Everything Happens For a Reason, Chapter 9
~ Previous Chapters ~
Chapter 9: The Meeting
Winter passed by in a blink of an eye… Spring came too shortly… and suddenly it’s already the beginning of summer. But before the scorching sun the rain always had to drop by, giving a little humidity in the city of Seoul.
It was supposed to be a special day for the Jung family. Corrected… IT IS a special day for the baby girl who now turned into beautiful lady and ready to take a step forward of being a wife. He can’t be more grateful that his little sister has found a good man to be her strength & her world. He’ll be no longer her closest man… well, he hasn’t been for a while, he shamely admitted in his heart. The title was gone when he married Soon Mi. JiHye couldn’t get along with her anymore and she hated him for letting Jaejoong left. He tried to give her his best explanation (with the help of his parents) that everything wasn’t even planned from the beginning but it didn’t seem to get through her. And Soon Mi’s clinginess kept him further emotionally from his own sister, eventhough they’re living just a few meters apart. So much for being the big brother she used to follow like a chick. The only thing that still connect them is Moonbin. He spent more time in the main house despite his objection. But Soon Mi had been a handful, she couldn’t keep up with the almost 2 year old’s abundant energy and Yunho had been to exhausted to take care of them both at the same time.
The sun was bright this morning but the main house was already empty except for some maids, everyone spent the night at the Hotel where the wedding will be held since yesterday. The make-up will start as early as 5am and they didn’t want to rush. It’s no surprise that Yunho’s mother took Moonbin along saying “we don’t want the important ring bearer to wake up late, do we?” The little guy happily trotted along with “Gamma” & “Gappa” with his wheeled little suitcase full of toys & his own blanket. The only thing he told him as he was pulling the suitcase to the door, “Bye Appa! Binnie will is ‘bearer’ so Binnie go with Gamma and Gappa now!” which sent everyone at the door laughing. He didn’t remember ‘ring-bearer’, just the last word since it’s close to ‘bear’. His parents refused to be called Halmuni & Harabuji, they said Grandma & Grandpa sounds more like the 21st Century.
Unfortunately Soon Mi was in one of her mood and locked herself inside the bedroom much to his parents’ dismay. He suspected that she is carrying right now, something that he dreaded since the messy affair on winter. He tried to be careful and wore protections but somehow Soon Mi got her way with him. Even after a few years he always told himself that he had made the right decision back then, that he had saved a life and blesses with another in return in the form of his son. But he could never fathom his own feeling to his wife. He cared about her so much, he loved her - they had a son for god’s sake! He’d done his best to be there for her throughout the whole cancer ordeal. But even now it’s still not enough for her.
The silence was broken by the sound of the bedroom room cracked open.
“Yunho, are you still here?” Soon Mi walked out in a daze and Yunho quickly walk over to her.
“Are you feeling fine? We should get ready now to get to JiHye’s wedding.” He said while taking her arms & put her to sit with him at the living room couch.
She snorted, “As if she wants me around. They even kicked you out of the position of being Changmin’s bestmand. They just want my cute son over there to be the ring bearer.”
Yunho took a deep breath, “You know that’s not true. Everyone wants us to be there, it’s my sister’s wedding, why won’t they want the big brother’s family around? Appa even called me this morning & asked if we’ll be there at the matrimony. So are you up for it?”
“I feel crappy. I don’t think I can handle being in a crowd. You go ahead. She’s your sister after all.” She closed her eyes & rested her head on the couch.
“Soon Mi, we talked about this many times. She doesn’t hate you or anything, she loves you! You’re married to me so that made her your sister too! Don’t thi-“
“And yet she didn’t even drop by to see me here unless she wants to take Moonbin to the main house!” she snapped at him, now eyes wide open. “Let’s stop talking, just go ahead and bring Moonbin’s snacks along, I don’t want him to munch the hotel’s desert on the reception & getting all high on sugar when he gets home. I’m too tired for that.”
