Good day, everyone! Okay, I updated really fast right when I received the news that all of the members already recovered.
What a good news! Cheers, besties.
And their comeback will be moved at October so be ready, guys.
Anyways, let's start the story now!
A loud, tired and full of frustration sigh came from Jungwon's lips as he slumped himself on a bench as the growing disappointment to himself washed over him.
He just came out of the company he was working at with a heavy heart because he just got fired from his work. Actually, he was indeed good at doing his job, making sure that he did his best in that restaurant as a cashier, yet this day came. When he was on break from work, a child accidentally hit the boss's favorite vase. He said it was given by his deceased mother so it was really special for him, but Jungwon said he was the one who broke it, making him face the enraged boss nervously.
He lied for the child's sake, but he didn't know that this could be the reason for him to lose his job. His boss got really mad at him and immediately fired him without even thinking twice. The poor sheep looking person got really upset and frustrated, but all that he could do was to give a bow of respect and apology, and immediately get all of his things and leave the restaurant without a single word.
And now, here he was. Sitting at the bench with his box of things beside him. Now, he has to find a job again, and he's willing to do anything just to feed himself.
Since he left their house a year ago, Jungwon learned how to live alone. He was just living in an apartment as of now in Ilsan so that he wouldn't get the chance to meet Jay again.
But however he wants to go away from the latter, the more he misses him to death. Jungwon knew to himself that Jay was still the one inside his heart but was afraid to approach the latter for what he did.
He also has no idea of what was already happening to the Veleno members. He has guilt about leaving them without a single word, yet the idea of contacting them after breaking up with Jay is something that deals with his pride. So he just remained silent, once and for all.
But with all of the thoughts that were running inside his head, it was all cut off when someone suddenly sat beside him, and just by looking at him, it seemed like the said guy was as equally as frustrated as he was.
The said guy then sighed as well and leaned his back lazily on the backrest, eyes closed out of frustration and his one hand touching the tip of his nose bridge. Jungwon frowned at the problematic guy beside him and handed him a bottle of water out of generosity.
The guy then furrowed his eyebrows, but when Jungwon gestured to him to get the bottle, he just smiled and received it respectfully. Jungwon just smiled back at him when he did, and sat properly again, facing straight in front of them.
"Seems like you have a hard time at work" Jungwon said and chuckled, making the guy chuckle as well.
"Yeah, actually. I am working at a company in Seoul and we are finding models that we scout in different provinces, but no one has been interested. It's been three days already and my boss will squeeze me into a pulp when I come back empty handed" the guy said and pouted, still holding bottled water as his eyes traveled beside Jungwon where the box was placed. "How about you? What's with that box?" he curiously asked, making Jungwon frown.
"Uhmm well, I got kicked out from my job so I'm just having a mental breakdown right now" Jungwon said and smiled bitterly, the reason for the said guy beside him beaming at what he had heard as he faced Jungwon with much anticipation.
"Is that so?" he said with excitement in his voice, making Jungwon just look at him, confused. "Can you stand for a moment, please? I'll just look for something" the guy said with a huge smile.
But even though Jungwon was completely clueless about the request, he just followed what he said obediently, and stood before him. The guy then looked at him from head to toe, making him almost feel uncomfortable. "Turn around please" he added, making Jungwon just follow with his eyes furrowed.
Then with the hands clapping once behind him, Jungwon jolted and faced the guy once again. The frustrated expression that was present the first time he saw him was not visible anymore since he looks more than happy as of now.
"That's it! Do you want to be a model?" the guy asked him happily.
"Uhmm, I can do any job. I'm not a picky person" Jungwon just answered, still clueless.
"Look. You said that you just got fired from your work. And with that, we can help each other! I will help you get a job and you will help me to finish my job as well" the guy said as he handed him a paper to fill up to. "Well. That is when you want to, I won't force you if you don't" he added.
Jungwon was stunned. He doesn't even imagine that he could get another job just this quick. He then just accepted the paper handed to him reluctantly. Of course, he wanted a new job as well, but going back to Seoul will be a hard decision for him to think of.
