To gain power, one must have fierce determination as a base when creating your path. If the path you wish to take is one that society fears or hates, you need strength. Physical strength isn't the only thing you need. You also need social and intellectual strength. Those three strengths were harnessed by the first patriarch of the Delacourde family and were inherited or formed by his descendants. The French Mafia grew from the streets of the slums to the most high-profile areas in Europe and America. 

The family didn't stop at strength. Trust was another main factor. That intangible thing that can turn one's faith was formed between other underworld families who wished to elevate their names like the Delacourdes. It all started with one old saying.

   ' You scratch my back, and I scratch yours.'

The Russians were the first to ally with the French; the Italians, the Mexicans, and the South Americans allied with the prominent family. Within their combined factions in significant countries, gangs joined themselves with the overseeing family, creating a network that threatened most law officials. Fear took hold of the forces that 'upheld' law and order of the 'right' society, leading them to co-exist with the underworld after seeing how far their reaches are. The five families didn't stop at their homelands; they widened their horizons with the template given to them by the French. 

Strength and Trust.

Raizon Delcaourde was the first western mafia patriarch to form a non-violent alliance with the yakuza in Japan. 
The Yamada Family.
He and his close friend Illya moved to South Korea, where they peacefully approached the most dominant family in the Korean underworld. 
The Baek Family. 
This family had the entertainment, construction, real estate, and food industries under their name. Their solid foundation and appealing public image kept them as the coveted gold spoon family. No matter how much riches they amass on the public level, some things require you to get your hands dirty. Not everything is accessible and legal. The families grew from poverty, got their hands dirty, and made an organization. 

The current head of the Baek family was groomed like every other family head. At thirty and unmarried, Baek Chun prided himself in keeping the family afloat. His parents were now retired at one of many family villas in the countryside. His siblings were all making a name for themselves after successfully graduating college, and the branch families who wished to leech off the main family were kept in check. When Chun speaks of family, he also includes the families they were allied with. 
At that moment, receiving a video call from one of his dongsaeng was a daily occurrence for him, but this little brother's contact was rare. Accepting the call, he patiently waited for the screen image to show.

"Chun Hyung."

"Good seeing you, little brother."

Eros nodded his head in acknowledgment but didn't proceed with the conversation. The tightening of his jaw and the distant look in his eyes was new to the man.  This Delacourde was an expert in hiding his emotions. He pitied the person who brought this change to the kid.

"Hyung, let's compare notes," he finally said. He turned his head to the camera, showing how truly pissed off he was. Baek Chun clenched his hands to stop the chills that went through his body. He was 'fortunate' to witness this kid's interrogation. Since he called, that meant the disturbance originated from Korea.

"Ah! Can you tell me which business you want advice on?" Chun knew how to play his words. It was part of their way of life. One can never tell when some over-eager cop wanted a fast promotion.

"Entertainment businesses seem to be on the rise once again, and I came across a group with an unexpected boom. I believe the same family hasn't learned which side they are to stay on."

A stiff expression took over Chun's face. The chat box on the call popped up; in it were two files the size of 1GB each. The names of two well-known escort houses were named on the files. One of them was located in Chun's territory and was becoming bold in trying to shatter their image. He disliked those who willfully aim to be a nuisance. Their sloppy activities were putting the area on the police radar. They can simply shut them down, but that will play into their hands. The information Eros sent is probably a catalyst to do things in a precise manner.
 "It seems so. I will look over your notes. Am I to make corrections?" 

"Hyung, I wish to have a very clean-cut business report to proceed with my plans. Aren't we entitled to have worry-free businesses? Let's learn from them on what not to do." Eros gave him a small smile without any feeling. The message was sent. The second son wishes to erase all traces of these two families. If the Baek family takes charge, those two names will only be seen on bills in a one-bedroom apartment in Ahyeon-dong.

"Yes, let's. Is there anything else?"

"Calculate the weekly allowance for a stay-at-home mother and wife and the inheritance the eldest daughter of a Korean family should receive. You will know what to do after seeing my notes. My end is about to display a lot of entertainment soon." Eros spoke while reading a document that was placed on his desk. It was also the sign of their talk coming to an end. 

