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"Are you sure about this? Because I'm not, to be honest. What if—"
Changmin’s worries are cut off by the sharp zip of his son's jacket, the sound louder than necessary. Yunho sighs as he tugs it up a little too roughly, earning a wide-eyed look from his friend. Perhaps not his best move — but in his defense, Changmin’s relentless worrying was starting to annoy him.
A delighted giggle breaks the moment. The little boy, now bundled up, reaches for his father with his tiny hands. The second Changmin scoops him up, his stern expression dissolves into something soft and affectionate. He coos at his son, immediately forgetting Yunho's presence in the room.
Yunho watches, his chest warming at the sight. As much as Changmin’s nagging grates on his nerves, he understands — it’s love. And Yunho? He’s no different. If anything ever happened to his godson, he wouldn’t hesitate to burn the world down then kill himself.
Changmin’s grip tightens around his son, his stance shifting ever so slightly. Yunho knows that look. He’s reconsidering letting Björn hang out with Yunho for the day.
Oh, hell no. Not on Yunho’s watch.
"Hey, give him back!" He calls out, striding toward the duo before swiftly plucking the boy from Changmin’s arms. Fortunately, Yunho is stronger than him.
Changmin scowls, immediately reaching for his son who is squealing in delight, having the time of his life with the two adults fighting for him. "Are you seriously trying to kidnap my kid?"
Yunho shifts, turning just enough to shield the boy from his father’s grasp. "When’s the last time I even got to see him?" He challenges.
"Last week.”
Yunho waves off the response with a dramatic sigh. "Years, Changmin-ah, years! I blinked, and suddenly he was blowing out four candles on his birthday cake!"
Changmin crosses his arms, unimpressed. "You're overreacting."
"Says the guy who got teary-eyed FaceTiming him while we were in Japan."
At that, Changmin’s glare sharpens. "He’s my kid,” he repeats.
"And I'm his rich and cool uncle who's gonna buy him ice cream," Yunho retorts. At the mere mention of the treat, Björn lights up with excitement, bouncing on his feet. Yunho crouches down to meet his gaze. "Yeah? You wanna spend the day with Uncle Yunnie?"
"Ice cream!"
Yunho chuckles, ruffling his hair before standing up and shooting a triumphant smirk at his friend. "See?"
"He likes you for your wallet," Changmin deadpans.
"I'm used to it," Yunho replies absentmindedly, already turning back to the child and missing the flicker of something pained in Changmin’s expression. "We're gonna have so much fun together!"
The boy beams, and Yunho holds up a hand for a high five, which is met with an enthusiastic slap. Meanwhile, Changmin begins rattling off a list of important details, such as Björn’s allergies, favorite snacks, and other little things Yunho should keep in mind. Not that Yunho needs the reminders. He already knows it all. Of course he does. The kid is family, as dear to him as his own niece.
Eventually, when Changmin decides Yunho is adequately briefed (not that Yunho has been listening), he kneels to hug his son, pulling a goofy face to make him giggle before letting go. Then, straightening up, he places a firm hand on Yunho’s shoulder, squeezing in silent warning.
Yunho whimpers.
“If anything happens to him, I’m gonna put your body–“
“We’re going!” Yunho exclaims, taking the boy’s hand to exit the luxurious apartment. He doesn't want to listen to Changmin's threats.
It's the second day of winter vacation and Yunho and Björn are spending the day outside. It had taken a full hour of pleading to convince Changmin, assuring him that he wanted just one carefree day with the boy before diving back into their packed schedule.
Bundled up in a thick scarf and a beanie that hides most of his face, Yunho doubts anyone will recognize him. Not that he usually attracts much attention, but he’d rather be safe than sorry. The last thing he wants is for strangers to snap photos of the child and spread them online. He would never forgive himself if that happened — nor would Changmin, who would undoubtedly have his head for it.
After a short stroll through the chilly streets, Yunho and his godson arrive at a small coffee shop nestled between two brick buildings. The windows are fogged up from the warmth inside, and the scent of roasted coffee beans and freshly baked pastries fills the air as soon as they step in.
Yunho pulls down his scarf, revealing a grin as he looks down at the boy beside him. “So, ice cream, huh?” he teases, ruffling the Björn’s beanie-covered head.
“Ice cream!” The boy chants again, his voice muffled by the layers of clothing he’s bundled in.
A chuckle escapes Yunho as he approaches the counter. The barista greets them.
“Hi! What can I get for you?”
Yunho glances at the menu behind her briefly before turning to his godson. “What flavor do you want?”
The boy taps his mittened finger against his lips in thought before answering confidently, “Chocolate!”
“Of course, chocolate,” Yunho murmurs, amused. He then looks back at the barista. “One scoop of chocolate ice cream, please. And a small coffee too," he adds while handing his card to pay.
The barista nods before heading to prepare their order. Yunho leads his godson to a small table by the window, helping him climb onto the cushioned seat. The boy kicks his little legs happily, clearly pleased with the outing.
“It's not cold here, right?” Yunho asks, tugging on the kid’s scarf to take it off. He can't help but act like the boy is still two and needs help with everything.
Björn nods enthusiastically, his cheeks rosy from the cold. “Uncle Yunnie,” he suddenly says, voice slightly hushed.
“Yeah?”
“Daddy’s not mad, right?”
Yunho pauses mid-adjustment and meets the boy’s round eyes. “Mad? Why would he be mad?” He asks gently.
Björn frowns slightly, his tiny hands gripping the edge of the table. “'Cause you took me away...”
Ah. Yunho exhales, smiling as he leans closer. “Nah, kiddo. Your dad just worries a lot. But he knows you’re safe with me. Do you know how small you were when I first saw you? This tall," he says while bringing his thumb and index together to show a tiny space between them.
The little boy gasps, his eyes widening in surprise — so much like Changmin that Yunho almost does a double take. A wave of nostalgia washes over him. He still remembers meeting Changmin before either of them had even hit puberty, and now, here they are — Changmin a father to a bright, energetic four-year-old whom Yunho adores. Time has slipped by so quickly, it almost feels unreal.
Yunho shakes the memories off when the barista places their orders on the table. He thanks her and focuses back on his godson, whose mouth is watering at the sight of the delicious looking ice cream.
He chuckles as he helps the kid remove his mittens. He then passes him the spoon and watches Björn dig into his treat with enthusiasm.
The moment the spoon touches his tongue, the boy’s face lights up like fireworks. He hums loudly, wiggling in his seat as he takes another big bite. “So good!” He declares, his words slightly muffled by the ice cream in his mouth.
Yunho grins, taking a sip of his coffee. “Yeah? Is it the best ice cream you’ve ever had?”
The boy nods furiously. “The bestest!” He takes another bite, then suddenly stops, looking thoughtful. “Wait… no. The bestest was what Mommy got me at the beach. It had sprinkles! And a cherry on top!”
Yunho gasps dramatically. “A cherry? Oh man, I should’ve asked for a cherry! What kind of uncle am I?”
Björn giggles, shaking his head. “It’s okay, Uncle Yunnie! You can get me one next time!”
“Oh, so you’re already planning our next ice cream trip?” Yunho teases.
“Uh-huh! And next time, I want rainbow ice cream. And a big one! Bigger than my head!” The boy spreads his arms out as wide as they can go, nearly knocking over the coffee cup in the process.
Yunho catches it just in time, laughing. “Bigger than your head? Are you sure you can eat all that?”
Björn nods seriously. “I’m big now, Uncle Yunnie. Daddy says I eat a lot.”
“Yeah? Who do you think eats more, you or your dad?”
The kid barely hesitates. “Daddy.”
Yunho barks out a laugh. “You didn’t even think about it.”
“’Cause it’s true! Daddy always eats the biggest things. He eats my leftovers too!”
Yunho shakes his head, still grinning. “Your dad’s been like that since we were kids, you know? He used to always steal my food.”
Björn gasps, scandalized. “Daddy’s a thief?”
“The worst kind,” Yunho confirms, leaning in as if sharing a big secret. “A food thief.”
The boy gasps even louder. Then, after a beat, he shoves his spoon towards Yunho. “Here! You can have some of my ice cream!”
Yunho’s heart nearly melts right then and there. “You’re sharing with me?”
The kid nods solemnly. “So you don’t go hungry.”
Yunho places a hand over his chest, as if deeply moved. “You’re too kind, kiddo.” He leans in, taking a small bite from the spoon. “Mmm, you were right. That’s some good ice cream.”
His godson beams proudly. Then, as if suddenly remembering something important, he tilts his head, a serious expression on his face. “Uncle Yunnie?”
“Hm?”
“Why is ice cream cold?”
Yunho blinks. “Huh?”
“Why is ice cream cold but coffee is hot?” Björn elaborates.
“Oh. Uh.” Yunho scratches his cheek, stalling. “Well, ice cream... uh, likes to live in the freezer. And coffee likes to live in... hot water?”
The boy squints at him. "Nonsense, Uncle Yunnie.”
Yunho clears his throat. “It makes total sense.”
Björn ponders this for a second before moving on to his next question. “Then why does ice cream melt?”
“Because it gets sad when it’s not in the freezer,” Yunho says.
The boy gasps. “Ice cream can feel sad?”
“Of course! That’s why we have to eat it fast. So it doesn’t have time to cry.”
Björn looks down at his half-melted ice cream, eyes wide with realization. “Oh no! It’s already crying!” He hurriedly shoves another spoonful into his mouth, cheeks puffing up like a chipmunk.
Yunho bites back a laugh, watching the little boy’s serious expression as he works hard to save his ice cream. The kid is already a talker, but with every question, Yunho finds himself answering with just as much enthusiasm, whether or not he actually knows the answer.
And honestly? He wouldn’t trade this moment for anything.
Later, after their stomachs are full and the sky is getting darker, they decide to take a small walk on the nearby park.
Yunho is carrying his godson on his shoulders, his little beanie-clad head peeking above Yunho's, and his mitten-covered hands gripping the sides of his head for balance. They walk through the slightly snowy street. It's nice and quiet, and the few people staring at him are giggling at the kid, and not because they recognize Yunho.
They walk around the park for a bit, Björn excitedly pointing at everything and making up stories about them, most of which are a variation of his favorite cartoon characters. Yunho is content just listening, the chilly air not bothering him too much thanks to his godson's warm weight.
But when they pass by the playground, Björn lets out a whine.
"Uncle Yunnie! Wanna play!"
Yunho sighs. He knows Björn is going to be upset if he tells him no. And it's impossible for Yunho to resist him.
"Alright, alright," he replies, slowly lowering him to the ground.
The kid immediately runs towards the empty swing set, his laughter echoing as he jumps onto one of the swings. Yunho watches with a soft smile as his godson swings back and forth, kicking his legs excitedly. He can hear the high-pitched giggles and see the joy radiating from Björn’s face as he zooms higher into the air. Yunho leans against a nearby pole, pulling the collar of his jacket a bit higher against the wind, enjoying the peaceful scene.
But then, a sharp yelp cuts through the quiet night, followed by a moment of silence. Yunho's heart jumps as he quickly straightens up. His eyes dart to the swing, and he sees Björn clutching his knee with both hands, a look of shock spreading across his face.
"Hey, are you okay?" Yunho calls out, rushing toward him.
"Uncle Yunnie..." Björn whimpers, not yet crying, but clearly startled.
Yunho kneels beside him, gently touching his shoulder. "Let me see," he says softly, taking his hand off the knee and inspecting it. The small scrape isn’t too deep, but there’s a little blood and the area is starting to redden.
“Does it hurt, buddy?” Yunho asks, concern in his voice.
Björn nods, biting his lip as if trying to hold back tears. Yunho feels a pang of guilt, wishing he could just wave a magic wand and make the pain go away. He pats the boy’s head gently.
“Alright, we’ll get this cleaned up. How about we head to the pharmacy?” Yunho suggests, his voice soft.
But before he can even finish his sentence, Björn’s attention drifts. His eyes flicker towards the toboggan, and Yunho watches in bewilderment as the boy’s hand slowly drops from his knee, his pain momentarily forgotten.
Björn scrambles back to his feet with surprising agility and, without a second thought, sprints toward the toboggan, his mittens flailing as he runs.
“Hey!” Yunho calls out, exasperated. “We need to go to the pharmacy!”
The kid pauses just long enough to shake his head, his eyes focused on the shiny toboggan. He climbs onto it, and the next second, he's pushing himself forward.
Yunho sighs. He really should tend his wound, unless he wants it to be infected and Changmin scolding him. But it's hard to say no when his godson is laughing like that, clearly forgetting his injured knee. One moment he's hurt, and the next, he's happily playing again without a care in the world.
He shakes his head. Sometimes kids are truly the strongest.
Still, Yunho knows he can’t leave it unattended, so he decides to quickly run to the pharmacy before the kid’s excitement completely consumes him.
"Alright, I’ll be back soon," he mutters to himself, standing up from his crouching position.
He starts walking toward the street, glancing over his shoulder one last time. Björn is still at the top of the hill, now preparing for another quick slide. Yunho knows he won’t notice him slip away, especially with his focus so absorbed in the toboggan.
It only takes him a few minutes to reach the pharmacy. He grabs what he needs — a small first-aid kit, some antiseptic, and bandages.
When Yunho returns, the peaceful quiet of the playground feels different. The swings are empty, the slide abandoned. A strange unease creeps into his chest, and his eyes quickly scan the area, looking for his godson.
Panic surges through Yunho's veins as his heart starts to race. The silence feels off, unsettling in a way that makes his skin crawl. His eyes dart across the playground, but there's no sign of the Björn anywhere.
"Hey! Björn?" Yunho calls out, but the only response is the soft whisper of the wind.
His mind starts to spiral. What if something happened? What if someone took him? Yunho's breaths grow shallow, his feet almost moving without thinking, every part of him urging to find the kid. He moves faster, his pulse thumping in his ears. He checks the small slides, the swings, the trees surrounding the park— nothing.
Then, he hears it. Björn’s voice.
His heart stops as he sees his godson, standing close to a stranger. The stranger is crouched down, speaking to the boy. Yunho’s stomach drops, and an icy chill races down his spine.
No. No, no, no.
What if this man is really trying to take him? Yunho can’t breathe, his legs frozen for a second before the panic kicks in. His brain races with every possible worst-case scenario.
"Hey!" Yunho calls out, his voice louder now, tinged with an urgency that betrays the fear clawing at him. "Get away from him!" He yells when he's close enough to them and he immediately steps in front of Björn, shielding him.
The stranger stands up and his eyes widen at the sight of him, probably recognizing him, but Yunho doesn’t care about that now. All he can think of is the safety of the boy behind him.
But when Yunho looks closely– he freezes. Despite the mask hiding the man's face, Yunho could recognize those eyes anywhere.
Now he understands why the man also recognized him. He hadn’t been spotted as a celebrity, but as someone familiar, someone long forgotten yet suddenly standing right in front of him again. And truth be told, Yunho never expected to see him either.
Kim Jaejoong.
The name flashes in Yunho’s mind like lightning, illuminating memories he had long buried — memories of laughter, of shared dreams, of nights spent practicing until exhaustion, of the two of them huddled together against the weight of the world.
Memories of kisses shared in hidden corners, of stolen touches, and of a love so powerful it shook his entire being when he was younger.
Jaejoong’s eyes, still as piercing and expressive as ever, stare back at him. And for a moment, Yunho feels like he can't breathe. It's been, what, ten years since they last saw each other? It shouldn't affect him so much. They're clearly strangers now.
"Uncle Yunnie?" Yunho feels a tug on his coat and instinctively glances down. His Björn is looking up at him with big eyes, his little hand grasping at Yunho’s sleeve. "Uncle Yunnie, this is Uncle Jaejoong! He’s a nice man! My glove flew and he was the one finding it!"
Yunho really doesn't want to acknowledge Jaejoong right now, so he turns to his godson with a stern expression. "Why did you leave without telling me? Your parents never told you to never speak to strangers?" He scolds him.
Björn pouts. "But you left, and I..."
“But something bad could’ve happened to you, do you understand? You’re more important than gloves,” Yunho continues.
When it looks like the boy is about to cry – Yunho doesn’t want to make him feel bad but he needs him to realize how dangerous it could be for a kid to wander alone – Jaejoong steps in, “Cut him some slack. He’s fine, so everything’s okay, hm?”
Hearing Jaejoong’s voice so close after all these years feels surreal. Of course, Yunho has heard it plenty of times — on radio shows, and more recently, during Jaejoong’s performance at Inkigayo last year. He hadn’t planned on watching it, but in the end, curiosity got the better of him.
But hearing Jaejoong like this, right next to him, is something else entirely. It’s different. More personal. Especially when that voice is directed at him. And even more so when Jaejoong is lecturing him, as if he has some kind of familiarity with the kid.
"Why are you talking like we're close?" Yunho can't help but retort.
He knows it's a bit childish but the whole situation is throwing him off. His past is suddenly crashing into his present and the unexplainable urge to hide his godson's existence from Jaejoong, and Yunho isn't sure how to deal with it.
Jaejoong raises an eyebrow at his words. "We've been close before," he simply says.
And just like that, the Jaejoong standing before Yunho isn’t the man he is now, but the 24-year-old Jaejoong, the one Yunho held in a final embrace before they went their separate ways. The one who, in that fleeting moment, took his young heart and left behind something older, wiser, and a little heavier.
But that was then. Now, Yunho is nearly forty. They’re both adults. Björn is safe. Everything is fine. He just needs to act like it.
"Sorry, I was a bit..." Yunho trails off. "Losing a kid can be pretty scary, right?" He finishes with an awkward laugh.
"Yeah, I can imagine. You don't know how many times I lost my nieces and nephews when I babysitted them," Jaejoong chuckles. "Remember when we all had to babysit my niece at the dorm and we thought we lost her? I really thought my sister would kill me."
Yeah, Yunho remembers — even though he wishes he didn’t. The entire group had been in a panic, all of them equally terrified. They were all utterly intimidated by Jaejoong’s older sisters and no one wanted to be the one held responsible for the missing child. They had searched frantically, turning every corner inside out.
In the end, the toddler hadn’t been lost at all. She had simply curled up in an empty cupboard, fast asleep, completely unaware of the chaos she had caused. It was only when Jaejoong’s frantic sobs and desperate shouts filled the air that she finally woke up, blinking up at them as if nothing had happened.
"Yeah, she was quite the troublemaker," Yunho agrees.
Jaejoong hums. "She graduated from college not so long ago."
"Oh," Yunho lets out. "That's... great."
It’s strange to think that the tiny child Yunho once helped Jaejoong change diapers for is now about to graduate from college. Time has truly flown by.
He glances down at the boy still clutching his sleeve, a reminder that one day, he too will grow up and find his independence. Yunho can only imagine how Changmin would react to seeing his son become an adult. He’d probably cry. And, if he’s being honest, Yunho probably would too.
Right. He should probably introduce them to each other.
"Kiddo," he says, calling for his attention. "This is Uncle Jaejoong, an old friend of Uncle Yunnie."
Calling Jaejoong a friend is weird, because they have never really been friends after all. And they most certainly aren't anymore.
Björn looks up at Jaejoong, a big smile on his face. "Uncle Jaejoong! Thank you for the glove again!" He beams, holding the mitten against his chest. Yunho tells him to put it back on before he freezes his hand.
Yunho then turns back to Jaejoong. "And this is Björn, uh–" he pauses. "Changmin's son."
Jaejoong's eyebrows shoot up, hiding behind his fringe. Then, he takes another look at the boy and his eyes soften. He crouches down so he can look him in the eye and squish his cheeks. "You're so cute!" He exclaims, a bright grin on his face. "Wow, I knew Changmin had a kid but it's weird to see it myself. You look a lot like him. I wonder if you're just as much trouble."
"You know Daddy?" Björn asks, eyes wide.
"Let's say I'm the one who raised him," Jaejoong grins.
"Like Grandma and Grandpa?"
"Yeah, something like that. I scolded him when he didn't do his homework."
A small smile tugs at Yunho’s lips as he remembers. Back when Changmin was juggling the chaos of a rookie idol schedule and his high school life, Jaejoong was always there to remind him to do his homework. Changmin, of course, would always push back, teasing Jaejoong by pointing out that he had dropped out of high school and didn’t have the right to lecture him. The exchange would always dissolve into childish bickering, with Yunho stepping in to calm a fuming Jaejoong, trying to keep the peace between the two of them.
"Homework," Björn echoes before turning to Yunho. "What's homework?"
Yunho pats his head. "Nothing for you to worry about for now."
Yunho smiles softly at his godson’s innocent question, but his gaze flickers back to Jaejoong. As his mind wanders for a moment, something brings him back to the present — his godson’s small, scraped knee.
"Right," Yunho mutters, breaking the silence. "I need to clean that up. It's just a little scrape, but still."
“I can take care of it, if you want,” Jaejoong offers.
Yunho hesitates, the idea of Jaejoong tending to his godson’s injury stirring up conflicting emotions. His instinct tells him to do it himself, but the offer comes from a place of care, and Yunho knows Jaejoong’s nurturing side.
"But—" Yunho starts, frowning as he glances down at his godson. "It’s just... it’s a little wound, and I should probably—"
Jaejoong interrupts with a smile, "I know how to handle kids' scrapes. Trust me, it’ll only take a second."
Yunho doesn’t answer immediately. His gaze shifts between Jaejoong’s calm, reassuring expression and the little boy who looks up at him with those trusting eyes. Björn’s knee might be small, but the idea of someone else touching it feels unfamiliar, and Yunho finds himself still reluctant, even if that someone is Jaejoong. The person who Yunho trusted with his whole life once.
But, really, Jaejoong shouldn't impose himself on a kid he knows nothing about.
Yunho shakes his head. "No, really, I can take care of it myself, so—"
Jaejoong rolls his eyes and takes the first aid kit from Yunho's hands before he can react. "You're still as stubborn as I remember," he mumbles to himself.
Yunho hears him and thinks it's a bit hypocritical for Jaejoong to say this when he was the most stubborn one between the two of them. But he doesn't say it out loud.
"Björn," Jaejoong calls. "Come here, sweetie. Let's take a look at that scrape."
The little boy hesitantly glances at Yunho, as if asking for permission. Yunho gives him a small smile and a nod. Björn takes Jaejoong's extended hand, and together, they move to a nearby bench.
Yunho follows a few steps behind, watching Jaejoong clean and dress the small wound, his expression focused. He talks to the kid, making jokes and asking questions, and soon enough, Björn is giggling.
As Yunho watches the interaction between Jaejoong and his godson, a strange knot forms in his stomach. The sight of the two people of different parts of his life blending together somehow unsettles him. There's no reason why it shouldn't happen, and yet, he can't shake the unease that grows inside of him.
"Done!" Jaejoong says as he finishes putting the band-aid over the wound.
"Thank you, Uncle Jaejoong!"
And just like that, the little boy runs back to the playground. Yunho follows him, making sure to never leave his eyes off of him, unless he wants another fright of the kid disappearing.
He isn't surprised to know that Jaejoong is still here, even though he would like if he left. He really doesn't want to talk to him, considering the fact that Jaejoong has always been an impulsive person so he can't predict what he will say.
"Don't forget to tell Changmin to change the bandage before he goes to sleep," Jaejoong says to Yunho.
Yunho groans. "If Changmin learns that Björn hurt himself, he'll never allow me to take him out alone ever again."
"Don't tell him I was the one taking care of it too."
Yunho slightly glances at Jaejoong. It's hard to guess what he's feeling with half his face covered.
"He doesn't hate you, you know," Yunho suddenly feels the need to say.
Jaejoong hums.
Yunho presses his lips together. It’s a delicate subject, and he’s unsure how to approach it or if he even wants to bring it up with Jaejoong. After all, they’re strangers now. So, instead of saying anything, Yunho lets the words sit unspoken, his gaze shifting back to Björn, who is running around with all the carefree joy of childhood, completely oblivious to the weight of everything else.
Yunho isn’t sure how much time passes as they stand there in silence. The park is nearly empty now, the streetlights casting pools of yellow light that cast their long shadows on the ground. He can feel Jaejoong’s gaze on him but Yunho keeps his attention on the boy, silently hoping he’ll get the message.
The silence between them stretches on, awkward. It’s strange, standing here with Jaejoong beside him. His presence feels both familiar and foreign at the same time. They haven’t seen each other in years, yet the impact Jaejoong had on his life is something that will never fade, something that can’t simply be erased.
Finally, Jaejoong breaks the quiet. "You know," he starts softly, "I never thought I’d run into you like this."
Yunho doesn’t answer right away. He shifts his gaze from Björn to Jaejoong, his heart squeezing a little at the thought of everything they said to each other in the past. Many things Yunho regrets saying and can't take back.
"Yeah, well, life has a funny way of throwing things at us," Yunho replies, his tone quieter than he intended.
Despite the mask, Yunho can imagine Jaejoong’s lips twitching upwards. "It does." He seems to be choosing his words carefully, then adds, "It's nice to see you again."
Yunho can’t quite say the same. Yes, he’ll admit that Jaejoong still looks as handsome as ever, and he’s genuinely happy for him, proud of his success as a soloist. But even so, a part of him can’t shake the memories of all the hurtful words exchanged when Jaejoong chose to leave the group.
To leave him.
Yunho smiles bitterly to himself. Even though he’s moved on a long time ago, it’s hard to let go of those lingering, bitter feelings. He knows Jaejoong has taken his time, too — working through his own struggles, trying to make amends with the past and stop holding grudges against the world.
Jaejoong has always been kind to staff, always professional, but there’s always been that cold aura around him, especially after the lawsuit. Yunho had heard the rumors, whispers of Jaejoong being difficult to deal with at times, his sharp edge hard to soften.
But over the years, the word on the street had been that Jaejoong’s personality had softened significantly. His popularity had grown, too. Yunho doesn’t keep up with too much news about his ex-members — aside from the joint concert between Jaejoong and Junsu — but honestly, he’s happy for Jaejoong. Happy for all the good that’s come his way.
However, that doesn’t mean Yunho wants Jaejoong close to him right now. Quite the opposite, in fact. He does his best to avoid him at all costs.
When a mutual friend gets married? Yunho finds an excuse not to go. When there’s a party where both of them are invited? He declines. As childish as it sounds, younger-Yunho actually found a strange sense of relief when Jaejoong couldn’t appear on national TV for years — it meant fewer chances of seeing him.
Now, fifteen years after the group’s split and ten years since their brief encounter at a military event, Yunho still finds himself wishing to keep as much distance from Jaejoong as possible.
Jaejoong must sense the hesitation, because his expression shifts ever so slightly. His eyes search Yunho’s face, as if trying to read his thoughts. He exhales softly, rubbing the back of his neck, and with a small, almost self-deprecating chuckle, he says, “You don’t have to say it back. I get it.”
Yunho clenches his jaw, but forces himself to stay composed, his face betraying nothing. He doesn’t want to be cruel, but he also can’t pretend that everything between them has magically healed. They’ve both grown up, they can be civil, but the issues between them —those old wounds — still linger, unspoken and unresolved.
“You’ve changed,” Jaejoong says suddenly, and Yunho tenses slightly at the words.
Yunho finally glances at him. “We both have.”
Jaejoong nods slowly, a wistful look passing over his face. “Thankfully,” he chuckles. "I'd hate to still be my old self. I was an idiot back then."
Yunho lets out a breath. "You weren't," he mumbles.
"No, really. I was," Jaejoong sighs. "I didn't even–"
"Jaejoong," Yunho interrupts him. It feels weird saying his name. "I don't really want to talk about this."
The other man looks away.
Yunho keeps his gaze fixed on Björn, who is now attempting to climb the jungle gym. He wants to say something, but he isn’t sure what. The past is a heavy thing to carry, and no matter how much time has passed, it still lingers between them.
Jaejoong exhales a quiet chuckle, though there’s no humor in it. "I see you’re still bad at hiding your emotions," he muses. "I can tell that you don’t want me here."
Jaejoong always knew him a bit too well.
Yunho finally turns to face him, meeting those familiar eyes. "It’s not that," he lies, but even he doesn’t believe it.
Jaejoong tilts his head, studying him for a moment before offering a small, understanding smile. "It’s okay," he says simply. "You don’t owe me anything."
That, somehow, makes Yunho’s chest ache more than if Jaejoong had been angry or upset. Because the Jaejoong he remembers would have pushed, would have fought for some sort of reaction. But this Jaejoong, the one standing in front of him now, is so... different. Older. Tired, in a way that Yunho recognizes in himself. But also, strangely peaceful.
Before Yunho can think of what to say, Björn comes running back, his cheeks flushed from the cold, his little hands reaching up for Yunho. "Uncle Yunnie! I'm hungry!"
"Let's eat, then," Yunho says, scooping the kid up and placing him on his shoulders.
"Let's eat, Uncle Jaejoong!"
Yunho freezes, silently cursing his godson.
Jaejoong laughs, shaking his head. "Sorry, kiddo, I have to go home. But next time, maybe."
"Promise?"
