Title: Happy Endings

Rating: PG

Pairings: MinKay (I so made it up ^___^ Changmin + Crystal Kay) Side: JaeHo YooSu

Summary: Uhm.. I really can't summarize this and give it fair justice.. But uh.. This is.. uh.. about love? This is really the first summary I've ever really botched up.. Just.. just read it and show some love while I try to think up a summary and for those of you who are curious the word count is 9502 and I'm very proud of that number because in my opinion that is a ridiculously long oneshot.. thought patra86  has told me time and time again that there are longer ones.. Though I don't know them because I don't read them.. Yeah so.. This stopped being a summary a long time ago.. -.-'  Aigoo.. it's been so long since I posted.. ANYWAY~~~

AN: I would like to apologize for the.. uh.. hugeness of this post.. But.. yeah.. I really didn't want to break it up or anything.. So please don't take it out on the fic.. please blame me.. Better yet.. blame the editorial muse, because she (yes my editorial muse is definitely female.. too troublesome to be male.. haha) totally told me to post this up as on big huge post.. *shrug*


* * *

"Shillye jiman," a soft voice asked hesitantly from somewhere behind Changmin.

For a better part of the morning and the afternoon, Changmin had been successful in the simple art of blending in. Their days to themselves were rare, so the youngest of the popular group usually liked to spend it alone, though the others often spent their time with family or other loved ones.

This time around it was loved ones that seemed to overrule family. Junsu and Yoochun had wandered off to a park together, giggling about some plans they had made, no doubt rejoicing in the fact that men could not get pregnant under normal circumstances. Then there was Jaejoong and Yunho. The two lovers had elected to stay in since Changmin had decided not to linger about the apartment. Unlike the younger couple, they would probably consider themselves blessed with simple pecks on the cheek. Their relationship was far more conservative, probably from years of practice at hiding it from the general public.

In every aspect of their lives, it always felt as if Changmin had always been the odd man out. Sometimes it was a feeling of true uniqueness, but more often than not, it was annoying and a bit lonely. He and Jaejoong had their ’one touch’ friendship that had slowly been diminishing as Jaejoong’s bruise count got higher and higher. His relationship with Yunho was one of deep respect and often the leader would turn to him for advice, though who could blame him? His pickings were so slim. Junsu shared his smiles and laughs with everyone, but only Changmin could bare the weight of his deepest dreams and fears. Then there was Yoochun, the one member he could always turn to no matter what. It seemed their friendship was absolute, with no sort of solid foundation, yet stood firm.

To each of his hyungs, he was something, someone, special. They could only turn to him, there was no one else, not even their lovers, they could possibly confide in when it came to certain issues. Again, Changmin was truly the odd man out.

He was brought out of his silent thoughts when he heard that gentle voice once again. For a moment he toyed with the idea of pretending not to have heard the girl behind him, but when she gently tapped his shoulder, there was just no getting around the fact that his attention had been caught. There wasn't a single rude bone in his body, so ignoring her was definitely out. Running the fastest his legs could carry him was also out because there was that tiny glimmer of hope that the girl had never even heard of DongBangShinKi, though he highly doubted it. Even when they had been in the United States, there had been girls staring at them with wide, longing eyes, gripping their notebooks and sharpee markers so fiercely while they mulled over the idea of asking the idols for their signatures.

In the end, Changmin heaved a large sigh and glanced over his shoulder. "Can I help you?" He was such a pushover at times that it made even him feel sick.

The girl, no, the young woman was captivating to say the least. She was clearly a foreigner from what he could see and judging by her furrowed brows, clearly lost. "Uhm, where is--" her Korean was sloppy, hinting that she had just started learning Korean maybe five or so minutes ago, but Changmin found his lips turning upward at her effort. "Where is uh-- a place?" She quickly shook her head and waved her hand slightly in front of her, as if wiping away her blunder. "Definitely not what I meant to say," she muttered in English, before she gently smacked herself in the forehead, "and you probably don't speak English."

She sighed, attempting to get herself back on track. While she did so, Changmin took the opportunity to study her carefully. This young woman had beautiful caramel colored skin not commonly seen in Korea. The curves she had were soft on her person, but small by no means. Though he immediately categorized her as a foreigner, she had beautifully perfect eyes, hinting at an Asian ancestry. If she were several shades lighter, he would have sworn up and down that she was in fact Korean.

"Anou," she thought aloud, quickly switching to Japanese, causing a spark of recognition to ignite within the confines of Changmin's mind.

"You speak Japanese?" He quickly asked switching to his almost second native tongue, sparing her the task of going through anymore Korean, though he was half tempted to hear what else she might have been able to say, or not been able to say.

The woman beamed brightly, accepting the kindness in the singer's smile and quickly nodded in response, "Hai." She nearly laughed out at her earlier silliness. "I'm so sorry for butchering your language like that." She quickly apologized in fluent Japanese, bowing slightly to the tall youth.

"Oh no, your Korean was great," Changmin lied, waving the apology to the side. He hadn't expected to smile because of a complete stranger today. "Is there something I can help you with? You look a little lost."

Again, the woman gently smacked her forehead with her hand, "That's right! I'm looking for a place where I can try some bulgoggi. Is there a good place near this area? I don't want to get lost again." She glanced at him with those beautiful eyes and Changmin swore that he could have lost himself in them.

It took a moment for him to reel himself back in then lower himself down to Earth, but when he did, he smiled boyishly. "Actually," he started once he remembered which language they were speaking in. He had to constantly remind himself Japanese, Japanese.. "I know a really good place, I'm actually going there now." Another lie. He had actually eaten only a half an hour ago. "If it's alright, you could join me for lunch?"

