(no subject)

[unorderedlist]

mask
(2/4)
haemin, blohyuk
pg13
romance, drama, cinderella!au



Tablo stared at the multitude of people already crowding the ballroom.

It was to be expected. This was a party held by the most influential man in the country and of course, all those with even an inkling of desire to rise to the top would be here, all scrambling to win the old man's favor and his son's.

Glancing in disdain at his 'date', Tablo fought the urge to bang his head on the table. Because honestly, it didn't make a difference if he were there or not. Donghae was practically everywhere, with every single person he found interesting.

He jeopardized his relationship with Hyukjae for this?!

Hyukjae was right. What had he been thinking that day?

Speaking of the younger man, Tablo knew that Hyukjae would come with a date of his own. They've been through this play a lot of times in the past, specifically, the times when they were both unsure of what they are or if one of them wronged the other. They would dance around each other like children, each gauging the others' expression as the other brought date after date.

When Tablo saw Hyukjae (for he would always know where Hyukjae is even if the other had worn another mask), he expected him to be with another dashing young man, practically oozing with sex appeal and charisma. Hyukjae would giggle and laugh at everything his date would say, but he would always, always keep on looking at him.

Tablo didn't expect that Hyukjae would be the one doing the talking, would be the one putting on the charm. From where he sat as he stared at the two, it seemed as if it was Hyukjae trying to please the other man. Tablo couldn't see the others' profile as he had his back towards him; just the back of his head, his shoulders which were shaking with laughter at whatever Hyukjae said.

What got to him, however, was the way Hyukjae looked at the other man. He knows that Hyukjae disliked these gatherings because he found it tiring to put on a mask in front of everyone, found it tiring to talk to other people's masks as well. But with this man, though Hyukjae had a mask on, he was showing himself-- the Hyukjae he fell in love with.

He didn't like that one bit. Tablo knew the games they played, but this was different.

Beside him, Donghae was telling another one of his escapades which were too whimsical to be true. As soon as Tablo found the chance to leave, he excused himself and went over to Hyukjae and his date.

"Come back soon, hyung~" Donghae called out, laughing. And when he saw where Tablo was headed, he laughed even harder as he said, "Oh please, by all means, go and make a scene. Put a little drama on for all of us."

Tablo nearly punched the others' face but minding the crowd, he just smiled. He may have already settled things with his father, prompted of course by his and Hyukjae's near breakup, but making a scene in the middle of all these important people would not only shame him and his father, it would be the end of their businesses with Donghae's family.

Staring coolly at Donghae instead, he said, "I'm sure you would like that," before walking away. He could hear Donghae's laughter as he left. It grated at his nerves and he wondered how Donghae's supposed 'friends' could stand the sound of it. If he thought about it, it was a little sad because it seemed as if Donghae had no idea that the friends he had were only there because of his status.

As Tablo meandered towards Hyukjae, he couldn't help but wonder if Donghae had ever felt what it was like to have a real friend.

---

Hyukjae couldn't help himself as he told Sungmin story after story about the things he had seen happen in parties like this.

Sungmin was good company, because although he wouldn't talk until you talked to him, Sungmin always managed to look interested in everything you said and mean it. Except, of course, when--

"You're too interested in your food."

Sungmin quickly opened his eyes as he savored the taste of-- what was he eating again?, "Hey, at least let me enjoy this. I know I won't get to eat these kinds of delicacies after tonight."

"You should though," Hyukjae muttered darkly, thinking about his mother. He couldn't even introduce Sungmin to the few friends he had. It irritated him that their lives were so controlled by their mother, more so the elder boy sitting next to him. Although Sungmin always did whatever his mother asked of him with a smile, Hyukjae knows how difficult things were for his elder, step brother. His younger sister was no better, either. In fact, it was Mina more than their mother, who always ordered Sungmin around like he was their house help and not the brother he was supposed to be, the brother he always had been to them.

Hyukjae used to be so close to his younger sister. They only had each other after all, seeing as how their mother was always gone, always off to handle their business. So when Sungmin came, both of them were cruel to him. They felt threatened by his presence because they didn't know what Sungmin being there meant. But Sungmin was kind and patient and eventually Hyukjae realized he could find another friend in the elder boy. Mina, on the other hand, didn't.