Jaejoong only smiles in response. He takes a step closer to Yunho, and for a moment, Yunho thinks Jaejoong might hug him, but instead, he pats Björn's thigh. "Take care, buddy." Then, addressing Yunho, "You too, Yunho-yah."
Yunho hopes that Jaejoong doesn't notice his hands tightening on Björn's legs, or the way his breath catches when their gazes meet. Jaejoong's eyes are so familiar, so comforting, and the way his name rolls off his tongue feels like something from a dream.
A dream that ended a long time ago.
"Yeah," Yunho says, his voice low. Because that's all he's able to say.
When Jaejoong is out of sight, Yunho begins walking, the little boy still on his shoulders. His legs are stiff, but it has nothing to do with the cold.
"He's very nice," Björn says, his small arms wrapped around Yunho's head.
Yunho takes a deep breath. "Yeah." His voice is shaking. "Yes, he is.”
For obvious reasons, Yunho doesn’t tell Changmin about his encounter with Jaejoong.
Firstly, because that would mean telling him about how he left Björn on his own and in the meantime, the toddler managed to get lost and talk to a stranger. If Changmin learns about that, Yunho is sure that he can kiss his chance of seeing the kid again goodbye.
And also because… Changmin isn’t really fond of Jaejoong. He doesn’t hate him per se – just like Yunho told Jaejoong – but the situation is very delicate.
Changmin had felt betrayed, but not in the same way as Yunho felt. Yunho was more hurt, and Changmin was more angry. He was still young after all and the fact that his supposed closest friends, people he considered as family, decided to leave everything behind and just abandon the group made him very resentful.
Of course, that isn't what happened, Yunho knows that. But back then, to Changmin, it had felt like that. He had been the youngest, his relationship with each older member special.
And then, one day, half of them were gone.
It wasn’t just about the group breaking apart — it was about trust for him. About how Changmin had felt left behind, like his loyalty had meant nothing. Yunho remembers how quiet he had been in those days, how his usual sharp remarks had been replaced by silence and tension. How he had refused to talk about it at all, shutting down anyone who tried.
Yunho wasn't like that. He understood where they all came from, and he couldn't be angry with them. Hurt, yes, but he couldn't blame them from wanting to live a better life. To be free. His only issue at that time was what would happen between him and Jaejoong – it would be hard for them to keep dating if they are not in the same group anymore. And awkward too.
When the lawsuit was happening, Yunho had still harbored hope. Maybe, somehow, things would work out. Maybe they would reunite. But Changmin— Changmin had been different.
“They made their choice,” he had said before their last performance as a full group when he saw Yunho looking at the other men from afar. His voice was cold in a way Yunho had never heard before. “So let’s not wait around like fools.”
And that was that.
Years passed. The bitterness faded, but it never really disappeared. Jaejoong and Junsu tried, in their own ways, to reach out with small gestures, quiet attempts and public attempts when they had zero reaction from the two members. But Changmin never engaged. Firstly because he still burned with resentment, then because he saw no point in reopening wounds that had already scarred over.
“Answer, if you want,” Changmin had told Yunho once, when Yunho was staring hard at a 'can we talk?' text from Jaejoong. "You can still be friends with them– with him."
Yunho had noticed how Changmin never mentioned the former members by their names.
The problem was that Yunho couldn't be friends with Jaejoong. Not after dating him for almost a decade, not after their big final fight, not after their bitter goodbye hug. And nothing would be the same even after having a talk with Jaejoong to sort things out. They could never be like they were before, not even a semblance of it.
So, Yunho had deleted Jaejoong's number without answering him and acted ignorant when Jaejoong publicly complained about him ignoring his texts.
His life was with Changmin now, he needed to protect his new family.
When Changmin got married (the biggest event of his life after Björn's birth) Yunho wondered if Jaejoong and Junsu would be invited. Surely, over the years, Changmin's anger morphed into indifference, so Yunho thought he was okay with them. Just like Yunho was – despite always doing his best to avoid the former members, he wished them only the best.
During the wedding preparations, Yunho had looked at the list of guests for the wedding. Familiar and unfamiliar names. However, no Kim Jaejoong nor Kim Junsu.
"You aren't going to invite–"
"No," Changmin had cut him off, as if reading his mind.
Yunho had shared a glance with Changmin's soon-to-be-wife. Her eyes said that she had already tried to convince him, to no avail.
But maybe Yunho could try to convince him himself. He didn't know why but he wanted to Changmin to at least think about it – the wedding would be private, no paparazzi that could capture a small reunion between the four men. And it's an important day for Changmin, maybe it would have been nice for important people in his life to be here. Even if they're not in his life anymore.
Yunho liked to think that he would have invited Jaejoong and Junsu to his own wedding. But even in his thoughts, the idea felt complicated. It would have been awkward, to say the least, to have his ex, the one with whom he had parted ways under such bitter terms, attend such a personal occasion related to love.
Whatever.
After the wedding, some mutual friends had mentioned that Jaejoong complained about not being invited, while Junsu seemed indifferent to the whole thing. Still, Jaejoong had wished Changmin happiness for his marriage, and even expressed pride when news of his son’s birth broke.
As far as Yunho knew, Changmin had ignored both of those messages.
Then, when it was announced that Jaejoong and Junsu would reunite for a concert to celebrate their twentieth anniversary since debut, Changmin refused to acknowledge it. He didn’t watch their performances, nor did he pay attention to any media coverage surrounding the event.
So, yeah. It’s a delicate situation.
That’s why Yunho decides to keep his encounter with Jaejoong a secret. It’s safer that way. Less complicated, less messy.
As Yunho adjusts his outfit before the performance, carefully positioning the headset just in front of his mouth, Changmin suddenly grabs his arm, his grip sharp and painful. Yunho winces. He doesn’t need a bruise before hitting the stage.
"Don't you have anything to tell me?" Changmin asks, his gaze fixed and intense, locking onto Yunho.
“Huh,” Yunho unintelligently echoes. “Good luck for today?”
Changmin sighs, letting go of Yunho’s arm before sitting on the small couch of their waiting room. “You’re keeping things from me.”
“We’re not married, Changmin-ah, I can have secrets,” he teases him. But, truthfully, Yunho doesn’t keep any secrets from Changmin. The latter is his brother, his best friend, he has nothing to hide–
Wait.
Jaejoong.
It must show on Yunho’s face, because Changmin snorts and crosses his arms over his chest.
The silence stretches on while Yunho scrambles to think of an excuse, but what could he say? Jaejoong isn’t exactly a common name, and Björn likely mentioned something about Yunho saying Jaejoong is an old friend or Jaejoong himself saying he knows the boy's dad. Either way, the truth’s already out.
"So, uh," Yunho awkwardly clears his throat. "Jaejoong. I met him by accident the other day. At the park."
"And you didn't tell me. Why?"
Yunho feels a flicker of irritation stir inside him. Why should I tell Changmin? He thinks, clenching his jaw. Is he my mom or something? It wouldn’t change anything. It was just a one-time encounter, nothing more. Yunho is determined to never set foot in that park again, making sure to avoid the chance of running into Jaejoong once more.
"Why should I?" Yunho answers, his tone a bit defensive.
Changmin shrugs. "You don't have to, it's true," he says. "You can be acquainted with whoever you want. It's just that–"
Jaejoong isn’t exactly just someone.
Changmin groans, running his hands through his face. "He's all Björn talk about now and I can't exactly tell him to stop."
Yunho didn't think that the toddler has taken a liking to Jaejoong that much.
"It got to a point where he refused to eat because I told him that he can't see his dear Uncle Jaejoong anymore," his friend adds. "I can't believe I'm being threatened by my own son."
Yunho lets out a chuckle, trying to shake off the weirdness of hearing Jaejoong’s name leave Changmin’s lips. He can clearly picture Björn pouting, his little face scrunched in that way only a child can manage when he doesn’t get his way. The image of the kid makes Yunho smile despite himself.
Changmin narrows his eyes at Yunho’s amusement. “Don’t laugh. Do you know how stubborn he is?”
Yunho nods. Björn is ridiculously strong-willed for a kid his age.
“He’s a smart kid,” Yunho says lightly, though he knows this is anything but a light situation.
“He’s a menace,” Changmin corrects. “And now I have to deal with him sulking every time he sees me because I won’t magically summon Jaejoong in front of him.”
Yunho shifts uncomfortably. “It’s not like I planned for him to meet Jaejoong.”
“I know that,” Changmin mutters. “I just don’t like this. I don’t like him suddenly being in my kid’s head. I don't like the past and present being meddled.”
That's exactly what Yunho thought when he saw Jaejoong and Björn interacting a few days ago.
But he wants to defend Jaejoong, tell Changmin that Jaejoong was delighted to meet Changmin's son, but he can tell that it would be useless and rather counterproductive. So, instead, he just shrugs. "He's a child. They're easily entertained. He'll forget about him soon, you'll see."
"That's what I hope."
Yunho gives him an awkward smile, and when the manager calls them on stage, Changmin stands up and heads to the exit, his shoulders stiff. Yunho follows him, his heart squeezing. For the first time in a while, he really doesn’t feel like performing today.
Turns out, Björn doesn’t forget about Jaejoong at all.
On the contrary, the kid seems to be in love with him.
One day, Yunho receives a text from Changmin's wife. He's a bit confused because they don't really talk to each other unless it's about Changmin. The text reads 'Changmin has been in a bad mood because of this lol' attached with a picture.
This is a picture of a drawing. In it, there are five stick figures – a little one, a medium one and three tall ones. The little one is labeled Björn, the medium one is labeled Mommy, and the three tall ones are labeled Daddy, Uncle Yunnie and Uncle Jaejoong.
Yunho blinks at the picture, then zooms in. His eyes immediately land on the detail that Changmin’s wife must be referring to — Jaejoong and his own stick figure are holding hands. And Jaejoong is also holding hands with Björn. Not even his own parents' hands, no, but Jaejoong.
“Oh my God,” he mutters under his breath.
Now, he understands why Changmin is upset. Not only it looks like Jaejoong is part of the family, but Björn even drew him and Yunho as a couple.
Well, at least the kid is not dumb. Yunho and Jaejoong did look good together back in the days, but the fact that Björn thought so too with a five minutes interaction is a bit scary. Especially since Yunho was so awkward with Jaejoong. How could Björn even see something between them?
His fingers tighten around the phone as he exhales sharply.
It’s just a kid’s drawing. That’s all.
And yet, it makes Yunho feel something he can't quite describe.
Then, a few days later, when Yunho shows up announced at Changmin’s apartment to drop a jacket Changmin forgot at his, he notices Björn sitting in front of the TV. When he approaches the toddler to drop a kiss on the top of his head, he sees that the screen is showing old TVXQ’s performances.
He smiles. He knows that Björn is his dad’s biggest fan and it’s always cute to see him excitedly point at the screen when it’s focused on Changmin singing, as if he can always recognize his dad no matter what era it was. And Yunho always feels proud when the kid also beams when seeing Yunho performing.
The performance on the screen ends and is quickly replaced by a performance of Hug.
Yunho is about to head to the kitchen when Björn suddenly exclaims, “Uncle Jaejoong!”
Yunho stills. Slowly, he turns his head to the TV screen and, surely, eighteen years old Jaejoong is staring at the camera while singing the song’s cheesy lyrics.
Yunho looks at the toddler, wondering how the hell he could recognize this young Jaejoong as the man with a face mask from the park. Björn’s wide eyes stay glued to the screen as he swings his little legs, completely unaware of the way Yunho is gaping at him.
"Uncle Jaejoong," he repeats when Jaejoong is singing another part of his.
Yunho swallows, turning back to the TV. The camera zooms in on Jaejoong’s youthful face — soft, pale, ridiculously pretty for an eighteen year old teenager. His lips move as he sings, and for a second, Yunho is thrown back in time.
Yunho and Jaejoong had been dating for a few months when they debuted. So, at the time of this performance, they were still a young couple but Yunho clearly remembers how cheesy and clingy they were back then. Always sneaking in the building's bathroom to share a few kisses and giggles and then go back to their waiting room as if nothing happened.
Yunho can’t help but remember just how attracted he was to Jaejoong, both inside and out. How could he not? Jaejoong was undeniably a sight to behold, a true treat for the eyes. Yunho’s jealous ass had him convinced that half the population was probably in love with him. Who wouldn’t be, after all? A pretty face with a voice to match — it was a rare combination.
And Yunho... well, Yunho had the honor of being close to him in ways no one else could. He had touched that beautiful face, held him in ways that were far more intimate than anyone would ever know. He had his moments, moments no one else could claim.
"Pretty," Björn's voice brings him back to reality.
The toddler is looking up at the TV, his dark eyes full of awe. Yunho laughs a bit, his heart beating fast. It seems like that even kids two decades later are in love with Jaejoong. "Yeah," he murmurs, looking at the screen again. "Yeah, he is."
The performance ends, and Björn sighs happily before he asks Yunho if he could play the same video, eager to see it again. Yunho stares at him for a few seconds and quietly complies.
Yunho finds himself also enjoying the performance and also watching Björn’s mesmerized expression, torn between amusement and the unsettling realization that, even after all these years, Jaejoong still has a way of making hearts — including his — flutter effortlessly.
The bell above the door jingles as Yunho steps into the music shop. It’s quiet inside, the only sounds coming from a soft jazz record playing in the background and the conversations between clients and employees.
He moves with purpose, walking through the aisles toward the section where the store keeps its vinyl collection. A new pressing of an old classic had caught his eye online, and now he’s here to get it in person. Even if it’s a bit expensive, he wants to give himself a present for his hard work.
Then, almost unconsciously, his feet take him toward another part of the store. When he finally stops, he realizes he’s standing in front of the kpop section. He blinks, a little surprised at himself – he doesn’t buy albums unless if it’s his or his friends’ – but his eyes are already scanning the shelves.
And there they are. Jaejoong’s albums.
Several of them, lined up neatly. Yunho hesitates, but before he knows it, his hand is reaching out and picking one up. His thumb brushes over the name written on the case.
“You gonna buy that, or just admire my face all day?”
Yunho nearly drops the album.
He turns around, and there, standing behind him with amused eyes is Jaejoong. Dressed in a casual black coat and once again a mask (he must get recognized a lot ever since he began appearing on TV again) he looks both effortlessly stylish and completely entertained by Yunho’s stunned reaction.
Yunho clears his throat, straightening his posture. “I was just… looking.”
Jaejoong tilts his head, feigning deep thought. “Looking, huh?” He gestures toward the album still clutched in Yunho’s hand. “You sure you don’t want me to sign that for you?”
Yunho scoffs, finally setting the album back onto the shelf. Perhaps a little too quickly. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
Jaejoong chuckles, folding his arms. “Come on, it’s a little flattering. What are the chances you’d be here, holding my album, while I walk in? Feels like fate, doesn’t it?”
Yunho isn't sure if he likes how easily Jaejoong is speaking to him, considering it's only their second time meeting after all these years. The park meeting was nearly two months ago.
Fate, Yunho thinks, is a very funny word. It's also a word Yunho wouldn't use so lightly considering their history.
“It’s actually for Björn,” is what he says. He mentally apologizes to his godson for using him for his own advantage. But it's not actually a lie – Björn is really obsessed with Jaejoong, to his dad's biggest displeasure.
Jaejoong lifts an eyebrow, seeming to not believe him.
"No, it's true," Yunho continues. "He has this... infatuation, you could say. For you."
A spark of delight shines in Jaejoong's eyes. "Really?"
Yunho nods.
"What's his favorite song of mine?"
"Uh..." Yunho bites his lower lip. He actually doesn't know any of Jaejoong's songs. He has heard some of them, of course, but never truly listened to them. For some reason, it makes him feel awful. Maybe because he feels like he is disrespecting Jaejoong or something.
“I mean– he likes you as a person.”
Thankfully, Jaejoong is changing the subject. "You know, you could have just asked me to give you one of my albums and sign it for Björn."
Yunho stares at him for a moment. There is no way he could have asked Jaejoong for something like that as they aren't close anymore. But he gets where Jaejoong is coming from, and he knows that Jaejoong would have never refused – bless his good heart.
Jaejoong doesn’t seem convinced, though, because he’s still watching Yunho with that same amused expression. “So," he drawls. "Are you gonna buy it or not?”
“I…” Yunho hesitates, glancing back at the album on the shelf. It’s stupid, really. He has no reason to feel so self-conscious about buying it, especially since he wasn't going to do it in the first place. And yet, there’s something about standing here, with Jaejoong right in front of him, that makes it feel oddly intimate.
Before he can decide, Jaejoong takes a step forward, reaching for two copies of the album from the shelf and holding it up. “Here,” he says, grinning. “Take two. One for Björn, one for you.”
Yunho rolls his eyes. “I don’t need—”
But Jaejoong is already walking toward the counter, and somehow, Yunho finds himself following. This isn’t how today was supposed to go. He was supposed to be in and out in five minutes top chrono, not getting roped into buying kpop albums he never intended to own. An album from his ex-member.
Even as he detours to grab the vinyl he actually came for, Jaejoong trails after him, still holding the two albums, looking far too entertained by the whole thing.
Yunho exhales sharply. “Why are you still here?”
Jaejoong shrugs.
Yunho internally groans.
When they reach the counter, he places the vinyl on top and watches as Jaejoong put the two albums too, resigning himself to fate.
The cashier, a woman looking like she is in her mid-thirties, barely glances up at first. “Did you find everything—”
She stops.
Her eyes dart between Yunho and Jaejoong.
Her mouth opens. Then closes. Then opens again.
“Oh my god,” she breathes, eyes widening. “You— You two—”
Yunho stiffens.
Of course, it was bound to happen. They seem to be around the same age, meaning she probably grew up listening to their songs. Yunho usually doesn’t need to cover himself when he goes out, unlike Jaejoong who has regained so much popularity for the past few years. And, even if his face is covered, a fan would always recognize Jaejoong.
And this is bad.
Yunho definitely doesn’t need rumors spreading that he was seen hanging out with Jaejoong.
Jaejoong, on the other hand, takes off his mask and leans against the counter with a charming smile. “Hi. Don’t tell anyone, please.”
It only takes a moment for the woman to shake herself out of her daze. She stammers an apology for being unprofessional – which Jaejoong waves her off with another charming smile – then rings them up, her hands shaking slightly. When Yunho reaches for his wallet, Jaejoong gives the woman his card instead.
“Do you perhaps have a marker?” He asks hers.
She nods and fumbles around the counter until she finds one. Jaejoong thanks her and uncaps it, before taking the first album.
He watches, a bit stunned, as Jaejoong scribbles a message on the first album, his face concentrated. He makes his handwriting pretty and neat while he writes a thank you to Björn for liking him. He refers himself as Uncle Jaejoong, and Yunho is suddenly reminded of Björn’s drawing.
Then, Jaejoong takes the other copy of the album. He slightly shifts, using his body to cover what he’s writing but Yunho notices the ‘to: yunho~’ anyways.
Oh.
Yunho is about to say something, anything, but his voice is stuck in his throat.
When he finishes, Jaejoong caps the marker and passes it to the cashier. Yunho tries not to glance at the albums. He doesn’t want to read the message yet, not in front of Jaejoong and the cashier who is trying very hard to make it seem like she doesn't care about what's happening in front of her right now.
When they are out of the shop, they stand in front of each other awkwardly. Yunho really wants to flee, but Jaejoong is holding the vinyl and the albums hostage.
"Yeah," Jaejoong breaks the silence, finally handing him the purchase. "For Björn and... I guess you don't have any signed album from me?"
Yunho grimaces.
Jaejoong had sent his first albums — accompanied by passive-aggressive messages — to both Yunho and Changmin. Yunho initially kept them but eventually couldn’t bear to look at them anymore, so he gave them to his sister. Over time, Jaejoong must have realized that neither of them wanted signed albums from him, so he stopped sending them.
Yunho has never felt guilty about it, as he never saw the need for a souvenir, but now, reflecting on it, he realizes it probably hurt Jaejoong a lot.
"Björn will really appreciate it," is what he settles for, as the true coward that he is.
Jaejoong gives him a half-smile. "I'm sure. Tell him I said hi."
Yunho probably won’t. He’s not even sure if he’ll give the album to his godson, because doing so would mean Changmin finding out that Yunho and Jaejoong have met again. And he doesn't want Changmin to think that he's trying to bring Jaejoong back into their lives by letting him get close to his son.
"I will," Yunho says anyways. "And I should pay you back for the vinyl. It was an expensive one."
Jaejoong hums, tilting his head in consideration. "You could," he says slowly, lips curving into a more sincere smile. "Or you could pay me back with something else..."
Yunho freezes.
His mind betrays him instantly, flashing back to memories he had convinced himself were locked away. Late nights in dimly lit rooms. Soft laughter against his skin. Breathless whispers of ‘you owe me’ spoken between tangled limbs and sweat-slicked sheets.
Yunho inhales sharply, willing himself not to let his face betray him. It shouldn't affect him anymore. It's been more than fifteen years.
"With a cup of coffee," Jaejoong finishes.
Yunho blinks, startled. "What?"
"A cup of coffee," Jaejoong repeats, amusement glimmering in his eyes. "You could pay me back with a cup of coffee."
Yunho stares at him, trying to understand what's happening.
He should say no. He should walk away, go home, and pretend this never happened. But instead, he finds himself standing there, debating it. He’s already let himself get roped into buying the album. What’s one cup of coffee? It’s not like they’re suddenly friends again. And Yunho definitely doesn't want to be friends with someone he had been intimate with so many times.
So, why is he so tempted to accept?
Jaejoong is different than what he expected. He is charming, charismatic and easygoing. His jokes aren't annoying and he's not being a jerk, despite everything. He's a little awkward sometimes, but Yunho is worse, and yet, he makes the conversation flow easily. He's just as good-looking as when he was younger, but the years have made him a lot more mature and... interesting.
There's also something about him, an air that makes people gravitate toward him. And Yunho had always been a fool when it comes to Jaejoong, so it's no surprise that he's already being pulled in.
"Fine," he finally says.
They part ways with Yunho's phone holding Jaejoong's number, and an agreement for Yunho to send a text when he is free.
After a few dry text exchanges between him and Jaejoong — Yunho isn’t a dry texter by any means, he just physically can’t bring himself to use cutesy emoticons when talking to Jaejoong — they settled on having dinner at Yunho’s place. Jaejoong would cook something and bring it over. He’d also mentioned that he wasn’t into coffee these days, though Yunho obviously didn’t believe that excuse.
Still, he had no real excuse for agreeing to let Jaejoong come over. They could have gone to a restaurant, but that would have looked too much like a date, and being seen together in public was a risk they couldn’t afford. Sure, they had the money to rent out an entire restaurant for the night but, oh well, better safe than sorry.
Even so, the more Yunho thought about it, the more he realized he couldn’t quite picture himself alone with Jaejoong. In his apartment.
That’s why he, once again, shamelessly used his godson to serve his own selfish interests. When Changmin mentioned how he and his wife hadn’t had time for a proper date, Yunho immediately jumped in, offering to babysit Björn so they could enjoy a night out without worrying about their son.
(Changmin is always a little wary about leaving Björn with Yunho. But somehow, Yunho’s pleading puppy eyes are absurdly persuasive. Either that, or he just pestered Changmin to the point of breaking down his defenses.)
And so, Yunho brilliantly scheduled his dinner with Jaejoong to coincide with his babysitting duties.
He’s a genius.
But right now, he’s stuck choosing between two shirts — not that he’s trying to impress Jaejoong, but he doesn’t want to come off as indifferent — when the intercom rings. He tells Björn to open the door, and a few minutes later, the sound of cheerful yelling echoes from the hallway.
As Yunho steps out of his bedroom, he sees his godson running toward him, holding Jaejoong’s hand, while Jaejoong tries not to trip, balancing the food containers in his other hand.
"Uncle Yunnie! Uncle Jaejoong is here!" The little boy grins widely, grabbing Yunho’s hand and shaking it excitedly. Yunho can’t help but laugh at the kid’s energy.
"Hey," Yunho greets Jaejoong, taking the containers from him, just as Björn launches himself into Jaejoong’s arms for a hug. "Sorry, Changmin dropped him off here last minute," Yunho says with a sheepish grin.
"Oh no, it’s no problem at all," Jaejoong replies, trying to wiggle free from Björn’s enthusiastic embrace.
The boy frowns. "That’s a lie. Uncle Yunnie told—"
Yunho quickly interrupts him. "Do you want something to drink?" He asks Jaejoong.
"Anything’s fine," Jaejoong responds with a relaxed smile.
"Wine!" Björn shouts enthusiastically.
"No, kiddo," Yunho says with a chuckle as he heads toward the kitchen, the other two trailing behind him. "Not until you’re nineteen."
He pours a glass of red wine for himself and Jaejoong, then hands a brick of grape juice to his godson.
"Remember the first time we drank together?" Jaejoong suddenly says, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips. "We were, like, what? Fifteen? Still trainees."
Yunho remembers. Back then, Jaejoong wasn’t even living in the trainees' dorm. Yunho had snuck out one night, feeling homesick, and ended up crashing in the tiny 6-square-meter studio Jaejoong had at the time. Jaejoong, already the closest to Yunho, tried to cheer him up by spending all his savings on two cans of beer.
They drank it all, laughing at how awful the taste was, and spent the night singing along to whatever music they could catch on the radio. The next day, Jaejoong was scolded by his neighbors for being too loud, and Yunho caught an earful from the company for sneaking out.
Thinking back on it, Yunho realizes that night was probably when he first understood just how special Jaejoong would become to him.
He lets himself smile, his guard slightly down. It's only natural – the memories they shared together, no matter how bitter some are, are still good memories.
The smile lingers on Yunho's face for a moment longer than he expected, and he quickly looks away to hide it. He focuses on the wine glasses in front of him, as if the delicate clink of the glass will give him an excuse to reset his thoughts.
"Yeah," he murmurs, finally. "You were a terrible influence on me."
Jaejoong laughs, throwing his head back, and Yunho watches him for a second, transfixed. He has forgotten the sound of Jaejoong's laugh – a full-bellied, honest, beautiful laugh that could always make him feel warm and happy.
Jaejoong sets down his glass and stretches his arms, then glances at Yunho with a smile. "Alright," he says, casually, "I need to reheat the food. Can I use your stove?"
Yunho blinks for a moment, then nods, momentarily startled by how natural Jaejoong seems in his kitchen, despite it being his first time here. "Uh, yeah, sure. Let me show you," he responds, trying to keep his cool.
He gestures toward the stove, explaining where the utensils and pans are stored. Jaejoong listens for a moment, then brushes past him, practically taking command of the kitchen as if it’s his own. It’s like he’s done this a thousand times. Yunho watches him, the easy grace in his movements making his heart feel a little unsteady.
The memories of Jaejoong cooking for them in the dorm all come back. Even if sometimes the members were tired of his cooking and wanted to order take out, Yunho was often found hanging around Jaejoong in the kitchen. He never actually helped, though, he was just there for moral support.
And for back hugs. He’d sneak up behind Jaejoong, wrapping his arms around him and dropping kisses on his neck while Jaejoong stirred the pot or chopped vegetables.
Yunho swallows, looking away, and catches sight of Björn watching him with narrowed eyes. He smiles reassuringly, but the boy doesn't seem convinced.
"You're okay, buddy?" Yunho asks in a whisper, leaning towards him.
"Uncle Yunnie," Björn begins, his voice low and serious. "Are you and Uncle Jaejoong in love?"
Yunho's heart sinks.
How does he explain the complexity of the relationship between him and Jaejoong to a four-year-old? How can he tell Björn that, once upon a time, he loved Jaejoong more than anything in the world, but it’s too complicated now? How could he explain the depths of those feelings to a child who doesn't even fully grasp what love really means yet?
His little godson looks up at him with wide, trusting eyes, waiting for an answer. It feels like the room is suddenly too quiet, the only sound being the faint hum of the stove and the clink of dishes from Jaejoong’s movements in the kitchen.
"Uhhh..." Yunho stammers, trying to find the right words.
He looks at Jaejoong, who seems oblivious to the unfolding conversation, focused on stirring the contents of the pot with an almost meditative calm.
"No, kiddo," he finally says, his voice softer than he intended. "We’re not... like that anymore. He's a very good friend, though."
He pauses, unsure if that was even the right way to explain it. Maybe Björn wouldn’t fully understand, but he could at least give an answer that didn't involve lying. He ruffles the boy’s hair, trying to redirect his attention.
"You know, Uncle Jaejoong’s just like family to me, okay?" Yunho adds, his voice a little more confident. "We’ve been through a lot together. With your dad too."
Björn doesn't seem convinced. He squints his little eyes at Yunho. After a moment of silence, he sighs deeply, shaking his head.
Yunho almost laughs at how exaggerated Björn’s disappointment looks — like a tiny old man who's just heard the most tragic love story of his life. The boy sighs again, crossing his arms, and looks between Yunho and Jaejoong as if he’s solving a puzzle that the adults are too stupid to figure out themselves.
