Pasadena

It was a great night. The new day brings excitement for a repeat of such things.

The sun pushed him awake, along with the continuous sound from the device near his head. Turning to the side, Eros stretched forth his hand to select the awaiting message from the security system. The video clip showed one of his men leaving a sealed package by the door after a low apology.

"It must be New Mexico. Temperamental people are the worse to predict," he muttered to himself. Sliding out of bed, he stretched lazily and then turned back to the bed. They spent their first night together, binge-watching Netflix and making out like teenagers. Jaejin was dead to the world at the moment. Eros chuckled at the sight of his partner -  a messy ponytail was on his head as he lay on his stomach, cute snores could be heard, and he was now shifting to occupy the width of the bed due to Eros's absence. 
"Cute." Placing a kiss on Jaejin's temple, he moved away from the bed, making plans to tackle whatever fire he needed to handle before he woke. Setting up his laptop and equipment, he connected to his server and contacted Dreux. Rushing to the door, he quickly retrieved the package and returned to his setup. He glanced towards the bed to check on Jaejin; "Let's fix things quickly."

"Hey. Sorry for the contact. Since things are currently sensitive, I want to get a heading on what I should do." Dreux leaned back in the chair while waiting for his friend to review the report. When he heard what that asshole ordered and what he wanted to happen, he was ready to destroy everything Min Hanjool created in the US and then send him back to Korea for more.

"Aren't we optimistic?" His sarcastic comment was due to the report and the audio clip from the Hanjool's private apartment. "Okay, shut down the accounts of his two mistresses and leave a few hints for the unofficial second wife. Do we have eyes on his second child, Neil?"

"I did. We found him at a strip club on our first night here. He's comfortable using the money and name he won't inherit for pleasure. His arrogance knows no bounds." Dreux answered with a disgusted expression. In his opinion, the chairman was arrogant with his newfound power behind the scenes. It wasn't long since he received favorable circumstances in Korea when he changed his family's business routes. Trying to take over territories and build new ones was risky, even on the legal side. Min Hanjool was drunk on his riches and wasn't mindful of his steps. Bringing in an entitled girl for a business deal placed him on Delacourde's path. 

"The mother is the same. Were you able to enter all residences?" Eros needed things to run smoothly and away from Jaejin's mother. If she gets caught in her husband's reaction to his meddling, he's uncertain what may happen. 

"Yes. The security was lax at Miss Eun's villa while she was out. The only semblance of professionalism was at the main house. We were able get a sense of their routine."

A sigh escaped him. Eros was itching to get rid of the old man, but he had to think things through. The man wasn't a significant threat like others, but he was annoying. "Al..."

"Hold that thought. Miss Eun has a visitor, but it seems like she's preparing to leave." On Druex's side, a sheet of paper was handed to him. Eros waited patiently and watched his friend's background with indifference. The house he purchased for the team on sight was on the outskirts of the town. A room was transformed into a 'game room' to do surveillance. To outsiders, the house will be a vacation home for college friends, placing them off the radar. "Oh, Hanjool was able to get a dinner appointment with Bisane. This ought to be interesting. The secretary is Miss Eun's visitor. You want a patch into the feed?"

"I'll pass. It will be of bad taste at this moment," Eros returned with an embarrassed look. Dreux narrowed his eyes at his friend then smirked. 

"I see you, Suzie homemaker. I will keep you updated via messenger."

"l' âne."

The low curse was heard and countered by his friend's cheeky grin, along with the end of their connection. 
He turned his attention to the bed then packed away his devices. Breakfast was on the agenda for a quiet morning with Jaejin. The weekend will be a welcome break for him and an opportunity to learn more about his partner. He paused in his actions and quickly retrieved his phone from the table. 

'It's official.'

One post in the group chat with his siblings and cousins was the cause of numerous replies. "Is my life so interesting to them?" he asked himself. Most of the messages asked for pictures of Jaejin and more details about him, the ones that stood out were from his twin.

The other one: That was quick.

The other one: Pic. Pic.

The other one: I need to see my work on your boo's ears.

The other one: Are you ignoring us, Rosechild?

The other one: Hahhhhhhh! Y'all think he went all the way with his babe?

Princess Jeannie: That's rude, Reese. But on a real tho, 2nd, we need a pic.

Big Sis: How about we wait until the weekend is over?

Russian Warlord: Oi, you know something, queenie?!

Big Sis: Have a nice day, everyone. Make good choices without blood. Byeeeee.

Princess Jeannie: She knows something. Anyway, 2nd, don't forget to send pics.

Me: Will do.

