Everything Happens For a Reason, Chapter 16
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Chapter 16: The Sick Boy, The Friendly Doctor and Priority
By Monday, Jaejoong was a total wreck. He sported black eyes and definitely unattractive eyebags. Moonbin had been running a high fever since his birthday night on Saturday and for 2 nights he had only had a couple of hours sleeping watching over the little boy. His fever would come down at noon but once the clock struck 4, his temperature kept rising. He even cried and talked in his sleep.
Yoochun was staying until Sunday but he couldn’t get away from work, he had more responsibilities. It’s obvious that Jaejoong wouldn’t be able to make it to work for another few days, so Yoochun also had to appoint one of the Junior manager to cover for him. His boys complained but didn’t say anything else after hearing he told them ‘Jaejoong-hyung asked me to tell you that you could expect a spank or two if he find out you’re being an ass to your temp manager’; he didn’t forget his sweetest smile as an CEO to the boys which just made them shudder.
Jaejoong thought that it’s time to ask for help. He’s going to take Moonbin to the hospital but where he didn’t know. He didn’t want to go to the same hospital where Min Young’s staying right now with the chance of running into the boy’s father. No, he’s the last person that he (or most probably Moonbin) wanted to see at this moment. Before he decided whom to ask for help he heard the door bell rang once, then the sound of the front door opened.
When he got out of Moonbin’s bedroom Changmin & JiHye were already taking off their coats. They were shocked to see his pale face.
“Oh my god, Oppa! What happened! I’m sorry that I didn’t get the chance to call or anyting, but-“
“Guys, I need help,” he didn’t waste any time and pulled them both to Moonbin’s room. The boy was sleeping soundly but he’s frowning in his sleep.
Jaejoong sat by Moonbin’s head and put his palm on the child’s forehead.
“Min, do you know any pediatrics that can see him today? Soon? His fever hadn’t come down since Saturday and I don’t’ want to take him to Min Young’s hospital...”
JiHye was now also crouching by his bedside.
“Fever? He looked okay to me now, Oppa. It’s you that’s no-“
“He’s fine now! But not when dusk come! Then he’ll be sweating so much until dawn arrived. You- Min, come on… don’t you know somebody who can help Binnie?” Jaejoong’s now so close to tears and sounded more like begging.
“Hyung, why don’t you get changed and freshened up a bit. Let JiHye stays here with Moonbin. I’ll make some calls now and once I know where we should go we’ll leave right away.” Changmin took out his mobile and scrolling down the contacts list.
“No, I’m fine, I’ll stay here with him. Or I’ll get his things ready then, you know- just- just in case…”
JiHye stopped him with a gentle hug. “Oppa, he’ll be fine. You should take a look at yourself in the mirror, you look terrible. You need a shower and I’ll watch over him. I’ll get his stuff ready, trust me will you?”
Jaejoong still felt a bit anxious, but when he let go he saw care and determination in JiHye’s eyes and that made him a bit relieved.
He sighed, “Fine, I- I’ll go change.” He started to walk out but kept turning around, “don’t forget his underwear… and blanket! and his pillow, he won’t sleep witho-“
“Oppa! I know, I’m his aunt too, remember! Let me handle that?” she smiled at him.
He hesitated for a second before he nodded and proceed to his own bedroom. A quick shower is what he needed badly now.
* * * * *
It was only a small specialist clinic in the city but his childhood friend just started practicing there for less than a year. Changmin had called him and explained the situation, so by the time the 3 adults and the child arrived, he was already standing by the administration desk with a new patient form half filled.
The moment the doctor saw him, he had this wide silly grin on his face as he gave him an enthusiastic hug, “Minnie my boy! Never thought that I’d get a call from you in this kind of situation after all those efforts to drag you out for a drink with me!”
“Yeah, sorry hyung. But this is really an emergency.” He stepped aside to let the doctor see Moonbin who was sleeping in Jaejoong’s arms.
“Is this my little patient?” he put his palm on Moonbin’s neck. “He’s warm. How long has this been going on?” He asked Jaejoong.
“He’s fine now, but his temperature always rose after 4pm until dawn since Saturday night. Please help him!” he must’ve looked like a distressed parent that the friendly doctor asked him.
“Are you the father?”
Changmin quickly told him, “Ah, no! This is Jaejoong-hyung, you know…” he didn’t get to finish my sentence as the other man nodded in understanding.
“Hello Jaejoong-sshi, my name is Kim Junsu, nice to meet you.”
