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Say Yes (I won't let you go)

Summary:

"Say yes," Junho’s voice barely rises above a whisper, yet it carries the strength of his conviction, a plea for her to join him in this leap towards a future they’d share together. "I want to hear it. Say yes, and I promise, I won’t let you go. Not now, not ever."

Notes:

For the full experience, I recommend listening to Junho's song 'Say Yes' as you read this fanfic. Enjoy ♡

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

The first time Junho saw Yoona, the world seemed to pause, framing a moment that felt predestined. Amid the chaos of the annual music award show, where the air was thick with anticipation and the shimmer of celebrity was at its peak, their eyes met. It was the kind of glance that, in any other circumstance, might have gone unnoticed. But for Junho, it was anything but. It was a moment charged with an unspoken promise, a spark that ignited a flurry of emotions within him.

 

*

It felt like fate

Giving you a short glance (seriously)

 

Seriously, the word echoed in his mind, reverberating with the intensity of the new and unfamiliar feelings stirring within him. For the first time in his life, Junho was at a loss. How do you navigate a feeling so strong it alters the very fabric of your reality? This wasn't a mere attraction or a fleeting interest. This was Yoona, someone who, with just a single look, had managed to captivate him completely, distinguishing herself from everyone else in a way he couldn’t have anticipated.

 

Surrounded by the constant barrage of camera flashes and the relentless pace of his celebrity lifestyle, Junho had grown accustomed to the superficial interactions that defined his public life. Yet, in that brief exchange, he found himself yearning for something deeper, something more genuine. Yoona stood there, amidst the glitter and artificial glow of the event, a beacon of authenticity. Her grace was not just in her movements but in her presence, a natural radiance that seemed to draw him in. And her smile, that effortless expression of joy, had the power to cut through the noise and chaos, reaching him in a place he hadn't realized was so profoundly empty.

 

Yoona, for her part, seemed unaware of the seismic shift she'd instigated in Junho's world. She moved with the grace of someone accustomed to the spotlight, yet there was a sincerity in her demeanour, a clarity in her eyes that spoke of depths yet to be explored. In a room filled with the industry's shining stars, she shone the brightest, not for her fame but for the genuine openness that enveloped her like a halo.

 

As their gaze locked across the crowded room, Junho felt the first stirrings of something profound—a connection that defied explanation, a feeling of being understood without words. Yoona’s slight, acknowledging nod, paired with her gentle smile hinted at her awareness of the connection sparking between them. In that moment, the realization hit him with the force of a revelation—this was different; Yoona was different. Nothing in his life would ever be the same again.

 

*

I feel like this for the first time

What should I do about it?

 

Junho's world, a dizzying carousel of performances and fleeting encounters, rarely allowed for the depth of connection he now found himself craving. Yet, from the moment he had locked eyes with Yoona across the crowded space of the music award show, a venue pulsating with the energy of celebrity and spectacle, something within him stirred—a longing for something beyond the shallow connections that typically defined his world.

 

It was during a light-hearted segment on a variety show, amidst laughter and the playful banter of entertainment, that Junho had found himself voicing his admiration for Yoona, naming her as his ideal type. This moment, meant as a mere entertaining segment, carried an unexpected weight of truth for him. There was a sincerity in his voice, a genuine affection in his words, that surprised even Junho himself. The studio lights shone brightly, but it was Yoona’s slight smile of acknowledgement that truly illuminated the room for him. The moment was fleeting, yet the echo of his declaration lingered, marking a significant moment that hinted at the deeper feelings he had for her.

 

*

I want to tell you more

This feeling cannot be suppressed

 

Over the years, their paths crossed intermittently. Each encounter, though brief, was charged with something that neither could ignore. Their interactions were limited, moments stolen from the relentless pace of their careers, yet each one felt like a piece of a puzzle slowly coming together. Their interactions carried an intensity, a shared realization of an unspoken connection that lingered long after they parted ways. Each glance, each shared moment of laughter, seemed to pull them closer, a silent dance of attraction and affection that neither could deny.

