Past, Present & Future, Chapter 2
Title: Past, Present & Future
Author: trieze0713
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong
Length: Chaptered
Genres: AU, Drama, Angst, Romance
Rating: PG
(Prologue) (Chapter 1)
Chapter 2
Yunho was watching his employee cleaning up the store. Jihye’s a nice girl, though the pay was not so big she said that she likes working in the store cause Yunho’s pretty flexible in giving her day off or cutting her working time when she’s busy with exam, and he always paid her in full despite her short working hours. She’s only 20 and living by herself in Seoul to study medicine in university. She got in through a scholarship and since her parents in Busan are not wealthy she works part time at the store for her daily expenses.
Though at first Yunho didn’t want to have an employee at the store, too tight for the budget… and it’s very small, he could practically do everything himself. But she was persistent, saying that the money would be very helpful for her. Moonbin liked her too and looked up to her like an older sister. In the end Yunho took her in and it’s been a year already since she started working in the store.
The door bell tingling, signing the arrival of a customer.
“Welcome to- Min! It’s just you…” He scowled after seeing his brother’s face.
“Is that how you greet your brother whom you haven’t seen for 2 months? Don’t you miss me?” He smirked, “Hi Jihye, how’s the most beautiful employee in the store doing?” He winked at her.
Yunho saw that the girl blushed as she kept pretending to mop the already cleaned floor.
“Stop harassing my employee Min.”
“Nice to see you too, Hyung.” He replied as he casually hugged the said brother.
“Busy?”
“I won’t be if you return and-“
“Min!” There’s a warning in his tone. “We’ve talked about it.”
“We have… and I never agreed with your decision.”
“Are you coming just to piss me off? Because if you do, then I very much appreciate it if yo-“
“No, I’m not. And you know it.”
“…”
“Alright, I’ll shut up! Happy?” The other man looked away and moved to sit behind the counter. “Where’s my good looking nephew? It’s Saturday, isn’t he usually here to attract the young customers in?”
“You make it sound like my son is some kind of a marketing tool… he’s in school, science project, but he’ll be home for lunch.”
“Great! Cause I’m planning to take you both out!”
Yunho stilled. “I don’t eat out.”
“Today you will.”
“Min!”
“Hey, in two weeks he’ll be fifteen. And I might not be able to visit on his birthday so I want to have an early celebration with him. No, you can’t stay home this time, you’re coming with us.”
“Shim Changmin! Someone needs to keep the store opened!”
“Oooh, you call me by my full name! Big brother is pissed off, eh…” he joked casually, unafraid with the nasty gaze Yunho was giving him. He walked over to Jihye who was re-arranging the snacks, “Say, sweetie, do you mind to watch out for the store for a couple of hours while I take the master and little prince out for a family bonding?” He held her hand and put on his sweetest smile.
“I- sure- yeah, no problem, Sir.”
“Promise I’ll be bring you something good as a token of appreciation.” He kissed the back of her hand and it looked like Jihye’s going to pass out soon.
“No need! I- I-“
“Shim Changmin! Get your ass inside the house, and I mean NOW!”
Changmin chuckled as squeezed the girl’s hand and swayed his way through the connecting door to get inside the house, he smirked as he passed his brother, “Take it easy big brother, you don’t want to have a hyper tension on a weekend.”
Yunho took a deep breath, trying to suppress his emotion. He’s not really angry with Changmin but that kid could really push the right button to get what he wants. He sighed as he gave Jihye an apologetic look.
“Jihye, I’m sorry about my brother.”
She blushed furiously, “That- that’s fine Oppa, he- was just being nice.”
Uh oh… someone is smitten.
Yunho rolled his eyes as he followed Changmin inside the house, “I need to talk to my brother. Call out if you need my help and if Binnie returns tell him that Uncle Min is inside. Thank you JiHye!”
“No problem Sir.” She bowed at him.
And Yunho was ready to welcome another headache caused by his only brother as he walked past the door frame.