Jaejoong just nodded his head, “Kim Jaejoong.”
The doctor peeked behind Jaejoong, “And this lovely lady?”
“Shim JiHye,” she offered her hand for a shake.
“Ow, I finally met the lucky one! So sorry to miss your wedding party!” he shook her hand in another enthusiastic manner that made JiHye rolled her eyes at her husband.
Jaejoong got impatient, “Excuse me doctor, but can you take look at Moonbin please?” he told him in an irritating tone.
Junsu seemed to understand, “Ah, yes, my apology. Got carried away a bit here. No doctor please, just Junsu. Will you come to my room please so I can check up on the little boy. I’ll need as much information that you can give me to find out what might be the culprit of the up and down fever.” He motioned Jaejoong to follow him but stopped to turn at Changmin.
“And you, dear Uncle, please complete and sign off the new patient form that I prepared as my little patient’s guardian. You may come in after that.”
With that, Dr. Kim Junsu wide opened his room for Jaejoong and JiHye to step in with the little boy who didn’t even make a move
* * * * *
Changmin took a breath of relieve. Other than the document, he’ll have to call his parents in law who asked him to tell him of Moonbin’s condition before they left the house.
It’s not that he and JiHye didn’t want to update Jaejoong with the latest situation, but apparently Min Young’s condition had turned for the worse. Yunho didn’t leave the hospital at all. His parents had to bring him some spare clothes and the doctor who by then already got acquainted with the family; kindly let him take a shower in the doctor’s station.
He’s afraid if he told Jaejoong about it he would be more anxious and stressed thinking about Yunho and Min Young. But right now… he didn’t know if he had made the right decision after seeing how drained Jaejoong’s complexion was and that Moonbin wasn’t in any better condition. Well, not exactly life threatening like Min Young, but from what he heard from Jaejoong the boy had more of a psychological problem rather than physical.
He had briefly informed Junsu of his nephew’s background and condition on the way to the clinic, but he’s sure that Jaejoong would inform him more completely inside. He just hoped that everything would turn for the better for all of them. He filled in the form, handed it to the admin nurse in the station and dialed the shortcut to the mansion’s number.
“Jung Mansion. May I help you?” the butler’s voice sounded tired. No surprise.
“Kibum, it’s me. Can you get me Umma or Appa please?”
“Certainly, young master. Please hold the line for a second.”
And so the long explanation began…
After 15 minutes of trying to calm down his mother in law and another 5 minutes in persuading his father in law to make sure that Yunho didn’t hear a thing about Moonbin until the doctor came up with any conclusion; Changmin hung up the phone feeling exhausted already.
Now it’s time to join the force in the doctor’s room.
* * * * *
The doctor had been checking up on Moonbin for 30 minutes now. As soon as he dressed him back up Jaejoong made a move to take him into his arms again but being stopped by his smiling face.
“Let him sleep over there Jaejoong-ssi, he’ll be fine. I notice that you also need some quality sleep if you want to keep taking care of him.” His warm smile made Jaejoong didn’t protest as he watched the child from his seat.
“Let’s see… all in all he’s fine, he just needs a little dose of antibiotics to help reducing his fever; I have shot him awhile ago with it and that will make him sleep like a log until tomorrow morning. But the core of his problem is stress. From what you and Changmin told me, he had been through a lot for the past couple of years, correct?” The doctor was addressing him. Jaejoong only nodded.
“And JiHye-ssi, you also told me that at home he’s too good and too understanding for his own age and that you thought he’s looking for his father attention. They’re all maybe correct. Though I’m not a psychiatrist, we all received basic psychology training, especially for children so I could pick out a little here and there from your stories. At this stage he doesn’t need a psychological help yet, but we’ll have to wait and see in the next few months.”
“What do you suggest for the time being, Junsu?” Changmin who had returned from his chores outside and joined them in the small practice room.
“Until he’s physically healthy, he shouldn’t be at the place that triggered his stress. In this case, his home.”
“Is it really necessary? I thought he’s stressed out only when he was seeking Yunho Oppa’s attention? I mean, my parents are living in the same house, so do my husband and I. We’ll make sure that we’ll pay close attention to him from time to time. Does he still need to stay away?” JiHye voiced her concern.
“JiHye-ssi, isn’t his little sister also stays home? You’re the one who made it clear with me that the boy’s father - your brother, pardon me - is staying with her constantly. Moonbin didn’t even have a lot of chance to bond with her since her birth though he showed great interest to have a close sibling relationship with the baby. And isn’t it obvious that your parents and yourself also had been taking care of him but he would only search for his father’s attention?”
