(Unedited)

When he opened his eyes and became aware of his surroundings, Jaejin experienced moments one goes through at intervals of their life. The cold and unbothered facade he adopted since he was ten broke so quickly. The silence and high-classed furniture in the large hospital room brought on fear and a heavy feeling of despair. He automatically linked the private setting to his father's way of 'care' and heavy-handedness. 

How can he not? 

Each incident since he left his father's home showed how money and power can get him good results. Jaejin wasn't opposed to cash but the path to it terrified him. He wasn't the dominant type, and he preferred an average way of life. 

Anxiety froze his body with the fear in his heart and despair taking hold of his mind. He was alone in the room. When was the assigned guard coming? Is he going to contact his father? Jaejin didn't want to see his father in this state, the mockery would be worse, and the confidence he had built so far may break upon hearing harsh words. 
He swallowed as best as he could and shifted in the bed. He cursed when he moved his fingers; from experience he knew of the device attached to his fingers to alert the doctors or nurses of his movements. 
Will they come with the guards?

Were they on his father's payroll?

Jaejin realized how useless he was at that moment. He was confined to a bed, recovery will take months, and his freedom is now but a memory. 
His father was growing either impatient or desperate if he went this far. Seven men for one lowly trained son. Unbelievable.

"Hi. Welcome back to the land of the living, Mr. Min. I'm your nurse Beverly. It's good to see you awake. You have quite a few worried friends."

The bright and cheerful voice only made him place walls between him and them. The person came in his line of sight briefly before doing a quick wellness check on him before speaking. She listed his injuries and his recovery time. She paused between her talk, assuming he had questions. The water she helped him drink moistened his parched throat, making it easier for him to speak, but he didn't. Jaejin listened intently until she ran out of things to say. 

"Your friend, Mr. Kirk, will arrive in a few hours. He has been in and out since you were hospitalized. I think he will explain things in more detail for you. Before that, your doctor will visit then a light meal."

She didn't get to go on due to the doctor's appearance. He gave Jaejin more details about his injuries and asked medical questions instead of building a friendly repertoire with his patient. 
The two left. His body relaxed and the tears fell from his eyes. When was the last time he cried? Anyone will do the same in his situation. The doctor explained his stab wound to his stomach was in the golden percent. If the knife went deeper or pierced another area and medical care wasn't given early, his life would have been lost.

If his life meant nothing to his father, why place him as the sole heir of that kingdom he was building? He had three other kids suitable for that role. One was already doing his dirty work and the other two had no qualms about spending the money they receive. It's probably best they think it's all from their father's company. As heir-apparent, he learned the truth about everything, not only about the dealings in the US but also Korea. Jaejin didn't have the mindset for it. 

"Should I persuade him to choose Neil as heir?" he asked himself. 

A bout of drowsiness took over his consciousness. But, wait. Didn't the nurse say Adam will be visiting? 

How?

*******

"There you are. Boy, do I have a lot to tell you."

Adam's voice was the first thing to greet him when he woke once more. He was relaxed this time and ready to be updated on the events while he slept.
"Tell me."

His friend positioned himself in the chair to begin his version of the details Jaejin needed to know. "First, do you remember the night of your attack?"

"How can I forget. Seven guys trailed me when I made that detour for food and OTC painkillers. It was suspicious because I didn't frequent that area. I tried to ditch them but was still caught. The more I fought, the more aggressive they got. I don't know why they did but they began spouting shit. I tried to escape but I was stabbed. I can remember waiting for death but it didn't come."

"That's where your benefactor came in?" Adam interjected.

"My savior." The words left his mouth in a whisper with an inkling of reverence.

"Seems like the guy left a good impression on you. Can you remember what he looked like?"

"It was dark so I couldn't. I was on the ground and he leaped over me and dealt with those guys. A weapon was used because I swore I saw flashes of light from his hands. It was over so quick before I realized he was next to me, speaking into the phone in a foreign language." Jaejin recalled the warmth he experienced when he was held by a stranger. He wanted to live right then and there. That man saved him wholly. 

"A foreign language, huh. That adds up. It's French, right?" Adam questioned with a smirk.

"Yes. It wasn't that heavy like a native's."

"I have yet to know his name but I can tell you, his reach is higher than us. He's the one who made sure you're in this room, attentive care, and privacy."

"Privacy?" Jaejin understood partly yet was confused.

