Chapter Text
His body was feeling heavy. Fortunately, the flight was only two hours or so and he did not see the time go by. As soon as he closed his eyes the tiredness from the day before kicked in and allowed him to take a deep nap. He was awakened by a stewardess asking people to stay seated not even noticing they were already in Beijing. He could have sworn they had only left Shanghai a few minutes ago. Although Jinyoung always tried to stay in good shape, the last action scenes took away all this energy. His body was still aching even after having taken a hot bath, done a deep tissue massage and had a full night of quality sleep. He thought it was because he was soon entering his thirties. His body seemed needing more time to recover now. He massaged his arm and looked out the window. So here he was. In beijing. To see Jackson. He sighed deep in his thoughts.
Actually he should not complain his all body was sore. It actually helped him keep his mind off what was really bothering him. He kept thinking and stressing about his reunion with Jackson no matter how hard he tried not to. He tried several times to imagine what would happen. But all the scenarios ended up being more dramatic one after the other. It's already been almost a year since they had met face to face. And of course they would call or text one another. But it kind of felt different, awkward or even not enough. He knew Jackson was always thinking about his members and monitoring their schedules no matter where they were or what they did. Their group chat was still lively and noisy thanks to the maknaes and Youngjae. But Jinyoung felt uneasy anyways. He tried to relax by taking a deep breath. He should be glad, happy. Not feeling anxious. He has just finished the shooting of an international movie including famous movie stars. He was so excited to be a part of it as it may become one of his biggest works in the industry. And now he had a few days of rest before going back to Korea for the promotion of his new drama.
"Sir? Sir, you can untie your belt, we have safely arrived."
He was so deep in his thoughts, the woman's voice seemed so far away.
"Oh okay, thanks." He answered a bit awkwarly.
He followed her orders and stood up to grab his luggage.
Although the shooting was only two weeks, he had brought a big luggage full of clothes. He was uncertain about the weather in China and decided to pack a lot just in case. However, he ended up using almost nothing except his pajamas. They would shoot all day until late and return to their hotel room for a few hours of sleep before going back early in the morning. It was quite intense and tiring. But also exciting and new to him. Discovering the city, its people, filming with a foreign staff and being surrounded by many languages all at once.
Jackson was supposed to pick him up tonight. As soon as he arrived in Shanghai, Jackson had called to know how he was adjusting. He even advised him some restaurants for him to enjoy with the staff. Jinyoung was dying to go meet Jackson but was afraid the other was too busy to do so. Thankfully, around the second or third day of shooting, Jackson invited him to his house in Beijing. Jinyoung felt so happy, like his internal prayer had been answered. He tried to play it cool and say yes. But his voice betrayed him and he almost screamed of joy. Jackson giggled but said nothing more.
He was walking towards the exit while checking his phone, waiting for a call or a text from Jackson. That's when he saw a man dressed in black holding a white sign with "Welcome to Beijing Jinyoungie" written on it. It caught his attention because it was obviously the only sign written in Lorean. And he could also recognize Jackson's handwriting anywhere. To be honest it would have caught the eye of anyone really as it was written in big red letters. He grinned behind his mask thinking Jackson was silly and cute to welcome him in such a way. He liked the gesture of course. All the stress he had been experiencing before seemed to have suddenly disappeared as soon as he saw the sign. Like a magic trick.
The man had actually recognized Jinyoung even before he walked towards him. He tried to do big gestures in his direction. Jinyoung calmly and confidently walked towards him.
"Hi." Jinyoung said in English, slightly bowing.
"Good evening Jinyoung, welcome to Beijing." The man said in perfect Korean.
Jinyoung was taken aback for a few seconds and looked back at the man.
The man reading his mind, said "I actually lived a few years in Korea, that's why. How was your flight anyway?"
"Oh I see, you speak very well, I thought you were Korean for a second." Jinyoung giggled while rubbing his hair.
"My flight was great, thanks. It went by very fast truthfully. What's your name?"
"Good to hear. You can call me James. That's my english name."
"Nice to meet you James. And thank you for welcoming me." Jinyoung said pointing at the sign. He then began to look around.
"Is Jackson waiting in the car by any chance?"
"Oh sorry you must be surprised as Jackson was the one supposed to pick you up personally. I will actually be the one driving you to this place. He was caught up in a last minute call with his team and asked me to pick you up. Is it okay with you?"
Jinyoung took a few seconds to process what James had said. He actually thought Jackson had personally come. How silly of him. Of course he was busy and would send someone else. How could he have hoped to see him at the airport? When he was one of busiest person he knew.
"Jinyoung?"
"Sorry, what? Yes, yes, sorry. I must be a bit tired. Of course it's okay. Thank you."
"Okay, let's go. The parking is this way."
He kept looking out of the window even though he paid zero attention to the big city and its lights outside the window. He felt disappointed even though he had no right to be. Jackson had sent a close friend of him, who must also have been busy but still came to pick him up. And he still managed to write him a big sign just to welcome him. He should be thankful he thought to himself. But still, it hurt a bit. Jackson was not the type to say something and not do it. He knew it was not his fault he couldn't come. Even knowing all this, Jinyoung was still not reassured. All his worries and doubts came back and tortured him.
James kept peeking at Jinyoung in rearview mirror and seemed to notice something was wrong.
"So Jinyoung, you are an actor, right? Jackson told me a lot about you."
Jinyoung usually loved to meet new people and chat with them. Especially the ones close to someone he loved. But tonight he felt moody and had no energy to chat.
"Did he? Yes, I actually just finished filming a movie." He answered politely, fearing to appear rude to James.
"Can I ask what kind of movie?"
"An action movie."
"I love action movies, I can't wait to see it. When is it coming out?"
"I have no information on the exact date. It should be out in less than a year, around spring."
"I see. Sorry to keep bothering you. I haven't spoken in Korean in a long time, it feels good to have someone to speak with."
"No, you are not bothering me. I'm sorry if I give you this impression."
"Please don't be. I tend to be too talkative sometimes, even when people are tired. Don't worry we'll arrive in less than thirty minutes, there is no traffic at the moment. You'll be able to have dinner with him once you arrive. he must be waiting for you. You should rest for now."
"Thank you, James."
At those words, Jinyoung felt a lump in his throat. Jackson waiting for him? Was he? Something kept telling him he should not have come. He will only be bothering him and his busy schedule anyways.
His five-day trip in Beijing suddenly felt too long.