"Uhmm, I really do appreciate the generosity that you showed, but can you give me some time to think about it first? I still need to decide some things before going to Seoul from Ilsan" Jungwon said, making the guy smile.
"Thank you. Don't worry, I won't pressure you. I'll give you the time you need and just call me if you are interested so that you can fill up the form" the guy said, a smile still on his face, making Jungwon nod. The guy then gave him a calling card so that he could give him a phone call when he had already decided.
"Thank you as well. I am Jungwon by the way" Jungwon said and offered his hand to the guy as he chuckled, making the guy shake his hand softly.
With a huge smile, the guy replied, "I am Hanbin and it's really nice to meet you, Jungwon". Jungwon then smiled back at him sweetly before halting, shaking the older's hand.
"I hope you could consider my job offer, Jungwon, and if that happens, I'll look forward to working with you" Hanbin added as he fixed his things, starting to get up from his seat.
"Thank you, Hanbin hyung. I'll think about it thoroughly and hope that we could also help each other too"
~♕︎♕︎♕︎~
Blue Jay
Jungwon stood outside a huge building with a stiffened body. He doesn't even know why but the name of the clothing company before him was making him feel goosebumps. Mouth agape and head tilted above just to read the company name, he was getting really bothered yet he just let those wash over him.
He then heard a chuckle beside him as he felt a hand touch his chin to close his mouth gently. "If you keep that open, a fly might enter" Hanbin said and laughed softly, making Jungwon just giggle as well, not to embarrass himself more.
"Sorry, I just find the company name really interesting" Jungwon said as he fixed his bag that was hanging on his shoulder.
Hanbin then felt delighted at the said compliment, making him beam at him. "Oh really? I swear, our clothes are even more interesting" Hanbin said and held his arm carefully. "Let's go inside already? The boss is a little impatient so we must hurry" Hanbin said and started to walk.
Yet as they entered inside, Jungwon roamed inside the said building, making him coo in awe. The place was indeed beautiful, full of beautiful clothes, footswear, bags and accessories and all that were being sold at such prices. Jungwon's knees almost gave up when he saw the clothes hanging in the clothes rack. This company is indeed a big time when it comes to clothing.
The textiles, the fabrics, as well as the sequences and designs in each clothes makes his eyes widen at the sight. These clothes must be really prestigious and splendid.
Not to mention the smell of the clothes, as well as the raw materials that caught his nose. He smiled. He knows it would be really amazing working in this company.
Just by reading the name of the company makes him remember his one and only ex-boyfriend, adding the fact that this company works with clothing. He didn't even suppress a sigh that was let out by him as he suddenly missed the person who he loves the most.
It was Jay's dream to work with apparels. How amazing is that when he already did.
But all of his thoughts were cut off when Habin suddenly spoke beside him.
"The first and second floor are always open for customers, that's why it was chaotic down here. The salespersons are taking care with these products and the customers, and actually, they were really lucky because some famous artists often come here to buy our products" Hanbin told him before bringing Jungwon to the elevator.
"The third floor was for the products that were already made, but still in need of checking. The quality assurance team is taking care there to make sure that we won't disappoint our customers" he added as Jungwon just nodded, indicating that he understood.
"So, where are these products being made?" Jungwon asked him, making Hanbin smile.
"We actually have an underground floor for the production and operating team. They use such machinery to make these products so the ground floor was divided into different sections; there is a section for footwear, clothes, bags and accessories so we would be sure not to mix up the products. Our technical designer and stylist are always there to monitor the product before bringing those to the third floor" Hanbin explained further.
"Sorry about the other floors, I haven't went there because I was part of the advertising team, but our floor will be on the ninth floor as well as the other models, commercial teams and others" Hanbin just said before they heard the sound of the elevator, indicating that they already reached the floor that they need to reach.