"Apparently, there was a strict order to allow only me and your mother who is on your medical POA. The cops were professional when they questioned me about your assault and they gave word that the men were caught. It was an experience I will never forget. Sherida and some guys were sent away when they tried to visit you. Besides security, a subordinate of his makes daily visits to check on your welfare. He too, has a French accent, a few minutes ago he came to do his daily check-in. He was pleased to know that you're awake."

"What do you make of it all?"

Adam eyed Jaejin. He knew his friend was running away from something or someone but kept things under cover. Nevertheless, pieces were coming together, especially after he was approached yesterday, hours after he was warned by the French visitor. 
"From my perspective, my best friend is in a tight situation that will lead to his death and I'm upset it came this far without myself knowing what it is. This guy who saved you probably figured out your situation and I'm now a guy on the sidelines." Adam didn't mean to make his friend feel guilty but he was quiet for too long. The incidents, the moving, the isolation, something was up. Now, this. He was stabbed, not nicked, fucking stabbed.

Jaejin was quiet for a few seconds. Adam was his best and only friend, he confided in him about things his mother doesn't know and he was the one by his side. 
"I.."

A knock sounded on the door and in rolled a food cart ahead of a guy in dark clothing. "A light meal for Mr. Min." 
Jaejin's ears perked up when he heard the tinge of French in the man's voice. He turned to get a glimpse of the person but he exited the room before he can do that.
Adam helped him to get to a suitable position and rolled the bedside table for him. He was served in silence, when the covers were removed they both were at loss for words when they saw the food.

"Did this hospital get a larger budget? Where's the dishwater soup they usually serve? Is this a VIP meal?" Adam asked.

"I don't think they made this."

The dishes on the table were definitely catered. The aroma was rich and the steaming heat gave clue as to when it was made. He spied on the cart a thermos which made his curiosity bloom, turning back to the food before him, he smiled thinking his benefactor had to be someone beyond his fucked up family. What does he want? He's doing all of this for a 'no-body'. Should he be wary? Jaejin's thoughts were wild.
 Lifting a trembling hand, he reached for the spoon to get a taste of the seaweed soup. 
Adam was hovering beside him like a mother hen. When he spilled the soup, he handed the spoon over to his friend who effortlessly stepped up to help. It won't hurt to ease the guy's mind for this one meal. 
It's time to tell him everything. Having one friend through all of this won't be bad.

"Adam, do you think the life of the rich is fun?"

Money brings power and power brings greed. Jaejin felt the shift that was about to happen. 

******

'Incoming message from Team S. Shall I read the message, sir?'

"Yes."

The AI used throughout his sector initiated itself when a message arrived. Eros created it specifically for him leaving his first creation for his parents. The second and third versions were requested by his brothers for their domains minus the interactive option. This comes from watching too many Sci-fi movies about AI domination.

'Sender: Jhoel of Team S. *He's awake. The meal plan has begun, when do you plan to visit him? His mother was also notified.* End of message, do you wish to reply?'

"Not at the moment. Pinpoint Jian's location and inform him to visit me."

'Yes, sir. Your request has been completed. Is that all sir?'

He has been working since morning with no interruptions. Did he have breakfast? Or was it lunchtime? Taking a break seems good.

"Please tell the chef to prepare a meal for me. Thank you," Eros said in response.

'Very well. I shall notify you when it is served.'

Having the AI minimizes his need for a personal secretary, and his business relationship with the employees is one on one. If he needed real-time answers or conversation with them, he simply request a video or face-to-face appointment with them. He may have a wider understanding of emotions and social etiquette but he still preferred his own solace and the freedom of being an onlooker. This new part of life was a learning experience. Since young, he witnessed and also made deals with the underside of society, it was amusing to know the same greed is within the 'perfect' society. Offers and conditions were borderline cutthroat and unfair, and older heads in businesses came to him with a predictable notion. They think he's inexperienced and a college kid lucky enough to have tech-wise smarts. Eros loved to see their pride and ego crushed when he had the final say. 
Does that make him one of those alpha CEOs Rejeanne said he will be? 
"That will be an exciting title to add to my name," he muttered to himself. 

"Young master, I'm here." The door was pushed open by one of the guards outside giving Jian space to easily walk through. It's probably due to the medium square box in his hands and the long one on top of it. 

"What's going on?" he asked.

Though Jian was across the office, he still heard the soft question from his friend. 
"A gift from the first and third young masters. They're congratulatory gifts they said," he answered.

"Didn't they send gifts on the day of the launch?"

