| Fan Fiction |
by Take_Flight
I'm sure you guys have waited a loooooong time for me to upload huh? So sorry for the delay. The new semester just begun and I already got my first assignment which was due in 3 days time...but I haven't start on it yet >.< Procrastination is such an awful disease!
Enjoy this extra x100 long update!
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Nadine threw another quick glance at Changmin who has been clearing his throat for the past fifteen minutes as he drove silently to the restaurant. Nadine played with the strap of the seat belt, wondering how to convince him again that it's only a casual dinner, not more than that.
"You kind of remind me of my brother" Nadine said, trying to make light of the tense situation.
Changmin smiled to himself as he stopped the car at a red light, but Nadine noticed the smile didn't reach his eyes. "You're being paranoid" she added.
"Who wouldn't" she heard Changmin muttering under his breath. Nadine rolled her eyes. "Changmin, please, we've talk about this"
Changmin sighed and pressed on the pedal when the light turned green. "I can't help it, and I'm sorry for being paranoid or too overprotective--
"It's okay. I don't mind" Nadine cut in. "I'll understand...if I were in your shoes" she added, while looking at her painted nails. And then started laughing quietly to herself. "I feel like it's my first day of school and you're getting all worried about me losing my shoes or lunchbox"
This time Changmin laughed along with her but he quickly kept quiet after that and Nadine was disappointed to see that he was still unsure about the harmless dinner she'll be having with Jaejoong. "Why does he have to pick the restaurant in a hotel?" Changmin suddenly asked, slowing down the car at the entrance of the main gate. The hotel was a posh one! Even grander than the hotel Ex-Pac had for their dinner and dance and Nadine spotted the troubled look on Changmin as he stopped the car in front of the valet waiting for them at the foot of the staircase. The valet opened Nadine's door and she gratefully stepped outside, actually kind of glad to get away from the awkward situation. As Changmin passed the keys to the valet, Nadine looked around the area to see if Jaejoong was already there.
As the valet drove off Changmin's car to the parking space, Nadine heard Changmin letting out a soft sigh and she turned around to face him. He still had the devastated look on his handsome face and Nadine can't stop herself from chuckling at the sight. "Stop..please. You're not attending my funeral you know" she pointed out, caressing his cheek.
Changmin looked down at her with a slight pout and Nadine laughed at him but she quickly stopped when he put on a grim face and looking past her shoulder. Nadine turned around and saw Jaejoong walking towards them. There was a faint smug on his face and Nadine felt her stomach doing twists and turns as he got nearer to them. Changmin consciously placed his hand firmly around Nadine's shoulder as Jaejoong got nearer, strolling coolly with his hands jammed in his pocket.
"He's not going to eat me you know" Nadine said from the corner of her mouth and Changmin let out a snort that only Nadine could hear.
"Greetings!" Jaejoong said almost too enthusiastically with a huge smile but then it faltered when Nadine and Changmin gave him an incredulous stare. Jaejoong sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck and blushed slightly. "Errm...that...sounded...weird" he said slowly and Changmin smirked. Nadine discreetly poked his side, as a way of telling him to be nice.
"S..Shall we go?" Jaejoong asked, glancing at Nadine, but not daring to make eye-contact with Changmin. Nadine nodded and she felt Changmin giving her a slight squeeze on her shoulder before he let go of her. Jaejoong saw the hesitant look on Changmin's face and paused at the foot of the staircase. “I…won’t hurt her” Jaejoong assured Changmin in a rather shaky voice. Nadine saw him swallowing slowly when Changmin stared continued staring at Jaejoong with a doubtful look. Nadine could swear she could see the static electricity coming out from her boyfriend’s eye.
Nadine cleared her throat and raised her eyebrows at Changmin. The latter nodded and stuffed his hands into his coat pockets. “I’ll leave her to you…I’ll be at the foyer” Changmin said. “Have a nice dinner” he added before walking off.
When Changmin was out of sight, Nadine let out a loud sigh and Jaejoong looked at her as they climbed up the stairs. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
Nadine shook her head. “Nothing…I just find this whole thing ridiculous” she told him.
Jaejoong held the glass door opened and Nadine stepped in. “This dinner is ridiculous?” he asked, giving her a confused look.
“No-no! I don’t mean that..don’t get the wrong idea” Nadine told him as they walked slowly to the restaurant.
