(01) Masquerade
Title: Seeing You AgainPairing: Kyusung, Eunhae, YeHyuk
Genre: drama, tragedy
Summary: Yesung's whole life, he's worn a mask. Will this eventually crumble due to stress or will he finally be free of it as he remove it compliantly? Sequel to The Lost Child
Rating: PG-13 for abuse
Beta: AFF's angelye
A/N: hope you guys like it. and special thanks to miss2l for reading this fic first hand and commenting on subtle mistakes i have. :3
Arriving at Cheonan surprised Yesung a little because there were hardly any people in the train station, just a few who were either saying goodbye or saying their hellos. The station wasn’t like the one in Seoul where everyone was busy and the noise pollution was like when he was having a concert. There was still a huge clock in the middle but that was all the similarity it has with the Seoul Station.
To his right stood Hyukjae wearing a tan colored beanie hiding his blond hair, black and white long sleeved shirt, skinny jeans and sneakers. On his hand was a Louis Vuitton hand carry and on his right was his non-lens eyewear. Yesung felt intimidated because the man beside him was oozing with confidence that without Jaejoong, he was lacking at.
“I think we’ll have to go on our separate ways. Here’s my address,” Hyukjae stated, giving the singer a piece of paper. “It has my address and my phone number. Ring me up ok? Then I can arrange a meeting so you can meet my friends as well.” And with that, Hyukjae whistled away with his hand carry on his shoulder.
“Wait!” Yesung called. Hyukjae turned around with a raised eyebrow, waiting for Yesung to speak up. “Will you tell anyone about meeting me?”
“Do you want me to?”
The singer contemplated for a moment before finally shaking his head. Hyukjae smiled widely, unconsciously showing his gums. “Then my lips are sealed. See you later Yesung!” Yesung continued to follow him with his eyes until he turned to a corner. He sighed then walked towards the nearest bench.
The sun was about to rise when he and Hyukjae arrived from Seoul. It was too early in the morning to think about fetching someone you know nothing about. Yesung suddenly felt bad about the nuisance he has caused to Dr. Park’s brother and he hoped the man wouldn’t mind having him. A lot of negative thoughts kept swimming in his mind but it all went down the drain when he saw the woman calling for his name. Abruptly, he stood up from his seat-surprise written on his face.
“Yesung! It’s been so long!”
“I can’t believe it’s really you!” Sora squealed as she turned the engine on of her car.
“Yeah, it’s been so long, Sora sunbae,” Yesung answered timidly.
“Just call me noona, Yesung. It feels like we’re strangers if you call me like that,” Sora teased. “Anyways, what’s a big shot singer doing in our little town?”
“Dr. Park didn’t tell you?”
“He mentioned it to us but I was too busy cleaning up the guest room to really listen. Besides, I had to contact Kai to let him know where you are. I was surprised when he said he wanted nothing to do with you anymore. It seems like he spites you for some reasons. Oh, did you know…”
The fact that his brother, his own blood brother spited him disheartened Yesung. He knew for himself that he didn’t do anything wrong. He never forgot to send them gifts whenever there was an occasion and letters to ask them how they were. Shouldn’t he be the one to be angry instead of the other way around? He wouldn’t mind if they can’t visit due to his work but they could at least send him something, anything to let him know that they were fine.
“…and Jungsu was outraged by…”
Yesung stared out the window, blocking out the words coming from his sunbae’s mouth. She hadn’t change a bit except physically which he assumed was because of maturation and child birth-if she did deliver a child that is.
Sora was a beautiful woman. At the age of 27, she still looked as if she was 22. She was a black haired beauty wherein she kept it straight and shoulder length. Pale, skinny and long-legged were the three adjectives Yesung used to describe her back when they were hanging out. Her oval face added with a soft set of brown eyes and luscious lips made it seem as if she was innocent and a vixen combined.
Yesung and Sora had a 3 year (age) difference. They met through his brother who was her classmate and ex-boyfriend. She was easy to approach and was always smiling. He used to be like that, until he was scouted and the abuse started.
“Yesung, we’re here. Now get that bum of my seat so I can introduce you to my husband and we can eat breakfast. I think Soyeon, my baby girl, is still sleeping.”
Yesung hopped off Sora’s Ford C-Max and followed her inside a traditional yet modernized Korean house. The space of the house was big enough for a family of four to six people. The house was cozy and comfortable to live in. The living room and the kitchen overlooked the courtyard where an apricot tree grew.
“How old is she?” Yesung asked when they reached the courtyard.
“She’s five years old and the world’s cutest girl. I want to introduce you to her but she’s still asleep judging by how early it is. But don’t worry, once she wakes up, I’m sure she’ll be delighted to meet you,” Sora assured as she removed her shoes and stepped on the pink fluffy slippers.
“Sora, is that you?” A masculine voice called out from inside.
“Yes honey, it’s me,” Sora answered.
“Is Yesung-shi with you? The guy who my father said is coming over?”
“Yes, honey. He’s with me right now. Are you in the bathroom right now?” Sora teased.
“Yes. Yes, I am. Now shut up woman and let me do my business.”
