Matching Key (JoongNine AU)

Code XXX (Finale)

Nine

The kisses at the side of my neck and tight circle of arms around my waist, made me smile, as I was frying the egg to complete the breakfast set. 

"This home, and it's owner that I'm crazy about, is so cozy", he said, still not letting go of my waist.

"Err, could you loosen your hold a little bit, I need to move, or we'll eat burnt eggs", I said, and after another kiss on the cheek, he let go. I took the plate with fried rice and put the egg on top.

We sat at the table and had our breakfast with small talk and hot coffee too.

"You'll be out there in the forest, for how many days?", he asked, looking a bit worried.

"Four, or maybe five days. The weather has no mercy nowadays. Monsoon season", I said while munching, "Why do you look worried? This is no different than any other shoot, it will be alright".

"Alright? You and the other actor, together, in a small tent, cold night. Tell me what not to worry, when he'd already shown an interest in you?", he gritted his teeth, "Besides, the rainstorm might worsen your flu. Can't you not go?".

I laughed, "Funny that you stated your jealousy first, and only then talk about my flu. I can protect myself if anything goes beyond what's right. Think again, love, would anyone kiss a sick person? This is infectious", I said, and sniffed.

"I do. Didn't even matter that you sneeze right on my face afterwards", he said with a flirtatious smile.

"And, who's the one that kissed me while he was sick first, causing me to get this flu, huh?", I retaliated back, and pinched his arm.

"Owwwch! Alright, I'm sorry. Can't help myself. I was back from an oversea shooting, after not seeing you for a month, so cut me some slack a bit", he said while rubbing his redden skin, "If I was not sick, I would have done more than kisses, just so you know", he smiled again. I just shook my head in disbelief.

"Yeah, look what it had gotten us into, when you'd recovered, I am the one who's getting sick now".

"Oh, you're disappointed? Then, expect a good loving when you come back after this outing", he suddenly ate with a better appetite.

"Gosh! What am I getting into, my body is overuse. It will going to be more tiring than a full schedule week", I teased him back, not really meaning it.

"Nah, you're just still too embarrassed, to admit that the hunger, is mutual".

"Hmm, you're right, Joong. Our relationship, is still quite new. Sorry, if I feel a little bit uncomfortable to talk openly still, about this".

"What to be embarrassed about, Nine, we're together now. Besides, you're at a new company now, and not my manager anymore, so we're good. Get use to it, cause, this is just a start". I smiled, though I felt exasperated. He continued, "Nine, I'm really glad that you've made the decision to try acting again. It's alright if it is just a supporting role for now, you're good enough to climb higher in the next few years, I truly believe that".

"You are biased. With my age, it's quite difficult, each year, younger artists debuted. It's different from you who already have a steady fanbase, after five years in this industry".

"Ah, five years? I didn't realize we've known each other that long, before you finally fall for my handsome self. My ideas to charm you, almost run out".

I looked at him, and hesitated to say, "Joong, are you really feeling alright, about us?".

"Why do you ask? Do I look bored, or forced?".

"No. But, I didn't want to lie to you, that sometimes, it is a comfort to see you, caused you reminded me so much of him. I'm afraid, that one day, you'll feel that what we have now, is just because of that. It's really not. I won't be that cruel to play around with your feeling, liked that".

"I'll be truthful too. Yes, I admit, a thought, liked what you've just said, do play devil inside my mind sometimes. Yet, I must accept, he was part of your life too. And, I know you well enough, to know that when you love, you love with your whole heart. So, instead of feeling insecure, I feel lucky, that you're willing to give us a chance, even when you'll be reminded of the joy and heartbreak of your past love too, sometimes".

I looked at him with heart shining from my eyes, and felt that I'd made the right decision; to give a chance to start again, not just for my dream and life; but also...a new chapter, for love.

"Here, because you're too sweet this morning, I give you an extra fried egg. This is a deposit, the balance...ermm, will be paid, with a huge interest, after I come back from the outings".

He devoured the whole meal, liked a hungry wolf, and I...just need to get well and be fit, before the day of the strenuous exercise, would come.

Epilogue

Mr. Ta

"Do you think he succeeded, Sir, to prevent the transfer from happening?", I looked at the young face of Kim, who sat in front of me. He was now at the tender age of 22, but because he'd been in the industry at an early teenage age, he was more matured than his peers. And, besides, that was his earth age. On Another Earth, he was actually older than Archen in terms of age of existence. 

"How would I know, when the time space is now never open again for travel. But, looking at my skin that has started to wrinkle, and your height that increases every year, meaning, we are no more immortal Kim. Since there's no more dedicated department to maintain our body, we are finally, ageing", I said with a smile. 

"Do you know how hard, Sir, for a two hundred years old Hunters liked me to role play as a teenager, and now young adult? I feel so stressed", Kim was whining. 

"Huh! Whenever I asked for you to create a chance, out of everything you could do, you chose a fainting act. The second time with Joong, also another fainting act. Be more creative will you? I still couldn't believe that they fell for that, but anyway, earthling must be more simple minded and empathetic, compared to us, Hunters. How do you think I feel, playing as a sinister Hunters in front of Archen, so that the Enforcer won't suspect anything?". 

"Sir, can I ask you something? I don't understand your thinking, maybe due to my lack of experience still compared to yours. Aren't we supposed to follow orders? Why do you choose to rebel against the Enforcer, and also, given up your time pass to help their cause? You lost everything, well, I don't mind to go down with you, but now; that better world; no longer exists..."

"Who do you think was their Hunters of the future, Kim? I was sent here way before Archen did. I saw them when I was at your age, saw them grew and bloom, and also...saw the damage the world did to them. I realized, that perfection, came with a cost. That was not a better world, Kim. Life becomes stagnant, when all you could do is basically...nothing".

"Ah, so then, what should we do now, Sir? We can't go back to a non-existent world anymore...".

"Enjoy your young age here Kim, you'll live quite long to reach an old age liked me. This world is not bad, just that you need to lower your expectation, in terms of technology. Or else, you'll feel liked we're living in a stone age. So, just live, and grow old with the earth. Ah, since you're still young, find someone to love too".

"Liked, how you give a fair chance to both of them, to be with Nine? Are you a Hunters or a Cupid, Sir?".

"No to both, Kim. I am finally, just an old man".

The End