Past, Present & Future, Chapter 9a
Title: Past, Present & Future
Author: trieze0713
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong, Yoochun/Junsu
Length: Chaptered
Genres: AU, Drama, Angst, Romance
Rating: PG
~Previous Chapters~
Chapter 9a: No More of Him
The man sitting in front of him acted like nothing had happened to him in the past few days. Like he was always being in the office; working his ass off and concentrating on his tasks. Hell, he didn’t even look like the man he was two and a half hours ago. They both had driven their own cars; well he drove his own while Jae’s driver was the one behind the wheel.
Jaejoong had been focusing on something on his laptop screen and he didn’t invite Yoochun to take a peek so he just sat in front of him and not saying anything. But after close to an hour it’s getting hard to convince himself that his boss slash best friend was really looking at something and not falling asleep with his eyes opened. He could hardly see any movement from his fingers. And finally his patience ran out.
“Are you going to say anything or am I allowed to go and spend precious time with my baby at home rather than sitting here doing nothing and just looking at you?”
“…”
“… Why do I feel that I shouldn’t even let you know that the kid called…” he pretended to take a deep breath but he could see that Jaejoong finally paid attention to him. “Maybe I should tell him that the program’s cancelled and-“
“When do you think I should meet him?” He asked him suddenly.
“Who? The kid? I guess anytime afterschool bu-“
“Not the kid. The father. Jung Yunho.” He cut him off calmly but quickly.
“Oh, him… I guess it would be up to you. You’re the boss here. They’re the ones that need your favor for the time being, not the other way around.”
“Before that, can you check on something for me? Find out if Jung Yunho had really adopted his son legally or if he holds custody over him. If memory serves, he’s not the kind of person who would pay attention to that kind of detail.”
“I can check that out but what’s that gotta do with the scholarship?”
He chewed on his bottom lip. “It might have something or might not.”
Yoochun looked at him suspiciously. “What exactly is on your mind?”
Jaejoong looked up at him, “Yunho, nothing else. I know there’s no way that I can turn back time, but I also can’t live knowing there is a possibility to have him back by my side. I’m divorced, my father’s dead, there’s nothing else between us anymore, and I’m not going to let the opportunity slipping away.”
“Jae… “ he got more concerned with the growing obsession. “Just what are you going to do? I love you man, but don’t make it hard on him anymore! You saw what you could do to him!”
“And that’s the reason why I’m sure that I can get him back!! If he really doesn’t care about me at all he wouldn’t be affected with what I was saying at all!” He spat the word at his face.
“Jae…”
“Do it. I’m not going to make any move until you’re coming to me with that piece of information. And I need it NOW.” He replied to him with finality.
Yoochun could only sighed and hoped that things wouldn’t get more complicated that it already was as he stood up and walked out of Jaejoong’s room getting ready to do some investigation. And it’s not going to be cheap either.
* * * * *
He heard rumors going around about the bastard son of Jung Inc. entering the University as a freshman. Not only that he’s loaded but he’s also a smartass to be accepted with the highest score in their year when he just turned 17. He bet that the guy must be a stuck up boy who liked to pranced around showing off his intelligence to put up a front to cover up for his illegitimate status. After all, it’s a prestigious college they’re studying at.
Born from a family of politician, Junsu always hate the society that he grew up with. So full of lies and deceptions and that had turned him into someone who doesn’t trust people with a lot of money though he’s practically of the same level of wealth with the rest of them.
So the first time he saw the tall kid in business class he ignored the boy completely though he still sat at the only empty seat next to him. It seemed that the kid wasn’t fond of socializing too. They rarely exchanged glances, as soon as the class was over the kid would also disappear, sometimes to the next class or just completely gone from the campus. He didn’t wear luxurious brands, just a simple jeans, shirt and sneakers. If not because of the rumors of his status, no one would pay any attention. He looked boring.
Their first encounter was marked with fists exchanged. He was in a terrible mood after being lectured by his father for not starting to follow his footsteps and get involved in politics, then his mother could careless about it being too busy putting up a good face in front of the supporters. A perfect family picture always won an election.
They bumped into each other outside the gate and despite saying sorry he blurted out, ‘Oh, it’s the Jung bastard.’ The next thing he knew he was sprawled on the pavement with Changmin stood over him demanding his apology. Though he knew that he was in the wrong, he was also looking for a way to vent his frustration so he punched him back as soon as he’s back on his two feet. They stopped when someone called a lecturer out and somehow they ended up running away together to the back of the campus.
They didn’t talk much after that, but somehow mobile numbers were exchanged. Messages were sent. Junsu still remembered how he became a shadow to Shim Changmin, the man that he considered like his own brother. Changmin asked him to come to a café 40 minutes away from campus.
As they were sipping their coffees in silence, the younger man spoke up first, “Su, be my man.”
