It seemed to take forever before they could finally leave the auditorium. Jin-woo leaned heavily on Ki-tae, feeling so worn-out and tired. He just wanted to sleep, wrapped in Ki-tae’s arms, and not think about the last week. Spring had not started off with the fun times they anticipated. After the press conference, things were truly weird. He and Ki-tae had a few run-ins with angry fans. Hence Ki-tae’s insistence he have a bodyguard. After the third time in a single day, they stayed either in his apartment or Ki-tae’s. The netizens were harsh and overreactive, but surprisingly, the support from other fans was just as prominent. One fan went so far as to apologize to him on Weibo, stating she was still going to “fantasize about his man, thank you very much.” It made him laugh. He responded with a smiley face and a “Me too!” Ki-tae had blushed. It resulted in a very hot session on his couch.
“My place or yours?” Ki-tae asked softly as they climbed into the car.
“Soon-joon-nim’s,” he said. “As much as I love your apartment, I want to feel safe right now. In your arms at the house would be ideal.”
“The house it is,” Ki-tae said with a soft smile, pulling Jin-woo into his lap as the car moved. “I feel safest there too.”
“Is it truly over, Ki-tae?” he asked, hating how his voice shook.
“Yes. It’s over, my love.”
“I love the sound of that,” Jin-woo murmured, his eyes slipping closed without his permission. Then he was asleep.
Jong-in
JONG-IN SAT on one of the rocks in the garden, the trickling stream a soothing sound in the evening light. He plucked at the strings of an acoustic guitar, picking out the melody to “Untainted.” Softly he began to sing, remembering when those words had poured from his battered heart, as if that was all he was ever going to have. He was so scared back then. Back then. Had it truly been only a few months? It seemed so long ago. Now he was with the man he’d loved from the moment he heard him sing. His mother and sister were in a new home. It was surreal, seeing them again and not feeling a threat looming over him. His mother had cried, but when he tried to apologize for being gay, she smacked him, saying he was her son, and as long as he was loved in return, it did not matter if that person was male. Then they all cried.
During that conversation, Hyun-jo pulled things from his mother he’d never heard before, like she once dreamed of having her own restaurant. Within a few hours, Hyun-jo made that dream come true. Pogseu Paieo would open within a few months. His sister would transfer high schools, and his family would be close by. Every so often, Jong-in would pinch himself. Everything felt like a dream. Now all he had to do was figure out how to invite HanYin to meet his mother and sister. He wanted them to know the man who made him happy.
“Now who is thinking too hard?” HanYin’s voice was a whisper on the breeze, and then he was there, lowering himself to sit next to Jong-in. “That song is both beautiful and heartbreaking.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I love it.” HanYin smiled. “May I?”
Jong-in handed over the guitar, confused at the request. His confusion didn’t last long when HanYin began to sing. He sat, enraptured, hearing the words and knowing the feelings behind them. HanYin didn’t look at him as he sang, even though Jong-in tried to catch his eye. Then the notes were fading, and the last chorus hung in the air between them.
Yes or no?
Will you tell me yes or no?
Will you hold my heart?
Will you let it go?
Do I take the chance?
I’m scared, but I want to know,
Yes… or no?
“Of course it’s yes,” Jong-in said softly. “There couldn’t be anyone else but you, HanYin.”
“It won’t be easy,” he said, still not looking at him. “Especially now that we’ve been outed. People will be stupid.”
“People were stupid before, but I spent too long worrying about what other people would think, too long trying to be something I’m not, and I won’t do it anymore. I love you, HanYin, and I want to spend the rest of my apparently very long life with you.”
Jong-in took the guitar from his hands and gently set it aside. Then he climbed into HanYin’s lap, cupping his face and forcing him to look at him. “You are it for me. Whatever happens, if we’re together, I can take it.”
“Zhēn?” HanYin shook his head and then tried again. “Truly?”
“Zhēn,” Jong-in chuckled. “Although you’re going to have to teach me Mandarin so I can understand what you’re saying when you lose the ability to speak other languages.”