Jaejoong, still oblivious to their conversation, finally turns around, setting the pot lid aside. “Food’s ready,” he announces, a satisfied grin on his face. “Let’s eat.”
Björn gives Yunho one last knowing look before scurrying off to the dining table, his little legs moving quickly.
Dinner goes surprisingly smoothly after that— at least, for the most part. Jaejoong’s cooking is, as expected, incredible, and Björn happily devours his portion with the enthusiasm only a child can have. Yunho, on the other hand, makes sure to pace himself. Not because he’s not enjoying the food, far from it, but because he’s too busy keeping an eye on both his godson and Jaejoong.
Björn, however, seems to have a mission tonight.
“Uncle Jaejoong,” the little boy starts, looking up from his plate. “How long have you known Uncle Yunnie?”
Jaejoong hums, tilting his head as he wipes his mouth with a napkin. “A long time.”
“Like, when you were babies?” Björn asks, eyes wide.
Jaejoong chuckles. “Not babies, but close enough.”
Björn nods thoughtfully, chewing on a piece of meat before swallowing. “And you lived together?”
Yunho shoots Björn a warning look, but the kid is entirely too focused on his interrogation.
“Well, yeah,” Jaejoong says casually. “With your dad too, and some other friends.”
“Did you like living with Uncle Yunnie?”
Yunho swears he sees Jaejoong suppress a smirk. “Of course. We had a lot of fun.”
Björn leans forward, his tiny hands gripping the edge of the table. “Did you ever fight?”
“All the time,” Yunho cuts in before Jaejoong can answer. He takes a sip of his wine, hoping to steer the conversation away from dangerous territory. “Your Uncle Jaejoong is very stubborn.”
Jaejoong gasps, placing a hand on his chest in mock offense. “Me? Stubborn? That’s rich coming from you.”
Björn giggles at their bickering. “What did you fight about?”
Yunho clears his throat. “Uh, dumb things. Who got to shower first. Who left dishes in the sink. Who stole whose food.”
He can't really mention all the fights about jealousy, about the group and their future and about a million other things that were never resolved. A lot of them were stupid, petty fights that were blown out of proportion by exhaustion and stress. Some, though, were not, and they left deep wounds.
Jaejoong sighs dramatically. “Yunho used to eat my food all the time.”
“You cooked for me!” Yunho defends. “What was I supposed to do? You'd cry if I didn't eat your food.”
Björn gasps. “Did you cook for him a lot, Uncle Jaejoong?”
Jaejoong shrugs, taking a sip of his wine. “Yeah. Every day, actually.”
Björn nods sagely, as if he’s putting pieces together. “So, Uncle Jaejoong cooked for you, and you lived together, and you had fun. Did you love him?”
Yunho chokes on his wine. He coughs violently, reaching for a napkin as he desperately avoids eye contact with Jaejoong.
“Of course I loved him,” Jaejoong says smoothly, completely ignoring Yunho’s horrified expression. “He was my best friend.”
Björn pouts. “But that’s not what I meant.”
Jaejoong tilts his head. “What do you mean, then?”
The little boy sighs dramatically, as if this is the most exhausting conversation of his life. “Did you love-love him?” He makes exaggerated kissing sounds for emphasis.
For the first time all night, Jaejoong looks slightly caught off guard. Maybe he didn't expect such honesty from the kid. He glances at Yunho, as if silently asking how they’re supposed to get out of this one.
Yunho recovers first. “Kiddo, we’re not talking about this at dinner.”
Björn frowns. “Why not?”
“Because it’s not important,” Yunho replies, a little too quickly.
Björn gives him an unimpressed look, then turns back to Jaejoong. “Uncle Jaejoong?”
Jaejoong clears his throat, setting his glass down. “Well,” he starts, dragging the word out. “Your Uncle Yunnie and I cared about each other a lot.”
Björn narrows his eyes. “But you’re not dating," he says. Björn looks utterly devastated. He slumps in his seat, shaking his head as if he’s witnessing the greatest tragedy of his young life. “That’s so sad.”
Yunho groans, rubbing his temples. “It’s not sad.”
“It is!” Björn insists. “You lived together and loved each other and now you’re not even married.”
Jaejoong snorts, quickly covering his mouth. Yunho shoots him a glare.
"Uncle Yunnie, you have to marry him!"
Yunho freezes, eyes wide. "Excuse me?"
"Yeah! Then you can live together and have fun and cook for each other and have babies!" The little boy exclaims.
Yunho nearly drops his wine glass. "Björn, that’s not how it works."
Björn’s face twists into pure confusion. "Why not? You already did everything married people do! You even fought like Mommy and Daddy do sometimes!"
Jaejoong lets out a loud laugh, unable to hold it in this time. He looks absolutely delighted, while Yunho just wants to sink into the floor and disappear.
"You’re really pushing for this, huh?" Jaejoong teases, leaning his elbow on the table and resting his chin in his palm. His eyes sparkle with mischief. Yunho glares at him.
"Don’t encourage him," Yunho mutters, taking a long sip of wine as if that’ll help him get through the rest of this conversation.
"But I don’t get it! If you love him and he loves you, why aren’t you together?"
The room suddenly feels too small, too quiet, too fragile. He glances at Jaejoong, but the other man isn’t smiling anymore. There’s something unreadable in his expression, something that makes Yunho’s chest feel tight.
Yunho is the first to break the silence. He exhales slowly, then reaches over and gently ruffles Björn’s hair. "You know, sometimes love isn’t enough."
Björn frowns. "But that doesn’t make sense."
Yunho smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. "It doesn’t, does it?"
He notices how Jaejoong’s grip on his wine glass tightens.
Björn looks between the two of them again, like he’s trying to solve a mystery. "Are you still in love now?"
Yunho opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. He feels Jaejoong glance at him, but he refuses to meet his gaze. Instead, he stares down at his plate, his heart hammering against his chest.
He can't do this.
"No, sweetie," Jaejoong says gently. "We're not."
Yunho knows he shouldn’t be upset. It's the truth. It was years ago, and a lot has changed since then. Yunho himself isn't in love with Jaejoong anymore. But somehow, hearing the words out loud, from Jaejoong no less, is like a slap in the face.
He really can't do this.
Someone should really stop Björn.
Because now the kid has made it his personal mission to play cupid between Yunho and Jaejoong. Which means Changmin is aware of it and, therefore, of the little dinner they had at Yunho’s.
“I can explain,” Yunho says the moment Changmin walks into the waiting room, his expression one that clearly screams murder. Yunho really can’t afford to be killed right before a performance.
Changmin narrows his eyes, raising an eyebrow. Yunho swallows hard.
"So," Changmin begins. "You and Jaejoong?"
Yunho winces. "Yeah," he mutters.
"What's going on?"
"Nothing," Yunho responds, cringing at how unconvincing he sounds. "I mean... Björn's the one who kept bringing up us getting married and all that. I swear, it's not like that. I don’t have any plans to marry Jaejoong. Not that there's anything wrong with him, he's a great guy, and I’m not saying–"
Yunho stops himself before he digs himself a bigger hole. He takes a deep breath and looks away, trying to avoid Changmin's scrutinizing gaze.
"You know, I'm more concerned about you," Changmin states, crossing his arms. "You've been acting weird. Like, more than usual," he adds to ease the tension in Yunho's shoulders.
"I'm not acting weird."
"Yes, you are," Changmin insists. "And Björn also acts like he got his heart broken. I thought he liked someone in his school and got rejected. Turns out he's sad about two of his uncles not being married."
"He's four, he's overreacting," Yunho replies weakly.
Changmin's expression turns serious again. "Listen, if you're still... having feelings for him or something, then–"
"I'm not! It's just..." He pauses, his eyes wandering to the floor. "I think I've been a little too nostalgic these days. We haven't actually talked to each other ever since he came over," he says.
Indeed, the dinner ended with a strange atmosphere — none of them could rely on Björn, who was utterly devastated by the news that Yunho and Jaejoong weren’t in love anymore. Jaejoong had stayed a little longer to play with the kid while trying to have a normal conversation with Yunho. However, Yunho looked like he was about to burst, so Jaejoong left not long after. They exchanged a few messages — Yunho thanking Jaejoong for the delicious food — but that was the extent of it.
It’s been two weeks, and they haven’t reached out to each other since. Yunho blames it on their busy schedules, which is a pretty lame excuse, considering that, even with the busiest schedule in South Korea, Jaejoong always managed to text him back in less than ten minutes.
Changmin waits, but Yunho doesn’t say anything else.
His friend lets out a long sigh, arms still crossed as he looks Yunho over. “You’re a mess.”
Yunho groans. “I know.”
Changmin waits, but Yunho doesn’t say anything more.
“You don’t even know what you’re feeling, do you?” Changmin finally asks.
Yunho lets out a dry laugh. “Nope.” He exhales sharply, rubbing his face before meeting Changmin’s eyes. “It’s not like I want things to go back to how they were. That’s not it.”
Back to how they were... Yunho isn’t sure if he means back when they were together, or back to when they were strangers, not even speaking to each other.
“Then what is it?”
Yunho opens his mouth, but no words come out. He hesitates, struggling to find the right ones, before finally shaking his head. “I don’t know. I really don’t.”
Changmin watches him closely. It’s rare to see Yunho like this — so unsure of himself. Yunho is the leader, always the one who drives everyone forward. But now, he just seems lost. The last time Yunho looked this way was when Jaejoong left. Even then, Yunho had quickly gotten back on his feet for the sake of the group.
Changmin sighs again and uncrosses his arms. Sure, he has his own feelings about Jaejoong, his own lingering resentment, but right now, Yunho comes first. “Okay,” he says after a beat. “Let’s figure it out, then.”
Yunho blinks. “What?”
“Let’s figure out what’s going on with you. Because clearly, if even Björn is getting depressed over this, you’re handling it terribly.”
A small, tired chuckle escapes Yunho. “Yeah, I guess I am.”
Changmin gestures for him to sit. “Start from the beginning. What did you feel when you saw him again?”
Yunho exhales, running a hand through his hair as he sits down. “Honestly? It felt weird. Like, really weird. Seeing him after all these years... just— he was there, right in front of me, and I didn’t know what to do with myself.”
“How weird?"
"Like... like no time had passed, but at the same time, it was obvious that it had. He still talks the same way, still makes things feel so easy. I thought I’d be more... I don’t know– angry? Sad? But instead, I just felt awkward as hell. I wanted to leave as soon as possible, but he… he just acted like nothing had changed. Like we were still friends."
Changmin hums, tapping a finger against his knee. "And that made you uncomfortable?"
"Yes. No. I don’t know!" Yunho groans, leaning back against the couch. "On one note, it's nice that he acts as if we are okay but... we are not. I mean. Everytime I see him, I think of our unresolved problems and whether we should talk about it or not. And it's not like it matters anymore. We both went our separate ways and we have a whole new life now."
It’s just that Yunho doesn’t want to have the talk with Jaejoong, even though it could bring some sort of closure. It happened when they were still in their early twenties, and they’ve both changed a lot since then. Even though seeing Jaejoong act so normal feels a bit unsettling, Yunho believes the past is the past. They had their issues, and they’re no longer the same people.
Still…
If Jaejoong is going to be part of his life again, they need to sort everything out. And if it ends in another ugly fight, then maybe they were never meant to be in each other’s lives after all.
"So," Changmin says, breaking the silence. "What exactly is your relationship with him right now?"
Yunho furrows his brows. "Huh?"
"Well," Changmin continues. "I mean, what does he think is going on? Do you think he wants to be your friend?"
Yunho thinks about the dinner, the conversations, the laughter. Jaejoong saying that they are not in love anymore.
"I think so, yeah."
Changmin nods slowly, taking the information in. "Could you be his friend?"
The word is bitter on Yunho's tongue. "I don't know," he admits, his voice soft.
"Why not?"
Yunho almost glares at his friend. The answer is obvious. "We started dating before our debut. We broke up when he left the group. I don't know how he is as a friend. I only knew him as a boyfriend."
Changmin doesn't miss a beat. "What I'm hearing is that if you get close to him again, you'll fall in love with him."
Yunho's glare is now deadly. "That's not—"
Changmin raises a hand. "Hyung, come on."
Yunho clenches his fists, but he stays quiet.
“Okay,” Changmin says, deciding to ease up. “Let’s reframe this. If Jaejoong were to text you right now and ask to meet up again what would you say?”
Yunho hesitates. “I don’t know,” he admits.
“You keep saying that.”
“Because I really don’t know!” Yunho snaps, then sighs, rubbing at his temple. “I mean, I guess I’d say yes? But then I’d spend the whole time wondering what the hell we’re even doing.”
“Sounds exhausting.”
“It is.” Yunho leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I thought I had it all figured out. We broke up, we moved on, and that was it.” He looks at Changmin then, and his voice is quieter when he adds, “But now he’s here. And suddenly, I’m questioning everything.”
Changmin studies him for a moment. “So, you have two options.”
Yunho raises an eyebrow.
“One: you ignore this, push it all down, and pretend nothing’s wrong. Keep your distance, avoid the problem. Except we both know that’s not going to work because Björn will keep trying to play matchmaker, and you’re already driving yourself crazy over it.”
Yunho groans. “What’s option two?”
“You talk to him.”
"About what..."
“Radical concept, I know," Changmin says with a sly smile. "But if you’re this confused, the only way to get clarity is to actually ask him what he wants. And ask yourself what you want.”
Yunho bites the inside of his cheek. It's true that they could really talk about what is happening. However, Yunho can't help but dread it. He's afraid of what he might find out, what will come out of this. He's also afraid of the past. Afraid of what he feels, or maybe didn't feel, when it comes to Jaejoong.
And he really can't be friends with him.
"Maybe I'll take option one," Yunho mumbles, and Changmin gives him a flat look.
"Option two is your best bet," Changmin says. "Even if the conversation goes badly, at least you'll know for sure. And that would give me more reasons to not tolerate him."
Yunho chuckles a little bit. "Would you–" He bites the inside of his cheek.
"Would I what?"
"Y'know... Accept it?"
"If you date him?" Changmin raises an eyebrow.
Yunho's eyes widen, his heartbeat going crazy. "No! If we are friends!"
Changmin shrugs. “Hyung, I’m not your mother. Do I know all your friends? No. But if you date, though—” Yunho opens his mouth to protest, but Changmin continues, “He’d have to pass the best friend check.”
Yunho gasps dramatically, wiping away an imaginary tear. “My dear Changminnie finally admitting we’re best friends. I used to pray for times like this.”
“No, but I’m serious.”
“I don’t think a best friend check would be necessary. I mean, we started dating when you were still a baby and basically raised you like our son.”
Changmin grimaces. “The worst years of my life, actually. And please never say that again.”
Yunho laughs, reaching out to ruffle Changmin’s hair — just like he used to when they were teenagers, back when Changmin was still smaller than him. “So, are we good?”
“Why wouldn’t we be?” Changmin scoffs.
Yunho’s voice softens. “You’re the most important person in my life right now. I’d drop everything for you.”
Changmin immediately pulls a face and springs to his feet. As he moves to exit the room, he shouts that he's married with a son and accuses Yunho of being a creep who should stay away from him.
Yunho watches as Changmin dramatically storms out of the room, pretending to be traumatized by the confession. He shakes his head, a fond smile tugging at his lips despite the mess of emotions inside him.
But then, as the door swings shut, the room falls silent. And Yunho is alone with his thoughts again.
His phone sits on the table next to him. He stares at it, debating. Björn has been sulking about this whole thing for days — long enough that Changmin of all people decided to put some sense into Yunho's head.
He sighs and rubs a hand over his face.
Maybe Changmin is right.
Maybe the only way forward is to talk.
Before he can second-guess himself, he picks up his phone and scrolls through his messages. It's been two weeks since he and Jaejoong last texted.
Yunho swallows. And types.
The school parking lot is nearly empty when Yunho finally pulls in, a good twenty minutes late. He curses under his breath, yanking the keys out of the ignition and hurrying toward the front doors.
Björn’s going to be upset. Changmin's going to be even worse if Björn lets it slip that Yunho picked him up late.
He pushes through the entrance and spots a woman — likely one of the teachers — waiting by the reception desk. As soon as she sees him, she smiles.
“You’re here for Björn, I assume.”
Yunho nods, slightly out of breath. “Sorry– I’m late–“
The woman gestures toward the hallway. “No worries. Follow me.”
He frowns, falling into step beside her. “You’re not going to check my ID or anything?” He asks, because it’s his first time picking up the kid from school. Even though his name is listed as one of the hundreds of Björn’s emergency contacts, the staff shouldn’t let him approach the kid until they are sure of his identity.
She lets out a light laugh. “Ms. Shim said a Jung Yunho would pick up Björn. I don’t have to verify who you are.”
Oh.
Right.
Yunho clears his throat, suddenly feeling the heat creeping up his neck. He forgets, sometimes, that people just… know him. Still, he didn’t expect to be recognized at his godson’s school. He scratches the back of his head, mumbling, “Right. Makes sense.”
She smiles knowingly but doesn’t comment further. Instead, she stops in front of a classroom door. “Actually, there’s been a bit of an issue. Björn got into a small fight with a classmate today, and we wanted to talk to both guardians before letting him go. I hope you’re not in a hurry.”
Yunho sighs. Changmin is going to love this.
“It’s okay,” he says.
The woman nods and pushes open the door. Yunho steps inside— then stops dead in his tracks.
Björn is sitting at a desk, arms crossed, looking every bit like his father with the way his brows are furrowed in frustration. Across from him, a little girl is pouting at the floor.
But it’s not the kids that make Yunho freeze.
It’s the man standing beside the girl and trying to coax the two kids into talking.
Kim Jaejoong.
It's not where he expected to see Jaejoong after their little very cordial and awkward texts exchange. They agreed on meeting a week later – they both have crazy packed schedule – so Yunho still had time to mentally prepare him to face the other man.
Now, he's clearly taken aback. He wants to run away and hide.
Jaejoong looks as surprised as him but quickly falls into an easy smile and stands up from his crouching position. "I'm very glad it's you," he chuckles lightly. "I saw Björn and was very scared that Changmin would barge into the room and–" he leans in, whispering into Yunho's ear– "kill me in front of my niece."
A quiet laugh reaches his ears from behind. It’s the teacher, her hand covering her mouth as she tries to stifle the sound. Damn. She must have known Yunho and Jaejoong would cross paths when she led him to the classroom. He just hopes she won’t snap any pictures or post anonymously about TVXQ’s Yunho meeting ex-member Jaejoong.
Instead of acknowledging the tension, Yunho asks, “She’s your niece?” Anything is better than admitting how awkward it would have been if Changmin had been the one picking up Björn.
Changmin might have said he wouldn’t mind if Yunho and Jaejoong reconnected, but that doesn’t mean he’s cool with Jaejoong himself.
"One of my niece's daughter actually," Jaejoong answers, still smiling. "Everyone says I'm like her grandpa. I'm not that old, though."
"I would have said that you are but we are only a few days apart so..."
"You remember my birthday?" Jaejoong literally beams.
Yunho averts his gaze, avoiding Jaejoong’s bright, sparkling eyes. How can he be this happy just because Yunho remembers his birthday? It’s not that big of a deal, really.
Before he can think of a response, the teacher clears her throat, drawing the adults’ attention back to the real issue— the kids.
“Right,” she says. “Let’s focus on why we’re here.”
At that moment, Björn finally notices Yunho standing by the door. His eyes light up, and he jumps off his chair, running straight into Yunho’s side. “Uncle Yunnie!” He whines, clinging to his arm. “She hit me!”
The little girl gasps dramatically. “I did not!” She protests, standing up from her chair with her hands on her hips. “You started it!”
Björn glares at her. “You’re so mean! Unlike Uncle Jaejoong!”
The girl’s eyes widen in shock before narrowing into a glare. “Uncle Jaejoong?! That’s my Uncle Joongie!”
Björn scoffs. “No, he’s mine!”
“He's been my uncle forever!” She argues, crossing her arms.
Yunho watches, stunned, as the fight immediately shifts from whatever they were arguing about before to a heated debate over Jaejoong’s uncle status. He exchanges a glance with Jaejoong, who looks just as baffled but also slightly amused.
“Should we... step in?” Yunho asks hesitantly, looking at the teacher then at Jaejoong.
Jaejoong shrugs. “I kind of want to see where this goes.”
Yunho mentally rolls his eyes. Typical attention-seeker Kim Jaejoong, he thinks to himself.
Björn turns to Yunho, desperate for support. “Tell her, Uncle Yunnie! Tell her that Uncle Jaejoong is my uncle!”
The girl immediately turns to Jaejoong. “Tell him you’re my uncle!”
Jaejoong raises both hands in surrender. “Whoa, whoa. I think we can all agree that I’m everyone’s uncle. Right?”
Björn and the girl exchange equally unimpressed looks before turning back to Jaejoong.
“No,” they say in unison.
"Well, I tried," Jaejoong mumbles.
The two kids continue their bickering, and the two men can only watch, trying to make sense of the conversation. It's a battle between the children, and they are too stunned to do anything. They are stubborn and refuse to listen to any logic Yunho and Jaejoong try to say.
"Uncle Yunnie and Uncle Jaejoong are married! So Uncle Jaejoong is my uncle too!" Björn finally blurts out.
This makes the little girl fall silent. "Really?" She asks, her eyes wide, looking up at Jaejoong.
Jaejoong is taken aback, a flush creeping up his neck. "Uh..."
"Björn, don't lie," Yunho scolds the boy.
"It's not a lie! You are married!" Björn exclaims, looking between the adults.
"No, we are not."
"Yes, you are!"
Yunho starts to wonder where Björn got the idea that he and Jaejoong were married, especially when they mentioned at dinner that they’re no longer in love. Björn seemed upset that they weren’t married, or maybe he’s just saying it out of hope.
Yunho turns to the teacher. "We’re not," he says sheepishly. He’s not sure why he feels the need to explain, especially since same-sex marriage isn’t legal in South Korea, but he doesn’t want her thinking that he and Jaejoong are anything more than they really are.
She smiles. "I figured."
The little girl, however, is still frowning in thought, her arms crossed. She looks up at Jaejoong, clearly upset. “You’re married and didn't tell me?” She asks, tilting her head.
“I'm not, baby,” Jaejoong confirms, smiling awkwardly.
"You are!" Björn butts in. "With Uncle Yunnie!"
Yunho sighs.
The girl suddenly gasps, her eyes widening in realization. “Wait...” She turns to Björn, gripping his shoulders. “If your uncle and my uncle are married... does that mean we’re in the same family?”
Björn’s expression shifts from confusion to slow comprehension. Then his face lights up. “Oh yeah! I’m your brother!”
“I’m your sister!” She exclaims.
Without hesitation, the two children throw their arms around each other in a sudden, dramatic hug.
Yunho blinks. Jaejoong stares. The teacher, at this point, looks like she’s trying very, very hard not to laugh.
Yunho pinches the bridge of his nose. “That’s not how it works—”
“Shhh, Uncle Yunnie,” Björn interrupts, tightening his hold on the girl. "We're hugging."
The girl nods solemnly, eyes closed as if they’ve just reunited after years apart. “Yes. This is very important.”
Jaejoong, to Yunho’s horror, looks downright entertained. “Well, I have to admit, this is a much better outcome than them fighting.”
Yunho glares at him. “You’re not helping.”
Jaejoong shrugs. “I think it’s kind of cute.”
“They were ready to kill each other five minutes ago, and now they’re acting like long-lost siblings.”
Jaejoong places a hand on Yunho's shoulder, the touch lingering for a moment longer than usual. Yunho tries to ignore the warmth left behind where Jaejoong's hand was.
“You know what they say about love and hate being two sides of the same coin," Jaejoong says.
"Alright, kids," the teacher steps up in a soft voice. "You wanna tell your uncles why you two were fighting?"
Björn and the girl finally release each other, but they still hold hands like they’re bracing for battle together.
Björn shifts on his feet, looking a little sheepish now. The girl, however, puffs out her cheeks, clearly ready to defend herself.
"He stole my pink crayon!" She accuses, pointing a tiny finger at Björn.
Björn gasps. "It was not stealing! I needed it for my drawing!"
"It was mine!" She insists, stomping her foot.
"You weren't even using it!" Björn fires back.
"Because I was saving it for the princess' dress!"
"Well, I needed it for a dragon!"
"Pink dragons don't exist!"
"They do!"
Jaejoong presses his lips together, clearly holding back laughter, while Yunho sighs and rubs his temples. This entire situation was over a crayon?
Björn looks up at Yunho with puppy eyes. "I only borrowed it."
The girl huffs. "You didn’t ask!"
Jaejoong crouches down to their level again, voice gentle. "Baby, you hit Björn because of a crayon?"
She hesitates, glancing at Björn, then at the floor. "He wouldn't give it back..."
Jaejoong shakes his head, his tone firm but not unkind. "That’s not a good reason to hit someone."
Björn smiles triumphantly. "Yeah, hitting is bad— ow!" His smirk disappears as the girl pinches his arm.
"That’s also bad," Jaejoong adds quickly, giving her a look. "You need to apologize to Björn and promise not to fight again, okay? Nor with anyone. Or I'll tell your mom. Fighting is not good for a pretty girl like you."
The girl sniffles, suddenly looking guilty. Her bottom lip trembles, and before anyone can react, she buries her face in Jaejoong’s neck, small hands clutching his shirt.
Jaejoong sighs, gently running a hand through her hair. "Come on, baby. Say sorry."
Björn crosses his arms, still looking a little huffy, but when he sees the girl sniffling into Jaejoong’s shoulder, his resolve cracks. He fidgets for a second before sighing dramatically.
“It’s okay...” he mumbles.
The girl lifts her head slightly, peeking at him with watery eyes. “Really?”
Björn shrugs. “Yeah. And... I’m sorry I took it without asking.”
She sniffles again, then wipes her nose on Jaejoong’s shirt before looking at Björn. “I’m sorry I hit you.”
Yunho cringes at the sight of Jaejoong’s now slightly damp shirt. He expects Jaejoong to react — maybe grimace or at least complain — but instead, Jaejoong just laughs softly and ruffles the girl’s hair. He must really be used to kids.
Björn stares at them for a second before stepping forward and latching onto Yunho’s waist. “Uncle Yunnie, I want head pats too.”
“What?”
Björn tugs at his sleeve insistently. “Mommy and Daddy always do it when I do something good! Why are you just standing there?”
Jaejoong raises an amused eyebrow, and Yunho glares at him before sighing in defeat and ruffling Björn’s hair. “There. Happy now?”
Björn beams.
The teacher claps her hands together, looking pleased. “Well, now that everyone’s apologized, I think we can wrap this up. No more fighting, okay?” She says to the kids. "I'm watching you!"
Björn and the girl nod solemnly, their earlier hostility completely gone. In fact, the girl reaches out and takes Björn’s hand again like they’re already best friends. They must be, in fact, because they think that they are siblings now.
As the four of them step outside, the sun begins to set, casting a warm golden shade over the parking lot. Björn and Jaejoong’s niece walk ahead, still chatting as if they hadn’t just been arguing moments ago. They come to a stop near the curb, their hands still loosely clasped together. Then, as if reading each other’s minds, they suddenly turn and pull each other into a tight hug.
“Bye, brother,” the girl murmurs, squeezing Björn tightly.
“Bye, sister,” Björn replies, just as serious, patting her back like they’ve been through something life-changing together.
Yunho sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “They really committed to this, huh?”
Jaejoong chuckles beside him. “Yeah. I give it a week before they forget they’re ‘siblings’ and start fighting over crayons again.”
Björn finally pulls away, stepping back beside Yunho, while the little girl returns to Jaejoong’s side. The two men are left standing there, facing each other, a strange sort of tension settling between them now that the distraction of the kids is gone.
Jaejoong shifts his weight, slipping his hands into his pockets. “I’ll see you next week, right?” He asks, his tone light but laced with something Yunho can’t quite place.
Yunho nods. “Yeah.”
Jaejoong gives him a small smile before taking his niece’s hand and leading her toward his car. Yunho watches them go, something tugging at his chest. He should let it go— he should let Jaejoong leave and wait for their planned meeting. But before he can stop himself, he calls out, “Jaejoong-ah!”
Jaejoong halts, turning back with a questioning look.
Yunho hesitates for only a second before exhaling. “Maybe we could talk now?”
Jaejoong’s expression shifts, surprise flickering across his face before something softer settles in his eyes. For a moment, he doesn’t say anything. Then, slowly, he smiles.
"Let's go to mine?" He suggests, voice soft.
Yunho swallows past the lump in his throat. "Sure. I'll follow you." Then, he turns to his godson. "How about you go to Uncle Jaejoong's car? I have to call your dad–"
Björn doesn't even let him finish his sentence as he runs towards the other two, giggling happily. It makes Yunho smile.
He settles into his car and starts it, trailing just behind Jaejoong. While they are stopped at a red light, he calls Changmin, who answers at the first ring.