His simple reply continued the onslaught of messages. He smiled at the thought of how supportive they all were. Jaejin will have people looking out for him and becoming his new family. First, he should start his new relationship with him by having a memorable breakfast in bed.

New Mexico

"This is truly a surprise visit."

Administrator Cho waited ten minutes for this woman to welcome him, and she had the galls to have an unwelcoming tone with him. His back was turned when she entered. Cho spun on his heels to admonish her for her rude behavior but became speechless when he saw her attire. This style of dress was new to him. Eun-Kyung wasn't dressed in the clothes her husband bought her, nor was her hair bound away from her face. 

"What are you wearing? Go change. That outfit is unseemingly for a woman your age. Do you understand how respectable your husband's position is?" Cho was livid. He was angry on his friend's behalf.

Eun-Kyung looked up from packing her handbag with an unbothered look. Her lengthy black hair swayed with minimal action. Her shoulders were bare due to the light yellow off-shoulder party dress. Her heels gave her legs a shapely look through the slits from her thighs to her calves. The clothing was loose on her body but sensual with every step she took.
"One will think that you are my husband. Your unannounced visit requires an explanation. Please do so quickly; I have an appointment to cater to."

Cho was shocked by her response. She was known to obey whatever Hanjool ordered her to do meekly. "I do not need to announce my visit. I have the authority to do so under brother Hanjool...."

"Yes, as a good servant should. Now, what is it this time?" Eun interjected.

Again, he was shocked. Was she always this catty? He asked himself. Holding back his exasperation, Cho told her what she was required to do. "You need to come with me..."

"No."

"...Time is of...." Cho paused in his speaking. He doubted himself. Did he hear wrong? Did she refuse her husband's orders? "Excuse me?"

"I am unable to go to this show of wealth. The second wife seems willing to do so since she visited my favorite boutique. You should visit her. Have a nice day, Administrator Cho."

"You dare go against brother Hanjool's orders. Your life in this luxury is all because of him. Not to mention the comfort your useless, talentless son is living. If you refuse to attend this dinner, all of that will disappear." The sneer on the man's face made the wrinkles on his face deeper. The calculative and condescending look in his slanted eyes was familiar to her. A defiant nature bloomed in her. Jaejin was safe; his benefactor assured her that, though they were few words, she believed him. Her dear husband can kick up a fuss; she no longer cares what he thinks.

"Yes. MY son. Not Chairman Hanjool's. MY son. He has two, and I know you're aware of that little fact. It's your job to show him which one is most useful. Have a good day, Administrator Cho." Eun placed her hand through her handbag and turned delicately on her toes.

"You insignificant bitch." Cho rushed towards her with his arm raised to a height to strike; tunnel vision took over him in his fit of rage; he didn't notice the man known as Eun-Kyung's shadow. Cho's hand was caught and twisted roughly behind his back before he was pushed to the floor.

"You dare! You fucking dog. I will have you on the streets."

Ji-hun tightened his hold on Cho's arms. The gun he can now carry freely was pressed against the secretary's temple. The anger that was restrained over the years was surfacing. The loud click of the safety being switched off silenced Cho's protest. 
"I do not work for your chairman. Disposing of you is one of the many things on my list," Ji-hun relayed harshly.

"We're late, Ji-hun. They will worry."
Well manicured toes peeking out from the open high-heeled sandals was now in Cho's line of sight. Ji-hun moved his eyes upward. The malice was gone from his eyes as they trailed up her body. The smile on her face was similar to the ones she had back in Korea and when Jaejin was born. 

"Yes, my... Ma'am." Ji-hun corrected the slip of his tongue on time, but Eun-Kyung knew what he wished to say. The endearment was always told in secret over the years. Rising to his feet, he followed Eun out the door, oblivious to the pointed stare on his back. 

In Pasadena, the video clip ended, and the email's body was read. Tucking the phone into his pocket, Eros looked ahead, spotting Jaejin making his way back to their table with the help of a female server. He wanted some fresh air and a place where they both could be comfortable. The eatery Eros took him to was his favorite; the staff was friendly, the food was excellent, and the atmosphere was welcoming. 
"All good?"

Jaejin's smile was bright when he returned. "Yes. Is everything alright?"

Eros's brow furrowed; didn't he chase away the annoyance from his face? He sighed. Lately, it has been hard to keep his emotions under wraps. "I guess I didn't hide it well," he replied.

"You were close."

"Do you wish to know?"

