Automata: Don't Love Me (Chapter 1a)
Jul. 12th, 2013 12:08 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
silverdoll14
Title: Automata: Don’t Love Me
Disclaimer: Big emphasis to “Fiction”. The only thing I own is the idea and plot.
Fandom: Arashi, DBSK/JYJ, Super Junior
Pairing: HaeHyuk (Lee Donghae/Lee Hyukjae), Ohmiya (Ohno Satoshi/Ninomiya Kazunari), YunJae (Jung Yunho/ Kim Jaejoong)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: AU, Drama/Angst, Fantasy, Romance
Chapter – Word Count: Chapter 1 – 5 352 words
Summary: How can two people love each other when only one of them is entitled to exist to love and be loved?
Warning: Unbeta-ed
Author’s Notes: Better visit this post for character profiles (and a bit real life facts especially if you’re not familiar with the other fandoms involve). But then it may contain spoilers so it’s better to read it after reading Chapter 1. Also for unfamiliar terms that are used, please refer at the Author’s Notes at the end of the post. Hope you will enjoy this!
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“Didn’t you just put it a while ago in the curry Nino hyung?” Another man, tad taller reminds him who is cutting the other ingredients they will need for their dinner.
“Just added it but I needed more, Jae. It still doesn’t taste quite right yet.” Nino replies looking for some more by the cupboards and then when finally finds what he needs. “Ah, here it is.” Nino smiles at it.
“You’re making it too perfect hyung, Ohno hyung and Yunho will get bloated again eating too much of your curry.” Jaejoong chuckles after putting the ingredients he has cut in the curry they are making. And then a second thought comes to his mind, “Well, thinking again, everyone will get bloated with your curry hyung…”
“Our curry…” Nino corrects him and walks beside Jaejoong to simmer the food. He adds, “Anyways, it would do all good since they are too skinny…”and then a grin plays in his lips and he states, “except for Yunho I guess.”
Jaejoong laughs at his hyung’s statement and then asks, “By the way, where is Sato hyung? He didn’t have schedule for today right?” Jaejoong wonders. He remembers that the oldest out of their group of friends is supposed to be with them since afternoon and maybe even has helped in the shop.
“He has and it’s fishing…” Nino replies, nonchalant and then shrugs.
“Ah, that’s why Sato hyung is dark again.”
“Well, that didn’t really stop him.” Nino scoffs his answer before tasting the curry. Knowing Ohno, Nino doesn’t bother anymore to remind the older one since it will probably just go through one ear and out through the other ear. He knows Ohno’s stubbornness will kick in than what people will expect when it comes to fishing. Nino doesn’t understand that though since just thinking about the sea makes him sick. He shakes his head and put a little more salt before tasting it again. “Yeap, finally got the taste.” He chirps when he has gotten the taste he knows the others will love.
“Ah, then I better arrange our table.” Jaejoong says after making an okay sign to Nino which the latter replies with a nod. He get the plates and walks out of the kitchen.
When Nino is finally alone again to fix some mess, his phone buzzes in the counter. He wipes his hands in the apron he is wearing before getting his phone and sees the message.
From: Oh-chan
Subject: Maguro Saikou!
Message:
I caught a tuna. Let’s make tuna curry next time. Be there in 20 mins.
Nino can’t help but to chuckle and to mutter a small ‘baka' with fondness glittering his eyes.
On the other hand, Jaejoong is already fixing the table at the corner of the café when the bell of the door rings, indicating a new comer that is probably be a customer. He is going to greet the customer but stops mid-way after finding out who is it.
“Oh, it’s just you.”
“That’s mean, Jae.” The newcomer with sun-kissed skin, taller figure and is wearing a business suit, say with a pout as he make his way towards where Jaejoong is, of course not forgetting to greet the workers present in the cafe.
“You’re quite early for the first time Jung Yunho.” Jaejoong teases when Yunho settled in their usual table to where Jaejoong is fixing the set.
“Oi! It isn’t like I’m always late you know.” Yunho retorts but Jaejoong just shrugs while concentrating in fixing the table.
“Ah! I’m hungry.” Yunho whines like a six-year old kid and Jaejoong can only shake his head. When Yunho’s words suddenly sinks into him, he glares at the said male.
“Jung Yunho! Don’t tell me you didn’t eat again your lunch!” Jaejoong almost shouts and it makes Yunho to sweat with nervousness.
