Pursuit of Happiness, Chapter 01
Apr. 27th, 2013 11:18 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
twinkletofuTitle: Pursuit of Happiness
Pairing: Yunjae
Raiting: PG 13
Length: Chaptered
Genre: AU, Angst, Drama, Slight Mpreg(?)
Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot.
Warning: Mpreg is mentioned but not detailed.
Summary: This is the chaptered version of the oneshot Ignorance is a Bliss.
They were once together, happy and contented. But nothing's perfect and so their lives.
Follow their pursuit of happiness and their own happy ever after.
chapter one
With nothing more but his leather bag, Yunho went straight to hail a cab outside the busy airport he thought he will never be able to see again. He rode the taxi and carefully placed his bag on his side and took off his designer glasses before drinking in the familiarity of the city he once craved for.
Yunho’s flight had been devastatingly delayed for hours. Instead of arriving before noon, it was already mid-afternoon when the plane landed in South Korea. How long has it been? The question ringed on his head as soon as he saw the changes in Seoul. Five years – Five fucking years. It took him that long to be able to set his feet on his own country again.
Due to some circumstances, he was forced leave the U.S. where he lived alone for the past years and go back to where he once belonged to. Deciding that it was for the best and five horribly long years should make a difference, he agreed to come back and face everything, his demons and all.
Soon enough, Yunho asked the cab driver to halt when he saw a very familiar place. The place where everything began – the Han River. He walked through the pavement and sat on the familiar flight of steps, facing the river itself.
The sun kissed his skin and the wind continued to tousle his hair. Peaceful may it seem, but not for Jung Yunho. He clutched his hands and sat there feeling the torture he’s giving to himself and soon, memories came back flooding his mind.
It was Christmas Eve, he remembered as his memories stretched out to nine years ago. He was still on his teens and had been living with his politician father and socialite mother who both lead a very busy life. They value their families but they care for the public’s opinions the most. Except for the fact that Yunho felt really restricted due to the strictness his parents enforced to him, he still loves and respects them.
It was cold and dark and most of the people were inside their houses staying with their family but Yunho, who had no one at home, sat on the cemented river side of Han River with bottle of sojus in hand. He was enjoying the serenity of the place as he poured himself some soju and gulped everything down in one go.
Then he saw someone plopped down beside him.
They were sitting on a decent distance from each other but Yunho shamelessly kept his eyes on the stranger. He was wearing tight black jeans and thick black jacket that shields him from the winter cold. He tried to make out his face but he can only see a bit of the guy’s side profile since his fringes covered his eyes.
‘Hey –, ‘ Yunho managed to steal the guy’s attention when he called him. Black doe-eyes stared back at Yunho in sheer curiosity. ‘Spending Christmas Eve alone?’
Yunho received nothing but silence. ‘I’m Yunho. Do you want some?’
Curiosity and amusement flooded the other guy’s face and Yunho noticed it and flashed him his million dollar smile.
‘I’m Jaejoong and you’re drunk’ he finally answered him and returned Yunho’s smile with his own.
They kept their distance but they talked the whole night like they’ve known each other since forever. They easily warmed up with each other and the next thing they knew, they were filling in each other with personal details. Not the safest thing when talking to a complete stranger, but no one dared to stop the other.
‘How old are you again?’ Jaejoong asked.
Yunho gulped down another glass of soju before answering Jaejoong, ‘Nineteen – How about you?’
‘Same – Ya! You’re a minor, you shouldn’t be drinking.’ Jaejoong answered him with amusement obviously mixed with his voice. He looked straight ahead before he took a side-wise glance and saw a grin creeping on Yunho’s face. ‘Nah, I bet you do the same’.
Silence enveloped them once again and Jaejoong noticed people leaving one by one. He pulled out his phone and checked the time. ‘Hey, we only have an hour before Christmas. Shouldn’t you be at home?’
‘Nope. My parents are too busy to celebrate. You know the whole business thing.’ Yunho isn’t someone who tells people about his self but at that time, he went all out in telling a complete stranger some personal details he won’t even tell to any of his friends.