Jaejoong nodded. “You feel slightly…pressurized by…Changmin?” he inquired. Nadine stole a glance at Jaejoong and shrugged. “No..yes..a bit…I think. He was..really cool when I told him that we’re having dinner but then his paranoia started increasing this afternoon—
“But you do understand why he’s being like that right? I would too if MY girlfriend’s going out with a ..a…erm..someone like me…hmm..what’s that word? A thug?” Jaejoong said, scrunching his face, trying to come up the word.
“You’re not a thug” Nadine told him. Jaejoong shrugged again. “I didn’t leave a nice first impression to Changmin, so I guess that should sum up the whole thing”
Before Nadine could protest, a prim-looking man stepped out from the restaurant they were entering, giving them a magnanimous smile. “Mr. Kim! It’s nice seeing you again” he said, shaking hands with Jaejoong. “Your date for tonight?” he asked, glancing at Nadine.
“She..uhh..she’s a friend” Jaejoong stammered. “Who happens to like Dory fish” he added with a grin.
“This is Park Chu Man, the owner of this restaurant. I thought of him when you mentioned about the Dory. I’m sure his chefs can cook up a storm for the special lady tonight eh?”
Nadine rolled her eyes and the Mr Park laughed. Earlier on, Nadine had no idea where to go but there was a sudden craving to eat that particular fish and Jaejoong had suggested One Horizon, the restaurant he knew that serves the best seafood dishes. She had gone along with the idea, except she didn’t know that it was located in a posh hotel, much to Changmin’s disgust. Nadine knew that Changmin was thinking. That Jaejoong will probably spike her drink during dinner and dragged her to a room and where all hell breaks loose. Nadine had to resist the urge to not yell at Changmin for making her sound like an irresponsible girl.
“All HELL breaks loose?! I’m not a cheap girl Changmin! I can’t believe you would even go that far!” Nadine had screeched at him.
Changmin, on the other hand, had gone all wide eyes hearing Nadine raising her voice at him, something she rarely does. “I’m…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…it just slip out” he muttered, looking deflated.
Deep down, Nadine knew why she blew up in front of him (which she didn’t mean to actually) but it just so happen that Changmin had accidentally triggered a sensitive spot in her when he brought up the absurd theory.
“So Nadine, are you going to stand here all night or are we going to get in?” Jaejoong’s voice interrupted her train of thoughts.
Nadine laughed and Jaejoong gave her a small smile. “You need something to loosen up those tense muscles of yours” he said as they followed Mr Park to a table allocated for them.
Almost immediately, Nadine’s muscles tensed up, wondering what the guy was thinking but she relaxed after hearing him say something about their scrumptious desserts waiting later on. “Everything just melts in your mouth. Trust me” Mr Park added with a beam.
Jaejoong pulled up a chair for Nadine and she gratefully sank in, mentally scolding herself for having such thoughts when the dinner hasn’t formally started. Was it because Changmin had said earlier on? “Oh God please make this easy for me. Jaejoong’s such a great person, and I don’t think he’s going to do anything foolish tonight” Nadine prayed as Mr Park gave her a menu.
“Take your time. When you’re ready, just signal for the waiter. I hope you two enjoy your stay here” Mr Park told them before walking away.
Both Nadine and Jaejoong lapsed into silence as they stared at the menu while a live band was playing a mellow tune at the stage nearby. Nadine was contemplating which main course to choose when she felt Jaejoong staring at her. She looked up slowly and a smile crept up on his handsome face. “What’s wrong?” she asked, feeling her face getting warm.
“Nothing…it’s just, I’m glad that you’ve..agreed to have dinner with me” Jaejoong said, holding her gaze for a while and then reverted his eyes to the menu.
Nadine ran her fingers on the edge of the leather-bound menu, not sure of what to say next. “Is there something you want to say Jaejoong?” she asked slowly.
Jaejoong looked up and shook his head. “N…No..” he stammered. “You want to order now?” he asked, switching the subject.
“Jaejoong…” Nadine said softly. “Why..are you being like this?”
“Like what?”
Nadine sighed. “Can you at least tell me what’s on your mind. Is this..is this about..Changmin?” she asked.
Jaejoong let out a short laugh. “Wae? What makes you say so?” he said. “I don’t have any problems with your boyfriend”
Nadince winced inwardly when she heard him saying ‘your boyfriend’. It does like as if he just spews out a glob of acidic residue on the table. “Then why are you being like…a stranger now? You’re not yourself tonight. Where was the spunky guy I knew a few months ago?” she questioned him.