A smile. One that could have easily rivaled his own in brightness, possibly even Junsu's. "Arigatou," she responded with another small bow. She quickly straightened up and extended her hand toward him, indicating a handshake. "My name is Crystal."

Somehow, the Japanese language and the name didn't fit, but Changmin didn't mind it in the least. Of course, he would have to mull over pronunciation a couple of times, but he would quickly grasp it, just like he quickly grasped anything he had set out to learn in the past. He gently took her hand in his own and shook it gently. "Nice to meet you, I'm--" he paused, checking to see if there were any fans about. In the end, he simply resolved to use his stage name, "--I'm Max."

"Nice to meet you, Max."

* * *

"Hyung," Changmin spoke silently from his place on Jaejoong's lap, disturbing the serenity that had settled over the living room of the group's shared apartment. He sat up, no longer leaning on the older man, but sideling over to him so that they sat arm to arm. "When did you discover that you had feelings for Yunho-hyung?"

At the younger's question, Jaejoong instantly became curious. It was rare that Changmin showed a genuine curiosity about the love lives of the other members. He always remained politely distant, allowing each couple the space they needed, awaiting the moment when one or both of them would come to him. He never asked, but always accepted. Surely something must have happened for their baby to be showing curiosity in relationships now. The urge to interrogate the younger man was overwhelming, but Jaejoong resisted, knowing that Min would open up to him when he was genuinely ready. Instead, he focused on answering the question presented to him.

"I guess I always knew there was something I liked about Yunho," he mused softly, cuddling close to the younger for more warmth. "I'd always had feelings for him, Minnie-ah, I just can't say when it went beyond friendship." He snuggled closer to his dongsaeng when Changmin's arm gently snaked its way around his shoulders and pulled him in closer. "Have you developed feelings for someone?"

Changmin should have known that Jaejoong's curiosity wouldn't be able to hold out for more than a few sentences. He should have known that he would only be spared of Jaejoong's inquisitive nature for only just a short moment. He instantly regretted questioning his hyung, wondering if he should have waited until the end of the week when Yoochun would return. But at the same time, he was thankful for Jaejoong's motherly nature. It inspired him to think.

"I can't say for sure," he sighed, thinking back to the lunch he had shared with Crystal. Aside from being beautiful, she was truly a unique character. Overly polite and distant when necessary, but the glint in her dark eyes promised good times and laughter. He wanted to get to know that side of her. Wanted to get to know her more. Wanted to see more of her. "She's beautiful, hyung," he started without the permission of his mind, "I want to see her again."

Jaejoong pouted and gently shoved the younger. "A girl, huh? Is she prettier than me?"

The silent laughter that escaped from Changmin couldn't possibly be helped as he landed a gentle punch on the elder's side. "Much prettier."

"Aish," Yunho swore silently as he stumbled into the room with bags of groceries, "Ya! Changmin, Jaejoong, a hand please?" Having had their bonding moment, the two seated idols were on the same wave length completely and demonstrated their bond by instantly clapping for their leader, much to Yunho's annoyance. He scowled playfully at them, "You know what I mean."

Releasing Jaejoong from his hold, Changmin grunted slightly as he stood to his full height and stretched, his fingers barely skimming the ceiling of the room. "Alright, hyung. Calm down." He glanced at the cat-like Jaejoong who was sprawling along the length of the sofa, trying to soak up the warmth the group's baby had left behind. "Jaejoong-hyung, you can be lazy after you put the groceries away."

"And after you cook dinner," Yunho reminded with a small smile, handing several bags off to Changmin. "And after you do the dishes. It is your night."

Jaejoong groaned and buried his face into the sofa. "Why did I agree to cook and do dishes on Fridays," he meant to growl in dismay, but in all reality his words only came out as a series of muffled huffs and sighs.

With a small shake of his head, Changmin began to put the items Yunho purchased into their designated areas, only leaving out what he wanted Jaejoong to prepare for that evening's meal, leaving Yunho to deal with his lazy lover. In truth, he wasn't even hungry. Though his stomach was about to start running on empty, both his mind and heart were filled with Crystal. He wondered if he would ever bump into the ebony enchantress again, but he shook his head at his folly. Chances of randomly bumping into her again were slim to none and his heart pulled at the thought.

"You're right, Joongie," Yunho muttered silently as the two curiously watched the youngest from their places in the living room. "Min does seem to be a bit distracted." He quickly glanced at the beautiful man, "Did something happen?"

Jaejoong only smiled, electing to keep Changmin's words just between them. This girl must have certainly been something else if she had Min so deep in thought after only one meeting.

Many times the lead singer had been concerned for the young man. Worried that Changmin would have one too many lonely days, that he would have no one to really be at peace with. Someone more than just another friend. Jaejoong had found his solace in Yunho and vice versa. Junsu and Yoochun had each other and seemed to hold tight, allowing nothing to come between them.

But Changmin?

It had always been a worry of Jaejoong's if not anyone else‘s, which only seemed to reach new heights when four of the five members found complete serenity with one another. He had worried that Changmin would be the odd man out once again. Of course, Changmin had explored his options when they had gone abroad, even had a somewhat girlfriend a year back, but it hadn't been anything too serious. If anything, it had been for the sake of saving face, putting on a show.

Though Yoochun shared his tears with the others, Changmin was the real sensitive one. Hiding behind his intelligence and talent, protecting himself with it really. He put up the strong front without truly meaning to, shielding his true emotions from everyone and anyone. It was almost as if he were a sort of cyborg.

But now, Jaejoong smiled and nuzzled against Yunho, now he wouldn't have to worry about their Changmin.

He really was human after all.

"You aren't going to tell me, are you?" Yunho sighed, pulling Jaejoong from the sofa and guiding him into the kitchen to Changmin's side. The young man was still there, staring hard at the items he had laid out for dinner. With a small smirk, the leader nudged the youngest gently, "Ya! Snap out of it before you drool all over the food."

