[FANFIC] HIS
Title: His
Genre: AU, Drama, Romance
Warning: Homosexuality, Violence
Main Pairing: YunJae (YunHo/JaeJoong)
Summary: His father sold him to a casino owner when he was 10 to settle debts and he'd been working ever since. Weak due to his asthma and barely 16, a stranger take interest in him and bought him after hearing him sing just once. What now?
Chapter 11 Part I - Subdued
JaeJoong fixed his hair again and stared at his reflection in the mirror for the umpteenth time this hour alone. The boy idly realized that he had never scrutinized his appearance as much as he did today. But who can blame him? He just wanted to look his very best. I had to. Because of that, he had tried dozens of outfit but ended up choosing his most favourite attire of all time; a simple blue Lacoste striped shirt and a black fitting Levi’s - the very first one he tried but dismissed because he’d wore that too many times. And yet nothing after was good enough.
JaeJoong pulled his shirt down, brushing the soft creases clear. Although it was nothing out of the ordinary, the boy thought he looked absolutely casually gorgeous. And he doesn’t look awkward or out of place at all. He felt just perfect.
A soft wide grin slowly formed on JaeJoong’s beaming face as he smiled approvingly at his own reflection in the mirror. He looked extremely good - good enough to stand beside his Master - he’s sure.
When JaeJoong was at the casino, he’d never thought of himself as good looking. How could he? He was so scrawny back then, face gaunt and eyes lifeless. Apart from those who works as ‘escorts’, the others like JaeJoong were not well fed or properly taken care of. Those who didn’t drop dead out of exhaustion weren’t exactly living either. In fact, even after JaeJoong’s talent for singing was discovered, there were only small changes that occurred for him. The most evident one was that they were more generous with what they fed him, wanting him to sing his best almost every day and night. But they still treated him like the slave he was and the torture never stopped either.
The only time JaeJoong himself felt like he was alive was when he was on stage and singing. But most of the times, the boy found himself wondering when he’ll die for real and if it’ll feel any different with how he was feeling.
I was that empty and that pitiful to look at, JaeJoong cringed in sad realization.
That was why in a way, the boy felt like he’s looking at a reflection of a stranger now. His body was still relatively thin compared to his Master’s thickly well built one but the boy in front of him now was full of positive energy and brisk contentment. This boy doesn’t doubt his existence at all.
In fact, life radiates all over him.
And JaeJoong knew that that’s his soul he saw shining through those gleaming eyes in front of him.
He was indeed happy, remarkably so. Taking a long and deep breath with both eyes closed, JaeJoong let out a soft satisfied sigh. It’s a dazzling Saturday and today he’s finally going to go out with his Master. JaeJoong fixed his hair absent-mindedly. Today would be wonderful, he’s sure.
YooChun sighed heavily into the phone. ‘What are you worried about YunHo? Tell me, I’m getting worried with the way you’re talking.’
YunHo paused to close his eyes and willed the frown between his eyebrows to disappear. ‘There’d been whispers floating about these past few days.’ A pause. ‘You’d heard them as well, didn’t you?’
‘Yeah, but-’
‘Although I’d been shielding JaeJoong the best I could,’ YunHo cuts him with a troubled voice, ‘he’s still a target… Now think of the danger I’m putting him in when he’s actually with me. People who wanted me dead are too many. I, at least know what I’m getting into and I enjoyed the thrill but what if it happened when JaeJoong was there? Everything changes. ... JaeJoong can’t even protect himself. And it’s not even his fight to begin with. It’s mine.’
‘You’re wrong if you think he’s that weak… JaeJoong doesn’t survive the casino all that years being weak. From what I can see, his asthma is the only flaw in him but his will is as strong as yours and mine. Don’t let your fear messed up your judgement. Trust me YunHo, the kid knew what he’s getting into by falling in love with you - the mafia head in South Korea. And he doesn’t give a fuck about it. He cares about you. And that means your fight, all of it, is his as well.’ YooChun sighed and let the silence dragged on for a few seconds. ‘But do you really think Ji Ho’s going through with his threat?'