"They did but these have a different meaning." Jian took the liberty to unwrap the square box first.
Eros left his desk and joined him at the small tea table his mother placed in his office. Going closer, he got a first-hand look at his gift, this was from Ares. A three-tier wooden custom-made jewelry box with his company's logo etched on the first tier. The color of it was beautiful and the craftsmanship was carefully done. "Amaranth wood. Only my brother will go to these lengths for a gift," he commented. The wood was naturally purple in color and known amongst craftsmen as PurpleHeart wood. It's delicate to work with and only needed a simple gloss to enhance its beauty. No shiny finishes were used, black hinges and lock adorned it. 
"The Fourth Dark Rose Collection." The image of a fallen rose on feathers and arrows being wrapped in thorny vines was intricately drawn above the title. It was a gifted icon from Amara at the start of Ares's idea to give each family member their own collection. Eros loved the depiction of his name and personality and decided to make it a tattoo. Each depiction his sister-in-law drew was now art on their bodies. 
Opening the lid, the small tug on his lips morphed into a full-blown smile. The first tier was lifted and the second was separated. He slightly moved the first tier forward on its axis and did the same for the halves of the second tier. The third was lifted slightly to complete the display.

"He went all out this time," Jian commented. 

"He did. It's possible he accomplished something great and wanted to tell me in a way I won't reject it."

The third tier had four watches with different designs. There weren't many jewels adorning them only his birthstone and ametrine, simple and masculine. On the second were earrings ranging from studs to dangling and on the first were two gold bracelets with his icon and the family crest.
"Is that..?" Jian asked dumbstruck just like his friend.

"Isn't this a bit soon? I'm not in a relationship at the moment."

"Preparation is key? The senior master's public declaration is currently being upheld by the first young master. The media will follow you and master Ares to find out the next addition to the family. That person will be recognized by this bracelet."

"Hmmm, I didn't think of that while doing this dating thing. Now that I have a public persona they will be like hungry wolves waiting for scraps until a full meal," Eros returned as he reverently touched the bracelets. Ares's craft was immaculate, he was proud of his twin's work and loved to wear any piece designed by him.

"Precisely so."

"They wish to see the man brave or lucky enough to be at my side. I have to get him first," he said under his breath but Jian heard. 
Could it be that Eros found his first crush? Jian thought to himself. The puppy he helped seems to have most of his attention, is it him? Is he the reason Eros has been feeling 'playful' lately?

"The next gift, please."

The two moved to the long box and unwrapped it carefully. There was a bit of weight to it and it sent excitement to Eros's mind. 
"First young master Lucifer sent this."

Eros opened the black wooden box, a red envelope laid delicately on the black velvet covering. His brother had a flair for dramatics when it comes to teasing his siblings. "Proud of you, little brother. Father and I designed these for you. A customized holster was sent also but these are meant for you to see right away. See you soon, Luke." Putting aside the envelope, he unfolded the cloth to reveal two seventeen-inch ribbed batons. They were black in color with red inlays at the center. Holding them in his hands he felt the weight of them and knew there was more than meets the eye. "If my other batons were electrically charged and can turn it a staff, then these two must have hidden properties," he muttered. He twisted the red inlay on the baton in his left hand and the quick-shifting of the mechanism sounded loud in the office. The top part of the weapon was a sheath that can slightly compress and slid down into the second half to reveal a twisted red and silver blade.

"Holy shit!" Jian exclaimed. He took a step back knowing Eros will test it. His movements were sharp, the suit he wore didn't hinder him and the weapon looked natural in his hands. 
He paused and eyed the baton on the right, he repeated the action on the inlay and triggered another mechanism. This time a five-inch blade popped out at the top and an opening was created at the bottom. He twisted the left baton inlay and the twisted blade was hidden once more. Eros squeezed the inlay between his fingers to figure out the secrets of his new toy. Probably three inches of the bottom slightly compressed to become a screw. He tried his theory and attached the two batons.

A spear.

His father and brother designed a spear for him.

Eros gave Jian a blank stare. He held the newly made spear in his hands to his chest and little by little his face brightened. 
There you go, martial arts junkie, Jian said to himself. It was cool seeing his friend and boss acting child-like. Focusing on himself was the right decision.

"Oh. I forgot for a moment why I called you. Please clear my afternoon for tomorrow. Don't you think it's time to start?"

All the happy thoughts left Jian's head. The words Eros spoke didn't match the wicked gleam in his eyes nor the smirk on his lips. He was briefed on the details pertaining to Min Jaejin and the group who attacked him but the young master didn't voice his theories as to why he wanted to step in. It's been a while since they stirred up some chaos, it will be fun to do so.

