Reunion

Title: Reunion
Author: KC & Roshni
Pairing: Yunho/KC, Yoochun/Jouty, Jaejoong/Roshni, Junsu/Naina, Changmin/Salma
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 4006
Disclaimer: I do not own DBSK . This is a work of fiction. This was written for fun. No profit is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.

It felt like it had been lifetimes since I last saw them but it had only been 10 years. 10 years since that fateful day when all of my friends had deserted me. Those first few days had been the most difficult but slowly I had started to pull my life together and focus my energies on positive aspects of my life. I am now a successful business woman. Now I am a successful business woman. My business...well I own a franchise of day care centers for children with disabilities and shelters for battered women. I don't want anyone to go through what I went through. I want there to be someone for everyone who is going through what I went through. Not having anyone was hard. All I had wished for was someone's support. Someone to just listen but no one was there for a long time. I learned about the cruelness of this world. Everyone comes running to be a part of your happiness and joy but they all run away when it’s time for the sadness, tears and difficult parts.

I may seem cold and heartless but it is the truth of this world. I don't want any of these women to become what I have. So, 10 years on here I am standing at my high school reunion watching the faces from my past. Each face has a different story to tell but everyone looking at me is not interested in my story. I turned to look at Mina.

“Why did you bring me here?” I asked her my gaze narrowing on her.

“Sista you need to relax. 10 years you ran from your past and I think now is the right time for you to face it. Look at you.” Mina said giving me the once over and winking. “You are charming, beautiful, successful and I have to add you are killing the dudes here with your legs.”

I laughed at Mina’s lame attempt on cheering me up.

A lot of these people were just a face to me and a name with blank slates. None of them remembered or even knew. A lot of them were naive back then. However, there were a few faces that were new, that I had never noticed before. A lot of the people were mingling but a few were standing alone. A girl scribbling on a napkin furiously caught my eye. I wondered what had caught her rapt attention that even the chatter of the person of the person on the next table didn't exist to her. I wished to have that kind of focus and disregard.

“Do you know her?” Mina asked as I stared at that girl.

“I can’t see her face but even if I did it wouldn’t matter.” I replied.

I looked around to see if there was someone, just one person who would smile at me but everyone was in their own worlds. I felt like the KC from last day of school whom everyone had ignored. I felt invisible even now 10 years later after that horrible prom night.

I just wished someone would look at me and say they knew me. I looked at the door and my heart sped up. There he was, the one person whom I wanted to like me. The next thing I saw was a smile on his lips and a small wave in my direction. No...No...No, I looked behind me, it couldn't be for me.

It wasn’t for me. The girl who had been scribbling away had finally looked up. Naina was looking up smiling back at him. I knew she had a crush on him back in high school. So had they finally got together?

“Mina there is nothing for me here. We should just leave.” I said taking her hand and walking towards the door.

“Wait...” Mina stopped and dug her heels. “KC when are you going to stop running? 10 years ago you came to me scared, broken but determined. Where is that determination? All I see here is scared and broken.”

"You don't understand. You never will. You haven't gone through what I have." I told her.

She just looked at me and said the one thing I had never wanted to hear. "What if no one knew? You can spin a pretty good lie and manipulations when you want. What if no one knew? How can someone help if they don't know? They were kids back then too. What I see here today are adults and none of them are looking at you the way you seem to think they are." She ran out of steam and just looked around us. I looked around too and saw no one was paying any attention but there were a few tentative smiles in my direction. "It's time to stop running KC."

I looked at Mina and sighed. She was right. She was always right. She had been right to fuel my negative energy to do positive work back then and now she was right to push me to face my past. I looked back at the bar where Naina had been scribbling. Now she was surrounded by most of what was called our crew back then. There were some new faces that I didn’t recognize.

“Want to go say hello?” Mina asked following my gaze

“I am scared” I replied

“I will go with you,” Mina looked at me. “I think I recognise one of the guys there. He’s a paramedic and he helps out at the shelter when he can.”

“Ok” I said. I took a deep breath and followed Mina. As I grew closer I could hear my heart beat drumming in my ears. My vision started to blur but I willed myself on. My legs started to feel heavy and just as I got there I started to here Mina’s voice faintly calling me. Then everything went black.

I woke up to hushed voices around me. They didn't realize that I was awake and I took a moment to look at each of them. I was surprised at the genuine concern on each of their faces. However, I couldn't forget what Erin had told me. She had been my best friend and these people had been the tentative ones whom had come after. Erin and I had been together for years. How could I have believed them when they told me she wasn't good. She always had my best interest at heart. I had been blind. How could I face them knowing I was wrong. At that moment Jouty noticed my open eyes.