‘I’m trying to annoy them, but they’re too busy to notice –‘ Jaejoong noticed the play of emotions in Yunho’s face but he immediately brushed it off. ‘How about you? Shouldn’t you be celebrating with your family?’
Jaejoong smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes, ‘I have none’.
Yunho heard him and felt too guilty with his question. He saw Jaejoong smiled but he can only see pain through his eyes. He realized that he sounded like a real brat after telling him how he tried to piss his parents when the guy sitting beside him has none. That time, Yunho felt an invisible connection between him and Jaejoong and he wanted to take half of the burden Jaejoong is carrying and share his pain.
‘Jaejoong-ah –‘
‘Hmm?’
‘Let’s celebrate Christmas tomorrow.’
Weeks and months passed and they spent every single day possible together. They’ve been friends –best friends, but they won’t deny the inevitable. After a year, during their joint birthday celebration, Yunho asked Jaejoong if they can be together. Together, like in a real relationship, and Jaejoong agreed.
They were happy and inseparable and Yunho’s parents weren’t pleased to notice. They disapproved of their friendship, as Yunho and Jaejoong decided it was the best not to tell them, and they had been really vocal about it.
‘I hate them!’ It was almost midnight when Yunho called Jaejoong. They met on a park and Jaejoong was greeted with Yunho’s rants about his parents. Jaejoong can only sigh as he was fully aware of what they have been arguing about. He led Yunho to one of the benches and sat beside him.
Yunho winced as he remembered his latest argument with his mom and dad. They told him that it isn’t good to befriend someone like Jaejoong. They were displeased that his friend is an orphan and a total piece of shit. It is a sure dent to their family’s status once people see him hanging around with their only son.
Jaejoong tried to calm his boyfriend’s nerves as he soothed Yunho’s back with his palm moving up and down. ‘You shouldn’t be…’
‘But they said things about you! How the fuck can I be calm?!’ Jaejoong knew exactly what Yunho is talking about and he is aware of the things his parents said against him. But despite of Yunho’s anger, he knows how he cares them. He felt guilty that all arguments sprouted when they learned that Yunho started to hang out with him. And for everyone’s sake, he pushed everything back on his mind.
He carefully placed a hand over Yunho’s thigh and told him the same thing he’d been telling him every time things turned out like this.
‘They are your parents. Just let it go –‘
Their first year together is something they would never forget forever. Yunho brought Jaejoong to their beach house. Jaejoong brought life to the house their family seemingly forgot they even have. He was too ecstatic to be celebrating their birthdays and their anniversary on a beach house far from the usual glint of the city.
Yunho surprised him with a self-prepared dinner date. After their dinner by the candle light, Yunho brought in a cake for them. They were running around the house, caking each other’s face and the next thing they knew, they’re tossing around the bed fully naked. Yunho can remember every detail of that day: how the moonlight accented Jaejoong’s features, how smooth his skin felt under his own, how trusting Jaejoong was for completely giving him his self, how he screamed his name and moan as he writhes between the sheets, his touches, his taste, and how perfect everything felt that day.
Something tugged on his heart and broke his trance. Everything felt perfect before and now, he can only feel nothing but pain. His heart aches from the memories he tried to block for the past five years.
Yunho noticed how far he walked from the river. He almost laughed when he realized how familiar the place was. It was the same street he and Jaejoong always walked but it was much more than that. It was the same street his mom discovered their little secret.
The street is quite narrow and tall brick walls surrounded the place. He was walking with Jaejoong, their hands entwined together, when a familiar sleek black car swerved and stopped in front of them.
Yunho’s mom got off the car and stood before them. She is a known socialite and an equally influential woman in politics thanks to his husband. She eyed them with contempt when she saw their hands holding each other. Yunho and Jaejoong saw this and both pulled away from each other. However, she remained poised and controlled, though the popping veins on her neck and near her hairline admits the truth.
‘Mom –‘ Yunho didn’t know where to start. What will her mom say? Will she make a scene and humiliate them? Of course not.
She answered her son and her voice came out rather clipped, ‘What do you think you’re doing?’