Sora cracked up at her husband’s weird attempt to shut her up. Yesung felt like he was eavesdropping and made an effort not to listen to their discussion but found it extremely hard to do so, especially when they were almost shouting.
He looked around the room and was fascinated by its simplicity. The ambience was very home-y for someone who owned a modern house. On one side of the wall was the wedding picture of Sora and the guy who Yesung assumed to be her husband.
Sora looked lovely in her wedding dress. Her hair was long back then and flowing with a few flower petals in it. Her husband’s hair was, in Yesung’s opinion, disgustingly blond. The color looked ridiculous on him nonetheless, he found him attractive enough for Sora.
Flushing of toilet was heard and an orange haired guy with a newspaper tucked under his left arm came out from the door behind him. ‘What’s with this guy and hair colors?’ Yesung thought.
“Hello there! You must be Yesung! My name is Park Junsgoo but you can call me hyung,” Jungsoo held his hand and shook it, almost breaking Yesung’s arm in the process. The singer however, felt the need to wash his hands as Jungsoo walked past him and into the kitchen asking what was for breakfast.
“Yesung-ah, since my dad told me you can’t use your voice often, Sora and I decided that this would be the best welcoming gift for you,” Jungsoo announced before eating. Sora brought out a small sketchpad and a marker then handed it over to the singer. “We contemplated between a whiteboard and a sketchpad.”
“And obviously, by unanimous decision, sketchpad won. I was rooting for the whiteboard yet those two wanted the sketchpad. So unfair,” Sora whined as she chomped a fruit, earning a boisterous laugh from her husband. She swatted him playfully in the arm then sulked and murmured some words.
Yesung couldn’t help but feel nostalgic at the sight. He used to be like that with his family. The usual banters came from him and his older brother, Kai, and their parents would laugh at them. Spending time with them even though they were both busy was one thing that Yesung cherished the most and one of the things he wondered if it’ll ever happen again.
Sora and Jungsoo kept talking and flirting with each other, forgetting that they have a guest with them. Yesung was jealous of such happiness and love that he won’t have. A price is yet to be paid and no matter what he will do it without question and resent.
The food Sora made looked delicious but he knew he wasn’t allowed to eat. If he did, he’ll be punished for gaining weight. Jaejoong was always the one taking care of the food he ate and it was never extravagant nor was it equivalent to a proper meal. But he managed to get by-barely.
“Mommy?” A small girl emerged from a hole from the ground. ‘Who puts their bedroom underground?!’ Yesung thought.
“Soyeon, baby! Did Daddy’s loud laugh wake you?” Sora asked as she lifted her daughter and placed her on her lap. Jungsoo yelped and whined that it wasn’t loud and all three of them laughed- completely forgetting that they have a visitor.
Soyeon spotted him and then glared. “Mommy, who is he?”
Yesung couldn’t help but shiver at the venom in the little girl’s words. He felt unwanted and unwelcomed-like he didn’t deserve to live in such a luxurious place. The little girl’s glare hardened as she continued to stare him down. Anger and maliciousness was evident in her eyes as well as possessiveness. She didn’t want to share. Her parents were hers and hers alone.
“Oh, baby he’s our guest! I’m sorry we didn’t inform you. Your grandfather called us just last night and you were asleep already. Sorry about that,” Jungsoo cooed.
Yesung scribbled down on the sketchpad as the trio continued their family talk. Soyeon’s voice was the loudest. She was whining how she didn’t want him around because he was scary. Masks really were convenient, Yesung thought. He knocked on the table to catch their attention. Jungsoo and Sora both looked confused while Soyeon glared at him.
I’m leaving.
“But you haven’t touched your breakfast yet,” Jungsoo reasoned.
“And I’m sure you’re extremely tired from your travel. Besides, you just got here,” Sora joined.
Yesung shook his head, much to Soyeon’s relief. He moved on to the next page and scribbled again.
I’m not hungry and I’m used to travelling. I want to explore the area.
The couple exchanged worried looks before nodding their heads. There wasn’t anything they could do and they just hoped that Yesung would return to their home after he finished touring. If he didn’t, they prayed for his safety anyways.
As Yesung left the Park residence, he failed to see the little girl’s smug look. He walked around the area feeling light headed from the lack of sleep and hunger but still, he walked.
Without destination in mind.
Without food or water.
Without rest.
I wouldn’t last like this, Yesung thought. He tried checking his pockets for some money, phone or anything useful but all he found was some change and a piece of paper. He checked the paper and was surprised to see that it has his name and phone number in it. He looked around and tried to find a payphone but found none.
“Are you looking for a phone, young man?” An old lady with a shopping bag on her left hand asked. The singer nodded,
wondering how the lady knew. “There’s a phone in that store over there,” the lady pointed at the store across the street, “there you’ll see a guy named Heechul. He’s a lawyer and quite eccentric but he’s nice.”
“Oh and if you are wondering how I knew you were looking for a phone, you were holding there a calling card and you were frantically looking around the area so I assumed that’s what you need. Plus, you don’t look like you’re from around here. Oh, I need to go now. I still need to cook! Good bye young man!”