"And here we are. This is the tenth floor, designated for the higher ups. This is also where the office of the boss is located" Hanbin said and gestured to him to follow.
"If the first and second floor were being loud, here, you should be quiet because these offices have monsters inside. You don't wanna be scolded, do you?" Hanbin whispered, earning a giggle from Jungwon.
Then after a few more steps forward, there stood a huge door that made Hanbin gulp. "Okay, so this is the boss boss. I'm gonna introduce you to him and don't mention boyfriends" Hanbin said and leaned nearer for a whisper. "It was rumored that boss Park became really strict when his boyfriend broke up with him. He is a workaholic virgo. He's helpless" Hanbin whispered, making Jungwon giggle at the last choice of words.
"Fine, fine. I'll be carefull" was all Jungwon said before he took a deep breath for him to relax. "I'm ready. Let's go" he lastly said, making Hanbin nod and knock the door thrice.
"Come in" said as a response from inside, making Jungwon furrow his eyebrows.
"His voice seems so nice" Jungwon whispered.
"That's not him, maybe that's his brother. He goes here often when there is something to discuss" Hanbin told him, making him nod and carefully open the door.
And when they started to walk, all Jungwon did was to walk with his head low. The scary aura that the certain office was giving almost suffocated him with fear, yet Hanbin just patted his back to remind him that there's someone to help him when something happened.
Hanbin then saw the boss's brother sitting casually on the couch, with his attention being glued to the phone in his hand.
"Good morning, sir Park!" Hanbin delightfully greeted the boss's brother which he just replied with a "Good morning as well" without looking back at him.
Hanbin then turned his gaze with a smile to the boss who was just busy reading some papers, not even bothering to look up at him. "Good morning, boss Park! I wanted to introduce someone to you. Here's his form" he said and placed Jungwon's form at the top of the table.
"Are you sure that he is deserving?"
His voice was stern and cold, but when Jungwon heard him talk, he suddenly looked at the boss with shock, making Hanbin look at him worried.
Wide-eyed and mouth slightly parted, Jungwon saw the boss who was sitting busily on the chair that didn't even throw them a glance. Jungwon was thankful that he was not looking, but all he did was to hide behind Hanbin.
"Jungwon-ah, what are you doing?" Hanbin asked him in a whisper as he shivered in nervousness.
He doesn't even know why he was hiding but facing Jay must be really hard for him, adding the fact that it was all of a sudden.
"H-Hanbin hyung, I think, I need to back out now" he whispered back, making Hanbin face him with worry.
"Why? Is there a problem?" he asked, making Jungwon nod.
"Yes hyung. A huge problem. Tell your boss that I am not interested anymore. Sorry hyung"
That was Jungwon's last words before he ran out of the room, but as he escaped, the door banged loudly before them, making the boss look at it in an angry manner.
"Hanbin, such an impolite person you bring into this office. Aren't you ashamed?" Jay asked with an irritation, making Hanbin feel nervous.
"Sorry, boss. He must be really nervous" he said and laughed nervously.
"Why the hell are you picking such undeserving people? Do you wanna lose your job?" Jay told him in a stern voice that Hanbin almost saw smoke in his head because of the burning rage.
"I'm sorry, boss. I'll talk to him again. I'll find him immediately. I'm sorry" Hanbin said in panic before following Jungwon out of the room.
Jay then let out a groan before relaxing his back again in his seat, making SUnghoon laugh at his behavior. "If you keep on scaring your people, one day you'll just be shocked that you have no employee at all" the younger said and sipped his coffee.
"Shut up, and why are you even here? I am not paying you to just sit there and relax" Jay said and rolled his eyes.
"I am on a break, mister, for your information" Sunghoon said and stuck his tongue out to his brother.
"So childish. I don't even know how you can keep yourself happy even though Jake is not by your side" he said, making Sunghoon just look at him with a smirk.
"Tss. Would he be happy if he knew that I am wasting my life with drowning sadness? For sure if he does see me in my misfortune, he'll say 'Don't let yourself be drowned. Swim to escape the sadness inside you and know that I am always here for you'" Sunghoon said dramatically, making Jay chuckle.
