Tuesday, April 12, 2011 @ 1:45 PM
Till My Last Breath【PART TWO OF TWO】
Sleeping with their back facing each other, Junsu has offered her the inner spot of the single bed facing the wall while he took the outer spot where he risks falling off the bed if anyone of them makes a bigger movement. “Junsu-sshi, are you asleep?” Junsu kept silent, getting used to Ri In’s never-ending questions. Thinking that Junsu has fallen asleep, Ri In continued to speak softly. “You know… you have never told me the reason why you saved me that day. Why did you become a gunman? I can tell you’re a kind person; you shouldn’t work under those evildoers.” Junsu shut his eyes tightly as he recalled the painful reason why he chose to become a gunman.
“Darn it, will you stop interfering in what I do! Because of your constant interference my business never takes off! It’s your entire fault!” Junsu hugged his sister close to him at their spot in the corner of the room. Watching his father beat his mum with his leather belt, he quickly covered his sister’s eyes so she won’t witness their parents fighting. His mum struggled to the table and grabbed the knife off the fruit platter, waving it in her spouse’s direction agitatedly. In the tussle, she stabbed her husband while he managed to shoot her with the gun which he pulled out from his back pocket. Watching both of his parents collapse, Junsu felt the blood draining from his body at the shock.
“We don’t have relatives like you! Get out of my sight!” his uncle slammed the front door in Junsu’s face mercilessly. Grabbing tightly onto his shirt is Hye Rin, his only kin left. Hugging her close to himself, he comforted her although his own heart still suffered from the trauma of witnessing his parents kill each other. They knew their kids are in the room watching, yet they spared no thought for them. Entangled in their own hatred and blinded by their anger, Junsu and Hye Rin had to suffer the consequences of their actions.
“Hye Rin, don’t worry! No matter how much money it costs to get you cured, I will raise the money!” Junsu shouted as he held Hye Rin’s hand tightly. Breathing labored, Hye Rin depended entirely on the oxygen mask, too weak to utter a word of encouragement for her brother. Although she wish that her weak body would be taken away so that she would no longer be a burden with the expensive medical care, another half of her wish that she would recover so that her brother would always have her by his side even if all their relatives reject them from their life. “Everything will be alright as long as we still have each other to depend on. Oppa will definitely get you cured, regardless of the cost!”Junsu sat up in bed and eyes Ri In carefully. After confirming that she is sound asleep, he finally revealed the reason that he had hidden in his heart all along. “If I had a choice, I would want to become a businessman and lead a proper life. But to those who have no other choice, accepting what is offered becomes the best option. I will never regret my decision because Hye Rin is my sole kin.”
***
“Unnie! Look at this picture, isn’t this place beautiful?” Hye Rin beamed at Ri In.
“The sight here looks stunning! Where is this place?” Ri In had her eyes widened endearing as she awed over the photograph.
“I wish I didn’t suffer from Type 1 diabetes, otherwise oppa wouldn’t have to work so hard to pay for my daily injection. That way we would have more time to visit this place in Japan. Oppa, you promised to bring me to see this tree in person, don’t forget your promise!” Hye Rin pouted at Junsu. Shaking his head, Junsu can’t help but feel that Hye Rin and Ri In are alike in many areas. “Of course I won’t forget my promise.”
“Unnie, you must come along too!” Ri In turned to look at Junsu and smiled at Hye Rin. “I definitely would.”
Sleeping with their backs to each other as usual, Junsu tossed around so that he could look at Ri In. Just then, Ri In turned around in her sleep too and Junsu gazed at her features intently. She was like an angel from heaven who fell into the depths of hell accidentally and out of all the people, met with a monster like him. Stretching his hand out gently to caress her cheek, he wondered if it was selfish of him to have thoughts of never letting her go. The strong emotion in his heart was just too overwhelming. Leaning in slowly, he placed his lips over hers for a kiss, waking her up in the process. Ri In’s eyes widened when she realised what was going on, but her body relaxed instead of pushing him away. Feeling her shift closer to him, Junsu jolted out of what seemed like a dream to him. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he flipped around so his back would face her once again. ‘What was I trying to do to her? Ri In is so pure, not the least like me who have my hands stained with blood. I must be a beast to even think of wanting to keep her with me!’ Junsu closed his eyes, forcing his mind to stop thinking as well. He will have to make sure he chases her out of his life. She deserves better. Much better.