Changmin quickly snapped to attention and glanced at Jaejoong, though it had been Yunho who had spoken to him. "Ah, hyung, I think I'm going to take a walk or something." Without a word more, Changmin offered them a tight lipped smile before making his way out of the kitchen and eventually out of the apartment.

"Without dinner?" Yunho's eyebrows instantly knit together in concern and he quickly turned his gaze to Jaejoong, who only smiled knowingly. "Are you sure he isn't sick?"

* * *

Crystal smiled as she strode along the dark streets, only a few street lamps lighting her way. She didn't dare wander too far from the hotel which she was staying at throughout the duration of her short vacation, but she wanted so desperately to see the beauties of Seoul at night. She wanted to see what her mother had left behind all those years ago. Wanted to see a part of her life she had never known.

As she continued to stroll along the street, the heels of her boots clicking rhythmically against the asphalt, she allowed her mind to drift back to earlier that afternoon when she had met Changmin, though he had introduced himself to her as 'Max'. The instant he had turned around, she knew exactly who he was. What girl in Japan didn't know the members of the famous ToHoShinKi? Crystal only played dumb and innocent so not to inconvenience him.

She could sympathize with the singer, knew that he wouldn't want to be recognized on the street during leisure time. Could understand the stresses of being stopped every few feet for an autograph or a picture, though she considered Changmin and his band mates to be absolute victims of their career. She had certainly heard the horror stories of the popular group's fan base and what sort of outrageous things they'd done or would do if they ever caught one of the men unprotected and completely alone.

He was a charming young man, that much she would admit freely. It was easy to be taken with him, easy to return his infectious smiles, easy to get comfortable. It was easier than breathing if she really thought about it long enough.

"Shim Changmin," she sighed silently to herself with a small and thoughtful smile. "Perhaps we will bump into one another again before I go back home."  That would be nice and she would certainly have no arguments if such a thing were to happen.

And as fate would have it, there stood the very Shim Changmin that had been occupying her mind only moments ago. His slim yet muscular figure leaned against the furthest light pole from Crystal and the singer seemed to be lost in thought. Though any thoughts he might have had flew completely out of the window when he glanced up to find that beautiful woman that had kept his mind so preoccupied for the last few hours.

He smiled one of those infectious smiles and Crystal found it all too easy to return.

"Fancy meeting you here," she spoke in quick Japanese once she was within earshot of him. She bit down on her lower lip, shifting slightly in her stance. "Taking a late night stroll?"

Changmin wanted to play it cool like Yoochun would in such a situation or unleash mass amounts of charisma to show her just how great he was like Junsu would have. There was even the option of playing the part of Yunho with a silly boyish act, but no. He found himself saying the first thing that came to mind, much like Jaejoong. "I hoped that I would see you again."

The only negative side of picking up Jaejoong's personality was that he had been completely thoughtless and spoke in Korean, causing Crystal to cock her head in confusion, but smiling and emitting soft laughter none the less. That smile nearly took his breath away and he smiled in return, lowering his head slightly, "Gomen, it's just strange speaking Japanese when I'm back home."

Crystal placed a hand on his arm before quickly retracting it back to her side, slightly unsure if physical contact was alright, "I understand completely." Rather than asking why he was out so late, or why he was even in her neck of the woods, she smirked, "Since we're both out and it doesn't look like we'll be going in anytime soon," she paused for dramatic effect, looking out to the distance, her eyes shining innocently, "care to show me around your beautiful city? I've always wanted to see Seoul at night. My mom says it's beautiful."

Her eyes were alight with so much life that Changmin would have stripped naked and danced to Rising Sun if would keep her gaze directed at him in such a way, to have her smile in a similar fashion. To have her smile at him. "I know the perfect places." He pushed himself away from the light pole, barely trusting himself to stand on his own two feet, but somehow he managed. He hesitantly reached his hand out to her, indicating that he wanted her to grasp it. "Come on," he spoke after a silent moment.

"Kita!" She exclaimed with a small jump of excitement and quickly grasped his hand.

Changmin led the woman through the city, pointing out sights here and there, even finding a late night place to eat, treating Crystal to even more of Korea's delicacies. There was no helping the smile on his face as he watched her eyes widen as she took in the wonders of another country so similar, yet, so different from the one she knew.

Their final stop had been a river, one Changmin had escaped to many times in the night when the pressure of his career had proved to be too much at times. It was beautiful and calming, peaceful in every sense of the word. It was a place he hadn't even dared to show to any of his hyungs. But for some reason, he felt he could trust Crystal with this secret spot.

"This place is amazing!" Crystal sighed, settling down along the riverbank. Changmin joined her and the woman instantly leaned into his shoulder. "Do you come here often, Max?"

"Hai," he responded silently, a soft smile touching his lips. "Usually to unwind after a stressful day." He glanced down at her, shifting his weight ever so slightly to bring more comfort to her, despite how uncomfortable he might have been with the shift. "I don't normally tell my-- friends about this place. It's peaceful here, so I never told anyone."

The woman breathed in his scent as she continued to lean against him and before she could stop herself, she was speaking. "I have a confession to make," she gently pushed away from his shoulder and looked him square in the eye, "I know who you are, Shim Changmin. I would have to live under a rock not to." She fixed him with wide puppy dog eyes, "You aren't upset are you?"

At first, the confession did catch Changmin off guard, but only because he had been expecting, or hoping rather, for something else. Once he digested the woman's words, he smiled and gently nudged her. "I feel like I'm supposed to confess something too now."

Crystal shook her head and returned to her spot against Changmin's shoulder, "Nope. No need to confess anything."