"Yeah, sure are. You both had been irritatingly sweet when he's still here" Jay said as he went back to what he was doing.
"Tss. As if you and Jungwon didn't" Sunghoon whispered, but Jay still managed to hear. He just frowned at the mention of the name.
He still misses Jungwon. He's still waiting that one day, he'll get to see Jungwon again and hold his hands.
Besides, he did everything that he could to make himself deserving for another chance from Jungwon. He pursued his dream of being an apparel designer and more of that. He even built the whole damn company and made its name inspired by Jungwon's likes. All he was waiting for was the time that he and Jungwon had the time to talk about their past relationship and mend it to try for another time. And this time, Jay will be very sure that he will value Jungwon more than anything else.
Even for the year that already passed, all that Jay could think of was how to improve himself and prove to Jungwon that he is deserving of another chance. Nothing more, nothing less.
"You're zoning out again" Sunghoon told him, making Jay go back to the reality.
"And you are being nosy. Go out. I don't need you here" Jay scoffed as he get one of the folders on his table to throw it on his brother's face.
"Yah, don't just throw papers at someone. This is the form of the model that Hanbin hyung recommended" Sunghoon said as he caught the folder using his hand as he snorted.
"I don't care. Throw that away. I don't need impolite employees who would just run away on the day of interview" Jay said, his eyes fixed on the papers before him.
But right after he opened the form, his smile quickly disappeared as an expression of pure surprised showed on his face. "Jay-ah, are you sure you don't want to at least check who was the one Hanbin brought you?" he asked, making Jay look at him with a firm but curious face.
"Why? Is he something that I should be glad for? Is he deserving to be accepted?" Jay asked him in a sarcastic tone, making Sunghoon place the folder in front of him with a sigh.
"No, Jay. The question should be, 'Are you deserving for his acceptance?'" Sunghoon told him and showed a small smile. "Think about this very well, Jay. You have to talk to him" Sunghoon added as he started to turn his back to his brother, walking silently towards the door with both hands in his pocket.
"Ah, and by the way. You should thank Hanbin hyung for bringing him to you" Sunghoon lastly said while looking at him through his shoulders, making Jay even more confused.
Sunghoon also already left the room, leaving Jay alone in the huge office that he was working at. He was confused about what his brother was talking about but he just washed them away as he looked into the said folder.
He slightly tilted his head as he looked at it. Is there something really special in this form? Why is Sunghoon acting like that when he reads it?
But to answer it all, Jay has to look at the form. He then carefully opened the folder which revealed a paper where the said applicant's details were written, yet as soon as he saw the 2X2 photo in the paper, attached to its upper right corner, all that Jay could react was to gasp in shock.
His heart was beating fast as he read the form, and with the name Yang Jungwon, he felt a sudden drop of liquid falling down to his cheeks. He didn't even notice that his lips were widely spread into a huge smile as his eyes were busy reading his details.
Finally, the one that he was waiting for was just near him.
He also slapped himself mentally for how he acted a while ago. He had been a dick, and Jungwon surely saw that.
But what he was regretting was how he just focused on the papers rather than looking at the applicant's face. If he did, he wouldn't let Jungwon leave him again.
And maybe that was also the reason why the applicant just run away without saying anything.
But with all of these thoughts, a wide smiled man sitting in his chair as he let out his tears of joy because he knew that Jungwon was just near him. All he has to do is to make sure that he would have the opportunity to talk with him.
He was desperate for another chance to be with him again.
And with that, he hastily gets his phone from his pocket to call someone.
Good thing, he immediately responded.
"Hello, sir?"
"Hanbin! You really did a great job. Don't worry about what I told you before that you are gonna lose your job, besides, I wanna double your salary for this month!" Jay enthusiastically replied, making Hanbin smile widely.
"Really, sir? Thank you very much but... what exactly did I do to deserve this?" Hanbin asked him through the phone.