“I- I…” Yunho has started but Jaejoong’s glare is burning holes in him. Jaejoong may have a smaller frame but like Nino, he can land good hits too.
“Well?”
“I ate it, Jae.” Yunho finally answers but Jaejoong isn’t convinced with how his glare doesn’t falter. Yunho sighs. “Okay, I only ate half of it.” Yunho admits because he suddenly has an appointment and he really asks that appointment to cut in his lunch break so just he can come here earlier or else Jaejoong will create a fit about it too. He closes his eyes to wait for Jaejoong to lash out. But none came except a sigh.
“Well, at least you did eat something.” Jaejoong pouts and Yunho is glad that Jaejoong isn’t that mad. Maybe his plan has worked even just a little.
Jaejoong lets it go because Yunho is stubborn. It can’t really be help and so he is just thankful the latter did ate. He walks towards the kitchen to get more utensils, not before instructing the other, “Call Hyukkie and ask him where he is.”
Yunho gapes a good minute at Jaejoong’s retreating figure, seeing how he has given a smile first to some group of high school students in the table near the kitchen door after asking them if they need anything and when the group answers a no, he continues inside the kitchen. He hears giggles afterwards, making him to smirk at how those girls flail. It isn’t really a wonder how people will flock at their café, especially of high school and middle schools students alike. The fact that Jaejoong will still looked dashing while only wearing white polo shirt and black slacks that is under a black apron with the café’s logo. Even with just such a modest outfit, it complements Jaejoong’s form. But he does admit, what really makes Jaejoong to look more dashing is his smile. Knowing Jaejoong for almost half of his life, Yunho is glad that he will always have the chance to see it. (Add also one of his favorite sides of Jaejoong, the caring one.)
Shaking his head, he just fishes out his phone in his pocket to oblige with Jaejoong’s request. He dials Eunhyuk’s number and rings the younger guy. After the 3rd ring, Eunhyuk finally answers.
“Yah! Where are you? You’re the only one left who’s not yet here.”
Eunhyuk just has gotten out of the train station when he hears his phone has started ringing. He halts by the exit and storms to his backpack in hope to find his phone he carelessly puts into when he is in a hurry to leave the dance studio a while ago. Finally after getting it, he answers as he continues to walk his way to his destination.
“Yah! Where are you? You’re the only one left who not yet here.”
“I’m coming! I’m coming! I just got out of the train station. I don’t have a high class car unlike you, you know.” Eunhyuk puffs as he tries his best to squish to the crowd in the busy streets of Seoul. Holding the strap of the backpack slinging only in one of his shoulders and a hand firmly holding his phone against his ear, he tries to walk faster, even run if he can, but it seems futile with all the people also rushing to get to their ways.
“That has nothing to do on arriving in time. And you better be! Or else you might miss Joongie and Umma’s cooking as I pig it out.” Yunho pipes over the other line, excitement in his voice. Eunhyuk smirks at his friend’s childishness. Who will have the thought that the one he is talking is actually a big businessman handling one of the biggest companies in Korea. And also add the fact that they are in their late 20’s already but it seems his friend’s mind has stopped aging at 10.
“And who are you calling umma?” He hears another familiar voice on the other line, curious but with authority just like a hyung he is. Definitely, it is their Nino hyung.
“Definitely you Nino hyung.” Another voice supplies with a chuckle.
Pak!
“Owww! What’s that for?” He hears Yunho grumbling. He can imagine Yunho pouting as he massages the top of his head which definitely has been hit by Nino’s knuckle.
Eunhyuk laughs at the commotion over the other line; earning him inquiring looks from the people he passes by. He quickly diminishes it by bowing his head and continues to walk.
“Don’t worry, Yunho is just kidding. Sato hyung haven’t arrived yet and won’t arrive till 20 minutes or so and I’ll definitely protect the food for you, Hyukkie.” Jaejoong explains after probably getting the phone out of the grasp of Yunho. (Yunho is probably busy cradling his forehead. Nino might be shorter than any of them but he can really land big hits.)
“I’ll be there in 5 minutes. See you!” Eunhyuk says before hanging up so he can concentrate on getting his butt in there. He halts when the road that he will cross has given a go signal to the cars passing by and a stop to the pedestrians. He looks up, gazing at the night sky. With the undying lights from the buildings that have occupied the city of Seoul, you can hardly see any stars. Maybe aside from the moving one which isn’t really a star but rather it’s a plane.