HanYin blushed. Clearly he was thinking of the last time Jong-in made him unable to speak anything but Mandarin. Jong-in smiled and then kissed him slowly. When he drew back, they were both breathless. “Let’s go inside.”
“Shi,” HanYin said. “That means yes.”
Jong-in stood and offered his hand. HanYin took it, and, grabbing the guitar, they went inside. As they walked, he thought about asking but wasn’t sure how to bring it up.
“What is on your mind, wŏ de xīn?” At Jong-in’s raised eyebrow, HanYin ducked his head and then translated. “It means ‘my heart.’”
“I never really thought about how beautiful Mandarin sounds. It’s very… lyrical, almost melodic,” Jong-in said.
“Some people say we sound like we’re drunk when we speak because the words blend together,” HanYin said. “But I agree, it’s very musical. Nice try, by the way. What were you thinking about?”
“No hiding from you, huh?”
“No.”
“I want take you to meet my mother and sister,” he said in a rush. “Hyun-jo-nim has set them up with a new home, and he arranged for Eomeonim to have her dream restaurant, and I want her to meet the man who’s made me so… so fucking happy it almost hurts.”
“I would be honored to meet your mother,” HanYin said softly. “I like to think if mine had lived… well, if mine had lived, we probably wouldn’t be here.”
“Will you tell me one day, when you’re ready?”
“Someday. It is not a happy memory, and I do not like to revisit it.”
“I can understand that, and I can be patient,” Jong-in said as he led HanYin through the door of his room and then closed it behind them. “My mother’s restaurant opens in a few months. She and my sister live above it, and, knowing her, she will be constantly working on it right up to opening day. Perhaps we could go over there someday before it opens.”
“We usually have Sunday dinner here, but I do not think Abeoji will mind if we have one Sunday with your mother and sister,” HanYin said as he pulled Jong-in into his arms. It was amazing how strong HanYin could be, the muscles shifting smoothly beneath his skin. And yet he yielded to him. It made Jong-in feel so very special. He kissed HanYin gently, bringing his arms around his waist to scrape along his lower back, sending shivers through HanYin’s body. He loved how responsive HanYin was to his touch, loved making him whimper and writhe as they made love.
“I hope you ate well,” he purred in HanYin’s ear. “You’re not going to be leaving this room for quite some time.”
“Promise?” HanYin murmured as he nipped Jong-in’s lip.
“Promise.”
HanYin
HANYIN STOOD in front of the full-length mirror. He tilted his head this way and that, studying his reflection. The dress slacks were okay, but he wasn’t sure about the white button-up shirt. It wasn’t comfortable, but he wanted to make a good impression. Sighing, he removed the shirt and hung it back up. Then he flipped through his shirts. What should he wear? Were the dress slacks too much? Should he wear something more formal? What type of restaurant was Pogseu Paieo? He went over to his bed and sat down, putting his head in his hands. The nervousness just wouldn’t leave. Perhaps he should stay home. He reached for his phone just as there was a knock on his door.
“Come in,” he called as he picked up his phone and unlocked it.
“If you are considering canceling, don’t.
” ChenBao smiled at him from the doorway.
“Năi nai,” he said softly, and she giggled.
“I love how you call me that,” she said as she came farther into the room. Pausing before him, she ruffled his hair. “Your nervousness is palpable. I figured I would see if I could help.”
“I want to make a good impression, but dressing up seems….”
“Fake?” she said. He nodded. “Then do not get all dressed up. That is not the true you. As an idol, there are times you must don a tuxedo or suit and tie, but this is not one of those times. This isn’t a formal betrothal meeting, Sūnzi. Be yourself.”
She walked over to his closet. In less time than it took him to inhale, she laid a pair of black jeans, a red summer-weight turtleneck, and a lightweight dark brown jacket on the bed. She then pulled out a pair of his black combat boots. “There. Comfortable, but not too casual and definitely presentable.”