"Ah, it's about the game. I did say I will be a spectator. How far has it reached?" Jaejin took a sip of his drink and turned his gaze to the bustling streets below them. The rooftop restaurant was one of many places he wished to visit when he arrived in Pasadena. Thanks to Eros, he was able to have this experience. Though the decor boasted an opulent atmosphere, most patrons in the private cabana wore casual poolside outfits, while those strutting around the pool dressed lavishly. Eros shifted closer to him on the circular seating and kissed his cheek lightly before placing his head on his shoulder.

"I take it you no longer want to be a spectator?" he asked softly.

"Not when my partner has such a complicated look in his brown eyes." Gently, Jaejin placed his cheek against Eros's forehead. The natural affection between them made his heart beat faster every second. How was this possible? 

"I think it is time to get your mother out of that shithole you called home. Pardon my crudeness."

Jaejin chuckled. It must be bad, he thought to himself. "I guess Pasadena is out of the question," he quipped.

"Things are going to start soon. I can't predict how Sherida will react or if your father will reach out to her father when I begin to move things along. If the media catches wind of what I've uncovered, your mother will be in the spotlight. Will she be willing to go through divorce proceedings? From what you've told me, she upholds many traditions and avoids anything that may tarnish her family's name."

"I've always fought against her beliefs when I was in New Mexico. I witnessed everything he did to her. When he took another woman into their marital home, mother smiled and said, As expected. I pleaded with her to fight against it all, but she ignored my words and placed all her attention on me." Jaejin was worried that his mother would decide to stay with his father through it all. He may beg her to leave again if he can talk to her. "Is there any way for me to speak with her?" he asked. Eros threaded his fingers through his and gave him a slow nod in response. 

"Let me take some attention off her first."

Seoul, South Korea

                                                              'Start from the root of it all.'

Baek Chun read the message from his little brother and executed orders to the designated teams for this overhaul. The families they were about to dissolve were long-standing in the community but like the seasons, change in position is a natural path. It felt like robbing kids of their favorite pair of shoes to Chun. Taking over companies, dealing with the government, and looking for new business ventures are the things he spent his time on recently.  Handling the underside of things was designated to the soldiers under the family.
The team who took on the Min family obstruction in their territory was rearing to go. With little attention from him, they devised a plan to erase them in one night. 
He will be handling the Han family they are looking for significant backing for their new business venture, which Baek Chun was looking for. It wasn't a plan to attract the Hans. It was widely known in their circles that the Baek family loved to support new businesses that would elevate the country. He didn't delve into the path they wished to take; he preferred an on-site deduction of the presenter and their research. 

"Kane is awaiting your orders, chairman." The reminder came from one of his executives who recently entered his office.

"He seems eager."

Lan Gu, was one of the men who loyally followed Baek Chun from their days in middle school to the present. They've both gone through a lot and witnessed many changes around them. Their perception of human nature was incomparable to most, and it was one of the many traits that made them successful. "It's his sectors they've been playing king in, not to mention his pride of being your sworn brother has been stepped on. I believe this will be a stress reliever for the kid," he returned.

"The young are so energetic these days," Chun grumbled.

"Come now, brother, we are not that old."

"I beg to differ. If my dongsaeng nagged me on my marital status, I'm getting that high in maturity."

Lan Gu snickered after recalling his friend complaining about the second Delacourde child. "He did mention some key points..." he began.

"Oye. Don't tell me." Chun stood from his desk and pointed an accusing finger at his friend. "When? Where? And Who? You're busy as me and found time to please the nagging elders."

Gu didn't say anything but the stupid grin on his face said it all. It wasn't a simple fling, and he was all in. "She has a younger sister," he quickly commented.

