Everything Happens For a Reason, Chapter 8
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Chapter 8
Jaejoong never woke up late. At least not until noon. He opened his eyes groggily after the sound of his mobile ringing for the 3rd time in a row. He groaned and didn’t bother get up to take the call. He just pushed the button with his head still on his pillow. “Yeah…” that’s all he could utter.
“Oppa, it’s me. Are you still sleeping?” JiHye’s voice sounded so far.
“Mmmm…”
“You ARE still sleeping..*sigh*… good then cause I’ll be coming late. Something happened at home and I couldn’t leave now. So I’ll be there around 3pm. Is that still ok with you?”
“Mmmm…” his brain couldn’t produce a better reaction right now.
“Oppaaaaa! Did you listen at all?? Oh, whatever… just wake up before I come over will you? I’ll bring some snacks. So see you later!” She hung up without waiting for his reply.
By the time he actually got up, it was already 1pm. He still took a hot shower, it’s in the middle of winter after all and he didn’t’ have one last night that his body felt a bit sticky.
* * * * *
After drying his hair he boiled some water, JiHye will need some hot tea when she gets here with whomever she would bring. A gentle smile pass his lips, that girl has grown up to be a beautiful woman. He bet on his hot shower that it must be a guy or someone special for her if she cares enough to introduce him.
Other than JiHye, the only people that he met from the household were the Jung parents; twice during those 2 years. Once on JiHye’s 20th birthday last year and the second time was on his own birthday early this year. Somehow jiHye made them take her to the agency to drop a birthday cake for him. Both times they still hugged him warmly, though it’s a bit awkward for him to call them Umma & Appa like he used too. They never said much but for him to take care of his health and be happy. Yeah, seemed like nobody ever forget to tell him to be happy, as if he’s not happy enough as he is right now.
Speaking of another part of the Jung’s household, as funny as it was, it’s Shim Changmin who also kept in touch with him regularly. Whenever JiHye failed to meet him, it was the young butler who showed up to deliver whatever she asked him to, from food to books, shirts, pants even boxes of underwear! -- ‘Aish, don’t be too shy with me Oppa! I was the one who picked up your laundy whenever you’re out till late! And since you didn’t go out much, I thought you wouldn’t be bothered with shopping, would you?’ she always told him off. And who was he to reject those stuff? Those deliveries also made him more comfortable with the young boy, he didn’t address him with a-ssi anymore but since he felt that he’s still a lot older he settled with hyung. He hasn’t seen him for the past 4 months though, JiHye said that he no longer worked as the Jungs’ butler but didn’t say anything else. Strange.
When Jaejoong thought of it, it’s a bit overwhelming. He lost the love of his life, the one he thought he would build a family with; but somehow he gained more friends & people to call part of his family. Maybe that’s just how his life was meant to be. Another reason for him to keep on living. Well… it’s already 10 past 3, JiHye should be here by now. As if on cue, the bell rang and he took his time to turn off the stove as the water has been boiled before he walked to the door.
He didn’t expect to see Changmin in his door step instead. And the boy must’ve seen it in his face, cause 2 seconds later he took a step to the left revealing JiHye who was smilling sheepishly, as if she’d been caught on her prank. He raised his eyebrow on her then turned to look at Changmin who just stood calmly with a smile. JiHye’s voice broke the awkwardness, “Oppa! Let us in will you! We’re freezing out here!” the smile replaced by a pout. Jajoong relented and opened the door for them.
He walked back in quickly and let Changmin closed the door. He went to get them the tea while they took off their coats & shoes. JiHye walked after him to the kitchen with a box of vanilla choux cream.
“Oppa, are you making us tea? Great, I need one badly, the wind was chilly and the bus’heather didn’t work well. Should I put this in the fridge or you want to eat it now with the tea?” she didn’t miss to land a peck on his right cheek as she passed.
“Just put in on the coffee table. No need to bring out a plate or anything. Oh, is there still some tissue over he table? “ he said. Tea is ready to serve now.
JiHye shouted from the living room, “Yeah, tissue is here. Need my help to carry the tray?”
