[SC23] Within Reach
Rating: PG
Pairing: Yemin
Genre: AU!Fluff, Romance
Beta: paradigm_twist
Theme: Coffee, Phrase to include: "I'm afraid of heights!"
Summary: He was terrified at the mere thought, yet a once unwilling stranger helps him to overcome them.
***
Yesung leaned against the cold window as he watched the streets below from the observation deck. He was on the 60th floor of the 63 floor building, enjoying the warmth seeping through the cup of coffee in his hands. It was peaceful. That is, until he heard the annoyingly loud argument ensuing behind him.
"I can't help it if I'm afraid of heights!" The voice reasoned. "Now please let me go downstairs-"
"No, you are going to stand here and get over that ridiculous fear!" The other voice argued. Yesung rolled his eyes. He wanted more than anything for the two to resume their fight elsewhere.
"Where are you going?!" The first voice yelled. "Kyuhyun!" He shouted, sounding panicked. But the person called Kyuhyun merely walked towards the elevators and waved him off as he left his terrified friend behind. The man shifted his fox-like eyes around as he closed his eyes and tried to keep from hyperventilating.
Yesung flipped the hair away from his eyes as he took another sip. He was doing a good job ignoring the frightened man completely when something crashed right into him. Yesung cursed under his breath as he looked down at his now coffee-stained clothes. He was about to yell at the assailant when he noticed a firm but painful grip on his arm. He looked down and stared at the frightened man squatting on the floor, his eyes tightly shut.
"Excuse me, but could you please let go of me?" Yesung asked, a strong hint of annoyance in his tone.
The man merely lightly shook his head. "I-I'm sorry, but I can't."
"And why not?"
"...I just can't." He replied softly. Yesung rolled his eyes.
He tried to force the man off his arm but he was too strong. He grunted in frustration. "What's your name?"
"Sungmin." He answered.
"Okay then, Sungmin... LET GO OF ME!" Yesung flailed his arm but Sungmin remained persistent. By then, they had started to attract the attention of the people around them, which prompted Yesung to stop what he was doing. "Fine then. How about I help you get out of here instead?" He asked with a controlled tone.
Sungmin nodded furiously. Yesung attempted to walk forward but was halted by the weight holding him down. He turned around and glared at Sungmin, who still had his eyes shut the entire time. "This would be easier if you could move." He muttered.
Sungmin whimpered. "I can't move." He was basically paralyzed, unable to even move his feet towards the elevators despite it being his only way out.
Yesung sighed exasperatedly. Today just wasn't his day. "Hold my hand then. This way I can lead you out of here without you having to open your eyes." Sungmin agreed and followed meekly.
Once inside the elevator Sungmin was still clutching Yesung's hand with an unbelievable strength; Yesung thought that his hand might be broken as a result. "Why did your friend make you come here if you were going to react like this?" Sungmin didn't answer. Yesung huffed when the elevator doors finally opened. He led Sungmin out of it and into the lobby. "There, we're back on the ground floor."
Sungmin took a peek and slowly opened both his eyes. He sighed in relief and lightly patted his heart. He then narrowed his eyes as he cursed his friend's name. "He's going to pay for leaving me behind."
"Not after I'm through with him first." Yesung said crossly. Sungmin looked up at the voice. This was the first time he seen his savior's face, even if it had annoyance written all over it. "He made me go through all of this... I'm assuming you're not a fan of heights?"
Sungmin shook his head. "I prefer solid ground... and not 60 stories up in the air."
"Hmm." Yesung murmured. He looked down and cocked an eyebrow.
"Why do people find it so fascinating to be so high up anyway?" He thought out loud.
Yesung answered as he continued to stare. "I go up to look at the view. I'm assuming you're not here for the same reason."
"Definitely not." He noticed Yesung's stare and followed his line of vision and widened his eyes. They were still holding hands.
Sungmin immediately let go of his hand. "I was wondering how long it was going to take you to do that." Yesung said. He looked at his dirty clothes and breathed out. "Might as well go home."
Sungmin looked down guilty. "I can drive you if you want." He offered, Then he froze. "Wait... Kyuhyun drove me today..." He cringed in realization. Yesung shook his head.
"It's fine. I have my own car." He took a step forward when he felt a tug on his sleeve. He looked back at Sungmin's uneasy expression. "Don't tell me... You're actually thinking about asking me for a ride? After everything you did to my clothes and my coffee no less?"