“I’m the same spunky guy you knew Nadine. I just…well, since we began with a rough start, I thought you’ll be…disturbed about what happen on that night” Jaejoong admitted, his eyes downcast.
Nadine raised her eyebrows. “What are you talking about? Whatever happens, that’s all in the past. I’ve long forgotten about it, and so should you. Is this what it’s all about? You’ve built a wall around you just so you can’t hurt me? Is that why you’re getting all jittery all of a sudden. Screw it Jae! I thought we’re gone over this and I thought you’re cool with it”
“Whoa Nadine, slow down. I don’t mean to get you rile up…but you have to understand my…situation first” Jaejoong told her. “But maybe we should place our orders first before I bore you with my life history” he jokingly added, signaling for the waiter.
Nadine blindly pointed out a picture in the main course page, not bothering to know what the green sauce was made of, to the waiter. She was having a hard time not to rip the menu in Jaejoong’s hand and make the order for him. He was obviously doing it on purpose asking the waiter this and that before settling on a dish. After the waiter took off with their orders, Jaejoong leaned forward and gave Nadine a warm smile. “You look great tonight” he said and Nadine narrowed her eyes.
Jaejoong chuckled. “Aren’t you a feisty one” he said. The same waiter dropped by with two bottles and Jaejoong turned to Nadine. “Wine or champagne?”
“Red wine will be fine” Nadine told him. The waiter nodded and proceeded to pour their glasses and then chucking the bottle in an ice bucket which he had brought along. “Have a nice meal” he said.
“You life history has got something to do with this?” Nadine questioned Jaejoong who was staring at the liquid swirling in his glass.
“I have a drinking problem Nadine” Jaejoong said, still staring at the glass. Nadine sat back on her seat, waiting for him to continue. “I..started drinking during my teens. Peer pressure. I got hooked on it since it calms me down, and then there was me taking up on smoking and hanging out with the wrong crowd. And what I did to you the other night, was pretty much the same thing I did to my first girlfriend back then. But it was worse”
Nadine stared at Jaejoong, listening to him intently. “Worse? Like how?” she asked softly.
“I..I pretty much abuse her. I got send to a Home, something like a rehab centre for young teens. I was there for a couple of months, they let me out after that considering my good conduct” Jaejoong took a deep breath before continuing. “I almost killed her Nadine”
“Jaejoong….” Nadine started, unsure again of what to say. “That was…in the past—“
“And I’m afraid it’s going to happen again. That’s why I’m being cautious right now” Jaejoong told her but Nadine shook her head. “I don’t think that’s necessary” she pointed out.
Jaejoong sighed. “You’re making me feel bad”
“Actually you’re making yourself look like an ass” Nadine said with a wistful smile. “You got…a bit high the other night. And I’m not..traumatised by it. Really!” she said, noting the discouraged look on Jaejoong’s face. “And if it makes you feel better…I understand what you went through”
Jaejoong raised his eyebrows. “You have a drinking problem too?”
Nadine shook her head and chuckled. “Peer pressure. I got that as well. And then doing something stuff that we regret later on” she told him.
“Oh..” Jaejoong said with a short laugh. “For once, I thought you’re a bad-ass thug as well when you’re a teenager. Well yeah..I guess everyone goes through peer pressure huh? It’s like an incurable disease”
Nadine leaned forward and patted his hand. Jaejoong looked down at her hands and gave a small smile. “You know, you’re the first girl that’s not afraid of me. I’ve heard that my cold appearance can be a turn off. Most people don’t want to approach me. Maybe because that’s why I don’t have much friends. Maybe that’s why I turn to alcohol when I’m feeling lonely”
Nadine felt guilty all of a sudden, when she remembered the times she got annoyed whenever he called and was wishing that he would get out of her way. “J..Jae. You’re not alone. I’m here remember? I’m your friend” she assured him, giving his hand a comforting squeeze.
Jaejoong took her hand and caressed his thumb on her palm. “That’s…a first” he said in a low voice which was thick with emotion. He lifted his head slowly and Nadine was surprised to see his eyes glistening. He cleared his throat and wrenched his hand out of Nadine’s just as the waiter came with their food. Nadine stared at the plate in front of her, staring at the grilled fish fillet and her stomach growled, causing Jaejoong to laugh. “Are you THAT hungry?” he asked.
Nadine shrugged. “I guess so. I think this is first proper meal” she told him. She glanced at Jaejoong who was poking his dish with a fork and she smiled watching him do that. The sight was like a little boy curious about the outcome of his science project. “Checking to see if the chicken’s really dead?” she teased him.