“Nah, it’s done… and it’s not heavy.” He replied as he brought the tray with the teapot and empty cups. He put it on the table and sat in the lone sofa on the left side of the 3 seater that the youngsters occupied.
There was silence as they all made themselves to sit comfortably. “So…” Jaejoong started to speak when JiHye fidgeted on her seat, “is there anything I shouldn’t ask or you guys want to tell me that you meet at the entrance and decided to pay me a visit together?” he tried hard to hide the amusement from his tone when he saw the blush on JiHye’s cheeks.
Changmin was the one who spoke, “Nothing like that Hyung. You can ask us anything, and yes we came together.”
“Oh… “ he honestly surprised that Changmin still kept his composure. “Then care to tell me why you decided that, especially since I haven’t heard anything from you for the past few months. Not to mention that JiHye updated me with your status of not being the keeper of the household anymore.” He addressed the question a little sharply at the boy. He’d been a little more sensitive about keeping a relationship working.
“That’s one thing that I need to apologize to you, Jaejoong-hyung. Mr & Mrs Jung had been kind to take me in and entrusted me with their household when I finished my high school & in need to support my single mother. But more than that, Mr. Jung also let me learn a little about his business when he saw me reading one of his book in the private library next to his working room. And… I started working as his personal assistant 4 months ago.”
Now Jaejoong couldn’t hide his surprise anymore, “You did? That- that’s good for you!”
“Yeah, that’s somehing I also never thought I’d ever be… “ his smile wider now, “so I moved out of the house to be more independent and commute to work everyday. You know, since my mom died too last year, this was also something good for me to start deciding for myself.”
“I got what you meant. And I’m really happy for you, you deserve it,” sincerety fill his voice. “ But why moved out? Isn’t it more convenient to live there? I’m sure no one would object as you’ll be Appa’s assistant & be with him most of the time?”
“Like I said, I wanted to be independent, and also...” he dragged his words slowly while JiHye found it hard to sit still, “let’s just say there are some inconvenience should I stay…”
“Hm? What might that be? Like… not being able to have a date at home with the risk of your boss plus your future father in law might be seeing you kissing in -“
“Oppa!!” JiHye suddenly shouted at him. “Don’t - don’t- …”
“Don’t what? You said the reason you were here was to introduce me to someone. Is that someone perhaps Shim Changmin?” he’s tempted to tease her more.
“Well … yeah, but-“
“You’re right, Jaejoong-hyung,” Changmin cut her off. “We’re actually here to let you know that we’re getting married in summer.” Changmin spoke confidently while JiHye buried her face in her hands.
For the two of them being in a relationship didn’t shock him. But for them to get married so soon was another thing. JiHye was just 21, she just started her freshman year in college when he left. He always knew that Changmin was more than just a young butler, but he’s also just turned 24. Even though they’re both mature enough, marriage was in a whole different level that he didn’t think they’re ready for it. He wasn’t even ready for it back then.
Now Jaejoong sit straight on the sofa, paying more attention to the couple in front of him. “How did Umma & Appa feel about this? I meant the wedding, not your relationship which I’m sure they had no objection. But, well… I honestly thought that you’re both still too young. What made you so sure that this is the right thing?” his curiosity peaked. Maybe he just needed to know for himself.
Changmin reached out his left to hold JiHye’s, forced her to look up at him when he spoke, “I don’t think age is matters right now Hyung. I’m sure that I’m capable enough to be a good husband for JiHye,” he gazed at her lovingly. “Besides, JiHye will still continue her study until she finish while I’m working for Mr. Jung.”
Jaejoong nodded to show them he’s listening.
“When my mom died, I felt like I lost the meaning of my life. The reason for my hardworking was no longer there. I’ve trained my self to be independent so I could take good care of her. But she’s gone… who am I going to live for? JiHye gave me that reason since you left.”
JiHye once again kept her head down, not wanting to let him see into her eyes. “Many nights she would cry as she looked at the pavilion through the kitchen window. She was hoping that somehow you were there. JiHye was against the idea of renovating the place and refused to be involved in any family matters. The day when you left, JiHye lost not only one brother but also someone that she always regarded as a sister for taking that brother away from her. The other brother that she knew since birth, she didn’t think she uderstood anymore. But I was there to pick up the pieces. It didn’t matter that we haven’t been in this relationship for too long, but one thing I realized… she needed me as much as I needed her. And we’d been there for each other in our lowest moment. Mr. & Mrs. Jung understood and gave us their blessing. If there’s anyone that we want to hear the good news first hand, it’s only you hyung. No one else.” Tears were falling silently from JiHye’s eyes as she squeezed Changmin’s hands tightly.