"I swear if something happened to Björn, I'm gonna-"
Yunho cuts his friend off with a groan. "Do you really think I'm that helpless around kids?"
"Why else would you call, then?" Changmin asks. "I'm in the middle of a meeting. I had to say something about my kid being hurt so I could answer."
Technically, Björn did get hurt. By a four-year-old girl.
"But let's say that I ran into Jaejoong at Björn's school and I'm now on the way to his house with Björn," he says as the light turns green and Jaejoong’s car takes a right turn. Yunho follows suit. "Would it be okay?"
Changmin is silent for a moment.
"His great-niece is Björn's friend and they wanted to spend more time together," he adds as Changmin still says nothing.
"You're only going to his house for my son's happiness and not for your own selfish desires, right?"
"Why would you put it like that..." Yunho mutters, trying to ignore the way his face warms up. "We're going to talk while the kids play," he explains.
Changmin hums. "Don't do anything weird in front of innocent eyes."
"What?!" Yunho yells, nearly slamming on the brakes and almost causing an accident. "We're not— I would— never—"
"Do I need to remind you how many times I caught you guys in the dorms?"
"Your eyes were anything but innocent," Yunho snaps, his heart racing. "And we’re not doing anything like that!"
"Especially when we all shared the room together. It was so gross. Couldn't you have gone to the bathroom or, I don't know? But no, you did it in the room while we were sleeping and—"
"Go back to your meeting," Yunho groans, hanging up the phone.
He sighs, leaning back in his seat, knowing Changmin is just messing with him. But it’s true—he and Jaejoong weren’t always careful around the other members. It got to the point where Changmin and Junsu literally begged the managers to have a dorm with more rooms. They claimed that it wasn’t really comfortable to all share one room, which was true, but the real reason was that they often woke up to Yunho and Jaejoong making suspicious noises.
He still remembers their horrified faces the first time it happened and the following embarrassing conversation they had at three in the morning, finally admitting to their bandmates that they were dating.
Yunho parks next to Jaejoong’s car and gets out just as Jaejoong is trying to calm the kids down. They were eager to go inside, but Jaejoong told them to wait for Yunho first. Björn is yelling at Yunho to hurry up.
"Stop yelling, kiddo," Yunho says, earning an exaggerated pout by the boy.
"Are you okay?" Jaejoong asks him. "You're red."
Yunho wants the ground to swallow him. He can't exactly tell him that he had memories of them being careless back in the day and it makes him blush like a high schooler.
He clears his throat, waving a dismissive hand. “I’m fine. Just… hot.”
Jaejoong tilts his head, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Hot? It’s not even spring.”
Yunho groans internally. He’s not about to tell Jaejoong he nearly got into an accident because of Changmin’s teasing. “Let’s just go inside,” he says instead.
Jaejoong chuckles but doesn’t push further. He unlocks the front door, ushering the kids in first. Björn and the girl — Jaejoong still hasn’t told him her name — run off immediately to where Jaejoong must keep toys, already deep in some imaginary sibling adventure. Yunho follows Jaejoong inside, feeling a strange mix of nostalgia and apprehension.
Jaejoong disappears into the kitchen, returning moments later with two glasses of water. “Figured you might need it since you’re so hot,” he says, smirking as he hands Yunho a glass.
Yunho rolls his eyes but takes the drink anyway. It does cool him down, even if he feels the flush creeping back up his neck from being just near Jaejoong. Oh god, he will never survive the talk with him.
Yunho takes a sip of water, his hands slightly trembling. He swears he can feel Jaejoong's presence in every corner of the room. His heart beats louder than the sound of the kids' laughter echoing from the next room. He clears his throat again, his mind racing.
“So... how have you been?” He finally asks, his voice betraying the awkwardness he’s been trying to suppress. His eyes meet Jaejoong’s, unsure of where to look or how to feel about this moment.
Jaejoong chuckles softly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He leans against the counter, folding his arms. “Yunho. It doesn’t really matter right now. We’re here to talk about us, right?” His words are gentle but firm.
“Yeah,” Yunho replies, his voice barely above a whisper. “I guess we are.”
Jaejoong’s gaze softens, and for a moment, Yunho swears he can see the old Jaejoong there, the one who used to make him laugh until his stomach hurt. The one who made everything feel effortless, even when it wasn’t.
“Stop being so awkward,” Jaejoong says with a teasing grin, but there’s no bite to it. It’s almost affectionate.
Yunho laughs, though it feels strained. “You make it impossible not to be.”
Jaejoong steps closer, setting his glass of water down on the counter. “You know,” he says, his tone shifting slightly, “We’re just like two strangers, trying to figure out how we used to be.”
Yunho feels the words settle like a weight on his chest. He swallows hard. “We’re not strangers, Jaejoong. Not really.”
Jaejoong gives him a look, something unreadable passing through his eyes before he nods slowly. “We are. We can pretend that we aren't but we both know we are."
"Are we?" Yunho whispers.
Jaejoong doesn't answer.
Yunho bites the inside of his cheek. He doesn't want to acknowledge it. But they are. They are strangers who are trying to act like they're not. It's not because they used to know so much about each other that it doesn't make them strangers now.
"You keep acting like we are close, though," Yunho says.
" Would you rather that, or would you prefer if I were as awkward as you?" Jaejoong counters, sounding defensive. "Should I pretend that I hate your guts?"
Yunho frowns. "That's not what I said."
Jaejoong sighs, his expression softening, and he runs a hand through his hair, a sign of frustration or maybe just exhaustion.
"I’m not pretending, Yunho. You think I’m pretending? I'm not acting like we are close, I'm genuine in my actions towards you," he says, looking into his eyes. "I know we were close and that we're not anymore. I'm not trying to act like things are the same. Things aren't the same, and I know that. But I don't have to avoid you and treat you as if you weren't important to me. That's the difference."
Yunho recognizes the jab, and it's not an unfair one. It's exactly what he’s done for the past fifteen years— avoiding Jaejoong and treating him as though he had never been a part of his life. And that’s what he had intended to do again after running into him at the park with Björn.
Because it's easier to pretend they are strangers and don't mean anything to each other anymore.
He's aware that Jaejoong doesn't hold anything against him. That, despite everything, he cares about Yunho. He's never been subtle about his affections.
"I'm sorry," Yunho blurts out, his heart clenching. "For not calling. Ignoring you. For making you feel like you're not important."
Jaejoong looks a bit taken aback, then a sad smile appears on his face. "You don't have to apologize for things that happened more than ten years ago," he says. "And it's not like I was the most considerate. I kept bugging you and complained about you in public. That's not– I was– I could have handled things better too."
Yunho shakes his head, gripping his glass tighter. “It doesn’t matter how long ago it was. I still hurt you.” His voice is quieter now, almost afraid of the weight of his own words. “I was a coward.”
Jaejoong exhales, looking at him thoughtfully. “Yeah,” he admits with a slight nod. “You were.” But there’s no malice in his tone, no resentment. Just the truth.
Yunho chuckles bitterly, rubbing a hand over his face. “You could’ve at least hesitated before agreeing.”
Jaejoong smirks, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Why would I lie to you now? We’ve already wasted enough time.”
That’s the thing about Jaejoong— he’s always been blunt, cutting through Yunho’s defenses with ease. It used to frustrate Yunho, but right now, he appreciates it. Because this is what they need. Honesty. Even if it hurts.
"We were young, stupid, and in love. And that's never a good combination," Jaejoong finally says.
Yunho can't help the pang in his chest at those words.
"And now we're old, a bit less stupid, and... something," Jaejoong adds, sounding a little sheepish.
"Something," Yunho mutters under his breath.
Jaejoong huffs a quiet laugh. “Yeah. Something.” His fingers drum against the counter, as if searching for something to hold onto. “I don’t know what we are now, but I know I don’t want us to be nothing.”
Yunho swallows thickly, staring down at the condensation forming on his glass. His grip tightens around it, like it might somehow anchor him in this moment. Jaejoong’s words swirl in his mind, looping over and over—
I don’t want us to be nothing.
What does that even mean?
If Jaejoong wanted them to be just friends, he could’ve said that. It’s not like they need to have this deep, meaningful conversation just to establish they’re friendly. If he wanted to start over as something else — something more — then what does that mean? Dating? Relearning each other? Loving each other again?
Or is it simpler than that? Maybe it is.
Yunho sets the glass down, exhaling shakily. When he looks up, Jaejoong is watching him carefully, a flicker of hope in his eyes.
I don't want us to be nothing. It repeats in his mind like a mantra.
"What– what do you want?" Yunho asks, and his voice sounds a bit hoarse.
Jaejoong holds his gaze, steady. "I think you already know."
Yunho sucks in a breath.
There are so many things he wants to say, so many things he should say. That the distance between them has ruined everything between them. That the rift they've created has grown far too large to traverse. That it would be too difficult, too risky, too complicated to even attempt.
How can Jaejoong even suggest something like that? Is he still that reckless and fearless man, willing to leap into the unknown without any certainty of a soft landing? Is Yunho the cowardly one for hesitating? Or is he the wise one for realizing what they are, what they've become, and accepting it?
"Jaejoong..."
Jaejoong holds up a hand, shaking his head. "Before you say anything," he says, his voice a little strained, "just know that I'm not asking for anything. I just–" he swallows, and there's a flash of vulnerability in his eyes, gone so quickly that Yunho wonders if he imagined it. "I'm just putting it out there."
Yunho stares at him, his mind spinning. How is he supposed to respond?
"Jaejoong, I don't–"
The words slip out before he can stop them, and he immediately regrets it. He sees the hurt in Jaejoong's eyes, the way his expression crumbles.
"I mean– given our history... that's not–"
"Yunho," Jaejoong sighs. "If you are going to reject me, please do it properly."
Yunho stays silent for a moment.
"Don't try to soften the blow. I'm not fragile," Jaejoong continues, sounding tired. "Just tell me no."
But Yunho can't. The word sticks to his tongue, refusing to leave his mouth. He should say it. It would be easier. Cleaner. The rational choice.
And yet—
His heart betrays him, hammering against his ribs like it did all those years ago. Like it never stopped. Like it never learned. He looks at Jaejoong, at his messy hair, his dark, big expressive eyes, his full lips. He's more beautiful than Yunho remembers. More captivating.
God.
It would be so easy to say no. To turn away, to pretend that this conversation never happened. To let the years continue stretching between them, keeping them safe, keeping them separate. But then he would be a liar. And worse, he would once again be a coward.
"I..." He starts, his voice wavering. "We parted ways in bad terms–"
Jaejoong cuts him off. "Are you still hung up on that? Because I honestly don't care about-"
"Yeah, and I forgot about everything too before you came back into my life," he says a bit too coldly, but it's enough to make Jaejoong shut up, the latter looking at him with surprised eyes. "Even though I hold no grudge towards you, we still need to talk about this. I think we need to take some things off our chest."
Jaejoong slowly nods.
"I'll start," Jaejoong says after a few seconds of silence. "I have never been angry towards you, actually. I've never hated you. When I left, I thought about how everything went. And I realized that I was at fault too. I've always been a brat. And when things didn't go my way, I was a brat about it. And when I wasn't given what I wanted, I tried to force it," he continues, running a hand through his hair. "I know how hard you worked for all of us. You didn't deserve the shit I did to you."
Yunho doesn't say anything, listening intently.
"I could have handled things differently. And I'm sorry for making things difficult for you," he adds.
Yunho feels a lump in his throat. "You... you didn't make things complicated for me–"
"Yunho, please, I literally sued the company?" Jaejoong says in a slightly exasperated tone. "I made you choose between me or the group when I knew the group was your everything. Well, it was mine too, I really wanted all of us to stay together and be happy, but I went about it the wrong way. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I didn’t think about how it would affect you. I didn’t think about how much pressure I was putting on you.”
"You did the right thing," Yunho replies quietly, looking away. "For you. You fought for yourself. For what you believed in. What was best for you. You stood up for yourself."
Jaejoong looks troubled, opening his mouth only to close it again, his brow furrowing. He runs his hands through his hair, exhaling slowly.
"You know what the best for me was?" He finally asks. He doesn't let Yunho answer and continues, "You were."
Yunho freezes and swallows hard.
"Jaejoong..." His voice is barely above a whisper, hesitant, conflicted. "Don't say that."
"You were, Yunho," Jaejoong insists. "I believed that as long as I was with you, everything would be fine. I would’ve been happy, no matter the circumstances, just having you by my side."
"Don't say that," he repeats, firmer this time, as if saying it twice will make Jaejoong take it back.
Jaejoong’s jaw tightens, his voice getting a bit louder. "But it’s true."
Yunho shakes his head. "You left because you couldn’t take it anymore. I made zero difference in your decision."
Jaejoong looks at him, frustration flickering in his eyes before something softer takes over. "You made everything more bearable."
"That doesn’t mean you were happy."
Jaejoong opens his mouth, then stops. His lips press into a thin line, and for the first time in this conversation, he hesitates. He turns away, a sigh escaping him, and rubs a hand over his face. When he faces Yunho again, he looks even more tired.
“I was happy with you. With the members. The only thing I was unhappy with was our job. We all were, to some extent. That’s why we decided to leave all together, remember?”
Yunho, taking it as a jab towards him and Changmin for not following through their original plan of suing the company all together, replies, “I had my reasons–”
Jaejoong cuts him off. “And I know. That doesn’t mean it didn’t sting when you pulled out.”
Yunho exhales. “We were just not on the same wavelength.”
“Yeah. I still thought we could stay together because, you know, nothing could come between us back then.”
Yunho looks at him, and after a pause, he asks, “Do you really think we could have stayed together?”
“Wouldn’t have hurt to try,” Jaejoong shrugs. “But you wouldn’t answer my texts or anything.” He scoffs.
Yunho sighs. “You know things would have been way too different between us, Jaejoong.”
Jaejoong’s expression hardens. “So you just decided to throw what we had out the window?”
Yunho avoids the question. That’s why he didn’t want to have the talk with with Jaejoong in the first place – he’s a coward. “Are you still upset about that?”
“No, I’m not, but I like getting closure.”
Yunho pauses. “It’s simple.”
Jaejoong crosses his arms. “Yeah?”
“We weren’t in the same world anymore. I mean, I was in the company you sued, our fandom was divided in two, it wouldn’t–”
“I stayed friends with some SM idols and our fans would have killed someone just to see an interaction between us, so don’t pull that crap on me.”
Jaejoong sounds upset now. Yunho figures Jaejoong’s bitterness never really went away. And that’s fair. Yunho was the one who cut him off completely – Jaejoong has every reason to be upset, even if it was fifteen years ago.
“I know we had like this huge fight and parted ways without settling everything first but, I don’t know…” Jaejoong pauses. “I tried to make things okay between us. Even if– even if we would have decided to stay as strangers, it would have been nice to make things clear”
Yunho stays silent.
“It’s just that– we were in love, Yunho-yah. My feelings didn’t suddenly disappear. Even when you kept refusing to talk to me, I still loved you.”
“Jaejoong…”
“I don’t know about you but–“
“Jaejoong, we said goodbye and wished each other a happy and healthy life,” Yunho says, a bit more firmly.
“I never imagined that we would stop talking to each other!” Jaejoong raises his voice. “Even if we weren’t dating anymore.” Then, he looks away. “Was it this easy for you to let me go?”
Yunho thinks, no, no it wasn’t easy at all. But all he says is, “I had to do it.”
“No, you didn’t have to. I don’t know why you thought we couldn’t be friends anymore.”
Yunho sighs. “You know why.”
Because there was no going back to friendship after seven years of love, of knowing each other in ways no one else ever had. Strangers could become friends, but ex-lovers — especially ones who had loved as fiercely as they did — could never truly go back to something so simple.
The past would always linger between them, in every word, every glance. Maybe in another life, if they hadn’t loved each other so much, they could have been just Yunho and Jaejoong, friends. But not in this one.
“Yeah, I do actually,” Jaejoong says as he rolls his eyes.
“What are you trying to say then?”
“I know the whole ‘don’t get back with your ex’ discussion but– do you really think we could have never gotten back together?”
There is a silence.
Jaejoong continues, “I mean. I’m not kidding when I say that you were my everything and that I was really in love with you.”
Yunho just wishes Jaejoong would stop saying that.
“When you love someone, everything is possible,” Jaejoong adds in a softer voice.
“I guess I didn’t love you as much as you did.”
The hurt on Jaejoong's face is clear, and Yunho feels a sharp ache in his chest. He wants to take back what he said, but something stops him. A part of him wants Jaejoong to understand that things wouldn’t have worked between them, no matter how much they wanted it.
He also can’t help but wonder if, maybe, just maybe, he didn’t love Jaejoong as much as the other loved him. He thought he did, but now he’s unsure. He can't even imagine the depth of Jaejoong’s love for him, and maybe Jaejoong had depended on him too much, which wasn’t healthy for either of them.
“Right,” Jaejoong chuckles humorlessly. “It feels nice to know I was the only one.”
Yunho remains silent, though every part of him aches to speak. He can’t let Jaejoong believe that their love was ever one-sided. The years they shared were the brightest, most meaningful of his life.
“So I guess it’s a no from you, then?” Jaejoong asks suddenly.
“I–“
“We can’t even be friends right now? Being friends is… enough for me,” he adds in a hesitant voice.
“Jaejoong… you want to be more than friends…”
“I’m not a kid anymore, I can put my feelings aside for the sake of our friendship. It would be a start. I wouldn't expect us to be like we were in the past right away. But I miss you, and I don’t want to be nothing, or whatever the fuck we are right now. And I feel like you miss me too, a little. If I'm wrong, tell me now, and I'll stop bothering you forever. I swear. Just– just be honest. You can say no, I won't– I'll be okay. I promise. Just… tell me."
Jaejoong's eyes are on him, earnest, hopeful. There is a strange look in his eyes, a mixture of sadness, resignation, and maybe something else, too. It's the kind of look that makes Yunho feel like his heart might break.
He can't help but think of everything they had. Every touch, every kiss, every smile. He remembers it all. How could he not? Those memories are etched into his heart.
He swallows.
“I...” He starts, then stops, his words sticking in his throat.
He feels the weight of everything they were, everything they could have been, and it’s suffocating. His heart pounds in his chest, each beat pulling him in two directions. He wants to reach out, to tell Jaejoong that he misses him too, but the fear of crossing that line again holds him back.
“I can’t go back to what we had,” he finally says, his voice barely above a whisper. “But...” He trails off, trying to gather his thoughts, to somehow explain the mess of emotions swirling inside him. “I don’t want to lose you completely either, Jaejoong.”
Jaejoong’s face softens, a mixture of relief and pain flashing in his eyes. “So... what does that mean? Are you saying okay for being friends?”
Yunho inhales deeply, his heart aching. He knows he can't give Jaejoong what he wants, but the idea of losing him completely is unbearable.
"It means... I don't know. But let's try," Yunho finally replies, and the words feel like a weight off his chest.
"Really?" Jaejoong asks, his voice a mixture of surprise and hope.
Yunho nods. "Yeah, yeah... Friends."
The smile on Jaejoong's face is brighter than the sun, and his reaction is as if like Yunho just agreed to date him and not just being friends. But, it's okay, as long as Jaejoong is happy, then Yunho is too.
"So– can we hug?" Jaejoong asks, and it's so typical of him that Yunho can't help but laugh.
"You're ridiculous," he mutters, but he's already reaching out.
Jaejoong immediately pulls him into a tight embrace, and Yunho’s body stiffens for a moment before he relaxes into it, the familiar scent of Jaejoong enveloping him. How does he still smell the same? How can I remember this scent? It’s comforting, and he lets his eyes fall shut.
They stay like that for a while, simply enjoying each other’s company, until a sudden scream shatters the moment, and they quickly pull apart.
At the doorway of the kitchen stand the two kids — Yunho had completely forgotten about them — staring at them with wide eyes.
Björn turns to the little girl. “See! I told you they’re married!”
She gasps, hands covering her mouth. “You really are!”
Yunho clears his throat, while Jaejoong busies himself at the sink, leaving Yunho to handle the misunderstanding. Traitor.
“We were just– hugging,” he says awkwardly.
“Daddy and Mommy hug and they’re married,” Björn says.
“Yeah, but if I were married to all the people I hug, I’d have a lot of husbands and wives right now.”
Jaejoong snorts from where he's pretending to be very occupied with washing an already clean glass. "Thank god that's not the case," he mutters under his breath, and Yunho barely catches it.
He turns to look at him with a raised brow. "Excuse me?"
"Nothing," Jaejoong says, too quickly, but his ears are turning pink.
Yunho rolls his eyes. They agreed on being friends and Jaejoong said he would push his feelings down for them – he absolutely has no right to be jealous.
Björn narrows his eyes at Yunho, clearly not convinced. "Then why did you look so happy when you hugged?"
Yunho mentally facepalms while Jaejoong beams at the revelation, a teasing smile already on his lips.
"Oh, were you happy?" Jaejoong asks, quickly forgetting about the dishes.
"Don't say anything," Yunho says, glaring at him.
Jaejoong hums, clearly enjoying this way too much. He dries his hands casually, leaning against the counter with that smug little smile that Yunho both loves and hates.
Björn, still not letting it go, crosses his arms. "That means you're in love," he declares, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.
Yunho sighs, running a hand down his face. "It does not."
Jaejoong, on the other hand, just tilts his head, looking far too entertained. "Oh? So you weren’t happy?" His voice is all innocence, but Yunho knows him too well.
Yunho groans. "I’m not doing this with you."
"But you said we’re friends now," Jaejoong reminds him, his grin widening. "And friends are honest with each other."
Björn nods sagely. "Yeah! Be honest, Uncle Yunnie."
Yunho shoots Jaejoong a glare. "This is your fault."
Jaejoong shrugs, looking absolutely unbothered. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."
Björn and the little girl continue whispering conspiratorially, and Yunho decides he needs to get out of this situation before they start planning a wedding.
"Alright, we should go," Yunho announces, clapping his hands together. "Come on, kiddo, grab your stuff."
Björn pouts but obeys, dragging his feet dramatically. "But we didn’t even get to finish our game!"
"You can finish next time," Yunho says, already ushering him toward the door.
Jaejoong walks them out, and just as Yunho is about to step outside, he hears Jaejoong whisper, “You were happy, though.”
Yunho pauses, glancing at him over his shoulder. Jaejoong is smiling, soft and knowing, and Yunho feels something tightening in his chest. He doesn't confirm or deny it. Instead, he just shakes his head with a small sigh.
"I am too," Jaejoong adds.
"Goodnight, Jaejoong."
Jaejoong waves, his smile growing. "Goodnight, Yunho."
And with that, Yunho leaves, feeling lighter than he has in a long time.
“You have to be on your best behavior, okay? Everyone’s really busy, and we barely have time to prepare,” Changmin tells his son. Björn nods obediently, the picture of a well-behaved child.
Since no one was available to watch Björn today, Changmin had no choice but to bring him along. Not that anyone minds — everyone on staff is used to seeing Björn around, and they absolutely adore him. He’s a joy to have around and always behaves, fully aware of how important his dad’s job is.
Right now, he’s sitting on the couch, quietly playing on a phone while sipping from a juice box.
Yunho, in the middle of getting his makeup done, catches sight of his godson in the mirror and turns to Changmin with a smirk. “Are you raising an iPad kid?”
“No,” Changmin replies with a frown. “There’s only so much a kid can do in an idol waiting room.”
“You should’ve brought books.”
Changmin scoffs. “I’m sorry, but— who are you to give me parenting advice?”
Yunho is relieved when his makeup artist tells him to close his eyes, giving him an excuse to break eye contact with a very sarcastic Changmin. Still, he can practically feel the glare burning into his back.
“My kid won’t have an iPad or a phone until they’re in middle school,” Yunho declares confidently.
Changmin snorts. “Get married first, then we’ll talk.”
At the mention of marriage, Yunho’s mind immediately betrays him — Jaejoong’s face flashes in his thoughts, and his cheeks grow warm. Stupid brain. He’s dated plenty of people, so why is Jaejoong the first one he thinks of?
His makeup artist chuckles. “Looks like we can skip the blush. Tou’re already red.”
Yunho springs to his feet and rushes into the dressing room, too flustered to even thank her for her work. He’ll apologize later — right now, he’s far too embarrassed to say anything that wouldn’t make the entire staff burst into laughter.
As Yunho steps into the changing room, he exhales slowly, trying to cool down the heat creeping up his neck. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. He shakes his head at himself before turning to the rack of clothes laid out for him. His outfit is simple yet stylish — perfectly tailored pants, accessories neatly arranged on a nearby table, and…
Wait.
Where’s the shirt?
He rummages through the rack, checking if it somehow got buried beneath another piece, but no luck. With an irritated sigh, Yunho runs a hand through his hair and steps out of the room.
“Hey, where’s my—”
Click.
He stops.
Slowly, cautiously, he turns around, only to find Björn holding up the phone, grinning triumphantly.
The kid tilts his head, eyes wide with mischief. Yunho is very much aware that he is currently shirtless, his abs and toned arms out in the open for everyone to see. But more importantly — there’s a tiny menace who has just captured it on camera.
Using Yunho’s phone. Why Changmin gave his son Yunho’s instead of his own is a question for another time.
Björn proudly holds up the screen. “I’m the best photographer!”
And, honestly? He’s not wrong. The lighting is perfect, and the way Yunho isn’t looking directly at the camera makes the shot feel effortlessly natural. Yunho has to admit, it’s a great picture. He’s even considering posting it on his Instagram story. Fans would lose their minds since he’s shirtless.
"I sent it to Uncle Jaejoong."
The smile drops from Yunho's face.
"What?"
“What?” Björn repeats, confused.
“Why would you do that?” Yunho sighs, running his hands over his face, only to hear his makeup artist gasp in horror at the risk of ruining her work.
But then he notices Björn, eyes glossy, looking utterly heartbroken at Yunho’s reaction. Guilt hits him like a truck. He’d kill himself before even thinking of making his godson cry — not to mention, Changmin would definitely have his head.
“I’m not angry,” he quickly reassures him. “Just… next time, ask me before doing anything on my phone, okay?”
Björn nods, sniffing quietly.
Yunho smiles again, ruffling the kid’s hair. “Go play with your dad’s phone instead. He must have more games than me.”
As Björn dashes over to his dad on the other side of the room, Yunho anxiously checks his phone, silently praying that Jaejoong hasn’t seen it yet. But, of course, Jaejoong is infuriatingly quick at texting.
Kim Jaejoong, 4:12pm.
Oh damn
I didn’t expect to open my phone to a nude from Jung Yunho
Looking really good ;)
Yunho groans. Does Jaejoong have no shame at all? Who in their right mind would say something like that to an ex – one they only recently reconnected with as friends after fifteen years?
No one. Absolutely no one.
Yunho, 4:14pm.
Sorry, this was supposed to be for my stylist
Kim Jaejoong, 4:15pm.
Are you sexting other people? :(
Yunho, 4:15pm.
You’re almost forty, how can you say that without being embarrassed?
Kim Jaejoong, 4:16pm.
:(
But… Are you texting me while being shirtless right now?
Yunho glances down at himself and, sure enough, he’s still shirtless.
Yunho, 4:16pm.
I’m not
Kim Jaejoong, 4:16pm.
What a shame
Fyi, I’m in my bed, wearing only a nightgown, about to watch your performance
This man is insane.
Before Yunho can decide whether to block Jaejoong’s number or just throw his phone against the wall, Jaejoong sends a picture. Yunho hesitates, his mind racing, because what if it’s a nude from Jaejoong–
No, Jaejoong wouldn’t actually do that, right...?
With his eyes half-closed in anticipation of the worst, Yunho opens the notification, bracing himself for whatever insanity might be waiting.
Thankfully, it’s just an innocent selfie. Yunho’s traitor of a brain feels oddly disappointed, but he shoves that thought down deep where it can’t surface. In the photo, Jaejoong flashes a peace sign with a small smile, looking relaxed. It appears to have been taken in a recording booth, judging by the dark background and the headphones draped around his neck.
Kim Jaejoong, 4:18pm.
Disappointed? Hahaha
Yunho, 4:18pm.
Recording for a new album?
Kim Jaejoong, 4:19pm.
My my, Yunho-ssi
I don’t give spoilers without expecting something in return
Yunho, 4:20pm.
My manager just called for me
I have to go
Kim Jaejoong, 4:20pm.
Cute lol
Fighting, U-know Yunho !!
Tear that stage apart !!
“Please put a shirt on, this is disgusting,” Changmin says, tossing the missing shirt at Yunho and snapping him out of his thoughts. “They mixed up our outfits, and I ended up with two tops.”
After changing, Yunho asks Changmin, “What does it mean when a friend, who has feelings for you but has said that they will put their feelings aside for the sake of your friendship, jokingly flirt with you?”
Changmin remains silent at first, then frowns before letting out a sigh. “Aren’t you two a bit too old for this? You’re not teenagers anymore.”
Yunho pouts.