"I think it's about time we do," Jian answered. Fair hazel, hooded eyes met his, and the owner chuckled while his hand maneuvered the spear smoothly. He spun it in a circular motion creating a red sphere to display at the center of the spear's dance. Silver glittered from the blade reminding Jian of old martial arts movies he watched as a kid with Eros. It was hypnotizing. The weapon was recaptured and dismantled in quick succession, he will always be amazed by his friend's antics. 

"I can hardly wait," Eros voiced while eyeing the tip of the blade.

*****

Someone was in his room. He can feel their presence before opening his eyes. It wasn't Adam's presence. This person had an overpowering presence that made him uneasy. Opening his eyes, Jaejin's gaze rested on a man seated in the armchair with the bedside table posing as a desk. He had a stately posture, one leg was perched on the other by his knee and his head was propped by his arm. He was focused on whatever he was doing on his laptop, lost to the outside world. 

Who was this man?

He shifted in his seat and turned his head to the right slowly, his long fingers brushing against his lips. His side profile was one for the gods, Jaejin's heart lurched causing him to gasp. That was the last sound he heard, his full attention was on his visitor. The silver dangle earring on his ear swung when he moved his head. The man's eyes darted his way under those full eyelashes. What color were they? Jaejin wondered. Those lips slowly moved to catch one of his fingers with them. Does this man know how erotic he looked? Jaejin's heart rate spiked, he cursed the blasted machine for breaking his silent moment of gawking. 
The man chuckled when he saw him trying to calm himself. His face felt hot, it was embarrassing to be caught. 
The door to his room flew open and the nurse had a panicked look on her face. Jaejin had no voice to stop her fretting and simply allowed her to do her job. 

"Whew! All is well. Please try to be calm. Any major stress can affect your recovery. Oh, sir, I didn't see you there." It was baffling to see the talkative nurse being submissive to the visitor. She kept her head lowered with her hands clasped in front of her body, what was she waiting for?

"It's fine. Please help him get comfortable then you may take your leave."

That voice.

It's him. 

"Yes, sir."

When the door was pulled shut, the man shifted the table aside and rose to his feet. Jaejin swallowed the lump in his throat. His steps were languid, his hands were in the pockets of well-tailored pants, and the patterned vest over the burgundy dress shirt was tapered at his waist. The man's tall stature was model-like, as he got closer Jaejin can easily recognize the color of his eyes. It reminded him of uncut amber in the sunlight. 
"What's your name?"

His throat was dry when he spoke. 

Instead of answering, his visitor helped him with a glass of cool water, he didn't need help and he didn't dare say so. Their faces were too close for strangers. Was he looking at his battered face? Jaejin lowered his head feeling self-conscious of his damaged state. 
Taking that as a request to give him space, the man took a step back. 

"Eros." 

It took a while for him to register the name in his muddled brain. The mix of the French accent and the name were too much. 
Let's focus here, there's no time to indulge in these things, Jaejin said to himself. 

"Eros. Thank you for saving me and the after-care. My question is - why?; Why did you go as far as sending catered food to me and having strict security?"

"Straightforward, this will go smoothly."

Jaejin waited patiently for him to continue.

"I'm not one to simply drop off someone and walk away. Well not in your situation. I was curious also, as to why five to seven men were beating a guy near a busy street and then panicking when they stabbed him. It was highly suspicious. When I did a partial look into the situation, it was rather .... dramatic?" Eros explained. 

"Pity and amusement then?" Jaejin pressed. He felt ashamed knowing this stranger uncovered a crazy part of his background.

"My amusement and your amusement differ a lot."

"What?!"

Eros strolled to the window showing Jaejin his wide shoulders and tight...

A long sigh was heard in the room. Closing his eyes, Jaejin tried to compose himself. Being laid up in the hospital bed was making his emotions misbehave. He had no time to ogle this handsome man nor does he have the time to give in to his fear and anxiety. His injuries will take at the most two to three months. There was rent to be paid, classes to attend, rescheduling of his fill-in workers, food expenses, not to mention minor help when he returned home. A wheelchair will cost a bit. That's the least of his problems, since his father's men weren't allowed to see him they will find him at his apartment. If push comes to shove, a personal visit from the old man. Being incapacitated will give him good source material for pressuring him.

"Usually around this time, the victim asks about their attackers and the cooperation of the police. Most query about their family probably waiting on the outside for them and assuring their benefactor that they will be repaid. You look like someone playing this role once again," Eros said. He didn't move from the window, he was actively taking in the scenery below.