 

This connection posed a question that Junho found himself returning to time and again. His public acknowledgment of Yoona as his ideal type, though made in a moment of entertainment, had unveiled a depth of feeling he hadn't fully admitted to himself. The sincerity of that admission had not only surprised him but had also resonated with Yoona, hinting at the potential for something more between them.

 

During the award shows, amidst the controlled chaos of backstage preparations, Junho and Yoona often found themselves crossing paths. Each encounter was a comforting moment to the nerves that inevitably built up before performances. They’d share their nervousness and bolster each other’s confidence with reassuring words, finding solace in their mutual support.

 

In one such moment, hidden by the flurry of stagehands and fellow artists, they stood side by side, stealing a few minutes before being thrust into the spotlight. 

 

“I always get this mix of nerves and excitement,” Yoona confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

 

Junho nodded, feeling the familiar jittery sensation himself. 

 

“Me too. But it helps, seeing you here,” he replied, his gaze lingering on her.

 

Whenever she smiled—her gentle, heartfelt smile—it dazzled him, and he couldn’t help but think, “Wow, this smile is all for me” . It was a thought that brought a surge of warmth, pushing away the pre-performance jitters. These moments, filled with shared vulnerabilities and quiet encouragements, deepened their bond, marking each backstage encounter as a step closer to each other.

 

The revelation that Yoona had become more than just a fleeting thought, that she had taken root in his heart in a way no one else had, was both exhilarating and terrifying. It was a realization that demanded action, a leap of faith into the unknown. The simmering connection between them, growing with each encounter and each lingering gaze, now stood on the brink of becoming something profound, waiting for just the right moment to blossom into a story of their own.

 

*

If anyone steals you away

I will take you back (I won’t let you away)

When I feel a sense of jealousy

I am going to burn up

 

In the swirling rumors of the entertainment world, Yoona frequently found herself linked with various co-stars and industry idols, a testament to her vibrant presence both on-screen and off. Each year, like clockwork, speculation about her personal life filled the tabloids. These rumors, while baseless, cast her in a continual narrative of romantic entanglements, none of which held truth. Yoona, with her grace and poise, navigated these rumours with a professionalism that Junho admired deeply, yet he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy each time her name was linked with someone else’s.

 

Junho, ever the observer from the sidelines, felt a complex array of emotions with each new rumor. It was particularly challenging when, during an end-of-year music show, he watched Yoona perform a dance with Taecyeon—a fellow group member. The performance, meant to entertain, is charged with a playful chemistry, eliciting cheers from the audience and stirring an unexpected reaction within him.

 

As Yoona danced gracefully with Taecyeon, each of her smiles and gestures appeared intensified to Junho, who observed from the sidelines with bated breaths. Every shared laugh and choreographed touch, though meant for the stage, resonated deeply within him, sending a gentle ache through his chest. It’s not jealousy in the traditional sense but a poignant reminder of his profound feelings for Yoona—a realization of how deeply he cherished their connection amidst the noise of their public lives.

 

It's not just the dance that stirred this quiet storm within him; it's the rehearsals glimpsed in behind-the-scenes footage, the laughter shared between Yoona and Taecyeon, the casual touches that seemed all too personal when magnified by the camera lens. These moments, though part of the show, ignited a spark of jealousy within Junho—a feeling that was both foreign and illuminating.

 

In the days following the performance, the media buzz around Yoona and Taecyeon’s dance refused to quiet down. Social media platforms were flooded with fan comments and speculations, dissecting every interaction with fervent enthusiasm. Tweets tagged with their names were filled with theories and shipped couple names, a testament to the public’s keen interest.

 

“Just look at the way they looked at each other, there’s definitely something going on!” one popular comment read, echoing the thoughts of many.

 

Entertainment blogs and online tabloids were quick to escalate the situation, publishing articles with headlines like "Sparks Fly on Stage—Is There a New Couple Alert?" These stories compiled various fan reactions and sometimes reached for expert opinions on body language, suggesting more than just professional friendship between Yoona and Taecyeon.

 

Watching from the sidelines, Junho knew the reality—that their interactions were merely the result of two professional idols performing their roles to perfection. Yet, the relentless wave of public speculation served as a harsh reminder of how the narrative could spiral beyond one's control. The media’s persistence weighed heavily on him, mingling frustration with a hint of helplessness.