Changmin smiled, slightly relieved that she expected nothing of him, though he did want to inform her that he was indeed taken with her. "I have a confession to make anyway," he started before mentally putting his words together so not to say anything too forward or make himself out to be some sort of spazz. "I want to see you again." He glanced down at her before allowing his gaze to drift over the river. "Even if it is for a little while."

"I'd like that." She smiled, allowing her fingers to trace over the material that made up the tall singer's light jacket.

* * *

"I'm telling you, Chunnie," Junsu sighed as he pulled a t-shirt over his head to cover his bare chest, not that it mattered much, as his lover crept up behind him to lift said t-shirt to reveal Junsu's chest once again. He quickly swatted at Yoochun's hand, not once losing his train of thought, "Minnie is acting funny and Jaejoong-hyung knows whatever it is that's bothering him."

Yoochun's hands returned to Junsu's shirt, tugging impatiently, wanting nothing more than to strip his lover naked and ravish him right there on the spot. "Whose to say that there's something wrong with Changmin, huh?" He pulled Junsu against his aroused body, indicating that he would much rather talk with action, but Junsu quickly pulled away from him, clucking that they didn't have enough time.

"We have to leave in five minutes," Junsu sighed, fixing his shirt once again, "and this is my favorite shirt, you aren't going to mess up my clothes again."

A small chuckle escaped Yoochun as he remembered the multiple times he had ripped one of Junsu's shirts because he had gotten a little too excited while undressing the young man. The number of buttons lost from countless jeans and shirts were probably enough to build a mountain. His smirk slowly faded when Junsu turned around to scowl darkly at him. He held his hands up innocently and took several steps back, "Alright, you win."

"Damn right I do," Junsu muttered.

"Now tell me," Yoochun started, combing his fingers through his own silky hair since toying with Junsu's was probably out of the question, "why are you so sure that Changmin is in trouble or that something is wrong with him?"

Junsu frowned thoughtfully, pondering on the younger's behavior for the past few days. "Well, for starters he's missed a couple of meals with us."

"A detail," Yoochun waved it to the side, though he had noticed this as well.

"He doesn't talk to us as much anymore," Junsu listed off another reason, moving across the room to his dresser so he could get a belt for his jeans. "And unless we have something for work, we rarely ever see him." He slipped the belt through its designated loops and quickly fastened it. "He's not acting like himself at all, Yoochun-ah. As his hyungs, we should worry about him."

Yoochun grinned and shook his head, "Have you also noticed how often he walks around smilling like an idiot?" At this missed observation, Junsu's motions ceased, but only momentarily. He quickly busied himself with searching for a pair of matching socks. Yoochun went on, "Besides, whatever it is, Jaejoong-hyung is aware of what's going on. He'd never let any harm come to Minnie."

"That's another thing to worry about," Junsu sighed and collapsed to his bed, settling with a mismatched pair of socks. One red and one yellow, "he's spending an insane amount of time with Jaejoong-hyung when he is around. Joongie's behavior is contagious!"

"If I didn't know any better," Yoochun started silently, gently grasping Junsu's elbow and stilling the man's motions, "I'd say you were jealous that you and Min aren't hanging out that much anymore." He put on that insufferable smirk that Junsu hated and loved at the same time. "Susu-ah," he lowered himself onto the bed next to his lover, that smirk turning into a soft smile, "Changmin is grown enough to take care of himself. Whether there's something wrong or not, you just have to trust that he'll come to us when he's ready."

A small pout formed on Junsu's adorable features, but he nodded at Yoochun's words, though he hated the fact that the older man was right. In the end, he sighed and shook the man's grasp away so that he could put on his socks. "You sound so smart sometimes, Chunnie."

Yoochun chuckled and took a seat on the bed, "Don't you mean all the time?"

"Very rarely actually," Junsu responded seriously, though there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You usually have nothing intelligent to say. I'm surprised you have as many fans as you do."

"Ya!" Yoochun shouted, though the smile on his face suggested that he wasn't at all angry with his all too adorable lover.

"No fighting, you two," came Yunho's voice came from just outside the room. "I know what that leads to when it's concerning you guys and we don't have time, not now. And Chun, if you rip another one of Junsu's shirts before we have to go somewhere, I will hurt you myself."

The couple glanced at the door before turning to one another and letting out soft laughter.

* * *

It had been an entire week since that day he and Crystal had met. An entire week since he had forgotten how he lived before he had met her. It seemed that the single week had changed his life, but his time was growing short. Reality had hit, and it had certainly hit hard. Suddenly the lights to a perfect world had been turned off completely and the rug had been pulled from under Changmin's feet. Somehow, everything seemed to be a little bit more dull. Crystal frowned, seeming unable to continue on with their topic of conversation.

Her going back to Japan.

Changmin was also eerily silent on the issue, not wanting to speak further on that particular topic, as if doing so would make it even more real than it already was. He should have known that his friendship would only last so long, that sooner or later she would have to leave again. That they would go back to the mundane repetitiveness of their lives.

That they would forget one another.

"Maybe," she began hopefully, but fell silent, knowing that his hectic schedule wouldn't permit him to spend very much time away from home. "Maybe when you come to Japan again--"

Changmin sighed and bit down on his lower lip thoughtfully, "Let's not think about that now." It would be a long while before he went back, and when he did, he would be required to make frequent trips back to Korea. He forced a tight lipped smile onto his face and held out a small envelope to her. "Here, it's to our performance tonight. It took me a lot to get them, but you'll be right there in front, so it'll be well worth it."

At first, Crystal felt as if she couldn't accept such a gift from him, but as he gently took her hand into his own and placed the envelope there, she couldn't help but
allow herself to take the gift. With a bit of a push in the right direction from his all too warm hands, her fingers carefully wrapped around his gift to her and she found herself smiling.