He was so taken aback with the request that he choked on his Vanilla Latte. “Wh-, where the hell did that come from?!? Damn Min, I never knew that you love me that way! I mean- I… hell, I don’t know what to say.”
Changmin chuckled and replied, “Oops, my bad. Let me rephrase that, be my shadow, my right hand man, the one I could entrust my life with.” This time his posture changed. He sat right up and bowed to him on his seat.
“Su, I made a bargain with my father. I will take up the family business next year in place of my brother. I might be a genius, but I’m still a teenager in the eyes of others. I know that many disagree with that decision and if I could I don’t want to be part of the business. But I’m keeping it for my brother, and I need someone to watch my back.”
Junsu looked into his eyes and saw desperation in there. And a little bit of hope.
“Are you sure your brother will return?”
“He’ll have to and I’ll make sure of it.” He said it with determination.
“So, in which part that you want me to be in?”
“You’re from a family with strong political background, which means that you’re able to get information about almost anything, including business society. Business is nasty and there are so many people who are willing to kill to be in my position right now. I have no one else to trust but my brother, but he left. There’s Min Sook-ahjussi but he’s too tight with my father I’m not sure that he will agree with my policy. I’ll have to be careful in everything, thus I need you to be my shadow. Be my informant and watch my back for me. I trust you.”
Junsu kept his gaze in Changmin’s eyes, trying to find something that he missed in there. There was none.
“You know that I hate my family but you asked me anyway. What you asked from me will require me to be involved with my family’s business and that’s already a sacrifice from my side. Tell me something to make me decide. Why did you agree to take the position in place of your brother? If you hate your father that much you should’ve left already and live your own life, you’re very much capable of it. But why staying and agreeing?”
Changmin tore his gaze away and looked outside through the window.
“Because I made a promise.” He breathed heavily. “The company was built not only by my father but also together with the influence of Yunho-hyung’s mother’s family. The firm was founded for her. Yunho-hyung loved his mother so much and addly, I felt the same way though she had gone before I came to the mansion. Maybe my mother and I caused her death too. But if not because of her, Yunho-hyung might not be able to love me the way that he is. He’s the one who gave me life, not my father. I promised him that I would make sure that the firm would stay secure even when he’s gone. But I can’t do it myself and I still want him to return one day to be the true heir of Jung Inc. I’m not a Jung, I’ll never be.”
Junsu wanted to say that he would need time to think it over but on the other hand he kind of thought that his answer would be very important for Changmin and that the boy needed to hear it from him soon. He contemplated for a few minutes in silence, the other guy didn’t make any effort for small talk either.
He took a deep breath and told him, “I’ll be your man. I’ll be your shadow as long as you needed me to.”
Changmin lost his poker face for a few seconds upon hearing his answer and Junsu was able to peek a little into his mind at that moment, knowing that he wouldn’t regret his decision. He had no obligations or whatsoever towards him, but somehow there’s something in him that really ticked him off. This man would make it big, this man had it in him. Junsu was one who always thought that he could never live his own life outside his family, but this guy already lived to protect himself in his young age, he’d been through so much that for a moment Junsu though that he’s just a spoiled brat compared to Shim Changmin.
A smile broke into Changmin’s face. “Well, since this will be our last time to be seen together in public, tell me where do you want to go with me today and I’ll be at your service. Just for today. I’ll pay for everything. Starting tomorrow, as far as everyone knows we’re no longer friends. I’ll let you know my method of communication.”
Junsu grinned back at him. “Make it two days. Let’s go for an impromptu trip somewhere. At least I want to have one last sweet memory before I become your slave, brother!”
In the end they both left for a week to Japan. They didn’t waste anytime, they sent messages their family, or in Changmin’s case to Min Sook, that they’re be leaving for a few days, no need to worry or looking for them.
They left the café to the airport without a suitcase. Considering their background, they always carried their passport along everywhere. They purchased the cheapest fare to Tokyo… took the train around, bought some clothes, staying at temples that accepted travelers and just enjoyed the trip like 2 best friends. The day the set foot back in Seoul, they hugged each other and bid goodbye. They didn’t contact each other for 3 months until Changmin sent him a message or some sort. And since then, they only met secretly to update each other and exchange information once every few months.
His dating Yoochun was a coincidence but proven to be useful when he found out that he worked for Kim Jaejoong. And that’s why he felt a little bit guilty when he made that call to his lover just now.
‘Sorry to miss dinner Su, I have to find out whether Moonbin is officially adopted or not for Jaejoong. I’m dealing with family registrar, it’s not easy. Promise I’ll make it up to you.’
He reported back to Changmin right away and received his order. ‘Make it easy on him.’
And here he was talking to someone to leak that piece of information for his man. Well, the sooner it’s over the sooner he would be able to spend more time with his lover.
And he began to feel like the spy in the movie that they just watched together last week.