“Anyway, if this bothers you, just tell him to stop,” Changmin says with a shrug. “He’ll respect your boundaries.”
“But what if, hypothetically, you felt just a tiny bit disappointed when you thought this friend was going to send a nude, but it turned out to be just a regular selfie?”
Scandalized, Changmin immediately covers Björn’s ears. The child, oblivious, only sees the adults as if they’re playing a fun game, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
“You’re insane,” Changmin deadpans. “Stay away from me and my son.” With that, he steps away from Yunho, hands still firmly over Björn’s ears.
This doesn’t answer any of Yunho’s questions. He sighs.
Needless to say, Yunho doesn’t give his best performance tonight, even forgetting a move at one point. He also ignores the ‘what happened? ;)’ text he gets from Jaejoong right afterward.
Yunho is known for being someone who genuinely cares and puts effort into his relationships. So, he decided to show Jaejoong that their friendship isn’t one-sided. It’s always Jaejoong who texts first, asking if Yunho is free to hang out and overall always making the first move. Yunho has started to worry that over time, Jaejoong might think he’s losing interest, assuming that Yunho doesn’t want to spend time with him.
Which, of course, isn’t true at all. While Jaejoong’s flirting can be a little irritating at times, Yunho still really values his company. Reconnecting with Jaejoong has actually had nothing but positive effects on his mental well-being.
Today, Yunho planned to surprise Jaejoong with a cake, just because. There's no special occasion — he simply wants to show his appreciation for having Jaejoong back in his life. Changmin thinks he’s overdoing it, suggesting that Yunho could’ve just texted Jaejoong and asked to grab a coffee or something. But Yunho’s the type to go all in, he doesn’t do things halfway.
Luckily, Jaejoong trusts him enough to have given him the password to his door, making the surprise even better. Yunho just hopes Jaejoong is home and not busy with something that might make him feel like a bother. Or worse, get upset — though, to be fair, getting angry over something like this isn’t really Jaejoong’s thing.
He hears the beep of the door unlocking and steps into the luxurious apartment, taking off his shoes and placing them neatly by the shoe rack. Then, he heads toward the kitchen, following the sounds coming from inside – Jaejoong practically lives in the kitchen.
"Jaejoong-ah!" Yunho calls out, holding the cake up high to show Jaejoong the surprise. "I got cake—"
He freezes when he notices Jaejoong isn’t alone. There’s someone else in the room, looking at him like he’s grown a second head. To be fair, Yunho is staring back at the intruder (Yunho is actually the intruder in this scenario) as if they've just landed from another planet.
Seated at Jaejoong’s large table, sharing what looks like a delicious meal with him, is none other than Junsu — Yunho's ex-member and friend, Kim Junsu.
Both Jaejoong and Junsu have paused mid-bite, their chopsticks suspended in the air. Yunho almost drops the cake in shock, utterly stunned.
"Yunho!" Jaejoong is the first to recover, quickly standing up to greet him. "What brings you here?" he asks, his voice a bit high and hoarse. He coughs, trying to cover up his awkwardness.
"Uh..." Yunho unintelligently echoes, his eyes still glued to Junsu. If someone didn’t know any better, they might think Junsu had just come back from the dead by the way Yunho is staring at him. "I… I got cake. Thought we— uh, we could have it together..."
"That’s nice. Thank you," Jaejoong says, taking the cake from Yunho and placing it on the table.
Junsu, however, glares at the cake like it has personally insulted him.
"No, this isn’t nice at all," Junsu suddenly says, his tone sharp. "What is he doing here?" he demands, pointing his chopsticks accusingly at Yunho.
As much as Yunho understands how shocked Junsu must be at seeing him in person — he’s just as surprised — he can’t help but feel deeply insulted.
"I, uh..." Jaejoong stammers, rubbing the back of his neck, "This is– surprise? Yunho, this is... uh, Junsu." He gestures to Junsu as if that’s going to clear up the awkwardness in the room. As if Yunho and Junho don't know each other already.
Junsu’s eyes narrow even further, still holding his chopsticks like he’s ready to jab them into Yunho’s chest.
"What are you doing here?" Junsu’s voice is incredulous, his gaze now darting between Yunho and Jaejoong as if he can't comprehend what’s happening.
Yunho wishes he was still holding the cake box so he’d have something to do with his hands. He forces a smile, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. "You’re acting like I’m some kind of stalker," he says, his voice calm but laced with irritation. "I’m just here to see Jaejoong."
"You even have his passcode?" Junsu retorts, then turns to Jaejoong, crossing his arms over his chest like an upset girlfriend. "What’s going on?"
It’s only then that Yunho realizes Jaejoong hasn’t mentioned him to Junsu. A sharp pang of hurt hits him. He had assumed Jaejoong would have told Junsu especially of all people.
Why wouldn’t Jaejoong tell Junsu? Did he... feel ashamed of hanging out with Yunho again? But that doesn’t make sense — Jaejoong had been the one chasing after Yunho to rekindle their friendship, not the other way around.
What if, this whole time, Jaejoong was only pretending to want to reconnect? Or maybe he’d been embarrassed, keeping their friendship hidden as something less-than, something to conceal from everyone else — Junsu included.
No, no, Yunho shakes off these thoughts. Jaejoong is a genuine person; he wouldn’t pretend to be close to Yunho just for revenge. He truly wanted to reconnect. Hell, Jaejoong even said that he wanted more than just friendship. Jaejoong would never lie about having feelings for him just to play some cruel joke.
So… it must be because he was afraid of Junsu’s reaction.
While Junsu had mostly acted indifferent toward the whole TVXQ issue except for his shady tweets towards Yunho in the past, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s fine with Yunho himself. Though, Junsu doesn’t seem like the type to hold grudges either.
But, really, is that a valid reason for hiding his new friendship with Yunho from Junsu? Yunho had even told Changmin, knowing full well that his fellow member might not approve.
Oh.
Maybe it’s because Junsu would have told Jaejoong to stay away from him. Truth be told, if Changmin had asked Yunho to cut Jaejoong out of his life again, Yunho would have listened and done it without hesitation.
But Jaejoong really wanted to reconnect with Yunho, so much so that he was actually afraid of Junsu’s reaction. He didn’t want Junsu to tell him to stop hanging out with Yunho. That’s why he kept their friendship a secret, so Junsu wouldn’t find out and force him to choose between Yunho and him.
Probably.
Okay, this is making him dizzy.
Yunho blinks, feeling his heartbeat speed up, and his hands start to tremble. This is the worst. How did it end up like this? He came here thinking he would enjoy a nice time with Jaejoong. Now, he wants nothing more than to disappear.
"We're friends," Jaejoong finally says, his voice quiet.
"Friends?" Junsu repeats, disbelieving. "Since when are you two friends again?"
"A few weeks ago."
"And you didn't tell me?"
Jaejoong looks down at his feet.
Junsu is shaking his head, glaring at both men standing before him. "Why would you want to be friends with him again, after everything?" His tone is harsh and accusatory, and Yunho has to resist the urge to shrink away from him.
So... It seems like Junsu is not fine with Yunho.
But, Jaejoong – oh sweet Jaejoong – immediately frowns at Junsu's words. "Hey, don't say that. It was a long time ago. I thought we had moved on."
Junsu exhales sharply, rubbing his temples as if this whole conversation is giving him a headache. “I did move on,” he mutters, his voice quieter now, but no less frustrated. “It’s not like I go around thinking about the past every day. I don’t hate you, Yunho hyung—” He stops, shaking his head before looking back at Jaejoong. “But this? It just feels... weird.”
Jaejoong lets out a small laugh. "Come on, Su. It's been fifteen years. We've sorted everything out and decided to give friendship a try. Is there something wrong with that?"
“I guess it just feels like something that shouldn’t be happening,” Junsu admits. “Like... I spent so many years accepting that things would never go back to how they were. And now, out of nowhere, you and Yunho hyung are suddenly friends again?” He lets out a humorless laugh. “It messes with my head, honestly.”
Jaejoong sighs softly, stepping closer to Junsu, his voice softer. “It wasn’t out of nowhere,” he says. “I ran into Yunho one day, completely by chance. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t some big, dramatic thing. But the moment I saw him again, I realized how much I missed him.”
Yunho watches as Jaejoong speaks, his heart beating just a little faster than it should.
Jaejoong turns to look at Yunho briefly before continuing, “We just… started talking. And it was easier than I thought it would be. He’s still Yunho. And being around him again made me realize how much I needed this.”
Junsu is quiet for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he tilts his head slightly, really looking at Jaejoong. “That’s right... You do look happier these days.”
Yunho’s heart skips a beat this time.
It shouldn’t mean this much, but it does. Hearing that Jaejoong has been happier ever since they reconnected, that Yunho had something to do with that— it makes his chest feel strangely tight.
Jaejoong flashes a small, somewhat shy smile. “See? It’s been good for me. And for him, too.”
Yunho hesitates for a second before nodding. He doesn't trust his mouth to say anything intelligent right now.
Junsu watches the both of them, still not entirely convinced, but something in his posture loosens. He exhales through his nose, shaking his head. “Alright. If you say so.”
Jaejoong grins, sensing Junsu’s softening. “That’s all you have to say?”
Junsu sighs again, but there’s no real bite to it this time. “Look, I’m not gonna pretend I get it. And I’m not gonna pretend I like it. But if this is really making you happy, hyung, then–” He glances at Yunho, expression still a little wary. “Just don’t screw it up.”
Yunho straightens at that, his throat tightening slightly. He doesn’t know if Junsu means for Jaejoong’s sake or his own, but either way, Yunho nods seriously. “I won’t.”
Junsu studies Yunho for a long moment, his sharp gaze making it clear that he isn’t just throwing out empty words. Then, with a small huff, he nods too, seemingly satisfied. Yunho exhales, only now realizing he’d been holding his breath. But just as he starts to think the conversation is over, Junsu’s eyes narrow slightly.
“But let me make one thing clear,” Junsu says, his voice no less than firm. “If you ever hurt him again, I will personally make sure you regret it.”
Yunho blinks, momentarily caught off guard. It’s not that he didn’t expect some level of protectiveness from Junsu— he just didn’t expect the outright threat.
Jaejoong groans, rubbing his temples. “Junsu…”
“I’m serious.” Junsu doesn’t look away from Yunho, his expression persistent. “I don’t care how much time has passed. I don’t care how different things are now. If you break his heart again, I’ll know.”
Why does it sound like Junsu is giving them his approval to date while threatening Yunho?
Yunho swallows, nodding stiffly. “Understood.”
Junsu gives him a long look, then huffs. “Fine.” He picks up his chopsticks again, muttering under his breath, “This still feels weird, though.”
Jaejoong laughs, sitting back down. “Maybe weird is good sometimes.”
"Hyung, you're the weirdest and craziest person I've ever met," Junsu says to his friend.
Jaejoong grins at that, completely unbothered. “And yet, you still love me.”
Junsu rolls his eyes but doesn’t deny it. Instead, he just sighs and gestures toward the table with his chopsticks. “Well? Are you just gonna stand there looking awkward, or are you gonna sit down?”
Yunho hesitates, glancing at Jaejoong, who nods encouragingly. “Sit and eat with us,” Jaejoong says. “That way, we can have the cake afterward.”
Yunho isn’t sure if that’s a great idea, considering the way Junsu is still eyeing him like he’s evaluating his every move. But leaving now would make things even weirder, wouldn’t it? He came here to spend time with Jaejoong, and it’d be stupid to run away just because Junsu is making him feel like he’s being scrutinized under a microscope.
So, he clears his throat, forcing himself to move toward the table.
He takes the seat opposite Junsu, which in hindsight, is probably the worst possible place to sit. Now, he has no choice but to meet Junsu’s gaze every time he looks up. It really does feel like sitting across from a disapproving father during an awkward dinner with his significant other’s family.
Junsu doesn’t make it any easier, either. He barely acknowledges Yunho, eating his food with an air of exaggerated nonchalance. Jaejoong, on the other hand, looks completely at ease, probably happy to share a meal with them.
“Eat,” Jaejoong says, putting a large amount of food in a bowl that he places in front of Yunho. “I made plenty.”
He picks up his chopsticks and takes a bite. The familiar taste of Jaejoong’s cooking immediately spreads over his tongue, warm and nostalgic.
It’s good. Really good.
The silence at the table is surprisingly comfortable now, despite Junsu’s initial hostility. Eventually, even Junsu seems to relax, no longer glaring daggers at Yunho with every bite.
Then, out of nowhere, Junsu speaks up. “So, how did you two even run into each other again?”
Yunho glances at Jaejoong, who immediately perks up, ready to tell the story himself.
“I was just strolling in the park, minding my own business, when out of nowhere, a mitten comes flying toward me,” Jaejoong says, gesturing dramatically with his hands. “And then, this little kid is running all over the place, looking for it.”
Junsu raises an eyebrow. “A kid?”
Jaejoong nods. “Yeah. So, obviously, I stayed with him until his guardian came back. And guess who his guardian was?” Jaejoong interrupts, eyes gleaming with mischief. He looks at Junsu expectantly.
Junsu frowns. “Wait, don’t tell me—” His eyes widen as realization dawns, turning to Yunho.. “Do you have a kid?!”
Yunho makes a strangled sound, but before he can even begin to deny it or call out how absurd that answer is — he would’ve made an official statement if that were true — Jaejoong cheerfully interrupts, “Nope! It was Changmin’s son!”
Junsu’s entire expression changes in an instant. His jaw drops, and his eyes sparkle with something close to excitement. “Really!?”
Yunho, puzzled by Junsu’s sudden excitement, wonders why he’s reacting this way.
Jaejoong, sensing Yunho's confusion, chuckles. "The two of us were just really curious about his kid when the birth was announced," he explains.
"You practically met a celebrity, hyung!" Junsu exclaims.
Jaejoong pulls out his phone to show Junsu something. "Here’s a selfie I took with him when we had dinner at Yunho’s."
Surprisingly, Junsu doesn’t mention anything about Jaejoong being at Yunho’s house. Instead, he lights up at the picture. "He’s so cute."
"I know, right?" Jaejoong nods, as if Björn was actually related to him. "He loves me. He even calls me Uncle Jaejoong," he says, beaming with pride.
"I can’t believe you kept this from me," Junsu pouts. "I hope I get to meet him one day..."
"You have to meet him through Yunho. I don't think Changmin would want us near his son."
Junsu frowns and crosses his arms over his chest. "It's not like we're criminals," he grumbles.
Yunho chuckles, unable to help himself — Junsu is still just as cute as ever, even now. He can't stop himself from missing him. He and Junsu had been so close, having known each other for so long. Junsu had always been like a younger brother to him.
"I don’t think he’d mind," Yunho says. "I mean, Björn talks about Jaejoong every day, and he hasn’t killed me yet for letting Jaejoong near him multiple times, so… You’re good."
"Yeah, but—what if his son starts calling me Uncle Junsu too?" Junsu counters. "One JX uncle is fine, but two might be pushing it."
While Yunho is trying to reassure Junsu that Changmin wouldn’t freak out — at least, not that much — if Björn takes a liking to him too, Jaejoong remains silent, staring at Yunho with those thoughtful eyes. Yunho tries to ignore it, but Jaejoong’s gaze has always been so intense that he finds himself flushing a little under it.
Eventually, the meal winds down, and Junsu stretches with a satisfied sigh, patting his stomach. “Alright, that was good. But now, I think it’s time for cake.” He turns expectantly to Jaejoong, who is already standing to retrieve the cake box Yunho brought.
However, before he can open it, he gives Junsu a pointed look. “Actually, I think it’s time for you to go.”
Junsu, who had been staring at the cake with almost drool, freezes. “What? No way, I want cake.”
“Too bad. You’ve already eaten enough, and besides, Yunho brought this cake for me.”
Junsu scoffs. “That’s rude. I came here first.”
Jaejoong raises an eyebrow. “And now, you’re leaving first.”
Yunho watches in amusement as Junsu lets out a dramatic sigh before standing up. “Unbelievable. Betrayed by my own hyung,” he mutters, though there’s no real malice in his voice. He grabs his stuff, turning to Yunho as he makes his way to the door. “Well, I guess I’ll see you around, hyung.”
Yunho hesitates for a second before deciding to go for it. “Yeah. Let’s keep in touch.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out his phone. “Here, put your number in," he says, trying to sound casual, though in reality, he's excited to reconnect with Junsu.
The latter eyes him for a moment, then snatches the phone without further comment, quickly typing his number before handing it back. “Don’t be a stranger. Again.”
There’s a small smirk on his lips as he watches Yunho sheepishly rub the back of his neck, before he turns to Jaejoong.
“Enjoy the cake Yunho hyung generously bought you, hyung. Just know that I’ll remember this betrayal forever. Can you believe it? Letting your dear friend go home this late in the dark all alone–“
Jaejoong rolls his eyes, shooing him out the door. “Yeah, yeah, see you.”
As soon as the door clicks shut, silence fills the apartment. Yunho glances at Jaejoong, who is now carefully opening the cake box, a small, satisfied smile on his lips.
“You really kicked him out for cake?” Yunho asks, amused.
Jaejoong hums, picking up a knife. “I wanted alone time with you," he says absently, and suddenly, Yunho can't seem to remember how to breathe.
He clears his throat, looking away. He needs a distraction, and fast.
Luckily, Jaejoong cuts a slice of cake, offering it to Yunho on a small plate. The cake itself is a lovely shade of pink, and topped with fresh berries. It smells like heaven, and tastes even better. He remembers it as the first cake he ever shared with Jaejoong — for their one-month anniversary.
A smile tugs at his lips despite himself.
Though, he hopes Jaejoong won’t remember something so trivial — after all, it was more than twenty years ago — and won’t bring it up. But, as expected from Jaejoong, whose mind seems to only retain useless details, Jaejoong throws Yunho a sly look.
"Great cake choice," he says.
"T-thank you," Yunho stutters, quickly shoving more cake into his mouth to keep himself from saying something embarrassing.
Then, Jaejoong shifts in his seat, clearing his throat lightly. His voice is quieter when he finally speaks. “So...” He hesitates, tapping his fork against his plate. “You told Changmin?”
Yunho stops mid-bite, blinking at him. He swallows, setting his fork down. “Yeah,” he admits. “I told him.”
Jaejoong looks down at his plate, fiddling with the edge of it. “And?”
Yunho watches him for a moment — the shift in his attitude is a bit astounding. "He wasn’t thrilled."
Jaejoong lets out a small, knowing laugh. “Figured.”
“But,” Yunho continues, “he actually told me to go for it. I mean. To continue talking to you. I was, you see, a bit... reluctant."
"I noticed," Jaejoong remarks, the corners of his lips twitching.
"He even said something similar to Junsu. Something like he needs to have the best friend talk with you," Yunho says, realizing too late that this was said if he and Jaejoong started dating.
Thankfully, Jaejoong shifts his focus to something else. "Did he really say you’re his best friend?" he asks, sounding doubtful.
"I know, right? I was so surprised!" Yunho responds. "I was pretty sure he’d rather stab himself with a knife than say that."
"I think I've never heard him say I love you to you."
"To be fair, the only time I ever heard him say I love you was during his wedding," Yunho recalls, his voice soft. He also remembers his eyes tearing up at that moment, way too emotional seeing his dear friend getting married.
Jaejoong pouts at the mention of Changmin's wedding – it looks like he's still sad at the fact that he wasn't invited. He huffs, stabbing his fork into his cake. “I still can’t believe I wasn’t invited.”
Yunho watches him, amused. “You hadn’t spoken to each other in years.”
“That’s not the point,” Jaejoong insists, scowling. “I was still part of his life. I should’ve been there.”
Yunho chuckles, shaking his head. “You would’ve made a scene," he says, deliberately ignoring the fact that he himself had wanted to convince his friend to invite Jaejoong and Junsu as guests.
Jaejoong gasps dramatically. “I would not have.”
Yunho gives him a pointed look.
“...Okay, maybe a little,” Jaejoong admits, grudgingly. "Does he like me now?"
Yunho hesitates for a moment, tilting his head in thought. “I don’t know if ‘like’ is the right word,” he says carefully.
Jaejoong pouts — he really needs to stop doing that, Yunho thinks gruffly.
“But if Changmin really hated you, he wouldn’t let you be anywhere near Björn," he says. “Björn is what he treasures most in this world. If he truly couldn’t stand you, he'd have told me to not let you anywhere near his son.”
Jaejoong hums, a soft smile tugging at his lips, likely relieved to know that Changmin doesn’t actually hate him. “Björn is really cute, isn’t he?”
“The cutest."
“He’s just so tiny. And polite! I wasn’t expecting that.”
“He's actually a menace," Yunho chuckles. “Did you know he kept asking about you after you met? That’s how Changmin found out about the park meeting, because you told Björn you knew his dad, and then he kept pestering him about wanting to see Uncle Jaejoong.”
Jaejoong’s eyes brighten at that. “Really?”
Yunho nods, fishing his phone out of his pocket. “Actually, that reminds me.” He unlocks his screen and scrolls for a moment before turning the phone towards Jaejoong. “Look at this.”
Jaejoong leans in, brows furrowing slightly as he focuses on the image.
The picture on Yunho’s phone is the drawing that Björn made of his little family, with his tiny stick figure holding hands with both Yunho and Jaejoong. "He met you only once and already drew that."
Jaejoong covers his mouth with his hand before bursting into laughter. “Oh my god.” He takes a moment to calm down. "Oh my god," he repeats. "Why does it look like we are his parents?"
Yunho awkwardly coughs, quickly putting his phone far from Jaejoong's sight.
“I have to frame this," Jaejoong says. “Send me the picture please. I need a high-quality scan of this. I’ll put it in my living room.”
Yunho shakes his head with a chuckle, but he still sends Jaejoong the picture. “You’re unbelievable,” he mutters as Jaejoong eagerly saves it to his phone like it’s a priceless masterpiece.
"I know," Jaejoong replies, completely unfazed. "I can't believe he thinks of me like that. I knew he liked me, but... that much?"
Well, it’s not too surprising, considering Jaejoong is incredibly likeable and always leaves a lasting first impression. When they first met, Yunho was stunned by how pretty Jaejoong was and couldn't stop thinking about him for days. That was until they started training together and Yunho quickly realized that Jaejoong was, in fact, just a quirky teenager.
Yunho tries not to think too hard about that, or the way something warm settles in his chest at the thought. Instead, he lets the conversation flow easily. They fall into the kind of rhythm that is comfortable They shift between old memories and new stories, their words flowing effortlessly, as if no time had passed at all.
It's nice, really nice. Yunho hadn't realized how much he missed spending time with the other man.
Jaejoong tells him about his new hobbies, dramatically recounting the time he tried pottery and ended up with a lopsided, unfortunate-looking mug that he still insists has “character.” Yunho nearly chokes on his drink from laughing so hard.
Yunho talks about his schedule, the stress of managing everything, and how he’s still terrible at keeping plants alive. Jaejoong gasps in horror and spends the next ten minutes lecturing Yunho, that taking care of plants is about love and patience, not just watering them whenever he remembers.
Time slips by unnoticed. One moment they’re just two people catching up, the next, they've moved to the couch and are both leaning back against the couch in unflattering positions, eyes heavy, but neither making a move to end the night.
It’s only when Yunho glances at the clock on the wall and blinks at the numbers that he realizes how long they’ve been talking. “Shit,” he mutters. “It’s past three in the morning?”
Jaejoong turns his head lazily to look at the time, his eyes widening. “What? No way—” He pauses. “Oh, wow.”
Yunho groans, rubbing his face. “I should get going.” He moves to push himself off the couch, but before he can, Jaejoong’s hand shoots out, fingers curling around his wrist.
“No,” Jaejoong says immediately.
Yunho freezes, raising an eyebrow at him. “No?”
Jaejoong’s grip tightens, his lips pressed into a stubborn line. “You’re not going home at this hour. It’s too late.”
Yunho lets out a small chuckle. “I’ll be fine. I'm a grown man.”
“It’s two in the morning, Yunho.” Jaejoong crosses his arms. “And don’t even try to say you’re not tired, because I saw you nearly nod off five minutes ago.”
He is tired, that much is true, but this is nothing he hasn't done before. He stopped counting the number of times he came home drunk at four in the morning with a packed schedule right after.
And the thought of staying over feels... dangerous.
“I appreciate it, but—”
“Yunho.” Jaejoong’s voice is soft, but firm. He tilts his head, eyes scanning Yunho’s face carefully. “It’s late, who knows what could happen to you?”
Yunho looks at him, at the way his brows are knitted together, the worry evident in his dark eyes. It’s the same look Jaejoong used to give him when they were younger — whenever Yunho pushed himself too hard during dance practice, refusing to leave until he had perfected the moves, or when he insisted on doing everything on his own, never accepting help.
Jaejoong has always worried for him in his own way. It shouldn’t feel as warm as it does.
Yunho sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “You’re really not gonna let this go, are you?”
“Nope,” Jaejoong says simply, standing up and stretching. “You’re staying. I have a guest room, and I bought an expensive mattress. Be grateful.”
Is it really okay to sleep at his ex’s place?
Jaejoong makes it sound so simple, so casual, but Yunho knows better. This isn’t just a friend’s house. It’s Jaejoong’s. It’s the person he once loved - there is nothing casual about this.
It’s just a place to sleep, he tells himself. Nothing more. Jaejoong is letting him stay over because he is a great person who cares about his friends - he would have done to anyone.
“Alright, alright. I surrender.”
Jaejoong smirks in satisfaction. “Good.” He pushes himself up from the couch, grabbing Yunho’s empty plate as well. “You can shower first if you want. I’ll get you something to change into.”
Yunho follows him with his eyes as he walks toward the bedroom, a strange, settled feeling spreading in his chest. He wonders if he should be worried about how easily he agreed to stay after all — about how, despite himself, it feels like the most natural thing in the world.
He’s still lost in thought when Jaejoong returns, a bundle of neatly folded clothes in his hands. “Here,” he says, tossing them at Yunho. “They might be a little tight, but it’s either this or sleep in your jeans.”
Yunho catches the clothes with a shake of his head. “I forgot how bossy you can be.”
“And I forgot how much you love it,” Jaejoong teases, grinning.
Yunho ducks his head to hide the heat that creeps up his neck. How can Jaejoong flirt so easily with him?
Yunho escapes into the bathroom, grateful for a moment alone to gather his thoughts. He takes his time under the warm water, letting the spray ease the tension in his shoulders. He even starts to inspect Jaejoong’s impressive collection of shampoos and soaps, uncapping a few to sniff them — each one floral-scented, just as expected from flower boy Jaejoong.
When he finally steps out, the apartment is quiet. The dishes have been cleaned, and the lights are dimmed. It seems Jaejoong has already retreated to his room, so Yunho sends him a text to let him know the bathroom is free. He feels a bit shy about knocking on Jaejoong’s door, not wanting to disturb him.
He enters the guest room and climbs into bed, sinking into the plush mattress. Damn. Jaejoong wasn’t lying — this really is comfortable.
He exhales slowly, settling in. This should be easy. Just close his eyes, drift off.
But sleep doesn’t come.
Yunho flips onto his other side. Then back again.
Why is it so hard to sleep?
Because Jaejoong is close.
Jaejoong is just a few strides away. If Yunho got up, padded across the apartment, and knocked on his door, he’d see him.
The thought is ridiculous. He huffs out a quiet laugh at himself, rolling onto his stomach and pressing his face into the pillow.
Why does he want to be in Jaejoong’s company?
Maybe it’s just been too long since they spent real time together. They talked so easily tonight, slipped back into old habits without hesitation. Maybe his brain is just stuck in that rhythm, unwilling to let go of the nostalgia, unwilling to let the night truly end.
But that explanation feels too simple.
Because if it was just nostalgia, his fingers wouldn’t be itching to reach for his phone again, wouldn’t be hesitating over sending a 'can't sleep' text to Jaejoong. If it was just nostalgia, his chest wouldn’t feel tight with something close to longing.
If it was just nostalgia — just a fondness for old memories — then he wouldn’t feel this strong, almost aching desire to be close to Jaejoong. The tightness in his chest— he misses Jaejoong. And not missing as he wanna hang out and talk with him, but missing as missing his old relationship with him.
A small voice in the back of his mind reminds him that this is dangerous, that it isn't wise to indulge in old feelings. It was so long ago – Yunho is just projecting his past feelings into the present.
But then again, when was the last time Yunho let himself feel something as strongly as he's feeling now? He's not the type of person who runs from his emotions, but he's never felt this strongly about anything, anyone in a long time. Jaejoong has always evoked strong feelings within him.
Yunho squeezes his eyes shut. Stop thinking. Go to sleep.
He doesn’t know when he finally dozes off, but when he wakes up, the headache pounding at his skull tells him it wasn’t enough. He groans, burying his face into the pillow for a few seconds before forcing himself to sit up. His body feels sluggish, the weight of too little sleep pressing down on him.
He glances at his phone lying next to him— barely past seven. He’s only gotten about two hours of rest. No wonder he feels like absolute shit.