YunHo smiled. ‘You knew it’s him.’
‘Come on now, I’m not stupid like the rest of them. Here, Ji Ho’s the only one powerful and stupid enough to cross you. I’m damn sure it’s him who’s spreading the rumour. Nobody else dared to piss you off now especially with what you did to Joon Se’s group last month. I think everyone else but the dimwit got the message loud and clear YunHo.’
YunHo snorted in disgust at the reminder. Lee Joon Se was the young leader of a rising mafia clan focusing on human trafficking and truthfully, YunHo hadn’t cared about their existence at all in the beginning. It was an unspoken knowledge in the Korean mobs’ world that YunHo’s clan fully monopolized the drugs and arms trade - the most profitable and influential business of them all - and though Joon Se had made no effort to acknowledge YunHo’s power ever since they appeared, the man hadn’t mind the slightest bit.
In truth, YunHo rather appreciated the whiff of excitement and challenge brought by Joon Se’s newfound clan. After all, Joon Se had the potential of going far in this world and he’s capable of becoming either the worthy ally or a thrilling foe in the future. But for now, YunHo wasn’t at all directly affected by their operation in any way. The man was even slightly impressed and interested in them as they were quite organized and systematic. Even the authority was having trouble finding a fault in their operation and that was enough to gain his respect. And his interest in their potential was the sole reason YunHo refused to meddle in their operation even after receiving some complaints and pressures from some other clan who’d suffered from Joon Se’s rapidly growing business.
But YunHo’s rare act of kindness wasn’t rightfully appreciated at all. Those young bloods were actually stupid enough to think they could take over YH Group. Just because YunHo let them slide, they thought the man was scared of them. How ridiculous.
Their sheer audacity, no, stupidity, was something perhaps YunHo would have laughed about had he’s not immensely angered by it. It was one thing when his rivals sent assassins to kill him but how dared those inexperienced brats tried? Don’t they realize who YunHo was? Did they really think it was that easy to kill him?
Everyone knew that ever since YunHo took over his father’s position years ago, he had managed to unify all Korean clans under him. He’d taken the mobs world by storm so quick that everyone was left terrified of the man’s inhumane personality. Those who didn’t abide to him weren’t forced to do so; they were just killed ruthlessly without sympathy. Not just the head of those protests but anyone involved. His relentless heart and resolve even got all the surviving leaders from every powerful clan in South Korea to bow down to him. That was the reason the man was recognized as the ruler for the mobs world and specifically in control of the drugs and arms trade so easily. He was truly a man without a heart, they said.
And so, for Joon Se and his gang to cockily think that they could take over YH Group was nothing less of an unforgivable insult for YunHo. Just because he’d lay low for a while, people had thought of him as a coward? Maybe they needed to taste his vice personally.
KyuHyun took only a week to track down all Joon Se’s men - the influential ones in the group - and disclosed YunHo their every bits of information. And then it was YunHo’s turn. He personally started hunting every single one of them, making sure everybody knew it was his doing when these people disappeared one by one. The man took great pleasure in playing with them before finally agreeing to their begging for death.
YunHo shuddered as he basked in those glorious memories of watching life fades away even before Death was allowed to take them. It was so refreshing, so delightfully fulfilling. Nobody was truly aware of how YunHo relished in the delight of seeing that beautiful vigour in their eyes disappear by his own doings. Nobody really understood.
Maybe YooChun does, YunHo thought, but the man’s always overshadowed with his need for control to really appreciate such pleasure. And for some reason, YunHo preferred it that way. YooChun was different from him. The man still has a working heart, something YunHo wanted to say for himself but can’t most of the times. And YunHo also knew how much YooChun needed to cling to that human part of him. That was why it had always felt wrong to let YooChun completely slipped away. That was the reason he celebrated YooChun’s occasional lapsed of control and yet subtly kept on reminding the man of his humanity.