Sungmin dropped his head and let go of his sleeve. "I'm sorry..." He apologized. "I c-can buy you another cup of coffee to make it up to you."
Yesung didn't answer as he walked ahead, yet he felt his legs stopped on their own accord. His own conscience caught up with him, and against his better judgment, he turned back. "Hurry up before I change my mind." Sungmin looked up and happily smiled back as he rushed to his side.
During their car ride to his house, Yesung learned that Sungmin's friend had been trying to cure him from his fear of heights. And he had been doing so by using unconventional methods, like today.
"I know he means well, but I can't help it." Sungmin continued as he toyed with his fingers.
"But you're missing out on a lot." Yesung said. Sungmin looked up as Yesung kept his eyes on the road. "It's amazing how the world looks when you're up that high. It's as if any worries you've ever had in your life have suddenly become insignificant. That any problems you're ever faced aren't as big of a deal as they seemed."
Sungmin pursed his lips as he thought over his words. "Its still scary." He murmured. Yesung chuckled. Sungmin was startled. This was the first time that he had seen something other than a scowl on his face.
"Once you see the view, you'll understand why so many people ignore the height. There are even some days where you can see as far as Incheon." He said in awed. Sungmin thought over it when Yesung pulled over to a house. "This is your house right?"
Sungmin tore his eyes away and looked back at the familiar house. "Yes..." He said dejectedly. He didn't want their meeting to end this way. He opened the door and took a step out when he looked back. "Do you think you can... maybe you know..." Sungmin looked away as he got out and closed the door. "Nevermind." He finished.
Yesung raised an eyebrow. "You do know you owe me a cup of coffee right?"
Sungmin glanced up and nodded. "Of course." He smiled. "When can I pay you back?"
"Tomorrow." Yesung answered. "I'm always there everyday around this time. So if you can pluck up the courage, you'll be able to find me on that floor you dread so much." Sungmin pouted.
"I'll try to catch you before then." He retorted. Yesung merely laughed as he slowly drove away. He looked up into the rear-view mirror, and saw Sungmin's waving hand and found himself looking forward to tomorrow.
He didn't realize how wrong he could be. The next day, Sungmin basically had a panic attack inside the elevators and created a huge ruckus. Yesung swore from then on that he would take care of this annoying trait and ordered Sungmin to show up really early one morning.
Sungmin looked at the elevators with a mixed look of terror and fright, when Yesung walked off towards the other direction. Sungmin furrowed his eyebrows. "Where are you going?"
Yesung covered his mouth as he yawned. "I won't have a repeat of last time." He looked around and nodded to himself. "Let's use the Love Elevator. We'll be alone in there at least, so you won't be disturbing anyone."
"But its only for couples." Sungmin said with a puzzled look on his face. Yesung sighed as he grabbed Sungmin's hand and walked towards the elevator. Yesung waved the tickets in his hand and told the attendant that they were a couple. Once they were inside with the doors closed, Yesung promptly dropped his hand and loosely crossed his arms.
Sungmin felt his cheeks reddened at Yesung's obvious lie. Despite that, he found himself wishing it was true.
He felt his heart accelerate as the elevator pinged, signaling the floors they had passed. Soon enough, they reached the 60th floor and the door opened with a soft swoosh sound. He reached for Yesung's hand and though Yesung wanted to pull away from him, Sungmin's grip was too tight.
"It'll be fine." Yesung tried to reassure. Sungmin still kept his eyes closed just the same. Yesung led the way until he reached the windows. Yesung tried once more to pull his hand away but it was no use. He sighed exasperatedly and took a quick look around. He smiled to himself when he looked back at Sungmin's expression. "Open your eyes."
Sungmin didn't listen and instead shook his head. "I can't."
"Yes, you can." Yesung said, determined. With his free hand he reached towards Sungmin's face and forced one eye open. Sungmin quickly moved away from his hand. "Open them or I'll force them open."
Sungmin pouted but knew that he would follow through with his threat. He struggled inwardly as he peeked out of one eye and looked around cautiously. Yesung waited patiently as Sungmin slowly opened both his fox-like eyes.