Everyone in the room almost felt like being hypnotized by Junsu’s words. They hear the truth, hurts as it may sound, but the truth that they’d been always avoiding for the longest time.
“Even though he regains his health, his real problem is the stress. Do you really think it’s a good idea when he gets home all excited, ready to play with daddy and little sister again but got turned down instead? I give suggestion not on mere diagnosis of the patient, but also the environment if it becomes the source of the illness. With all this talk you may forget that I’m a pediatrics, meaning: my patients are all little fellow like Moonbin who can’t very well express what he really feels. Many times they can’t even tell me where it hurts, so it’s my job to find out and make sure that my patients are healed. And I want to do the same thing to your nephew, JiHye-ssi.” Junsu looked at her straight and Jaejoong could see honesty and sincerity in there. He can trust this man.
Junsu didn’t say anything again and the other 3 adults seem to be trying hard to digest what the doctor just told him. That is, until Jaejoong’s curiosity peaked.
“So, um- doc- I mean, Junsu… how do we know when Binnie’s ready to go home?”
“That will depend on the readiness of the little guy over there to enter the environment again and also the willingness of his father to spend more time with him… but more than that to provide him with equal attention as like his daughter and to let him bond with her as much as possible. After all, without a mother they only belong to each other don’t they?” Junsu told them matter of factly.
Deep inside, Jaejoong already decided that Moonbin would stay with him. For as long as necessary. He’ll ask for a long break from Yoochun. He needs to give the juniors more time to adjust to his job anyway.
Even though the doctor already said that Moonbin is going to be just fine, Jaejoong still couldn’t shake off his anxiety. All the “ifs” and “hows” were swirling around his brain in endless motion. Suddenly he felt light headed and apparently the young doctor in front of him didn’t miss it.
“Jaejoong-ssi, are you fine?” He approached his seat.
“I-I’m fi-…” he tried to stand up and fell on his butt on his seat again.
Now everyone turned their attention to him. He hates attention.
Junsu was at his side now, holding his right hand to feel his pulse.
“When was the last time you sleep? And eat by the way?”
“I… I’m sure that I slept last night but for how long, I didn’t remember. Cause Binnie kept calling me so I slept with him.” He replied weakly, all strength drained.
JiHye let out a deep sigh, “Oh Oppa, don’t tell me that you pushed yourself to sleep on his tiny bed for the past 2 days! I shouldn’ve known… I’m so sorry…” JiHye felt guilty all of a sudden.
Jaejoong held her hand, “Hey, it’s nobody’s fault ok. I just didn’t take care of myself well. I’m fine, really.”
“Well,” the young doctor stood up, “I can prescribe you with some sleeping pill too. Once you get home, make sure you take one after meals then let yourself sleep for as long as needed. Until then,” he turned to look at Changmin, “you should help to watch over your nephew.”
“No! I’m fine, I can still take care of him, I just need to eat and sleep right? You said that you have shot him earlier-“ he was being stubborn, he knew. But he couldn’t let anyone take the boy away from him right now. Not until he’s sure that he’s in top condition.
“Oppa, we’re not taking him away. He’s staying at your place and so will I for tonight, okay. You have to be healthy to be able to take care of him. We don’t need another sick adult to be taken care of. Hmm?” JiHye gently tried to persuade him to rest at home.
“Hyung, you heard the doctor. When you both wake up in the morning then we can discuss again. Let us take you home so you and Moonbin can rest well.” Changmin added.
Jaejoong knew he didn’t have any other way. So he nodded and let Changmin lifted Moonbin up from the bed, he’s too exhausted to do that. But Changmin still let him held the boy in the car while he’s driving, with JiHye stealing glances at them through the rearview mirror.
The only thing that he remembered before he passed out was that he told Changmin not to bring Moonbin to his own room but with him, on his bed. And surely he drifted away holding the boy tight in his arms as fatigue took over his tired body.
* * * * *
He must’ve slept for more than 10 hours but still reluctant to open his eyes with the warmth in his arms and bed. He tried to snuggle closer to the little boy, but felt that the one he was trying to snuggle up with was not ‘little’ at all.
He opened his eyes to find Yoochun’s staring at him.
“Hello, Sleeping Beauty. Wake up before my kiss, eh?”
Jaejoong just stared at him blankly.
