Soon-joon
SOON-JOON SAT next to Jin-woo on the couch and placed a cool washcloth on his forehead. He could still see the anguish in the boy’s face. Gently he brushed Jin-woo’s bangs to the side. Right now he reminded Soon-joon of the many times he’d tended his boys when their pasts came back to haunt them. So many times they, and he, convinced themselves they’d conquered it, that they were no longer affected by it, only to be proven wrong. The past had a way of reminding people they weren’t as healed as they thought they were. The horrors they’d seen, the torment they experienced, that never really went away, not for Vampires or humans.
“Does this happen often?” he asked, turning to look at Min-su as she brought a fresh basin of water over to him.
“No, but you hit a real sore spot today,” she said. “Jin-woo-ya hasn’t sung in public since the day his parents died.”
“How did they die?”
“Some idiot who was more concerned about deadlines than safety. He fell asleep behind the wheel. Jin-woo-ya’s mother had just enough time to push him out of the way before she and his father were hit straight on. He was nine years old,” Min-su said. “Jin-woo-ya prefers to stay out of the spotlight for that reason. He can manage public speaking, though if he gets too stressed about it, he’ll pass out. But asking him to sing? Yeah, not going to happen. You’re taking care of him as if he were your own son, Soon-joon-nim.”
“He brings that out in me.” Soon-joon smiled gently. “He is the type of person who makes you want to take care of him, even though he is strong enough to take care of himself.”
“He’s a good man with a good heart,” Min-su agreed. “But everyone needs to be taken care of now and then.”
“Yes, they do.”
“Maybe we could just be introduced before they sing ‘Crossing Time’? That would still acknowledge our work without traumatizing Jin-woo-ya… or scaring people with how badly I dance,” she said.
“You do not give yourself enough credit, young lady,” Soon-joon said.
“Or people give me too much. He’s going to be okay,” she said firmly. “Jin-woo-ya won’t let stuff get him down for long. I think… with everything that’s happened, this was just this side of too much.”
“We’ll let him rest here,” Soon-joon said. “As much as I do not wish to leave him alone. We both have work we must attend to.”
“When is the concert scheduled for?” Min-su asked after she leaned down and placed a kiss on Jin-woo’s forehead.
“In one month. We have coordinated it to coincide with the beginning of the Dano Festival. Their performance will be the day before, at the Eumak Nabi Theater,” Soon-joon said as he led the way out the door and motioned for one of the secretaries to sit with Jin-woo until he woke. “Let me know as soon as he is awake.”
“Yes, Sajangnim,” the young lady said with a bow.
“Won’t it be difficult to coordinate all this within such a short time?” Min-su said, and Soon-joon smiled.
“Normally yes, but Hyun-jo hubae and I have been working on this for the last few days. The contract with the hall was just finalized this morning. We will begin the publicity within the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours, starting with social media. The boys will have three weeks to select the rest of the songs, speak with Rha Goo-ji hubae regarding any choreography changes they might want to do, although I doubt they will change anything. They’ll have meetings with their stylist, LeiChen hubae, and go over the wardrobe for the show itself. They usually have all that wrapped up in the first week. Then the final two weeks before the performance will be nonstop rehearsals.”
“This last month I thought they were busy. Now I see it wasn’t the half of it,” Min-su said. “They really do work very hard.”
“All of our performers work hard or they do not stay our performers for long. There have been a few that felt the need to leave, stating they could not handle the intense schedule. We released them from their contracts,” Soon-joon said. “A performer who is not happy is one who does not give their all to the product. Their heart isn’t in it. There have not been many who have left completely. Our managers usually find other avenues where the artists are more suited. Some are better at and prefer the creating rather than the performing, such as Cho-ree hubae and Hyung-jun hubae. Others are more suited to a different branch altogether, such as acting. Overall we found that being willing to listen to our artists and willing to make adjustments, to be flexible, has helped both them and the company. This is why our people are so loyal. We want them to succeed. When they succeed, the company succeeds, and that only happens when we work together.”