No words seemed appropriate for this moment. After all those years, this was the first time he understood the real meaning of being someone’s brother. Someone that another would confide in, someone that another wanted to share with. He closed his eyes, afraid that his emotion will flow freely through his eyes. He took a deep breath.
“JiHye, Changmin. I couldn’t be happier than being the first that you shared the happy news. I- I also don’t think that I have better words to express my feelings but… I’m glad that you found each other. And I’m delighted that my little sister had grown up to be a wonderful woman who deserves a man like you. I love you both.” He said those words sincerely as JiHye flung herself into his arms.
She let go and a grin came up, “Thank you Oppa, thank you!! I knew you’d be happy for us, right Min?” she turned to look at him & gave him a hug too.
“So…” she said again, “now up to the most important part. Go on…” she nudged her ‘now’ fiance, “say it.”
Changmin straightened up his body and looked him in the eye, “Hyung, will you take the honor to be my bestman on our wedding wedding?”
It would be a lie if Jaejoong said that he’s not one but overwhelmed by the request. Another awkward silence filled the room.
“ Oppa, what-why don’t you say something?” JiHye's smile faltered.
“…”
“Don’t tell me that you’re actually planning not to come on my big day!” JiHye’s tone was rising. She knew him well. “Even after 2 years you still want to skip my wedding just because you don’t want to see Yunho Oppa?”
Her accusation made him glared at her though he didn’t mean to. But she hit too close to home.
“Am I right? Was that what you’re thinking? That it’s enough to know? Are you not going to say anything to me now?”
“JiHye, stop! Jaejoong-hyung hasn’t said anything! Listen to him fir-“
“No!” she stood up in front of him. “I’ve been holding my self up for 2 years by not saying my own brother’s name in front of him because I loved him just as much if not more! But it’s been 2 years, Oppa, two fuckin’ years! You’ve done a good job for not showing up in every event that your company held, jeesh!! It’s even a wonder how the hell 2 people from the same industry managed to not seeing each other for so long in the same city!! And how long are you going to avoid him even when we tried our best to give you time to heal! Are you healing at all… tell me… are you happy Oppa?” she sobbed so hard, still towering above him while Changmin just stood next to her, not sure what he should say.
It’s really not easy for him to speak but he had to. “JiHye, I’m not lying when I said that I’m happy for you. You’re also my only sister and I always wanted you to be happy. But you should understand that my absence won’t mean that I don’t love you. I-“
“But you what?! Even my wedding is not good enough to mend your broken heart? I’ll gladly tell my brother & his wife not to attend as long as you promise that you’ll be there! But tell me honestly… are you happy Oppa? Are you really really happy with yourself?” She whispered those words above his head. Then went running to his bedroom, slamming the door closed behind her.
Neither him nor Changmin moved from their place. Dusk fell outside the window… making the room even more gloomy. The younger man stood up to turn on more lights.
“Hyung… please forgive her. She-she’s been trying hard to accept the fact that you’re no longer around. All her feelings had been bottled up in her. She felt guilty for you.” He said slowly.
Jaejong gazed at him, “Guilty? Why would she?”
“She felt useless for not being able to stop Yunho-hyung’s wedding with Soon Mi-ssi.”
“But it’s not her fault at all. Why did she have to feel guilty about it. I chose to leave though their marriage was completely out of my… expectation.”
“Because she thought that she should be able to knock some sense into Yunho-hyung’s mind, but apparently… Soon Mi-ssi…” the end were left hanging as he spoke again, “anyway, she’d been wanting to tell you about many things… about her being an aunt for a cute little boy named Moonbin or that she now finally occupied Yunho-hyung’s old room as it’s much bigger & the new family moved to the renovated pavilion. But most of all, I guess she wanted to tell you about Yunho-hyung’s life… maybe she felt that you’re entitled to know… but in the end she’s too afraid that it’d make you sad. So she tried hard not to say any of it whenever you met.”