Yunho took a long look at her and wondered what had changed her behavior lately. She wasn’t this hotheaded before. But it’s clear that she wouldn’t go no matter what. He sighed, “Fine. I’ll get ready and let Umma & Appa know that you’re just fine but still can’t handle the crowd as it makes you nauseous.” He kissed her cheek, “You take care at home. I’ll be back soon and let me know if there’s anything you need or if you don’t feel good. I’ll only put my phone on vibrate during the matrimony.”
He stood up to walk to the bedroom when he heard her whisper, “Thank you for being with me.” When he turned around she already closed her eyes again. He smiled sadly at himself as he prepared himself.
* * * * *
Yunho didn’t want a second child. She knew that. Moonbin may have been born healthy, but doesn’t mean the new child will be the same. No matter how selfish she is, she still wants her baby to be perfect just like any mother would.
She didn’t dare to tell Yunho that the doctor informed her on her 4th check-up that her blood test showed an increasing percentage on her tumor marker. Not dangerous yet, but alarming. She didn’t return for further test, especially now that she’s pregnant. She knew the doctor will advise her to abort the baby. She’s terrified, but losing Yunho is more than she could bear right now. Since the marker is still below the minimum count, she’s quite positive that her continual medication will get rid of it naturally and the doctor was just overly concern.
Her sole actual reason for her reluctance to come to the wedding is Jaejoong. The way the whole family went over the roof to hear about his coming made her want to vomit.
“Umma, Appa, Jaejoong Oppa said yes! He will be Changmin’s bestman at our wedding!” JiHye had mentioned this happily over a casual family chitchat after dinner.
“That’s good, so the family is complete on the big day! I miss that boy…” even her father in law didn’t hide his excitement for having Jaejoong in the wedding.
“I guess this time we should snap a special family picture don’t you think? Since our little Binnie will also be the ring bearer and everyone will dress up for the occasion!” her mother in law chirped in.
She kept her mouth shut & nobody seemed to pay attention to her. They were all too excited and Yunho wasn’t home either for a shooting. Just one sentence about Jaejoong’s presence on JiHye’s wedding made everyone forget about her. Yunho’s parents cared for her like their own daughter but they seemed to take a little distance with her since the tub incident. Maybe they’re afraid of having a psycho daughter in law? Or maybe they really didn’t care at all. She could care less about it.
So why should she come when she knew she’d just be an accessory at the Jung table? And to be on the same table as Jaejoong too. For today, she would enjoy it by herself. She doesn’t care if Yunho’s going to meet him in the hotel, Moonbin’s going to be there too. Maybe it’s just as good to give the other guy a glimpse of reality… Jung Yunho is no longer his, he had his own little family now. And she has another life in her stomach if he wants another proof.
* * * * *
Jaejoong spent the night with Changmin at his hotel room, the groom said he could die that night if he had to stay by himself. Too excited, too anxious and all those exaggerated feelings! Changmin wasn’t allowed to see JiHye at all until the matrimony this afternoon so Jaejoong hadn’t had the chance to meet the Jungs since they checked-in. The very reason he went to the bride’s make-up room on the 1st floor after leaving Changmin in his own room, tragically shouting, ‘Hyung! How could you?’ Well, he’ll survive.
He could hear laughter inside before he knocked. A faint sound of ‘Come-on in’ was heard and he opened the door. He just took a step inside when something went running unto him and bumped his thighs hard, before the little creature fell on his butt in by his feet.
When he looked down his eyes met with a pair of twinkling eyes, black hair and mischievous smile. It’s a toddler in suit. Instead of crying, that little boy gave out a funny laugh before an old man came & scooped him up from the floor. He was still in a daze and couldn’t take his eyes off the boy who now struggled to break free from his grandfather’s arms.
“Gappa, Gappa, Binnie down now! Binnie doooown!” Jaejoong winced at his shriek.