“I am scared,” he said. “What if she doesn’t like me?”
“That is every boyfriend’s fear. What if the father or the mother doesn’t like me? And it is understandable,” ChenBao said as she sat down next to him. After the first time he made her tea, they had shared in that simple ritual every day they could. He had grown accustomed to her qi, to her scent, and to her presence. She was still intimidating at times, but she didn’t terrify him anymore. He could feel her love for him. “I do not think that will be the case here. I think she will adore you, and you already have two things in common.”
“Two?”
“You both love Jong-in-a,” ChenBao said, holding up one finger and then a second. “And you both love to cook for your family.”
“True.” HanYin sighed. “It’s been such a long time since I’ve done this, since I’ve allowed myself to love someone. Jong-in is… amazing.”
“He is,” ChenBao said. “You all are, and I am very proud to count you among my family, especially my grandsons.”
HanYin looked at her. “Have you ever been in love, Năi nai?”
“Yes,” she said quietly. “It is both joyous and bittersweet. You see, I have a tendency to fall in love with humans, and it is harder for me because, as a Dragon, I can only bond with someone who can handle my qi. I have yet to find that man. I have loved, but I have had to watch them age while I remain as I am. I do not regret my time with them or the joy we brought each other, but it breaks my heart every time I must let their spirit continue its journey.”
“Your qi?” he asked, tilting his head.
“A Celestial Dragon has very powerful energy. It is like a raging fire within us. When we are… intimate, that energy is shared with our partner. If we are not careful, it will burn them from the inside out,” she said softly. “It is a painful death and horrible to watch and know it is your fault. We must always be aware of our qi and keep it from consuming our partner.”
“How would you know if someone could handle your qi or not?”
“My father once said it is known in an instant, from the first brush of fingers. He said when he met my mother and touched her hand, peace settled over him, and his fire was banked. That’s how he knew she was the one.” ChenBao smiled. “They were very happy together, and my siblings and I never doubted their love for each other or us.”
“How many brothers and sisters do you have?”
“There are twelve of us: six men and six women,” ChenBao said, standing. “Now enough about me. You must get ready for your date. Once you have won over his mother, you must bring them to the house for dinner sometime.”
“Xièxiè, Năi nai,” he said with a smile. She leaned down and kissed his forehead.
“Bù kèqì, Wŏ de sūnzi.”
He had just stripped off his shirt when his phone rang. Anxiously he snatched it up as Jong-in’s ringtone played. “Yeoboseyo?”
“Hello, HanYin.” Jong-in’s voice sounded… annoyed. “I have some news.”
“She doesn’t want to meet me,” he said, a rock settling in his gut.
“What? No, no, it’s not that.” Jong-in sighed. “It’s just not going to be you, me, and my family. Apparently Min-su-ya and Jin-woo-ya stopped by the other day looking for me, and she invited them too. And she said they could bring their boyfriends. So it’s all of us.”
“So it’s still you, me, and your family.” HanYin chuckled.
“Well, yeah, I guess it is,” Jong-in said. “I just… I was hoping to keep it small.”
“I’ll be honest, I’m happy Cheongul and Ki-tae will be there. I’m nervous as hell as it is.” HanYin gave a dry laugh. “I’ve… never been introduced to someone’s mother before.”
“You’re going to do fine, and she’s going to love you,” Jong-in said. “I know I do.”
“I love you too.”
“So hurry up and finish getting ready. I bet they’re already waiting for you,” Jong-in teased.
“Are you kidding? Have you ever timed how long it takes Ki-tae to get ready? I have, and it’s never been under an hour.” HanYin snorted. “About the only one who is going to be ready before me is Cheongul, and that’s only because he has no idea how to not do anything.”
“Did that even make sense in your head?” Jong-in laughed.
“I meant he can’t sit still. He always has to be doing something,” HanYin huffed. “Oh, hang up and let me finish getting ready, yi saekki…. I love you.”
