifeless.
“Truce!” I yelled, my chest heaving and my world spinning. The once appealing game had taken its toll on me, allowing me to abandon the thought of it altogether.
“Ha, I win!” The actor cried out in victory as he realised his arrogant success. It wasn’t the first time which I had lost a game; in fact, the result was quite predictable to me.
After the two of us had finished our mindless battle, Yunho and I laid out a blanket on the sand, hoping it would offer us a bit of comfort as we rested upon the beach. My body completely soaked, I ignited a bonfire, my hands frozen from the short game in the water.
The brunet and I sat near the bonfire, watching the sparks rise up into the night sky as the waves crashed onto the shore. We huddled close to each other to receive warmth, attempting to rid our bodies of the bitter chill.
The actor refused to converse with me, only staring off into the distance with tranquil eyes. I let my curious vision travel to his godly-sculpted features, my heart refusing to quiet down as my eyes fell into his inescapable spell once again.
“You know… it’s my first time seeing the ocean up-close.” I conceded, a bit ashamed of my rustic characteristic.
He didn’t bother to turn towards me, but I was sure he had heard my every world. “Congratulations.” He remarked, a fake tone of enthusiasm in his voice. “It’s not my first time seeing the ocean, but it is my first time playing in one.”
I eyed him, completely outraged. Was that his idea of playing? The cold seawater and sand which sank into my shoes provided me with utter torture, not fun!
“Congratulations to you too.” I spoke in the same tone he did, still irritated for the sudden ‘game’ he had started. The two of us were indolent to say any more, for our eyes were solely glued to the awe-inspiring ocean waves before us.
I let myself melt into the sensation, hoping to enjoy as much of the scenery as possible. I glanced up at the sky-at the many constellations which dominated the heavens. How wonderful it was to be under such a beautiful sky tonight.
I leaned closer to the taller man, my body exhausted and my limbs sore. I prevented myself from letting the contact of our skin overwhelm me; after all, I was getting quite tired from the day’s events and longed for a place to rest on.
He didn’t seem to mind the contact one bit, bringing a mischievous grin to my lips. The crimson flames lit the two of us in the darkness, its brightness accentuating Yunho’s caramel skin and igniting the spark within his eyes.
I didn’t want to call myself egotistic for wanting to claim him as my own. After all, the man beside me not only offered my eyes candy, but also offered my body enthralling warmth and tenderness. Being pressed to him so tightly made me feel so contented-so in place. It was almost as if the two of us were two separate puzzle pieces, now fitting in place within each other’s arms.
I had no courage whatsoever to admit it, but I was profoundly in love with Yunho. I had fallen in love with him only halfway as his fan, but now, another portion of me foolishly encountered his trap, multiplying the amount of affection I harboured towards him. The more I understood him, the more I fell for him. I knew without a doubt that this same cycle would continue endlessly, and a small fraction of me preferred to escape it, telling me that I would receive no form of reward if I continued to love him this way. I needed to get closer to him. Even if it meant risking the fickle friendship we built up, I had to take the chance.
“Listen, Yunho…” I didn’t put much thought as I spoke, letting my heart control the movement of my lips. “That autograph you gave me that day in Paris… it’s not for my sister.” I trailed off, deciding to advance lethargically at first.
His eyes carried curiosity as they met mine. “Really?” Astonished, he blinked his eyes. “Then who is it for?”
I sighed, deciding to beat around the bush no longer. “It’s for me.”
Silence stretched between the two of us almost immediately after I spoke, my words still echoing throughout my ears. If I was going to love him, I might as well be honest with him.
Nonchalance filled his features after a short paused. “Well, why didn’t you say so in the first place?” He chuckled, not taking the conversation curiously.
“I-I… I didn’t have the guts to tell you the truth because…” I was speechless, my heart being intimidated by the actor once again. “I’ve been your fan for years.” I acknowledged, trying to veil the blush within the darkness. “I’ve been in love with you ever since you first appeared on my television screen. Your looks, your talent-everything. They were all what I desired.” I halted, in debate whether or not I would be able to utter my next statement. “I know it might sound weird, but… I’m in love with you, Yunho.”
He couldn’t find the strength to speak instantly after my lucid confession. I assumed he was either disgusted or revolted towards me. However, the emotions locked inside me yearned for freedom, now released with my careless yet significant words.