The said grandfather finally put him down and told him sternly, “Now stop running around Moonbin! You’ll get sweaty before you finish your important job! OK?”
The boy nodded but as soon his grandfather let go he went flying to his grandmother now. And Jaejoong finally got the attention of the older Jung.
“Jaejoong, how are you Son!” he went to give him a hug. “Boy, it’s been awhile, we’re happy that you could come to be Changmin’s bestman, but most of all you’re coming as part our family.” He beamed, but unable to hide his teary eyes.
Not more than 5 seconds later he received another hug with a kiss on both cheeks, “Jaejoong-ah, we miss you so much! I hope you’re fine… and just like Appa said, you’re part of the family.” She pulled out but still holding his arms.
“Appa, Umma, I miss you too. I’m- sorry I didn’t see you often, but-“
The older Jung gave him a squeeze on the shoulder, “You don’t have to say it, Jaejoong-ah, we understand. It’s us who should apologize for not… you know… back then-” Jaejoong knew it’s not easy for them to say anything.
He gave them an assuring smile, “It was unfortunate circumstances but I’m here now. Let’s not talk about it, we’re here to celebrate aren’t we?” He hugged them both once again. He was so mixed feeling about all this… then the spell broke.
“Ummaaaaa! Someone please watch Binnie! He’s got the lipstick and- Binnie no! It’s not crayon so stop tr-“
The two elders let go of him in a flash to rescue the marble wall from being the little boy’s canvas. Now Jaejoong’s attention was moved to JiHye as she stood up, hands on her hips… looking so beautiful in her white wedding dress. It’s hard to stop himself from walking over her and just when he was about to embrace, “No Oppa! Don’t give me a hug yet! You’ll ruin my make-up and my hairdo! I know I look stunning and I love you but Changmin will be the first guy to hug me today. So give me a kiss instead!”
He laughed so hard at her antics but still leaned down to kiss her cheeks anyway. “You are amazing JiHye… you’re beautiful. I just hope Changmin won’t forget his vow just because he’s too busy admiring his bride.” He looked at her warmly, watching the blush spreading through her face.
“Now Jaejoong, even I wasn’t allowed to embrace her just before you came in. Tsk, and I’m her father.” Appa Jung came closer, now holding the baby boy in his arms.
“And I believe that you haven’t met this little gentleman over here, the important ring bearer, Jung Moonbin.” He brought the boy closer to him. “Jung Moonbin, say hello to Jaejoong Ahjussi.”
The toddler cocked his head to the left, “Joong-jussi? Like Binnie? Binnie is Jung!”
Jaejoong laughed some more while the grandfather trying to explain, “No no… not a Jung like Binnie, but Jaejoong Ahjussi. Ah, maybe easier to call him Jae Ahjussi. Say it to him, ‘Hello Jae Ahjussi’”
The boy bounced on his grandpa’s hold, “Je-jussi! Je-jussi!” once again laughter filled the room when suddenly Moonbin reached out his hands to Jaejoong. Out of reflex, he took those small hands and in a second he’s holding the boy in his arms. Too surprised, he could only say, “Hello Moonbin, nice to meet you.”
“Je-jussi, Binnie is ‘bearer’ today… Appa said it’s important, so Binnie slept with Gappa and Gamma last night! Je-jussi knows what ‘bearer’ is?” he innocently asked.
“Yes,I know what it is. You are a very important person today, baby boy.”
“Good! Je-jussi can be ‘bearer’ too if Je-jussi is good like Binnie,” he tried to explain in his childish way of thinking. Then he looked like he just remembered something & wiggled down from Jaejoong’s hold.
He toddled up to his Grandmother, “Gamma, where is Appa? Binnie miss Appa, Appa said that Appa will bring Binnie’s biscuit?”
The room tensed up as everyone silently glanced at Jaejoong at the mention of the younger Jung’s name. He didn’t want to ruin the mood so he asked, “Oh, I just realized that I haven’t seen Yunho too. Moonbin mentioned that he was staying with you last night.”