“You said she wanted me to know about Yunho. What about him? Isn’t he happy now with his married life? Especially now there’s a boy between them, he always loved children and he finally got what he wanted… why wouldn’t he be happy?” the last sentence were actually meant for himself, not an actual question he meant to ask.
Changmin sighed, “You know that we were supposed to come in the morning right but something happened at home?” he waited for Jaejoong to nod his acknowledgment. “Well, I wasn’t so clear what really happened but it seemed that Yunho-hyung found Soon Mi-ssi fainted in a tub of cold water at midnight. Just so you know that Soon Mi-ssi hadn’t been mentally stable since she gave birth to Moonbin. It’s been tough for him.”
All the new information he just received made him even more confuse as everthing was just the opponent of what he always thought had been. He couldn’t understand why Soon Mi had turned the way she is when she could made all her dream come true. He even heard that the medication was a success, otherwise they wouldn’t have had a child together. But now he’s not so sure of his own thoughts anymore.
“Hyung, JiHye really cares about you. She wasn’t joking when she said that she’d rather have you on our wedding instead of Yunho-hyung. That’ s just how much he loves you! And she’s not the only one… I do want to know if you’re happy. Are you happy Hyung?” there’s no accusation in his voice, just concern.
He contemplated on his seat for awhile… not even looking at Changmin once… But when he spoke, his words were firm, “Let me talk to her. I’ll just go in there to find her and- you make yourself at home, will you?”
Changmin smiled. He knew that he’ll make things better. “Sure… take your time. After all, she had two years stories that she’d been dying to tell you.”
“Yeah… sure… I’ll be back with her.” Then he proceeded to enter his bedroom.
* * * * *
JiHye laid down on Changmin’s queen size bed. It’s so comfortable… and the pillow smelled like him, she thought dreamily. She had called home to inform that she's staying here tonight. Her fiance broke her train of thoughts when he approached her to sit on the bedside.
“Here, put this cold tower over your puffy eyes. You must’ve cried a river in Jaejoong-hyung’s bedroom.” he genlty spread the towel over her eyes.
“Thanks. Lucky he drove us here, otherwise people would think that it’s you who made me cried or something.” She teased him.
“You just wait baby… I”ll make you cry alright… in happiness.” And he leaned down to kiss her. It was sweet and slow and gentle… everything that JiHye always wanted from his dream guy.
Changmin laid down beside her and held her close to him, cold towel still over her eyes.
“Min…” JiHye whispered to him, “Did I do the right thing? Was I wrong to make him come?”
She tried to remember their long conversation on Jaejoong’s bed. She cried unstopably while the guy just sat there holding her hand.
“I love you. I’ll be there. I’ll be Changmin’s bestman. Thanks for letting me be an important part of your life. And you asked me if I’m happy. Truth is, I don’t know. I’m content with my life now, but I don’t know if I can call that happiness. I may never know until I face your brother once again. No, it’s not a test, but I just need to be determined to… heal… just like you asked me. To be able to tell my self that it’s really over. No more Yunho and Jaejoong. It’s not fair for his family, it’s not fair for me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to heal myself.”
And he held her for such a long time until she ran out of tears. But his warmth remained even now. She could feel it even when she’s lying down with someone she will share forever with. He truly loved her, she could feel it. And the waterworks started again, turning the cold towel warm with her tears.
“Hey, what now? I thought you’ve finished! Come on, I know he loves you-“ he took the towel off to look at her. “He loves you, that’s why he’ll be there for you. Don’t feel guilty, he wouldn’t want you to. It’s time for him to face his past head on. As he’ll be there for us, we’ll also be there for him when the time comes. Because we love him just as much.”
JiHye reassured by Changmin’s words. He’s right. What’s done is done. There’s nothing else that she ever wish for the most but Jaejoong’s happiness. It’s time for her to return the happiness that he had given her.
She cupped Changmin’s cheeks, “Thank you… I love you…” All her fears and doubts were washed away when Changmin kissed her again, this time not letting go.