“You say you make adjustments. Do you go through another contract negotiation?” Min-su asked.
“Essentially, yes. The manager sits down with the artist and goes over the problem areas. They discuss what aspects the artist enjoys, what they dislike, what they are having trouble with but would like to improve. They review the initial contract, making adjustments to it as needed. Then the manager and the artist draft a new contract proposal. That is then presented to the department board. This renegotiation is available after one year unless there are serious health concerns. When that is a factor, the time frame is adjusted on a case-by-case basis.”
“BLE really does care.”
“Yes, we do.”
HanYin
“HOW LONG have I been out?”
Jin-woo’s voice pulled HanYin’s attention from the notebook he was writing in. “About forty-five minutes since I came in. I came to talk to Abeoji and found you on the couch. How are you feeling?”
“Drained and embarrassed,” Jin-woo said, rubbing a hand through his hair as he sat up.
“Don’t be,” HanYin said. “Abeoji is used to taking care of us when things get… overwhelming.”
“It’s still embarrassing. I’m a grown man, twenty-three years old. I shouldn’t be screaming in the bathroom from a memory, even an unpleasant one,” Jin-woo grumbled.
“And I’m a five-hundred-and-twenty-five-year-old Vampire who shouldn’t feel the need to fight for my survival in an age where no one is actively seeking to take my head, but I do. I’m human that way.” HanYin shrugged. “It’s a bitch, and it makes my life hell sometimes. It makes getting close to people difficult, and it makes them scared of me, but it’s something I have to live with every day, and I can either let it kill me or rise above it.”
“How? How do you rise above it?” Jin-woo asked.
HanYin remained silent for a few moments, seriously considering the question. “I have an alarm clock wake me up every morning. If I forget to set it, which is rare, either Cheongul or Abeoji will be the one to wake me up, usually because Ki-tae is always the last to wake up. I meditate. I practice wushu to expend the excess energy… and I cook.”
“I draw,” Jin-woo said softly. “And although I claim it’s just for exercise, I dance. I haven’t had an episode like this in a long time.”
“I won’t ask what happened, because you’re just recovering.” HanYin turned to face him fully. “You’re human, Jin-woo dongsaeng. You have issues, just like everyone else on this planet. Yet you’ve maintained a positive view, and that’s impressive. I’ve lived centuries, and I still fall into a depressive state when I have a setback. I… I wasn’t going to pursue Jong-in because of it.”
“What changed your mind?”
“He kissed me.”
“Jong-in-a kissed you?” Jin-woo’s voice was filled with surprise, and HanYin felt his cheeks heat.
“I asked him to, and he did,” HanYin said. “The day Ki-tae was hurt, I tried to drive him away, but he wouldn’t leave. He told me it was a good thing I didn’t make his decisions for him.”
“Now that sounds like Jong-in-a.” Jin-woo smiled. “I’m glad. He’s been smiling more lately, and I’m all for that.”
“Those dimples are a killer,” HanYin muttered, catching his lip between his teeth.
“Do you guys practice that in front of the mirror
or what?” Jin-woo huffed.
“What?”
“Biting your lip and then letting it slide out,” Jin-woo said. “I mean, Ki-tae does it all the time, and I know you and Cheongul dongsaeng do it in the videos, especially when you look into the cameras during the live performances.”
“We’re Vampires. Biting is very erotic for us,” HanYin said. “And as far as the concerts, well, we’re selling a fantasy there. We look at that camera, and the audience on the other side feels as if we’re looking at them, seeing only them. We pull them into the concert, make them feel as if they’re there.”
Jin-woo raised an eyebrow “Can you guys even see yourself in the mirror?”
“Just superstition, mirrors work for us just as they do for everyone else.” HanYin said. “When we’re with someone special, well, it’s pure erotica for us, Ki-tae is an expert at working the lip bite, and then he has that smirk.”
“Oh no, it’s not all Ki-tae,” Jin-woo said, pointing at him. “I’ve seen you and Cheongul dongsaeng do it too. Every time you see Jong-in-a, you do this slow lick of your lips, and Cheongul dongsaeng touches the tip of his tongue to his top lip before pulling it back in his mouth when he knows Min-su-ya is watching.”
