This Isn't a Fairytale 3/3
Prologue | Part 1 | Part 2:
Part 2: A Beast in Hiding
We always question everyone, why am I not happy? Why can't I find someone? Will I be alone for the rest of my life? We're always looking, but sometimes what we need is to stop. Because true love comes, sometimes we just dont have an idea that it's already a room a way from us.
Sometimes, people realizes it a little earlier than others, but there are people who needs a trigger.
It takes Youngjae several moments before he realizes he can’t lie to himself any longer. It’s funny how gradually is happened and how he didn’t realize he was developing...feelings.
It happens the first time when he sees the rose on the day of his twentieth birthday. The way his heart has suffered from abnormal beating when he reads Happy birthday Youngjae -Daehyun. The memory is a haze, but he remembers Daehyun making something for breakfast instead of him doing the cooking. Daehyun says birthdays are important and should be celebrated. Youngjae is sure Daehyun called Mr. Kang too because the old man brought pizzas and a cake. Mr. Kang might have been throwing not so subtle teasing glances at him. It’s all very sudden that Youngjae has to cancel his plans with Himchan because everything is unexpectedly happy.
The second time it happens is when Youngjae forgets his umbrella and the rain starts to pour with no intention of calming down. There’s a storm and even if he did bring his umbrella, it wouldn’t have been useful in the raging storm. He sends a text to Daehyun informing his boss that he won’t be able to make it home and will crash at someone’s place for the night but he receives an unexpected call in return.
“Don’t leave the school grounds. I’ll come and get you.”
Youngjae freezes from his spot because Daehyun fears the outside of his room; Daehyun is afraid to see people, but why will Daehyun risk the chance of being seen just to get him? He tries to send a couple of text messages saying, “No, Daehyun, it’s okay. I can just sleep at my friend’s house.” But he doesn’t get a reply in return. He tries to dial in Daehyun’s number but he receives no answer.
Himchan sees him waiting by the shed in front of the university and asks if he wants to just stay at his place. Youngjae says thanks but refuses. No matter how much Himchan tries to convince him, Youngjae denies him and tells him he’ll be alright.
Half an hour has passed, and a familiar blue car stops in front of Youngjae. He sees the driver’s door open and a man clad in a jacket, a mask and a hat runs toward him. The man drape his arm around Youngjae protectively, securing Youngjae so he won’t be drenched by the rain.
“Sorry it took so long, I had a hard time finding a mask,” Daehyun says as he removes the black thing covering his mouth.
“Dae--” Youngjae says and he wants to keep on talking, he wants to continue asking Why did you do this? What if something happens to you on your way here? What are you thinking? There are a lot of words that need to be said but Youngjae settles for the best reply, short, simple and sincere: “Thank you.”
The third time it happens is when someone tries to break into the house. It’s almost dawn when Youngjae is awakened by a loud bang and his instinct gets the best of him. He runs towards Daehyun’s room only to realize Daehyun has been running to his too.
“Are you alright?” Daehyun asks, face full of worry, as he scans Youngjae’s body on any sign of injury.
Youngjae says yes. The banging sound stops when the police’s siren can be heard in the background.
“There’s someone trying to get inside. I already called the police. Don’t worry, you’ll be safe.”
But Youngjae isn’t worried for himself. He voices his concern. “Daehyun, if the police come, they’ll see you.”
“I--I never--” Daehyun says, “I’ll just hide in a room.”
To their luck, the police never goes inside the house to investigate but promise to keep a good eye on the area as robbery has been rampant the past few weeks.
They both decide to sleep in the same room and Youngjae’s bed suffers once again. The first time they slept together, side by side, Youngjae found it hard to sleep and was only called by the sandman just before the sun started to shine, but now it’s different; Youngjae feels secure and comfortable, like this is what it is supposed to be.
The fourth time it happens is when Youngjae practices photography. Youngjae and the camera are soulmates, even though he doesn’t really have one and has to borrow Himchan’s. They are soul mates - Youngjae and Himchan’s camera.
The day Himchan once finally lends the camera to him again, he tries to take photos of the furniture in the house and Daehyun catches him.
“What are you doing?” Daehyun says.
“I’m sorry.” Youngjae replies, “I just want to try something out.”
“You like photography? I thought you’re taking up medicine?”
“It’s just a hobby whenever Himchan lends this baby to me?”
“Who’s Himchan?”
“A friend,” Youngjae says, hesitating.
After a week, Youngjae is surprised to see one of the latest camera models on his desk. You have got to be kidding me. His instantly goes into Daehyun’s room and returns the gift.
“It’s too much. I can’t accept this. I’m sorry”
Daehyun grabs his hand before he moves away.
“But it’s a gift.”
“I told you, it’s too much.”
“Okay, let’s make a trade, then,” Daehyun tries and that gets Youngjae’s attention. “Teach me photography, and then this thing will be your payment.”
It’s a fairly good trade; Youngaje would want to take it in a heartbeat if he didn’t think the gift really was too much.
“Daehyun.”
“I won’t accept no for an answer. Because it will be such a waste if you won’t use it. I can’t use two cameras.”
And Youngaje sees it, Daehyun really has his own -- same model, same brand, even the same strap.
“I really want to learn photography, Youngjae. I don’t do anything in the house. I want to try to something new.”
Youngjae looks into Daehyun’s eyes, trying to catch a lie in those orbs but he can’t find anything.
“So, do we have a deal?” Daehyun asks again.
Okay so now, they are soulmates. Youngjae and Youngjae’s camera.
The fifth and subsequent times happen gradually. The photography lessons continue and they really keep Daehyun busy. Whenever Youngjae is away, Daehyun visits places he knows people will not be visiting and when he returns home, Youngjae is always in awe of the scenes and captured moments on Daehyun’s camera.
The little moments continue -- the simple exchange of messages when Daehyun is alone and Youngjae goes to class, the subtle glances -- and they are all fuel to the fire.
Now, though, Youngjae is stuck in a predicament because -- he should have known Daehyun would be the annoying type.
Daehyun is the type of boss who knows no privacy or boundaries. He’s a little too clingy too. But Youngjae doesn’t really complain; he’s used to it.
The continuous vibrations he feels in his pocket aren’t helping twist Daehyun’s image. He has to endure it because Professor Kim isn’t the friendliest and he reminds himself not to put his phone on vibrate anymore and instead to put it on silent so it won’t disturb anyone. Daehyun has learned the habit of texting him during classes, and it’s usually fine, but today is a little different because he doesn’t stop.
Right after class, Youngjae checks his phone and gasps when he sees what’s waiting for him.
“Woah.”
24 messages. 43 miscalls.
And he panics because what if something has happened to Daehyun? Oh my God. Not reading a single text, he quickly dials Daehyun’s number and the sound of the telephone ringing is irritating, because why the hell is Daehyun not picking up? After a couple of tries, still, Daehyun does not answer. The next period is in 30 minutes, there’s a test, and Youngjae needs an A+.
Fuck the A+.
With trembling hands, Youngjae fights hard to put the key into the lock. He curses the key multiple times, and at last, after much fumbling, the door unlocks.