The lady walked away without turning back. Yesung wondered if everyone would be as nice as the old lady was. He hoped so. He didn’t want another
He crossed the street and entered the said shop. It was a simple music shop with different kinds of instrument on display. On one corner, the string instruments were displayed. On the other corner, percussion instruments and wind instruments were on display. In the middle was a black grand piano he always wished to acquire.
“How may I help you?” the man behind the counter asked lazily. He was sporting a messy bed-head and a growing beard and mustache. He looked like he hadn’t taken a bath for three days and that thought made Yesung cringe. “Dude, stop staring at me and tell me what you want! Are you deaf or something?”
Yesung hurriedly scribbled on his pad, albeit uncomfortably. The man, Heechul as the lady mentioned, eyed him curiously as he took his time writing what he wanted to say. He was clearly amused by the singer and his fail attempt at hiding his identity.
I can speak but I refrain myself from using it unless necessary. Anyways, can I borrow your phone for a minute? I need to call someone.
“The phone’s here. Who were you going to call?” Heechul asked lazily. He motioned for the singer to step closer to him, pulled his hand and placed it on the counter. “So you can write easily on that pad. I feel awkward watching you,” he said when Yesung looked at him in confusion.
A guy named Lee Hyukjae.
“Let me guess: blonde hair, gummy smile and looks like a monkey?” Heechul asked with mild amusement as he watched the singer thinking hard over how Hyukjae looked before scribbling down his answer. Meanwhile, he took the liberty to text Hyukjae and told him to come to his shop.
He didn’t look like a monkey earlier but yes. That’s him. Do you know him?
“Yeah. He’s a good friend of a client of mine I suppose. How did you know him?”
We were seatmates on our way here. He was really nice to me.
“I know. He’s nice to everyone. I bet he promised you that he’ll keep your identity hidden huh?” Heechul remarked. Yesung couldn’t hide the surprised look on his face and the cold sweat running through his body. He has been found out and for that he’ll be punished. It has only been a few hours yet he was already noticed.
Sensing the singer’s discomfort, Heechul panicked. “Dude, chill. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. You can trust me as much as you trust Hyukjae. And if you’re scared of being found out, I’ll take you to a salon to give you a makeover. How about that?”
Yesung looked up to him with unshed tears before nodding. “Wipe those tears will you,” Heechul muttered completely embarrassed. Who knew that the “Cold-hearted Singer”, as what the news said, would be a sweetheart on the inside?
“Heechul hyung! We’re here!” The blond haired guy yelled as he entered the shop followed by a guy who looked like he came out of a shoujo manga.
“Do you two always come in package?” Heechul asked in annoyance.
“Sadly,” Hyukjae answered in mock sadness. The guy next to him slapped his arm and the rest of the guys laughed except for Yesung. He felt out of place once more that he felt like disappearing or be turned into dust.
“Yesung? Is that you?” Hyukjae approached the singer cautiously-afraid that the other might run away. Yesung looked up and nodded. “It is you! Hyung, is this why you called me?”
“Yeah, he was looking for you,” Heechul answered lazily.
“You people better have a good excuse for getting me up so early. Jongwoon isn’t even up yet!” A tall guy wearing plain white shirt entered the shop next. He was handsome in Yesung’s eyes but he would never admit that to anyone. His hair was shorter than the last time he saw the said man and he wished he could’ve seen him at least once after they parted ways.
“Oh, shush Kyuhyun. Jongwoon is a big boy now. He can take care of himself for an hour or two. Besides, you did leave him breakfast,” the guy Hyukjae was with, answered.
“Shut up, Donghae. I don’t need your opinion. Now shoo! Hyung, I thought I already have full custody of Jongwoon,” Kyuhyun whined.
“Did I call for you? No. I called Hyukjae. Now do us all a favor and play a song or just shut up,” the older guy suggested before looking at the singer. “You looked like you’re going to pass out. Have you eaten breakfast?”
“Who is this by the way?” Donghae asked.
My name is Yesung.
“Oh, I’m Donghae and this grumpy person is Kyuhyun. I’m Hyukjae’s boyfriend by the way,” Donghae introduced making Yesung blush. “How cute! How old are you?”
23 years old.
“Oh, you’re the same age as all of us. Awesome! Now let’s go eat. I’m hungry,” Donghae announced before dragging Hyukjae with him. Once they were out the door, Kyuhyun and Yesung turned to each other in confusion.
“So, I guess you know me. I’m Kyuhyun, Cho Kyuhyun. You’re Yesung right?”
I know who you are. I haven’t forgotten yet.
Kyuhyun followed him with his eyes in confusion as the singer walked away before he turned to Heechul. “He’s your idol. The singer, Yesung. Don’t ask me why he’s here though. I have no idea either. Now leave!”
“Seriously?!” Kyuhyun exclaimed before sprinting towards the door.
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an early update. here's the thing, i'm not sure if i can update often. why? uni stuff, stress and the writing drive just isn't there as of now but i try my best to give you non half-assed chapters though it takes me a while to write them, about 1-2 weeks. Hope you understand where I'm coming from. I don't like making people wait for so long but... T^T