* * * * *
Changmin took a good look at the man in front of him. He loves him and yet he hates him just the same. He loves him for being a real brother, for taking care of him when they were still living under the same roof, for being with him when others left and considered him just as ‘the bastard son’. That included his father. Their father.
He hates him for leaving and his refusal to return even though he had begged and (pretend to) cried and… basically did everything that he could think of, even as far as threatening to take Moonbin to live with him. It didn’t succeed. He just coldly told him, ‘Try.’ He knew that he didn’t stand a chance. Especially when the boy himself has some kind of a father complex.
His brother looked back at him intently, waiting for him to say something.
“Ok, I’m not gonna lie to you. I never did, never intend to. I didn’t come for 2 months because I want to prevent someone from finding you. Apparently he’s getting more curious to find out about you since the death of his father and my biweekly trip here seemed… suspicious?”
Even without mentioning any name, Changmin knew that his brother knew whom he meant.
Yunho stared at him. “How did you know that it’s him?”
“It’s not difficult. When someone got paid a certain amount of money, you just need to give a better offer. And he spilled the secrets, including what I didn’t need to know.”
“So I assume you did a good job at ‘hiding’ us?”
“If I didn’t, he’d be buying cigarettes from you since yesterday!”
“He smokes now?”
Changmin snorted, “You still wanna know?”
After a stretched silence, “No, I don’t.” He lied.
“Good for you. Anyway, he’s divorced now. I’m sure you knew if you read the paper.”
“I skipped the gossip page.”
“Yeah, of course, you did.”
Another silence… it wasn’t unfamiliar, but also unusual.
“Hyung, I’m serious. Get back home, Appa won’t mind to have you back.”
“If he wants me back he would’ve called or asked you to take him here.”
Changmin sighed, “You know how Appa is… He’s just-“
“Even if he’s willing to accept me back, I doubt that he would do the same to Moonbin, you know it. So no, my answer’s still the same.”
Changmin understood. After all, if not because Yunho refused to return his father wouldn’t even spare him a glance. Much less let him inherit the company. If there is one thing that would prevent him from accepting Yunho back, it would be Moonbin. What a hypocrite.
Yunho spoke again, this time softer. “Min, what’s going on at home? Why are you insisting that I should go home?” he asked him seriously, trying to catch any emotion from his countenance.The other man contemplated to tell him the truth, but part of him still wanted to keep it longer until he’s sure what to do.
“Nothing serious… at least not yet.” He saw the older one furrowed his eyebrows. “I just told you that I would never lie to you, I’m not changing my mind easily. When you need to know then I’ll tell you. For the time being, trust me. I’m just concern about you.”
He hoped Yunho saw the truth in his eyes. He knew he succeed when Yunho turned his gaze away from him.
“I trust you.”
“Thank you Hyung.” It meant a lot to him when his brother said that. “So how’s the munchkin doing? He’ll be busy with his final exams soon, isn’t he? Already thought of where he’s going to continue his High School?”
“He’s fine and still study diligently, but I really wish he would spend more time with his friends and people his age than hanging around the store all the time and checking on me every hour or so.” He sounded annoyed and concerned at the same time.
“Have you considered my offer to put him into a private school?”
“I have and thank you for the offer. But I can’t even afford half of the tuition. I guess I’ll just register him to the one near his Junior High. It’s not cheap either but at least affordable and has a good reputation.”
Changmin sighed and got himself ready for another argument with his stubborn brother. “Hyung, I kept telling you not to worry about his tuition. He’s my nephew, I love him and he deserves the best too! For once, let me take care of him and let him have what he should have.”
“I don’t want to spoil him! He should know what he could and couldn’t have. I don’t want him to think that he can get whatever he wants as long as you’re around.”
“What’s wrong with spoiling your child? And it’s about education, for goodness sake! It’s not about pride or… money or-“
“I get where you coming from, but I’m his father! I should be the one who take care of his education and his future, so you shouldn’t meddle and think that you can do whatever you want just because you have more money than I do!” Yunho regretted the words coming out of his mouth the moment he saw the look on his younger brother’s face. He should’ve known that Changmin would never think that way.“Min, look… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to- I’m-“
“Yeah, I know…” He replied softly. “I understand… but please think about it more? He’s a brilliant kid, I want him to be able to learn from the best at a good place. At least ask him, will you?”