"Stop with the question and just bring Jungwon to me. You chased him, right?"
"Yes, sir. But can I bring him to you the other day? I'm already heading back the company now"
"With him?"
"No, sir. He had someone with him when I found him. They were hugging each other happily so I think they really know each other. I don't wanna intrude their meeting though, so I just walked back to the company alone"
And with that, Jay just frowned at what he heard. The wide smile that was plastered on his face a while ago had disappeared in a split second.
"Is that so? Fine. Just go back to the company immediately"
"What's with the sudden change of expression, sir? Did I say something wrong?"
"Don't worry, it's nothing. Let's just talk again tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay, sir. Bye"
As if all of the energy that Jay had was all drained from what he had heard. Of course, they already broke up for a year. Why isn't he considering that Jungwon might find a new someone that could make him happier. He was so dumbly broken at this state.
His happiness was immediately gone once again.
He just sighed as he folded his arms on the table in front of him and put his head above it to try to calm himself down.
He was really thinking about his happiness so much that he didn't even get the thought of his happiness finding new happiness in other people.
~♕︎♕︎♕︎~
Running as fast as he could, all that Jungwon can think about is to get away from the company, especially to the boss. He was so shocked that he would see Jay here in that case.
But even though he was running away, there was a part of him that wanted to stay and talk to the older. He still wanted to fix things between them. He still yearned for him even though a year had already passed. But today he was so shocked. The idea of facing him that sudden was something that felt overwhelming for him.
He still needs time to prepare himself and think about what he would say to Jay if they talked.
And as he ran away from the company, he immediately headed to the coffee shop, just a few buildings away from Jay's company. He then stopped for a while to catch his breath, but as he did, someone bumped him accidentally.
"Shit. I'm sorry. I wasn't mindful of my steps"
And with the voice, Jungwon immediately lifted his head to see the person talking, making him gasp in shock as he did.
"Sunoo hyung!" Jungwon happily said as he saw the said person, making Sunoo also beam at him.
"Yah, long time no see, Wonnie~" Sunoo also said and pulled the younger one into a tight embrace.
"I missed you, hyung. It's been a year already" Jungwon said as he rubbed the older's back, but halted and separated again when he remembered something.
"So, is Jake hyung with you? What happened in the ocean?"
"You still have no idea, Jungwon. I'll tell you later. Are you free today? Let's talk inside this coffee shop" Sunoo invites him, making him smile.
They then entered the coffee shop and had the seat with fewer people so that they could talk in private about what each other was missing.
They also got the chance to explain each other's thoughts about what happened while they were away from each other.
"So, are you okay with that? You don't have a chance to go back to your kingdom" Jungwon asked as he finished his cup of coffee, making Sunoo just smile softly at the question.
"I don't have friends besides Jake hyung in the ocean so it is better too, I believe. But what I am worried about is Jake hyung. I haven't heard any news about him since we last meet" Sunoo said and lowered his head. "It's been a year too. I wonder what's happening underwater"
"I know everything is going alright. Let's trust him" Jungwon said and smiled. "So why are you living alone? You should've just lived in our house before. I know Niki will definitely be glad if you do so" Jungwon said with a soft voice, making Sunoo sigh.
"Well, I wanted to go back there when everything gets better," Sunoo said, shrugging. "How about you? Don't you wanna talk with Jay hyung again to fix everything?"
"I am worrying, hyung. I cannot just enter his life all of a sudden" Jungwon said with a lowered tone.
"Why, though? I know he's just waiting for you too. What if you are just waiting for each other? Nothing will happen if no one initiates to do a move" Sunoo told him as he crossed his arms.
"I was gone for a year. I don't wanna expect anything" he answered and smiled bitterly.
"All you have to do is talk. Your last conversation had been fucked up. You left with resentment and a heavy feeling" Sunoo said and held Jungwon's hand. "Won-ah, you need to have a proper talk with him, even just to lighten the feeling inside of the both of you. It's for the better too. Peace of mind!" Sunoo added.