“Daehyun!” he shouts while running, searching every room, every corner. His heart pumps faster and the more it does, the more painful it gets. “Daehyun!” he tries once again. He recalls the news he watched last night, 2 bodies found in the recent robbery massacre.
His mind goes through various scenarios -- maybe Daehyun has gone to the supermarket, but the guy hates going out, he doesn’t step out of the house and if he does, he’ll call Youngjae. Maybe he was kidnapped? Oh my god, please no. Was he assassinated? Youngjae needs to stop imagining things and to think logically.
“Think Youngjae, think.” But his mind is blank and his heart is in pain.
He’s losing hope. He dials Mr. Kang’s number but the old guy also doesn’t answer. Youngjae tries to call Daehyun again, over and over, and on the 23rd ring, Youngjae’s heart beat speeds up because he hears a familiar voice, “Jae?”
“Fuck, Dae, where are you?” There’s evident fear in Youngjae’s voice and surely Daehyun hears it.
“I drove to the beach to get some photos, I texted you a couple of times. Youngjae, are you alright? What happened? Where are you? What’s wrong? Are you alright?”
“I--” Youngjae replies, the truth sinking in. “I’m in your house,” Youngjae says after a while but more calmly this time.
Youngjae feels stupid and wants to whack his brain for imagining things but he’s at ease too for knowing Daehyun is safe. Daehyun on the other hand keeps on talking nonstop, asking if Jae is okay or if something happened, but Youngjae can’t reply. He’s busy calming his heart.
He can't reach the living room with his heart beating the way it is, so he sits on the floor, a few steps from the main door.
A good thirty minutes have passed, and finally the door swings open and Daehyun sees Youngjae on the floor hugging his knees.
“Youngjae, are you alright? What happened to you? Oh my God, Youngjae. Say something. Are you okay?”
Youngjae looks at Daehyun, panic easing. It’s crazy how Youngjae can let all his emotions just flow around Daehyun.
Daehyun keeps on talking. He really can’t shut his mouth but Youngjae is glad because Daehyun is safe and because Daehyun is still with him.
“Fuck, Jae. Say something. What happened?”
Youngjae does the first thing that comes to his mind. And Daehyun is left with a zipped mouth as Youngjae pulls Daehyun close and envelopes him into a tight hug.
“I got an F during the exams,” Youngjae whispers. He knows he did because he just chose something more important than the exam. Daehyun doesn’t really need to know the reason why.
>>>
Youngjae is not sure how their friendship developed so hastily. He thinks it has something to do with both of them needing companionship. Daehyun is in a deep well and any form of camaraderie is very much welcomed, Youngjae on the other hand provides understanding and it leads to both of them reciprocating each other’s needs.
But Youngjae knows their friendship should stay as it is. Wanting to have more is like a child believing he can fly. Still, though, with just one word from Daehyun, Youngjae is put under a spell:
“Youngjae.”
Daehyun smiles and Youngjae still gives him his all.
>>>
Their friendship continues to escalate, the two finding common interests. The nights are spent watching movies on the living room while indulging into the sweetness of cakes. Sometimes, they play video games, too. Often times, when Youngjae is studying, Daehyun will be doing the same but with photography.
On the days when Youngjae has more free time, they drive to beaches and mountains, Daehyun always wearing his mask while Youngjae tries his best to hide him from people.
They’re friends -- they’ve become the best of friends.
There’s a saying that goes, your best friend is your soul mate.
“Is he my soul mate?”
>>>
“Is someone keeping an eye on you?” Daehyun asks over dinner.
Youngjae’s mouth is too busy devouring the freshly cooked beef for him to answer Daehyun’s query.
Youngjae has been coming home a little later than usual and his explanation is he’s finishing a paper that’s due in a month, but whenever he goes home late, Daehyun sees someone walking away from his house.
“I saw you with a lanky man awhile ago.”
Youngjae scrunches his nose and tries to think hard, “Ah,” Youngjae finally replies then drinks his orange juice to clear his throat. “That’s Junhong.”
Daehyun narrows his eyes and tries to scan his brain for jumbled and blurred memories because he has heard the name before but he cannot pinpoint when and where. The growing curiosity is evident as he bombards a lot of question such as why, how and what but Youngjae refuses to answer every inquiry saying he’s entitled to have some privacy.
The old Jung Daehyun seemed to find comic relief in almost any scenario. Youngjae has taught him to see the positive in all the negative that’s happening, and even though there’s less than a week before his 21st birthday, Daehyun finds himself worrying not about the fact that he might look horrible for the rest of his life, but about this guy named Junhong.
There are three hundred sixty five days in a year, seven days in a week and Daehyun spends twenty two hours a day making the people who tried to be in a relationship with him regret their decision. That was before he was cursed, and Daehyun has lamented over the matter and realized his mistakes. He wants to undo them and be a better man. Maybe Youngjae would love that --
Wait, what? Where did that come from?
For the very first time, that night, he dreams of Youngjae.
>>>
Junhong comes over.
Daehyun hides in his room, promising himself that he’ll fire Youngjae, he’s going to fire Youngjae and find someone else, he is going to really fire Youngjae. He’ll call Mr. Kang and tell him to fire Youngjae.
He won’t fire Youngjae.
He walks back and forth in his bedroom because the Junhong kid is in his house. It happened just a few minutes ago when there was a loud booming sound that emerged from the door. At first, Youngjae and he thought there was some kind of commotion outside, both a little hesitant to check it out, but when they did, there was a tall guy soaked in water, shoulders hunched, head bowed down. Youngjae hysterically runs to get the guy, dropping the frying pan he’s holding. To Daehyun’s surprise, Youngjae didn’t even ask for his permission, he just let the tall guy in.
He let the kid, a complete stranger in Daehyun’s house.
He should really fire Youngjae. Ughhh.
To his utter relief, the tall kid must have been so depressed that Daehyun’s presence wasn’t even noticed. Youngjae was so focused on the giant kid, he didn’t even bat an eyelash when Daehyun poked him a couple of times.
Daehyun is taken aback because how could you Yoo Youngjae?
In the end, he walks into his bedroom.
After a couple of minutes, Daehyun can’t stand waiting any longer. He imagines different scenarios like the Junhong kid putting his hand over Youngjae’s. Or Youngjae making soup for the giant and then feeding him, or Youngjae hugging the kid, or worse the kid taking advantage of Youngjae and kiss….
He steps outside his bedroom. “Youngjae!” he shouts as loudly and as intimidatingly as he can.
“Yoo Youngjae!” he tries once again.
Youngjae emerges from the kitchen. “What?” he replies.
“Why are you letting a stranger into my house?”
Youngjae looks surprised. “Junhong isn’t a stranger,” he replies.
“I don’t know him.”
“I do, and he’s kind,” Youngjae rebuts. “Excuse me, but I need to take care of Junhong.”
The reality Daehyun lives in is a like a comedy show. Everything feels like a joke but everything is happening all at once. He realizes he doesn’t want Youngjae helping a person not who is not him. He doesn’t want to see Youngjae with someone that’s not him.
But maybe things work out when they're supposed to, not when they are planned to. Maybe it's all about timing, or maybe because of the tall kid --
True love has its own selfish thing. Sometimes it will take a while before it sinks and when it does, it will be so intense that every fiber of your body will move on its own.