While YunHo, he had no good or bad side to choose from. He simply was who he was. He loves what he does. He greedily savoured each prospect of challenge and thrill. And his only source of enjoyment was the look of horror on human’s face, the fear in their eyes and the piercing cries of desperation. God, he never wanted them to end. He could go on and on with that kind of show. He never wanted to stop. The only time he’ll be compliant for the end was when his victims can’t even scream and feel the pain anymore. And that’s only because the fun was already gone by then.
The same thing happened with Lee Joon Se. Such a young face full of hopes and plans but too bad he dreamed too high, too soon. And for that YunHo crushed him without mercy. In the end, nobody was left alive. And no bodies were left to be found anywhere. YunHo made sure of that using the chemicals ChangMin supplied to dispose the bodies without a trace.
And just to make sure such clan ceased to exist again, he indiscreetly make certain that the authority was ticked off about all the dirt and evidences KyuHyun could find or purposefully fixed about all the other worthless members. It was so easy. Just in a short span of 15 days, they were all gone. It was as if they’d never existed. None of their trace was left.
Stupid hot-blooded youngsters, YunHo muttered under his breath. With the phone still pressed against his ear, he moved his head and relaxed his strained neck.
He’d believed his approach with those youngsters works beautifully. Nobody even showed a hint of protest with HyoRi’s status as YunHo’s temporary replacement afterwards, now knowing better than to question his action.
Of course, nobody except him.
YunHo sighed in distress. ‘You’re right. Like you said, they’ll lay low for a long while. Even if they don’t, I’m not worried about them. But I am worried about Ji Ho... This time it’s different YooChun. Ji Ho had never been reckless enough to throw a threat in the open like he did unless he was sure of himself. He’d never showed his real side like that even when he tried pissing me off using KaHi or our connection with Wu. He doesn’t want to risk it all in case he failed. But this time, he did. Now think YooChun, what does that mean?’
It means this time, he’s sure he’ll get what he wants. YooChun’s anger rose uncontrollably and YunHo wasn’t fazed with the man’s sudden outburst. He knew Ji Ho was a sensitive topic with YooChun. ‘Fuck him! Shit YunHo, just because he’s your half-brother doesn’t mean he can do whatever he wants! I freaking swear if he do anything to JaeJoong, I’ll kill him myself. This time, nothing can save him.’ YooChun’s breaths came out ragged and he was vaguely aware that he was losing his reason but he doesn’t care. Ji Ho had given his ex-girlfriend a terrible scare, enough to make her leave him three years ago. He’d almost fell into Ji Ho’s trap if it weren’t for YunHo but it doesn’t mean his hate for him had lessened over the years.
‘I won’t let him touch my JaeJoong... But the fact that he’s my father’s son tied my hands. I can’t do anything unless he gave me reasons. You know him. He’s always careful with what he does. Except for the talks going around, I have absolutely no clue what he’s planning.’
YooChun exhaled painfully slow. ‘Shit. At times like this, I freaking can’t believe you stuck on your principles and that promise you make to the late Jung. He’s a damn snake YunHo!’
‘... I’m a Jung. We Jungs held on to our words and I’d promised my father I’ll spare his son’s life unless he tried to take mine. Although we both knew he’s doing everything he can to ruin me, others don’t. And you know how popular he is with some of my father’s friend. He’s been vexing me up all this time because he wanted people to oppose me and took his side. I’m not gonna fall for that. As much as I don’t mind adding more bloods to my hand, there were some of those men I'd rather keep with me.’
YooChun sighed. He understood YunHo’s sentiment all too well. The influential and respectable old Bae, for instance, was one of the few who fell for Ji Ho’s false pleasant persona. And though YunHo could annihilate those men and possibly their whole clan as well - if necessary - it would create too much unnecessary friction against him and not to mention, take a toll on their men’s number and finance too. Most importantly, some of them were the late Jung’s business comrades and YunHo valued them for their loyalty towards his father and now him. Their world placed great value in blood and loyalty and those things had always had a greater weight with YunHo. It was something akin to the man’s other personal complex. ‘Then? We’ll just wait for him to attack? You know he’ll never leave any evidence... We know it’s him but others won’t believe a word we said.'