“Don’t like to see me here? Ah, I should’ve known that you only need your little prince on your bed.” He made a hurt expression that made Jaejoong grinned.
“I’m still sleepy. Kiss me?” he closed his eyes.
And he could feel Yoochun’s gentle kiss on his lips… so understanding, so full of affection… and he wounded his arms around the other’s neck.
“When did you get here?” He kept his eyes closed as he laid his face on the crook of his lover’s neck.
“This morning around 8, just when Moonbin woke up. He played with JiHye since so I deliberately took over his place to keep you warm.” He kissed again, and he felt like he didn’t want to leave the bed for today.
“How is he?”
“Must be fine since he insisted in helping JiHye in the kitchen to make you breakfast. He even had a shower with warm water. I guess Changmin took you to a good doctor yesterday.”
“He was a good doctor indeed, Changmin’s friend. You’ll like him.” He told Yoochun, remembering the friendly smile on the doctor’s face.
“Great. And how are you? Better?”
“After sleeping that long, damn I do! Especially to wake up next to my boss,” he moved so his whole body was now above Yoochun’s. Nose to nose, lips to lips. And definitely groin to groin.
Yoochun shook his hips, “Miss me, little Jae?”
Jaejoong can fee his arousal growing, “Ah… oh yeah… miss you *kiss* up here *kiss* and *kiss* down there *kiss* everywhere…”
Just when they were about to go further there’s a knock on his bedroom door.
“Oppa, you awake now? You better get out decent… and soon! I don’t think I can hold Moonbin from barging in any longer!” JiHye yelled from outside.
They both looked at each other and sighed…
“Moonbin better be sleeping in his own room tonight. I’m sleeping over!” He pecked Jaejoong once again.
Jaejoong laughed, “He will. Let’s get up, the kiddo must be waiting to show off his created breakfast.” He got off the bed and extended his hand to Yoochun who took it to get up.
He still tried to hold him before they walk out the door, “Really Babe, I miss you.”
“Hmm, miss you too. Come, let’s have breakfast then we’ll need to have a serious discussion.”
“I know. Changmin and Yunho’s father called me and practically told me everything. Still, I need to hear it from my own employee’s mouth.”
Jaejoong looked surprise, “Appa called you?”
“Actually just Changmin but he happened to be in his room at the office. Then he asked to speak to me too.”
“Oh…” he tried to speak more but really couldn’t find the appropriate words to say to Yoochun.
“Don’t think about it too much until we sit down and talk, Babe. I think Changmin and Mr. Jung are coming too later. So we better get out now, have breakfast then shower.”
“They’ll come? How about…” the name’s already at the tip of his tongue but he found it hard to speak.
“Yunho? Changmin said something about the doctor wants to meet Yunho first before he meets Moonbin. Besides, Min Young’s still in the hospital, so…”
He didn’t have to finish, Jaejoong knew what he was about to say.
“Yoochun… I’m not going to let him get near or take Moonbin until he realizes what it meant to be his father.” His voice suddenly sounded cold and Yoochun tightened his hold on him.
“Babe, let’s not make any decision until you talk with his family. Yunho’s still Moonbin’s father, he has the ri-“
“No.” He spoke with finality. “Until I’m sure that he can treat Moonbin like he treats Min Young, he’ll stay with me!”
“And what about your work? Your responsibilities?” Yoochun asked him.
He didn’t think much about it. It’s obvious that Yoochun already knew his priority right now and he’s not fond of it. He let go of his hold on Jaejoong and headed to the door.
“You better take a shower to cool your head off. I’ll tell Moonbin that you’ll be out shortly.” the door closed with a click.
Jaejoong didn’t know anymore whether he’s done right or wrong. As much as he wanted to keep Yoochun happy, Moonbin is at the top of his list right now. Like it or not. It’s not about him or Yunho or the Jungs. It’s about his personal commitment.
Yes, he hadn’t been fair to Yoochun, after all he’d been totally understanding with his circumstances. He always had. It’s painful for him to see Yoochun turned away because of what he believed he should do. He must’ve thought that he’d never be first in Jaejoong’s priority list. Tough to admit but maybe that’s exactly what he had done.
The hell with winter… he needed a cold shower badly. A long discussion is waiting for him soon. Why does winter only brought him with bitter memories?
* * * * *
Chapter 17
I'm back... a light chapter before Daddy Jung get a kick from Jejussi! LOL Off to finishing the next chapter now... I hope you like it.
And once again... comments inspire me :D So don't forget to drop by and let me know what you think... or what you want :D Thanks peeps!