“She’s awake.” Jouty said looking at me.

“Give her some air guys” Said an unfamiliar voice. “Stop crowding her”

The face behind the voice came into view and I thought I was in heaven. I had never seen a more beautiful being in my life ever.

“Are you an angel?” I asked knowing I could always blame my craziness on the dizzy spell.

“Nope I am not. I am just your regular medic who wants to know how you are feeling” Replied the man.

Jouty looked at Mina, “Has this happened before?”

“The last time it happened was 9 years ago” Mina replied.

Everyone looked at each other looking confused. "Nine years ago?" asked Naina.

"Why did you move away all of a sudden KC with no word to any of us?" Jouty asked. "How could you only tell Erin that your father got a transfer to Bermuda?"

“Wait a minute, is this the famous KC I hear about whenever we eat black forest gateaux?” asked the medic.

“Yes Jae darling this is that KC” replied Roshni. “Did you really go to Bermuda?”

“No she didn’t.” Mina replied before I could think of a fast excuse. “She came to live at my shelter…”

“Mina” I said interrupting her.

“Well they need to know the truth, somewhere there has been a misunderstanding” Mina continued. “I think we all need to sit down and talk about this”

“Like they do at the shelter Mina?” Jae asked

“Shelter?” Yunho asked confused.

“Can this wait for a while; I don’t really feel up to talking.” I said and even I could feel the whine in my voice.

Yunho looked at me with an amused look and the look he gave everyone shut up their protests.

“Just so you know we’re not letting you get away so easily this time.” Jouty said hugging me. I felt safe and loved after a long time. I tried to keep the tears at bay but they still came and I couldn’t stop.

“Hey what are the tears for?” Naina asked.

“Oh Nain she is happy to be with us.” Replied Roshni and joined in the hug. Before I knew it I was crushed in a group hug of I think 10 people. I was pretty sure Mina was in there somewhere.

“Guys Guys I can’t breathe” I whispered hoarsely.

Finally everyone let go and I took in a deep breath. I looked around and saw those familiar smiles. The faces hadn’t changed a lot. They had aged in a good way. I felt like KC from high school. Always happy and kind.
I could just see the changes in the medic, Jouty and Roshni. I can bet that they were all in the medical field somewhere.

“Are you feeling pain anywhere?” The medic asked.

I looked at him and couldn’t resist. “Well I can’t be in pain as I think I am in heaven looking at an angel.”

“She’s back” Naina shouted.

“I am no angel KC, my name is Jaejoong. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” The medic no Jaejoong introduced himself.

“No, I don’t feel pain, I am good. Maybe just a little water?” I asked.

“Here you are,” Mina said holding out a glass of water.

“Thank you sista” I said taking the glass and sipping the water.

“So how about we do introductions?” Asked Naina.

“I am Mina.” Mina said without waiting for anyone.

“Yeah and she is also loud and very very impatient and likes getting in there first” I added causing everyone to laugh.

“I know Mina. She is the manager at the Burnwood shelter. You guys have heard about Kindy Care day cares and shelters right?” Jae asked.

Before anyone could answer, A guy rushed in the room. “Naina? Is Naina okay? What’s going on guys?”

“I am right here.” Naina walked up to him and gave him a light kiss.

I looked at Yunho to see his reaction but he was looking at me. I was confused, weren’t Naina and Yunho together?

He looked around the room embarrassed. “Sorry, you know why I panicked.” He said to Naina.

Jouty’s eyes narrowed in on them. “Is there something both of you would like to tell us?”

Before they could say anything, I asked the guy who he is.

“Oh sorry, I am Junsu, Naina’s husband and you are?”

“You are Kim Junsu… The mega mega football star” I looked at him “Naina you married a football star?”

“yes KC dearest I did” She replied and then turned to Junsu. “This here is KC. Remember…”

“The one who made the most delicious black forest cake” Junsu continued.

“Yes that’s her Junsu” Roshni replied.

“Wait a minute” Jae interrupted.

“Oh my God how many wait a minutes have we had in this conversation” Jouty looked at Jae sternly.

“I am just piecing things together. I just realized that I have eaten KC’s cakes. Mina is always feeding me cake saying one of her close friends loves to bake. Right Mina?” Jaejoong looks at Mina

“He’s right guys.” Mina replies. “KC often bakes for the shelters and day cares especially during holiday seasons.”

“So you are a baker?” Junsu asked.