* * * * *
Chapter 9
Chapter 8
Jaejoong never woke up late. At least not until noon. He opened his eyes groggily after the sound of his mobile ringing for the 3rd time in a row. He groaned and didn’t bother get up to take the call. He just pushed the button with his head still on his pillow. “Yeah…” that’s all he could utter.
“Oppa, it’s me. Are you still sleeping?” JiHye’s voice sounded so far.
“Mmmm…”
“You ARE still sleeping..*sigh*… good then cause I’ll be coming late. Something happened at home and I couldn’t leave now. So I’ll be there around 3pm. Is that still ok with you?”
“Mmmm…” his brain couldn’t produce a better reaction right now.
“Oppaaaaa! Did you listen at all?? Oh, whatever… just wake up before I come over will you? I’ll bring some snacks. So see you later!” She hung up without waiting for his reply.
By the time he actually got up, it was already 1pm. He still took a hot shower, it’s in the middle of winter after all and he didn’t’ have one last night that his body felt a bit sticky.
* * * * *
After drying his hair he boiled some water, JiHye will need some hot tea when she gets here with whomever she would bring. A gentle smile pass his lips, that girl has grown up to be a beautiful woman. He bet on his hot shower that it must be a guy or someone special for her if she cares enough to introduce him.
Other than JiHye, the only people that he met from the household were the Jung parents; twice during those 2 years. Once on JiHye’s 20th birthday last year and the second time was on his own birthday early this year. Somehow jiHye made them take her to the agency to drop a birthday cake for him. Both times they still hugged him warmly, though it’s a bit awkward for him to call them Umma & Appa like he used too. They never said much but for him to take care of his health and be happy. Yeah, seemed like nobody ever forget to tell him to be happy, as if he’s not happy enough as he is right now.
Speaking of another part of the Jung’s household, as funny as it was, it’s Shim Changmin who also kept in touch with him regularly. Whenever JiHye failed to meet him, it was the young butler who showed up to deliver whatever she asked him to, from food to books, shirts, pants even boxes of underwear! -- ‘Aish, don’t be too shy with me Oppa! I was the one who picked up your laundy whenever you’re out till late! And since you didn’t go out much, I thought you wouldn’t be bothered with shopping, would you?’ she always told him off. And who was he to reject those stuff? Those deliveries also made him more comfortable with the young boy, he didn’t address him with a-ssi anymore but since he felt that he’s still a lot older he settled with hyung. He hasn’t seen him for the past 4 months though, JiHye said that he no longer worked as the Jungs’ butler but didn’t say anything else. Strange.
When Jaejoong thought of it, it’s a bit overwhelming. He lost the love of his life, the one he thought he would build a family with; but somehow he gained more friends & people to call part of his family. Maybe that’s just how his life was meant to be. Another reason for him to keep on living. Well… it’s already 10 past 3, JiHye should be here by now. As if on cue, the bell rang and he took his time to turn off the stove as the water has been boiled before he walked to the door.
He didn’t expect to see Changmin in his door step instead. And the boy must’ve seen it in his face, cause 2 seconds later he took a step to the left revealing JiHye who was smilling sheepishly, as if she’d been caught on her prank. He raised his eyebrow on her then turned to look at Changmin who just stood calmly with a smile. JiHye’s voice broke the awkwardness, “Oppa! Let us in will you! We’re freezing out here!” the smile replaced by a pout. Jajoong relented and opened the door for them.
He walked back in quickly and let Changmin closed the door. He went to get them the tea while they took off their coats & shoes. JiHye walked after him to the kitchen with a box of vanilla choux cream.
“Oppa, are you making us tea? Great, I need one badly, the wind was chilly and the bus’heather didn’t work well. Should I put this in the fridge or you want to eat it now with the tea?” she didn’t miss to land a peck on his right cheek as she passed.
“Just put in on the coffee table. No need to bring out a plate or anything. Oh, is there still some tissue over he table? “ he said. Tea is ready to serve now.
JiHye shouted from the living room, “Yeah, tissue is here. Need my help to carry the tray?”
“Nah, it’s done… and it’s not heavy.” He replied as he brought the tray with the teapot and empty cups. He put it on the table and sat in the lone sofa on the left side of the 3 seater that the youngsters occupied.