‘I – I can explain, mom. But not here.’ Yunho faced Jaejoong, his back facing his mom. He grabbed Jaejoong’s shoulders and forced a smile. He saw worry and guilt on his lover’s face but there’s no turning back now – his mom saw them and no, he won’t deny Jaejoong. He doesn’t deserve to be.
‘Jae, go back home. I’ll call you.’ He told him, his voice toned down and calm as ever. Jaejoong tried to calm his nerves but worry plagues his entire being – not for himself, but for the man in front of him. Yunho cupped his cheek with one hand and stroked his skin with this thumb. ‘I can handle this. Trust me, will you?’
Jaejoong nooded.
Yunho faced his mother again and saw her eyeing them with disgust, ‘Let’s talk at home, mom’
He left Jaejoong and went with his mom. He can only remember bits of what happened that day but he remembered threatening his parents just to spare Jaejoong. He knew what they can do and he will not let the love of his life suffer. Yunho’s mom cannot believe his only son is gay, and worse, with a boyfriend, and she lost her control.
‘How can you even be like that? Aren’t you afraid of what people will think about you? Our family?’
‘This is what I am, mother. ‘
She was pacing around their living room and stopped to clutch a chair for support. ‘What about that guy? Boyfriend?! Are you out of your mind? I already told you Yunho. I told you to stop hanging out with him and all this time… All this time, he’s been your lover. What – the next thing I will know is you sleeping with him?’
Yunho’s mom saw the guilt on her son’s face and her knuckles turned whiter as she clutched the chair beside her. ‘ – That disgusting piece of shit’
‘Don’t talk about him like that’
‘What’s his name again? Jaejoong? I won’t let that whore off the hook Jung Yunho.’ He knows how influential his parents are and Jaejoong cannot do anything against them. He knew they are both doomed and for their sake, he decided to play dirty.
‘Then disown me, mom. I don’t give a fuck. Touch Jaejoong and I’ll leave this house.’
And it worked. He knew they can’t afford having a bad reputation when his dad will re-run on the next national election and they can’t lose their only son and heir. And if he leaves their house and the news spread out, paparazzi and political rivals will dig up anything that they can throw against his family. The news will sure hit the pages and Politician Jung’s Son, A Gay? can be the headline of the year but he doesn’t care.
His parents became discreet about the whole thing; they even became civil with Jaejoong but Jaejoong knew the real deal. Yunho loves and respects his parents and Jaejoong can’t afford to have him argue with them once more because of him. He always reminded Yunho to understand where his parents are coming from when they argue and how lucky he is to still have them. Despite being civil, Jaejoong knew Yunhos parents are trying to separate them and divert them from the public’s eyes. They even sent Yunho to Japan for months to manage their business there, or so it appears.
Yunho stopped his train of thoughts when he realized that he reached the end of the brick walled street. How funny it was for him to leave the U.S. and go back to Korea after five years just to torture his self by going to places that reminds him of his life before, his life with Jaejoong.
Five years after, he can see the subtle changes but everything has been on their rightful places. The slides and the monkey bars on one side, the sand box for the kids on the other side, the benches under the huge trees, even the small stalls selling foods and drinks. He stood there, eyeing every detail and remembering those times he was with the only person he loved. He can remember how adorable Jaejoong looked when he tried the slides and how good he can balance on the monkey bars. He also remembered their late night trips to the park just to hang out and talk.
Memories played on his mind like a film reel and something jabbed on his heart. But five years had passed and hell had it been, he definitely learned how to take charge of his mind and block the feelings to save himself the heartache.
Then he heard a thud and saw a little girl down on her knees in front of him.
Next: Chapter 02 >>
______________________
author's note: Finally, chapter one is here! School started last monday and my majors decided to torture us on our first week. Anyway, I was really scared that this will go straight to recycle bin if i re-read so i didn't. And many things happened in chapter 1, i don't really know how i was able to cut parts out and they are only flashbacks so I think, not detailing so much will work. (hopefully) Oh and I changed the layout, I think it's easier to read with this :)
ps. if you want to send a message, tell something important, or just bully me into writing, you can reach me via twitter @mjkimjj
AND, thank you for all the lovely comments I received! I love you all <3
Pairing: Yunjae
Raiting: PG 13
Length: Chaptered
Genre: AU, Angst, Drama, Slight Mpreg(?)
Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot.
Warning: Mpreg is mentioned but not detailed.
Summary: This is the chaptered version of the oneshot Ignorance is a Bliss.
They were once together, happy and contented. But nothing's perfect and so their lives.
Follow their pursuit of happiness and their own happy ever after.
chapter one
With nothing more but his leather bag, Yunho went straight to hail a cab outside the busy airport he thought he will never be able to see again. He rode the taxi and carefully placed his bag on his side and took off his designer glasses before drinking in the familiarity of the city he once craved for.
Yunho’s flight had been devastatingly delayed for hours. Instead of arriving before noon, it was already mid-afternoon when the plane landed in South Korea. How long has it been? The question ringed on his head as soon as he saw the changes in Seoul. Five years – Five fucking years. It took him that long to be able to set his feet on his own country again.
Due to some circumstances, he was forced leave the U.S. where he lived alone for the past years and go back to where he once belonged to. Deciding that it was for the best and five horribly long years should make a difference, he agreed to come back and face everything, his demons and all.
Soon enough, Yunho asked the cab driver to halt when he saw a very familiar place. The place where everything began – the Han River. He walked through the pavement and sat on the familiar flight of steps, facing the river itself.
The sun kissed his skin and the wind continued to tousle his hair. Peaceful may it seem, but not for Jung Yunho. He clutched his hands and sat there feeling the torture he’s giving to himself and soon, memories came back flooding his mind.
It was Christmas Eve, he remembered as his memories stretched out to nine years ago. He was still on his teens and had been living with his politician father and socialite mother who both lead a very busy life. They value their families but they care for the public’s opinions the most. Except for the fact that Yunho felt really restricted due to the strictness his parents enforced to him, he still loves and respects them.
It was cold and dark and most of the people were inside their houses staying with their family but Yunho, who had no one at home, sat on the cemented river side of Han River with bottle of sojus in hand. He was enjoying the serenity of the place as he poured himself some soju and gulped everything down in one go.
Then he saw someone plopped down beside him.
They were sitting on a decent distance from each other but Yunho shamelessly kept his eyes on the stranger. He was wearing tight black jeans and thick black jacket that shields him from the winter cold. He tried to make out his face but he can only see a bit of the guy’s side profile since his fringes covered his eyes.
‘Hey –, ‘ Yunho managed to steal the guy’s attention when he called him. Black doe-eyes stared back at Yunho in sheer curiosity. ‘Spending Christmas Eve alone?’
Yunho received nothing but silence. ‘I’m Yunho. Do you want some?’
Curiosity and amusement flooded the other guy’s face and Yunho noticed it and flashed him his million dollar smile.
‘I’m Jaejoong and you’re drunk’ he finally answered him and returned Yunho’s smile with his own.
They kept their distance but they talked the whole night like they’ve known each other since forever. They easily warmed up with each other and the next thing they knew, they were filling in each other with personal details. Not the safest thing when talking to a complete stranger, but no one dared to stop the other.
‘How old are you again?’ Jaejoong asked.
Yunho gulped down another glass of soju before answering Jaejoong, ‘Nineteen – How about you?’
‘Same – Ya! You’re a minor, you shouldn’t be drinking.’ Jaejoong answered him with amusement obviously mixed with his voice. He looked straight ahead before he took a side-wise glance and saw a grin creeping on Yunho’s face. ‘Nah, I bet you do the same’.
Silence enveloped them once again and Jaejoong noticed people leaving one by one. He pulled out his phone and checked the time. ‘Hey, we only have an hour before Christmas. Shouldn’t you be at home?’
‘Nope. My parents are too busy to celebrate. You know the whole business thing.’ Yunho isn’t someone who tells people about his self but at that time, he went all out in telling a complete stranger some personal details he won’t even tell to any of his friends.