“No Junsu she is…”

“I am a worker at the shelter” I replied. I wasn’t ready for anyone to find out about the Day cares and shelters and the reason behind them.

I notice Yunho looking at me with a confused expression. I just knew that he knew that I was lying but the others believed me. Maybe Mina was right after all. Maybe they never knew. I put a smile on my face.

“Well since everyone seems to know me and I only recognize half the faces here and the other half are new. How about introductions and then say we ditch this place and get some pizza from ARJ’s pizza around the corner? The best pizza in the world.” I end. So I turn to the other two guys and girl in the room.

The tall guy looked at me and smiled. “I am Shim Changmin and I am a writer. I thought it fair to tell you what I do since I know what you do.”

Before the other guy can speak my mouth drop opens. “You mean. Yo-you a-ar-are THE Max Changmin the famous author.” I stuttered.

“How did you figure that out I usually use Max Changmin for that?” He answered.

“Well you said writer and Max popped up with the Changmin. I am avidly waiting for the next book.” I smile at him and turn to the guy standing next to him.

“and I am…”

“Wait I know you… Half the girls at the shelter are crazy about you.” I said to him. “What was his name?...Sorry I cant remember but I have seen your face on many doors, laptops, CD covers etc.”

“I am Park Yoochun and yes I am a musician with many fans but I am a fan of one person only.” He looked at Jouty as she came to his side.

“This is my very naughty hubby. Beware he flirts for the world.” Jouty said smiling up at him

“But I love only you.” Yoochun replied.

“Oh man get a room you guys” Junsu said rolling his eyes.

I turned and looked at the last face I didn’t know. She was beautiful and tall. Something about her spoke authority. I had a feeling she was a law person. Yunho came to stand beside her and put an arm around her shoulder. So this was his wife.

“This is Sal. She is a lawyer and works for my firm. She is going to make partner soon.” Yunho said looking at me.

“Hi Sal” I said too stumped to say anything else.

“What he forgot to mention is that Sal is my girlfriend, Dude if you want to keep your pretty face unmarred you will get that hand off of Sal” Changmin said looking at Yunho fiercely.

I couldn’t help but shake my head at this small group who had made a family amongst each other. I smile at them feeling happy inside. I think that is how being happy felt.

“Well let’s go.” I said getting up and walking towards the exit. Everyone was behind me and I was looking back and walking but when I turned around there was Erin. I froze that was the only word. I feel an arm go around my waist and I stood up straight. That arm gave me the courage to look into her eyes. I turn to the side expecting to see Mina but instead I saw Yunho.

I looked back at Erin. Terror took over me and I didn’t know what to say.

“Well well well look what the cat dragged in” said Naina coming to stand on my left side. “If it isn’t stinky Erin”

Mina came round and stood in front of me as if she were a shield between me and Erin. “Chica is this that no good woman whom you have been running from since high school?” Mina said slanting her eyes sideways to look at me.

Erin looked at Mina with a smirk on her face. "Running from me? I didn't know I had such an impact." She turns to look at me and how could I have not noticed the lies in her eyes and mouth. "You were always easy KC. easy to lie to, easy to push around."

“Why you…” Mina started at her.

I grabbed Mina to stop her. “I’ll handle this” I said walking in front of Mina. “Yes I was a pushover. Yes I ran from everyone for 10 years but not anymore. Come on lets have it. Why did you do what you did 10 years ago? And who went to Bermuda? Because I sure as hell didn’t”

"Did I say Bermuda? I don't really remember all the things I said, they're mucked up in my mind." Erin looked at me as if I was lower than dirt." All I wanted to do was hit her. I looked at her and wanted nothing to do with her. "You know what? Forget it, you don't deserve it. I really don't care anymore and you're not worth it." I turn to look at the others and tell them let's go.

“Wait. I have something to say to Erin.” Yunho said grabbing my hand to stop me from walking.

“10 years ago I had to let someone precious in my life go because of all the lies you spread. 10 years I had to live regretting it for 10 years all because of you. So now that you are here listen to me and listen to me well. Come anywhere near us and God help me I will land you behind bars” Yunho continued looking at Erin. If looks could kill I think Erin would have been dead at that point.

My heart burst. He was talking about me. I couldn't believe it. My heart was soo happy but my mind couldn't accept it. how could he want me? My ten hears of hard work and building myself went down the drain in that moment and all my insecurities came back. Yunho lifted my chin and looked at me with a smile in his eyes and on his lips. Everything came back to focus and I was the one in charge.

“Are we going for pizza? I am hungry” I said trying to move away.