"I thought you were here to make someone jealous. You haven't even looked for him since we got here."

That shook Hyukjae. Of course, who better to distract him from his dastardly plans than the elder boy?

"It's your fault, hyung!" he accused.

"Me?" Sungmin asked, looking scandalized though he had a grin on his face, "What did I do?"

"You attract too much attention! Who told you to be much more handsome than me?! And who the hell goes straight to the buffet table the moment they get to the party?! At least show some respect first!"

Sungmin laughed, amused. Grinning cheekily at the younger boy, he said, "I can't help that I'm pretty, Hyuk~ I was born this way. Unlike other people."

"Say that one more time and I'll make your face eat your food," Hyukjae growled-- prompting the other people at their table to laugh. Politely, that is.

Immediately, Hyukjae and Sungmin blushed at the attention. Bowing their heads in apology, in unity they said, "I'm so sorry that you have to put up with him." Hearing the other say his exact words, Hyukjae and Sungmin glared at each other, eliciting another round of laughter from those around them.

An elderly man who had a warm smile on brushed their apology off, "It's fine, it's fine! Seeing you two go at it is like a breath of fresh air. Ah~ Youth. How fascinating!"

"True," another one said, a lady this time, "You two seem very close. Brothers?" she asked, and then smiling wider, added, "Or are you two lovers?"

Hyukjae choked on air while Sungmin had to place a hand over his mouth to keep himself from spitting out his food.

"Excuse me?!" Hyukjae managed to ask, eyes wide with disbelief. "I will never--," and then he caught himself because weren't they playing the part anyway? Coughing, he continued, "Actually--,"

"Actually, they aren't."

Hyukjae quickly turned around and was met with a silently fuming Tablo.

The elder man turned his gaze towards Sungmin, who was calmly still eating (Hyukjae could just feel the amusement coming off of the other boy in waves), and curtly nodded his head. "I'm sorry, but do you mind if I take-- speak with Hyukjae for a while?"

Sungmin just smiled his fox-like grin, surprising the elder man. "Of course~" he said, in the most adorable voice he could, "Have fun~"

They stared at him for a while, surprised at his reaction. Sungmin just resumed eating. He looked up when he realized how silent it was, then frowned as he shooed Hyukjae away, "Go on. You promised. No excuses."

Chuckling as he stood up, Hyukjae shook his head at the elder boy, "You're incorrigible, hyung."

---

Tablo led the two of them through the throng of people and into the balcony without glancing if Hyukjae was following him. He just kept walking on, back stiff as if preparing himself for something.

Hyukjae knew what that meant. The elder boy was nervous about something important.

Once they were outside where they were thankfully alone, Tablo faced Hyukjae with a determined glint in his eyes.

"I'm going to introduce you to my father today, Hyukjae. I've already talked to him about you in the week we--," Tablo didn't want to mention anything about breaking up, afraid Hyukjae might get ideas, "I talked to him, and he said he'd be delighted to meet you."

Hyukjae was prepared for anything. He was prepared for the elder man's declaration of undying love in the cheesiest way possible, was prepared for the most gaudy thing in the world to be given to him as an apology, and he was prepared to put them all down, but this.

How could he refuse this?

"He-- he wasn't angry at you? For liking... liking a man? Liking me?"

Tablo smiled. It was then that Hyukjae realized just how much he had missed the elder man, and how he'll probably regret letting him go.

"He knew," said the elder man, laughing, "He knew. Even before I knew. So when I told him, he just laughed and asked me why it took me so long. Then he congratulated me, because I finally stood up for myself. And then he asked who is it and when he'll be able to meet you. He said he wanted to thank you for pushing me to stand on my own."

"That's it?" Hyukjae asked, unable to believe that all the problems the two of them had that had stemmed from Tablo's father was for nothing. "That's all it took?! YAH, HYUNG! You mean all those arguments we had, all those times I doubted myself, all those times I thought I'd lose you because of your father... they could have been avoided?!"

Tablo smiled at Hyukjae, embarrassed. Chuckling nervously, he said, "...yes?" And before Hyukjae could react even more, Tablo spoke up, "But it looks like all my efforts will be in vain. Seems like you've found yourself someone else?"