It happens abruptly because maybe Daehyun is just too oblivious to realize.
“Youngjae,” Daehyun breathes. “I love you.”
Maybe, his feelings started to develop when Youngjae made cheesecake. Or maybe when Youngjae tended to his injury. Or maybe earlier, or maybe, it was during when he first laid eyes on Youngjae. But time isn't important, what's important is that he loves Youngjae.
It’s simple and short but the emotions contained in those three little words are strong.
It’s like a sip of a fine wine that travels from your lips and makes its smooth way to your throat and finally moves its way down making you want more. The kiss is unanticipated but not startling, just skin touching against skin briefly, but it’s fascinating how the touch explains one million words all at once.
Youngjae’s head is spinning, his heart is wildly beating. Everything is electric but he likes it.
And then Daehyun realizes what he has done. The look on his face is a mixture of horror and guilt and before he backs away and storms inside his room, he mutters, “I’m sorry”
Daehyun is certain Youngjae will leave him.
“I’m so, so stupid.” Daehyun blames himself for acting rashly. What if Youngjae leaves? What if Youngjae loves that Junhong kid. No. No, just no. Despite the rain, Daehyun hears the gate being opened and he quickly peeks out from his window. He sees Youngjae with an umbrella and Junhong outside.
Youngjae ruffles the tall kid’s hair and Daehyun feels his heart breaking, there's a terrible pain lingering in his chest just like when he's 4 and his father didn't make it on his birthday party. Or when his mother said she would make him cheesecake but ended up cooking nothing because his mother suffered a heart attack. But maybe the pain he is feeling today is worse. He stops looking.
Junhong leaves after. Relief washes over him as he realizes that Youngjae isn’t leaving with Junhong. He tells himself to say sorry to Youngjae a couple of times, saying what happened was an accident, and maybe what they had won’t change.
He hears a soft knock on the door.
“I’m coming in,” Youngjae announces.
“Youngjae, I’m sorry,” Daehyun begins. “I’m really sorry. Let’s forget it, okay. I’m really so--”
“I love you Daehyun,” Youngjae finally answers.
Love can be like a wave of vertigo in your mind. It’s disorienting. But sometimes it’s like a perfectly made cheesecake that melts in your mouth. Daehyun loves cheesecke. He truly does.
It’s enchanting.
Daehyun wants cheesecake, Daehyun kisses Youngjae again.
People expect that Daehyun will turn back, that the spell will be broken, just like in the fairytales.
But nothing happens. The kiss didn’t work? Is it not love? Daehyun is sure it is love, but nothing happens because this isn’t a fairytale. Instead, Daehyun forgets about the curse and his mind focuses on only one thing: Youngjae loves him too.
Just this morning Youngjae made Daehyun's bed. He's been making it for three months, and been working for Daehyun for five. In the time that's passed, he's realized that his heart has fallen completely for Daehyun.
It isn’t easy for them to slip between the sheets, not when Daehyun continues to breath into Youngjae’s neck words of praise, words of gratitude, words of love.
“I love you,” Daehyun breathes continuously.
“I love you,” Youngjae replies. It takes a couple of more minutes before Daehyun falls asleep, arm draped over Youngjae’s body. Youngjae kisses him again before falling asleep himself.
We all have secrets. Secrets are memories, moments or things we did that we either want to keep privately to ourselves because of how precious they are or because we are ashamed and we want them to never existed in the first place. We all have secrets, and sometimes, we try hard to protect them from being revealed.
Appearances can deceive you, for Beauty is found within.
The words are recurring, even in his sleep. They are haunting him.
Appearance is just a façade and what’s within shall be the outer shell. When the moon shines the brightest, you shall see, what’s inside you shall be revealed.
You can only break the words when you learn to love another and earn a love in return but if on your 21st birthday you shall not succeed then the words will be permanent and you’ll stay as ugly as a beast.
The words are ringing in his ears, warning him, taunting him, mocking him. Every word feels like a mockery. They are laughing at him.
You’ll stay as ugly as a beast.
The words are coming true.
Youngjae loves Daehyun and Daehyun loves Youngjae but they don’t get their happily everafter because Youngjae’s words are coming into life.
Youngjae’s spell is going to come true.
>>>
Youngjae slowly untangles Daehyun’s hold on him. He loves Daehyun, he truly does, more than anyone, even more than himself. He realizes it slowly, painfully.
He peeks at the figure lying peacefully in the bed. Youngjae places a chaste kiss on Daehyun’s forehead and then he gets out of bed and escapes He has to run. He needs to break the spell.
He has enough time, and he has no doubt that he’ll be able to break it. He can do it, right? Of course he can, there’s some way, some written spell in the book.
He rushes out and leaves a simple note that tells Daehyun he’s gone to the university, because Daehyun doesn’t need to know the truth.
Youngjae must do something before Daehyun’s 21st birthday. It’s a month away. That’s plenty of time to break the spell, right?
Youngjae has to believe he can break it, because there’s a way, there has to be a way. Youngjae knows because he was the one who cast it in the first place so he’s sure he’ll be able to break it.
No matter what it takes.
It was two years ago when everything started.
It was an accident, a spur of the moment decision, and Youngjae regretted it the moment the words escaped his mouth. He hadn't known his foolish words would form a spell so easily. He'd descended from a line of witches, of course he knew it though his parents had hidden this from him. He's intelligent and some time between his teenage years, he discovered the truth.
And on that day, where fate decided to play with them, Youngjae’s dad died all because of one selfish person. A person who decided to accuse his father of wanting to rob him after saving his life. He had pushed him into the road, not knowing that a fast approaching car would hit him.
Youngjae witnessed it all.
Youngjae’s father warned his son not to do anything, not to be eaten alive by anger and revenge, because once the spell is cast, it cannot be broken by person who cast it. No one escapes the power of words.
His father had died because of complications arising from the accident and Youngjae wanted to take revenge. He quickly went home and retrieved the spell book from where his parents hid it. He searched for the strong spells and disguised himself as an old beggar, but once he was in front of the house, his father’s words continued to replay on his mind. No one escapes the power of words. He then decided to give Daehyun a chance but instead of showing kindness, he showed Youngjae how cruel he could be instead.
Every day, Youngjae regrets what he did. Every hour, Youngjae’s heart breaks. Every second, Youngjae wishes he hadn’t cast the spell. But no matter how much he regrets, or how his heart breaks, or how he wishes for things, nothing is going to change.
Youngjae didn’t expect that he’d fall in love. The moment he saw Daehyun with those ugly scars, he remembered it all - that Daehyun was the person he cursed years ago. All he wanted to do was to help Daehyun find his true love and for the spell to be lifted quickly. He tried to search for people whose hearts were pure and intentions innocent. The first person had been Himchan, the second one Junhong, and then Youngjae stopped searching because the idea of Daehyun being with someone else brought some unexplainable emotion to Youngjae.
And now Youngjae is at a standstill. He never expected Daehyun to love him too but Daehyun did and he loves Daehyun too. He truly does.