Yunho knew deep down that he rejected the offer because he’s just ashamed of himself. He refused to go home and live the luxury he was once had, but he still accepted Min’s help to open a store and bought him the prosthetic that he knew he could never afford even if he saves his money for 20 years. He’s such a hypocrite.
“You’re right, I’ll talk to him and tell him about the idea of entering a private school. But the nearest is almost an hour away from home, though.”
“But don’t you think it’s worth the future that he could have? By graduating from a good school he has a better opportunity to get into a good university. I really think it’s worth trying.”
“Yeah, that’s true. Fine, I’ll let you know after I talk to him. I’ll let him decide. Thank you for being so concern about my son Min, that means a lot to me. At least I know I can entrust him with you if one day I’m not around anymore-“
“Whoa, whoa, what’s this talking about you’re not around! You sound like you’re dying or something! Are you feeling alright, Hyung?”
“I’m perfectly fine. Just a thought…”
“Don’t worry, you’ll live for a very long time. I’ll make sure of it even if I have to come and see you everyday.”
They both smiled. “Better not. You’ll really make me get hyper tension if you show up so often.”
Changmin laughed, the tension disappeared into thin air. “I can still call.” He chuckled. “Hey, I think I hear the munchkin outside. Tell me what you wanna eat, so I can decide where to head off.”
“I’ll let my boy pick.”
Changmin rolled his eyes. “Really Hyung, you both are having a terrible complex towards each other. It’s not healthy.”
“Not forever Min… not forever…” He knew it’s true. Though it hurts, it’s the truth.
* * * * *
Moonbin’s eyes lit up as he saw his uncle’s car parked near the store. He hadn’t come for a long time, he missed him! And it seemed like time is on his side, he could tell him about the trip to Japan and asked him to persuade his father to let him go. He wouldn’t mind to help him with the money too, he’s loaded.
And that’s one thing that really confused him. How come his uncle is rich and has a lot of money, expensive car and clothes and even opened up a store and bought his father a prosthetic. And yet they lived in modesty, he went to a nice public school but he wished he could’ve gone to a better one, and they don’t even have a car. Why are they living so differently? And why would none of them tell him about his grandparents? Or his mother. Or in that case, he was never told of any relative other than Changmin-ahjussi.
He knew that he’s adopted and that Yunho is not his biological father. But his father never told him the story of how he got to live with him. It’s not that he doubt his father’s love, in fact he could proudly proclaim that no one loves him as much as he does. He just wants to know the truth, he needs to know. He’s growing up and one day he’ll have a girlfriend and get married. It’s not funny if the only information about his family that he could tell is ‘adopted and living with my father only in my whole life’. That’s not how it should be.
Guess he’ll have that discussion later when he’s older. For the time being, he really should talk to Changmin-ahjussi about the Japan trip.
He entered the store and said hi to Jihye-noona. He really liked her.
“Noona, Min-ahjussi is here, right?”He asked her excitedly but didn’t miss the blush that spread in her cheeks. Oh gosh, he must’ve flirt with her again.
“He is, and your father wanted you to join them inside.”
“Thanks! I’m going in!” he practically ran inside the house. And as soon as he saw his uncle’s face he called him outloud and ran into his embrace, “Min-ahjussi! I missed you! Where have you been?” He asked him as he hugged the only man that he could call family beside his father.
“Wow, you really missed me, didn’t you!” He pulled off and held him at arm’s length, “Look at you! Are you getting taller in just 2 months? My, you’re getting more handsome too like your father.”
“I am, aren’t I?” He let go and moved to hug his Appa at the sofa, “Appa, are you feeling better now? You really scared me this morning.” He whispered as he laid his face at the crook of his neck. The warmth radiated from his father’s body calmed him down.