“Get lost.” Junsu uttered coldly while pointing the gun at Ri In. Ri In looked at him confusedly, not understanding why he is pushing her away and rejecting their relationship. “Last night we were still kissing… why are you asking me to leave now? Why won’t you accept our feelings for each other?” Ri In felt her tears flowing as the gun moved closer and closer to her forehead. Junsu remained quiet and looked at her with his fiercest glare. Ri In closed her eyes, determined to stay by his side. “Fine. You can kill me if you want. If loving someone is a crime, I’m willing to be punished then.” Hearing her words, Junsu threw the gun against the wall angrily and pulled her up by her arm. “Leave. Get out of my sight! Never come back here!” he pushed her out of the house and slammed the door shut, ignoring her cries.
***
Entering the house, Ri In sighed. It has been months since she was chased out of the house and although she came frequently she can never spot Junsu. It was as though he stopped living in this house altogether. Meanwhile, Junsu peeked through the bushes that kept him well hidden from the house and took a good look at Ri In. She had lost weight, but her beauty was still as stunning as ever. He watched her place something on the table before she went off. Tailing a good distance as if he was seeing her out, Junsu remained hidden behind the bushes and trees as Ri In slowly trudged forth out of the forest. Although he wished Ri In would forget someone like him and move on, he was also more than happy to be able to see her again, even if it was from afar. It felt good to be valued by someone whom you equally treasure.
The sudden shrill ringing of the phone disrupt the usual tranquility in Junsu’s house and sent him jumping. Shifting over to the table where the phone kept vibrating, Junsu’s hand hovered over it, wondering if he should pick it up. “No. No, Kim Junsu.” He murmured and withdrew his hand before returning back to his spot on the bed. Picking up the piece of paper that was with the phone, Junsu fingered Ri In’s writings longingly.
Please answer my calls to let me know you’re safe and healthy.“I shouldn’t answer her calls. She’ll never give up on me otherwise.” Junsu shut his eyes tightly and placed his balled fist over them, trying to grab some sleep. Yet the harder he tried, the more difficult it was.
***
“Junsu, are you doing fine on your own? Have you been taking care of your wound properly?” Junsu remained quiet as he listened to Ri In’s voice over the phone. After fighting with his mind for a whole week, his body eventually gave in to his heart and answered the phone calls although he never spoke a word in reply. All he wanted to do was to listen to Ri In’s crystal clear, sweet voice again. Tonight, Ri In is telling him about how Hye Rin is doing after she visited her this afternoon. He has not visited Hye Rin ever since Ri In left him. He has yet to think of an excuse to give his sister in case she asks about Ri In. From what Ri In told him over the phone, it appears that Ri In has visited Hye Rin nearly every day. ‘Guess it’s time to visit Hye Rin. I can’t avoid it forever.’ Junsu thought as he drifted off to sleep listening to Ri In’s singing.
Carrying the fruits basket as he walked towards Hye Rin’s house, he noticed a familiar figure hopping onto an all too familiar car and speeding off. Cursing as he ran at top speed towards Hye Rin’s house, he was in time to see the place blow up and witness pieces of the roof flying off as the flames engulfed the place. Drawing nearer to the house, he made out two figures who were desperately trying to escape the inferno. Hye Rin was coughing nonstop and Ri In supported her with her own weak body. Making a mad dash towards them, he swiftly helped both of them out of the house and headed for the nearest hospital, leaving behind the explosions and flames that had swallowed the house whole.
***
“How dare him. Based on what grounds did he have the right to kill? I’m going to make sure he pays.” Junsu kept repeating as he loaded the guns and stuffed several bullet packs into his pockets. He had just been notified that Hye Rin has passed away and Ri In is still unconscious. All because of the mafia leader who refused to let them go. Charging towards his destination, Junsu’s mind is clear about his target and the result which he wants.
Shooting everyone in his way, Junsu has cleared out the path to the mafia leader’s hiding room undergrounds. Kicking the door open, he aimed the gun right at the trembling man. Although the mafia leader was pointing a gun at Junsu too, his hand was shaking too much to be able to fire at all. Through the CCTV, he had seen how Junsu went berserk and killed anyone who tried to block his path. He too, knows that he can’t possibly win Junsu in a gun fight unless lady luck is on his side. Junsu was groomed to become an ace killer – which he had accomplished. Making use of the moment where the stubby-looking leader was spacing out, Junsu aimed and shot four bullets right into his head. He caught hold of the gun that fell out of the leader’s hand and kicked him aside before making his way out of the room. He has killed and blood has been shed. But why does he not feel any happier after taking revenge?