“No, it’s not all Ki-tae.” HanYin laughed. “But to answer your original question: no, we don’t practice it in front of the mirror. At least I don’t. I can’t speak for Ki-tae and Cheongul. Vampires are very… oral creatures. Kissing, drinking, not just blood but beverages, eating, these are all very sensitive activities for us. Stroke our fangs, and you’re going to get a very visceral response.”
“That one I know already.”
Jin-woo blushed, and HanYin couldn’t help but laugh. “Did it to Ki-tae, didn’t you?”
“I’m not going to answer that!” Jin-woo protested.
“You don’t need to. Your reaction is answer enough,” HanYin said.
“How come you’re so easy to talk to about this?” Jin-woo asked suddenly.
“Well, first, I know you’re not out to hurt us. Second, you care about Ki-tae, more than care, I think, and you need to understand what he is. Third, you’re the most open-minded person I’ve met, and so talking to you about this doesn’t make me feel as if you’re measuring me for a straitjacket. I’m… comfortable with you.”
“We talked about it a little bit the other day,” Jin-woo said quietly. “At first I thought he was trying to make me scared of you. I couldn’t figure out why he would do something like that.”
“Ki-tae knows me very well. We have similar… histories,” HanYin said quietly. “If he warned you about me, it’s because he knows how much it would kill me if I hurt you. I was very close that day. Ki-tae has been with us since he was about twelve. We honestly don’t know exactly how old he was when Abeoji found him. It is his story to tell if he chooses. Suffice it to say, we tend to be overprotective of him, me especially.”
“Would you have really hurt me?”
“If I had even an inkling you meant Ki-tae harm?” Jin-woo nodded. “In a heartbeat. I won’t let anyone hurt him ever again, and I will destroy anyone who even tries.”
HanYin couldn’t have been more serious at that moment. It wasn’t his intention to scare Jin-woo, but he was honest to a fault. There were many aspects of his life where he had to keep secrets, but with Jin-woo, that wasn’t necessary. He had a feeling Jin-woo was going to be around for a long time.
“Damn,” Jin-woo whispered. “I… I can’t promise we won’t fight and hurt each other’s feelings, but I would never intentionally hurt him.”
“I know, dongsaeng. Deep down, I know,” HanYin said. “But when I’m in that mindset, rational thought is extremely difficult. I become very focused on removing threats to my family and myself, in that order. I won’t ever fail in that again. I won’t remain frozen while others hurt them. I will do everything, anything, even give my life, for my family.”
“Would you do the same for Jong-in-a?”
“Yes,” HanYin answered honestly. “I… love him. Whether he feels the same remains to be seen, but I am… hopeful for the first time in a very long time.”
“Have you told him how you feel?” Jin-woo asked.
“No. It is not the time. There is too much going on.”
“Don’t wait too long. He needs to hear it,” Jin-woo said.
“Have you told Ki-tae you love him?” HanYin gave him a pointed look, and Jin-woo looked away, blushing.
“Not in so direct a manner. I told him he was very special to me. I don’t think he’s ready to hear the L-word. Honestly there’s something he wants to tell me, but he’s not ready yet. It just seems as if every time I think he’s about to tell me what it is, something stops him. He looks… terrified. Only for a second, but I see it. I don’t want him to push himself. I want him to not only want to tell me, but to be ready to talk about whatever it is,” Jin-woo said.
“You’re being very patient with him,” Ha-Yin pointed out.
“I’m not usually, not with stuff like this, but Ki-tae… he’s worth it,” Jin-woo said.
“He is,” HanYin said.
“You are too, hyung. I think Jong-in-a knows that but fears he’s the one who’s not. He’s always working, whether it’s a job or on projects for school. I’m afraid he’s going to put himself in the hospital. He pushes himself so hard. I wish I knew why and that he’d let me help him.”