With a sigh, he swings his legs over the edge of the bed, rubbing at his temples as he blinks blearily at the unfamiliar room. Right. Jaejoong’s place.
The moment he steps out of the guest room, a nice smell surrounds him. Drawn by the scent, he follows it to the kitchen.
Jaejoong is standing by the stove, hair still tousled from sleep, dressed in an oversized sweater that slips off one shoulder. He hums softly under his breath as he stirs something in a pan, looking completely at ease.
Yunho leans against the doorway, watching for a moment. The sight is so domestic, so natural, that it makes something in his chest squeeze tight. However, his stomach betrays him by grumbling loudly. He mentally curses.
“Oh, you’re up.” Jaejoong grins. “Did you sleep well?”
“Not really,” Yunho admits, voice rough from sleep. “My head’s killing me.”
Jaejoong tuts, turning back to the stove. “That would have been worse if I let you go home," he says. Yunho wants to disagree – the reason he had trouble falling asleep was because of Jaejoong. "Sit down, I’ll get you something.”
Yunho raises an eyebrow but does as he’s told, sinking into one of the chairs at the kitchen table. He's too tired to argue with stubborn Jaejoong.
A minute later, a mug of something warm is placed in front of him. “Ginger tea with honey,” Jaejoong says, sliding into the seat across from him. “Good for headaches.”
Yunho takes a careful sip, the warmth spreading through his chest. It’s soothing, a little spicy but sweet enough to balance it out. He exhales, feeling some of the tension ease from his body.
“Thanks,” he murmurs, glancing up at Jaejoong. "You didn't have to."
"I know, but I wanted to," Jaejoong says, a playful grin on his face as he rests his chin on his hand. He watches Yunho take a sip from the cup, which makes Yunho feel oddly self-conscious, as if he's under a microscope. After a moment, Jaejoong stands up and goes back to cooking.
"What are you cooking?" Yunho asks.
"Food for you to take home."
Yunho frowns. "What–"
"You need home-cooked meals, and I enjoy cooking, so it's a perfect match," Jaejoong answers, not even turning around.
Yunho blinks at him, unsure how to react. "You don't have to–"
Jaejoong finally turns around, a deep scowl on his face. He points the spatula at Yunho. "Stop saying that. I just want to cook for you, so let me, alright?"
Yunho’s heart stutters. It’s not just the words, though those are enough to make something tighten in his chest— it’s the way Jaejoong says them. Like it’s the most natural thing in the world, like it isn’t a big deal, like he hasn’t just casually admitted to caring for Yunho in a way that feels far too intimate in Yunho's opinion.
He needs to get a grip. Jaejoong probably cooks for his friends all the time. It doesn't mean anything just because it's Yunho.
He swallows, gripping the warm mug a little tighter. "Okay," he says after a pause, voice quieter than he intends.
Jaejoong hums, seemingly satisfied, and turns back to the stove. The tension in Yunho’s shoulders doesn’t ease, though. If anything, it coils tighter, leaving him restless.
He watches as Jaejoong moves around the kitchen with effortless grace, the scent of whatever he’s cooking filling the air. His sweater is still slipping off his shoulder, revealing smooth skin, and Yunho forces himself to look away, to focus on anything else.
Jaejoong wanting to cook for him shouldn’t make his heart race. It shouldn’t make his stomach flip. But it does. And he doesn't know what to do with that.
"Don't you have an interview this morning?" He suddenly asks, which prevents him from letting those thoughts linger any longer. "You should be getting ready instead of cooking."
Jaejoong absently hums. "Yeah. Canceled it."
Yunho's eyes widen, staring at the back of his head. "Why would you do that?"
"I didn't want to leave while you were here," Jaejoong answers as if it's obvious.
Jaejoong really should stop saying things that could be misinterpreted, or at least, things that make Yunho’s chest tighten every time. But that’s probably because he knows Jaejoong likes him. Still, he can’t help but wonder if Jaejoong is aware of the things he says to someone who’s supposed to be only his friend.
"Don't worry," Jaejoong continues. "I actually rescheduled it. I told my manager I was sick and no one should come within a ten-kilometer radius of me."
Yunho thinks Jaejoong is absolutely insane.
How can Jaejoong, almost forty years old, the CEO of his own company with so many responsibilities, lie about being sick to skip work — and worse, to stay home with a friend? This is the kind of thing a careless teenager or young adult Jaejoong would have done. Is Jaejoong still that reckless?
However, he hides a small smile by lifting the mug to his lips — Jaejoong really hasn’t changed at all.
"You shouldn't skip work because of me," he says anyway, because it's the responsible thing to say, because being a leader has been in his blood for two decades.
"It's not for you," Jaejoong replies, shooting a look at him. "I told you, I just didn't feel like going. Sometimes, it's nice to have a day off."
"Well, unlike you, I don't have a day off," he lies, standing up. "I'll get going then."
Jaejoong’s face falters slightly.
Yunho feels bad, but he can’t help it. He has to leave. He has to get away, get some space. His head is spinning too much, tangled with too many old feelings, too many conflicting thoughts. He can’t let himself get swept away by Jaejoong’s kindness, by his presence that feels too familiar, too comforting.
“I should really get going,” Yunho says, forcing a lightness into his tone that doesn’t quite match the tightness in his chest.
Jaejoong nods, smiling again.
Yunho quickly changes into yesterday's clothes and folds Jaejoong's neatly on the guest bed. Once he's ready to leave, he notices food containers on the table with Jaejoong proudly standing next to them. "Here, take this," Jaejoong says, nudging them toward Yunho.
"Thank you for letting me stay over," Yunho says politely.
"No, thank you for the cake," Jaejoong beams, then, without warning, pulls Yunho into a hug.
The hug catches Yunho off guard. They haven't hugged since the one time when they agreed to become friends. Yunho awkwardly pats Jaejoong's back, his heart racing as the scent of Jaejoong's perfume envelops him.
"Let's meet soon," Jaejoong mumbles against his shoulder.
Yunho nods. "I'll text you," he says, the words coming out hoarser than intended.
He can't wait to get out of the apartment. He can't wait to clear his head, can't wait to calm the racing beat of his heart.
He pulls away from the hug, feeling the warmth of Jaejoong's embrace lingering on his skin. He blinks quickly, trying to shake off the fluttering sensation in his chest. Jaejoong smiles at him, that soft, familiar smile that always seems to disarm him. Yunho forces a smile of his own, but it feels stiff, unnatural.
"Thanks again," Yunho mutters, giving a brief nod towards the food containers, the gesture somehow more final than he intends. He reaches for his jacket, already half out the door, and he can feel Jaejoong’s eyes on him as he turns and steps out of the door.
Once the door closes behind him, Yunho leans against the cool hallway wall for a moment, pressing his palms into his eyes. His pulse is still thrumming in his chest, and he doesn’t know how to make sense of any of it. The tenderness in Jaejoong’s gestures, the way his words feel so much more than just friendly... it’s too much.
With a deep sigh, Yunho pushes himself off the wall and heads toward the staircase instead of the elevator. Walking down those fifteen floors will do him some good.
Alright, so...
No matter what Yunho does to distract himself or clear his mind, his thoughts always lead him back to one thing.
He’s tried it all — pushing himself at the gym until his muscles burned, burying himself in work, even going on a blind date his sister set up — but no matter what, his mind always returns to the same place. To the same person.
And, of course, that person is Jaejoong.
Yunho even tried avoiding Jaejoong, but it’s completely impossible. Jaejoong won’t leave him alone — constantly texting him, calling him at the end of the day, or asking him to hang out.
He went on a blind date for god’s sake. Sat across from a perfectly nice, perfectly pretty person who laughed at his jokes and asked all the right questions. But the entire time, all he could think about was how the curve of their smile didn’t compare to Jaejoong’s. How their voice wasn’t as warm. How their laugh wasn’t as contagious.
This is insane.
Jaejoong is everywhere, even when he isn’t.
And Yunho is starting to realize — no, admit — why.
No one compares.
Not visually, not emotionally, not in the way Jaejoong can be infuriatingly persistent but also incredibly thoughtful, sending Yunho links to dumb memes he knows will make him laugh or texting him ‘Eat something healthy today’ when Yunho tells him that a busy day is waiting for him.
Not in the way Jaejoong can light up a room without even trying, drawing people in like gravity itself. Not in the way he gets Yunho, sees through him even when Yunho tries to be unreadable.
Yunho has dated other people after Jaejoong. But none of them ever made his heart race the same way. None of them made him feel so much —happiness, frustration, longing, love.
Love.
Yunho clenches his jaw, his stomach twisting. Is that what this is?
And it sucks.
Because what the hell is he supposed to do now?
He can’t just walk up to Jaejoong and say, ‘Hey, I know I basically turned you down months ago, but surprise— I love you. Let’s date?’ That wouldn’t be fair to Jaejoong. Besides, Jaejoong might have moved on by now, especially since Yunho was so firm about only wanting to be friends.
And then there’s the fact that they’re exes. Sure, it was a long time ago, and they didn’t break up because they stopped loving each other, but because of circumstances. Still, that doesn’t guarantee they’d be a great couple now. They’re not as young as they used to be. Plus, getting back together with an ex might not be the smartest idea.
It sucks, honestly. Because Jaejoong is always so damn flirty with him, but that’s just his nature. Poor Junsu had been on the receiving end of many of Yunho’s death glares after Jaejoong got a little too touchy with him.
("Hyung, you need to chill," Junsu said to Yunho after Jaejoong went to the bathroom — they were hanging out at Jaejoong's place. "It feels like I’m back in the old days when you glared at anyone who even looked at Jaejoong hyung for two seconds."
Yunho casually sipped his drink, trying to act nonchalant. "I don’t know what you're talking about."
"God, give me patience." Junsu rubbed his temples in frustration. "If I could barely handle it when we were twenty, I definitely can’t today. Seriously, make up your mind," he said, standing up. "I’m leaving. Tell Jaejoong hyung I left because you made me uncomfortable.")
Even when Changmin was asked about it by an overthinking Yunho, he had the same response as Junsu, telling Yunho that they were too old to dance around the issue. It’s true— they’re adults now, and adults are supposed to be mature. But the thing is, being around Jaejoong makes Yunho feel young again, like when they first started dating.
It must have been the same for Jaejoong when they reconnected — that’s why he told Yunho he wanted more than just friendship. There’s no way Jaejoong could have kept his feelings for Yunho all those years.
Yunho realized he had fallen for Jaejoong again after spending time with him, getting to know the Jaejoong he hadn’t seen before. Not that Jaejoong was a completely different person, but you know, people change. You’re not the same person at twenty-three as you are at thirty-nine.
Maybe it’s the same for Jaejoong… If he thought he still liked Yunho when he asked to be more than friends, maybe now, after all the time they’ve spent together, he really does like him now.
Yunho sighs— how delusional has he become? Maybe he's destined to spend his life alone, forever mourning the love he could have had with Jaejoong.
That’s when an idea strikes him. It’s so ridiculous that he actually sits up, eyes widening as the gears in his head start turning.
Björn.
His godson is terrifyingly observant. Too observant for his own good, really. And, most importantly, Björn has no filter. If anyone could get a straight answer out of Jaejoong, it’s him.
Once again, Yunho would use Björn for his own selfish reasons, but he was pretty sure the kid wouldn’t mind. He loved spending time with Jaejoong, and being Yunho's little spy would be like hitting two birds with one stone.
Yunho grins to himself, the excitement bubbling in his chest.
Operation: Find Out If Uncle Jaejoong Likes Uncle Yunnie will be the most important assignment of Björn’s young life.
"Alright, do you remember the plan?" Yunho asks, his tone more serious than ever, as he carefully ties Björn’s shoes. He even double-knots them, because tripping over loose laces mid-mission would be a disaster.
"Yes!" Björn responds with equal seriousness, standing at attention like a soldier. Yunho mirrors the stance after finishing the knots. "While Uncle Yunnie buys us snacks, I ask Uncle Jaejoong if he likes Uncle Yunnie," the kid recites confidently.
"Exactly," Yunho nods approvingly. "And for that, I’ll get you the most expensive snacks in the amusement park."
Björn cheers before dashing off to share the exciting news with his parents.
Changmin shakes his head with a disapproving sigh. "When are you going to stop using my son as a messenger just because you're too much of a coward to talk to Jaejoong yourself?"
"Daddy, this is super important! I'm happy to help Uncle Yunnie!" Björn insists, his conviction so strong that it makes Changmin smile — seriously, this kid would make an incredible lawyer someday.
"Alright, enough talk," Yunho says, clapping his hands together before turning to Björn. "Let’s go pick up Uncle Jaejoong."
When Yunho invited Jaejoong to join him and Björn at the amusement park, Jaejoong agreed without hesitation, not even waiting for Yunho’s excuse, which, to be fair, was a terrible one. Yunho was relieved he didn’t have to say it out loud – It would have sounded way too suspicious. Luckily, Jaejoong never passes up a chance to spend time with them.
It takes only a few minutes to reach Jaejoong’s place, where he’s already waiting outside, waving excitedly as the car pulls up. He climbs in with a bright smile at Yunho before turning to the backseat, ruffling Björn’s hair as the kid greets him enthusiastically.
This is the first time Yunho drives with Jaejoong as his passenger, and something about it makes him feel a little- no, scratch that, very awkward. Maybe it’s because he has recently realized his romantic feelings for the other man and that his heart has been doing flip-flops in his chest for the last few days.
The car ride begins innocently enough, with Björn chatting excitedly, talking about the rides he’s going to go on, and the snacks he’s going to eat. Yunho nods along absentmindedly, trying to focus on the road, but all he can feel is the subtle warmth of Jaejoong sitting next to him. He seems so close yet so far.
Yunho’s hand briefly hovers over the gear shift, fingers itching. He’s fighting the urge to reach over, to place his hand on Jaejoong’s thigh, as if it’s the most normal thing in the world. Instead, he clenches his hand tighter around the gear shift, his knuckles turning white.
He sneaks another glance at Jaejoong, trying not to let it show just how hard he’s fighting the urge to reach over, to let his hand brush against the other man’s. But Jaejoong is just sitting there, relaxed, gazing out the window, and Yunho can’t help but wonder if Jaejoong even realizes how much his mere presence is throwing Yunho off balance.
Jaejoong looks so at ease in the passenger seat. His posture is casual, leaning slightly against the door, his long fingers drumming rhythmically on his thigh. Yunho’s eyes flicker to those fingers, wondering what it would feel like to intertwine them with his.
In the backseat, Björn continues to narrate his plans for the amusement park, his voice high-pitched and full of excitement. “I’m going to go on the roller coaster first! And then we can eat cotton candy! And churros! Uncle Jaejoong, do you like churros?”
Jaejoong laughs, a sound that makes Yunho’s chest tighten. “I don't really like sweet things. I'd rather eat a hot dog."
"Oh yeah, hot dog is good too!"
"And no rollercoaster for you, kiddo, you're too small," Yunho says, catching a glimpse of the child's pout from the rearview mirror.
"But I'm tall for my age! Mommy and Daddy said so!" Björn protests. However, it falls on deaf ears.
When they arrive at the park and Yunho parks the car, Jaejoong is the first to step out, his legs unfolding gracefully as he stretches, his arms reaching high. Yunho watches him for a moment before catching himself, quickly getting out of the car to join the other two.
Then, Jaejoong slips a mask over his face and pulls a bob hat onto his head — only then does Yunho realize his mistake. In all his excitement for the day and their mission, he completely forgot to bring anything to disguise himself. One of the most important things, and he missed it. The last thing they needed was to be recognized while out with Changmin’s son and to wake up to “Yunho and Jaejoong spotted together?” headlines the next day.
Jaejoong notices Yunho's panic. "Is something wrong?"
“I forgot to bring a mask,” Yunho admits, feeling a little embarrassed.
“Oh, I have another one,” Jaejoong says, pulling an extra face mask from his bag. “I also have a snapback.”
But instead of simply handing them over, Jaejoong steps closer and gently places the mask on Yunho’s face himself. Yunho goes completely still, his breath catching in his throat. As if that wasn’t enough, Jaejoong then positions the cap on his head and, oh god, he even fixes Yunho’s hair under it, his fingers brushing lightly against his skin. If Yunho was panicking before, this is a whole new level.
Why did Jaejoong do that? Yunho could have perfectly done it himself.
Jaejoong steps back with a smile before casually making his way toward the entrance.
Behind him, Björn tugs at Yunho’s hand, his expression full of mischief, like he’s about to share a top-secret revelation. Yunho leans down to listen.
"Uncle Yunnie, I think Uncle Jaejoong already loves you. We don’t need to do the mission," Björn whispers conspiratorially.
Yunho is suddenly very grateful for the mask and cap—because he’s sure his face is burning red.
“W-what?” He stammers.
“He looked like he was about to kiss Uncle Yunnie!”
Yunho lets out an awkward chuckle. “Don’t be silly, kiddo,” he says, though his mind replays Jaejoong’s actions. Sure, Jaejoong is naturally affectionate, but wasn’t that whole mask-and-hair-fixing thing a little... too couple-like?
Björn pouts for a second before a sly smirk takes over his face. “Well, if Uncle Yunnie doesn’t mind, I’ll hold Uncle Jaejoong’s hand. Don’t be jealous!”
Before Yunho can react, Björn takes off running toward Jaejoong, grabbing his hand with an grin. Jaejoong laughs and happily swings their hands back and forth as they walk.
Yunho smiles despite himself.
They have a fun day at the park, going on various rides, and eating tons of snacks. They even go on the Ferris wheel, which Björn is ecstatic about.
As they wait in line, Björn decides to get a little cheeky. “Uncle Yunnie, Uncle Jaejoong!” He beams up at both of them. “Do you know what ride you should go on together? The Lovers’ Ride!”
Yunho freezes for a second, heart skipping a beat as he glances at Jaejoong, expecting something... anything. Maybe even a hint of curiosity, but instead, Jaejoong simply chuckles, ruffling Björn’s hair. “Oh, sweetie, don’t be ridiculous."
Yunho's stomach tightens at the words. The way Jaejoong dismissed the idea so easily, it stings more than he expected. It’s stupid, really, but Yunho can’t help but feel a little disappointed. It’s as if Jaejoong doesn’t take the idea of something deeper between them seriously. Maybe it’s because Yunho has never had the courage to address it, so Jaejoong doesn’t even think there’s anything to consider.
Seeing Yunho’s reaction, Björn whispers in his ear when Jaejoong is distracted by something. “Don’t worry, Uncle Yunnie. We still have the mission.”
Yunho smiles, a small, weak smile. Right. They are here for a special reason.
As the sun starts to set, the trio finds a bench to rest. Björn, still full of energy, bounces around as he talks about all the rides they've been on, while Yunho and Jaejoong just take a moment to breathe and to take off their masks. Yunho leans back on the bench, letting the soft breeze ruffle his hair while his heart is beating like crazy.
The day has been fun, but Yunho's mind is on the mission now. He looks at Björn, who is between the two adults, and suddenly, his mood shifts into full Operation Mission mode.
“I’m gonna grab us some snacks. What do you two want?” Yunho asks, looking between them.
“Uncle Jaejoong wants a hot dog, so I want a hot dog too!” Björn says, and Jaejoong nods in agreement.
Yunho winks at Björn, who winks back, giggling. He heads off, but instead of going straight to the hot dog stand, he takes a quick detour, slipping behind a bush not far from the bench so he can listen in on their conversation.
As soon as Yunho is out of sight, Björn shifts his attention to Jaejoong, who's watching a group of kids run past them. "Uncle Jaejoong," he says, his voice lowered conspiratorially. "Can I ask you something?"
"What is it, sweetie?"
"What do you think of Uncle Yunnie?"
Oh, wow. Yunho hadn’t expected the kid to be this blunt, but he definitely isn’t complaining. He peeks his head over the bushes a little to look at Jaejoong, who, fortunately, doesn't notice.
Jaejoong turns his head toward Björn, raising an eyebrow at the unexpected question. He seems to consider it for a moment, his lips curling into a small, soft smile. "Uncle Yunnie is a great friend," he says, his tone warm. "And he’s good with you, too," Jaejoong adds, his voice affectionate as he glances back at Björn.
Björn, however, isn't having it. He crosses his arms in front of his little chest. "That’s not what I meant, Uncle Jaejoong!" He huffs, his voice taking on an almost dramatic tone. "I mean, do you love Uncle Yunnie?"
Jaejoong blinks, startled by the bluntness of the question. But he just chuckles softly, ruffling Björn’s hair. "You sure ask a lot of questions for someone so young," Jaejoong says with a smile, though there’s a slight twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "Uncle Yunnie is a great friend, alright? He’s been there for me for a long time."
"But you didn’t answer my question!" Björn insists, pouting.
Yunho worries that if Björn keeps pushing like that, Jaejoong will start getting suspicious.
Jaejoong tilts his head, eyeing Björn with mild curiosity. "Why are you so interested, hmm?" he asks, nudging the kid playfully.
Björn huffs dramatically, puffing out his cheeks. "Because Uncle Yunnie is amazing and deserves to be loved!"
Yunho, still hiding behind the bush, nearly chokes on his own spit. Holy crap, this kid is really going all out.
Jaejoong bursts out laughing. "I agree with that, sweetie," he says, a smile playing at his lips.
Björn narrows his eyes, clearly unsatisfied with Jaejoong’s vague response. He leans in, voice hushed but firm. “Uncle Jaejoong, you’re avoiding the question.”
Jaejoong merely chuckles, looking away as if suddenly fascinated by the Ferris wheel in the distance. “Am I?” he asks innocently.
Björn huffs, crossing his arms. “Yes!” He taps his little foot against the ground, clearly determined. Then, in a move that somehow reminds Yunho of a younger Changmin, Björn suddenly jumps off the bench and stands directly in front of Jaejoong, his hands on his hips.
“We’re not leaving until you answer my question!” He declares, his tiny voice filled with authority.
Yunho, still hiding behind the bush, covers his mouth to stifle his laughter. He knew Björn was persuasive, but this was something else.
Jaejoong stares at the boy for a long moment, blinking as if processing the situation. Then, to Yunho’s utter horror, he glances around — almost as if he suspects someone might be eavesdropping. Yunho shrinks lower behind the bush, praying to every gods in existence that Jaejoong doesn’t catch him.
Jaejoong sighs, leaning forward slightly. “Alright, you win,” he says with an exaggerated sigh.
Björn beams triumphantly. “So, do you love Uncle Yunnie?”
Jaejoong pauses. For a split second, something flickers across his face — something soft, something almost... wistful. But then he smiles, reaching out to pinch Björn’s cheek.
“Why do you want to know so badly, huh?” Jaejoong teases. “You’re trying to set me up with Uncle Yunnie or something?”
Björn huffs, crossing his arms in front of his chest again. This kid has quite a lot of sass.
"One of my friends' mom has a crush on Uncle Yunnie and they are really close," Björn lies easily, making Yunho's eyes widen. Damn, this kid is good.
Jaejoong seems pensive for a moment, biting his lower lip, his expression almost troubled. "Really...?"
"Yup! She thinks he is handsome and very nice."
Jaejoong doesn't answer right away, looking down at his hands as if pondering over his answer. There's a beat of silence, and for a second, Yunho thinks Jaejoong will just avoid the question, or perhaps even scold Björn for being too nosy.
Instead, Jaejoong's eyes sparkle with amusement. "Well, she isn't wrong, is she?" He says, chuckling, and Björn is almost on the verge of giving up when Jaejoong adds, "Björn, can you do something for me?"
Björn is so excited he barely waits for Jaejoong to finish speaking before nodding enthusiastically.
Jaejoong’s expression shifts to something more serious, though he still smiles. “If you can, keep an eye on your uncle, alright? Don’t let anyone get too close to him, and if so, let me know, okay?”
Yunho blinks, feeling confused. Why would Jaejoong ask the kid to do this? Is this some sort of indirect way of telling Yunho that he actually has feelings for him? Because why else would he ask a kid to make sure that other people stay away from Yunho?
Yunho presses his forehead against his palm. What the hell is this? Jaejoong is a grown man — a whole adult — and yet here he is, enlisting a four-year-old as his personal spy to keep other people away from him.
It's ridiculous.
It’s also kind of cute.
Björn’s eyes widen, and then his entire face lights up like a Christmas tree. "Does that mean—"
Jaejoong quickly presses a finger to his lips, shushing the little boy before he can burst out in excitement. He glances around, and Yunho shrinks even further into the bushes, barely breathing. "Not a word," he says, a smile dancing on his lips.
Björn is beaming, and the only thing Yunho can think about is that his plan worked.
Jaejoong still has feelings for him.
Yunho can feel the smile creeping onto his face. Suddenly, it feels as if everything is brighter, more colorful, like the world is suddenly a much happier place.
"Yunho’s taking a long time getting food," Jaejoong mutters to himself, before turning to the child. "Should we go look for him?" He asks, standing up from the bench.
Yunho freezes in place.
"No!" Björn shrieks, jumping onto Jaejoong and clinging tightly to his legs, stopping him from moving. "My legs hurt..."
"Alright, then, you stay here while I go check on Uncle Yunnie," Jaejoong says gently. "You’ll be a good boy and behave, right?"
"B-but... I don’t wanna be alone..." Björn pouts, and soon enough, his eyes start to well up with tears.
Yunho can’t help but be impressed. Not only is Björn a good manipulator, but he is also a fantastic actor. Maybe he should suggest to Changmin that his son take some acting classes — Yunho recognizes talent when he sees it.
Jaejoong coos, pulling Björn into a hug. "Don’t worry, I’m not leaving," he reassures him. Then, he fishes his phone out of his pocket, and a few seconds later, Yunho’s phone pings with a new message.
Kim Jaejoong, 18:12pm.
Is everything okay? You’re taking a long time :(
Yunho, 18:12pm.
Sorry there was a long queue at the stand
It’s my turn ordering
Brb
Kim Jaejoong, 18:13pm.
Oki ^^
Yunho quickly hides his phone in his pocket and leaves his hideout to finally order the hot dogs, and not too long after, he comes back with his arms full of food.
He greets the other two, who cheer when they see him, and distributes the food before taking his seat next to his godson. Björn winks at Yunho before digging into his hot dog like a starving child.
The ride back to Jaejoong’s apartment is silent, except for the soft hum of the radio playing in the background. It’s incredibly awkward when, out of nowhere, one of TVXQ’s recent songs starts playing — of all times, why now? Yunho has never wanted to turn off the radio more than he does in this moment. Yet, Jaejoong is absentmindedly humming along to the song.
Björn, full from his hot dog and completely exhausted from the long, eventful day, barely lasts five minutes before he’s out like a light in the back seat. His tiny head lolls to the side, resting against the car seat, his lips slightly parted in sleep.
Yunho, having recovered from the embarrassment, glances at the rearview mirror, smiling to himself. “He really knocked out fast,” he murmurs, voice softer than usual.
Jaejoong chuckles softly, turning in his seat to glance at the sleeping child. “He played hard today,” he says, gently reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair from Björn’s forehead with the lightest touch.
Silence settles between them again as Yunho continues driving, the kind that makes Yunho even more aware of Jaejoong’s presence next time, especially since he now knows that Jaejoong still likes him. He feels a mix of excitement and pure fear — because just because Jaejoong likes him doesn’t mean he’ll actually want to date him. After all, Yunho had already rejected him once.
Yunho grips the steering wheel a little tighter.
He pulls into Jaejoong’s apartment complex and shifts the car into park. The engine hums for a few seconds before he turns it off, plunging the car into silence.
Jaejoong doesn't make a move to get out.
For a long moment, Yunho just sits there, fingers still curled around the steering wheel, staring straight ahead. He can feel Jaejoong looking at him, waiting for something.
He should say it. Now.
But is it the right time? In a car, after a long day, with a sleeping child in the back?
Jaejoong shifts slightly, and Yunho finally glances at him. Their eyes meet in the dim light of the streetlamp filtering through the windshield.
Jaejoong smiles, soft. “You okay?” He asks quietly.
Yunho exhales a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah,” he says, though it’s not entirely true. “Just... thinking.”
Jaejoong hums in acknowledgment but doesn’t push.
Yunho takes a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He feels the weight of the words pressing on him, pushing him to say something, anything. But his mind is spinning, conflicted between the fear of rejection and the hope that maybe, just maybe, Jaejoong might actually be waiting for him to say it right now.
Jaejoong's gaze never wavers, and Yunho swears he can feel the warmth of it, like a quiet encouragement to speak up. The soft glow of the streetlamp casts a gentle light on his features, making everything feel so intimate.
"I—" Yunho starts, but the words get stuck in his throat, tangled with doubt. His eyes flicker to the rearview mirror, catching sight of Björn’s peaceful sleeping face. He wants to confess, but he doesn’t want to mess this up, not when things are finally starting to feel like they could be good.
Jaejoong watches him for a beat, his smile not faltering. "We'll talk later, alright?" He says, his voice warm. He unbuckles his seat belt and gets out of the car, and Yunho hurriedly follows him.