Chapter 16: The Sick Boy, The Friendly Doctor and Priority
By Monday, Jaejoong was a total wreck. He sported black eyes and definitely unattractive eyebags. Moonbin had been running a high fever since his birthday night on Saturday and for 2 nights he had only had a couple of hours sleeping watching over the little boy. His fever would come down at noon but once the clock struck 4, his temperature kept rising. He even cried and talked in his sleep.
Yoochun was staying until Sunday but he couldn’t get away from work, he had more responsibilities. It’s obvious that Jaejoong wouldn’t be able to make it to work for another few days, so Yoochun also had to appoint one of the Junior manager to cover for him. His boys complained but didn’t say anything else after hearing he told them ‘Jaejoong-hyung asked me to tell you that you could expect a spank or two if he find out you’re being an ass to your temp manager’; he didn’t forget his sweetest smile as an CEO to the boys which just made them shudder.
Jaejoong thought that it’s time to ask for help. He’s going to take Moonbin to the hospital but where he didn’t know. He didn’t want to go to the same hospital where Min Young’s staying right now with the chance of running into the boy’s father. No, he’s the last person that he (or most probably Moonbin) wanted to see at this moment. Before he decided whom to ask for help he heard the door bell rang once, then the sound of the front door opened.
When he got out of Moonbin’s bedroom Changmin & JiHye were already taking off their coats. They were shocked to see his pale face.
“Oh my god, Oppa! What happened! I’m sorry that I didn’t get the chance to call or anyting, but-“
“Guys, I need help,” he didn’t waste any time and pulled them both to Moonbin’s room. The boy was sleeping soundly but he’s frowning in his sleep.
Jaejoong sat by Moonbin’s head and put his palm on the child’s forehead.
“Min, do you know any pediatrics that can see him today? Soon? His fever hadn’t come down since Saturday and I don’t’ want to take him to Min Young’s hospital...”
JiHye was now also crouching by his bedside.
“Fever? He looked okay to me now, Oppa. It’s you that’s no-“
“He’s fine now! But not when dusk come! Then he’ll be sweating so much until dawn arrived. You- Min, come on… don’t you know somebody who can help Binnie?” Jaejoong’s now so close to tears and sounded more like begging.
“Hyung, why don’t you get changed and freshened up a bit. Let JiHye stays here with Moonbin. I’ll make some calls now and once I know where we should go we’ll leave right away.” Changmin took out his mobile and scrolling down the contacts list.
“No, I’m fine, I’ll stay here with him. Or I’ll get his things ready then, you know- just- just in case…”
JiHye stopped him with a gentle hug. “Oppa, he’ll be fine. You should take a look at yourself in the mirror, you look terrible. You need a shower and I’ll watch over him. I’ll get his stuff ready, trust me will you?”
Jaejoong still felt a bit anxious, but when he let go he saw care and determination in JiHye’s eyes and that made him a bit relieved.
He sighed, “Fine, I- I’ll go change.” He started to walk out but kept turning around, “don’t forget his underwear… and blanket! and his pillow, he won’t sleep witho-“
“Oppa! I know, I’m his aunt too, remember! Let me handle that?” she smiled at him.
He hesitated for a second before he nodded and proceed to his own bedroom. A quick shower is what he needed badly now.
* * * * *
It was only a small specialist clinic in the city but his childhood friend just started practicing there for less than a year. Changmin had called him and explained the situation, so by the time the 3 adults and the child arrived, he was already standing by the administration desk with a new patient form half filled.
The moment the doctor saw him, he had this wide silly grin on his face as he gave him an enthusiastic hug, “Minnie my boy! Never thought that I’d get a call from you in this kind of situation after all those efforts to drag you out for a drink with me!”
“Yeah, sorry hyung. But this is really an emergency.” He stepped aside to let the doctor see Moonbin who was sleeping in Jaejoong’s arms.
“Is this my little patient?” he put his palm on Moonbin’s neck. “He’s warm. How long has this been going on?” He asked Jaejoong.
“He’s fine now, but his temperature always rose after 4pm until dawn since Saturday night. Please help him!” he must’ve looked like a distressed parent that the friendly doctor asked him.
“Are you the father?”
Changmin quickly told him, “Ah, no! This is Jaejoong-hyung, you know…” he didn’t get to finish my sentence as the other man nodded in understanding.
“Hello Jaejoong-sshi, my name is Kim Junsu, nice to meet you.”