“Perhaps you should sit him down and tell him of your fears,” HanYin said. He wasn’t going to reveal Jong-in’s secret. That was Jong-in’s choice. HanYin knew it was hard to place that kind of trust in people, hard to tell those you love there was something different about you, something not human.
“That’s not a bad idea,” Jin-woo said with a smile.
“I have them every now and then, good ideas.” HanYin smirked. “Now it’s time for both of us to get back to work. There’s not much time before the concert.”
“About that.” Jin-woo took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. HanYin turned to face him, concerned. “I can’t perform in front of an audience, hyung, not singing and dancing. I… it’s not that I don’t want to or that I’m not honored you guys want us up there with you. It’s just not something I am mentally capable of doing.”
“I understand, dongsaeng, and it’s okay.” HanYin smiled. Then he pulled a box from his pocket and offered it to Jin-woo. “Pocky?”
Jin-woo laughed and took a stick. HanYin smiled and took one himself. The mood was effectively lightened. He rose and pulled Jin-woo to his feet. He pushed him out the door, and off they went. There was work to be done. HanYin paused at the door, and Jin-woo looked at him in question.
“I would be honored if you would use my given name and ask if I may address you more familiarly,” he said. It sounded so very formal. Jin-woo smiled.
“I would like that very much, HanYin-a.”
“Then I shall do so, Jin-woo-ya.” HanYin returned his smile before sticking another piece of Pocky in his mouth and walking out the door.
Ki-tae
KI-TAE CLIMBED into the van, leaned back, and sighed. It had been a long fucking day. Interviews, a commercial shoot, meet and greets, and then more interviews. He didn’t really mind them, but by the time everything was done, all he wanted to do was sleep. He closed his eyes and snuggled down into the seat.
“Is everything all right, dongsaeng?” Shin-bai asked as he climbed in the other side of the van.
“Just tired,” Ki-tae answered.
“I received a call from Hyun-jo seonbae. He has the security footage.”
“Hyung, you’ve been with us a long time. What do you think of the relationship between Soon-joon-nim and Hyun-jo-nim?” Ki-tae asked suddenly, opening his eyes to look at Shin-bai.
“I think there is a mutual respect there and trust,” Shin-bai said. “They have been together for a long time. Before I came on board, at any rate.”
“Hm. I’ve never seen Soon-joon-nim date,” Ki-tae said as he turned to look
out the tinted windows. “I don’t ever see him with… anyone save Hyun-jo-nim.”
“Soon-joon-nim is a private person.”
“True,” Ki-tae murmured, his eyes drooping closed. “Still, it would be nice if he had someone to take care of him for a change.”
“Hyun-jo seonbae takes care of him.”
“Not in a business sense.” Ki-tae yawned. “I meant someone to love him.”
“I know.”
Soon-joon
“YOU HAVEN’T fed.”
Hyun-jo’s voice brought Soon-joon out of his musings. He turned from his windows to look at him. “I’ve eaten.”
“That isn’t what I meant, and you know it, Soon-joon,” Hyun-jo said, dropping all honorifics in his annoyance.
He stalked over to Soon-joon and turned his chair until they were facing each other. Hyun-jo’s eyes roved over him, glowing lavender orbs that still made him shiver inside. Hyun-jo unbuttoned his suit coat and shrugged it off his shoulders. He laid it neatly on the desk before unbuttoning his cuff and rolling up his sleeve to his elbow. Silently he held his wrist out to Soon-joon.
“Hubae.”
“No, no ‘hubae.’ In private I am Hyun-jo, and you will feed.” Hyun-jo’s eyes grew hard. “I will not have you starve yourself like this.”
“Hyun-jo.”
“Do I have to take drastic measures, Soon-joon?” Hyun-jo murmured as he straddled Soon-joon’s lap. “Do I have to give you no choice in the matter?” His eyes flared, and his short-cropped hair grew to its actual length, stopping at his waist, bleeding from black to white. His ears sprouted from the top of his head, twitching to dislodge the long strands from the tips, and his tails, all seven of them, flicked back and forth in his irritation.
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