Jaejoong thought he saw a scowl on JiHye’s face but it’s the older one who answered, “He had to take care of his wife, Soon Mi didn’t feel good so maybe they’d come later.”
As if on cue, the door was opened and as someone was about to walked in; Moonbin yelled loudly and running to the door, “Appaaaaa!!” Everybody watched Yunho walked in with a small baby bag and carrying Moonbin inside.
“Sorry JiHye, I hope I’m not missing anything! It’s still 40 minutes before the matrimony is it?” he didn’t see Jae who stood at the far end of the room.
“Are you by yourself Yunho? Where’s SoonMi?” his father asked.
He had this dejected look on his face when he explained, “I’m so sorry Appa, Umma, “ he turned to look at his sister, “JiHye, I-I… she would feel nauseous in a crowd so-she-“
Jaejoong saw that JiHye had a tint of sadness in her eyes when she listened to her brother trying to explain why his wife couldn’t attend her wedding. And so were the Jung parents. At that time, Moonbin was the only one who seemed unaffected by the heavy atmosphere.
JiHye sighed deeply as she replied, “It’s fine Oppa, don’t worry. You don’t have to feel bad, if she’s not in good condition what can we do. I hope she’s resting at home.” She came closer to her brother and gave him a hug, “Just so you know, you’re the only man that got my hug before the wedding in this room.” As she pulled herself she casually spoke, “not even Appa and Jaejoong Oppa got one from me.”
Yunho looked surprised, “Jaejoong?” He turned his head around trying to find him.
Just then Jaejoong decided to walk over to where he is and reached out his hand, “Hi Yunho, it’s been awhile.”
Yunho just stood there in disbelieve and stared at him. He didn’t even take his eyes off of Jaejoong as his mother came to take Moonbin from him.
“Hey, I know it’s been a long time but surely you still remember my face?” Jaejoong tried to break his nervousness with a lame joke.
There was no warning or whatsoever as Yunho ignored his offered hand and suddenly hugged him hard. No one dared to make a sound or move from where they are.
Jaejoong felt a bit awkward in Yunho’s embrace, not sure whether he should return it or not. He wanted to pull off but something in his heart told him that this was important. Then he felt Yunho was shaking, he was crying. He saw Appa Jung motioned his wife and daughter to move to the smaller connecting room that’s been used to keep the wedding dress and for changing.
Yunho still kept a tight hug on him. And in broken voices, he said something that he should’ve said a long time ago, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m sorry…” He shook harder, “Please forgive me…”
Those words brought Jaejoong to his senses. He felt something melt in his heart, like hot water poured over ice, bringing warmth all over his body… and it gave him a shiver… he never knew that he’d been frozen all this time. Changmin didn’t know that he also couldn’t sleep well and over anxious last night, though for a different reason. He was trying to make up some scenarios in his mind of how Yunho would react when he sees him, and how was he going to handle it.
But this was not of one of them. There was a rush of feelings when he first stepped in, love, memories, heartbreak and all that he buried deep down surfaced in one go. But as he watched how Yunho talked to his family, he saw exhaustion and desperation in each word that he spoke… he’d lost weight too. This was not Yunho that he knew.
During the preparation of the wedding Changmin had told him everything that had happened in the Jung household since he left. He never thought it was that bad until he saw the evidence in Yunho’s whole being just now. And all those old feelings just flew out of the window… he loved this man. He still is… but not the way that he used to be. This was the man who gave him hope and a family… but now he is also the man that needs a friend to share his burden. His heart cried out for Yunho.
So when there were only the two of them in that room… when Yunho was crying brokenly in his arms reciting his apology over and over again… Jaejoong closed his eyes. After 34 months of uncertainty, 34 months of being lost and not sure when he belonged to… Jaejoong felt relieved, like he’s finally set foot on earth again.
As he wounded his arms around Yunho; he whispered to him, “I have forgiven you.”