Hyukjae though just scoffed, "What? Sungmin hyung? You don't have to worry about him. The important thing here is--,"

"Oh, Sungmin hyung, is it? He isn't a schoolmate; a kid with looks like that would stand out. I mean, look at him out there! He may be wearing a mask but with those perfectly M-shaped lips, those large almond-like eyes, I'm positive he would have been as popular as you. He isn't a family friend, because this is the first time I've seen him. So," Tablo asked, his heart pounding in his chest, afraid of the answer, "Who is he? And where the hell did you meet him?"

At that moment, Hyukjae debated whether or not he should tell a family secret to the elder man. However, this was a person Hyukjae wanted to be with for the entirety of his lifetime. Besides, if Tablo was able to pluck up enough courage to face his worst fears, why can't Hyukjae do the same? He's done everything his mother asked ever since he can remember, and sure, they might have been good for him but she wasn't infallible and his life wasn't hers.

"Hyung, what I'm going to tell you, you can't tell anyone else, okay?"

Seeing how serious the younger boy was, Tablo nodded.

"Sungmin hyung is my step brother, but my mother doesn't want anyone to know."

Brows raised at the absurdity of it, Tablo asked, "Why? I know for a fact that a lot of women in this room would trade their son for him in a heartbeat. I mean, look at that face! He's the perfect trophy son."

Hyukjae nodded, "I don't really understand what she has against Sungmin hyung. He's one of the kindest people I know. In fact," said Hyukjae, pointedly looking at Tablo, "He's probably saved our relationship more than once. We both know I could be a little immature at times--,"

"What do you mean at times?!" interrupted Tablo as he laughed, "Try all the time!"

"Shut up, hyung!" Hyukjae immediately countered, then continued, "Sungmin hyung always makes me realize just how important this is," he said, gesturing at Tablo and himself. "How important you are to me."

"Then I owe him a lot, don't I?" taking Hyukjae's hands into his own, Tablo laughed at seeing Hyukjae's confusion. "He made sure you'd still be with me. I daresay that's a lot to make up to."

Noticing other people trickle out into the balcony, Tablo began to pull the younger boy back inside.

"What?" Hyukjae suddenly asked as he looked at Tablo a little uncertainly.

Tablo just raised a brow and asked back, "What 'what'?"

"What's so funny? Wipe that stupid grin off your face before we go back in. I don't want people to think I'm with someone crazy!"

"Why should I?" Tablo answered back, smiling even wider than before, "You're back with me, aren't you?"

Hyukjae looked at him incredulously then gagged, but he was smiling all the same.

---

Sungmin was making small talk before he noticed Hyukjae and Tablo come out of the balcony, hand in hand. He smiled as he saw them, glad that the two had finally settled things between them.

"I see my date has abandoned me. How very rude."

Sungmin looked up at the voice as all the people in his table stood up to greet the newcomer. He watched as everyone scrambled to introduce themselves to the young man, all putting on the fake smiles that Hyukjae had been telling him. This person must be important, important enough that people hid who they were just to win his favor. Sungmin though had no such favors to win, so he ignored the man and just watched, amused and a little annoyed at how everyone acted.

He had planned to explore the huge hotel, but because everyone just had to be curious about him, he couldn't. But now, because of this newcomer...

Sungmin had already stood up to leave, expecting to be ignored as he left, when a voice behind him said, "Leaving so soon? We don't even know each other yet."

For a while, Sungmin didn't think it was him. But seeing the expressions of the people in front of him, he slowly turned around and fully looked at the stranger. Once he got a good look at him, Sungmin finally understood.

Identity safe behind his mask, Sungmin smiled impishly at the other before saying, "Oh, that's not necessary. In fact, I would very much like to un-meet you, if that were possible." And then he turned and left, leaving a surprised Donghae in his wake.

---

Sungmin wandered around the hotel, exploring every nook and cranny he thought was interesting. Somehow, he found himself out of the hotel and into the huge garden at the back of the building. There was a fountain right in the middle of it, lit with beautiful fairy lights. He walked towards it, mesmerized.

"I see you've found our garden," someone behind him said, "Do you like it? I designed this part myself, picked out every tree, every stone, every decorations you see."

Sungmin knew the owner of that voice and he was loath to turn around and speak with the other man. This was the guy who nearly broke his younger brother's relationship after all. And all for what? For his own entertainment.

"Don't you have any manners? At least speak to the son of the party you're in."