‘Ji Ho loves making a show, whatever it was he decided to do would be big. Especially if he really wants to kill me and JaeJoong, he’ll make sure the whole world know so he can claimed recognition over it. He’s tired of waiting and he doesn’t care anymore. If I’m right, and I survived this, I’ll at least have a valid reason to kill him afterwards.’ YooChun had to gulp now because YunHo never sounded as resigned as he did right now even though the man was chuckling. ‘Nobody can say I just wanted to eliminate him because I hate him then, though I can’t really deny my dislike for him. That said, it’s important to have someone I can trust JaeJoong with if something really happened…. YooChun, your first priority now and after would always be JaeJoong, understood? Only JaeJoong.’
YooChun nodded in heavy understanding. ‘… Do you think you got a traitor among your men?’ YooChun braced himself to ask because really, there’s no need for the man to ask for his presence. YunHo’s men were more than enough necessary protection for both him and JaeJoong. He’s sure YunHo would’ve personally assigned his most trusted and capable men for today. And he also knew about the men YunHo picked to become JaeJoong’s shadow from the first day the boy was his. YunHo didn’t need to tell him about them - not that the man would ever. He just knew from his own observation during the time he’d spent with JaeJoong. Of course he’s not sure who they were and how many men exactly YunHo had guarding JaeJoong from distance - they were that good - but he knew there were at least 5 of them everywhere on guard all the time. ‘Even those guarding JaeJoong personally?’
‘So you know about them,” YunHo smiled. ‘But nobody would be around as his shadow today. Only me. You know I never trust anyone more than necessary but there’s no harm in being prepared... And you’re the only person I’m sure won’t ever hurt JaeJoong. I’m sure you’re worthy of that trust.’
YooChun moaned, distressed. YunHo rarely brings out the trust matter. When he does, it often meant seriously grave business. ‘Shit. You’re scaring me here you know. I didn't know it was this bad! If you’re so worked up about this, why don’t you just postpone the date with him? If you tell JaeJoong the truth, the kid would’ve understood. I know he would.’
‘I’d tried but JaeJoong would be crushed if I backed out on my words.’ YunHo tensed. ‘And postponing the date wouldn’t change anything. It is best to handle this as soon as possible. Like you said, Ji Ho’s a snake. I had to get rid of him. And this is the best chance YooChun. He’s never going to expose himself like this again. Best to get it done and over it as soon as possible.’
‘... I get you. But you might be wrong you know. Maybe he was just throwing a reckless threat. You know how much of a sexist the bastard is. He can’t even be in the same room with any woman of better qualifications than him. It must’ve been a real slap on his face that you insist on HyoRi. But just... Just make sure to take care of yourself and JaeJoong today, okay? And don’t worry, I got your back.’
YunHo smiled into the phone and ended the call with a soft I know. He went out of the room and descended the staircase to wait for JaeJoong in the dining room.
It's true that the man had never felt such uneasiness before but he’ll be damned if he let such fear denied his JaeJoong the things he wanted. And the world had had to end before he’ll allow anything to happen to JaeJoong. He sat down on the couch and waited, repeatedly reminding himself that yes, JaeJoong would be safe whatever happen that day.
“But you said-“
“Don’t worry SeungHyun. She’s in good hands. As soon as everything is done, I’ll send her home safely. We’re just going to play like we did yesterday, right Lee Jin? Such a cute little thing... You like staying with me, aren’t you?” An excited squealing sound echoed that question and SeungHyun’s hand tightened around his mobile phone. Asshole. You fucking heartless asshole.
He growled. “If-“
A chuckle. “Don’t worry. There’s no need for me to harm her. She’s just a kid from a good, respectable lower class family... Why would I bring attention to me after he’s gone? That’ll lead to too much suspicion, especially if they found out about her relation with you.”
“Okay. Okay.” With gritted teeth, he agreed to the man’s reason. “I trust you.”