“Where is it? Where is it?” Youngjae roughly searches all the closet and cabinets. He remembers hiding it somewhere in their old house. It has got be here somewhere.
He finds the book and his hands are trembling. He scans the pages. He locates the spell he cast and looks for some kind of antidote or ways to lift it. But he doesn’t find anything. Daehyun loves him, right? And he loves Daehyun too. So why isn’t the spell broken if the requisites are already fulfilled? He distraughtly searches for answers until he finally lands on one in the last page of a book.
A witch’s curse is a powerful play of verse.
Once spoken, no one can be able to reverse.
Unless the conditions are met,
The spell will be permanent.
Beware, for the words are powerful
And the results are dauntingly awful
For a witch cannot fulfill its own clause
Unless he pay the price offering his own cause.
Youngjae knows what the words mean, and his father’s last words replay in his mind, but what can he do? Everything is his own fault and he knows he must suffer.
The instructions are pretty simple, to lift the curse, all he needs is a strand of Daehyun’s hair and one of his own. But to revoke the spell has its tolls. Once broken, it cannot be undone and it will be permanent. Terminating one’s own casted spell will result in having the curse ricochet and all the effects will double but no conditions will be set. It’s the price a witch has to pay. A normal individual when the spell is revoked will lose his memory up until the day the spell is pronounced.
Youngjae thinks of the consequences: if he rescinds it, Daehyun will be able to live his life normally again but Youngjae has to take the upshot. Is he willing to do everything for Daehyun?
Youngjae goes back to Daehyun. It’s hard to keep his tears from falling but he needs to cry. Daehyun must not know. They can continue living like this, right? And he can continue to take care of Daehyun. He will continue to take care of Daehyun.
“Youngjae!”
He hears him and something is pulling Youngjae’s heart strings. When Daehyun sees him, the guy automatically wraps his hands around him and after a warm hug, he cups Youngjae’s face and places a soft kiss on his lips.
“I’m glad you’re back,” Daehyun says, a wide smile spreading across his face.
“I love you,” Youngjae utters.
Daehyun laughs unsurely. And shyly replies, “And I love you too.”
They eat their lunch together, but Daehyun cooks their meal this time. Youngjae marvels at how Daehyun looks at him at how Daehyun says he is glad Youngja is with him and how sorry he is too for being ugly and how Youngjae doesn't deserve him because Youngjae is handsome and he isn't.
“Hey Daehyun,” Youngjae cuts Daehyun off in the middle of his sentence. "I don't care about your looks" He says.
“All I know is that I love you,” Youngjae says and he can see Daehyun’s cheeks turning a shade of red. “Always remember that.”
“I love you more, Youngjae,” Daehyun replies. "You don;t know how much I love you."
“I love you so much,” Youngjae breathes. “Always remember.”
"Of course, I will."
They finish their dinner and Youngjae says he needs to get some books in the library and Daehyun lets him, saying he’ll prepare dinner tonight and Youngjae needs to make cheesecake tomorrow. Youngjae says he can’t wait and he'll make the most delicious cheesecake.
He goes back home and calls Mr. Kang.
“I’m sorry,” Youngjae mutters. “I think I won’t be able to continue taking care of Daehyun. I’m really sorry.” By this time, Youngjae can feel tears running down his face.
And he ends the call.
“It’s now or never.”
It's Daehyun's 23rd birthday, he receives a gift from an anonymous sender. It's a cheesecake and the most delicious one he has ever tasted.
Happy Birthday Jung Daehyun,
I love you, always remember.
>>>
Jung Daehyun dreams of Yoo Youngjae every time he sleeps, and he hates it. It started a month ago when he woke up from the hospital. His uncle Mr. Kang has told him he was in a car accident and in a coma for 3 years but the funny thing was he can't find any news about a car crash involving him, or any accident but Mr. Kang said to stop worrying and be glad he's back to normal.
At first, he wondered who the person was who kept appearing in his dreams. It began with a man calling his name over and over again until the man’s face started to become clear.
When he came back to school, he recognized a familiar face. It was frightening to know this was the same face as in his dreams.
In his dreams, Youngjae looks average -- normal. But when Daehyun wakes up, he quickly forgets how Youngjae looks in his dreams and the only appearance he remembers is the horrible looking Yoo Youngjae he sees during class. The Yoo Youngjae that everyone fears, the Yoo Youngjae that everyone mocks, the Yoo Youngjae everyone loathes to touch.
Jung Daehyun dreams of Yoo Youngjae, not knowing that his dreams are remnants of a reality that once had transpired.
Jung Daehyun dreams of Yoo Youngjae.
And that’s all that ever will be.
Daehun falls asleep in Chemistry class, and he dreams again. He dreams of Youngjae wanting to be his partner. He dreams of Youngjae making cheesecake. He dreams of Youngjae tending to his burnt hand.
And then he wakes, Mr. Choi is scolding him. It’s all Youngjae’s fault
Yongguk treats him to hamburger and fries after Daehyun’s trip to the principal’s office. Daehyun has been sentenced to community service due to his continuous behavior in certain classes.
“So you’re telling me, it’s Yoo’s fault?”
Daehyun can’t believe Yongguk is asking him this question for the fourth time already. Of course it was Youngjae’s fault. He could have put something on Daehyun’s food so the latter will see Youngjae in his dreams.
“I told you, hyung, that Youngjae guy must have done something to me that made me dream of him,” Daehyun says in all seriousness.
“You do know how stupid it sounds.” Yongguk gives him a questioning look. The guy sees the stupidity in everybody and wants to correct everything.
Daehyun heaves a depressing sigh because he knows it’s stupid, too, but what other possible reason is out there in the open? They say dreams are reality we long to come into contact with but in Daehyun’s experience, it’s the complete opposite. Why would he long for someone like Youngjae, when he could have anyone he wanted?
So why would a first-rate gemstone dream of someone? He doesn’t even talk to Youngjae despite being classmates with him. Why of all people, is it Youngjae?
“I hate him.” That’s all Daehyun could ever come up.
“I don’t want to see Youngjae in my dreams.”
>>>
Youngjae can take all the disgusted looks, the harsh words, the mockery and the sickened stares he gets from other people. All he wants is to see Daehyun, and though he has been bullied countless times, it doesn’t affect him. He recalls the days that Daehyun hid himself, that Daehyun feared even his own self. Everything is fine and will be fine as long as he still can see Daehyun, because being in the same class with Daehyun is enough, will be enough because he gets to see Daehyun. Even if that’s all that it will ever be.
That’s the price he has to pay.
True love never runs out. But sometimes, it isn’t true love, and that’s why it fades.
Jung Daehyun dreams of Yoo Youngjae.
“I love you.”
Always remember.
Author's note: And yes my first ever DaeJae fanfic I've finished writing. Thank you andnowforyaya for the beta and suggestions. You really are the best. accept my love. I've added a few stuffs so the grammar errors and stuffs are all on me. TTTTT To greasytree, I hope I gave justice to the prompt you gave and Im really sorry for the ending. :( Thank you to Divine, Marian and Kez for reading the fic part by part during the times I'm still conceptualizing and for the suggestions and comments. :> Thank you to the browniebunch mods for this exchange, you guys are awesome!