"It's not like you to play Robin Hood. What's the catalyst for this new side of you?"

"The catalyst is a who, and one of those effects will be your marital status as single forever."

Chun placed his hands over his heart mockingly and grimaced at Eros's words. The man on the other side of the screen had a cheeky grin on his face as he passed the document to a hand reaching for it. 

"Look at you being cheeky. Ha, even the silent devil has someone. If there's one for you, then there's possibly one for me. Hmmm, who will want a work-obsessed rich man?" Chun asked, propping his chin on his open palm. 

"Take a walk."

"What?"

"Take a walk or a personal outing, and you will find her. It worked out for mama and father. Older brother found Amara on his way to school. As for me, I wanted some air and ended up saving his life. Your first encounter may not be dramatic as ours or the others in the family, but it will be a special moment."

Chun was speechless. To hear those words of encouragement and open feelings was new to him but hearing from Eros made it more meaningful.

"I guess my prolonged speech has surprised you also, Hyung. It's a bit tiring speaking, though," Eros muttered.

"Somehow, I understand your minor troubles. How are you, though?"

".... Trying to be patient. I never knew waiting for someone to accept you wholly could be nerve-racking. Every time I visit him, I want to kiss him senselessly when he looks at me with those adorable expressions. It's hard to keep my composure. This is new to him." This was all new to Eros. When it comes to Jaejin, he had to be mindful of his injuries, emotions, and mental state. Jaejin had to be given time to accept his sexuality and grow comfortable in having kinship with a man. On top of all those things, Jaejin has to prepare to face society. Same-sex marriages and rights are known and legalized, but people will always be against their sexuality. Eros was worried.

"When I think about what's new to people outside of our circle and what's new to us, I'm always faced with how far our worlds are in some aspects," Chun commented. Eros nodded his head in agreement. 

"If you're willing to wait for him, he must be exceptional."

"I'm still getting to know him but being with him feels right."

Baek Chun heard the phrase 'feels right' numerous times from couples celebrating anniversaries or engagements. How does one know that it feels right? Is it something he has to figure out on his own? 

"If you think so, then continue with the present plan of waiting and supporting him."

Eros scoffed and gave him a mischievous smirk. "Ah, a single man giving sound advice for a lovestruck guy. How remarkable."

"Eh, this side of you is so weird. It will take some time," Chun returned in good nature. 

Eros shrugged his shoulders and continued with the work he was doing. Baek Chun did the same, keeping up a conversation with his little brother as time passed. 

*******

Pasadena

Two weeks have passed since he returned home. The changes were visible not only in his apartment but his attitude. He's no longer closed off and cautious of new people around him. He was learning to depend on his friends, starting with Adam. As expected, his best friend supported his new hold on his life and was rooting for his budding relationship with Eros. Besides catching up with Adam, Jaejin spent those two weeks catching up with classes, managing his business, and focusing on himself. Despite recovering from a brutal assault, he was at ease for the first time after a long while. One of the main things that happened within those weeks to have him in bliss was contacting his mother through means Eros created. He was able to write to her, telling her of everything that happened and his inner thoughts and worries. She, too, was able to contact him and her words were full of her love and fear for him. Being in touch with his mother without worrying about his father cutting their contact was all thanks to the man who cared for him in many ways. 

The nurses assigned to him didn't hold back on divulging the little things Eros put in place for him. They weren't overpowering things that would make him feel guilty about receiving, and that was a positive Jaejin embraced. Besides sporadic visits due to his schedule, the two took to online chats to keep in touch. Their conversations weren't awkward but were filled with new things every day. They learned about each other's families and people they held close to and talked about random things like a silly video they viewed. 
Two weeks felt like months to them both. 

Tending to a report he had to submit, Jaejin was at his desk instead of the sofa due to his fast recovery state. The bruises were gone, no aches and the stab wound was healing perfectly. A check-up was scheduled in a few days to check his fractured arm and leg. He was looking forward to that day, not for the doctor's approval but for the promise Eros made.
A whole day with him, just the two of them on an outing. Being cooped up in his apartment frustrates him if he doesn't have the nurses to talk to. Getting out will do him some good. Not only that, he will be able to resolve the questions in his head about Eros. 