There was silence as they all made themselves to sit comfortably. “So…” Jaejoong started to speak when JiHye fidgeted on her seat, “is there anything I shouldn’t ask or you guys want to tell me that you meet at the entrance and decided to pay me a visit together?” he tried hard to hide the amusement from his tone when he saw the blush on JiHye’s cheeks.
Changmin was the one who spoke, “Nothing like that Hyung. You can ask us anything, and yes we came together.”
“Oh… “ he honestly surprised that Changmin still kept his composure. “Then care to tell me why you decided that, especially since I haven’t heard anything from you for the past few months. Not to mention that JiHye updated me with your status of not being the keeper of the household anymore.” He addressed the question a little sharply at the boy. He’d been a little more sensitive about keeping a relationship working.
“That’s one thing that I need to apologize to you, Jaejoong-hyung. Mr & Mrs Jung had been kind to take me in and entrusted me with their household when I finished my high school & in need to support my single mother. But more than that, Mr. Jung also let me learn a little about his business when he saw me reading one of his book in the private library next to his working room. And… I started working as his personal assistant 4 months ago.”
Now Jaejoong couldn’t hide his surprise anymore, “You did? That- that’s good for you!”
“Yeah, that’s somehing I also never thought I’d ever be… “ his smile wider now, “so I moved out of the house to be more independent and commute to work everyday. You know, since my mom died too last year, this was also something good for me to start deciding for myself.”
“I got what you meant. And I’m really happy for you, you deserve it,” sincerety fill his voice. “ But why moved out? Isn’t it more convenient to live there? I’m sure no one would object as you’ll be Appa’s assistant & be with him most of the time?”
“Like I said, I wanted to be independent, and also...” he dragged his words slowly while JiHye found it hard to sit still, “let’s just say there are some inconvenience should I stay…”
“Hm? What might that be? Like… not being able to have a date at home with the risk of your boss plus your future father in law might be seeing you kissing in -“
“Oppa!!” JiHye suddenly shouted at him. “Don’t - don’t- …”
“Don’t what? You said the reason you were here was to introduce me to someone. Is that someone perhaps Shim Changmin?” he’s tempted to tease her more.
“Well … yeah, but-“
“You’re right, Jaejoong-hyung,” Changmin cut her off. “We’re actually here to let you know that we’re getting married in summer.” Changmin spoke confidently while JiHye buried her face in her hands.
For the two of them being in a relationship didn’t shock him. But for them to get married so soon was another thing. JiHye was just 21, she just started her freshman year in college when he left. He always knew that Changmin was more than just a young butler, but he’s also just turned 24. Even though they’re both mature enough, marriage was in a whole different level that he didn’t think they’re ready for it. He wasn’t even ready for it back then.
Now Jaejoong sit straight on the sofa, paying more attention to the couple in front of him. “How did Umma & Appa feel about this? I meant the wedding, not your relationship which I’m sure they had no objection. But, well… I honestly thought that you’re both still too young. What made you so sure that this is the right thing?” his curiosity peaked. Maybe he just needed to know for himself.
Changmin reached out his left to hold JiHye’s, forced her to look up at him when he spoke, “I don’t think age is matters right now Hyung. I’m sure that I’m capable enough to be a good husband for JiHye,” he gazed at her lovingly. “Besides, JiHye will still continue her study until she finish while I’m working for Mr. Jung.”
Jaejoong nodded to show them he’s listening.
“When my mom died, I felt like I lost the meaning of my life. The reason for my hardworking was no longer there. I’ve trained my self to be independent so I could take good care of her. But she’s gone… who am I going to live for? JiHye gave me that reason since you left.”
JiHye once again kept her head down, not wanting to let him see into her eyes. “Many nights she would cry as she looked at the pavilion through the kitchen window. She was hoping that somehow you were there. JiHye was against the idea of renovating the place and refused to be involved in any family matters. The day when you left, JiHye lost not only one brother but also someone that she always regarded as a sister for taking that brother away from her. The other brother that she knew since birth, she didn’t think she uderstood anymore. But I was there to pick up the pieces. It didn’t matter that we haven’t been in this relationship for too long, but one thing I realized… she needed me as much as I needed her. And we’d been there for each other in our lowest moment. Mr. & Mrs. Jung understood and gave us their blessing. If there’s anyone that we want to hear the good news first hand, it’s only you hyung. No one else.” Tears were falling silently from JiHye’s eyes as she squeezed Changmin’s hands tightly.