“I love you too, HanYin.”
After they finally hung up, HanYin was quick to dress, changing out of the dress slacks and then pulling on the turtleneck. He kept the accessories to a minimum, donning only a small dangle earring in his right ear and a simple stud in his left. He put an unassuming silver ring with red stones on his right hand and a silver bracelet on his left wrist. Pulling on the jacket, he examined his reflection. Yes, this definitely suited him better. He took a deep breath and then walked out of his room. When he reached the living room, he found Cheongul fiddling at the piano, and it made him smile.
“Waiting for Ki-tae, as usual,” he said.
“Yup,” Cheongul said absently, most of his attention focused on the music. HanYin joined him on the bench.
“What are you working on?”
“It’s been stuck in my head for the last day or so,” Cheongul murmured. “I almost have it, but this middle piece right here. It doesn’t fit.”
HanYin closed his eyes as Cheongul played it again. Then he put his hands on the keys. “Try this.”
He played the song from the beginning, making his tweak to the middle section. “How’s that?”
“That’s it.” Cheongul smiled, bumping his shoulder, and HanYin couldn’t help but return it. Cheongul didn’t smile like that often, with his whole face.
“Are you two done playing? We have somewhere to be,” Ki-tae said as he walked into the room.
“We’re waiting on you,” Cheongul said.
“As usual,” HanYin teased.
“Shut up and let’s go,” Ki-tae grumbled.
Soon they were on their way to Pogseu Paieo, and HanYin felt as if he were going to be sick. He stared out the window, watching the scenery pass, trying not to think about it. Would she like him? Would she hate him? Would he be okay, or would he make a fool of himself somehow?
“Stop,” Ki-tae said softly. “She’s going to love you.”
“You don’t know that.”
“HanYin, of the three of us, you’re the most personable,” Cheongul said. “People love you on sight.”
“Still.”
“It will be fine,” Ki-tae reassured him.
He should have listened to his brothers. Within five minutes of being introduced to Jong-in’s mother, Yeong-ja, she was hugging him and dragging him into the kitchen. Jong-in tried to follow, but she shooed him away. The food smelled delicious, and he could see several bowls already prepared.
“My Jong-in, he’s a good boy,” she said as she handed him a spoon and gestured to one of the pots. “He tells me you cook well and that you make him eat. This is
good. He will forget if someone does not remind him.”
“I try to take care of him,” HanYin said. “He doesn’t always let me.”
“He is a stubborn boy too.” She smiled. “He has his father’s pride.”
“He makes me very happy,” HanYin said softly as he stirred.
“You make him happy too,” she said. “This is all a mother wants for her children, for them to be loved and happy. Thank you for giving him that.”
“He is very easy to love.” HanYin smiled. “And his dimples are killer. I see where he gets them from.”
“Oh, now you flirt with this old lady, a handsome young man like you!” Yeong-ja laughed. “You are a good man, I can tell. My son is special as his father was special. So are you. It is good. He needs someone who will wear him out so he will rest.”
HanYin stared at her in shock, and she just grinned at him, making him blush. She reminded him of ChenBao, and he wasn’t sure that was a good thing.
“Come, we must feed them. They are too skinny,” she said with a grin. “So are you. I best see you eating at least three helpings, such a skinny boy!”
The food was amazing. He could really taste the love in it, and the company was superb. Having his brothers and friends around made it easier for HanYin to relax. There was laughter and joy and teasing all around. It was such a wonderful experience he almost wished it didn’t have to end.
Just as everyone was finishing the main meal, Jong-in’s phone rang. When he looked the caller ID, he frowned.
“Who is it?” HanYin asked, but Jong-in just shook his head. He rose from his seat and would have walked away if HanYin hadn’t caught his wrist. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I just need to take this call,” he said, giving a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll be right back. You guys finish eating. Then we can have dessert.”
HanYin let him go, but he didn’t like it. His gut was telling him this was a bad idea.
Jong-in
Night Kiss Page 54