“I told you I’m fine. I took another hour of sleeping before Jihye came so now I feel better.” He kissed his cheek and stroked his head.
Changmin smiled at the sight in front of him. “Really Bin, you’re almost 15. Aren’t you ashamed still clinging to your father like that? I thought your complex would be cured when you get older, but I think I was wrong.”
Moonbin and Yunho let go of each other.
The boy just shrugged, “I don’t care.” He seemed like he doesn’t. “So, Appa, what’s for lunch?” He asked.
“We’re eating out?” his uncle replied.
“We are?” He glanced suspiciously at his father. When his uncle said eating out, it meant only the two of them, his father never came along. But today he feels reluctant to leave him at home.
Yunho caught the look in his son’s eyes and told him, “I’m going too.” He didn’t miss the sparkle in Moonbin’s eyes, it made him feel a little bit guilty for missing their eating out sessions for many years.
“Really? You are? Yay!” He proceeded to give another hug to his father, he couldn’t hide his happiness.
“It’s an early celebration. I might not be able to come on your birthday, so today you can pick what kind of food you want to eat and I’ll take you both to the best place.” Changmin winked at him.
Moonbin kept grinning from ear to ear and couldn’t hide his happiness. It’s a good day after all and since his father’s also in a good mood, maybe it wouldn’t be so hard to talk to him about the field trip. It turned out to be a good day after all unlike his premonition.
And the two adults watched him telling them excitedly about the food that he wanted to try out. Yunho hasn’t seen him so happy like today, he wished that this would last forever.
But forever is too much to wish for…
* * * * *
Jaejoong stared at the paper in front of him… it was mentioned that Shim Changmin always traveled twice a month without a driver and drove by himself to another side of town. He always left in the morning and returned at dusk time. A couple of times he was seen with a teenager having meals at a fast food chain but there was no information about a teenager in the Jung household. And that’s all he could get for the time being. He’ll need to spend more to get more.
He held his breath as he closed his eyes… he hoped it was what he expected it to be. He’s getting closer to find out about his the lover that he left behind.
* * * * *
Chapter 3
Author: trieze0713
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong
Length: Chaptered
Genres: AU, Drama, Angst, Romance
Rating: PG
(Prologue) (Chapter 1)
Chapter 2
Yunho was watching his employee cleaning up the store. Jihye’s a nice girl, though the pay was not so big she said that she likes working in the store cause Yunho’s pretty flexible in giving her day off or cutting her working time when she’s busy with exam, and he always paid her in full despite her short working hours. She’s only 20 and living by herself in Seoul to study medicine in university. She got in through a scholarship and since her parents in Busan are not wealthy she works part time at the store for her daily expenses.
Though at first Yunho didn’t want to have an employee at the store, too tight for the budget… and it’s very small, he could practically do everything himself. But she was persistent, saying that the money would be very helpful for her. Moonbin liked her too and looked up to her like an older sister. In the end Yunho took her in and it’s been a year already since she started working in the store.
The door bell tingling, signing the arrival of a customer.
“Welcome to- Min! It’s just you…” He scowled after seeing his brother’s face.
“Is that how you greet your brother whom you haven’t seen for 2 months? Don’t you miss me?” He smirked, “Hi Jihye, how’s the most beautiful employee in the store doing?” He winked at her.
Yunho saw that the girl blushed as she kept pretending to mop the already cleaned floor.
“Stop harassing my employee Min.”
“Nice to see you too, Hyung.” He replied as he casually hugged the said brother.
“Busy?”
“I won’t be if you return and-“
“Min!” There’s a warning in his tone. “We’ve talked about it.”
“We have… and I never agreed with your decision.”
“Are you coming just to piss me off? Because if you do, then I very much appreciate it if yo-“
“No, I’m not. And you know it.”
“…”
“Alright, I’ll shut up! Happy?” The other man looked away and moved to sit behind the counter. “Where’s my good looking nephew? It’s Saturday, isn’t he usually here to attract the young customers in?”
“You make it sound like my son is some kind of a marketing tool… he’s in school, science project, but he’ll be home for lunch.”