No words seemed appropriate for this moment. After all those years, this was the first time he understood the real meaning of being someone’s brother. Someone that another would confide in, someone that another wanted to share with. He closed his eyes, afraid that his emotion will flow freely through his eyes. He took a deep breath.
“JiHye, Changmin. I couldn’t be happier than being the first that you shared the happy news. I- I also don’t think that I have better words to express my feelings but… I’m glad that you found each other. And I’m delighted that my little sister had grown up to be a wonderful woman who deserves a man like you. I love you both.” He said those words sincerely as JiHye flung herself into his arms.
She let go and a grin came up, “Thank you Oppa, thank you!! I knew you’d be happy for us, right Min?” she turned to look at him & gave him a hug too.
“So…” she said again, “now up to the most important part. Go on…” she nudged her ‘now’ fiance, “say it.”
Changmin straightened up his body and looked him in the eye, “Hyung, will you take the honor to be my bestman on our wedding wedding?”
It would be a lie if Jaejoong said that he’s not one but overwhelmed by the request. Another awkward silence filled the room.
“ Oppa, what-why don’t you say something?” JiHye's smile faltered.
“…”
“Don’t tell me that you’re actually planning not to come on my big day!” JiHye’s tone was rising. She knew him well. “Even after 2 years you still want to skip my wedding just because you don’t want to see Yunho Oppa?”
Her accusation made him glared at her though he didn’t mean to. But she hit too close to home.
“Am I right? Was that what you’re thinking? That it’s enough to know? Are you not going to say anything to me now?”
“JiHye, stop! Jaejoong-hyung hasn’t said anything! Listen to him fir-“
“No!” she stood up in front of him. “I’ve been holding my self up for 2 years by not saying my own brother’s name in front of him because I loved him just as much if not more! But it’s been 2 years, Oppa, two fuckin’ years! You’ve done a good job for not showing up in every event that your company held, jeesh!! It’s even a wonder how the hell 2 people from the same industry managed to not seeing each other for so long in the same city!! And how long are you going to avoid him even when we tried our best to give you time to heal! Are you healing at all… tell me… are you happy Oppa?” she sobbed so hard, still towering above him while Changmin just stood next to her, not sure what he should say.
It’s really not easy for him to speak but he had to. “JiHye, I’m not lying when I said that I’m happy for you. You’re also my only sister and I always wanted you to be happy. But you should understand that my absence won’t mean that I don’t love you. I-“
“But you what?! Even my wedding is not good enough to mend your broken heart? I’ll gladly tell my brother & his wife not to attend as long as you promise that you’ll be there! But tell me honestly… are you happy Oppa? Are you really really happy with yourself?” She whispered those words above his head. Then went running to his bedroom, slamming the door closed behind her.
Neither him nor Changmin moved from their place. Dusk fell outside the window… making the room even more gloomy. The younger man stood up to turn on more lights.
“Hyung… please forgive her. She-she’s been trying hard to accept the fact that you’re no longer around. All her feelings had been bottled up in her. She felt guilty for you.” He said slowly.
Jaejong gazed at him, “Guilty? Why would she?”
“She felt useless for not being able to stop Yunho-hyung’s wedding with Soon Mi-ssi.”
“But it’s not her fault at all. Why did she have to feel guilty about it. I chose to leave though their marriage was completely out of my… expectation.”
“Because she thought that she should be able to knock some sense into Yunho-hyung’s mind, but apparently… Soon Mi-ssi…” the end were left hanging as he spoke again, “anyway, she’d been wanting to tell you about many things… about her being an aunt for a cute little boy named Moonbin or that she now finally occupied Yunho-hyung’s old room as it’s much bigger & the new family moved to the renovated pavilion. But most of all, I guess she wanted to tell you about Yunho-hyung’s life… maybe she felt that you’re entitled to know… but in the end she’s too afraid that it’d make you sad. So she tried hard not to say any of it whenever you met.”