“A plane huh?” He whispers with a bitter smile.
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Somewhere around Seoul,
A man wearing business attire who has gotten out of a tall building looks up in the sky out of curiosity. Definitely, the sky is different from the one he is used to seeing in Seattle but it feels better to be back at his homeland.
“Mr. Lee Donghae?” a voice calls him.
The said male turns around and smiles finding another male similar his age.
“Should we settle where you’ll stay temporarily until you find an apartment?”
“Yes, thank you.” Donghae replies, letting the other to lead him to the car. He settles in the passenger’s seat as the other goes to the driver’s seat.
“So any place you prefer, Mr. Lee?”
“Please Sungmin-sshi… quit the formalities. Donghae is just fine.” Donghae urges his companion.
Sungmin is the first one to be introduced to him when he first has landed in Seoul a couple of hours ago. It figures since he is now the development branch manager, Sungmin is his assistant manager. Their ages don’t go that far from each other learning that Sungmin is a couple months older than he is, and he should call him hyung.
“But you’re my boss.” Sungmin reasons with a playful glint and Donghae makes a face. He doesn’t really care if he has superiority than the older male, he just wants a friendly smile and Sungmin has given him that the whole day. Other staffs in his department have given him a watchful eye, a raised of an eyebrow, and a courteous nod. Maybe because he is mostly younger than them that they loathe him, and everyone there is almost 10 years older than he is. (Well except for Sungmin.) Well, he is a branch manager in a young age, so there are possibly high expectations to him to be able to get that high position at a young age.
“Please, don’t you start Sungmin hyung~” Donghae says and Sungmin chuckles at Donghae’s sudden familiarity but doesn’t really hate it. It feels good to have a dongsaeng around.
“Arasso, arasso~ Dong.Hae…” Sungmin says as he emphasizes every syllable of his companion’s name.
When both of them have buckled up, Sungmin asks again, “So should we settle you first?”
Donghae is about to answer but his sentence are cut through the beginning when his stomach has spoken for him.
GROWL!
“I guess we should head first to a restaurant and see what you have been missing when you were staying at Seattle.” Sungmin smiles and Donghae is grateful to have a companion. He doesn’t really want to go alone tonight right when he just got back.
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“I finally made it!” Eunhyuk sighs in contentment after finally reaching his destination. As usual, the café is busy with customers here and there with ages ranging from group of middle school friends trying out milkshakes to families enjoying their time with their love ones, and even business men (or in some cases also businesswomen) having discussions over cups of coffee. Despite the whole environment, Eunhyuk’s eyes immediately go to their usual corner but he finds it empty.
“Eh?”
“What took you so long?”
Eunhyuk looks to his right where the voice comes from. Jaejoong stands there with one hand in his waist while the other gripping the tray he has been using to deliver orders just like now.
“Yeah, Sato hyung even arrived here first even though you said to Jae that you’ll be arriving in 5 minutes and not half an hour.” Yunho, who is still wearing his suit with loose tie, adds as he puts an arm around Eunhyuk’s shoulder.
“Sorry, couldn’t miss this.” Eunhyuk grins sheepishly, raising the box of cream puffs he has bought along the way. Definitely, everyone will forgive him of his tardiness and with how Yunho’s eyes widens as his mouth gapes open staring at the thing he is holding, his theory is proven right.
“Oh, there you are. Come on, bring the drooling big bear and let’s eat.”
Eunhyuk manages to get out of Yunho’s grasp for the latter seems to be in dazed with the yummy desert and looks at their Nino hyung who has another dish at hand.
“Yay! You cooked chicken curry!” Eunhyuk cheers as he goes to their usual table in the corner with Yunho at tail, noticing the dishes that have laid in it. Jaejoong has gone first to the counter to distribute back the tray before joining them.
“I must say hyung, I think you overdid yourself tonight.” Jaejoong says, eyeing all the dishes in their table. There is a chicken curry, packed with crunchy vegetables just like how they like it. Also, there’s miso soup, kimchi and the one Nino is holding is a plate of pork cutlet.
Nino puts down the dish he is carrying to the table and then crosses his arms, “Well, it wasn’t just me who overdid it right?” Nino raises an eyebrow towards Jaejoong and points his lips towards a steaming kimchi jiggae that is even decorated by its cooker. Jaejoong just shrugs with a grin.