‘I’m trying to annoy them, but they’re too busy to notice –‘ Jaejoong noticed the play of emotions in Yunho’s face but he immediately brushed it off. ‘How about you? Shouldn’t you be celebrating with your family?’
Jaejoong smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes, ‘I have none’.
Yunho heard him and felt too guilty with his question. He saw Jaejoong smiled but he can only see pain through his eyes. He realized that he sounded like a real brat after telling him how he tried to piss his parents when the guy sitting beside him has none. That time, Yunho felt an invisible connection between him and Jaejoong and he wanted to take half of the burden Jaejoong is carrying and share his pain.
‘Jaejoong-ah –‘
‘Hmm?’
‘Let’s celebrate Christmas tomorrow.’
Weeks and months passed and they spent every single day possible together. They’ve been friends –best friends, but they won’t deny the inevitable. After a year, during their joint birthday celebration, Yunho asked Jaejoong if they can be together. Together, like in a real relationship, and Jaejoong agreed.
They were happy and inseparable and Yunho’s parents weren’t pleased to notice. They disapproved of their friendship, as Yunho and Jaejoong decided it was the best not to tell them, and they had been really vocal about it.
‘I hate them!’ It was almost midnight when Yunho called Jaejoong. They met on a park and Jaejoong was greeted with Yunho’s rants about his parents. Jaejoong can only sigh as he was fully aware of what they have been arguing about. He led Yunho to one of the benches and sat beside him.
Yunho winced as he remembered his latest argument with his mom and dad. They told him that it isn’t good to befriend someone like Jaejoong. They were displeased that his friend is an orphan and a total piece of shit. It is a sure dent to their family’s status once people see him hanging around with their only son.
Jaejoong tried to calm his boyfriend’s nerves as he soothed Yunho’s back with his palm moving up and down. ‘You shouldn’t be…’
‘But they said things about you! How the fuck can I be calm?!’ Jaejoong knew exactly what Yunho is talking about and he is aware of the things his parents said against him. But despite of Yunho’s anger, he knows how he cares them. He felt guilty that all arguments sprouted when they learned that Yunho started to hang out with him. And for everyone’s sake, he pushed everything back on his mind.
He carefully placed a hand over Yunho’s thigh and told him the same thing he’d been telling him every time things turned out like this.
‘They are your parents. Just let it go –‘
Their first year together is something they would never forget forever. Yunho brought Jaejoong to their beach house. Jaejoong brought life to the house their family seemingly forgot they even have. He was too ecstatic to be celebrating their birthdays and their anniversary on a beach house far from the usual glint of the city.
Yunho surprised him with a self-prepared dinner date. After their dinner by the candle light, Yunho brought in a cake for them. They were running around the house, caking each other’s face and the next thing they knew, they’re tossing around the bed fully naked. Yunho can remember every detail of that day: how the moonlight accented Jaejoong’s features, how smooth his skin felt under his own, how trusting Jaejoong was for completely giving him his self, how he screamed his name and moan as he writhes between the sheets, his touches, his taste, and how perfect everything felt that day.
Something tugged on his heart and broke his trance. Everything felt perfect before and now, he can only feel nothing but pain. His heart aches from the memories he tried to block for the past five years.
Yunho noticed how far he walked from the river. He almost laughed when he realized how familiar the place was. It was the same street he and Jaejoong always walked but it was much more than that. It was the same street his mom discovered their little secret.
The street is quite narrow and tall brick walls surrounded the place. He was walking with Jaejoong, their hands entwined together, when a familiar sleek black car swerved and stopped in front of them.
Yunho’s mom got off the car and stood before them. She is a known socialite and an equally influential woman in politics thanks to his husband. She eyed them with contempt when she saw their hands holding each other. Yunho and Jaejoong saw this and both pulled away from each other. However, she remained poised and controlled, though the popping veins on her neck and near her hairline admits the truth.
‘Mom –‘ Yunho didn’t know where to start. What will her mom say? Will she make a scene and humiliate them? Of course not.
She answered her son and her voice came out rather clipped, ‘What do you think you’re doing?’