“All I’ve left now is Ri In… I’ve to take care of her. Just like… how she took care of me.” Junsu made his way out of the place, wanting to return to the hospital immediately. He wants to be there for Ri In when she wakes up. Little did he know that the house has already been surrounded by the police.
“Drop your weapons and put your hands up!” the police officer nearest to him bellowed. Recalling Ri In’s words when she had her first meeting with the dead mafia leader, Junsu dropped the guns and bullet packs obediently and raised his hands high.
“Wrong-doers should be punished duly.” ***
[2 weeks later]
Picking up the other end of the receiver, Junsu smiled. Although he received a jail term of 20 years, that was better than the death sentence. Furthermore, he is still able to see Ri In although they are now separated by the glass panel. “Good to see that you’ve recovered.” Junsu spoke first.
“But you’re now locked inside. But that’s okay, because I’ll wait for you – like I’ve been doing all along.” Ri In smiled at him, the same gentle smile that she always wore. Yet something was different about her. “Why won’t you face me?”
“When the bombing incident happened, the glass shattered and a few shards of glass went into my eyes. I’ve lost my sight now… that’s fine too. I’ll wait for someone kind to donate their corneas to me. I’ll be able to see soon!” the smile never left Ri In’s face. Junsu felt his eyes turning moist and drops of tears rolled off his cheeks. Wiping them away with his sleeve, he stared hard at Ri In. He has to remember this kind and positive image of Ri In so that he can call out this image daily in his mind. This will be what can to pull him through his time in jail.
***
[20 years later]
Stepping out of the cells that had him locked up for a huge portion of his life, Junsu inhaled deeply. It felt great to be able to possess freedom. Noticing the back view of the beautiful lady who he dreams of every night, Junsu took big strides towards her. “Ri In.” he called out gently and pulled her into a tight embrace. So this is how it feels like to be able to hold the person you love in your arms. “I promise we’ll be starting a new life together from now on. I will be your eyes forever so you can always rely on me.” Ri In smiled at him, the same gentle smile which Junsu loves. Suddenly, Ri In heard a loud bang and felt Junsu’s hand leaving hers.
“Thanks for sending me to jail and killing my family!”
Ri In felt someone gripping onto her wrist tightly and struggled to be free. “Junsu? Junsu, where are you? What happened?!” Ri In shouted hysterically.
“If your uncle was willing to represent me, I wouldn’t have been sent to jail. And because of your lover who betrayed to my dad, my whole family and our empire is now gone. Go to hell, the both of you!” Ri In was pushed to the ground harshly and she heard footsteps trudging further and further away from her. But where was Junsu? He had not made a single sound throughout this. Crying as she crawled on the floor trying to find Junsu’s body, she kept calling out his name. Feeling what seemed like hair, she scrambled over and hugged him close to her body. “I love you! I love you, Junsu! I love you!” Ri In’s tears fell endlessly. “Junsu, won’t you say you love me too? I love you!”
***
“Ri In…” Junsu held onto the cell phone nervously and glanced around his house trying to think of how to put his thoughts into words. “I’m not good with words but I hope you will understand my feelings for you through this video clip that I’m recording for you. I don’t know if you will ever see this, but if you do, I want you to know that I love you and will continue to love you until my very last breath.”
***
“I love you too, Junsu. Until my very last breath…” Ri In smiled at the video clip and held the phone close to her body. Looking up, Ri In admired the stunning scenery and the tried to catch the falling snow. Japan was indeed a beautiful place, just like the photograph Hye Rin had showed her a long time back. Leaning against the tree which she was sitting under, Ri In raised her head and looked at the moving clouds in the sky. “Thank you, Junsu… for donating your cornea to me… how did you know that document would come in so handy? Nonetheless, thank you for keeping true to your promise to always be my eyes. I love you.”
-END-
A/N
Sorry for being away for so long! School took up a lot of my time. I am still working on Bad Woman (yes, still!) and I'm considering whether i should go on a break after Bad Woman is completed (i have no idea when would that be though). Nonetheless, thanks for dropping by if you did!
xiaoxi,loves.
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