"Wait, Jaejoong–" Yunho’s voice cracks slightly as he calls out, his feet hesitant, almost frozen to the ground. He takes a step forward, then another, and suddenly, the distance between them doesn’t seem like just a few steps, it feels like miles.
Jaejoong pauses after closing the car door, turning slowly with a soft look on his face. "Yeah?" He asks, voice still gentle, but there's a flicker of curiosity in his eyes now.
Yunho runs a hand through his hair, taking a deep breath as if trying to steady himself. His chest tightens with nerves. "I— I…" His words stumble over each other, his mind racing, but his body seems determined to freeze up. He doesn’t know how to start this, how to say what’s been building up inside of him for so long.
Jaejoong stands there patiently, not pushing, just waiting. Yunho can feel his heart hammering in his chest as if it might burst at any moment.
"I... I'm sorry," Yunho blurts out, his face flushing in embarrassment. "I mean... I’m sorry for everything. For... for rejecting you. For not—" He pauses, running out of steam, biting his lip. "I... I didn’t know what I was doing back then, and I still don't really know how to do this." He gestures vaguely between them, struggling to find the right words.
Jaejoong tilts his head slightly, his expression soft but filled with something unreadable. He doesn’t interrupt, just watches Yunho carefully, his gaze patient.
"I... I didn’t mean to hurt you," Yunho continues, still stuttering, his voice barely above a whisper. "I—I just—" He stops himself, shaking his head. "I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and... it’s just that... I don’t want to mess this up again." His hands tremble slightly as he speaks, and he feels like an idiot. Why is this so hard?
Jaejoong steps closer, closing the distance that Yunho can’t seem to manage. His hand reaches out, not in a rush, but with quiet intention, brushing against Yunho’s arm.
"You’re not messing anything up, Yunho," Jaejoong says softly, his voice a gentle balm to Yunho’s frayed nerves. "I mean– that was a bit bold of me to immediately want to date you right away. We weren't even friends, it wouldn't have worked out anyways. I just hope it didn't, I don't know, put pressure on you?"
"What do you mean?"
Jaejoong looks away. "You were aware of my feelings for you... maybe that's why you think you like me..."
Yunho shakes his head, a slight frustration in his tone, "What— no. Jaejoong, if I like you, it’s not because I knew you liked me too. It’s because I appreciate every moment we spend together, and how I found myself wanting to see you even more, and..." He takes a deep breath, looking away for a moment before turning back to Jaejoong "...I started thinking how nice it would be to hold your hand and call you my boyfriend."
Jaejoong's eyes soften. "How are you sure it’s real feelings and not just the past we had together that makes you think you like me?" He asks, but his voice still carries a bit of doubt.
Yunho crosses his arms, voice firm but not angry, "Isn’t that what you felt when we met again? Isn’t that why you asked me to be more than friends?"
"Maybe..." Jaejoong pouts a little, mumbling under his breath. Then, he glances up at Yunho, his gaze soft and almost vulnerable "...but I was sure that I could love you again. I would always be weak for you, Yunho."
"Jaejoong..." Yunho swallows, his eyes fixed on Jaejoong's, his heart threatening to leap out of his chest.
Then Yunho steps closer, his gaze unwavering, his voice stronger now, filled with determination.
"Jaejoong, listen to me." He reaches out, gently taking Jaejoong’s hand in his, grounding himself in the simple touch. "I know I messed up before, and I know I can’t take back what happened. But I need you to understand that this isn’t about the past, or about me trying to make up for mistakes."
Yunho’s heart races as he holds Jaejoong’s hand. He watches his face closely, hoping his words are landing, that Jaejoong can see the sincerity in his eyes. He’s never been more certain of his feelings, but the vulnerability of this moment makes him hold his breath, waiting for Jaejoong to understand.
"I’ve thought about this. A lot," he continues, eyes never leaving Jaejoong’s. "And I’ve realized that what I feel for you now is real. It's not just some leftover feeling from before. It’s me— it's who I am, right now. I like you, Jaejoong, not because of anything that happened before, but because of who you are now, and how you make me feel when I'm with you."
Jaejoong’s breath catches.
"I— I don’t know if I deserve it, but..." Yunho inhales deeply, his grip on Jaejoong's hand tightening ever so slightly. "I want to be with you, Jaejoong. I want to make you happy. To see you smile, and to make you laugh, and to hold your hand. Because I—" He stops, suddenly losing his nerve.
"I...?" Jaejoong presses, his voice gentle, but Yunho can hear the slight tremble in it, and that gives him hope.
Yunho swallows hard, his mouth dry.
"Because I love you, Jaejoong," he says, his voice cracking a little.
For a long moment, the words hang in the air, suspended between them like something fragile. Yunho feels the weight of what he just said, his heart pounding in his chest. His eyes search Jaejoong’s face for any sign that might tell him what the other man is thinking.
Jaejoong stands perfectly still, his gaze never leaving Yunho, his lips slightly parted. The quiet between them feels thick, almost suffocating.
And then, Jaejoong’s lips curl into a small, soft smile, one that reaches his eyes and warms Yunho from the inside out. He steps forward, closing the distance between them, and throws himself into Yunho's arms.
"Idiot..." He mumbles against the crook of Yunho's neck and tightens his arms around his neck, and Yunho can feel Jaejoong's body tremble slightly, his shoulders shaking.
"Jaejoong, are you…" Yunho pulls away slightly, concerned that the other might be crying, but Jaejoong pulls him back, refusing to lift his head from Yunho’s neck.
Yunho exhales slowly, relaxing into the embrace, his body melting against Jaejoong’s. He closes his eyes, his hands moving to wrap around Jaejoong's waist, pulling him even closer. He buries his face in Jaejoong's hair, inhaling deeply.
"You know, if I’m an idiot, so are you," he whispers, his voice muffled.
Jaejoong scoffs and lifts his head. The moment Yunho sees the tears in his eyes, he smiles softly, lifting a hand to gently wipe them away.
"Sorry," Jaejoong murmurs, letting his head rest back on Yunho’s shoulder. "I don’t even know why I’m crying."
"I'm glad to see that you're still a crybaby," Yunho teases him.
"Shut up," Jaejoong mumbles against his shoulder.
Yunho chuckles softly at Jaejoong's response, but as he holds him, his chest tightens again, a rush of emotions welling up inside him. He knows, without a doubt, that he’s found something he’s been searching for, something that he’ll fight to keep.
“I love you, Jaejoong,” he repeats. “My heart is yours, all of it. You don’t have to ask Björn, or anyone else, to keep anyone away from me. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere.”
He realizes his mistake when Jaejoong pulls away from the hug, frowning.
"I– uh... I mean... Y'know, yeah..."
"Is that why Björn suddenly asked me if I liked you?"
"Yeah, um. About that..." Yunho chuckles awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.
"Did you put him up to this, Jung Yunho?"
"M-maybe...?"
Jaejoong huffs out a laugh. "I can't believe you," he mutters. "Ugh, but you really heard what I told him... This is so embarrassing!"
"Don't worry, I found that very sexy of you," Yunho winks.
Jaejoong rolls his eyes. "Of course you did, you weirdo."
"You’re the craziest one between the two of us," Yunho says. "By the way, Björn lied. I’m not close to any of his friends' parents."
"I hope so," Jaejoong puffs his cheeks. "You’re only mine now."
"All yours," Yunho repeats, his voice soft, making Jaejoong blush.
"Hey," Jaejoong nudges him. "Do you wanna come inside for a bit?"
Yunho glances towards the car. "I can't. Björn. Remember?"
Jaejoong sighs, his smile tinged with a hint of disappointment but still warm. "Right. Get him home safely."
Yunho nods. "Will do so."
For a moment, they both stand there, the night air cool around them, a silence stretching out between them that feels both comforting and filled with the weight of everything they’ve just shared.
"So," Jaejoong says, breaking the stillness with a mischievous grin. "I guess we’ll have to call it a day then, huh?"
Yunho laughs softly. "Yeah, I guess so."
Jaejoong starts to turn towards the building, then pauses, giving Yunho one last look. His eyes flicker with something playful then he stands on his tiptoes, and, without warning, kisses Yunho's mouth, light and fleeting, but enough to make Yunho's breath catch in his throat.
"Goodnight," he says, smiling as he walks away, leaving Yunho stunned, staring after him. "I love you too!" He calls over his shoulder, before disappearing through the door.
Yunho's fingers drift to his lips, and he can't help the way his lips curve into a goofy smile, a warmth filling his chest. He's not sure if he'll ever get tired of hearing those words.
When he enters his car, Björn is awake, staring at him with a smirk.
"You're welcome, Uncle Yunnie," the little kid says smugly.
Yunho laughs. "Thanks, little guy," he replies and pats his godson's head, remembering how the kid likes it whenever he’s a good boy. "Let's go home now, hm? Your dad will kill me if I don't drop you home on time."
"Okay!"
The drive to Changmin's house is filled with the music blasting at full volume, with Yunho and Björn singing their hearts out.
Later, as he lies on his bed, giggling to himself while recalling the day's events, he gets a cute selfie from Jaejoong. He quickly snaps one back, hugging his big teddy bear, and Jaejoong teasingly replies that it should be him cuddling with Yunho instead.
Yunho smiles at his phone, completely unbothered by how cheesy they’re being.
Damn— next time he sees Jaejoong, he’s going to ask him to be his boyfriend.
Yunho feels extra nervous.
He stands outside Jaejoong’s apartment door, his heart pounding harder than it should for something as simple as visiting a... what? A soon-to-be boyfriend? An ex he's still in love with after fifteen years?
Yunho exhales sharply, gripping the plastic bag in his hand. He had brought a bottle of wine, not wanting to come empty handed. Jaejoong asked him to drop by so he could give him homemade meals. Yunho knows that the food is just an excuse to see each other, which makes him even more nervous.
Before he can talk himself out of it, he knocks.
A few seconds pass. Then the door swings open, and there he is — Jaejoong, in a loose sweater that slid off one shoulder, fluffy hair, eyes wide like he hasn’t been expecting Yunho to actually show up.
“You came,” Jaejoong says, voice quieter than usual.
“You told me to,” Yunho replies, trying to sound casual, though he knows his nervousness is obvious. Jaejoong looks so good – it’s hard being casual.
Jaejoong steps aside, letting him in. The apartment smells like spices, garlic, something rich and comforting. A few food containers are on the table, ready to be taken by Yunho.
“You didn’t have to cook all this,” Yunho says, setting the wine down.
Jaejoong waves him off. He grabs an empty bag and starts putting the containers into it.
"It's no big deal. This is mostly leftovers," he says, though Yunho is sure that Jaejoong actually cooked all this just for him.
"Thanks," Yunho says, hoping the red on his cheeks isn’t that visible.
"It's nothing," Jaejoong replies, equally as shy.
They are both quiet for a beat, and the atmosphere is so tense that it's almost palpable. Yunho fidgets a bit, looking around the room, unsure of what to say. He hasn't been this nervous around Jaejoong in a while.
Yunho swallows, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as Jaejoong is still arranging the containers into the bag even though there is no need to.
This is ridiculous. They’ve dated before. They’ve held hands, kissed, woken up tangled in each other’s arms. Yet here they are, acting like a pair of nervous teenagers in high school, not knowing how to behave around their crushes?
Yunho clears his throat. “So, uh... how have you been?”
Jaejoong looks up, surprised by the question, then gives a small smile. “Good. Busy. You?”
“Same.” Yunho rubs the back of his neck. Great. Amazing conversation skills, Yunho.
Jaejoong zips the bag shut and finally turns to face him fully. Their eyes meet, and Yunho’s stomach flips.
“I should probably go...” His voice is quieter than he expects.
Jaejoong hums, nodding slightly as he glances toward the door. “Alright.”
That’s it. No hesitation, no attempt to keep him here, no teasing oh, come on, just one drink before you go? Nothing. Yunho blinks. He doesn’t know what he was expecting, but the lack of resistance makes something in his chest twist.
Maybe this is how it was always meant to be — him walking away, Jaejoong letting him. They are exes for a reason, after all. No matter how much love had existed between them, they had still fallen apart. And after everything they have been through, a new relationship between them has more chances of failing than succeeding. Maybe they are only meant to orbit each other, close enough to feel the pull but never enough to collide.
Jaejoong leads Yunho to the front door and as Yunho thanks him again for the food, Yunho realizes that no, he can't let Jaejoong go like this. They haven't even tried yet.
"Text me when you're-" Jaejoong starts but Yunho, who honestly wasn't listening to him, cuts him off.
"Do you wanna be my boyfriend?"
Silence.
The kind that stretches out, thick and tenacious. Yunho can hear his own heartbeat hammering in his ears as Jaejoong just stares at him, lips parted, eyes wide.
And then—
Jaejoong grabs him by the front of his shirt and yanks him back inside.
The door slams shut behind them as Yunho stumbles, barely catching his balance before his back is pressed against the door. He doesn’t even have a second to process what’s happening before Jaejoong is there, right in front of him, his hands fisting Yunho’s shirt, his breath warm against Yunho’s lips.
"Thought you'd never ask," Jaejoong murmurs, and then he kisses him.
It’s not gentle. It’s not tentative. It’s years of longing, of missed chances, of pent-up emotions crashing all at once. Jaejoong’s lips are warm and insistent, his body pressing close, and Yunho— Yunho can’t do anything but respond. His grip loosens on the bag of food, and it slips from his hand, forgotten as his arms move on their own, circling around Jaejoong’s small waist, pulling him impossibly closer.
Jaejoong makes a soft noise against his lips, fingers twisting in Yunho’s shirt like he’s afraid Yunho might pull away. As if Yunho even could. As if he hasn’t been waiting for this, aching for this. He parts his lips, letting Jaejoong deepen the kiss, and a shiver runs through his entire body.
The kiss is messy and urgent, but still so good, and Yunho can feel the hunger in the way Jaejoong licks into his mouth, the way his hands slide under Yunho's shirt, nails digging into his skin. He tastes like mint, his tongue eager, and Yunho doesn’t hold back, kissing him with all the desire that's been building up inside him.
"God, I missed you," Jaejoong whispers in between the kiss.
Yunho notices the strand of saliva connected between their lips when they pull away for a moment to breathe. The sight makes him groan, and he can't resist leaning forward, this time for a gentler kiss, his hands cupping Jaejoong's face.
"I take that as a yes then?" He murmurs, pressing his hands so firmly on the other's cheeks that his lips pout.
Jaejoong dumbly nods and, when Yunho releases his cheeks, he says, "Always yes for you," before Yunho crashes their lips together again, hungry for more.
His heart pounds in his chest, and his mind is hazy with want. His hands roam over Jaejoong's body, desperate to feel his skin, his touch, everything. He wants to memorize every inch of Jaejoong, to get familiar with his body again.
He slides his hands lower, gripping Jaejoong's hips and guiding him backwards, stumbling into the apartment until he's pressed against the kitchen counter.
"Here? Damn, Jung Yunho," Jaejoong whistles, breaking their kiss, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You're still as kinky as I remember."
"I don't know where your bedroom is," Yunho replies, and Jaejoong's chuckle makes him laugh as well. "The counter is nice too, though."
"You know where the guest room is-"
Yunho leans down, nipping along Jaejoong's jaw, then presses his lips to the side of his neck, sucking at his sensitive skin. Jaejoong whimpers, his head tilting to give Yunho better access.
"Unfortunately," Jaejoong starts, pushing Yunho off his neck by putting a finger on his forehead. "I have a weak body. I'm not sure my bones would appreciate the cold hard counter. However, I do have a very nice and comfortable mattress, so..."
Yunho hums. "Alright," he says, and hoists Jaejoong up, carrying him bridal style. "Tell me the way, my lady."
"Oh, wow. This feels a bit nostalgic," Jaejoong grins, and wraps his arms around Yunho's neck.
When they enter the bedroom, Yunho drops him onto the bed, noticing how Jaejoong slightly hisses. Yunho crawls on top of him, hovering. Jaejoong's eyes are dark with want, his cheeks flushed, lips swollen.
"You really weren't joking about your weak body," he says and Jaejoong glares at him. Fuck, this is such a turn on - Yunho is going to care of him so damn well.
"I swear if I broke a bone because of you, I'm gonna-"
Yunho doesn't let him finish the sentence. Instead, he dives down and kisses him, swallowing Jaejoong's protest. His hand sneaks under Jaejoong's loose sweater, fingertips grazing the warm skin. He feels Jaejoong tremble at the touch.
This is just like back then — a kiss and a few fingers on his skin, and Jaejoong is already gone. Yunho feels a strange sense of relief that this part of Jaejoong hasn't changed at all.
"Remember when we used to do it roughly?" Yunho says, kissing down the column of Jaejoong's neck.
"Mhm, how can I forget," Jaejoong moans, eyes shut, head tilted back.
"Wanna do it roughly?"
"Are you fucking kidding me, Jung Yunho? I just said my bones are gonna break."
Yunho pulls back a bit and pouts. "We even found ways to do it when your leg was injured, you're being overdramatic."
Jaejoong rolls his eyes. "We were young. I'm an old man now, be careful with me."
"Ugh, this is so sexy. My old man," Yunho sighs dreamily before diving down and attacking Jaejoong's neck again.
"We're not even one month– ah!" Jaejoong squeals when Yunho's cold fingers find their way to his nipples. "Will you stop interrupting me every time?"
"Sorry, sorry," Yunho murmurs against the smooth skin, sucking a small bruise just above Jaejoong's collarbone.
He's careful not to leave too many marks, knowing that Jaejoong wouldn't be able to hide them at work. Even though he kind of wants the whole world to know that Jaejoong is taken now. This urge is the same as the one he felt when they were in the group together.
Jaejoong whimpers as Yunho rolls his nipple between his fingers. He arches into the touch, his hands gripping at Yunho's shoulders, pulling him closer. Yunho loves seeing Jaejoong like this, his guard completely down, showing how vulnerable and sensitive he is. It makes him want to both wreck him and take care of him.
"You're so beautiful," he mumbles. He pushes the sweater up, putting the fabric into Jaejoong's mouth. "Bite down," he orders, and Jaejoong obediently bites the piece of clothing, though he keeps glaring at Yunho like he's thinking of ways to kill him.
Yunho grins and starts kissing his way down, pressing a light kiss just below Jaejoong's bellybutton. Jaejoong inhales sharply, his thighs trembling slightly.
"Don't hesitate to take off the sweater off your mouth if you want me to stop. Or just kick me. That'd also be an obvious signal."
Eyes lidded, Jaejoong nods. But Yunho needs a verbal answer so he removes the sweater just so Jaejoong can answer.
"Yeah, yeah, I will," Jaejoong breathes out, his cheeks burning red. "I don't do well with foreplay, though, so can you already–" He gets cut off by Yunho putting the sweater back into his mouth, and Yunho laughs and kisses his cheek when Jaejoong lets out a frustrated scream.
"I love you too," Yunho grins and goes back to teasing Jaejoong's skin, taking his sweet time with the older, obviously not going to follow his words about not taking too long. After all, Jaejoong has always loved foreplay — he must have said that because he's just impatient.
Yunho decides that the shorts Jaejoong is wearing are too annoying, and they should come off, so he takes them off. Jaejoong wiggles his hips, trying to help him take the clothes off, and it looks adorable. However, he is surprised to find that Jaejoong isn't wearing underwear.
"Oh? You're the one being as kinky as I remember here," he smirks, and Jaejoong looks like he wants to smack him, though the way he is panting heavily and how his cock is already half-hard says otherwise.
Jaejoong's eyes are filled with lust, but a hint of shyness can also be seen. His face is still bright red, and he closes his legs, probably feeling a bit embarrassed.
Yunho is going to ruin him.
"You worked so hard," he murmurs, pressing a kiss along Jaejoong's left inner thigh. "Cooked all this delicious food and told me to come pick it up, just so you could get me into your bed, huh?"
He switches to Jaejoong's right inner thigh, purposely ignoring his cock, and instead leaves open-mouthed kisses on the heated skin, making Jaejoong shiver. He sucks a bruise there, his teeth lightly grazing the skin, making Jaejoong's back arch.
"Or did you really want to give me food and you just happened to not be wearing underwear?" He asks and he sees Jaejoong nodding. "Ah, I see. I should thank you properly for the food, then."
He can tell how desperate Jaejoong is, and how much he needs Yunho to touch him. Jaejoong spreads his legs wider, silently begging, but Yunho keeps taking his time. He kisses up his inner thighs, slowly making his way closer to where Jaejoong wants him the most, and Jaejoong's breathing becomes heavy.
"I know how to repay you," Yunho says and then suddenly grabs Jaejoong's waist, flipping him over, making him stand on all fours. Jaejoong gasps in surprise, the sweater falling out of his mouth. "Put it back."
"Yunho, what–"
"Now."
Jaejoong's breath hitches, and his lips part. He looks like he wants to say something but instead puts the sweater into his mouth.
"Good," Yunho praises, and Jaejoong shudders. "I'm gonna make you feel good. Can you keep your legs spread wide open like that, baby?"
He hears Jaejoong's sharp inhale, and he can imagine the look on the other's face, flustered and horny. He sees Jaejoong nodding and slowly spreading his legs apart, ass sticking out.
Fuck.
"So good, Jaejoongie," he says, and his heart swells when Jaejoong visibly relaxes at the praise.
He caresses the other's cheeks, spreading them. His cock twitches in his pants, seeing the puckered hole clenching, anticipating his touch. He leans in, blowing a hot breath. He watches in awe as the muscle tenses and relaxes, and then leans in again, giving a tentative lick.
Jaejoong gasps.
He runs his tongue over the rim, lapping at it. He loves how Jaejoong is trembling and shaking. He keeps licking, his saliva running down his chin, slicking the area. Jaejoong is a whimpering mess, and Yunho is loving every second of it. His back is arched beautifully, and he is pushing his hips against Yunho's mouth, desperate for more.
Jaejoong is moaning so much that the sweater falls out of his mouth. Yunho doesn't reprimand him, because he is also so into it and would love to hear Jaejoong's moans loud and clear.
"F– Fuck," Jaejoong chokes out. He grips the sheets so tightly his knuckles turn white. "Yunho, please."
Yunho pushes his tongue in, breaching the rim, and Jaejoong cries out, a long drawn-out sound that has Yunho groaning, his cock aching.
"When was the last time you got eaten out?" Yunho asks, stopping his movements, making Jaejoong whimper at the loss of his tongue.
"Last week," Jaejoong answers, his voice coming out strained, and Yunho lightly slaps his ass, making him gasp. "Last month," he corrects, but it only makes Yunho slap him harder, and he cries out. "I don't remember! Please, put your tongue in-"
He doesn't get to finish his sentence as Yunho pushes his tongue back into his hole. He swirls his tongue, making sure to coat the walls with saliva. Jaejoong is a trembling mess, rocking his hips against his tongue. His moans are like music to Yunho's ears.
He continues rimming Jaejoong until the other man's moans become so loud he thinks the neighbors will hear them. The thought of other people hearing how well Yunho is taking care of Jaejoong has his stomach coiling in excitement. He doesn't want anyone to have Jaejoong but him, yet a part of him wants everyone to know that Jaejoong belongs to him and him only.
Jaejoong has started rocking his hips faster, his moans turning into high-pitched whines, and Yunho knows he's close. He grabs Jaejoong's hips and pulls away, leaving his tongue hanging out of his mouth, not bothering to wipe away the saliva.
"No," Jaejoong wails, desperately thrusting his hips, but Yunho holds him tight. "Please, let me come, please, please, I need–"
"Shhh," Yunho soothes, gently rubbing his hips. "Am I as good as you remember?"
Jaejoong turns his head, glaring at him. His hair is a mess, sticking to his forehead. His face is flushed, and his chest heaves. He is gorgeous, and Yunho falls in love with him all over again.
"I'll take that as a yes," he grins, and Jaejoong lets out an indignant sound.
"Don't tell me you still have a praise kink at this age."
"Now, why are we suddenly kink shaming?" Yunho pouts, and Jaejoong glares at him. "And for the record, you had one too. Do you want me to list everything?"
"Shut up and fuck me," Jaejoong growls.
"I like the words 'make love' better," Yunho replies cheekily, making Jaejoong scoff.
"Then, make love to me, Jung Yunho. But for the sake of my poor old body, can we change position? My knees are killing me."
Yunho doesn't answer. Instead, he flips Jaejoong back around, the older letting out a loud squeak. This is amazing – You manhandle Jaejoong and it immediately shuts him up.
The sweater has settled back into place over Jaejoong's chest, and Yunho appreciates the view very much – Jaejoong only wearing a sweater, his hard cock, leaking pre-cum, his legs spread apart.
"Next time we do this," he starts. "I'm gonna fuck you while you're wearing a hoodie of mine."
"I thought you liked saying 'make love' better," Jaejoong quips, though his rosy cheeks say that he would appreciate that idea.
"Details," Yunho waves a hand dismissively. "Where do you keep the lube and condoms?"
Instead of answering, Jaejoong reaches for under the pillow his head is resting on and takes out the mentioned items. Yunho stares at him, dumbfounded.
"You were really expecting this, huh?" He says, his grin spreading. "What'd you have done if I just left?"
"I would have followed you to your car, slapped you and called you names because you still hadn’t asked me to be your boyfriend, then I would have ridden you in the driver’s seat," Jaejoong says casually, as if it’s no big deal.
Yunho can't help but laugh. That sounds just like something Jaejoong would do.
"In the driver seat? With the steering wheel poking at your back?"
Jaejoong shrugs. "It'd still feel good. And besides, I wouldn't mind a few bruises here and there."
Yunho can perfectly imagine a bruised up Jaejoong riding him in the car, bouncing on his cock, his head tilted back in pleasure. He's sure it would be an amazing view. He has half the mind to go ahead and make that image become reality, but Jaejoong is looking at him impatiently, so he decides he'll save it for next time. And after that – fucking Jaejoong in his hoodie.
"I thought you had a weak body," Yunho says.
"Details," Jaejoong says, imitating Yunho's voice. Then, he hooks his feet around Yunho's hips and pulls him close. "Enough talking. Do something before I die of old age. And take off your clothes too."
Yunho doesn't bother to take his clothes off for now - if Jaejoong complains about it, Yunho would just have to shut him up by shoving his fingers in his mouth. For now, he focuses on opening the lube, pouring a good amount onto his fingers.
He presses a finger to the puckered hole, massaging the muscle. Jaejoong's head is thrown back, his back arching. His mouth is open and he already looks utterly ruined and they've barely started. This must be the aftermath of a ruined orgasm.
"Do you know," he starts, and Jaejoong hums, telling him to continue. "How beautiful you look right now?"
"Oh, God, and do you know how much I hate foreplay? Please, just stick a finger inside me already," Jaejoong says, voice hoarse.
"But I love complimenting you. You look amazing."
"Yes, I'm beautiful. Now, can you-"
Yunho cuts him off by finally pushing the finger in. "So stunning," he says, his eyes absorbed by the way the hole is clenching around his finger, sucking him in. "You have no idea how gorgeous you are."
Jaejoong doesn't respond. He is breathing heavily, his body covered in sweat, and his hips are moving, trying to get used to the feeling of a finger. Yunho trails kisses along his chest, then finally kisses his lips, and Jaejoong eagerly returns it, his tongue hot and eager.
When Yunho begins thrusting the finger in and out, Jaejoong breaks the kiss, his head hitting the pillow. His lips are parted, and his chest rises and falls rapidly.
"Add another one," he breathes out.
"Impatient," Yunho says, and pushes in a second finger.
"Yunho," Jaejoong sighs, and the younger man can't help but feel a sense of pride, knowing that he is the cause of Jaejoong's pleasured state.
He pumps his fingers in and out, going back to his original position and watching in fascination as the rim stretches around his fingers. He scissors the digits, opening Jaejoong up, and the other's moans increase in volume. He is rocking his hips back against the fingers, his eyes shut.
After a few minutes, Yunho pushes a third finger in, and he can't tear his eyes away from Jaejoong. He is a mess – his legs are spread, and his cock is lying on his stomach, the tip red, pre-cum leaking. There are a few bite marks along his inner thighs, and Yunho knows Jaejoong will complain about them later, but he can't help it. Jaejoong looks ethereal like thi, and the marks on his pale skin look beautiful.
"Stop staring," Jaejoong whispers. "Come closer."
"I can't help it," Yunho admits. He leans forward, hovering above the older man. He kisses his forehead. "You're stunning."
Jaejoong huffs, a smile gracing his face. "Flattery won't get you anywhere."
Yunho leans down to kiss Jaejoong's lips, the kiss quickly turning into a heated one. They keep kissing, and Yunho's fingers are still pumping in and out of Jaejoong, opening him up. Until Yunho crooks his fingers and brushes against the prostate. Jaejoong breaks the kiss again, a loud cry falling from his lips.
"Yunho, Yunho," he says, breathless, and Yunho smiles and presses their lips together again.