‘I – I can explain, mom. But not here.’ Yunho faced Jaejoong, his back facing his mom. He grabbed Jaejoong’s shoulders and forced a smile. He saw worry and guilt on his lover’s face but there’s no turning back now – his mom saw them and no, he won’t deny Jaejoong. He doesn’t deserve to be.
‘Jae, go back home. I’ll call you.’ He told him, his voice toned down and calm as ever. Jaejoong tried to calm his nerves but worry plagues his entire being – not for himself, but for the man in front of him. Yunho cupped his cheek with one hand and stroked his skin with this thumb. ‘I can handle this. Trust me, will you?’
Jaejoong nooded.
Yunho faced his mother again and saw her eyeing them with disgust, ‘Let’s talk at home, mom’
He left Jaejoong and went with his mom. He can only remember bits of what happened that day but he remembered threatening his parents just to spare Jaejoong. He knew what they can do and he will not let the love of his life suffer. Yunho’s mom cannot believe his only son is gay, and worse, with a boyfriend, and she lost her control.
‘How can you even be like that? Aren’t you afraid of what people will think about you? Our family?’
‘This is what I am, mother. ‘
She was pacing around their living room and stopped to clutch a chair for support. ‘What about that guy? Boyfriend?! Are you out of your mind? I already told you Yunho. I told you to stop hanging out with him and all this time… All this time, he’s been your lover. What – the next thing I will know is you sleeping with him?’
Yunho’s mom saw the guilt on her son’s face and her knuckles turned whiter as she clutched the chair beside her. ‘ – That disgusting piece of shit’
‘Don’t talk about him like that’
‘What’s his name again? Jaejoong? I won’t let that whore off the hook Jung Yunho.’ He knows how influential his parents are and Jaejoong cannot do anything against them. He knew they are both doomed and for their sake, he decided to play dirty.
‘Then disown me, mom. I don’t give a fuck. Touch Jaejoong and I’ll leave this house.’
And it worked. He knew they can’t afford having a bad reputation when his dad will re-run on the next national election and they can’t lose their only son and heir. And if he leaves their house and the news spread out, paparazzi and political rivals will dig up anything that they can throw against his family. The news will sure hit the pages and Politician Jung’s Son, A Gay? can be the headline of the year but he doesn’t care.
His parents became discreet about the whole thing; they even became civil with Jaejoong but Jaejoong knew the real deal. Yunho loves and respects his parents and Jaejoong can’t afford to have him argue with them once more because of him. He always reminded Yunho to understand where his parents are coming from when they argue and how lucky he is to still have them. Despite being civil, Jaejoong knew Yunhos parents are trying to separate them and divert them from the public’s eyes. They even sent Yunho to Japan for months to manage their business there, or so it appears.
Yunho stopped his train of thoughts when he realized that he reached the end of the brick walled street. How funny it was for him to leave the U.S. and go back to Korea after five years just to torture his self by going to places that reminds him of his life before, his life with Jaejoong.
Five years after, he can see the subtle changes but everything has been on their rightful places. The slides and the monkey bars on one side, the sand box for the kids on the other side, the benches under the huge trees, even the small stalls selling foods and drinks. He stood there, eyeing every detail and remembering those times he was with the only person he loved. He can remember how adorable Jaejoong looked when he tried the slides and how good he can balance on the monkey bars. He also remembered their late night trips to the park just to hang out and talk.
Memories played on his mind like a film reel and something jabbed on his heart. But five years had passed and hell had it been, he definitely learned how to take charge of his mind and block the feelings to save himself the heartache.
Then he heard a thud and saw a little girl down on her knees in front of him.
Next: Chapter 02 >>
______________________
author's note: Finally, chapter one is here! School started last monday and my majors decided to torture us on our first week. Anyway, I was really scared that this will go straight to recycle bin if i re-read so i didn't. And many things happened in chapter 1, i don't really know how i was able to cut parts out and they are only flashbacks so I think, not detailing so much will work. (hopefully) Oh and I changed the layout, I think it's easier to read with this :)
ps. if you want to send a message, tell something important, or just bully me into writing, you can reach me via twitter @mjkimjj
AND, thank you for all the lovely comments I received! I love you all <3