Part 2: A Beast in Hiding
We always question everyone, why am I not happy? Why can't I find someone? Will I be alone for the rest of my life? We're always looking, but sometimes what we need is to stop. Because true love comes, sometimes we just dont have an idea that it's already a room a way from us.
Sometimes, people realizes it a little earlier than others, but there are people who needs a trigger.
It takes Youngjae several moments before he realizes he can’t lie to himself any longer. It’s funny how gradually is happened and how he didn’t realize he was developing...feelings.
It happens the first time when he sees the rose on the day of his twentieth birthday. The way his heart has suffered from abnormal beating when he reads Happy birthday Youngjae -Daehyun. The memory is a haze, but he remembers Daehyun making something for breakfast instead of him doing the cooking. Daehyun says birthdays are important and should be celebrated. Youngjae is sure Daehyun called Mr. Kang too because the old man brought pizzas and a cake. Mr. Kang might have been throwing not so subtle teasing glances at him. It’s all very sudden that Youngjae has to cancel his plans with Himchan because everything is unexpectedly happy.
The second time it happens is when Youngjae forgets his umbrella and the rain starts to pour with no intention of calming down. There’s a storm and even if he did bring his umbrella, it wouldn’t have been useful in the raging storm. He sends a text to Daehyun informing his boss that he won’t be able to make it home and will crash at someone’s place for the night but he receives an unexpected call in return.
“Don’t leave the school grounds. I’ll come and get you.”
Youngjae freezes from his spot because Daehyun fears the outside of his room; Daehyun is afraid to see people, but why will Daehyun risk the chance of being seen just to get him? He tries to send a couple of text messages saying, “No, Daehyun, it’s okay. I can just sleep at my friend’s house.” But he doesn’t get a reply in return. He tries to dial in Daehyun’s number but he receives no answer.
Himchan sees him waiting by the shed in front of the university and asks if he wants to just stay at his place. Youngjae says thanks but refuses. No matter how much Himchan tries to convince him, Youngjae denies him and tells him he’ll be alright.
Half an hour has passed, and a familiar blue car stops in front of Youngjae. He sees the driver’s door open and a man clad in a jacket, a mask and a hat runs toward him. The man drape his arm around Youngjae protectively, securing Youngjae so he won’t be drenched by the rain.
“Sorry it took so long, I had a hard time finding a mask,” Daehyun says as he removes the black thing covering his mouth.
“Dae--” Youngjae says and he wants to keep on talking, he wants to continue asking Why did you do this? What if something happens to you on your way here? What are you thinking? There are a lot of words that need to be said but Youngjae settles for the best reply, short, simple and sincere: “Thank you.”
The third time it happens is when someone tries to break into the house. It’s almost dawn when Youngjae is awakened by a loud bang and his instinct gets the best of him. He runs towards Daehyun’s room only to realize Daehyun has been running to his too.
“Are you alright?” Daehyun asks, face full of worry, as he scans Youngjae’s body on any sign of injury.
Youngjae says yes. The banging sound stops when the police’s siren can be heard in the background.
“There’s someone trying to get inside. I already called the police. Don’t worry, you’ll be safe.”
But Youngjae isn’t worried for himself. He voices his concern. “Daehyun, if the police come, they’ll see you.”
“I--I never--” Daehyun says, “I’ll just hide in a room.”
To their luck, the police never goes inside the house to investigate but promise to keep a good eye on the area as robbery has been rampant the past few weeks.
They both decide to sleep in the same room and Youngjae’s bed suffers once again. The first time they slept together, side by side, Youngjae found it hard to sleep and was only called by the sandman just before the sun started to shine, but now it’s different; Youngjae feels secure and comfortable, like this is what it is supposed to be.
The fourth time it happens is when Youngjae practices photography. Youngjae and the camera are soulmates, even though he doesn’t really have one and has to borrow Himchan’s. They are soul mates - Youngjae and Himchan’s camera.
The day Himchan once finally lends the camera to him again, he tries to take photos of the furniture in the house and Daehyun catches him.
“What are you doing?” Daehyun says.
“I’m sorry.” Youngjae replies, “I just want to try something out.”
“You like photography? I thought you’re taking up medicine?”
“It’s just a hobby whenever Himchan lends this baby to me?”
“Who’s Himchan?”
“A friend,” Youngjae says, hesitating.
After a week, Youngjae is surprised to see one of the latest camera models on his desk. You have got to be kidding me. His instantly goes into Daehyun’s room and returns the gift.
“It’s too much. I can’t accept this. I’m sorry”
Daehyun grabs his hand before he moves away.
“But it’s a gift.”
“I told you, it’s too much.”
“Okay, let’s make a trade, then,” Daehyun tries and that gets Youngjae’s attention. “Teach me photography, and then this thing will be your payment.”
It’s a fairly good trade; Youngaje would want to take it in a heartbeat if he didn’t think the gift really was too much.
“Daehyun.”
“I won’t accept no for an answer. Because it will be such a waste if you won’t use it. I can’t use two cameras.”
And Youngaje sees it, Daehyun really has his own -- same model, same brand, even the same strap.
“I really want to learn photography, Youngjae. I don’t do anything in the house. I want to try to something new.”
Youngjae looks into Daehyun’s eyes, trying to catch a lie in those orbs but he can’t find anything.
“So, do we have a deal?” Daehyun asks again.
Okay so now, they are soulmates. Youngjae and Youngjae’s camera.
The fifth and subsequent times happen gradually. The photography lessons continue and they really keep Daehyun busy. Whenever Youngjae is away, Daehyun visits places he knows people will not be visiting and when he returns home, Youngjae is always in awe of the scenes and captured moments on Daehyun’s camera.
The little moments continue -- the simple exchange of messages when Daehyun is alone and Youngjae goes to class, the subtle glances -- and they are all fuel to the fire.
Now, though, Youngjae is stuck in a predicament because -- he should have known Daehyun would be the annoying type.
Daehyun is the type of boss who knows no privacy or boundaries. He’s a little too clingy too. But Youngjae doesn’t really complain; he’s used to it.
The continuous vibrations he feels in his pocket aren’t helping twist Daehyun’s image. He has to endure it because Professor Kim isn’t the friendliest and he reminds himself not to put his phone on vibrate anymore and instead to put it on silent so it won’t disturb anyone. Daehyun has learned the habit of texting him during classes, and it’s usually fine, but today is a little different because he doesn’t stop.
Right after class, Youngjae checks his phone and gasps when he sees what’s waiting for him.
“Woah.”
24 messages. 43 miscalls.
And he panics because what if something has happened to Daehyun? Oh my God. Not reading a single text, he quickly dials Daehyun’s number and the sound of the telephone ringing is irritating, because why the hell is Daehyun not picking up? After a couple of tries, still, Daehyun does not answer. The next period is in 30 minutes, there’s a test, and Youngjae needs an A+.
Fuck the A+.
With trembling hands, Youngjae fights hard to put the key into the lock. He curses the key multiple times, and at last, after much fumbling, the door unlocks.