“Great! Cause I’m planning to take you both out!”
Yunho stilled. “I don’t eat out.”
“Today you will.”
“Min!”
“Hey, in two weeks he’ll be fifteen. And I might not be able to visit on his birthday so I want to have an early celebration with him. No, you can’t stay home this time, you’re coming with us.”
“Shim Changmin! Someone needs to keep the store opened!”
“Oooh, you call me by my full name! Big brother is pissed off, eh…” he joked casually, unafraid with the nasty gaze Yunho was giving him. He walked over to Jihye who was re-arranging the snacks, “Say, sweetie, do you mind to watch out for the store for a couple of hours while I take the master and little prince out for a family bonding?” He held her hand and put on his sweetest smile.
“I- sure- yeah, no problem, Sir.”
“Promise I’ll be bring you something good as a token of appreciation.” He kissed the back of her hand and it looked like Jihye’s going to pass out soon.
“No need! I- I-“
“Shim Changmin! Get your ass inside the house, and I mean NOW!”
Changmin chuckled as squeezed the girl’s hand and swayed his way through the connecting door to get inside the house, he smirked as he passed his brother, “Take it easy big brother, you don’t want to have a hyper tension on a weekend.”
Yunho took a deep breath, trying to suppress his emotion. He’s not really angry with Changmin but that kid could really push the right button to get what he wants. He sighed as he gave Jihye an apologetic look.
“Jihye, I’m sorry about my brother.”
She blushed furiously, “That- that’s fine Oppa, he- was just being nice.”
Uh oh… someone is smitten.
Yunho rolled his eyes as he followed Changmin inside the house, “I need to talk to my brother. Call out if you need my help and if Binnie returns tell him that Uncle Min is inside. Thank you JiHye!”
“No problem Sir.” She bowed at him.
And Yunho was ready to welcome another headache caused by his only brother as he walked past the door frame.
* * * * *
Changmin took a good look at the man in front of him. He loves him and yet he hates him just the same. He loves him for being a real brother, for taking care of him when they were still living under the same roof, for being with him when others left and considered him just as ‘the bastard son’. That included his father. Their father.
He hates him for leaving and his refusal to return even though he had begged and (pretend to) cried and… basically did everything that he could think of, even as far as threatening to take Moonbin to live with him. It didn’t succeed. He just coldly told him, ‘Try.’ He knew that he didn’t stand a chance. Especially when the boy himself has some kind of a father complex.
His brother looked back at him intently, waiting for him to say something.
“Ok, I’m not gonna lie to you. I never did, never intend to. I didn’t come for 2 months because I want to prevent someone from finding you. Apparently he’s getting more curious to find out about you since the death of his father and my biweekly trip here seemed… suspicious?”
Even without mentioning any name, Changmin knew that his brother knew whom he meant.
Yunho stared at him. “How did you know that it’s him?”
“It’s not difficult. When someone got paid a certain amount of money, you just need to give a better offer. And he spilled the secrets, including what I didn’t need to know.”
“So I assume you did a good job at ‘hiding’ us?”
“If I didn’t, he’d be buying cigarettes from you since yesterday!”
“He smokes now?”
Changmin snorted, “You still wanna know?”
After a stretched silence, “No, I don’t.” He lied.
“Good for you. Anyway, he’s divorced now. I’m sure you knew if you read the paper.”
“I skipped the gossip page.”
“Yeah, of course, you did.”
Another silence… it wasn’t unfamiliar, but also unusual.
“Hyung, I’m serious. Get back home, Appa won’t mind to have you back.”
“If he wants me back he would’ve called or asked you to take him here.”
Changmin sighed, “You know how Appa is… He’s just-“
“Even if he’s willing to accept me back, I doubt that he would do the same to Moonbin, you know it. So no, my answer’s still the same.”
Changmin understood. After all, if not because Yunho refused to return his father wouldn’t even spare him a glance. Much less let him inherit the company. If there is one thing that would prevent him from accepting Yunho back, it would be Moonbin. What a hypocrite.