* * * * *
Chapter 10
Chapter 9: The Meeting
Winter passed by in a blink of an eye… Spring came too shortly… and suddenly it’s already the beginning of summer. But before the scorching sun the rain always had to drop by, giving a little humidity in the city of Seoul.
It was supposed to be a special day for the Jung family. Corrected… IT IS a special day for the baby girl who now turned into beautiful lady and ready to take a step forward of being a wife. He can’t be more grateful that his little sister has found a good man to be her strength & her world. He’ll be no longer her closest man… well, he hasn’t been for a while, he shamely admitted in his heart. The title was gone when he married Soon Mi. JiHye couldn’t get along with her anymore and she hated him for letting Jaejoong left. He tried to give her his best explanation (with the help of his parents) that everything wasn’t even planned from the beginning but it didn’t seem to get through her. And Soon Mi’s clinginess kept him further emotionally from his own sister, eventhough they’re living just a few meters apart. So much for being the big brother she used to follow like a chick. The only thing that still connect them is Moonbin. He spent more time in the main house despite his objection. But Soon Mi had been a handful, she couldn’t keep up with the almost 2 year old’s abundant energy and Yunho had been to exhausted to take care of them both at the same time.
The sun was bright this morning but the main house was already empty except for some maids, everyone spent the night at the Hotel where the wedding will be held since yesterday. The make-up will start as early as 5am and they didn’t want to rush. It’s no surprise that Yunho’s mother took Moonbin along saying “we don’t want the important ring bearer to wake up late, do we?” The little guy happily trotted along with “Gamma” & “Gappa” with his wheeled little suitcase full of toys & his own blanket. The only thing he told him as he was pulling the suitcase to the door, “Bye Appa! Binnie will is ‘bearer’ so Binnie go with Gamma and Gappa now!” which sent everyone at the door laughing. He didn’t remember ‘ring-bearer’, just the last word since it’s close to ‘bear’. His parents refused to be called Halmuni & Harabuji, they said Grandma & Grandpa sounds more like the 21st Century.
Unfortunately Soon Mi was in one of her mood and locked herself inside the bedroom much to his parents’ dismay. He suspected that she is carrying right now, something that he dreaded since the messy affair on winter. He tried to be careful and wore protections but somehow Soon Mi got her way with him. Even after a few years he always told himself that he had made the right decision back then, that he had saved a life and blesses with another in return in the form of his son. But he could never fathom his own feeling to his wife. He cared about her so much, he loved her - they had a son for god’s sake! He’d done his best to be there for her throughout the whole cancer ordeal. But even now it’s still not enough for her.
The silence was broken by the sound of the bedroom room cracked open.
“Yunho, are you still here?” Soon Mi walked out in a daze and Yunho quickly walk over to her.
“Are you feeling fine? We should get ready now to get to JiHye’s wedding.” He said while taking her arms & put her to sit with him at the living room couch.
She snorted, “As if she wants me around. They even kicked you out of the position of being Changmin’s bestmand. They just want my cute son over there to be the ring bearer.”
Yunho took a deep breath, “You know that’s not true. Everyone wants us to be there, it’s my sister’s wedding, why won’t they want the big brother’s family around? Appa even called me this morning & asked if we’ll be there at the matrimony. So are you up for it?”
“I feel crappy. I don’t think I can handle being in a crowd. You go ahead. She’s your sister after all.” She closed her eyes & rested her head on the couch.
“Soon Mi, we talked about this many times. She doesn’t hate you or anything, she loves you! You’re married to me so that made her your sister too! Don’t thi-“
“And yet she didn’t even drop by to see me here unless she wants to take Moonbin to the main house!” she snapped at him, now eyes wide open. “Let’s stop talking, just go ahead and bring Moonbin’s snacks along, I don’t want him to munch the hotel’s desert on the reception & getting all high on sugar when he gets home. I’m too tired for that.”