“But of course you do..! Do you have any other option?” A demeaning laughter grated SeungHyun’s hearing before a click was heard, signifying the lost connection.
The firm yet bouncy footfalls brought YunHo to his feet. He looked up at JaeJoong who’d entered the room almost skipping his way inside. As expected, JaeJoong was glowing in happiness.
JaeJoong, sensing the pair of eyes that was watching him took in the sight of his Master as well and can’t help the awestricken expression from materialising on his face.
The man wore an expensively tailored black suit, white silk shirt peeking vividly at JaeJoong and the boy was sure the rest of his master’s overall appearance was of the same perfection. Yet as the boy’s gaze settled on YunHo’s face, he felt a strong mixture of apprehension and distress badly concealed behind the little upturn of lips.
JaeJoong’s step faltered.
The boy knew his Master was having second thoughts about their open date ever since the incident with that stupid Ji Ho guy. In fact, the man had even asked him twice last night if it was really necessary for them to go out together today, subtly hinting that he was hoping they could just spend the day inside the mansion.
Of course JaeJoong was pretty adamant about it last night but now he’s not so sure anymore. Master’s looking so tense... This ‘date’ means nothing if his Master’s not happy. Is it really that bad? JaeJoong can’t - won’t want to - enjoy this if his Master doesn’t.
“Master- You’re- happy right?” The boy bashfully asked when he’s near enough, biting his now trembling lips. There’s a sudden bad feeling taking over his heart and he hates it. He doesn’t want this if this was how it’s going to be. “You’re not- mad, right? You don’t- regret- giving in to me, right?” The boy’s voice broke emotionally. Yes he wanted to be selfish and show off his Master to the world but- He wanted his Master to enjoy their date as well. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
“I don’t.” The man said brusquely, uptight face darkening even more at the sight of his JaeJoong’s gloomy expression. He was stressed with all the negative thoughts Ji Ho caused but nothing worsened his day more than an upset JaeJoong. He felt like he couldn’t breathe. It's definitely not something he wanted to experience. “JaeJoong, listen to me. It’s okay. We’ll go out and have fun today okay. Anything for you. Please smile?”
JaeJoong’s face fell, not really believing they’ll have fun. If YunHo wasn’t, how was he supposed to be happy?
“Please?” YunHo almost - or already - begged as he looked at JaeJoong and pulled the boy closer. “Smile JaeJoong? You have to shine always, remember? Now smile please. For me? Smile. I'm only happy if you're smiling.” YunHo cupped his face gently and kissed his lips softly, later thumbing the boy’s warm cheek with fond strokes.
JaeJoong nodded with a new smile on his face, completely brightened up with the assurance.
YunHo too, smiled. “Now let’s have our breakfast okay?”
“JaeJoong.”
“Hmm?”
“Finish your breakfast. We’re not going anywhere until you do.” YunHo can’t help the smile in his voice. How can he, when JaeJoong was acting this adorable? The man wasn’t blind not to notice the boy’s practically bouncing on his seat, a wide smile stretched upon his face. If he had known how much JaeJoong wanted this, he would’ve considered taking the boy out sooner. Long before the whole fiasco with Ji Ho started. YunHo almost frowned at the thought but it was truly impossible for him to grimace in JaeJoong’s presence because instead of frowning, he actually shook his head smiling.
Why? His JaeJoong was adorably pouting as he took another spoon of fried rice.
The boy’s really too excited to feel hungry actually. That explained why his master was already done with his breakfast but JaeJoong was not even halfway finished. “Master, where are we going?” JaeJoong finally asked as he gulped down the chunk of minced rice. He had a feeling that if he had to keep all his excitement inside any longer, he might burst. I'm not exaggerating!
“First, we’re going shopping.”
JaeJoong wrinkled his forehead. “Shopping?”