Yunho spoke again, this time softer. “Min, what’s going on at home? Why are you insisting that I should go home?” he asked him seriously, trying to catch any emotion from his countenance.The other man contemplated to tell him the truth, but part of him still wanted to keep it longer until he’s sure what to do.
“Nothing serious… at least not yet.” He saw the older one furrowed his eyebrows. “I just told you that I would never lie to you, I’m not changing my mind easily. When you need to know then I’ll tell you. For the time being, trust me. I’m just concern about you.”
He hoped Yunho saw the truth in his eyes. He knew he succeed when Yunho turned his gaze away from him.
“I trust you.”
“Thank you Hyung.” It meant a lot to him when his brother said that. “So how’s the munchkin doing? He’ll be busy with his final exams soon, isn’t he? Already thought of where he’s going to continue his High School?”
“He’s fine and still study diligently, but I really wish he would spend more time with his friends and people his age than hanging around the store all the time and checking on me every hour or so.” He sounded annoyed and concerned at the same time.
“Have you considered my offer to put him into a private school?”
“I have and thank you for the offer. But I can’t even afford half of the tuition. I guess I’ll just register him to the one near his Junior High. It’s not cheap either but at least affordable and has a good reputation.”
Changmin sighed and got himself ready for another argument with his stubborn brother. “Hyung, I kept telling you not to worry about his tuition. He’s my nephew, I love him and he deserves the best too! For once, let me take care of him and let him have what he should have.”
“I don’t want to spoil him! He should know what he could and couldn’t have. I don’t want him to think that he can get whatever he wants as long as you’re around.”
“What’s wrong with spoiling your child? And it’s about education, for goodness sake! It’s not about pride or… money or-“
“I get where you coming from, but I’m his father! I should be the one who take care of his education and his future, so you shouldn’t meddle and think that you can do whatever you want just because you have more money than I do!” Yunho regretted the words coming out of his mouth the moment he saw the look on his younger brother’s face. He should’ve known that Changmin would never think that way.“Min, look… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to- I’m-“
“Yeah, I know…” He replied softly. “I understand… but please think about it more? He’s a brilliant kid, I want him to be able to learn from the best at a good place. At least ask him, will you?”
Yunho knew deep down that he rejected the offer because he’s just ashamed of himself. He refused to go home and live the luxury he was once had, but he still accepted Min’s help to open a store and bought him the prosthetic that he knew he could never afford even if he saves his money for 20 years. He’s such a hypocrite.
“You’re right, I’ll talk to him and tell him about the idea of entering a private school. But the nearest is almost an hour away from home, though.”
“But don’t you think it’s worth the future that he could have? By graduating from a good school he has a better opportunity to get into a good university. I really think it’s worth trying.”
“Yeah, that’s true. Fine, I’ll let you know after I talk to him. I’ll let him decide. Thank you for being so concern about my son Min, that means a lot to me. At least I know I can entrust him with you if one day I’m not around anymore-“
“Whoa, whoa, what’s this talking about you’re not around! You sound like you’re dying or something! Are you feeling alright, Hyung?”
“I’m perfectly fine. Just a thought…”
“Don’t worry, you’ll live for a very long time. I’ll make sure of it even if I have to come and see you everyday.”
They both smiled. “Better not. You’ll really make me get hyper tension if you show up so often.”
Changmin laughed, the tension disappeared into thin air. “I can still call.” He chuckled. “Hey, I think I hear the munchkin outside. Tell me what you wanna eat, so I can decide where to head off.”
“I’ll let my boy pick.”
Changmin rolled his eyes. “Really Hyung, you both are having a terrible complex towards each other. It’s not healthy.”
“Not forever Min… not forever…” He knew it’s true. Though it hurts, it’s the truth.
* * * * *
Moonbin’s eyes lit up as he saw his uncle’s car parked near the store. He hadn’t come for a long time, he missed him! And it seemed like time is on his side, he could tell him about the trip to Japan and asked him to persuade his father to let him go. He wouldn’t mind to help him with the money too, he’s loaded.