He keeps thrusting his fingers, aiming at the spot. He swallows the noises falling out of Jaejoong's mouth, the kiss messy and sloppy. He loves it, loves how needy and desperate Jaejoong is for him.
"I missed your yaoi hands," Jaejoong mutters, panting. "You always had talented fingers. Ah, there–"
Yunho is surprised when he feels Jaejoong's hand wrap around his wrist. At first, he thinks the other man wants him to stop, so he slows his pace, but then he feels Jaejoong urging him on, wanting him to pick up the pace.
"Move your hand faster," Jaejoong commands, voice strained.
If Jaejoong thinks that Yunho is going to follow his orders, then he is completely mistaken. Yunho stops moving his hand completely. Jaejoong blinks in surprise, then whines.
"Why did you stop?" He demands, and his expression turns into one of annoyance when he sees Yunho grinning.
"I like it when you beg," he says.
Jaejoong lets out a frustrated groan. "Yunho, move your damn fingers, or I'm gonna kick you."
"Hmm," Yunho hums. He slowly pumps the fingers, not enough for what Jaejoong wants. "Ask nicely."
"I'll kill you."
"Okay," Yunho says, and removes his fingers completely.
Jaejoong lets out a choked sound, eyes widening.
"Wait, no," he says, his tone panicked. "Fuck, don't leave me like this, Yunho."
"If you ask nicely," Yunho repeats, his voice firm.
He can see the conflict in Jaejoong's eyes. The latter looks torn, not sure if he should give up or not. But when Yunho swipes his hand on the sheets and makes a move to stand up, Jaejoong cries out and sits up on his elbows, his eyes wide and pleading.
"Don't," he says, desperation lacing his voice.
"Then, beg."
A few seconds pass, and then, finally,
"Please," Jaejoong pleads. "Please, Yunho, put your fingers back in. I need them, please. Please."
Yunho pretends to contemplate, even though his heart is beating wildly, and his cock is so hard, he's afraid he's gonna come untouched by just looking at the wrecked expression on Jaejoong's face.
"I don't know," he says, and Jaejoong's face crumbles.
"Yunho, please," Jaejoong begs. "I need your fingers inside me, please. It's not enough, I need more. Please, Yunho. Please, fuck me with your fingers."
Yunho's stomach coils, and he swears his dick has never been harder. He can't resist leaning forward and kissing Jaejoong's neck. He leaves a trail of kisses, going up and down the neck. He sucks a few bruises, his teeth grazing the skin, making the other tremble.
Then, he pulls back and pushes his fingers back in. Jaejoong gasps, his lips parting.
"You can be as bossy as you want outside the bedroom. But," Yunho starts, crooking his fingers just right. Jaejoong whimpers. "When we're here, alone, just the two of us," he continues, and starts thrusting his fingers fast. "You listen to everything I say, got it?"
Jaejoong moans, his hands reaching up to grip Yunho's shoulders, his nails digging into the skin. His back is arched, and his head is thrown back. He tries to get his hand on his cock but Yunho swaps his hand away before he can touch it.
"Understood?" Yunho asks, emphasizing his question with a particularly harsh thrust.
"Fuck," Jaejoong chokes out, his body shuddering. "Y– yes…"
He keeps thrusting his fingers and doesn't slow down. He wants to watch Jaejoong fall apart underneath him, his face a mess.
"Come for me, Jaejoongie," he says, his voice low.
And, as if on command, Jaejoong's body spasms. He lets out a silent scream, his cock spurting come. It lands on his sweater but the both of them don't care, too lost in the moment. Yunho keeps his fingers moving, helping Jaejoong ride through his orgasm, and Jaejoong is crying. Tears are falling down his face, and his face is contorted in pleasure. Yunho kisses the tears away.
He stops moving his fingers once Jaejoong comes down from his high. Jaejoong lies limp, his eyes closed, his chest heaving. He looks thoroughly fucked, and they haven't even gone all the way yet.
"You good?" Yunho asks, removing his fingers.
"Yes," Jaejoong replies. "Just gimme a sec. I need to calm my heartbeat."
Yunho hums and kisses the corner of Jaejoong's mouth, making the other man turn his head to properly kiss him. It's a slow kiss, unlike their previous ones.
"I really love you, Yunho-yah," Jaejoong confesses after pulling away, his cheeks tinted pink.
"I know," Yunho answers, and kisses him again. When Jaejoong hits his shoulder, he adds, "I love you too."
This time, the kiss is deeper and hotter, and they can't help but grind against each other, their bodies craving for more. Jaejoong is still sensitive from his previous orgasm, meanwhile Yunho feels like he's about to explode.
"Why are you still fully clothed? Get your clothes off already," Jaejoong growls against his lips, annoyed.
This time, Yunho complies, stripping off his shirt and pants, leaving him in his boxers. His cock is straining against the fabric, a wet spot visible.
Jaejoong stares at his body with hunger in his eyes. His gaze is full of lust, and Yunho feels a sense of pride knowing that the older man is admiring him. Jaejoong had always liked his body, and apparently, even after fifteen years, nothing has changed.
Jaejoong giggles, his hand tracing the defined abs before pressing his palm flat against Yunho’s chest. Yunho swears his heart is beating so fast, it might leap right out of his body. Jaejoong must feel it too because a sly grin appears on his face.
“You’re so warm,” Jaejoong murmurs, his voice quieter now, almost reverent. He leans forward with difficulty, pressing a kiss right over Yunho’s heart, his lips soft and warm against the flushed skin.
“You do things to me,” Yunho admits. “You always have.”
Jaejoong hums, his lips ghosting over Yunho’s collarbone before he pulls back, his eyes filled with something deep, something that Yunho knows isn’t just lust. It’s love— the kind of emotion that still overwhelms him, even after all these years.
“I know,” Jaejoong says simply, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “And I love that I still do.”
Yunho doesn’t respond with words. Instead, he cups Jaejoong’s face and kisses him, slow, deep, savoring the way Jaejoong melts into him like he belongs there. Their bodies press together, warm and flushed, and Yunho knows that nothing in the world could ever feel more right than this.
Jaejoong wraps his arms around Yunho's neck and switches their position – Yunho laying on his back and Jaejoong sitting on top of him. Like this, the sweater is covering his crotch and the tip of his cock is barely poking out.
"You really look like a camboy like this," Yunho says, his eyes glued to the sight in front of him.
Jaejoong chuckles and grinds his hips, making them both groan. Yunho's boxers are still on, and the friction isn't nearly enough, but it feels amazing nonetheless. Jaejoong moves his hips in circles, his face scrunching up at the stimulation.
"Take your boxers off," he says, his tone breathless.
"You're sitting on me, I can't," Yunho says, and laughs when Jaejoong lets out an exasperated sound.
"Then, make me get off."
"Oh, I'd love to."
Yunho places his hands on Jaejoong's ass and grips the flesh, giving it a harsh squeeze. Jaejoong gasps, his hips stuttering. Then, Yunho gives him a push and Jaejoong is back to lying on his back. Yunho quickly rids himself of his boxers and throws them somewhere behind him. He doesn't miss the way Jaejoong is staring at his cock.
"Like what you see?" He grins, and Jaejoong huffs and rolls his eyes.
"Hurry up before you opened up me for nothing."
"I'd gladly finger you again," Yunho says and grabs the lube and a condom. He rips the packet open with his teeth, and rolls the condom on his length, then opens the bottle of lube and coats his dick with it. He raises an eyebrow when he sees Jaejoong almost drooling. "What?"
"The way you opened the condom was kinda hot," Jaejoong explains, looking sheepish, and Yunho grins.
Yunho crawls over the other man and grabs a leg, throwing it over his shoulders. Jaejoong whines and mumbles something about his poor body and not being flexible, but Yunho pays him no mind.
He positions his cock against the rim and rubs the tip. The hole is still open and loose from his earlier ministrations. He keeps rubbing the tip against the rim, watching the puckered hole clench around his dick.
"Stop teasing and just stick it in," Jaejoong hisses, but he is whimpering, so his voice lacks venom.
"So bossy," Yunho sighs. "I thought I said something about being bossy only outside the bedroom?"
"But–"
Jaejoong doesn't finish his sentence because Yunho is pushing the head in. It slides in easily, and Jaejoong lets out a strangled noise.
"Ah, fuck," he curses, his eyes shut and his head thrown back. "It's been awhile..."
"Tell me, Jaejoong-ah, how many partners have you had since we broke up?" Yunho asks as he slowly pushes his cock further in. He feels a stab of jealousy at the thought of someone else in bed with Jaejoong, which is ridiculous because Yunho himself had his own share of adventures – as an idol, it’s easier to have one-night stands than to commit to a relationship.
"You're not gonna like the answer," Jaejoong replies, his face flushed.
Yunho pushes in until his dick is completely buried. He lets out a sigh, the feeling of being inside the other man is amazing. He looks down at Jaejoong, whose breathing is uneven and whose eyes are tightly shut. He drops Jaejoong's leg, which immediately falls on the mattress, and leans forward to kiss him in order to relax him.
"How many?" Yunho repeats his question.
Jaejoong exhales shakily – it's hard to think when he is being stretched like this. “D– do... do you want… hum– partners as in romantically or..." He trails off, biting his lip.
Yunho stays silent and grips Jaejoong's waist tight when the latter tries to buck his hips.
"I had four serious relationships," Jaejoong finally says after understanding that Yunho wouldn't move until he answered. "And... I had some one night stands..."
"How many?"
Jaejoong averts his gaze, his blush spreading. "A few."
At this answer, Yunho moves his hips a little, making Jaejoong gasp.
"More," Jaejoong chokes out, his hands going up to grab onto Yunho's shoulders. "Move, Yunho-yah."
"How many, Jaejoong-ah?" Yunho demands.
Jaejoong rolls his eyes, but the effect is ruined by the moan that escapes him when Yunho grinds his hips once again. "Yunho, please, move," he whimpers, his nails digging into the other man's skin.
"Not until you answer me," Yunho says, and stills his hips completely, even though it's torture.
Jaejoong groans in frustration and lets his head fall back on the pillow, his hands sliding off Yunho's shoulders and landing beside his head. "I don't know, okay! Now, can you fucking move already?"
Because he could never refuse Jaejoong anything actually, Yunho complies. However, the pace is slow, because he really doesn't want to give Jaejoong the satisfaction until he answers his question. Jaejoong seems to sense what Yunho is doing because he glares at him despite the short whines leaving his lips every time he feels the length of Yunho's cock drag against his walls.
"Faster," Jaejoong pleads, but his voice cracks in the middle of the word.
"How many partners did you have, Jaejoong?"
The only answer Jaejoong gives is him trying to fuck himself on Yunho's dick, but the latter's grip on his hips is strong so he can't move much.
"Tell me, and I'll go faster," Yunho promises, and leans forward, pressing a kiss on Jaejoong's jawline.
Jaejoong moans, the sound high-pitched and desperate. "I really don't know... A lot–"
Yunho completely stills, and Jaejoong is about to complain because Yunho promised, but the words die on his tongue when Yunho pulls back, only leaving the tip inside, and then thrusts in harshly, his cock hitting the prostate dead on.
Jaejoong cries out, his head hitting the pillow. "God, fuck, yes."
"Only I matter now, right?" Yunho says, his voice low and gravelly, and Jaejoong shivers at the sound. "Only I can fuck you like this, right?"
"Yes, yes, only you, Yunho, please, move," Jaejoong whimpers, his hips moving, trying to get the cock to go deeper.
And Yunho listens. He starts thrusting fast and deep, and Jaejoong's moans increase in volume. His arms wrap themselves around Yunho's shoulders, bringing Yunho down for a kiss, their chests touching. It's a dirty kiss, messy and desperate. They can't help but break the kiss every time a particular hard thrust hits the prostate.
"Yunho, ah– so good, please," Jaejoong babbles right into his ear. His voice is wrecked, and Yunho thinks that the other man will not be able to sing for the next few days. But that would be a problem for later. Now, all he cares about is fucking the beautiful man underneath him, showing him that only he can make him feel this good.
He can't help but bite his way down Jaejoong's throat, leaving marks - not bothering anymore with how Jaejoong would have to hide them – Jaejoong is trembling, his nails clawing at Yunho's back, no doubt leaving scratches. Yunho doesn't mind, and continues his assault, biting, sucking and licking, making sure the skin is red and sore.
He loves the sounds coming out of Jaejoong's mouth. He loves how Jaejoong's thighs wrap themselves around his waist and how the heels are digging into his back, urging him to move faster, to go deeper. He loves how the walls around his cock are squeezing him so tightly.
"So beautiful," he murmurs against the pale skin.
What surprises him is how he suddenly hears a sob coming from his lover.
“Jaejoong?” Yunho’s voice is softer now, as he slows his pace.
Jaejoong shakes his head, blinking up at him with glassy eyes. “Don’t stop,” he whispers, but his voice wavers, and before he can help it, a tear slips down the side of his face.
“Jae—”
"I missed you." Jaejoong's voice breaks, and as soon as he says it, he can't hold back anymore. Tears stream down his face, his chest rising and falling fast as he clings to Yunho like he's afraid to let go. "I missed you so much."
Yunho feels something twist violently inside him, a rush of emotion so strong it nearly knocks the breath out of him. His heart is racing— too fast, too loud. He can feel it in his ears, in his fingertips, in the way his entire body seems to react to Jaejoong’s words.
He presses their foreheads together, closing his eyes for a moment, trying to steady himself. “I’m here,” he murmurs, voice thick. “I’m right here, Jaejoong-ah.”
Jaejoong lets out a choked-up laugh, which gets lost in the next breathless moan he lets out when Yunho starts moving his hips again.
"Fuck, I love you, I love you, I love you," Jaejoong chants, his fingers clutching onto Yunho's hair.
Yunho's thrusts are hard, and they're shaking the bed, the headboard hitting the wall. He can't hold back. The way Jaejoong's tightening around him is too much.
He knows Jaejoong is close when his body begins to shake uncontrollably, and his moans are higher in pitch. Yunho takes the opportunity and reaches down to grasp Jaejoong's dick, pumping it in time with his thrusts.
It doesn't take long. Jaejoong's mouth is opened in a long moan, his body arching and his eyes shutting tightly. He comes for the second time, and Yunho swears the sight will be forever imprinted in his brain.
Seeing the beautiful man come apart underneath him, Yunho is pushed over the edge. He groans and gives a few more thrusts, his hips stuttering, before his body goes slack. His arms are barely holding him up. He can't stop staring at Jaejoong, his eyes wide and filled with admiration.
He's the most gorgeous person he's ever seen.
"You're mine, only mine," he finds himself saying, his voice possessive.
"I'm yours, only yours," Jaejoong responds, smiling lazily at him, and this is what gets Yunho to the edge, and he's coming.
He comes with a loud moan, his hips moving on their own accord. His cock twitches and spills inside the condom.
When he's done, his body feels weak, and he nearly collapses on top of the other man. Instead, he pulls out with a hiss from both men, rolls to the side and pulls Jaejoong to him, who doesn't complain and instead curls into his side, his breathing labored.
"I didn't know you still had it in you," Jaejoong giggles, his head tucked under Yunho's chin.
"You make me feel young," Yunho cheekily replies, and Jaejoong slaps him on the chest. "However, I do feel tired. Sex at our age is much more tiring than we were twenty," he continues.
"I know right!" Jaejoong exclaims, pulling back a little to look at Yunho. "That's why I told you to go easy on me but, no, you had to be possessive and shit."
Yunho heartfully laughs. "You were the one telling to go faster, though?"
"Whatever," Jaejoong huffs and hides his face in Yunho's chest again.
Yunho chuckles, running a soothing hand down Jaejoong’s back. Their bodies are slick with sweat, and the sheets are a mess, but neither of them makes a move to clean up. However, Yunho is a great lover, and he's not going to skip aftercare.
"We should clean up," Yunho murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Jaejoong's head.
Jaejoong groans in protest, tightening his arms around Yunho’s waist. "No. Stay."
Yunho smiles, brushing damp hair out of Jaejoong’s face. "Baby, we’re sticky, and the sheets—"
"Don’t care," Jaejoong mumbles, burrowing closer. "Just wanna stay like this."
Yunho sighs, amused and fond. "Jaejoong—"
"Five more minutes," Jaejoong whines, clinging even tighter.
Yunho lets out a dramatic sigh, playing along. "You’re impossible." But he holds him anyway, continuing to rub soothing circles into his back as Jaejoong slowly relaxes. A few minutes pass, and Yunho tries again. "Alright, I need to get up now."
Jaejoong grumbles but finally loosens his grip. "Fine, but be quick."
Yunho pecks his forehead – and on his mouth too when Jaejoong puckers his lips and flutters his eyelashes – before slipping out of bed. He gathers a towel, some wipes, and a fresh bottle of water before making his way back. Jaejoong is still sprawled out, watching him with sleepy eyes.
"See? I survived without you."
Yunho snorts. "Barely."
He kneels on the bed, gently wiping Jaejoong down, taking his time to be careful. Jaejoong hums in approval, eyes fluttering shut.
"Feels nice," he admits, voice soft.
"Arms up," Yunho instructs, and Jaejoong raises his arms enough so he can slip the sweater off. He inspects the mess they made of the sweater and grimaces. "I don't know if it's ruined but..."
"Oh no, that was one of my favorites," Jaejoong says, though he doesn't sound that sad – maybe because it looks like he's going to fall asleep in any minutes. "We should give up your idea of doing it when I'm wearing your clothes, then. Wouldn't want to ruin them."
Yunho doesn't actually say that he wouldn't mind if his clothes were ruined and that, in fact, he would really appreciate seeing his hoodie being covered in Jaejoong's cum – damn... he sounds like a perverted teenager, but can you blame him? The thought is hot, okay?
"You should always keep a shirt on, though," he says, and Jaejoong mumbles a tired 'why'. "When I was eating you out, I saw the Junsu tattoo on your back," he pouts.
Jaejoong chuckles. "Isn't that normal to have the name of your precious dongsaeng tattooed on your back?"
"What about having the name of your boyfriend tattooed on your chest?"
"Imagine the reactions if suddenly everyone sees that I have my ex-member's name on my chest."
Yunho huffs, feigning offense. "So what you’re saying is... you wouldn’t get my name tattooed?"
Jaejoong grins, tilting his head. "I don’t know... maybe if you ask really nicely."
Yunho clicks his tongue, shaking his head. "Unbelievable."
Jaejoong laughs at that, his voice light and warm, and Yunho finds himself smiling despite himself. He finishes wiping Jaejoong down, tossing the dirty towel aside, and hands him the water bottle. Jaejoong takes a few sips before setting it down and immediately reaching for Yunho.
"Done? Good. Come here."
Yunho barely has time to blink or say something about how they should at least put some pants on and change the sheets, before Jaejoong is pulling him back under the covers, wrapping himself around him like a koala.
"You are way too clingy," Yunho teases, though he makes no move to escape. Instead, he tugs Jaejoong closer, tucking him securely against his chest.
"Shut up, you love it," Jaejoong murmurs sleepily.
Yunho chuckles, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. "I do."
A beat of silence passes, warm and comfortable. Then, Jaejoong whispers, "I love you, Yunho-yah."
Yunho tightens his hold on him, heart swelling. "I love you too."
Jaejoong sighs contentedly, his breathing slowing, and Yunho knows he’s seconds away from falling asleep. Yunho listens to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, feeling more at peace than he has in years.
He wouldn’t mind staying like this forever.
"Are you sure no one saw you? Followed you?"
Instead of answering, Jaejoong simply tugs on Yunho’s collar, pulling him down to steal a kiss. Yunho, never one to turn down affection from his boyfriend, immediately melts into it, his hands instinctively settling on Jaejoong’s waist.
As always, what starts as a simple kiss quickly escalates. Neither of them knows how to behave like responsible adults around each other, and soon they’re clinging together, lips moving hungrily, tongues meeting in a heated exchange.
The moment is abruptly cut short by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Yunho startles, pulling back to see Junsu standing behind Jaejoong, arms crossed, looking both exasperated and mortified.
"If someone actually followed us, you can be sure that there are already pictures of you two all over Internet," Junsu says, scoffing when the couple both sports red cheeks. "Now, if you'll let me," he adds and waits for them to step aside so he can enter the apartment.
Once Junsu is in, Jaejoong takes a quick glance down the hallway, scanning for any sign of someone lurking in the shadows — just to be safe even if he and Junsu had taken extra precautions today to shake off any potential tails. When he finds nothing suspicious, he nods to himself and quietly shuts the door.
"I missed you," Yunho murmurs, pressing a quick kiss to Jaejoong’s cheek.
Jaejoong rolls his eyes, amused. "I literally slept at your place last night."
"But you were gone before I even woke up," Yunho pouts.
Jaejoong giggles, booping his nose. "Sorry, baby. I had an early schedule."
"I forgive you," Yunho says in an exaggeratedly sweet voice.
Junsu groans, arms crossed. "I'm still here, you know."
The couple exchanges sheepish glances before Yunho clears his throat and gestures toward the apartment. As he leads the way inside, Jaejoong and Junsu take turns making playful comments about the decor, their voices filling the space with an easy familiarity.
Then, they all stop.
Changmin steps into view, wiping his hands on his apron. His mouth is already open, mid-call for Yunho, but the moment he registers that Yunho isn’t alone, he freezes.
Yunho instinctively tenses, his eyes flicking between the three of them. It’s their first time seeing each other in fifteen years, and they hadn’t exactly parted on good terms. He braces himself, anticipating at least some level of awkwardness — if not outright tension.
Yunho had planned this little get-together at Changmin’s apartment because he wanted to properly introduce Jaejoong to him. The two most important people in his life shouldn’t remain strangers. And since he and Junsu had rekindled their friendship, leaving him out didn’t feel right either.
Everyone had agreed that they didn’t mind meeting. But agreeing in theory and facing reality is two very different things.
Before the silence can stretch into something unbearable, Junsu suddenly shoves Yunho aside and plants himself in front of Changmin. With a dramatic sigh, he points at the couple behind him.
“They’re even more insufferable than before!” He declares, voice full of exaggerated suffering. “Changmin-ah, we still have time to run away and have a peaceful dinner just the two of us.”
Changmin blinks, clearly caught off guard—just like Yunho and Jaejoong. But he recovers quickly, crossing his arms.
“Sorry, I already made dinner. And from what you’ve told me, I really don’t want to leave my son alone with those two,” he says, throwing a pointed glare at the couple.
Ah… some things seem like to never change.
Yunho bursts into laughter, his eyes crinkling into crescents as he clutches his stomach, body shaking with amusement. The others watch him, confused, but Yunho doesn’t care. He just feels happy, content in a way he hasn’t in years.
When he finally catches his breath, Jaejoong steps forward, his gaze locking onto Changmin with that familiar intensity.
"Changmin."
"Jaejoong."
"Jaejoong hyung," he corrects.
A silence.
Changmin glares back.
Both Yunho and Junsu hold their breaths.
And then, "Jaejoong... hyung."
Jaejoong nods in satisfaction, a small smile tugging at his lips as he places a hand on Changmin’s shoulder. “You look great, Changmin-ah.”
Changmin stiffens just a little under the touch, his lips pressing together. He doesn’t quite meet Jaejoong’s eyes, but there’s no outright hostility, so everything is good, Yunho supposed.
“...Thanks,” Changmin finally mutters, shifting his weight slightly. He looks like he wants to say something else, but then he turns toward the kitchen instead.
Yunho watches as Changmin exhales slowly, his fingers curling around the edge of his apron before he speaks again, quieter this time, more careful.
“Jaejoong hyung.”
Jaejoong blinks.
“Do you want to help me finish making dinner?” Changmin asks, not looking at him directly. His tone is casual — too casual — but Yunho can see the way his fingers fidget with the hem of his apron, betraying his nerves.
Junsu’s mouth drops open slightly, and even Yunho is caught off guard.
Jaejoong tilts his head, studying Changmin with something unreadable in his expression. Then, to Yunho’s relief, a slow, warm smile spreads across his face.
“I’d love to.”
Changmin clears his throat, turning on his heel without another word, but Yunho catches the way his ears turn red as he strides back into the kitchen.
Junsu leans closer to Yunho, whispering under his breath. “Did Changmin just shyly ask Jaejoong hyung for help? What timeline are we in?”
Yunho grins. “A good one.”
Suddenly, a loud, high-pitched scream echoes from the hallway.
“Uncle Yunnie!”
A blur of movement rushes toward them, and before Yunho can react, a small body launches itself into his arms. He stumbles back slightly, but his arms instinctively wrap around the child, catching him with practiced ease. The little boy giggles, clutching Yunho’s shoulders tightly.
Yunho laughs, adjusting his grip before pulling back slightly to look at him. “That was quite the entrance. How are you?"
"I'm good!"
“And wow, look at you! You’re dressed so nicely today.”
Björn puffs up proudly, stepping back so Yunho can take in his little button-up shirt and neatly pressed trousers. “Mommy picked it for me. She said Daddy doesn't have taste so-” he cuts himself off, his eyes suddenly widen as he notices Junsu standing beside Yunho. His mouth drops open. “You’re the man from TV!”
Junsu blinks. “Uh—”
"He often watches old performances because he loves his dad," Yunho explains. "He must have recognized you."
"How could he...?" Junsu asks, puzzled. Then, with a mischievous grin, he crouches down to Björn’s level. "Do I look young, mister?"
Björn nods enthusiastically. "Yes! Like Uncle Jaejoong!" Junsu chuckles, ruffling the boy’s hair. "Where's Uncle Jaejoong?"
"In the kitchen with your dad," Yunho replies, a little surprised when Björn bolts toward the kitchen, not even waiting for the end of his sentence.
Yunho smiles, watching the boy rush off. He really loves his Uncle Jaejoong, he thinks fondly.
Junsu suddenly taps Yunho’s arm, nearly bouncing on his feet. "He's so adorable! I'm gonna steal him from Changmin," he sighs dreamily.
When dinner is finally ready, they all gather around the table. Or, at least, they try to. Yunho makes a move to sit beside Jaejoong, but before he can, Björn jumps on the chair next to Jaejoong. “I wanna sit next to Uncle Jaejoong!”
Jaejoong beams, immediately wrapping an arm around the child. “Of course, sweetie. Sit right here.” He helps Björn settle in, smiling fondly as the little boy practically molds himself against his side.
Yunho pouts. “But I—”
Björn interrupts him again, turning to look at Junsu with big, expectant eyes. “I wanna sit next to Uncle Junsu too!”
Junsu gasps dramatically, his whole face lighting up. “Did you just call me Uncle Junsu?”
Björn nods, though confused by Junsu's reaction.
Junsu looks like he might actually burst from happiness. He claps a hand over his chest, pretending to wipe away a tear. “I’ve been accepted into the family. This is the best day of my life.”
Yunho mentally groans as he watches Björn eagerly pull Junsu down into the seat beside him, sealing his fate. With Jaejoong and Junsu both taken, Yunho has no choice but to sit across from them. Next to Changmin.
Changmin smirks at him, clearly enjoying his suffering. “Wow. Do you hate me that much? I'm gonna be hurt."
“Shut up,” Yunho grumbles, reluctantly sitting down.
With everyone finally settled, they begin eating, the atmosphere filled with light conversation and laughter. Björn, ever curious, asks an endless stream of questions about the time when they all lived together.
At one point, when Yunho glances up from his plate, he finds Jaejoong already looking at him, a soft, affectionate smile on his lips. Then, with a teasing glint in his eyes, Jaejoong puckers his lips and blows him a slow, exaggerated kiss across the table.
Yunho, ever weak for his boyfriend, grins like an idiot and catches the invisible kiss in his hand, pressing it to his heart.
Changmin makes a noise of disgust. “Oh my god, seriously?”
Junsu dramatically shields Björn’s eyes. “There’s a child here, have some shame!”
Jaejoong just laughs, completely unbothered. “Then don’t look.”
Björn just giggles, looking up at Jaejoong. “Uncle Jaejoong, you and Uncle Yunnie are so silly.”
Yunho smiles at that, and despite Changmin’s grumbling and Junsu’s exaggerated complaints, he can’t help but think that tonight — this moment — is perfect.
He locks eyes with Jaejoong again and mouths an I love you.
(My Jaejoongie, 8:20pm.
When are you coming up on stage?
Yunho, 8:21pm.
In nine minutes
Are you gonna watch it? ^^
My Jaejoongie, 8:21pm.
Of course!!
I’ll carefully watch you, U-know Yunho ;)
*sent a picture*
Yunho almost drops his phone when he opens the attached file and sees a nude of Jaejoong fill the screen.
"Are you okay?" Changmin asks, adjusting his headset.
"Y-Yeah..." Yunho stammers, trying to regain his composure.
Damn. How is he supposed to act like everything's normal now?
Yunho, 8:22pm.
I hate you
I’m heading to yours immediately after the show’s over
My Jaejoongie, 8:23pm.
Can’t wait <3)