He gaped at the urban city stretched out before him. At the minuscule cars. At the buildings that suddenly didn't seem as big anymore. At the sky that appeared to be much closer than ever. Yesung smiled when he noticed the gleam in his eyes but narrowed his eyes when he realized what exactly Sungmin was staring at.
"Stop staring straight into the sun like that!" Yesung scolded. He grabbed Sungmin's shoulders and forced him to turn away. "I'm glad you're excited but let's not lose your eyesight in the process."
Sungmin's smile didn't waver as he looked back, unconsciously loosening his grip slightly on Yesung's hands. He took a deep breath. "It's amazing."
Yesung tried one last attempt to pull his hand away but Sungmin held it tightly in place once more. Sungmin gulped. "I-I like the view, but I'm still... just a little scared." He admitted as he focused his attention back towards the scenery.
Sungmin laid one hand on the window as he continue to gaze at the breathtaking scenery before him, when he felt Yesung leaning against him. His own heart-rate sped up, and he found all his attention was centered just on their body contact.
"Then I'll be here until you're no longer afraid." Yesung said matter-of-factly.
Sungmin struggled to take a deep breath of air. "And when I stop being afraid? Will... will you leave?" He asked hesitantly. He clutched his hand more tightly. Eventually, there would be no reason for him to stay, and that thought alone crushed his heart.
Yesung hugged him from behind and rested his chin on his shoulder. Sungmin could see his reflection from the window and watched his comforting smile. "Even when you're not afraid, I'll still hold your hand as long as you want me to."
Sungmin chuckled. "That might take a long time." Yesung gave a slight shrug as he closed his eyes.
"I don't mind."
Sungmin laughed when he felt him leaned heavier against him. "You're tired aren't you?" Yesung groaned in response. "I'll buy you some coffee then."
Yesung immediately perked up and squinted his eyes. "It's so bright." He murmured under his breath. He rubbed his eyes as he allowed himself to be pulled by Sungmin. Sungmin led him inside the elevator as the doors opened; Yesung leaned against his shoulder with his eyes closed. They both stayed quiet as the elevator went down, not once letting go of each other's hands.
- ❄ Challenge 22 ❄ | ❄ Challenge 24 ❄ -
~ SuJu 31-shot Masterlist ~
Pairing: Yemin
Genre: AU!Fluff, Romance
Beta: paradigm_twist
Theme: Coffee, Phrase to include: "I'm afraid of heights!"
Summary: He was terrified at the mere thought, yet a once unwilling stranger helps him to overcome them.
***
Yesung leaned against the cold window as he watched the streets below from the observation deck. He was on the 60th floor of the 63 floor building, enjoying the warmth seeping through the cup of coffee in his hands. It was peaceful. That is, until he heard the annoyingly loud argument ensuing behind him.
"I can't help it if I'm afraid of heights!" The voice reasoned. "Now please let me go downstairs-"
"No, you are going to stand here and get over that ridiculous fear!" The other voice argued. Yesung rolled his eyes. He wanted more than anything for the two to resume their fight elsewhere.
"Where are you going?!" The first voice yelled. "Kyuhyun!" He shouted, sounding panicked. But the person called Kyuhyun merely walked towards the elevators and waved him off as he left his terrified friend behind. The man shifted his fox-like eyes around as he closed his eyes and tried to keep from hyperventilating.
Yesung flipped the hair away from his eyes as he took another sip. He was doing a good job ignoring the frightened man completely when something crashed right into him. Yesung cursed under his breath as he looked down at his now coffee-stained clothes. He was about to yell at the assailant when he noticed a firm but painful grip on his arm. He looked down and stared at the frightened man squatting on the floor, his eyes tightly shut.
"Excuse me, but could you please let go of me?" Yesung asked, a strong hint of annoyance in his tone.
The man merely lightly shook his head. "I-I'm sorry, but I can't."
"And why not?"
"...I just can't." He replied softly. Yesung rolled his eyes.
He tried to force the man off his arm but he was too strong. He grunted in frustration. "What's your name?"
"Sungmin." He answered.
"Okay then, Sungmin... LET GO OF ME!" Yesung flailed his arm but Sungmin remained persistent. By then, they had started to attract the attention of the people around them, which prompted Yesung to stop what he was doing. "Fine then. How about I help you get out of here instead?" He asked with a controlled tone.