Breathing in deeply, Sungmin closed his eyes and willed himself to be patient. He had to remember that this boy grew up in this kind of environment. Donghae knew nothing else. How could Sungmin hate a man like this? If anything, he should be pitying Donghae, for the other man had unconsciously locked himself in a life filled with lies.

"Please," Sungmin said, turning around to face the other, "Excuse my rudeness. I simply assumed you wouldn't be interested in someone like me."

"Why wouldn't I be?" Donghae answered, confidently walking up to Sungmin. "Didn't you realize you were the talk of the party? No one knows who you are or from what family you come from. Not to mention, that face, despite it partially hidden behind that mask. You're the mystery of the night."

Sungmin raised his brows at that. Him? People were actually interested in him?

"I came with Lee Hyukjae, did I not? If no one recognized me, then surely, people would have recognized him?"

"True. But Lee Hyukjae has been known to bring different dates to parties. All of them, however, come from well-known families. That is, except you. And why is that? Where did you come from? From what family do you belong? And why has no one met you before? We don't even know your name."

Sungmin had no idea how to begin answering Donghae's questions. He knew that he shouldn't tell the other the truth. If he did, if he and Hyukjae slipped and his mother found out... well, that would be very, very bad for both of them.

"Well?" Donghae prodded, his smile predatory, "They're just simple questions, No Name-sshi. Perhaps, you're trying to hide something? Maybe you don't really belong to a prestigious family? Maybe Hyukjae just picked you off the streets and dressed you up? Is that it? Because that would be very interesting, No Name-sshi. Imagine the fuss it would cause! Lee Hyukjae, son and successor of the late and highly respected Lee Il Sung, picks up a prostitute from the streets to be his date! Ha! The media would have a field day!"

Sungmin couldn't help but stare as Donghae happily imagined his brother's downfall. No one could be this cruel, this heartless. It was hard to believe that a person could be so nonchalant about another's welfare. Still staring at the other man, Sungmin asked, "Have you always been like this, Donghae-sshi?"

Still amused, Donghae kept on smiling as he replied, "Like what?"

"This," Sungmin said, gesturing at Donghae, "This cold, this hurtful. Do you always need to hurt someone to be entertained? Have you never cared about the repercussions of your actions? Do you think of no one else but yourself?"

For a single moment, a change was seen in Donghae's expression-- a twitch of the eyebrow, a flash of regret in his eyes, a moment where his lips curved down. Anyone else would have dismissed it. But Sungmin has had Hyukjae and Mina for experience. Because the siblings had been so used to communicating only between themselves, Sungmin had to learn how to listen to the words they weren't saying, to understand the actions that weren't meant to be seen.

Raising an eyebrow, Sungmin carefully asked, "You're not really who you make out to be, are you Donghae-sshi?"

Instantly defensive, Donghae scoffed as he answered, "What you see is what you get. This is who I am, no matter how much you or anyone else say otherwise. This is me. This will always be me."

Titling his head to the side, Sungmin replied, "You don't look convinced, Donghae-sshi."

"So?" Donghae asked, frowning at the other man, "What will you get from this? Even if you make me admit that I don't like what I'm doing, it won't win you any favors. My father could care less about how I'm turning after all. And it won't win you favors from me either. You can't change what I am."

"What makes you think I said that to win favors? I was avoiding you a while ago, remember? I could care less about frivolous things like that. And of course I can't change you. I was just pointing out the obvious, that's all. What you do with your life is completely up to you. If you ruin it, it wouldn't affect me. If you change it, that wouldn't affect me either. So why should I bother trying to change you?"

Thoroughly stunned by the others' bluntness, Donghae fell silent. "You're pretty bold to speak to me like that. I can ruin your life, you know."

"I know," Sungmin said, shrugging, "But you won't."

"What makes you say that? You know what I'm capable of. You said it yourself a while ago, didn't you? That I only think about myself? Well, it's true! And it's true that I like hurting people for entertainment, too!"

"Is it really?" Sungmin asked, eyes narrowing at the other man, "I don't know you, but your reactions are pretty similar to my younger brother, back when he was a stubborn kid and afraid to get hurt. Your eyes, your gestures, your words, they're all very similar to his back then. And if I'm right-- and I have a feeling I'm really right --there is something about yourself that's bothering you, something you're hiding, afraid that someone might see and that you'll get hurt. That's what my brother said to me back then, with that same look you have in your eyes."