“Yes. I told you I’ll buy something else for your birthday, didn’t I?” YunHo’s eyes unconsciously shifted to JaeJoong’s wrist. There hangs an over-sized silver watch lousily. His birthday present JaeJoong insists on wearing everyday. Honestly, YunHo hated the sight. It reminded him of his incapability to choose something suitable for the boy. YunHo truly hates looking at it but he learnt not to be vocal about it because for some reason he couldn’t fathom, JaeJoong would be sad if he did. "I'm sorry it took this long."
Absent-mindedly stroking the wrist watch, JaeJoong nodded. “Oh.” He didn’t think it matter but well, he won’t complaint. As long as he can spend time outside with his Master. “Where?”
“Seoul’s YH Shopping Mall.”
JaeJoong frowned then nodded in acknowledgement. It was an extremely spacious five storey store - not really his choice of a dating place but it's okay. The biggest in Seoul, as YooChun had told him before. YooChun usually brought him there when the boy wanted to buy something. But JaeJoong had never explored the mall. There were always too many people and JaeJoong usually just stayed on the first and second floor only. He only searched for what he wanted and goes home when he’d bought them.
“We’ll watch movies, go to the arcades, try the restaurants, anything you want. I know you never tried the ice skating rink or entered the amusement park on the top floor... If you want, I’ll play with you,” YunHo shocked even himself with the suggestion. Initially, he’d only thought of letting JaeJoong play while he watched. What’s this absurd talk about him playing along? But there’s no way he can take back what he himself said. JaeJoong, JaeJoong... The things you make me do and say without even trying...
JaeJoong almost choked on his food. He gulped them down greedily to show a wide grin. “Really?!
YunHo grimly nodded.
“You said so! We’ll play everything!” “JaeJoong grinned. “Then?”
“… I’m taking you to the lake again.” YunHo smiled.
“You would?! We’re going to the lake again?!”
A softer smile. “I'll never lie to you, JaeJoong... You like it there, don’t you?”
“Of course. It’s so beautiful! And I feel so calm and free. I loves it there, especially because you brought me there.”
“Good. I want you to meet someone there this time.”
“Huh? Who?”
“... Someone very important. Now finish your breakfast. No more questions JaeJoong.”
JaeJoong pouted.
JaeJoong followed YunHo out of the car. “It’s closed.” JaeJoong stated, frowning at YunHo. “Why is it closed?”
“Because I don’t like crowd,” YunHo admonished blandly. “And it’s safer for you this way.” YunHo turned around with a heavy frown, “JaeJoong, come. Don’t stand too far from me.”
The boy stared disbelievingly at his master. They were just a few feet away from each other! Mechanically, he looked around at the dozens of YunHo’s men trailing behind them. Truth was, he’d never saw YunHo used so many people so openly at one time before. Was he really that worried about me?
“You love me,” JaeJoong crooned as he ran to YunHo and linked their arms together. “You love me... You love me so very much!” JaeJoong giggled. Feeling strangely lightheaded, the boy tiptoed and placed a quick kiss on the man’s lips - his early disappointment forgotten.
It was the first time the boy fully initiated a kiss by himself. Pleasantly surprised, his master smiled at him in amused defeat. “I’m afraid I do. Come.” YunHo paused when he realized the boy’s changing expression. “What’s wrong?”
JaeJoong subtly glanced at YunHo’s men. “Uhm... Do all of them have to follow us all day? ... All of them? ... Like all day? It’s not that I mind but Master, it won’t feel like a date anymore...” JaeJoong mumbled and jutted his lower lips out.
YunHo ruffled the boy’s hair in understanding. “Of course not. Don’t worry JaeJoong. They won’t be that close with us, okay. And half of them would stay outside anyway.”
That’s not really good enough. But JaeJoong knew when it comes to his safety, there’s nothing he could say or do to change YunHo’s mind. Slightly pouting still, JaeJoong huffed and let YunHo led him inside the mall. Soon enough, he started smiling feeling YunHo’s hand around his waist.
AN: Apparently, it's too big for one post - stupid LiveJournal - so please just click next entry. Thank you. Sorry. And please don't expect fluff because there won't be any. Expect the unexpected. That's all. Comment there kayh Friends?