Yunho took a long look at her and wondered what had changed her behavior lately. She wasn’t this hotheaded before. But it’s clear that she wouldn’t go no matter what. He sighed, “Fine. I’ll get ready and let Umma & Appa know that you’re just fine but still can’t handle the crowd as it makes you nauseous.” He kissed her cheek, “You take care at home. I’ll be back soon and let me know if there’s anything you need or if you don’t feel good. I’ll only put my phone on vibrate during the matrimony.”
He stood up to walk to the bedroom when he heard her whisper, “Thank you for being with me.” When he turned around she already closed her eyes again. He smiled sadly at himself as he prepared himself.
* * * * *
Yunho didn’t want a second child. She knew that. Moonbin may have been born healthy, but doesn’t mean the new child will be the same. No matter how selfish she is, she still wants her baby to be perfect just like any mother would.
She didn’t dare to tell Yunho that the doctor informed her on her 4th check-up that her blood test showed an increasing percentage on her tumor marker. Not dangerous yet, but alarming. She didn’t return for further test, especially now that she’s pregnant. She knew the doctor will advise her to abort the baby. She’s terrified, but losing Yunho is more than she could bear right now. Since the marker is still below the minimum count, she’s quite positive that her continual medication will get rid of it naturally and the doctor was just overly concern.
Her sole actual reason for her reluctance to come to the wedding is Jaejoong. The way the whole family went over the roof to hear about his coming made her want to vomit.
“Umma, Appa, Jaejoong Oppa said yes! He will be Changmin’s bestman at our wedding!” JiHye had mentioned this happily over a casual family chitchat after dinner.
“That’s good, so the family is complete on the big day! I miss that boy…” even her father in law didn’t hide his excitement for having Jaejoong in the wedding.
“I guess this time we should snap a special family picture don’t you think? Since our little Binnie will also be the ring bearer and everyone will dress up for the occasion!” her mother in law chirped in.
She kept her mouth shut & nobody seemed to pay attention to her. They were all too excited and Yunho wasn’t home either for a shooting. Just one sentence about Jaejoong’s presence on JiHye’s wedding made everyone forget about her. Yunho’s parents cared for her like their own daughter but they seemed to take a little distance with her since the tub incident. Maybe they’re afraid of having a psycho daughter in law? Or maybe they really didn’t care at all. She could care less about it.
So why should she come when she knew she’d just be an accessory at the Jung table? And to be on the same table as Jaejoong too. For today, she would enjoy it by herself. She doesn’t care if Yunho’s going to meet him in the hotel, Moonbin’s going to be there too. Maybe it’s just as good to give the other guy a glimpse of reality… Jung Yunho is no longer his, he had his own little family now. And she has another life in her stomach if he wants another proof.
* * * * *
Jaejoong spent the night with Changmin at his hotel room, the groom said he could die that night if he had to stay by himself. Too excited, too anxious and all those exaggerated feelings! Changmin wasn’t allowed to see JiHye at all until the matrimony this afternoon so Jaejoong hadn’t had the chance to meet the Jungs since they checked-in. The very reason he went to the bride’s make-up room on the 1st floor after leaving Changmin in his own room, tragically shouting, ‘Hyung! How could you?’ Well, he’ll survive.
He could hear laughter inside before he knocked. A faint sound of ‘Come-on in’ was heard and he opened the door. He just took a step inside when something went running unto him and bumped his thighs hard, before the little creature fell on his butt in by his feet.
When he looked down his eyes met with a pair of twinkling eyes, black hair and mischievous smile. It’s a toddler in suit. Instead of crying, that little boy gave out a funny laugh before an old man came & scooped him up from the floor. He was still in a daze and couldn’t take his eyes off the boy who now struggled to break free from his grandfather’s arms.
“Gappa, Gappa, Binnie down now! Binnie doooown!” Jaejoong winced at his shriek.
The said grandfather finally put him down and told him sternly, “Now stop running around Moonbin! You’ll get sweaty before you finish your important job! OK?”