“Guys we’ll meet you there.” Yunho said still holding on to my chin. His gaze wouldn’t leave mine and I couldn't move mine.

Mina came and stood next to me. “will you be ok chica?”

“Yes Mina I will be fine.” I replied my gaze still stuck on Yunho.

Yunho kept looking at me and I kept drowning in those eyes. They had a way of swallowing me up. As we gazed little did we know that the crew hadn’t left. They were standing at the door taking bets.

“I say 50 he’ll score tonight” said Jaejoong

“100 says she’ll reject him.” countered Roshni, “She is not ready.”

“If they get together tonight drinks are on me” pushed in Mina “but if she says no pizza’s on you guys”

“Hey that’s not fair” replied Changmin.

“Sweetie by now you should know that there is no such thing as fair in my vocabulary.” Mina tells Changmin. She looks back to Yunho and KC talking and says, “looks like I am getting free pizza tonight.”

Roshni looks at Mina and shakes her head. “You and I both know she is not ready and looks like Yunho does too.”

They all turn back to see KC smiling at what Yunho is saying to her.

"Nah, they’re getting together tonight. Her mind may not be ready but her heart is.” Jaejoong counters.

“Ok guys we’ll see lets go order us some pizza and wait for them” Naina says and pushes Junsu out the door. The rest follow wondering who will win the bet.

“Yunho we should go.” I said to him still looking at him.

“You could never lie then and you still can’t lie. So tell me whats up with the shelter story” Yunho asked coming a little closer.

“It’s a long story; maybe I can tell you guys while we have Pizza.” I said. My mind was already thinking of ways of getting out of this. Even though I was successful I felt insecure.

“I can see those wheels turning already. Maybe I’ll just bride Mina or blackmail Jae into asking Mina” Yunho said mischievously. His expression turned serious. “Promise you’ll tell us and you won’t disappear again”

“I promise to not disappear again but for my story give me time and space. It’s taken me nearly 8 years to get rid of my nightmares and 10 years to stop running. There is a lot of baggage involved. You have to be certain you want me to unload this baggage” I explained to him.

“I waited 10 years believe me waiting some more won’t kill me” He said. He took my hand and led me out the door. We walked to the Pizza place. I let go of his hand and observed the others. They seemed happy and were laughing away. The insecurities started to creep in again. I felt like the little child looking in on a family on Christmas day.

Jouty caught my eyes and smiled. I could see the sadness in her eyes. Was she sad because of me. She walked upto me and smiled. "I missed you." We walked in to the pizza store and I was hit with memories of us laughing together. The grandmother who used to run the store looked up at us and smiled at us. "I knew you'd be back."

“Hey Mama, How are you? I have to say you don’t look a day old” I said to her.

“Oh pish posh… you always knew how to lay it on thick when you wanted to.” Mama replied. “So how are you girly?”

“I am well Mama. Do you still make a mean lemon curd cake?” I asked trying to get some out of her.

“When you come to tea you’ll just have to see” she said winking at me. She walked to the counter. “Whatever they are having its on me. My favourite girly has returned home.”

There we shouts of cheer from the table. I knew the crew couldn’t resist free food. No wonder they had all turned up at the reunion. I walked over to the table and put my hands on the top.

“I see some things never change” I said smiling. “What’ll you guys have to drink?”

Jouty pulled me down. “Sit down. The boys can sort out the food. So tell us what have you been doing and how did you come to be working in the shelter?” she said speaking quick as if I was going to disappear.

“Relax Jouty we have the whole night. Let’s enjoy the food.” I said picking a napkin and folding it.

I looked at everyone enjoying the pizza. I didn't know how much I wanted to tell them. I had worked hard in building myself. Now the real question was Do I want to open myself again?

A voice interrupted my thoughts. “Whats going on in that pretty head of yours?” Mina whispered in my ear.

I turned to look at her trying to communicate with my eyes that I didn’t know what to do. What could I tell them? If they found out the truth they would never leave Erin alone. All of them were so successful in their careers that they had enough influence to ruin her.

“Mina how do I tell them? How do I tell them that Erin nearly ruined me to the point of death? To the point of being disowned? How Mina?” I whispered back looking around to make sure no one was listening.

“Simple chica you let me start then you continue.” Mina said to me.

“But…” I tried to speak.

“No chica! Enough is enough. It’s time to let go. You have to show them who you are, what you have achieved. They will be sad but proud of you.” Mina said. I looked around and the chatter has stopped.

Everyone was now looking at me and Mina with interest.