"Arigatou gozaimasu."

* * *

Changmin wiped his hand over his already flattened hair, causing his stylists to cluck in distaste at the actions of the maknae in the group. Usually he was the first one in and out of her chair, but on this particular night, the young man was all out of sorts. He couldn't sit still, wouldn't even respond to her constant threats of tying him down if he didn't behave properly.

The motherly Jaejoong could only chuckle at the stylist's misfortune and watch the free entertainment.

"He's never been quite so fidgety before," Yoochun muttered silently from Jaejoong's side. The two older singers, along with Yunho, had been taken care of a while back and were now only waiting for Changmin and Junsu to be finished with their designated stylists. Their pre-performance ritual had been quite the usual up until this very point.

Yunho dived into his music player, probably going through some complicated mental dance scene in his head, imagining how cool he would look on stage; Junsu put up a small fuss with his stylist as he always did and Jaejoong and Yoochun had been among the first to finish, laughing at poor Junsu's misfortune.

As was their usual.

 But Changmin's inability to hold still for even a second broke their almost religious routine. He would shift in his seat every so often, claiming that some limb or other was aching and that he needed to work it out. Sometimes he didn't even make an excuse, simply moved as if proving that he still had the power to control at least some part of himself.

A secretive smile came across Jaejoong's face as he watched the younger man silently struggle with the poor stylist who looked about ready to rip him a new one. It was a smile Yoochun had come to know very well, though he couldn't always quite capture it's meanings. Jaejoong, though he wore his heart on his sleeve, didn't reveal it too easily, nor his thoughts. If there was any hope of getting the group's eldest member to talk, Yoochun knew that he would have to labor.

"What do you think is bothering him, Joongie-hyung?" He asked, nudging the older lightly, focused intently on the doe eyed man just as said man was focused on a fidgeting Changmin.

Upon hearing the question, Jaejoong's smile only grew, but he remained perfectly silent. While this action might have discouraged the others, forcing them to let out a sigh of frustration and give up all too easily, Yoochun knew his friend too well to give up after only one question. Clearly the wrong question.

The baritone's eyes drifted back to the youngest of the group and cocked his head to one side, watching as the boy-- no, the young man, ducked his head slightly when the stylist waved a rather threatening comb in his direction. Changmin smiled a slight apology, but somehow, everyone watching the scene knew that only more hilarity, or stress, would surely ensue from that point on. Yoochun could only lean back in his seat and shake his head with a slight roll of his eyes, "He's never been so on edge before. It's annoying."

Finally, Jaejoong drew a breath and spoke softly so that only Yoochun would catch his words. "Really?" He tilted his head to one side, that smile not once wavering, "I think he's kind of cute." His gaze was thoughtfully transfixed on their very own Shim Changmin, his chin gently resting on an upturned palm as he continued to watch, or stare rather.

Those dark brows instantly knit together at the simple sentence as his mind seemed to kick it into overtime to translate its meaning. His eyes then finally drifted of the still struggling stylist and the out of sorts Changmin. Now that he looked properly at his friend and dongsaeng, there was something different. Not quite off, but different, that much he could tell.

But what?

There was a glimmer of innocence surrounding him, causing Yoochun's head to tilt slightly. Could that be it? That sweet child-like aura surrounding him, causing him to seem so aloof from the rest of them? Yoochun's head tilted a little bit more, watching the youngest even more intensely, not caring if he drew the man's attention or not.

Changmin was clearly not with them in the room, not mentally anyway. His mind was somewhere else entirely and where ever it was, it caused small flashes of happiness and pain to appear in his eyes. Just as the corners of his lips would attempt to lift and reveal a smile, they would quickly turn in the opposite direction, taking that smile away and trying to draw out a frown. His sighs were heartbreaking and encouraging all in the span of a second and somehow, Yoochun felt his heart go out to the younger.

Biting down on his lower lip, the American raised singer nodded and slowly pulled his gaze away. "Our Changminnie's in love," he whispered silently, his bottom lip still between his teeth. A moment longer of silence passed between himself and Jaejoong before the younger of the two performers viciously pinched the lead singer in the side. "When were you going to tell me, huh? Keeping secrets from me like that."

"Aish!" Jaejoong, called loudly before whacking the baritone over the back of the head with little reservation. "You're such a--"

"Ya!" Came Yunho's 'leader-sshi' voice, a sound that grew from the very bottom of his belly that usually got the members to straighten out right away. He had been able to drown out the threats that had been directed to Changmin and Junsu. He had been able to ease that slight nagging feeling in the back of his gut that told him something out of the ordinary would happen, but he hadn't been able to tune out Jaejoong's and Yoochun's horse play.

Only a solitary glare was needed before the two singers ducked their heads in a slight bow of apology. In no time, Yunho resubmerged himself into his music, readying himself for yet another performance.

As soon as their leader had gone back to his own world, Yoochun rounded on Jaejoong once again, this time putting on a ridiculously adorable pout. "You've been keeping secrets from me, Joongie-hyung. How long did you know?"

With a small roll of his eyes, Jaejoong's smile returned and he finally gave the younger a proper look over as he contemplated answering the question. He'd known for a week of course, but did that really matter? It was Changmin that should have been Chun's number one concern. Instead of answering, he turned the tide of conversation back to the heart of the matter. "He won't tell me much about her," he sighed with a slight frown, "just that he's taken a liking to her and that he invited her here tonight."

Yoochun's pout dissolved into a thoughtful frown as he gently tugged on his ear. "A fan, huh?" That could be a bit on the troublesome side.