The boy nodded but as soon his grandfather let go he went flying to his grandmother now. And Jaejoong finally got the attention of the older Jung.
“Jaejoong, how are you Son!” he went to give him a hug. “Boy, it’s been awhile, we’re happy that you could come to be Changmin’s bestman, but most of all you’re coming as part our family.” He beamed, but unable to hide his teary eyes.
Not more than 5 seconds later he received another hug with a kiss on both cheeks, “Jaejoong-ah, we miss you so much! I hope you’re fine… and just like Appa said, you’re part of the family.” She pulled out but still holding his arms.
“Appa, Umma, I miss you too. I’m- sorry I didn’t see you often, but-“
The older Jung gave him a squeeze on the shoulder, “You don’t have to say it, Jaejoong-ah, we understand. It’s us who should apologize for not… you know… back then-” Jaejoong knew it’s not easy for them to say anything.
He gave them an assuring smile, “It was unfortunate circumstances but I’m here now. Let’s not talk about it, we’re here to celebrate aren’t we?” He hugged them both once again. He was so mixed feeling about all this… then the spell broke.
“Ummaaaaa! Someone please watch Binnie! He’s got the lipstick and- Binnie no! It’s not crayon so stop tr-“
The two elders let go of him in a flash to rescue the marble wall from being the little boy’s canvas. Now Jaejoong’s attention was moved to JiHye as she stood up, hands on her hips… looking so beautiful in her white wedding dress. It’s hard to stop himself from walking over her and just when he was about to embrace, “No Oppa! Don’t give me a hug yet! You’ll ruin my make-up and my hairdo! I know I look stunning and I love you but Changmin will be the first guy to hug me today. So give me a kiss instead!”
He laughed so hard at her antics but still leaned down to kiss her cheeks anyway. “You are amazing JiHye… you’re beautiful. I just hope Changmin won’t forget his vow just because he’s too busy admiring his bride.” He looked at her warmly, watching the blush spreading through her face.
“Now Jaejoong, even I wasn’t allowed to embrace her just before you came in. Tsk, and I’m her father.” Appa Jung came closer, now holding the baby boy in his arms.
“And I believe that you haven’t met this little gentleman over here, the important ring bearer, Jung Moonbin.” He brought the boy closer to him. “Jung Moonbin, say hello to Jaejoong Ahjussi.”
The toddler cocked his head to the left, “Joong-jussi? Like Binnie? Binnie is Jung!”
Jaejoong laughed some more while the grandfather trying to explain, “No no… not a Jung like Binnie, but Jaejoong Ahjussi. Ah, maybe easier to call him Jae Ahjussi. Say it to him, ‘Hello Jae Ahjussi’”
The boy bounced on his grandpa’s hold, “Je-jussi! Je-jussi!” once again laughter filled the room when suddenly Moonbin reached out his hands to Jaejoong. Out of reflex, he took those small hands and in a second he’s holding the boy in his arms. Too surprised, he could only say, “Hello Moonbin, nice to meet you.”
“Je-jussi, Binnie is ‘bearer’ today… Appa said it’s important, so Binnie slept with Gappa and Gamma last night! Je-jussi knows what ‘bearer’ is?” he innocently asked.
“Yes,I know what it is. You are a very important person today, baby boy.”
“Good! Je-jussi can be ‘bearer’ too if Je-jussi is good like Binnie,” he tried to explain in his childish way of thinking. Then he looked like he just remembered something & wiggled down from Jaejoong’s hold.
He toddled up to his Grandmother, “Gamma, where is Appa? Binnie miss Appa, Appa said that Appa will bring Binnie’s biscuit?”
The room tensed up as everyone silently glanced at Jaejoong at the mention of the younger Jung’s name. He didn’t want to ruin the mood so he asked, “Oh, I just realized that I haven’t seen Yunho too. Moonbin mentioned that he was staying with you last night.”