"That's bull," Donghae immediately countered, "Don't compare me to your brother."

Raising his hands in surrender, Sungmin said, "I'm not, I swear. I'm just saying, okay? I've seen that look you have and I've learned what it meant. My brother needed help back then. Maybe you do too."

"I said don't compare me to your brother!" Donghae yelled, chest heaving from the emotion, "You can't compare two people. We're all different. You don't know shit about me. You say I need help? Well I don't. And even if I did, I don't need it. I can help myself."

"Oh, good for you," Sungmin said, nodding, "But, doesn't it get very lonely?"

Clenching his fists in frustration, Donghae bit his lip as he fought the scream threatening to spill. Suddenly, he lunged at the other man in an attempt to tear away the mask concealing his identity.

The other, however, easily side-stepped Donghae's attack. "Oops, no can do, Donghae-sshi."

"Let me take it off!" Donghae growled, even as he attempted again and again to take off the others' mask, "I need to know who you are so that I can--,"

"Punch me? Ruin my life? Well, you're on your way to completely ruining yours. Why bother with mine?"

"Stay still!" Donghae ordered, "You're annoying the hell out of me!"

"Am I?" Sungmin cheekily said, "That's what friends do, you know."

Taken aback, Donghae stopped. Then he blinked and snorted, "Friends don't annoy each other. Friends... friends are--,"

Sungmin waited for Donghae to finish that sentence, but upon seeing the look of confusion on the other man's face Sungmin's smile softened as he said, "Friends do annoy each other. They do it because they want their friend to be better, to be the person they think they're meant to be no matter how much their friend refuses to believe it. Friends annoy each other because they care, because they're concerned about each others' welfare no matter how much one insists that they're fine or that they don't need help. Friends are annoying because no matter how much you push them away, no matter how much you get angry, they always, always come back. That's what friends are, Donghae-sshi."

"And so?" Donghae asked, brows raised at Sungmin, "Are you trying to tell me you want to be my friend?"

"No," Sungmin answered, "I don't need permission to do that. You're weird, Donghae-sshi. And so, being a fellow weirdo--,"

"Excuse me? Did you just call me--,"

"--I've already decided to be your friend. Yes, Donghae-sshi," Sungmin grinned, "You are weird. What I'm trying to ask is that if you'll return the favor."

"Return the favor?"

"Yes."

"Are you crazy?!"

"Ha. Guess not." Laughing loudly, Sungmin shrugged, "I wasn't expecting you anyway. But do try and make friends, Donghae-sshi. Find the annoying ones this time, yeah? If you do, maybe you won't be such an asshole anymore. Because you won't feel the need to."

Brows furrowed, Donghae defended, "My friends are fine, thank you very much."

"Do you really believe that?" Sungmin challenged, "You aren't stupid, Donghae-sshi. I know that you know that your so-called friends are only there because of what you have."

"I know. I know that. But I'll always have money and I'll always be the 'prince'. So why should I bother looking for real ones?"

Staring at Donghae in disbelief, Sungmin frowned, "You really believe that? Nothing's permanent, you know."

"I know," Donghae said, before lunging to take hold of the others' mask again.

Surprised, Sungmin hadn't been able to move. Thankfully, however, Donghae missed. In his hand was just a single, blue feather.

Just when he was about to try again, a figure suddenly appeared behind them yelling a name.

"Is it midnight?" Donghae heard the other mutter behind him. Turning to the figure who yelled, Donghae was mildly surprised to see that it was Hyukjae.

"Hey, have you seen--," seeing the blue feather on Donghae's hand, Hyukjae asked instead, "Where'd you get that feather?"

Donghae then turned to look behind him, where the other had been. To his surprise, no one was there.

"Found it on the floor," was what he said instead. Donghae doesn't know why he lied, but the meeting between him and Hyukjae's date was something he didn't want anyone to know. At least, not until he's properly thought about what just happened.

"Oh," said Hyukjae, "Okay." Before he could leave, though, Donghae asked, "What's his name?"

"What's whose name?"

"The person you brought with you. The one with the mask with feathers like this?" he said, showing Hyukjae the feather.