“Daehyun!” he shouts while running, searching every room, every corner. His heart pumps faster and the more it does, the more painful it gets. “Daehyun!” he tries once again. He recalls the news he watched last night, 2 bodies found in the recent robbery massacre.
His mind goes through various scenarios -- maybe Daehyun has gone to the supermarket, but the guy hates going out, he doesn’t step out of the house and if he does, he’ll call Youngjae. Maybe he was kidnapped? Oh my god, please no. Was he assassinated? Youngjae needs to stop imagining things and to think logically.
“Think Youngjae, think.” But his mind is blank and his heart is in pain.
He’s losing hope. He dials Mr. Kang’s number but the old guy also doesn’t answer. Youngjae tries to call Daehyun again, over and over, and on the 23rd ring, Youngjae’s heart beat speeds up because he hears a familiar voice, “Jae?”
“Fuck, Dae, where are you?” There’s evident fear in Youngjae’s voice and surely Daehyun hears it.
“I drove to the beach to get some photos, I texted you a couple of times. Youngjae, are you alright? What happened? Where are you? What’s wrong? Are you alright?”
“I--” Youngjae replies, the truth sinking in. “I’m in your house,” Youngjae says after a while but more calmly this time.
Youngjae feels stupid and wants to whack his brain for imagining things but he’s at ease too for knowing Daehyun is safe. Daehyun on the other hand keeps on talking nonstop, asking if Jae is okay or if something happened, but Youngjae can’t reply. He’s busy calming his heart.
He can't reach the living room with his heart beating the way it is, so he sits on the floor, a few steps from the main door.
A good thirty minutes have passed, and finally the door swings open and Daehyun sees Youngjae on the floor hugging his knees.
“Youngjae, are you alright? What happened to you? Oh my God, Youngjae. Say something. Are you okay?”
Youngjae looks at Daehyun, panic easing. It’s crazy how Youngjae can let all his emotions just flow around Daehyun.
Daehyun keeps on talking. He really can’t shut his mouth but Youngjae is glad because Daehyun is safe and because Daehyun is still with him.
“Fuck, Jae. Say something. What happened?”
Youngjae does the first thing that comes to his mind. And Daehyun is left with a zipped mouth as Youngjae pulls Daehyun close and envelopes him into a tight hug.
“I got an F during the exams,” Youngjae whispers. He knows he did because he just chose something more important than the exam. Daehyun doesn’t really need to know the reason why.
>>>
Youngjae is not sure how their friendship developed so hastily. He thinks it has something to do with both of them needing companionship. Daehyun is in a deep well and any form of camaraderie is very much welcomed, Youngjae on the other hand provides understanding and it leads to both of them reciprocating each other’s needs.
But Youngjae knows their friendship should stay as it is. Wanting to have more is like a child believing he can fly. Still, though, with just one word from Daehyun, Youngjae is put under a spell:
“Youngjae.”
Daehyun smiles and Youngjae still gives him his all.
>>>
Their friendship continues to escalate, the two finding common interests. The nights are spent watching movies on the living room while indulging into the sweetness of cakes. Sometimes, they play video games, too. Often times, when Youngjae is studying, Daehyun will be doing the same but with photography.
On the days when Youngjae has more free time, they drive to beaches and mountains, Daehyun always wearing his mask while Youngjae tries his best to hide him from people.
They’re friends -- they’ve become the best of friends.
There’s a saying that goes, your best friend is your soul mate.
“Is he my soul mate?”
>>>
“Is someone keeping an eye on you?” Daehyun asks over dinner.
Youngjae’s mouth is too busy devouring the freshly cooked beef for him to answer Daehyun’s query.
Youngjae has been coming home a little later than usual and his explanation is he’s finishing a paper that’s due in a month, but whenever he goes home late, Daehyun sees someone walking away from his house.
“I saw you with a lanky man awhile ago.”
Youngjae scrunches his nose and tries to think hard, “Ah,” Youngjae finally replies then drinks his orange juice to clear his throat. “That’s Junhong.”
Daehyun narrows his eyes and tries to scan his brain for jumbled and blurred memories because he has heard the name before but he cannot pinpoint when and where. The growing curiosity is evident as he bombards a lot of question such as why, how and what but Youngjae refuses to answer every inquiry saying he’s entitled to have some privacy.
The old Jung Daehyun seemed to find comic relief in almost any scenario. Youngjae has taught him to see the positive in all the negative that’s happening, and even though there’s less than a week before his 21st birthday, Daehyun finds himself worrying not about the fact that he might look horrible for the rest of his life, but about this guy named Junhong.
There are three hundred sixty five days in a year, seven days in a week and Daehyun spends twenty two hours a day making the people who tried to be in a relationship with him regret their decision. That was before he was cursed, and Daehyun has lamented over the matter and realized his mistakes. He wants to undo them and be a better man. Maybe Youngjae would love that --
Wait, what? Where did that come from?
For the very first time, that night, he dreams of Youngjae.
>>>
Junhong comes over.
Daehyun hides in his room, promising himself that he’ll fire Youngjae, he’s going to fire Youngjae and find someone else, he is going to really fire Youngjae. He’ll call Mr. Kang and tell him to fire Youngjae.
He won’t fire Youngjae.
He walks back and forth in his bedroom because the Junhong kid is in his house. It happened just a few minutes ago when there was a loud booming sound that emerged from the door. At first, Youngjae and he thought there was some kind of commotion outside, both a little hesitant to check it out, but when they did, there was a tall guy soaked in water, shoulders hunched, head bowed down. Youngjae hysterically runs to get the guy, dropping the frying pan he’s holding. To Daehyun’s surprise, Youngjae didn’t even ask for his permission, he just let the tall guy in.
He let the kid, a complete stranger in Daehyun’s house.
He should really fire Youngjae. Ughhh.
To his utter relief, the tall kid must have been so depressed that Daehyun’s presence wasn’t even noticed. Youngjae was so focused on the giant kid, he didn’t even bat an eyelash when Daehyun poked him a couple of times.
Daehyun is taken aback because how could you Yoo Youngjae?
In the end, he walks into his bedroom.
After a couple of minutes, Daehyun can’t stand waiting any longer. He imagines different scenarios like the Junhong kid putting his hand over Youngjae’s. Or Youngjae making soup for the giant and then feeding him, or Youngjae hugging the kid, or worse the kid taking advantage of Youngjae and kiss….
He steps outside his bedroom. “Youngjae!” he shouts as loudly and as intimidatingly as he can.
“Yoo Youngjae!” he tries once again.
Youngjae emerges from the kitchen. “What?” he replies.
“Why are you letting a stranger into my house?”
Youngjae looks surprised. “Junhong isn’t a stranger,” he replies.
“I don’t know him.”
“I do, and he’s kind,” Youngjae rebuts. “Excuse me, but I need to take care of Junhong.”
The reality Daehyun lives in is a like a comedy show. Everything feels like a joke but everything is happening all at once. He realizes he doesn’t want Youngjae helping a person not who is not him. He doesn’t want to see Youngjae with someone that’s not him.
But maybe things work out when they're supposed to, not when they are planned to. Maybe it's all about timing, or maybe because of the tall kid --
True love has its own selfish thing. Sometimes it will take a while before it sinks and when it does, it will be so intense that every fiber of your body will move on its own.