Predicting that a frown would show upon his features, I was astonished as I saw quite the opposite. The actor carried a pensive appearance, making my heart weaken and my mind desperate to identify his next move.
“Jaejoong…” He spoke, sympathy in his voice. “I-I never knew…” He explained, confusion written all over him. He halted, staring at me blankly. “W-wait… is this a joke of some sort? You know… for your assignment?” He questioned, amused. “Is this a personality test to dig more deeply into my wits?”
So, he had thought my emotions were a joke after all. I wanted to murder the love in my heart, knowing that Yunho would eventually throw it away. His words had rejected me, in a vague way which he had used to veil his bitterness. I felt a bit regretful, knowing that all my sentiments toward him would eventually go to waste.
No, it was not a joke, I wanted to answer him. But then again, where would the truth take me? It would only lead him to push me away even further. In his eyes I would always be considered the homosexual, meddlesome, perverted fan-boy who would have no chance whatsoever to be with him.
His eyes held complete worry and guilt as tears of disappointment (or was it, embarrassment) capriciously appeared on my cheeks. The disgusting thoughts throughout my mind brought me to no conclusion but to let my tears fall. I was still a fragile, pathetic child in the end.
“Jaejoong, I understand, I didn’t mean to take it as a joke.” He spoke gently, wiping the tiny particles of liquid from my eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with how you’re feeling. I’m not going to neglect your love and take it for granted. I’m only surprised, that’s all.”
I chuckled, wondering what a complete fool I was. “Surprised about what? Surprised that a clumsy, childish admirer like me thinks that he actually has a chance with you?” I scoffed, wiping the tears away. “I don’t, Yunho. I know I don’t.”
“Stop, Jaejoong.” He commanded. “Don’t speak such nonsense.”
“Why? Because they make you feel like a ruthless beast, is that why?”
He held frustration in his eyes. “Stop.” He demanded, letting his palm hover over my mouth. “Just stop, please.”
I followed his command, frightened of what would happen if I rebelled. His hand on my lips not only offered me ecstasy, but a large amount of uncertainty as well. I stayed silent, hoping for some sort of explanation.
“I knew you were different from the moment I met you.” Yunho indicated, his hands now off my lips. “I felt that it was a bit weird, having you ask for my autograph so eagerly as you first met me. If it really was for you sister, I’m sure you would’ve waited a while longer.”
I nodded, gulping. The actor was sharper than I imagined, reading my every move concisely with his keen vision.
“And when you offered to apologise to me at the restaurant for angering me with the rumours… no other reporter would have the guts to do such a thing.” He smiled with mirth in his eyes, completely flattered. “But you, Jaejoong, every move you’ve made towards me was well thought out and beneficial. From the time you tried to back me up in front of Changmin to helping me escape… it really surprised me how humane you were.”
I smirked, admired by his praise. His words were music to the ears, making my confidence rise above its standard height.
“Now I know the truth.” Yunho stated, taking a chance to look deeply into my irises. “This reporter who was sent to me for his assignment turned out to be nothing more than just a fanatical, infatuated, stalker fan-boy.”
I was content over his words, until he uttered his last statement. “W-wait!” I contradicted. “I’m not a stalker!” I denied. “You know I’m not!”
He chuckled. “All fan-girls are stalkers, I thought you understood that already.”
“I’m a fan-boy, thank you very much.”
“Big difference.” He replied indifferently.
My anger boiled deeply inside me. “You are some actor.” I remarked, letting my mind spill its thoughts. “You know, here’s another confession: I thought you’d be a lot more sophisticated in person. But no, you’re careless, selfish, and downright rude!”
He scoffed, making fun of me once more. “And yes, I imagined you would be different as well.” He clarified. “I thought you would be an old prying reporter with wrinkles and blanched hair, not a pale-skinned boy with rosy lips and ebony hair.”
I thanked the darkness for keeping my blush concealed. His words had thrilled me significantly, causing a bright red to skim over my skin.
“And gay, not to mention.” I added.
He let himself laugh away, thinking that I was some sort of comedian. “That’s right, that’s right! We’d better not forget about the gay!”
My one last nerve popped, bringing anger to my body. Just who did this actor think he was, making fun of me like this?
I attempted to shift away from him, hoping to hide my obvious blush and to wipe the embarrassment off my countenance. In response, the actor only pulled me closer, not allowing me to escape.