A blind date? Hmmm.

~~~

In Yeongdeungpo-gu, a bustling area in Seoul, a man named Kane sat on the ledge of a building his company had recently completed. It was one of four housing they were contracted to build over the past two years. The area was developing faster than ever, with young families moving in and workers wishing to have an independent life away from their families. There were no issues since he began overseeing the city. The law official's workload slowed when he arrived and they both began a give-and-take relationship. Kane left the dirty work to the officers when his attention was needed on business. A year ago, they informed him of a new business in the Mullae area, and he had them monitor it due to it being a subway route and a popular shopping district. A month ago, that business began to slip; their affairs caught the cops' attention on top of their public disorder charges. Kane now had the green light to do as he pleased.

Lighting the cigarette in his hand, he took in the scenic view. The night was chased away by the lights of the buildings and signage in the city. Billboards showed random advertisements from clubs to new products. Cars and motorcycles sped along the streets, and the people bustled from street to street to either go home or to a must-attend event. Most of the city's population was ignorant of what was happening in the shadows. Kane was one of those blissfully unaware people when he was a teen. It took his father's love for gambling to open his eyes. A lot of crap happened, and now he was part of those shadows, twenty-eight, and one of the youngest executives under the Baek family. This blemish in his territory needs to be handled. The family shouldn't be linked to such idiocy. 

"Lake."

"Yes, boss." Six covertly armed men were with him on the rooftop. Kane saved them from the slums. They were all trained and educated under him; he gave them the independence to care for their family and care for their livelihood. Same as Kane was loyal to Baek Chun, they were devoted to the young leader. Each of them was bestowed a name in English that depicted their personalities. 

"Have it all ready in two hours."

The low voice was whisked away by the rush of wind around them, but they heard.

"Yes, boss." Lake motioned for Chase and River to get things ready while the remaining four watched over the leader. 
Kane fiddled with his phone, updating Lan Gu with their schedule before signing off. The young leader was aware of the family behind the escort business front. He gathered the missing persons' files and the reason behind their disappearance. If he wished to get rid of the storefront, he had to attack the additional spots with this one. They were hidden all over the city and across the Hangang River. His brothers were waiting for his signal to begin also. They may deal with the shitty parts but taking away human rights is a line they will never cross.
Pulling his cigarette once more, he sighed then chuckled, thinking he sounded like an old man tired of mundane life. 
"I want a clean takedown tonight. Any mistake and your rank will drop. Do you understand?"

"YES, BOSS!"

Their strong voices carried over the neighborhood and tied in with the nightlife. He knew how strong their resolves were and their drive to not disappoint him. 

The two hours of preparation went by smoothly and efficiently. The vehicles rolling down the street towards The Sakura House gathered attention from passers-by. The cars were frequently seen on television ads and magazine covers, a dream for car lovers and wishful thinking from those who were green with envy. The dark windows mirrored their faces and the numerous LED signs on storefronts. Where were they headed? The businesses in that area were small-time clubs, karaoke bars, and 24/7 convenience stores. The restaurants were regarded as a three-star level for special work dinners. There was only one place the rich would visit on that street, and they were right. 
The building was three levels high with a stately entrance. Entry is only allowed to reservations or affluent visitors. The envoy parked sharply at the curb, in uniformed action the impeccably suited men left their cars and surrounded the sole white car at the center of the envoy. The night crowd wanted to know who it was. Whether you're an idol or infamous in the business world, your identity can be found in trending searches. 
Kane took advantage of his notoriety, his name and face were known throughout the city, and the buildings he established were also common knowledge but it was rare to see him in a recreational environment. He stepped onto the sidewalk and adjusted his tailored suit. Head lowered, his dark hair fell over his right eye, in a natural movement he pushed it back revealing the physical trait he was known for. A crude red scar from his forehead striking through his eyebrow to the corner of his eye was visible to everyone.

"It's Cha Kang-Jae!"  "Boss Cha!" "It's been a while since he visited."

Expressionless face, observant eyes, tall slender stature, glossy black hair, and model-like features, the handsome millionaire, was the Kane the public knew. He gave them a terse nod and short wave in greeting before climbing the short flight of stairs. To the onlookers, it was cool seeing someone like him enter the Sakura House, if it were any man in a lower station in life criticism will be heard. Such is life. 
The large engraved security doors were opened on both sides by two of his men, another two took their positions at the front and lead him inside. The foyer was glamorous with a marble mosaic floor design as its focal point. Reimagined paintings of dated 'pleasurable' art lined the walls. Seated at the foot of the gleaming marble stairs was the hostess of the manor. The ornate reception desk was placed strategically to emphasize the luxury they spent on such building in the neighborhood. Dressed in a beaded knee-length gown, the woman left her lush brocade seat and approached him in a flustered manner. "M-Mr. Cha. Welcome to the Sakura House. How can we serve you?" The woman's eyes moved back and forth between the man at the center of the overpowering group and the two who stayed at the door.

"I wish to speak with your... owner, Min Gunwoo."

"Umm... well.. he's preoccupied at the moment," she stated. Her eyes still weren't focused on him.

"Is that so? I can wait. Please lead us to a suitable area," Kane replied. 

The hostess didn't know what to do, she was aware of who Cha Kang-Jae was and wasn't able to warn the boss. Hopefully they were watching the CCTV footage.
"My. My. What service." Kane crooned in her ear when he leaned forth.

"Apologies, sir." She got startled when the men around Kane began to move with purpose. Four devices appeared amongst them, black face masks were donned and they all filtered into designated areas.

"H-hey. I... You can't... Mr. Kane please, you can't do this," she begged. A crooked finger was placed beneath her chin, her head was moved to eye level with the man her boss hated with all of his soul.

"Are you scared?"