"Young master? Young master!"

"Huh? Isla? What's wrong?"He was doubly engrossed in his thoughts and assignment that his surroundings faded. 

"You have a visitor. Miss Veron Estrada would like to see you."

The name was familiar yet strange for Jaejin. After so long, no calls or texts, she decided to visit him now. Something was up. If it weren't for Adam sharing his thoughts on their friend's new behavior he wouldn't be guarded about her sudden visit. 

"Oh, that's a surprise. Send her up," he said with a nonchalant shrug. Isla had a worried expression on her face. Veron wasn't a secret; Adam was rightfully upset about their friend's cold attitude towards them both.

"Young master, I can send her away," Isla offered. Overseeing him, her eyes followed Jaejin as he grabbed his crutch and hobbled to the sofa to greet his guest. His hair was loose and tucked behind his ears, displaying the new pair of earrings Eros sent him a few days ago. The tank and loose shorts weren't suitable to greet a guest, but to Isla, her young master wanted this visit to be over with. When he leaned forward to get more comfortable on the seat, he shook his head in denial and quietly asked her to relay the message. 

"As you wish, young master," she muttered. Isla debated if to notify Adam or Eros but brushed it away after remembering how resolute Jaejin was to handle things for himself. He may not have noticed, or possibly he did, but Adam protected Jaejin a lot on campus and during their social life. Did he notice that Eros was doing the same and wish to be responsible for some part of his social connections?
The doorbell rang, sealing her last-minute thoughts. Opening the door, Isla faced a young woman in her early 20s, with warm brown skin tone and braided hair past her shoulders. She curiously looked around the hall before she pinned a cold stare on the young nurse. The woman didn't hide the scrutiny in her eyes as she boldly looked at Isla.

"Hello. You must be Veron. The young master is waiting for you. Please come in." 

Veron frowned at the title Jaejin was called. Without responding in kind to the uniformed nurse, she pushed passed the woman and made a beeline for Jaejin. This was her first time at his new apartment, which was a shocker. She didn't realize how great the place he chose would be. The security downstairs, security camera now this open space studio apartment. The decor didn't scream struggling college kid who she thought he was. 

"Hey." That was all she said, throwing her bag on the floor and began to walk around the apartment. Isla kept a polite smile and took her position beside Jaejin. Glancing his way, she took note of his unimpressed gaze and clenched fists.

"This is something. I didn't know you were an elite. There's no way you can afford this on those commissions." 

The commissions Veron spoke of were of the clients he had for the recruitment business he ran for college students. The business owners will pay him a negotiable fee for each worker they hire and their performance. 

"It's nice to see you, Veron. It has been a while since I invited you over."

Veron outwardly flinched at Jaejin's overly polite tone. "So you're an elite. You sound like them, and a home care nurse calling you, young master," she retorted.

"Is it possible you're acting this way, seeing my injuries? A 'How are you doing, Jaejin' would have sufficed." From the moment she stalked past Isla with that scornful expression, he knew that Sherida was successful in winning her over. 

"What?" Veron was confused as to why he was referring to himself.

"I was in a delusion that my friend from the beginning of our college journey came to visit me without hidden motives. I can think that way, right?" The firm voice didn't match the nonchalant expression on his face, and that flustered Veron for a moment. He no longer spoke in a laidback manner but one who went under a lot of etiquette training. 

The young woman clicked her tongue and sat in the armchair. She didn't visit Jaejin because, as Sherida reminded her, it didn't look right for a single woman like her to visit a man who lives alone. When Adam constantly asked her to see Jaejin at the hospital, but out of courtesy, she left the visit for Sherida. The woman was crazy for Jaejin, yet he made no signs of acknowledging her. Veron was upset when Sherida came crying to her because he denied her entry to the hospital and apartment. How can Jaejin treat the woman who loved him like that? Plus, he had a female with him, and she wasn't the strawberry blonde she was notified of but the barbie doll type of woman men liked. 
Veron knew she had to get to the bottom of things. Asking Adam to help was out of the question; he disliked Sherida passionately. 