My complexion brightened with different shades of crimson as our bodies met sensually in the dark. My skin was deadly warm from the contact, allowing my mind to dispose all hits of coherency. I decided not to fight the stronger man, resting my head on his shoulder as he directed me to. I tried to hide my flush from his view, hoping my discomfiture would eventually die down.
“Let’s play a game, shall we?” The actor suggested right out of blue. He held a mischievous smirk, one which was ready to undo me right on the spot.
“Oh no, not another game.” I dreaded. “What is up with you and your games?” I questioned, letting my curiosity get the better of me.
He chuckled, unable to offer me any clues. “You’ll see after we finish.” He informed ambiguously, the smirk still upon his cherry lips.
I sighed, deciding to let him command me yet again. “Fine.” I agreed helplessly. “How do you play this so-called ‘game’?”
He scoffed, satisfied that I had agreed to his request. “Close your eyes. Jaejoong.” He ordered.
I did as he told, asking myself why I was always so obedient in his presence. Whatever he commanded me to do, I did. Wherever he ordered me to go, I went.
I closed my eyes shut, waiting for an indication of some sort as I sat patiently. I silently prayed that his game would not be as wearisome as the previous one.
“Now, whoever opens their eyes first loses.” Yunho informed. “Understand?”
“What a stupid game.” I replied, my eyes entirely shut. The actor chuckled silently, making me wonder what he was up to.
Like a fool, I waited intolerantly for the game to begin. Nevertheless, after a few moments of waiting, I was still unable to receive any sounds-or procedures for that matter-from the obscure actor.
Impatient, I finally decided to let loose and question him about the strange game.
“Yunho, what the hell is with this game? Seriously, this is quite ridicu-”
Without warning, a warm touch met at my lips; one which tasted like sugar but felt like poison. My lips felt as if they had been taken over, now powerless due to the uncontrollable force which had enveloped me.
I was too besieged to admit it, but the sensation which met at my lips was one that was that was alien to me. Was this sentiment perhaps… a kiss?
Ignoring the purpose of the game, I let my eyes fly open, astounded by the sensation left upon my lips. When my vision was fully restored, I laid my eyes upon a scene nothing close to even my most plentiful dreams. There, holding me in his arms, was the actor himself, meeting his lips with mine.
My body turned fire hot as I realised the objective of the naughty game we had began. I was speechless, and yet I desired to cry out ardently. I was left completely powerless, and bashfully hard as his tongue brushed passed mine, sinfully teasing me with his playful movements. I kept reminding myself that such a thing as too good to be true, failing to wake myself up from the deceitful dream.
He pulled away with a frown on his face. “Ah, ah, ah.” He wagged a single finger before me, acting as if I was a young child. “You’re not supposed to open your eyes, remember?”
“Yunho… I-I-”
“You lost the game yet again!”
My eyes widened, a gasp escaping my throat.
“Just shut up, Yunho!”
“Then make me.”
Realising what the actor intended me to do, I eagerly met my lips with his, wanting to taste his sugary kiss once again. His kiss was like a drug, hypnotizing my virgin lips and then eagerly demanding for it to return to his. I moved my tongue swiftly against his, hoping that I would forgive myself for such a sinful deed.
Fitting together like puzzle pieces, the two of shared our moment of desire and ecstasy together as one. I felt as if I had been tainted for the first time, my first kiss now stolen from me by the lips of this abstruse yet affectionate man.
I melted, completely forgetting about the whole world as we sat together, below the stars, on the beautifully-sculpted white sand beach.
Two people, stuck on a tropical island, one being an actor and one being his greatest fan-something was bound to happen. I didn’t give the idea much thought, but smiled as I drifted off, sailing throughout the wonders of the kiss he left upon my lips.
Well, wasn’t this what I had been asking for all along? So why was I feeling so doubtful and bizarre?
TBC
Alright! You guys must be pretty happy after reading the YunJae fluff, right? I know my mood was brightened after I wrote it! Now that there are no secrets between the two of them, I’m sure they’ll have a better time understanding each other without that brick wall that separated them in the beginning.
I didn’t have much time this week so I rushed the writing a bit. Please don’t hesitate to tell me if you notice grammar mistakes or just any errors in general.
Please comment if you’re willing to. Feedback is always amusing to read =D
~Cindy
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9
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