* * * * *
Chapter 9b
Author: trieze0713
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong, Yoochun/Junsu
Length: Chaptered
Genres: AU, Drama, Angst, Romance
Rating: PG
~Previous Chapters~
Chapter 9a: No More of Him
The man sitting in front of him acted like nothing had happened to him in the past few days. Like he was always being in the office; working his ass off and concentrating on his tasks. Hell, he didn’t even look like the man he was two and a half hours ago. They both had driven their own cars; well he drove his own while Jae’s driver was the one behind the wheel.
Jaejoong had been focusing on something on his laptop screen and he didn’t invite Yoochun to take a peek so he just sat in front of him and not saying anything. But after close to an hour it’s getting hard to convince himself that his boss slash best friend was really looking at something and not falling asleep with his eyes opened. He could hardly see any movement from his fingers. And finally his patience ran out.
“Are you going to say anything or am I allowed to go and spend precious time with my baby at home rather than sitting here doing nothing and just looking at you?”
“…”
“… Why do I feel that I shouldn’t even let you know that the kid called…” he pretended to take a deep breath but he could see that Jaejoong finally paid attention to him. “Maybe I should tell him that the program’s cancelled and-“
“When do you think I should meet him?” He asked him suddenly.
“Who? The kid? I guess anytime afterschool bu-“
“Not the kid. The father. Jung Yunho.” He cut him off calmly but quickly.
“Oh, him… I guess it would be up to you. You’re the boss here. They’re the ones that need your favor for the time being, not the other way around.”
“Before that, can you check on something for me? Find out if Jung Yunho had really adopted his son legally or if he holds custody over him. If memory serves, he’s not the kind of person who would pay attention to that kind of detail.”
“I can check that out but what’s that gotta do with the scholarship?”
He chewed on his bottom lip. “It might have something or might not.”
Yoochun looked at him suspiciously. “What exactly is on your mind?”
Jaejoong looked up at him, “Yunho, nothing else. I know there’s no way that I can turn back time, but I also can’t live knowing there is a possibility to have him back by my side. I’m divorced, my father’s dead, there’s nothing else between us anymore, and I’m not going to let the opportunity slipping away.”
“Jae… “ he got more concerned with the growing obsession. “Just what are you going to do? I love you man, but don’t make it hard on him anymore! You saw what you could do to him!”
“And that’s the reason why I’m sure that I can get him back!! If he really doesn’t care about me at all he wouldn’t be affected with what I was saying at all!” He spat the word at his face.
“Jae…”
“Do it. I’m not going to make any move until you’re coming to me with that piece of information. And I need it NOW.” He replied to him with finality.
Yoochun could only sighed and hoped that things wouldn’t get more complicated that it already was as he stood up and walked out of Jaejoong’s room getting ready to do some investigation. And it’s not going to be cheap either.
* * * * *
He heard rumors going around about the bastard son of Jung Inc. entering the University as a freshman. Not only that he’s loaded but he’s also a smartass to be accepted with the highest score in their year when he just turned 17. He bet that the guy must be a stuck up boy who liked to pranced around showing off his intelligence to put up a front to cover up for his illegitimate status. After all, it’s a prestigious college they’re studying at.
Born from a family of politician, Junsu always hate the society that he grew up with. So full of lies and deceptions and that had turned him into someone who doesn’t trust people with a lot of money though he’s practically of the same level of wealth with the rest of them.
So the first time he saw the tall kid in business class he ignored the boy completely though he still sat at the only empty seat next to him. It seemed that the kid wasn’t fond of socializing too. They rarely exchanged glances, as soon as the class was over the kid would also disappear, sometimes to the next class or just completely gone from the campus. He didn’t wear luxurious brands, just a simple jeans, shirt and sneakers. If not because of the rumors of his status, no one would pay any attention. He looked boring.
Their first encounter was marked with fists exchanged. He was in a terrible mood after being lectured by his father for not starting to follow his footsteps and get involved in politics, then his mother could careless about it being too busy putting up a good face in front of the supporters. A perfect family picture always won an election.
They bumped into each other outside the gate and despite saying sorry he blurted out, ‘Oh, it’s the Jung bastard.’ The next thing he knew he was sprawled on the pavement with Changmin stood over him demanding his apology. Though he knew that he was in the wrong, he was also looking for a way to vent his frustration so he punched him back as soon as he’s back on his two feet. They stopped when someone called a lecturer out and somehow they ended up running away together to the back of the campus.
They didn’t talk much after that, but somehow mobile numbers were exchanged. Messages were sent. Junsu still remembered how he became a shadow to Shim Changmin, the man that he considered like his own brother. Changmin asked him to come to a café 40 minutes away from campus.
As they were sipping their coffees in silence, the younger man spoke up first, “Su, be my man.”