Jaejoong chuckled. “Aniya” he said. “Dig in!”
Nadine took her first bite and was immediately impressed with how the herbs and spices mixed well and simply melted in her mouth. “This is Heaven!” she squealed.
“Maybe you and Changmin can come here next time. You can a complimentary dish since Mr Park already knows you” Jaejoong told her, focusing on his dish.
“Hmm..maybe” Nadine said, chewing on her food. She took a sip of her red wine and stole a glance at Jaejoong who was cutting his chicken into small pieces and then taking a fork, poked one small piece and held out in front of her. Nadine put down her glass, not sure of how to react. When Jaejoong realized what he was doing, he immediately popped the chicken piece into his mouth and chewed quickly.
“Mianhe..I didn’t mean to” Jaejoong said, looking apologetic.
Nadine bit her lip and stared at the live band that had stopped playing and was taking a break. “Nadine, I have to admit something. I actually…like you. When we first met, at the studio, I could tell you’re pretty uncomfortable with the way I was looking at you. I didn’t meant to scare you…but you’re different. I could sense that somehow” Jaejoong said and Nadine swallowed hard, hearing that.
“Jaejoong---“
“I just need to get this off my chest, that’s all” Jaejoong interrupted. “And I’m glad that…you’re with Changmin. The guy looks like he really cares about you” he added quickly.
Nadine kept quiet for a while. The night wasn’t going well as she had hoped it will be. Their conversation was getting all topsy-turvy that she was afraid she was going to have a breakdown any sooner. “I’m sorry to break this to you. About my past…and now my confession. So much for a casual dinner huh?” Jaejoong was saying, as if he was reading her mind.
Nadine nodded slowly. “Yeah…I have to admit that. But I think you’re very brave to tell me all this. You have something most people don’t have. You have…character”
“Character? Now that’s a first” Jaejoong admitted, leaning forward. “I’ve always thought I was spoiled, arrogant and senseless. That’s what my Math teacher called me since I kept skipping his class”
Nadine laughed. “I think that what happened to you…has make you a sensible man? I’m sure you teacher will regret calling you that when he sees you now…a prim and proper with a successful career…oh wait, you haven’t tell me what your job is!”
Jaejoong chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. Nadine watched as he drained the wine and Jaejoong wagged a finger at her. “There’s not much alcohol present in this wine, don’t worry” he assured her and Nadine gave him a grateful smile. “Good to know” she said. “So what are you working as?”
“I worked in this lounge pub, a bit out of town. Red Maroon. I don’t think you’ve heard it. It’s like in a discreet area where the rich and elite usually go. I’m a VIP Executive there, so I mostly make sure our important clients got the finest services from our staff” Jaejoong explained.
“Executive eh? Interesting” Nadine mused. “I thought you’re a model”
Jaejoong shook his head. “Nah…the guy who was teaching you? He’s an old friend. I happened to be free on that day and he was pestering me to model for him. What makes you think I’m a model?”
Nadine shrugged. “Because of your…looks?”
“My looks?” Jaejoong repeated. Nadine stuffed a broccoli inside her mouth and nodded. “Well, yeah. That’s the first thing that came to my mind, since you have this…chiseled features” she said slowly, chewing on the vegetable and not making eye contact with him.
Jaejoong leaned forward, clasping his hand together. “So you’re saying…you’re into me back then?” he teased her.
Nadine rolled her eyes and Jaejoong laughed, causing a few people to look at them. “That’s not funny” Nadine hissed, swallowing her broccoli.
Jaejoong held up his hands but he was grinning from ear to ear. “Changmin’s not going to please if he knows about that” he told her and Nadine frowned at him, causing him to laugh again.
They kept quiet after that, finishing their food and waiting for dessert. “I feel so much better now” Jaejoong said after the waiter cleared their plates. “I thought…I’m going to have a hard time clearing the air…but you make it so much easier”
“What did I do?” Nadine wanted to know. “You listen. That’s what you did” Jaejoong said.
“You mean…no one…actually…?”
Jaejoong shook his head. “They don’t bother. They simply walked away. I’ve received many negative points and I’ve learned to swallow it. Some girls thought I was a play boy but I SWEAR, I am not one! Just because they see me having a good time with a few ladies in the pub, they think—
“They didn’t see you for who you are. And I know how it feels” Nadine cut in.