"That's why he's so anxious," Jaejoong nodded, lightly knocking his shoulder into his friend's. "He says she's much prettier than me," he jutted his lower lip forward and fixed Yoochun with those killer doe eyes of his, "but is that even possible, Chunnie-ah?"

"If it is," Yoochun chuckled, now being the one to initiate the shoulder bumping, "then she's absolutely gorgeous, hyung."

"Choikang Changmin!" The stylist finally resulted to yelling, roughly tapping her comb against the man's head, causing him to try and sheild himself from her fury, but to no avail. "Sit still and don't move or I swear to high heaven that I will call your mother!"

* * *

When the fans seemed to scream louder than ever before, and he had never known that was possible until just that very moment, Yunho knew someone had broken his number one rule of all time when it came to performances.

Unless it was a planned thing, no one was to, by any means, deviate from the set formation.

Jaejoong. It had to be Jaejoong. If anything went slightly awry, Yunho instantly found himself blaming his lover. He knew it wasn't fair of him to place the accusation on the man, but he was almost always right. His lover could be overly thoughtless at times, with things he said and did, so it was Jaejoong that was the obvious choice.

But when he saw said beauty obediently at his side, Yunho could have choked right there on the spot! A quick glance over his shoulder informed him that Junsu and Yoochun were also in place, but their gazes were certainly focused elsewhere.

Changmin had deviated. Changmin never deviated. Out of the entire group, Changmin was certainly the most dependable one, and yet, their maknae had done the one thing that would probably have Yunho's left eye twitching as soon as they walked off stage.

The tall youth had broken formation without a single thought, drifting to stage left, combing through screaming fangirls with an intense gaze, continuing to perform as if he had done nothing wrong.

Somehow, Yunho remembered that they were in a live performance situation and it wouldn't due for him to order for the music to be stopped so that he could scold their youngest member. He briefly met eyes with Jaejoong before offering the older male a small nod, their silent communication abilities flawless.

Jaejoong smiled and also broke formation, making sure to subtly allow his hand to gently grace across his lover's as he cooly walked away.

Not wanting to be left out, Junsu and Yoochun beamed brightly before parting ways, leaving Yunho to claim front and center. In the opinion of the half crazed fans, the performance was absolutely epic, but to the DongBang leader, it was a near disaster and a certain dongsaeng would be getting a piece of his mind once in the privacy of their shared apartment.

Changmin knew he would be in trouble, mainly with Yunho in his 'leader-sshi' mode, but he didn't care. He knew that somewhere in this very section was Crystal. He had been sure to get her a good view, memorized the layout of the performance hall just so he would know where she was sitting, wanted to make sure she knew that he dedicated this particular performance to her.

It had been a fortunate thing that he lowered his microphone from his lips, because Jaejoong quickly shimmied to his side and lightly bumped the younger while whispering quickly, "Where is she?" Almost as soon as the question was asked, the beautiful singer lifted his own mic to his lips, finding his entrance right on time.

Sometimes Changmin was amazed by his band umma. Not many would be able to guess that he was such a talented multi-tasker, but he in fact was. He lifted his own mic, jumping in to sing the chorus, brown eyes searching.

Then he saw her.

Unlike the screaming fans she was surrounded by, she seemed frozen in place, beaming brightly up at the popular group. No, not the group. At Changmin and only Changmin. She offered a small wave, but it slowed dramatically when their eyes locked.

The smile in his dongsaeng's eyes was evidence enough that the girl that had captured his heart had been located and he too began to scan through the hundreds of girls that crowded the very front of the venue. He followed Changmin's gaze ever so carefully to find this dream girl of his.

Yoochun quickly glanced over to where Changmin and Jaejoong stood the very second he could no longer hear Jaejoong's voice in the chorus. The band umma usually stopped singing for no one. Then a quick little smile danced across his face as he realized that Jaejoong must have seen that this girl, whoever she was, really was more beautiful than him. At such a thought, he chuckled into the microphone.

Yunho shot Jaejoong a quick look when the beauty suddenly stopped singing and just stared out into the audience. His eyes then zeroed in on Yoochun for laughing, LAUGHING, into the microphone. All he could wait for was Junsu to jump into the sea of fangirls or something equally as ridiculous so that he could go ahead and simply call it a performance. Fortunately, nothing of the sort had happened, but with the odd behaviors going on, he had half expected it.

Though it took a moment, Jaejoong and Changmin had finally seperated, or rather, Jaejoong had peeled himself away from Changmin's side, leaving the youngest to ogle at his girlfriend for just a little bit longer. He couldn't help but grin at how horribly cute this new Changmin was. He'd never seen the younger so invested into something, or rather, someone.

There's hope for that boy yet, he thought as returned to Yunho's side. The song was drawing to a close and though their leader had let them slip with a deviation and a big one, there would be pure hell to pay if they didn't return to some sort of formation.  Hopefully Changmin was well aware of the heated glares hitting him in the back of the head as Yunho threw one right after another.

Yoochun also made his way back to the center of the stage, waving and playing the part of the adorable singer, though he was well aware that the title belonged to another. Which left Junsu to make sure Changmin returned so that they wouldn't have to find a new addition to the group after Yunho killed the youngest.

Quickly lowering his microphone, Junsu hooked his arm around Changmin's waist and began to pull the young man back while quickly muttering, "You're trying to get yourself killed, aren't you?"

Changmin allowed his hyung to drag him back a ways while shaking his head, his gaze trained on Crystal for a moment longer before he finally turned about and returned to the group at the very center of the stage. He offered Junsu a small grin before shrugging out of the older man's grasp and shoved him lightly in the direction he was meant to go.

And finally, as the last note resonated throughout the hall, followed by declarations of love and screaming support from fans, the most hellacious performance of Yunho's life was over and done with.

It was backstage where the real show was certainly bound to begin.