He was so taken aback with the request that he choked on his Vanilla Latte. “Wh-, where the hell did that come from?!? Damn Min, I never knew that you love me that way! I mean- I… hell, I don’t know what to say.”
Changmin chuckled and replied, “Oops, my bad. Let me rephrase that, be my shadow, my right hand man, the one I could entrust my life with.” This time his posture changed. He sat right up and bowed to him on his seat.
“Su, I made a bargain with my father. I will take up the family business next year in place of my brother. I might be a genius, but I’m still a teenager in the eyes of others. I know that many disagree with that decision and if I could I don’t want to be part of the business. But I’m keeping it for my brother, and I need someone to watch my back.”
Junsu looked into his eyes and saw desperation in there. And a little bit of hope.
“Are you sure your brother will return?”
“He’ll have to and I’ll make sure of it.” He said it with determination.
“So, in which part that you want me to be in?”
“You’re from a family with strong political background, which means that you’re able to get information about almost anything, including business society. Business is nasty and there are so many people who are willing to kill to be in my position right now. I have no one else to trust but my brother, but he left. There’s Min Sook-ahjussi but he’s too tight with my father I’m not sure that he will agree with my policy. I’ll have to be careful in everything, thus I need you to be my shadow. Be my informant and watch my back for me. I trust you.”
Junsu kept his gaze in Changmin’s eyes, trying to find something that he missed in there. There was none.
“You know that I hate my family but you asked me anyway. What you asked from me will require me to be involved with my family’s business and that’s already a sacrifice from my side. Tell me something to make me decide. Why did you agree to take the position in place of your brother? If you hate your father that much you should’ve left already and live your own life, you’re very much capable of it. But why staying and agreeing?”
Changmin tore his gaze away and looked outside through the window.
“Because I made a promise.” He breathed heavily. “The company was built not only by my father but also together with the influence of Yunho-hyung’s mother’s family. The firm was founded for her. Yunho-hyung loved his mother so much and addly, I felt the same way though she had gone before I came to the mansion. Maybe my mother and I caused her death too. But if not because of her, Yunho-hyung might not be able to love me the way that he is. He’s the one who gave me life, not my father. I promised him that I would make sure that the firm would stay secure even when he’s gone. But I can’t do it myself and I still want him to return one day to be the true heir of Jung Inc. I’m not a Jung, I’ll never be.”
Junsu wanted to say that he would need time to think it over but on the other hand he kind of thought that his answer would be very important for Changmin and that the boy needed to hear it from him soon. He contemplated for a few minutes in silence, the other guy didn’t make any effort for small talk either.
He took a deep breath and told him, “I’ll be your man. I’ll be your shadow as long as you needed me to.”
Changmin lost his poker face for a few seconds upon hearing his answer and Junsu was able to peek a little into his mind at that moment, knowing that he wouldn’t regret his decision. He had no obligations or whatsoever towards him, but somehow there’s something in him that really ticked him off. This man would make it big, this man had it in him. Junsu was one who always thought that he could never live his own life outside his family, but this guy already lived to protect himself in his young age, he’d been through so much that for a moment Junsu though that he’s just a spoiled brat compared to Shim Changmin.
A smile broke into Changmin’s face. “Well, since this will be our last time to be seen together in public, tell me where do you want to go with me today and I’ll be at your service. Just for today. I’ll pay for everything. Starting tomorrow, as far as everyone knows we’re no longer friends. I’ll let you know my method of communication.”
Junsu grinned back at him. “Make it two days. Let’s go for an impromptu trip somewhere. At least I want to have one last sweet memory before I become your slave, brother!”
In the end they both left for a week to Japan. They didn’t waste anytime, they sent messages their family, or in Changmin’s case to Min Sook, that they’re be leaving for a few days, no need to worry or looking for them.
They left the café to the airport without a suitcase. Considering their background, they always carried their passport along everywhere. They purchased the cheapest fare to Tokyo… took the train around, bought some clothes, staying at temples that accepted travelers and just enjoyed the trip like 2 best friends. The day the set foot back in Seoul, they hugged each other and bid goodbye. They didn’t contact each other for 3 months until Changmin sent him a message or some sort. And since then, they only met secretly to update each other and exchange information once every few months.
His dating Yoochun was a coincidence but proven to be useful when he found out that he worked for Kim Jaejoong. And that’s why he felt a little bit guilty when he made that call to his lover just now.
‘Sorry to miss dinner Su, I have to find out whether Moonbin is officially adopted or not for Jaejoong. I’m dealing with family registrar, it’s not easy. Promise I’ll make it up to you.’
He reported back to Changmin right away and received his order. ‘Make it easy on him.’
And here he was talking to someone to leak that piece of information for his man. Well, the sooner it’s over the sooner he would be able to spend more time with his lover.
And he began to feel like the spy in the movie that they just watched together last week.
* * * * *
Chapter 9b