Author's note: a 30_kisses comm challenge again. #6; the space between dream and reality. the idea came to me after watching "ashita wa kuru kara" video.


Limbo


The soft sounds of piano penetrated through his thoughts, making Jaejoong awaken from the illusionary word created by the book he was reading. He recognized the accords immediately, having practiced to this song numerous of times before. Curiously he rose from his pillows nestle on the couch, and setting his book aside with minor regret, he let himself be led by the melody.

Just as he expected, Jaejoong found his fellow band-mate at their practice room sitting before the grand piano, his fingers flying over the keys. He stopped in the doorway, waiting for his friend to notice him. Meanwhile he watched the familiar face frozen in concentration, lips a bit parted, a quiet humming accompanying the playing.

The piece was finished and Yoochun rose his eyes. Immediately a slightly embarrassed smile lit his features. “Hey”, he said. “I didn’t notice you.”

“Practicing again?” Jaejoong asked, walking up to stand before the piano. He reached and touched the keys with his fingers, playing some quick tune.

“Yeah, kinda”, answered Yoochun, smiling again. Looking at him Jaejoong couldn’t help returning the smile. It felt strange to look down at the younger boy, see his bright face and shining eyes. His fingers itched for quiet different ivory, the ivory of the other’s skin.

It was an odd feeling, unexpected and intense. Horrified Jaejoong saw his fingers tremble and turned hastily to flee away. But his hand was caught and held firmly in a much warmer grasp. Swallowing hard, he turned to be met by a pair of sorrowful eyes.

“What is wrong?”

What makes you want to run away from me?

Jaejoong licked his suddenly dry lips. “I don’t know”, he said. His hand was warming up, but the tiny shivers didn’t abate. Looking into other’s face, he saw only reasons and no doubts. But Jaejoong could utter no words, that’s why he simply hug Yoochun, cradling his head to his chest.

It was so hard to say those impossible words, the words which if uttered could change everything. Or nothing. And it was both exciting and scaring.

“I..”, he said, “I…”

I know your secret.

“Yes,” said Yoochun.

Moving away a bit, Jaejoong let his fingers touch the others cheek. Caressing the soft skin the elder boy leaned down a little, letting his lips hover just an inch over the other’s. And then finally touching, moving, tasting – it all felt even less real. It was a dream both of them were bound to wake up from.

“I am sorry”, he whispered finally moving away, entangling himself from the warm embrace, parting from the sweet lips. Jaejoong knew that he had no other option but run away. And then everything would be just like it had been.



//



Just as he expected, Jaejoong found his fellow band-mate at their practice room sitting before the grand piano, his fingers flying over the keys. He stopped in the doorway, waiting for his friend to notice him. Meanwhile he watched the familiar face frozen in concentration, lips a bit parted, a quiet humming accompanying the playing.

The piece was finished and Yoochun rose his eyes. Immediately a slightly embarrassed smile lit his features. “Hey”, he said. “I didn’t notice you.”

It was an odd feeling, unexpected and intense. It made his heart clench and limp rise in his throat. Fleeing away had always been the only option.

“I am sorry,” he said, turning away to leave, “I didn’t mean to disturb you..”

Behind him the piano started to pay again.



//



Wrapping himself in a warm blanket, hiding from the outer world Jaejoong finally let the tears fall. Desperately he wished for sleep and the dreams to haunt him with the images of the dear one. But no god heard his prayer, forever leaving him hanging in the space between dream and reality.



4/10/2006