And with that, Jungwon silenced himself for a while. Everything that Sunoo said was true. They didn't have at least a proper talk after they broke up. Maybe a sincere conversation will really help to calm himself too.
But what he has to remember is DO NOT EXPECT ANYTHING.
"Right. I have to talk with him too" Jungwon said and pursed his lips, making Sunoo smile widely and ruffle the younger's hair.
"Aigoo, that's right, Won-ah" Sunoo said and chuckled, making Jungwon laugh as well.
"Would you go with me, hyung?"
"Oopsie, I can't. Sorry" Sunoo said as he crossed his arms in front of him.
"Aishh, you should've come with me too"
"Wait, you said you are from Ilsan. Where are you gonna sleep now?"
"Hmmm, I was planning to stay in a hotel for a meantime. Why did you ask?"
"Wonnie,I am living alone! Why don't you stay with me?" Sunoo beamed, making Jungwon chuckle.
"Really? You'll let me?" Jungwon asked and Sunoo just nodded repetitively. "Wow, thank you!"
"Living alone has been boring too. At least now, I have someone to accompany with" Sunoo said and started to fix his things. "So, come on?" Sunoo asked him as he stood up and Jungwon just smiled and nodded once.
~♕︎♕︎♕︎~
Saturday morning. Good thing, Sunoo has no work today so he can accompany Jungwon to his house.
Just the next day that Jungwon went to Seoul, staying at Sunoo's house, here's Jungwon, sitting alone on the couch as he bit his nails in nervousness. His eyes were fixed on his phone as he read the name.
Uncle Jimin
"Aishh, should I call him now?" Jungwon asked himself as he pulled his hair out of frustration.
A sudden voice called him from the kitchen. "Jungwon-ah, what are you doing?" Sunoo asked him.
"I am currently questioning my life choices, hyung. Should I ask uncle Jimin where Jay hyung is?" Jungwon asked in a pout, making Sunoo rush out of the kitchen, an apron was still worn.
"Then why not talk with Jay hyung directly?" Sunoo asked, making Jungwon look at him with a chuckle.
"Hyung, I deleted him in my contacts when we broke up" Jungwon told him with a snort, making Sunoo just chuckle.
"Fine then. Ask uncle immediately. It's Saturday, I guess Jay hyung is not busy at all" Sunoo said as he sat beside Jungwon.
Jungwon then took a deep sigh before turning his gaze back to the phone.
Then after a moment of thoughts, Jungwon then pressed the dial button as Sunoo scooted to him closer so that he could hear their conversation too.
"Uhmmm hello, uncle?"
"Jungwon-ah! Long time no talk! How are you?"
The lively voice of Jimin just made Jungwon smile all of a sudden.
"I'm fine, uncle. How about you?"
"A little busy, but when I read your name calling. I immediately answered it out of shock. Everyone missed you"
"Really? That's so sweet, uncle. I miss your version of chicken curry too"
"Then come back to our house and I'll cook for you!"
Jungwon then just pursed his lips at the statement. He still can't just go back there after everything that happened.
Jimin then noticed the silence that Jungwon had. He knew it was a difficult thing to do so, so all he did was to change the topic.
"So, why did you call? You need anything?"
"Uhmm actually, I wanna know where Jay hyung is. I... I need to talk with him"
"Oh, he's in the hospital right now"
And with that, Jungwon stood up in his place as a sudden fear creeped up to him.
"H-Hospital?! What hospital, uncle?"
⛓️⚜️⛓️
Why is Jay in the hospital? Do you think Jungwon and Jay would get the chance to talk again? Well, well, well. Please wait for the next chapter to know!
Always be healthy, guys. ENGENES and ENHYPEN only deserve the best in the world!
Thank you so much for reading my book I really do appreciate every one of your support~❣️
Also, please vote if you love this chapter and leave your comments for me to read too😂
Thank you so much again, besties, and see you again in the next chapter! Paalam for now💋