 

In this moment, Junho grappled with the duality of his role as both a public figure and a man quietly yearning for a deeper connection with Yoona. His emotions, a mix of admiration and a quietly increasing affection, remained his to bear, concealed beneath a facade of camaraderie and friendship. Though his heart may yearn for more, he was content, for now, to stand by Yoona, supporting her from the wings, his feelings hidden in the unspoken depth of their bond.

 

*

I want to know more about you

Your feelings are still hiding in your heart

 

The next time Junho saw Yoona backstage, they shared a quiet moment away from the prying eyes of the world. She laughed lightly, brushing off the rumors as just part of the job, but Junho could see the slight strain behind her smile. Her reassurance, meant to soothe, only served to remind him of the fragility of their situation.

 

Despite her outward ease, he sensed the underlying tension, the unspoken concerns that she guarded closely within her heart. This media storm solidified Junho's determination to shield their true relationship from being misconstrued or overshadowed by public speculation. He quietly resolved to stand by Yoona, ensuring that their bond remained clear and undisturbed by the chaos of celebrity gossip.

 

As the rumors ebbed and flowed with the tides of the entertainment industry, Junho and Yoona navigated their friendship with a resilience born of mutual respect and understanding. They were two stars orbiting the same world, their friendship a steady constant amid the chaos of speculation and fame. For Junho, this was enough, a silent testament to the depth of his feelings, waiting quietly in the wings of their intertwined lives. Yet, his heart yearned to bridge the gap further, to reach beyond the façade and truly understand the heart of the woman he cared so deeply about.

 

*

We have made a long way

I am going to tell you that

“I like you”

Please take this feeling with you

 

As the years unfurled, Junho and Yoona carved their distinct paths in the glimmering world of fame, transitioning from pop idols to seasoned artists. Junho, with his undeniable charm, had transitioned smoothly into the world of acting, earning accolades for his poignant performances. Yoona, ever the star, continued to captivate audiences with her roles in high-profile dramas and films. 

 

Though their groups no longer crossed paths on stage as they once did, drama and movie award shows had become their new meeting grounds. Here, amidst the glamor and the flashing lights, they found moments to reconnect. Their conversations—a mix of nostalgia and updates on their bustling lives—occurred in stolen moments amid the celebratory of year-end festivities.

 

Behind the scenes, their communication has evolved from sporadic messages to a steady stream of texts, reflecting a deepening connection. These exchanges, rich with encouragement and shared confidences, form the base of a friendship that flourished away from the public's prying eyes. Each encounter, charged with an electric undercurrent of something more, hinted at deeper emotions simmering beneath the surface.

 

Whenever they met, there was an undeniable charge in the air—a palpable tension filled with anticipation and the echo of old emotions. On one such occasion, during a quiet moment backstage at an award show, the air around them was thick with unspoken words and suppressed feelings, yet there was a tension, a magnetic pull that neither has dared to broach.

 

In the days that followed, Junho found himself reflecting on his feelings, the weight of what he wanted to say growing heavier with each passing moment. He drafted text after text, each one confessing his true feelings.

 

"Yoona, I’ve realized something important... I like you. More than a friend. Please take this feeling with you."

 

But each time his finger hovered over the send button, hesitation took over. The texts were deleted, unsent, the confession too significant to be confined to the constraints of a text message. His heart raced with the prospect of what those words might change, and yet, he held back, fearful of crossing a line that could change everything.

 

Junho’s internal struggle was a silent battle, one fought in the comfort of his thoughts. Each rehearsal and shared laugh with Yoona added layers to his feelings, deepening the complexity of their friendship. It was in these quiet moments, away from the cameras and the speculation, that their true story unfolded—a tale marked by shared laughter, mutual support, and a growing awareness of a connection too profound to ignore.

 

Junho knew the time will come when his feelings must be acknowledged. For now, he watched and waited, cherishing the moments they shared, each one a step closer to the day he could finally express the depth of his affection.