Jaejoong just nodded his head, “Kim Jaejoong.”
The doctor peeked behind Jaejoong, “And this lovely lady?”
“Shim JiHye,” she offered her hand for a shake.
“Ow, I finally met the lucky one! So sorry to miss your wedding party!” he shook her hand in another enthusiastic manner that made JiHye rolled her eyes at her husband.
Jaejoong got impatient, “Excuse me doctor, but can you take look at Moonbin please?” he told him in an irritating tone.
Junsu seemed to understand, “Ah, yes, my apology. Got carried away a bit here. No doctor please, just Junsu. Will you come to my room please so I can check up on the little boy. I’ll need as much information that you can give me to find out what might be the culprit of the up and down fever.” He motioned Jaejoong to follow him but stopped to turn at Changmin.
“And you, dear Uncle, please complete and sign off the new patient form that I prepared as my little patient’s guardian. You may come in after that.”
With that, Dr. Kim Junsu wide opened his room for Jaejoong and JiHye to step in with the little boy who didn’t even make a move
* * * * *
Changmin took a breath of relieve. Other than the document, he’ll have to call his parents in law who asked him to tell him of Moonbin’s condition before they left the house.
It’s not that he and JiHye didn’t want to update Jaejoong with the latest situation, but apparently Min Young’s condition had turned for the worse. Yunho didn’t leave the hospital at all. His parents had to bring him some spare clothes and the doctor who by then already got acquainted with the family; kindly let him take a shower in the doctor’s station.
He’s afraid if he told Jaejoong about it he would be more anxious and stressed thinking about Yunho and Min Young. But right now… he didn’t know if he had made the right decision after seeing how drained Jaejoong’s complexion was and that Moonbin wasn’t in any better condition. Well, not exactly life threatening like Min Young, but from what he heard from Jaejoong the boy had more of a psychological problem rather than physical.
He had briefly informed Junsu of his nephew’s background and condition on the way to the clinic, but he’s sure that Jaejoong would inform him more completely inside. He just hoped that everything would turn for the better for all of them. He filled in the form, handed it to the admin nurse in the station and dialed the shortcut to the mansion’s number.
“Jung Mansion. May I help you?” the butler’s voice sounded tired. No surprise.
“Kibum, it’s me. Can you get me Umma or Appa please?”
“Certainly, young master. Please hold the line for a second.”
And so the long explanation began…
After 15 minutes of trying to calm down his mother in law and another 5 minutes in persuading his father in law to make sure that Yunho didn’t hear a thing about Moonbin until the doctor came up with any conclusion; Changmin hung up the phone feeling exhausted already.
Now it’s time to join the force in the doctor’s room.
* * * * *
The doctor had been checking up on Moonbin for 30 minutes now. As soon as he dressed him back up Jaejoong made a move to take him into his arms again but being stopped by his smiling face.
“Let him sleep over there Jaejoong-ssi, he’ll be fine. I notice that you also need some quality sleep if you want to keep taking care of him.” His warm smile made Jaejoong didn’t protest as he watched the child from his seat.
“Let’s see… all in all he’s fine, he just needs a little dose of antibiotics to help reducing his fever; I have shot him awhile ago with it and that will make him sleep like a log until tomorrow morning. But the core of his problem is stress. From what you and Changmin told me, he had been through a lot for the past couple of years, correct?” The doctor was addressing him. Jaejoong only nodded.
“And JiHye-ssi, you also told me that at home he’s too good and too understanding for his own age and that you thought he’s looking for his father attention. They’re all maybe correct. Though I’m not a psychiatrist, we all received basic psychology training, especially for children so I could pick out a little here and there from your stories. At this stage he doesn’t need a psychological help yet, but we’ll have to wait and see in the next few months.”
“What do you suggest for the time being, Junsu?” Changmin who had returned from his chores outside and joined them in the small practice room.
“Until he’s physically healthy, he shouldn’t be at the place that triggered his stress. In this case, his home.”
“Is it really necessary? I thought he’s stressed out only when he was seeking Yunho Oppa’s attention? I mean, my parents are living in the same house, so do my husband and I. We’ll make sure that we’ll pay close attention to him from time to time. Does he still need to stay away?” JiHye voiced her concern.
“JiHye-ssi, isn’t his little sister also stays home? You’re the one who made it clear with me that the boy’s father - your brother, pardon me - is staying with her constantly. Moonbin didn’t even have a lot of chance to bond with her since her birth though he showed great interest to have a close sibling relationship with the baby. And isn’t it obvious that your parents and yourself also had been taking care of him but he would only search for his father’s attention?”