It happens abruptly because maybe Daehyun is just too oblivious to realize.
“Youngjae,” Daehyun breathes. “I love you.”
Maybe, his feelings started to develop when Youngjae made cheesecake. Or maybe when Youngjae tended to his injury. Or maybe earlier, or maybe, it was during when he first laid eyes on Youngjae. But time isn't important, what's important is that he loves Youngjae.
It’s simple and short but the emotions contained in those three little words are strong.
It’s like a sip of a fine wine that travels from your lips and makes its smooth way to your throat and finally moves its way down making you want more. The kiss is unanticipated but not startling, just skin touching against skin briefly, but it’s fascinating how the touch explains one million words all at once.
Youngjae’s head is spinning, his heart is wildly beating. Everything is electric but he likes it.
And then Daehyun realizes what he has done. The look on his face is a mixture of horror and guilt and before he backs away and storms inside his room, he mutters, “I’m sorry”
Daehyun is certain Youngjae will leave him.
“I’m so, so stupid.” Daehyun blames himself for acting rashly. What if Youngjae leaves? What if Youngjae loves that Junhong kid. No. No, just no. Despite the rain, Daehyun hears the gate being opened and he quickly peeks out from his window. He sees Youngjae with an umbrella and Junhong outside.
Youngjae ruffles the tall kid’s hair and Daehyun feels his heart breaking, there's a terrible pain lingering in his chest just like when he's 4 and his father didn't make it on his birthday party. Or when his mother said she would make him cheesecake but ended up cooking nothing because his mother suffered a heart attack. But maybe the pain he is feeling today is worse. He stops looking.
Junhong leaves after. Relief washes over him as he realizes that Youngjae isn’t leaving with Junhong. He tells himself to say sorry to Youngjae a couple of times, saying what happened was an accident, and maybe what they had won’t change.
He hears a soft knock on the door.
“I’m coming in,” Youngjae announces.
“Youngjae, I’m sorry,” Daehyun begins. “I’m really sorry. Let’s forget it, okay. I’m really so--”
“I love you Daehyun,” Youngjae finally answers.
Love can be like a wave of vertigo in your mind. It’s disorienting. But sometimes it’s like a perfectly made cheesecake that melts in your mouth. Daehyun loves cheesecke. He truly does.
It’s enchanting.
Daehyun wants cheesecake, Daehyun kisses Youngjae again.
People expect that Daehyun will turn back, that the spell will be broken, just like in the fairytales.
But nothing happens. The kiss didn’t work? Is it not love? Daehyun is sure it is love, but nothing happens because this isn’t a fairytale. Instead, Daehyun forgets about the curse and his mind focuses on only one thing: Youngjae loves him too.
Just this morning Youngjae made Daehyun's bed. He's been making it for three months, and been working for Daehyun for five. In the time that's passed, he's realized that his heart has fallen completely for Daehyun.
It isn’t easy for them to slip between the sheets, not when Daehyun continues to breath into Youngjae’s neck words of praise, words of gratitude, words of love.
“I love you,” Daehyun breathes continuously.
“I love you,” Youngjae replies. It takes a couple of more minutes before Daehyun falls asleep, arm draped over Youngjae’s body. Youngjae kisses him again before falling asleep himself.
We all have secrets. Secrets are memories, moments or things we did that we either want to keep privately to ourselves because of how precious they are or because we are ashamed and we want them to never existed in the first place. We all have secrets, and sometimes, we try hard to protect them from being revealed.
Appearances can deceive you, for Beauty is found within.
The words are recurring, even in his sleep. They are haunting him.
Appearance is just a façade and what’s within shall be the outer shell. When the moon shines the brightest, you shall see, what’s inside you shall be revealed.
You can only break the words when you learn to love another and earn a love in return but if on your 21st birthday you shall not succeed then the words will be permanent and you’ll stay as ugly as a beast.
The words are ringing in his ears, warning him, taunting him, mocking him. Every word feels like a mockery. They are laughing at him.
You’ll stay as ugly as a beast.
The words are coming true.
Youngjae loves Daehyun and Daehyun loves Youngjae but they don’t get their happily everafter because Youngjae’s words are coming into life.
Youngjae’s spell is going to come true.
>>>
Youngjae slowly untangles Daehyun’s hold on him. He loves Daehyun, he truly does, more than anyone, even more than himself. He realizes it slowly, painfully.
He peeks at the figure lying peacefully in the bed. Youngjae places a chaste kiss on Daehyun’s forehead and then he gets out of bed and escapes He has to run. He needs to break the spell.
He has enough time, and he has no doubt that he’ll be able to break it. He can do it, right? Of course he can, there’s some way, some written spell in the book.
He rushes out and leaves a simple note that tells Daehyun he’s gone to the university, because Daehyun doesn’t need to know the truth.
Youngjae must do something before Daehyun’s 21st birthday. It’s a month away. That’s plenty of time to break the spell, right?
Youngjae has to believe he can break it, because there’s a way, there has to be a way. Youngjae knows because he was the one who cast it in the first place so he’s sure he’ll be able to break it.
No matter what it takes.
It was two years ago when everything started.
It was an accident, a spur of the moment decision, and Youngjae regretted it the moment the words escaped his mouth. He hadn't known his foolish words would form a spell so easily. He'd descended from a line of witches, of course he knew it though his parents had hidden this from him. He's intelligent and some time between his teenage years, he discovered the truth.
And on that day, where fate decided to play with them, Youngjae’s dad died all because of one selfish person. A person who decided to accuse his father of wanting to rob him after saving his life. He had pushed him into the road, not knowing that a fast approaching car would hit him.
Youngjae witnessed it all.
Youngjae’s father warned his son not to do anything, not to be eaten alive by anger and revenge, because once the spell is cast, it cannot be broken by person who cast it. No one escapes the power of words.
His father had died because of complications arising from the accident and Youngjae wanted to take revenge. He quickly went home and retrieved the spell book from where his parents hid it. He searched for the strong spells and disguised himself as an old beggar, but once he was in front of the house, his father’s words continued to replay on his mind. No one escapes the power of words. He then decided to give Daehyun a chance but instead of showing kindness, he showed Youngjae how cruel he could be instead.
Every day, Youngjae regrets what he did. Every hour, Youngjae’s heart breaks. Every second, Youngjae wishes he hadn’t cast the spell. But no matter how much he regrets, or how his heart breaks, or how he wishes for things, nothing is going to change.
Youngjae didn’t expect that he’d fall in love. The moment he saw Daehyun with those ugly scars, he remembered it all - that Daehyun was the person he cursed years ago. All he wanted to do was to help Daehyun find his true love and for the spell to be lifted quickly. He tried to search for people whose hearts were pure and intentions innocent. The first person had been Himchan, the second one Junhong, and then Youngjae stopped searching because the idea of Daehyun being with someone else brought some unexplainable emotion to Youngjae.
And now Youngjae is at a standstill. He never expected Daehyun to love him too but Daehyun did and he loves Daehyun too. He truly does.