Jaejoong stared at her with a doubtful look. “You…actually do?”
Nadine took a deep breath. “I..sort of went through what you’re facing. It’s not an easy task for me to take in the criticism but I’ve learned to put up a face front” she told him.
Jaejoong nodded. “What happened…if you don’t mind sharing?” he asked.
Nadine simply shrugged and Jaejoong nodded again before she could answer him. “It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me. I respect your privacy” he said, patting her hand.
It was only after dessert that Nadine realized how late it was. “Oh God…look at the time!” she said as they stepped out of the restaurant.
“Changmin set you a curfew?” Jaejoong asked in a flat tone. Nadine punched his shoulder playfully and Jaejoong chuckled. “I’m sorry…but he seems like an…uptight guy” he added.
“Uptight..is good. It gives you a sense of control” Nadine pointed out as they walked to the lobby which was deserted except for the receptionist at the counter and a few men having a drink at the small lounge.
“But sometimes, too much control can suffocate you. You need space to breathe” Jaejoong said as they stood beside the fountain in the middle of the huge lobby.
“What are you? My therapist?” Nadine asked, crossing her arms. Jaejoong raised his eyebrows. “Nooo..I’m just a friend who’s telling you to tell your boyfriend to cut some slack. But….I understand why he offered to escort and fetch you. I would have done the same”
“You’re not seeing anyone at the moment?” Nadine asked him. “Not planning to…at the moment” Jaejoong told her. He then jutted his chin at the opposite direction. “Your Prince Charming is here” he said and then laughed quietly to himself.
“Why? What happened?” Nadine asked and Jaejoong shook his head. “Prince Charming…Changmin..that sort of rhyme!” he said with a grin. Nadine laughed at him. “That’s what I first thought of too!”
Jaejoong then stopped laughing and regained his composure when Changmin was nearing them. Nadine turned around and immediately picked up on Changmin’s expression. It looked as if he was contemplating whether to smile or bare his fangs at Jaejoong. It made him look constipated though.
After Jaejoong bid them goodbye and left the lobby, Nadine heard a disgruntled noise coming from Changmin and she smacked his arm. “You’ve been doing that ALL day. Stop it before I stuff a sock down your throat” she warned him.
“That was one heck of a dinner I assume?” Changmin asked as they walked down the stairs. Nadine nodded. “Oh yeah. It was full of lust and desire that one might called it—
“That’s not funny” Changmin scolded her and Nadine laughed at him. “You’re mocking me” he said.
“The pot calling the kettle black!” Nadine scolded him just as the valet came, driving Changmin’s car.
When they got into car and leaving the hotel, Changmin apologized for being a worry wart. “I was a nervous wreck…and let’s face it. I really don’t like him”
“Maybe you should give yourself a chance to get to know him. He’s not as bad as he look like” Nadine said.
“I don’t want to get to know him. That’s final” Changmin insisted with gritted teeth. Nadine sighed and leaned back on her seat. “Araso…there’s not point in forcing you isn’t it” she said.
Changmin gave her a sideway glance as he steered the wheel. “Look, I’m not stopping you from being friends with him. I’m cool with that. Just..just take care of yourself that’s all” he said in a small voice.
Nadine turned to face him just as the car stopped at a red light. “Am I putting you in a tight spot?”
Changmin shook his head, his eyes on the traffic light. Nadine bit her lip and rubbed the palm of her hand on her forehead and Changmin immediately took her hand in his. “Don’t do that…you’ll make it worse” he said gently. He then leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
“It your headache get’s worse, just pop those pills I gave you and go to bed straightaway. Don’t go updating those reports of yours araso?” Changmin said and drove down the street just as the lights turned green.
Nadine sat back on the seat and nodded. She closed her eyes and thanked the stars for having such an understanding guy by her side. Nadine opened her eyes after that and stared at the streetlights going past them and wondered how Changmin will take it when she finally got the guts to tell him about her life history. Jaejoong had some sort inspired her to not be fearful about it…but how could she when her life history was even darker than Jaejoong’s?
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kiisachan : hey you! it's been a while. Don't worry. You're forgiven. I LOLed at how you feel as if you're cheating on the rest of the members since I make Changmin sound so perfect!Changmin will have a chance to meet Nadine's brother in the future, dont worry about that. I think you're going to ten times happeier with this extra long update I guess?
jija : WOW! 400++ notification?! That's like...A LOT! But no worries. Just read when you have the time =D