Everyone in the room almost felt like being hypnotized by Junsu’s words. They hear the truth, hurts as it may sound, but the truth that they’d been always avoiding for the longest time.
“Even though he regains his health, his real problem is the stress. Do you really think it’s a good idea when he gets home all excited, ready to play with daddy and little sister again but got turned down instead? I give suggestion not on mere diagnosis of the patient, but also the environment if it becomes the source of the illness. With all this talk you may forget that I’m a pediatrics, meaning: my patients are all little fellow like Moonbin who can’t very well express what he really feels. Many times they can’t even tell me where it hurts, so it’s my job to find out and make sure that my patients are healed. And I want to do the same thing to your nephew, JiHye-ssi.” Junsu looked at her straight and Jaejoong could see honesty and sincerity in there. He can trust this man.
Junsu didn’t say anything again and the other 3 adults seem to be trying hard to digest what the doctor just told him. That is, until Jaejoong’s curiosity peaked.
“So, um- doc- I mean, Junsu… how do we know when Binnie’s ready to go home?”
“That will depend on the readiness of the little guy over there to enter the environment again and also the willingness of his father to spend more time with him… but more than that to provide him with equal attention as like his daughter and to let him bond with her as much as possible. After all, without a mother they only belong to each other don’t they?” Junsu told them matter of factly.
Deep inside, Jaejoong already decided that Moonbin would stay with him. For as long as necessary. He’ll ask for a long break from Yoochun. He needs to give the juniors more time to adjust to his job anyway.
Even though the doctor already said that Moonbin is going to be just fine, Jaejoong still couldn’t shake off his anxiety. All the “ifs” and “hows” were swirling around his brain in endless motion. Suddenly he felt light headed and apparently the young doctor in front of him didn’t miss it.
“Jaejoong-ssi, are you fine?” He approached his seat.
“I-I’m fi-…” he tried to stand up and fell on his butt on his seat again.
Now everyone turned their attention to him. He hates attention.
Junsu was at his side now, holding his right hand to feel his pulse.
“When was the last time you sleep? And eat by the way?”
“I… I’m sure that I slept last night but for how long, I didn’t remember. Cause Binnie kept calling me so I slept with him.” He replied weakly, all strength drained.
JiHye let out a deep sigh, “Oh Oppa, don’t tell me that you pushed yourself to sleep on his tiny bed for the past 2 days! I shouldn’ve known… I’m so sorry…” JiHye felt guilty all of a sudden.
Jaejoong held her hand, “Hey, it’s nobody’s fault ok. I just didn’t take care of myself well. I’m fine, really.”
“Well,” the young doctor stood up, “I can prescribe you with some sleeping pill too. Once you get home, make sure you take one after meals then let yourself sleep for as long as needed. Until then,” he turned to look at Changmin, “you should help to watch over your nephew.”
“No! I’m fine, I can still take care of him, I just need to eat and sleep right? You said that you have shot him earlier-“ he was being stubborn, he knew. But he couldn’t let anyone take the boy away from him right now. Not until he’s sure that he’s in top condition.
“Oppa, we’re not taking him away. He’s staying at your place and so will I for tonight, okay. You have to be healthy to be able to take care of him. We don’t need another sick adult to be taken care of. Hmm?” JiHye gently tried to persuade him to rest at home.
“Hyung, you heard the doctor. When you both wake up in the morning then we can discuss again. Let us take you home so you and Moonbin can rest well.” Changmin added.
Jaejoong knew he didn’t have any other way. So he nodded and let Changmin lifted Moonbin up from the bed, he’s too exhausted to do that. But Changmin still let him held the boy in the car while he’s driving, with JiHye stealing glances at them through the rearview mirror.
The only thing that he remembered before he passed out was that he told Changmin not to bring Moonbin to his own room but with him, on his bed. And surely he drifted away holding the boy tight in his arms as fatigue took over his tired body.
* * * * *
He must’ve slept for more than 10 hours but still reluctant to open his eyes with the warmth in his arms and bed. He tried to snuggle closer to the little boy, but felt that the one he was trying to snuggle up with was not ‘little’ at all.
He opened his eyes to find Yoochun’s staring at him.
“Hello, Sleeping Beauty. Wake up before my kiss, eh?”
Jaejoong just stared at him blankly.
“Don’t like to see me here? Ah, I should’ve known that you only need your little prince on your bed.” He made a hurt expression that made Jaejoong grinned.