And that’s one thing that really confused him. How come his uncle is rich and has a lot of money, expensive car and clothes and even opened up a store and bought his father a prosthetic. And yet they lived in modesty, he went to a nice public school but he wished he could’ve gone to a better one, and they don’t even have a car. Why are they living so differently? And why would none of them tell him about his grandparents? Or his mother. Or in that case, he was never told of any relative other than Changmin-ahjussi.
He knew that he’s adopted and that Yunho is not his biological father. But his father never told him the story of how he got to live with him. It’s not that he doubt his father’s love, in fact he could proudly proclaim that no one loves him as much as he does. He just wants to know the truth, he needs to know. He’s growing up and one day he’ll have a girlfriend and get married. It’s not funny if the only information about his family that he could tell is ‘adopted and living with my father only in my whole life’. That’s not how it should be.
Guess he’ll have that discussion later when he’s older. For the time being, he really should talk to Changmin-ahjussi about the Japan trip.
He entered the store and said hi to Jihye-noona. He really liked her.
“Noona, Min-ahjussi is here, right?”He asked her excitedly but didn’t miss the blush that spread in her cheeks. Oh gosh, he must’ve flirt with her again.
“He is, and your father wanted you to join them inside.”
“Thanks! I’m going in!” he practically ran inside the house. And as soon as he saw his uncle’s face he called him outloud and ran into his embrace, “Min-ahjussi! I missed you! Where have you been?” He asked him as he hugged the only man that he could call family beside his father.
“Wow, you really missed me, didn’t you!” He pulled off and held him at arm’s length, “Look at you! Are you getting taller in just 2 months? My, you’re getting more handsome too like your father.”
“I am, aren’t I?” He let go and moved to hug his Appa at the sofa, “Appa, are you feeling better now? You really scared me this morning.” He whispered as he laid his face at the crook of his neck. The warmth radiated from his father’s body calmed him down.
“I told you I’m fine. I took another hour of sleeping before Jihye came so now I feel better.” He kissed his cheek and stroked his head.
Changmin smiled at the sight in front of him. “Really Bin, you’re almost 15. Aren’t you ashamed still clinging to your father like that? I thought your complex would be cured when you get older, but I think I was wrong.”
Moonbin and Yunho let go of each other.
The boy just shrugged, “I don’t care.” He seemed like he doesn’t. “So, Appa, what’s for lunch?” He asked.
“We’re eating out?” his uncle replied.
“We are?” He glanced suspiciously at his father. When his uncle said eating out, it meant only the two of them, his father never came along. But today he feels reluctant to leave him at home.
Yunho caught the look in his son’s eyes and told him, “I’m going too.” He didn’t miss the sparkle in Moonbin’s eyes, it made him feel a little bit guilty for missing their eating out sessions for many years.
“Really? You are? Yay!” He proceeded to give another hug to his father, he couldn’t hide his happiness.
“It’s an early celebration. I might not be able to come on your birthday, so today you can pick what kind of food you want to eat and I’ll take you both to the best place.” Changmin winked at him.
Moonbin kept grinning from ear to ear and couldn’t hide his happiness. It’s a good day after all and since his father’s also in a good mood, maybe it wouldn’t be so hard to talk to him about the field trip. It turned out to be a good day after all unlike his premonition.
And the two adults watched him telling them excitedly about the food that he wanted to try out. Yunho hasn’t seen him so happy like today, he wished that this would last forever.
But forever is too much to wish for…
* * * * *
Jaejoong stared at the paper in front of him… it was mentioned that Shim Changmin always traveled twice a month without a driver and drove by himself to another side of town. He always left in the morning and returned at dusk time. A couple of times he was seen with a teenager having meals at a fast food chain but there was no information about a teenager in the Jung household. And that’s all he could get for the time being. He’ll need to spend more to get more.
He held his breath as he closed his eyes… he hoped it was what he expected it to be. He’s getting closer to find out about his the lover that he left behind.
* * * * *
Chapter 3