Sungmin nodded furiously. Yesung attempted to walk forward but was halted by the weight holding him down. He turned around and glared at Sungmin, who still had his eyes shut the entire time. "This would be easier if you could move." He muttered.
Sungmin whimpered. "I can't move." He was basically paralyzed, unable to even move his feet towards the elevators despite it being his only way out.
Yesung sighed exasperatedly. Today just wasn't his day. "Hold my hand then. This way I can lead you out of here without you having to open your eyes." Sungmin agreed and followed meekly.
Once inside the elevator Sungmin was still clutching Yesung's hand with an unbelievable strength; Yesung thought that his hand might be broken as a result. "Why did your friend make you come here if you were going to react like this?" Sungmin didn't answer. Yesung huffed when the elevator doors finally opened. He led Sungmin out of it and into the lobby. "There, we're back on the ground floor."
Sungmin took a peek and slowly opened both his eyes. He sighed in relief and lightly patted his heart. He then narrowed his eyes as he cursed his friend's name. "He's going to pay for leaving me behind."
"Not after I'm through with him first." Yesung said crossly. Sungmin looked up at the voice. This was the first time he seen his savior's face, even if it had annoyance written all over it. "He made me go through all of this... I'm assuming you're not a fan of heights?"
Sungmin shook his head. "I prefer solid ground... and not 60 stories up in the air."
"Hmm." Yesung murmured. He looked down and cocked an eyebrow.
"Why do people find it so fascinating to be so high up anyway?" He thought out loud.
Yesung answered as he continued to stare. "I go up to look at the view. I'm assuming you're not here for the same reason."
"Definitely not." He noticed Yesung's stare and followed his line of vision and widened his eyes. They were still holding hands.
Sungmin immediately let go of his hand. "I was wondering how long it was going to take you to do that." Yesung said. He looked at his dirty clothes and breathed out. "Might as well go home."
Sungmin looked down guilty. "I can drive you if you want." He offered, Then he froze. "Wait... Kyuhyun drove me today..." He cringed in realization. Yesung shook his head.
"It's fine. I have my own car." He took a step forward when he felt a tug on his sleeve. He looked back at Sungmin's uneasy expression. "Don't tell me... You're actually thinking about asking me for a ride? After everything you did to my clothes and my coffee no less?"
Sungmin dropped his head and let go of his sleeve. "I'm sorry..." He apologized. "I c-can buy you another cup of coffee to make it up to you."
Yesung didn't answer as he walked ahead, yet he felt his legs stopped on their own accord. His own conscience caught up with him, and against his better judgment, he turned back. "Hurry up before I change my mind." Sungmin looked up and happily smiled back as he rushed to his side.
During their car ride to his house, Yesung learned that Sungmin's friend had been trying to cure him from his fear of heights. And he had been doing so by using unconventional methods, like today.
"I know he means well, but I can't help it." Sungmin continued as he toyed with his fingers.
"But you're missing out on a lot." Yesung said. Sungmin looked up as Yesung kept his eyes on the road. "It's amazing how the world looks when you're up that high. It's as if any worries you've ever had in your life have suddenly become insignificant. That any problems you're ever faced aren't as big of a deal as they seemed."
Sungmin pursed his lips as he thought over his words. "Its still scary." He murmured. Yesung chuckled. Sungmin was startled. This was the first time that he had seen something other than a scowl on his face.
"Once you see the view, you'll understand why so many people ignore the height. There are even some days where you can see as far as Incheon." He said in awed. Sungmin thought over it when Yesung pulled over to a house. "This is your house right?"
Sungmin tore his eyes away and looked back at the familiar house. "Yes..." He said dejectedly. He didn't want their meeting to end this way. He opened the door and took a step out when he looked back. "Do you think you can... maybe you know..." Sungmin looked away as he got out and closed the door. "Nevermind." He finished.
Yesung raised an eyebrow. "You do know you owe me a cup of coffee right?"
Sungmin glanced up and nodded. "Of course." He smiled. "When can I pay you back?"
"Tomorrow." Yesung answered. "I'm always there everyday around this time. So if you can pluck up the courage, you'll be able to find me on that floor you dread so much." Sungmin pouted.
"I'll try to catch you before then." He retorted. Yesung merely laughed as he slowly drove away. He looked up into the rear-view mirror, and saw Sungmin's waving hand and found himself looking forward to tomorrow.