"Why do want to know?"

"Nothing. Nevermind."

Looking strangely at Donghae, Hyukjae left. Once he was out of sight, Donghae in turn, sighed deeply.

Scrutinizing the blue-colored feather, Donghae became thoughtful.

"... I guess, I am pretty weird."

---

"Hey!"

Whirling quickly around, Hyukjae clutched at his chest, glaring daggers at Sungmin.

"Don't appear like that all of a sudden!"

Laughing sheepishly, Sungmin bowed, "Sorry~"

Brushing the apology off, Hyukjae began walking again knowing Sungmin would follow him, "Where've you been, hyung? I've been looking all over for you!"

"I didn't realize the time, sorry."

Hyukjae nodded as he rolled his eyes, "Right," he said, noting that a feather was missing in the other boy's mask, "Busy talking to Donghae?"

Sungmin frowned hearing Hyukjae's dissatisfied tone. "He's a good person, Hyuk."

Brows raised as he turned to Sungmin, Hyukjae asked, "Are we talking about the same Donghae here? He's the root of all evil, hyung! An evil prince! The evilest of all evil! Heck, everyone knows he's evil but people are just turning a blind eye to it cause they're afraid they'll lose their connection with his family! Even the press decline from publishing his misdemeanors! The press, hyung! The press! That person can't be good. He just can't."

Turning thoughtful, Sungmin said, "Hmm, well. When I was talking to him, he had this look that was the same as yours all those years ago. I couldn't help myself I pointed it out to him, and his reaction was the same as yours too."

"Don't lump me in with him, hyung. Just, don't."

"Why?" Sungmin asked, genuinely confused, "You were friends with him, weren't you? You were childhood friends, right?"

Turning back and continuing with their walk towards the basement, Hyukjae said, "That was in past. We've changed now."

"He is a good person," Sungmin insisted, running to catch up with Hyukjae. Standing at his side, Sungmin carefully read the other boy's expression. "Mina says so, doesn't she? If even one person can see goodness in another, then it means he isn't a lost cause. Maybe he's just waiting, like you were?"

Hyukjae shook his head, "Donghae was a good kid before, I give you that. Mina's probably deluded herself to believe that he's the same as he was back then. But he isn't. And don't you think people have tried? Mina has been continuously trying to tame that bastard, but she isn't getting anywhere. He isn't the same, hyung."

"Well, what if he is?" Sungmin asked, shrugging, "What if it's just buried under piles and piles of pressure and expectations that couldn't be met?"

Stopping once more, Hyukjae turned to look at Sungmin. Then he placed his hands on the others' shoulders and, looking straight in his eyes said, "You're doing this again, hyung. Not everyone is good. If you place your trust in a complete stranger, you're just asking to get hurt. Hell, trusting that Donghae has a shred of humanity in him is the worst thing you can possibly do. You'll just get disappointed, hyung. It isn't worth it."

Sungmin, however, just smiled, "I trusted you, didn't I? And look at us now. If no one bets on that trust, nothing will happen. Someone has to give in, and that sure isn't gonna be Donghae."

"Hyung, don't. Please."

"It's fine, Hyuk," Sungmin said as he steered Hyukjae towards his car, "It's not as if we'll meet each other again. I was just saying, that's all."

"Yeah, you were saying. You were saying it to me. You expect me to do something about it, don't you?"

Sungmin laughed, "Well~ You two know each other, don't you? Who better to do it than you?"

"No way! I won't try and change Lee Donghae. Over my dead body, hyung! And besides, if Mina can't do it, then how can I? What difference would I make?"

"Everything, Hyuk," Sungmin replied, "You said so yourself, that Mina has been trying to get the Donghae that she knew to come out. But he's obviously changed so that can't be done. Someone needs to accept what he's become and then believe that he can still change."

"Well I don't believe he can change! Why the hell are we talking about him anyway?! You aren't interested in him, are you? Because if you are, I swear to God hyung, I will disown you!"

"I'm not," Sungmin answered, laughing, "He just reminded me of you back then. You were having a rough time, weren't you? I just thought it was a little sad, that despite the crowd always around him, no one can see that he's hurting too."

Finally getting to his car, Hyukjae sighed. "You're too nice for your own good, hyung. Believe me, Donghae is never going to change."

---

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it~