"Shall I prepare some snacks, young master?" Isla asked. She was trying to restrain herself. She didn't like the way the woman was acting toward Jaejin. 

"No need."

"Why don't you leave? Isn't your job as a nurse over?" Veron quipped.

"Hah~ And here I thought, 'maybe she's a bit confused; I didn't think it was a complete personality change due to that girl's influence. Your attitude towards Isla is clear someone has been whispering in your ears. I think it will be best if you leave."

"No one is whispering in my ear. I'm here to support my best friend..."

"Best friend. I see," Jaejin muttered.

"I..ah...yes, Sherida is my best friend, and I care about her. I don't get why you and Adam hate her so much. I'm trying to be there for her and you...."

He sat silently and listened to her rant about Sherida being wronged and the injustice they gave her. Her support in Sherida's love for me was added, as also her wish for me to give the heiress a chance. Jaejin was curious about what was said when it was clear to him that the two didn't run in the same circles, and Sherida clearly stated her dislike for Veron. So, where did the change happen?

"This is so cliche." Jaejin laughed at the absurdity of everything. The forced engagement; the overbearing father; the spoiled princess wanting something to control; the hidden happenings that pit a friend against a friend was all absurd. What ever happened to letting your kid be happy? His laugh morphed into a frown upon that last thought. He was a pawn in his father's eyes, not his child. Putting Sherida in his life from this stage will strengthen the Min and Macallis family alliance in the public's eyes when it is officially revealed. Veron's role as mediator was Sherida doing her part in getting her piece of the deal. 

"Is this funny to you? Is having a girl cry over you some sort of amusement? I expected better from you. When she told me you've changed, I didn't believe her. Why are you doing this, Jaejin?" Veron voiced.

"Is this part of the girl code I've heard about?" he asked with a feigned expression of confusion.

"Hah! What are you talking about? Aren't you listening to me?" She was on the verge of shrieking but didn't want to lose her composure. Keeping him calm was the best thing to do. He was easygoing and understanding from her interaction with Jaejin during their friendship. Staying calm will bring back that guy.

"I heard you, and I listened to you. Two different things. What you didn't do was listen to me. I believe it's ingrained between 'friends' to solely be on one side and not cater to the other side. I do not wish to be with your friend, Sherida, nor do I have feelings for her. You heard me but didn't listen."

Veron's face showed her confusion by Jaejin's words. "Feelings can grow, right?" she muttered.
He scoffed at her statement. Languidly he moved his hand over his smiling lips and brushed his fingers against his jaw. His eyes were averted as he thought of the words that suited this situation. Why was Veron so loyal to Sherida?

"Isla, he may be busy, but please ask him to look into this. I want to know what happened," he finally said, not looking at Veron nor Isla. The nurse heard the underlying dejection in his words. She was following the conversation and many questions came up. 

"Yes, young master." The blonde slightly bowed to him and made her way to the other side of the apartment. Veron was curious about their interaction; the woman went to do his bidding by his vague words. Was Jaejin always like this?

"Veron."

"Uh, yes." Did he change his mind? Is this the reason for that slight smile on his face?

"Veron. When a man has no affection or feelings for a woman, not a sliver of attraction towards her, what do you think the reason for that is?" Jaejin asked.

"...That he doesn't like her to that extent."

"AH! We're getting somewhere," he exclaimed with his smile getting wider. "Now, stay with me here. How about beyond that extent? No, no, no, no, how about when a man has no sexual attraction to any woman? Not even the woman he considered a friend." The last sentence was void of his momentary enthusiasm. The smile was gone. His eyes were cold and stuck on her as she tried to come to terms with his words.

"Uh... I don't get it," she confessed. 

"I'm gay."

With that hidden time bomb now exploded in Pasadena and about to cause shockwaves, a larger one was set to happen in New Mexico.