“Where is it? Where is it?” Youngjae roughly searches all the closet and cabinets. He remembers hiding it somewhere in their old house. It has got be here somewhere.
He finds the book and his hands are trembling. He scans the pages. He locates the spell he cast and looks for some kind of antidote or ways to lift it. But he doesn’t find anything. Daehyun loves him, right? And he loves Daehyun too. So why isn’t the spell broken if the requisites are already fulfilled? He distraughtly searches for answers until he finally lands on one in the last page of a book.
A witch’s curse is a powerful play of verse.
Once spoken, no one can be able to reverse.
Unless the conditions are met,
The spell will be permanent.
Beware, for the words are powerful
And the results are dauntingly awful
For a witch cannot fulfill its own clause
Unless he pay the price offering his own cause.
Youngjae knows what the words mean, and his father’s last words replay in his mind, but what can he do? Everything is his own fault and he knows he must suffer.
The instructions are pretty simple, to lift the curse, all he needs is a strand of Daehyun’s hair and one of his own. But to revoke the spell has its tolls. Once broken, it cannot be undone and it will be permanent. Terminating one’s own casted spell will result in having the curse ricochet and all the effects will double but no conditions will be set. It’s the price a witch has to pay. A normal individual when the spell is revoked will lose his memory up until the day the spell is pronounced.
Youngjae thinks of the consequences: if he rescinds it, Daehyun will be able to live his life normally again but Youngjae has to take the upshot. Is he willing to do everything for Daehyun?
Youngjae goes back to Daehyun. It’s hard to keep his tears from falling but he needs to cry. Daehyun must not know. They can continue living like this, right? And he can continue to take care of Daehyun. He will continue to take care of Daehyun.
“Youngjae!”
He hears him and something is pulling Youngjae’s heart strings. When Daehyun sees him, the guy automatically wraps his hands around him and after a warm hug, he cups Youngjae’s face and places a soft kiss on his lips.
“I’m glad you’re back,” Daehyun says, a wide smile spreading across his face.
“I love you,” Youngjae utters.
Daehyun laughs unsurely. And shyly replies, “And I love you too.”
They eat their lunch together, but Daehyun cooks their meal this time. Youngjae marvels at how Daehyun looks at him at how Daehyun says he is glad Youngja is with him and how sorry he is too for being ugly and how Youngjae doesn't deserve him because Youngjae is handsome and he isn't.
“Hey Daehyun,” Youngjae cuts Daehyun off in the middle of his sentence. "I don't care about your looks" He says.
“All I know is that I love you,” Youngjae says and he can see Daehyun’s cheeks turning a shade of red. “Always remember that.”
“I love you more, Youngjae,” Daehyun replies. "You don;t know how much I love you."
“I love you so much,” Youngjae breathes. “Always remember.”
"Of course, I will."
They finish their dinner and Youngjae says he needs to get some books in the library and Daehyun lets him, saying he’ll prepare dinner tonight and Youngjae needs to make cheesecake tomorrow. Youngjae says he can’t wait and he'll make the most delicious cheesecake.
He goes back home and calls Mr. Kang.
“I’m sorry,” Youngjae mutters. “I think I won’t be able to continue taking care of Daehyun. I’m really sorry.” By this time, Youngjae can feel tears running down his face.
And he ends the call.
“It’s now or never.”
It's Daehyun's 23rd birthday, he receives a gift from an anonymous sender. It's a cheesecake and the most delicious one he has ever tasted.
Happy Birthday Jung Daehyun,
I love you, always remember.
>>>
Jung Daehyun dreams of Yoo Youngjae every time he sleeps, and he hates it. It started a month ago when he woke up from the hospital. His uncle Mr. Kang has told him he was in a car accident and in a coma for 3 years but the funny thing was he can't find any news about a car crash involving him, or any accident but Mr. Kang said to stop worrying and be glad he's back to normal.
At first, he wondered who the person was who kept appearing in his dreams. It began with a man calling his name over and over again until the man’s face started to become clear.
When he came back to school, he recognized a familiar face. It was frightening to know this was the same face as in his dreams.
In his dreams, Youngjae looks average -- normal. But when Daehyun wakes up, he quickly forgets how Youngjae looks in his dreams and the only appearance he remembers is the horrible looking Yoo Youngjae he sees during class. The Yoo Youngjae that everyone fears, the Yoo Youngjae that everyone mocks, the Yoo Youngjae everyone loathes to touch.
Jung Daehyun dreams of Yoo Youngjae, not knowing that his dreams are remnants of a reality that once had transpired.
Jung Daehyun dreams of Yoo Youngjae.
And that’s all that ever will be.
Daehun falls asleep in Chemistry class, and he dreams again. He dreams of Youngjae wanting to be his partner. He dreams of Youngjae making cheesecake. He dreams of Youngjae tending to his burnt hand.
And then he wakes, Mr. Choi is scolding him. It’s all Youngjae’s fault
Yongguk treats him to hamburger and fries after Daehyun’s trip to the principal’s office. Daehyun has been sentenced to community service due to his continuous behavior in certain classes.
“So you’re telling me, it’s Yoo’s fault?”
Daehyun can’t believe Yongguk is asking him this question for the fourth time already. Of course it was Youngjae’s fault. He could have put something on Daehyun’s food so the latter will see Youngjae in his dreams.
“I told you, hyung, that Youngjae guy must have done something to me that made me dream of him,” Daehyun says in all seriousness.
“You do know how stupid it sounds.” Yongguk gives him a questioning look. The guy sees the stupidity in everybody and wants to correct everything.
Daehyun heaves a depressing sigh because he knows it’s stupid, too, but what other possible reason is out there in the open? They say dreams are reality we long to come into contact with but in Daehyun’s experience, it’s the complete opposite. Why would he long for someone like Youngjae, when he could have anyone he wanted?
So why would a first-rate gemstone dream of someone? He doesn’t even talk to Youngjae despite being classmates with him. Why of all people, is it Youngjae?
“I hate him.” That’s all Daehyun could ever come up.
“I don’t want to see Youngjae in my dreams.”
>>>
Youngjae can take all the disgusted looks, the harsh words, the mockery and the sickened stares he gets from other people. All he wants is to see Daehyun, and though he has been bullied countless times, it doesn’t affect him. He recalls the days that Daehyun hid himself, that Daehyun feared even his own self. Everything is fine and will be fine as long as he still can see Daehyun, because being in the same class with Daehyun is enough, will be enough because he gets to see Daehyun. Even if that’s all that it will ever be.
That’s the price he has to pay.
True love never runs out. But sometimes, it isn’t true love, and that’s why it fades.
Jung Daehyun dreams of Yoo Youngjae.
“I love you.”
Always remember.
Author's note: And yes my first ever DaeJae fanfic I've finished writing. Thank you andnowforyaya for the beta and suggestions. You really are the best. accept my love. I've added a few stuffs so the grammar errors and stuffs are all on me. TTTTT To greasytree, I hope I gave justice to the prompt you gave and Im really sorry for the ending. :( Thank you to Divine, Marian and Kez for reading the fic part by part during the times I'm still conceptualizing and for the suggestions and comments. :> Thank you to the browniebunch mods for this exchange, you guys are awesome!