"Changminnie's in trouble," one of the background dancer's sang out, lightly slapping the young man on the back before taking his leave for the night, though most of the dancers had wanted to stick around to watch Yunho completely snap on the youngest, it was so rare that he got in trouble. They certainly wanted to see history in the making.

A small smile lit the young man's features however, his mind still on their earlier performance. His mind still wrapped around the fact that Crystal really had come to see him. For now, the conflicting emotions he had felt while anxiously awaiting the chance to get on stage had settled into an uplifting happiness. He bit shyly down on his lower lip and quickly lowered his gaze to the floor, attempting to hide his boyish smile in order to avoid questions.

"Make sure Yunnie doesn't make him cry," Jaejoong spoke quietly to Yoochun as he shoved a beanie over his raven hair and picked up a pair of sunglasses. He quickly patted the man on the shoulder before offering him a quick smile and hurrying out of the dressing room.

Opperation Interference was a go.

Yoochun shook his head and waved as a few more dancers decided that watching Changmin die wasn't worth it in the end and took their leave for the evening. He then turned his eyes to the love struck youngster. "Great performance, Minnie Mouse," he offered silently, wondering if he was so far gone that words would be lost onto him.

But surprise surprise, Changmin glanced up and arranged his features into a tired smile, though judging by the glint in his eyes, he was far from tired. "Likewise, Mickey Mouse."

It was Junsu's turn to interfere, though it was less than welcomed in Yoochun's opinion. He wanted to talk about this girl, whoever she was, wanted the youngest to spill what was going on in his head and in his heart. Obviously, he hadn't been confided in for a reason, but with Junsu's presence, he was even more less likely to get answers out of him.

"Changmin, you never break Yunnie-hyung's rules." He collapsed onto Yoochun's lap and grabbed the older man's arms so that they would wrap lightly around his waist. "Did something happen? Are you mad at Yunho? You're mad at Yunho aren't you? What happ--"

Yoochun quickly placed a hand over Junsu's mouth, knowing that if he didn't stop his lover soon, that the questions would never stop coming and that the lovable dolphin would come up with some sort of twisted tale all on his own, thus causing absolute chaos to erupt within their apartment. His eyes then wandered over to Changmin, who chuckled lightly at the onslaught of questions.

"Nothing happened, hyung," was his only response before a secretive smile appeared on his face and he lowered his head once more.

Junsu glanced at Yoochun, his eyes wide and full of questions that definitely needed to be answered. Several long minutes ticked by after this. Uncomfortable and awkward for Junsu and Yoochun, reflective and very well appreciated in Changmin's mind.

Of course, that silence didn't last too much longer as their infamous leader-sshi certainly made sure his dongsaengs were well aware of his presence and anger, upon his arrival.

"This is just crazy," Yunho growled as he entered the room, pulling off the shirt he had worn during the performance and quickly tossing it to the rack of clothes, leaving him clad in only a white undershirt. "You're all grounded! No drinking, no going out, no games--"

"Hyung!" Junsu complained the instant 'games' spilled from Yunho's lips. He quickly pulled Yoochun's hand from his mouth, an adorable pout already fixed onto his face. "That's no fair, Yunho-hyung. I didn't do anything wrong!"

"You're talking back," Yunho countered all too easily, as if he had half expected an argument from Junsu. The leader quickly whirled on Changmin, still very miffed with the younger. "Just be lucky it would be inhumane to take away food or else I'd do that too."

No response from the youngest.

Yunho grit his teeth in slight annoyance, "Ya! Min-ah! Are you even listening to me?"

Yoochun smiled over at Changmin's still lowered head, quite sure that the young man's smile hadn't diminished in the slightest, but was sure to deliver Jaejoong's message to a very irate Yunho just in case. He tightened his hold on Junsu ever so slightly and pulled the dolphin closer as he spoke, "Joongie-hyung will be upset if you make him cry."

"Jaejoong," Yunho glanced around the dressing room for a brief second, searching for the older man. His mood seemed to dampen even more as he noted the man's continued absence. "Where is he anyway? He knows our routine after a show!" Why was everyone trying to make him pull out his hair tonight? "Well dammit, he's grounded too!"

"Yunho, stop!" Jaejoong commanded in English, pitching his voice several notes lower and allowing his chest to swell out like that of an overdramatic super hero. He had thrust his left hand forward, palm facing out toward his leader, the universal sign for 'stop' so that there would be no mistaking his meaning. His right arm, along with something-- no-- someone else was behind him.

When the Junsu was caught trying to sneak a peek at who it was Jaejoong had dragged along with him, the eldest quickly shifted in his stance, continuing to block the person from the younger singer's sight. This was a surprise not meant for their dolphin, but for the young member whose head remained lowered with the small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Joongie, what are you--" Yunho began, taking a step forward, not only wanting to figure his lover out, but wanting to know who was standing behind the beautiful man.

Jaejoong only shook his head, thrusting his palm in Yunho's direction once again, uttering the same English he had spoke before. "Stop." This time however, he tilted his head slightly and offered his leader a short glare, silently stating that if Yunho screwed this up, that he wouldn't even be sleeping on the couch, but under it. He quickly glanced over his shoulder to mutter something English phrase or other to his unkown companion, causing their mystery guest to laugh silently.

Changmin's head shot up in an instant and quickly glanced in the direction of his hyung with wide and wondering eyes. "Hyung," he began, his voice somewhere between warning and begging. Jaejoong wouldn't dare do something so idiotically impulsive as bring her backstage right after a performance.

Wait, no, scratch that. He so would.

The struggle within the youngest made Yoochun smile as he gently guided Junsu off of his lap. At being removed from his lover, Junsu elected to save his protests for later, when there would be no prying ears. Aside from the usual anyway. "Should we--" he began hesitantly, pointing to the next room over.