“I’m still sleepy. Kiss me?” he closed his eyes.
And he could feel Yoochun’s gentle kiss on his lips… so understanding, so full of affection… and he wounded his arms around the other’s neck.
“When did you get here?” He kept his eyes closed as he laid his face on the crook of his lover’s neck.
“This morning around 8, just when Moonbin woke up. He played with JiHye since so I deliberately took over his place to keep you warm.” He kissed again, and he felt like he didn’t want to leave the bed for today.
“How is he?”
“Must be fine since he insisted in helping JiHye in the kitchen to make you breakfast. He even had a shower with warm water. I guess Changmin took you to a good doctor yesterday.”
“He was a good doctor indeed, Changmin’s friend. You’ll like him.” He told Yoochun, remembering the friendly smile on the doctor’s face.
“Great. And how are you? Better?”
“After sleeping that long, damn I do! Especially to wake up next to my boss,” he moved so his whole body was now above Yoochun’s. Nose to nose, lips to lips. And definitely groin to groin.
Yoochun shook his hips, “Miss me, little Jae?”
Jaejoong can fee his arousal growing, “Ah… oh yeah… miss you *kiss* up here *kiss* and *kiss* down there *kiss* everywhere…”
Just when they were about to go further there’s a knock on his bedroom door.
“Oppa, you awake now? You better get out decent… and soon! I don’t think I can hold Moonbin from barging in any longer!” JiHye yelled from outside.
They both looked at each other and sighed…
“Moonbin better be sleeping in his own room tonight. I’m sleeping over!” He pecked Jaejoong once again.
Jaejoong laughed, “He will. Let’s get up, the kiddo must be waiting to show off his created breakfast.” He got off the bed and extended his hand to Yoochun who took it to get up.
He still tried to hold him before they walk out the door, “Really Babe, I miss you.”
“Hmm, miss you too. Come, let’s have breakfast then we’ll need to have a serious discussion.”
“I know. Changmin and Yunho’s father called me and practically told me everything. Still, I need to hear it from my own employee’s mouth.”
Jaejoong looked surprise, “Appa called you?”
“Actually just Changmin but he happened to be in his room at the office. Then he asked to speak to me too.”
“Oh…” he tried to speak more but really couldn’t find the appropriate words to say to Yoochun.
“Don’t think about it too much until we sit down and talk, Babe. I think Changmin and Mr. Jung are coming too later. So we better get out now, have breakfast then shower.”
“They’ll come? How about…” the name’s already at the tip of his tongue but he found it hard to speak.
“Yunho? Changmin said something about the doctor wants to meet Yunho first before he meets Moonbin. Besides, Min Young’s still in the hospital, so…”
He didn’t have to finish, Jaejoong knew what he was about to say.
“Yoochun… I’m not going to let him get near or take Moonbin until he realizes what it meant to be his father.” His voice suddenly sounded cold and Yoochun tightened his hold on him.
“Babe, let’s not make any decision until you talk with his family. Yunho’s still Moonbin’s father, he has the ri-“
“No.” He spoke with finality. “Until I’m sure that he can treat Moonbin like he treats Min Young, he’ll stay with me!”
“And what about your work? Your responsibilities?” Yoochun asked him.
He didn’t think much about it. It’s obvious that Yoochun already knew his priority right now and he’s not fond of it. He let go of his hold on Jaejoong and headed to the door.
“You better take a shower to cool your head off. I’ll tell Moonbin that you’ll be out shortly.” the door closed with a click.
Jaejoong didn’t know anymore whether he’s done right or wrong. As much as he wanted to keep Yoochun happy, Moonbin is at the top of his list right now. Like it or not. It’s not about him or Yunho or the Jungs. It’s about his personal commitment.
Yes, he hadn’t been fair to Yoochun, after all he’d been totally understanding with his circumstances. He always had. It’s painful for him to see Yoochun turned away because of what he believed he should do. He must’ve thought that he’d never be first in Jaejoong’s priority list. Tough to admit but maybe that’s exactly what he had done.
The hell with winter… he needed a cold shower badly. A long discussion is waiting for him soon. Why does winter only brought him with bitter memories?
* * * * *
Chapter 17
I'm back... a light chapter before Daddy Jung get a kick from Jejussi! LOL Off to finishing the next chapter now... I hope you like it.
And once again... comments inspire me :D So don't forget to drop by and let me know what you think... or what you want :D Thanks peeps!