"I was getting to that. I do have a lot on my mind at the moment."

"I would think my attackers will be a top priority; being targeted is tiresome."

"No need. I know who it is," Jaejin muttered under his breath.

"What a delightful relationship you two must-have." The words were sarcastic and chilly. This drew Jaejin's attention to him. The man looked over his shoulder and eyed him. Stiffening his shoulders, he kept his gaze on the man.

"Did you dig into my background?"

"Only one page more than the cops."

"Who the hell are you?" Jaejin asked. His mind was churning with questions. Does he know of my family? My hospital records? What of his identity in the business world? What did he find out?

"You will know who I am soon. Please note that I have the means to find out the time you took your first breath on this earth all the way up to what you and your friend Adam discussed before I arrived today. Rest assured I only requested your basic information and gathered information on those who attacked you." Eros was now facing him with his hands still in his pockets. He leaned his head slightly to the left, his dangling earring rocked gently back and forth as he simply looked at Jaejin.

"Are you dangerous?"

"Maybe?"

"Between you and the father who messes with his child, I wonder which is more dangerous," Jaaejin said aloud. He was tired. 

"Oh! Your father is trying to kill you also?" Eros adopted his twin's mocking manner. The words and expressions were translated to Jaejin as threatening.

"W-what do mean by also?" 

"Hmmmmm."

The two stayed silent for a while. Jaejin was racking his brain to figure out who was behind the attack if not his father, while Eros was analyzing the man trapped in the hospital bed. "You truly do not know?" the young Delacourde questioned. 

"No. It's been an ongoing lesson from my father," he answered failing to meet Eros's steady gaze. 

"The life of other rich kids is truly dramatic. If I tell you who was behind it, what will you do?"

"From the way you worded that question, the culprit is someone close to me. Say the name then I will decide on what to do."

Eros wondered why he decided to burrow into this man's life. If his fiance is trying to kill him, who was he to stop it? Was it the way he 'called out to him? The way he felt when rescued him? Is it because he was bored?

"A miss Sherida Macallis hired seven men to rob you leaving minor injuries but they didn't expect you to have them chasing their target."

A low rumble began in his chest before it became a full-blown laugh from the depths of his soul. The aches from his jolting movements weren't registering. The absurdity of it all was intoxicating Splendid. His father chose the perfect woman to fit into that family. That woman went so far as to form a bond with him. He wasn't oblivious to her aggressive behavior but to think she would go this far. Screw trying to figure out how to get out of their clutches when they will do anything to fuck him over.

"What are you going to do?" Eros asked after Jaejin reclaimed his sanity.

"That's a good question, my dear benefactor. Shall I give in and stop this farce of freedom? Become a pawn for my father while married to a scheming woman? If I do those two then my mother will have a better life living in that place. There is a third though but it's too late for that."

"What was the third?" This wasn't the first time witnessing someone losing all rationale when they feel cornered in a situation they didn't want. There had to be other things holding this guy down. The wildness in his eyes was refreshing yet sad. 

"Death."

"I see."

Jaejin laughed at Eros's response. "Most people will be causing a fuss and trying to change my mind with false care."

"I'm not like most people. Did you wish for death that night?"

"I was about to welcome it with outstretched arms but you came along," he answered with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Apologies."

"That option is gone now. Haaaah. My fiance schemed to mess with me. What should I do? You seem to have something to say."

Head leaned to the right with a perplexed expression on his face, Eros was shocked to see someone outside of his circle read him so easily. 
"I do. I've been bored lately. Do you wish to get what you desire most?"

"You sound like a genie," Jaejin grumbled. A low chuckle was heard from Eros as he closed the distance between them. 

"Sort of."

"Ha! I want freedom from my father's ideal, free of that girl and to see my mother happy meaning I want her to divorce that man."

       "I can do all three but you have to go along with what I say and what I do," Eros replied.

"You're not an ordinary wealthy businessman, are you?"

       "Something like that. Do you want freedom?" 

"What do I have to do?" In life, good things aren't free, what does he have that this man wants?

         "Be prepared to give me the prize I wish for at the end of it all."

The gleam in his eyes sparked a feeling of unease in his body. Thinking things over, Jaejin concluded external help will get him and his mother out of the old man's hold. This man saved his life and now offering to help him so easily. What is it? He had no valuables, why was he doing this?
It feels like he's about to make a deal with the devil.

"I'll be in your care, Eros. I promise to give you the prize you wish for at the end of it all."