"Go?" Yoochun quickly supplied, "Yes, Su, we should definitely go." He caught Yunho's attention before jerking his head to the door at the back of the dressing room. "Come on Yunho-hyung. Let's--"

"Jaejoong-ah,"  Yunho began, though the leader-sshi edge that had been in his voice only seconds ago seemed to have vanished entirely. It seemed he now played the part of the lovable yet totally clueless appa, and he didn't very much care for the part. "Explain."

Changmin shifted uncomfortably in his seat, wanting visual confirmation of her presence. He didn't want to get his hopes up, yet his rapidly beating heart and the twin spots of pink burning deeply in his cheeks seemed to get the job done for him and Jaejoong didn't miss a second of it. Releasing his hold on their guest, Jaejoong finally moved away from the doorway, revealing Crystal once and for all.

"Ah!" Junsu exclaimed, pointing at the young woman, but before he could speak any further, Yoochun quickly placed a hand over the dolphin's mouth and quickly dragged him out of the room, while Jaejoong shoved a questioning Yunho toward the door.

Only when his four hyungs were gone did Changmin slowly stand up and take careful steps toward Crystal. At first, he hardly wanted to believe that she was actually standing right there before him. It would be easier in the long run to think that it was all just a dream. Easier for both of them.

Crystal nervously rubbed her hands together, but smiled none the less. "You had a great performance out there. Your sempais did too."

"I'm just glad you came," Changmin confessed with a small smile, finally relaxing in her presence. Finally believing that she really had come, that she was actually right there in front of him, though he wish he didn't. It was an agonizing thing, knowing that she would be leaving in only a few days time, knowing that she would be so close yet so far at the same time.

Just one room over, the remaining DongBang boys were each with their respected partner, either bickering amongst themselves or spying on the young love birds still silently circling one another in the dressing room.

Yunho let out a silent huff of aggravation, "Joongie, your heart is in the right place, really it is, but you shouldn't interfere in someone else's business, even if it is Min-ah. That's just not your place."

Almost as soon as Jaejoong had gotten the leader into the second room, a silent battle had erupted between them, neither budging from their view. "Changmin won't make a move on his own, so I'm helping him. Have you ever seen him so giddy before, Yunho? Huh? Have you?"

"If it's true that Min isn't making a move," Yunho attempted to calm his heated lover down. If he didn't succeed, then yelling would certainly ensue and the household would become a hellacious one of the JaeHo couple were having a fight, "then there is a reason why he hasn't made one yet, Boo. Think about it."

Jaejoong did pause, but not for as long as Yunho would have liked. Yoochun and Junsu kept close to the cracked door, listening to bits of the argument, but more concerned with the Japanese conversation they were hearing between their youngest member and this mystery woman. "So," Junsu whispered silently, wanting neither the bickering pair or the shy couple to hear him, "Minnie's in love with this girl? After a week?"

"Sometimes, that's all it takes, I guess," Yoochun chuckled, casually allowing his fingers grace across the man's arm. "I mean, hell, you fell in love with me after only a minute."

A chuckle passed Junsu's lips as he gently whacked at his lover's hand, "Don't be so full of yourself, Chun. Five minutes, at the very least." He quickly refocused his attention on Changmin and Crystal. "But really, look at them. It looks like they're meeting each other for the first time."

At this statement, Jaejoong quickly dropped out of the argument to also peek curiously through the crack in the door. Yunho followed after only a second later and four pairs of eyes watched while four pairs of ears listened carefully to the words spoken between the two.

"I'll be going back home soon," Crytsal sighed, looking away from Changmin, "Thank you for helping me create so many memories."

Can't you extend your trip? Changmin wanted to ask. Stay with me for just a little bit longer. I'm just not ready for you to go yet. Or maybe I could go to Japan with you for a while. But instead he could only say, "Hai. I hope you have a safe trip home, and I hope you got to see the best of Korea." He was certainly playing the part of a classic fool. Too much of a gentleman to request that she stay, too much of a coward to free up some time to go with her.

The woman's smile diminished slightly and shoulders appeared to droop at his lack of compassion, but then again, she could understand perfectly where he was coming from. What had she been expecting? That he would drop his idol lifestyle and runaway with her to Japan? That she could stop her life back at home to be in Korea and always be at his side?

Things just didn't work out that way.

"They're distancing themselves," Junsu sighed with a shake of his head, no longer want to even be in close proximity to such a scene. He was the first to pull away from the cracked open door and retreat further into the secondary room. "It's so sad to see, isn't it?" He could only imagine what would become of their Changmin once this dream girl of his left.

Jaejoong swallowed hard as he watched the growing sadness on his dongsaeng's face, on the face of the young woman he had come to fall for in such a short amount of time. He felt the fragile and painful beats of Changmin's breaking heart and he wanted nothing more to reach out and hug the young man, to serve as a shield to protect him from such terrible feelings of hopelessness.

Sensing his lover's unease, Yunho snaked an arm around the man's waist and gently pulled him away from the door, leaving Yoochun to listen in on the conversation alone. "Not everyone gets their happy ending, Boo."

Turning about so that he could wrap his arms around Yunho, Jaejoong buried his face into the crook of Yunho's neck. "But why not Changmin?" He relished in the warmth his lover provided and instantly wondered if the youngest would ever have the opportunity to offer this warmth to another or be warmed in such a fashion himself.

"His time will come," Yunho muttered in a comforting manner, tracing his fingers up and down Jaejoong's spine in smooth calming motions.

Hearing his leader's silent words and watching the pair in the main dressing room part sadly from one another, Yoochun had to wonder if he had witnessed Changmin's time just slip him right by.