“You two do realize that this is a café and not a restaurant right?” Yunho agrees after sitting at his place.
“You’re complaining? Then say goodbye to your second serving.” Nino smirks as he undoes the tie of the apron he still has on.
“I’m kidding hyung. I’m kidding.” Yunho gulps before raising both his hands to tell he has surrender. Eunhyuk and Jaejoong snickers beside Nino, earning Yunho’s defeated pout.
Jaejoong then leans towards Eunhyuk, whispering, “I think because Yunho is spending too much time with Changmin, he is also becoming a food monster.”
Eunhyuk raises an eyebrow, trying to recall where the name has come from and Jaejoong who is seeing him clueless finally adds, “You know, the tall guy Yunho brought one time who eats a lot.”
Eunhyuk’s eyes widen in recognition, his lips forming an O-shape remembering one time when Yunho has introduce to them one time his trusted subordinate. Although this is a café for milkshakes, coffee and pastry, Changmin is able to eat lunch with them. He and Jaejoong is in the café to help and since Jaejoong has brought food for lunch, Yunho and his friend has come to eat with them and that’s how they have met Changmin and his big appetite. Speaking of appetites and food, Eunhyuk then remembers the box of cream puffs in his hand that is needed to be put in a plate.
“I’ll just transfer this hyung in the plate.” Eunhyuk excuses his self towards the kitchen to get a plate for their dessert. But before entering the said room, Eunhyuk looks back and stares at his group of friends still bickering even with small things. All of them go beyond college that even if they do belong to different departments, they end up being friends.
The tallest of them all is Jung Yunho, the sole heir of the big Jung Corporation that handles not just business for enterprises but also transportation. At first, people may see him as goofball but when it comes to his profession, no one can deny that Yunho is the king of the game in that field despite at young age of 27 and that dims him worthy to inherit his father’s business not just because he is the only son. But on the side note, the father and the son’s relationship aren’t for the better but for the worst as he has observed.
Kim Jaejoong who seems to be working at the cafe as a waiter is actually a full time photographer for magazines and advertisements. Despite this, he will never miss the chance to help in the café if he has his free time, either working as the waiter, a barista and occasional pastry chef. But on the other side, he also works as a part-time composer and lyricist. It is no wonder how Jaejoong and their second to the eldest hyung in the group, Nino, can do wonders when together either in the kitchen or in the music room.
Ninomiya Kazunari, or people call him often Nino, is a composer and director. He works for stage productions either directing for stage plays or composing songs for musicals and some record companies (he has worked some songs with Jaejoong). But because of his thrifty personality, he is also in charge of their little café’s management together with Yunho. Aside from that, he is also a good cook (that won’t actually cook unless he needs to do so or Jaejoong has asked him to cook with him.) He is a student exchange from Japan on Eunhyuk’s, Jaejoong’s and Yunho’s freshman year that after he has graduated, he has decided to settle in Korea for now.
“Oh, Hyukkie, everyone’s there already.” Eunhyuk’s reverie is cut when he hear someone’s greeting as he opens the kitchen’s door. He smiles and shows the purpose of coming to the kitchen.
“Yeah, I’m just going to transfer this in a plate so we could eat it for dessert, Hyung.”
“Okay, better hurry or Yunho might eat your portion.” Ohno smiles at him, nodding his head towards their group’s table’s direction, probably pointing at Yunho.
Eunhyuk chuckles and answers, “Nah, I don’t think Nino hyung would be allowing that.”
Ohno lets out a small laugh and passes by Eunhyuk to go to their table not before patting the latter’s shoulder.
That is the oldest of them all, Ohno Satoshi, an actor in stage plays and also an artist. He also has started working as a choreographer for musicals. He is quite a timid person who loves to go fishing. Ohno is also an exchange student together with Nino almost 8 years ago while accepting scholarship in the Department of Arts of Seoul University. Because of great praises and recommendations, he has landed quite a lot of wonderful roles just after he has graduated. He is also able open an art exhibit not long ago displaying his great skills in drawing and molding. Like Nino, he has decided to settle in Korea for now.