 

*

Telling you to your heart

I want to hug you be my girl

Telling you to your heart

You are mine be my girl

 

In the midst of his solo concert, under the glow of stage lights, Junho's eyes searched the crowd. He had extended an invitation to Yoona, half-hoping, half-doubting she would make it. Their recent text exchange still lingered in his mind—Yoona mentioning her departure from Tokyo, making her attendance seem like a wishful thought. Yet, there was a part of him, a hopeful whisper, which clung to the possibility of seeing her.

 

As he began the first notes of "Say Yes," his gaze inadvertently found her in the audience. Yoona, against all odds, was there. Her eyes met his, and in that split second, his heart gave a noticeable tug, an anchor thrown in the thunderous sea of his emotions. It was more than just a surprise; it was a profound affirmation of the special place Yoona held in his life, beyond their hectic schedules and the glaring spotlight.

 

Throughout the performance of "Say Yes," Junho sang every word with a palpable intensity, his eyes repeatedly seeking Yoona. Each glance, each note, was charged with his emotions, an unspoken conversation across the distance. To the audience, it was a mesmerizing display of artistry, but for Yoona, each look, each lyric, felt like a message, a confession veiled within the melody.

 

Feeling the weight of his gaze, Yoona was swept up in a whirlwind of emotions. The dedication in his performance, the way his gaze sought her out amidst a sea of faces, spoke volumes. It was as if, through the song, Junho was reaching out, setting the stage for a confession yet to be made—telling her to be his.

 

After the concert, as the last echoes of the applause died down and the audience began to disperse, the anticipation between them grew. Their previous encounters, always tinged with a certain restraint, now seemed to pave the way for this moment. The knowledge of Yoona making time in her relentless schedule to be there for him added a depth to Junho's resolve. He knew what he wanted to say, the feelings he wanted to express, and Yoona's presence at his concert was the catalyst he needed.

 

*

SAY YES I want to hear it

SAY YES I won’t let you go

 

Backstage, the world narrowed to just the two of them.

 

"Yoona," Junho begins, each word laced with the weight of emotions long held back, "you've been the melody in my life that's been missing. It’s you I see in every song, every moment of quiet amidst the noise. You're not just someone I admire from a distance anymore; you're the one I want by my side."

 

The sincerity in Junho's confession, the earnestness of his gaze, strikes a chord within Yoona; knitting together the scattered pieces of her own feelings. It’s as if the pieces of a puzzle she hadn't known were scattered suddenly click into place. Here is Junho, not just the charismatic performer or the ideal type he had been playfully declared as years ago, but the man whose depth of feeling mirrors her own.

 

"Say yes," Junho’s voice barely rises above a whisper, yet it carries the strength of his conviction, a plea for her to join him in this leap towards a future they’d share together. "I want to hear it. Say yes, and I promise, I won’t let you go. Not now, not ever."

 

The intensity of the moment, the raw honesty shared between them, leaves Yoona momentarily breathless. It’s a crossroads, a chance to embrace a love that has quietly been budding, shielded from the world's eyes. His plea, say yes, isn’t just a question; it’s an invitation to a life filled with shared dreams and realities, a life where she is unequivocally his, and he is unequivocally hers.

 

In the silence that follows, a silence filled with anticipation and the gentle rhythm of their breathing, Yoona finds her voice.

 

"Yes," she says, her voice steady yet thick with emotion, her hand finding his, their fingers intertwining naturally. "Yes, Junho. You’ve always had my heart."

 

The moment Yoona whispers her "Yes," a soft but firm declaration, the space between them shifts. It’s as if all the uncertainties and the distance that had once clouded their relationship disappear, leaving behind a clarity that both had sought for so long. In that instant, they make an unspoken commitment to each other, a vow to navigate the complexities of life together, as partners, as confidants, as the most significant presence in each other's lives.

 

In the warmth of their embrace, the world fades away, leaving only the steady beat of their shared heartbeats and the promise of a future together. Their love, once a quiet whisper amongst the chaos of their lives, now shines brightly, illuminated by the love they share—enduring and ever-present.

 

Notes:

Thanks for reading! For extra context:

⋆౨ৎ Click "variety show" in the text to see Junho talk about Yoona on Star Golden Bell (2008).
⋆౨ৎ Click "end-of-year award show" in the text to watch Taecyeon and Yoona's dance at the Korean Music Festival (2009).

Hope you enjoy these clips!