Jaejoong thought he saw a scowl on JiHye’s face but it’s the older one who answered, “He had to take care of his wife, Soon Mi didn’t feel good so maybe they’d come later.”
As if on cue, the door was opened and as someone was about to walked in; Moonbin yelled loudly and running to the door, “Appaaaaa!!” Everybody watched Yunho walked in with a small baby bag and carrying Moonbin inside.
“Sorry JiHye, I hope I’m not missing anything! It’s still 40 minutes before the matrimony is it?” he didn’t see Jae who stood at the far end of the room.
“Are you by yourself Yunho? Where’s SoonMi?” his father asked.
He had this dejected look on his face when he explained, “I’m so sorry Appa, Umma, “ he turned to look at his sister, “JiHye, I-I… she would feel nauseous in a crowd so-she-“
Jaejoong saw that JiHye had a tint of sadness in her eyes when she listened to her brother trying to explain why his wife couldn’t attend her wedding. And so were the Jung parents. At that time, Moonbin was the only one who seemed unaffected by the heavy atmosphere.
JiHye sighed deeply as she replied, “It’s fine Oppa, don’t worry. You don’t have to feel bad, if she’s not in good condition what can we do. I hope she’s resting at home.” She came closer to her brother and gave him a hug, “Just so you know, you’re the only man that got my hug before the wedding in this room.” As she pulled herself she casually spoke, “not even Appa and Jaejoong Oppa got one from me.”
Yunho looked surprised, “Jaejoong?” He turned his head around trying to find him.
Just then Jaejoong decided to walk over to where he is and reached out his hand, “Hi Yunho, it’s been awhile.”
Yunho just stood there in disbelieve and stared at him. He didn’t even take his eyes off of Jaejoong as his mother came to take Moonbin from him.
“Hey, I know it’s been a long time but surely you still remember my face?” Jaejoong tried to break his nervousness with a lame joke.
There was no warning or whatsoever as Yunho ignored his offered hand and suddenly hugged him hard. No one dared to make a sound or move from where they are.
Jaejoong felt a bit awkward in Yunho’s embrace, not sure whether he should return it or not. He wanted to pull off but something in his heart told him that this was important. Then he felt Yunho was shaking, he was crying. He saw Appa Jung motioned his wife and daughter to move to the smaller connecting room that’s been used to keep the wedding dress and for changing.
Yunho still kept a tight hug on him. And in broken voices, he said something that he should’ve said a long time ago, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m sorry…” He shook harder, “Please forgive me…”
Those words brought Jaejoong to his senses. He felt something melt in his heart, like hot water poured over ice, bringing warmth all over his body… and it gave him a shiver… he never knew that he’d been frozen all this time. Changmin didn’t know that he also couldn’t sleep well and over anxious last night, though for a different reason. He was trying to make up some scenarios in his mind of how Yunho would react when he sees him, and how was he going to handle it.
But this was not of one of them. There was a rush of feelings when he first stepped in, love, memories, heartbreak and all that he buried deep down surfaced in one go. But as he watched how Yunho talked to his family, he saw exhaustion and desperation in each word that he spoke… he’d lost weight too. This was not Yunho that he knew.
During the preparation of the wedding Changmin had told him everything that had happened in the Jung household since he left. He never thought it was that bad until he saw the evidence in Yunho’s whole being just now. And all those old feelings just flew out of the window… he loved this man. He still is… but not the way that he used to be. This was the man who gave him hope and a family… but now he is also the man that needs a friend to share his burden. His heart cried out for Yunho.
So when there were only the two of them in that room… when Yunho was crying brokenly in his arms reciting his apology over and over again… Jaejoong closed his eyes. After 34 months of uncertainty, 34 months of being lost and not sure when he belonged to… Jaejoong felt relieved, like he’s finally set foot on earth again.
As he wounded his arms around Yunho; he whispered to him, “I have forgiven you.”
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Chapter 10