“You said she wanted me to know about Yunho. What about him? Isn’t he happy now with his married life? Especially now there’s a boy between them, he always loved children and he finally got what he wanted… why wouldn’t he be happy?” the last sentence were actually meant for himself, not an actual question he meant to ask.
Changmin sighed, “You know that we were supposed to come in the morning right but something happened at home?” he waited for Jaejoong to nod his acknowledgment. “Well, I wasn’t so clear what really happened but it seemed that Yunho-hyung found Soon Mi-ssi fainted in a tub of cold water at midnight. Just so you know that Soon Mi-ssi hadn’t been mentally stable since she gave birth to Moonbin. It’s been tough for him.”
All the new information he just received made him even more confuse as everthing was just the opponent of what he always thought had been. He couldn’t understand why Soon Mi had turned the way she is when she could made all her dream come true. He even heard that the medication was a success, otherwise they wouldn’t have had a child together. But now he’s not so sure of his own thoughts anymore.
“Hyung, JiHye really cares about you. She wasn’t joking when she said that she’d rather have you on our wedding instead of Yunho-hyung. That’ s just how much he loves you! And she’s not the only one… I do want to know if you’re happy. Are you happy Hyung?” there’s no accusation in his voice, just concern.
He contemplated on his seat for awhile… not even looking at Changmin once… But when he spoke, his words were firm, “Let me talk to her. I’ll just go in there to find her and- you make yourself at home, will you?”
Changmin smiled. He knew that he’ll make things better. “Sure… take your time. After all, she had two years stories that she’d been dying to tell you.”
“Yeah… sure… I’ll be back with her.” Then he proceeded to enter his bedroom.
* * * * *
JiHye laid down on Changmin’s queen size bed. It’s so comfortable… and the pillow smelled like him, she thought dreamily. She had called home to inform that she's staying here tonight. Her fiance broke her train of thoughts when he approached her to sit on the bedside.
“Here, put this cold tower over your puffy eyes. You must’ve cried a river in Jaejoong-hyung’s bedroom.” he genlty spread the towel over her eyes.
“Thanks. Lucky he drove us here, otherwise people would think that it’s you who made me cried or something.” She teased him.
“You just wait baby… I”ll make you cry alright… in happiness.” And he leaned down to kiss her. It was sweet and slow and gentle… everything that JiHye always wanted from his dream guy.
Changmin laid down beside her and held her close to him, cold towel still over her eyes.
“Min…” JiHye whispered to him, “Did I do the right thing? Was I wrong to make him come?”
She tried to remember their long conversation on Jaejoong’s bed. She cried unstopably while the guy just sat there holding her hand.
“I love you. I’ll be there. I’ll be Changmin’s bestman. Thanks for letting me be an important part of your life. And you asked me if I’m happy. Truth is, I don’t know. I’m content with my life now, but I don’t know if I can call that happiness. I may never know until I face your brother once again. No, it’s not a test, but I just need to be determined to… heal… just like you asked me. To be able to tell my self that it’s really over. No more Yunho and Jaejoong. It’s not fair for his family, it’s not fair for me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to heal myself.”
And he held her for such a long time until she ran out of tears. But his warmth remained even now. She could feel it even when she’s lying down with someone she will share forever with. He truly loved her, she could feel it. And the waterworks started again, turning the cold towel warm with her tears.
“Hey, what now? I thought you’ve finished! Come on, I know he loves you-“ he took the towel off to look at her. “He loves you, that’s why he’ll be there for you. Don’t feel guilty, he wouldn’t want you to. It’s time for him to face his past head on. As he’ll be there for us, we’ll also be there for him when the time comes. Because we love him just as much.”
JiHye reassured by Changmin’s words. He’s right. What’s done is done. There’s nothing else that she ever wish for the most but Jaejoong’s happiness. It’s time for her to return the happiness that he had given her.
She cupped Changmin’s cheeks, “Thank you… I love you…” All her fears and doubts were washed away when Changmin kissed her again, this time not letting go.
* * * * *
Chapter 9