He didn't realize how wrong he could be. The next day, Sungmin basically had a panic attack inside the elevators and created a huge ruckus. Yesung swore from then on that he would take care of this annoying trait and ordered Sungmin to show up really early one morning.
Sungmin looked at the elevators with a mixed look of terror and fright, when Yesung walked off towards the other direction. Sungmin furrowed his eyebrows. "Where are you going?"
Yesung covered his mouth as he yawned. "I won't have a repeat of last time." He looked around and nodded to himself. "Let's use the Love Elevator. We'll be alone in there at least, so you won't be disturbing anyone."
"But its only for couples." Sungmin said with a puzzled look on his face. Yesung sighed as he grabbed Sungmin's hand and walked towards the elevator. Yesung waved the tickets in his hand and told the attendant that they were a couple. Once they were inside with the doors closed, Yesung promptly dropped his hand and loosely crossed his arms.
Sungmin felt his cheeks reddened at Yesung's obvious lie. Despite that, he found himself wishing it was true.
He felt his heart accelerate as the elevator pinged, signaling the floors they had passed. Soon enough, they reached the 60th floor and the door opened with a soft swoosh sound. He reached for Yesung's hand and though Yesung wanted to pull away from him, Sungmin's grip was too tight.
"It'll be fine." Yesung tried to reassure. Sungmin still kept his eyes closed just the same. Yesung led the way until he reached the windows. Yesung tried once more to pull his hand away but it was no use. He sighed exasperatedly and took a quick look around. He smiled to himself when he looked back at Sungmin's expression. "Open your eyes."
Sungmin didn't listen and instead shook his head. "I can't."
"Yes, you can." Yesung said, determined. With his free hand he reached towards Sungmin's face and forced one eye open. Sungmin quickly moved away from his hand. "Open them or I'll force them open."
Sungmin pouted but knew that he would follow through with his threat. He struggled inwardly as he peeked out of one eye and looked around cautiously. Yesung waited patiently as Sungmin slowly opened both his fox-like eyes.
He gaped at the urban city stretched out before him. At the minuscule cars. At the buildings that suddenly didn't seem as big anymore. At the sky that appeared to be much closer than ever. Yesung smiled when he noticed the gleam in his eyes but narrowed his eyes when he realized what exactly Sungmin was staring at.
"Stop staring straight into the sun like that!" Yesung scolded. He grabbed Sungmin's shoulders and forced him to turn away. "I'm glad you're excited but let's not lose your eyesight in the process."
Sungmin's smile didn't waver as he looked back, unconsciously loosening his grip slightly on Yesung's hands. He took a deep breath. "It's amazing."
Yesung tried one last attempt to pull his hand away but Sungmin held it tightly in place once more. Sungmin gulped. "I-I like the view, but I'm still... just a little scared." He admitted as he focused his attention back towards the scenery.
Sungmin laid one hand on the window as he continue to gaze at the breathtaking scenery before him, when he felt Yesung leaning against him. His own heart-rate sped up, and he found all his attention was centered just on their body contact.
"Then I'll be here until you're no longer afraid." Yesung said matter-of-factly.
Sungmin struggled to take a deep breath of air. "And when I stop being afraid? Will... will you leave?" He asked hesitantly. He clutched his hand more tightly. Eventually, there would be no reason for him to stay, and that thought alone crushed his heart.
Yesung hugged him from behind and rested his chin on his shoulder. Sungmin could see his reflection from the window and watched his comforting smile. "Even when you're not afraid, I'll still hold your hand as long as you want me to."
Sungmin chuckled. "That might take a long time." Yesung gave a slight shrug as he closed his eyes.
"I don't mind."
Sungmin laughed when he felt him leaned heavier against him. "You're tired aren't you?" Yesung groaned in response. "I'll buy you some coffee then."
Yesung immediately perked up and squinted his eyes. "It's so bright." He murmured under his breath. He rubbed his eyes as he allowed himself to be pulled by Sungmin. Sungmin led him inside the elevator as the doors opened; Yesung leaned against his shoulder with his eyes closed. They both stayed quiet as the elevator went down, not once letting go of each other's hands.
- ❄ Challenge 22 ❄ | ❄ Challenge 24 ❄ -
~ SuJu 31-shot Masterlist ~