He, Lee Hyukjae, or preferred to be called Eunhyuk, on the other hand is also choreographer but also a back-up dancer. His choreography houses for record labels who have asked for his service for performances or music videos. Most of the time, he has worked as a dance instructor for students specializing hip-hop and funk dances in Seoul Arts Academy. Just like Jaejoong, he has also helped serving in the café.
Eunhyuk smiles how everything went by as the years have passed. At first it has been chaos, with how Jaejoong has been afraid of Nino’s edgy demeanor before they are able to compose a song together, how Yunho has tried to persuade the silent Ohno to dance with them in a university festival presentation, or how he is quite uncomfortable with Jaejoong’s perfectionist attitude before for their project. But nevertheless, he is thankful to have them as friends. Too bad the one who has introduced him to them isn’t with them now.
“Tsk.” He clicks his tongue. He will always hate the fact that person still manages to occupy his mind when clearly that person wanted him out of his life. (Well, it’s actually them out of his life since none of his friends has also a contact to ‘that person’) There is no use in relieving the past, those moments he has known isn’t really important for the other. But then, he knows he can’t really help it. He can still remember that time when he has met all of them. He is just a transferee in the second semester of his freshmen year.
One lunch break; he is dragged by that person towards a certain table packed with four other people.
“Oh, you must be Hyukkie, this fish had been talking about.”
It’s the first greeting Yunho has given him back then when they have arrived at the table. A silent inquiring look is given to him by Nino, eyeing him straight to his eyes and Eunhyuk can feel the chills in it, making him more nervous. It’s like Nino is stripping him stark naked right that moment with his eyes. (Not in that creepy way. Or slightly? Maybe?)
“Ah! Now I remember! You’re my project partner in Psychology!” Jaejoong breaks the silence between all of them as the said male remembers where he has seen the new comer. Eunhyuk can’t help but to gulp down, remembering Jaejoong’s meticulous attitude towards their project.
“Oh, you must suffering from his demanding disorder. I must say sorry on his behalf.” Yunho pipes in and Jaejoong gives a growl, “OI!” before landing a hit at Yunho’s arm. Their antics earns a smirk from Nino and then a laugh not just from Eunhyuk but also by Ohno that time who is silently sitting beside Nino and observing them.
“See, I told you, you’ll like them.”
Eunhyuk looks at his side, smiling at the man that has given him the chance to meet these wonderful people to him. He is thankful yet at the same time, he really hates him.
…hate him, for leaving them…
…for leaving him.
“You did say you’ll just transfer the cream puffs to a plate. The last time I check, it’ll only take a minute, not an hour.”
Eunhyuk snaps from his trance and glances back towards his right. There, leaning his side on the counter is Nino with crossed-arms above his chest. When he has Eunhyuk’s attention, he just shook his head and gets a plate in a cupboard and then gives it to Eunhyuk and helps him arranging the sweet treats.
“Sorry, I was spacing out.” Eunhyuk says apologetic and Nino replies it with a shake in his head. It is seconds later when Nino takes a deep breath and then lets it out, facing the younger man.
“It’s been almost five years Hyukkie…” Nino deadpans and Eunhyuk doesn’t flinch at how straightforward Nino can be. Knowing the latter, Eunhyuk knows that Nino doesn’t go around the bush when everything is serious. It’s really like their first meeting, you’ll feel like stark naked under his eyes. It isn’t in the sense that you’re stripped out of your clothes, but rather it seems Nino can see right through you, right through your heart. And he knows the older one just want to help him in any he can.
“I know onii…” Eunhyuk replies, breathing out the air he doesn’t realize he has been holding along those words. Nino doesn’t push further the matter because when Eunhyuk addresses him as ‘onii’ then it means that he is pleading. And somehow, he knows he is pleading him to stop and let him solve it on his own.
“Come on… everyone is waiting.” Nino says, offering it with a smile and Eunhyuk is thankful of how understanding Nino can be. He may be snarky and quite blunt but he knows when to stop and when to push. Eunhyuk nods and follows him towards out of the kitchen and join the others.
“Finally you show up! And I thought I am the only one who loves late entrances?” Yunho jokes after seeing the two back to their table since usually it is him who shows up late in their get-together-every-Friday-dinner. Everyone laughs and it eases Eunhyuk’s heart.
Why look for the past when you can always enjoy the present?
Prologue | Chapter 1a | Chapter 1b
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Author's Notes: Comments are disabled here. Please comment in the second part. :D
