Pasadena

Unaware of his father's legacy's ongoing downfall, Min Jaejin was awaiting his assigned doctor with the silent devil by his side. Casually seated on the medical table, he was ready to get rid of his plaster shackles. He missed the days of walking freely, showering without positioning his body in awkward positions, and moving his limbs freely, he wanted out. As promised, Eros accompanied him to this appointment. The two were caught up in Jaejin's new project for his small recruiting business. With some pointers from Eros, he was able to establish a local recruiting site for college students around the area. His past contacts were willing to be signed as his initial business employers due to his track record with them. The few workers he had under his command were happy to know he was keeping his business open. During his recovery, they visited him and kept him aware of everything going on at their college and how they were faring at the jobs he helped them secure. 
Eros was impressed and equally proud of Jaejin when he was shown the progress the young college student made. Starting a business is tricky, there will be harsh realities one will have to face but Jaejin stepped over them and walked his own path. 

"You never needed his approval."

Eros's statement paused his actions; Jaejin's fingers stopped over the letters on his keyboard and the view of the screen became blurry. 
Wasn't that he strived for over the years? He wanted his father to accept who he was. His life was never to be an unscrupulous businessman who indulged himself in so many vices. He was a simple guy who took everything at his own pace. Jaejin didn't want his life to be dictated to and forced, that's why he fought with his father to give him this freedom as a learning process with the promise of keeping his mother safe. Foolishly he believed his father will see how content he was and give up on making him the sole heir of his now-tarnished family legacy but he failed. A forced engagement; planned setbacks; blackmail; that's what he received in return. His father was a selfish man and only saw the growth of his wealth and none of his son. 
Hearing Eros's words solidified his meek thoughts of him doing good for himself. All along the approval, he was working so hard for turned out to be for himself. In a few words, he realized and proved to himself how worthy he was to take hold of his own future. 

         "You should be proud of what you do. Is it support you wish to have? I can give you that. Do you want someone by your side who believes in you one hundred percent? I can do that. You're doing great, Min Jaejin."

"Why are you so perfect?" Turning his head to eye the man who said those heart-pumping words, Jaejin gave him a shaky smile in fear of crying like a child who received the greatest gift in the world. 

        "I'm not perfect. I have flaws like everyone. I'm simply someone who speaks the truth no matter the circumstance. I wanted you to know what I was feeling and came to a realization at the moment. Is it wrong to do so?" Eros was genuinely confused and the expression on his face proved that.

Jaejin closed the distance between them and placed a slow non-intrusive kiss on Eros's lips. Hidden behind thin dark lashes, fair brown eyes were stuck on his smooth features, and each one was memorized by him. His almond-shaped eyes with thick lashes, his slim nose, his shapely pink colored lips, and the slender cut of his jaw accentuate his delicate features. Eros leaned forth for another kiss and under his breath, the word beautiful escaped his lips. His smooth, soft cheeks began to burn, turning his ivory skin to a slight blush color. A soft laugh left the man who caused that, leaving Jaejin to blush even more. 

"No. It's not wrong." Jaejin was able to voice his reply but his mind was chaotic. He never heard a man call another man beautiful. He heard the words come from ladies who gush over idols but never in real life setting, or during his experience. 

Placing a kiss on his head, Eros took that moment to lean away from his partner to give him some breathing room. This was Jaejin's first relationship and he didn't want to be that clingy boyfriend. He wanted Jaejin to voice his opinions, take action on his own and be free to be himself. 
The two continued their own work on their devices, speaking to each other in low voices until the doctor entered the room. A brisk knock and a greeting followed. "Hello, Mister Min. It's good to see you." The middle-aged doctor had a fresh coat on and the scent of soap filled the ear with his entrance. Two nurses followed him diligently in clean scrubs and perfect appearances. Jaejin was curious about this, it was the first time seeing this uber-professional attitude from medical personnel. Eros on the other hand knew why they were like this. The hospital administrator learned of Jaejin's appointment since he was listed as Delacourde's immediate associate, and the utmost care will be carried out. 
Nurse Isla was the last to enter and she took the spot on Jaejin's right side to observe the staff carefully. The two nurses who cared for him over the weeks saw him as a little brother and treated him as one of their many bosses in the Delacourde family. Their blossoming respect and loyalty moved them to make a big decision.

"Hello doctor," Jaejin returned with a polite smile. Nurse Isla easily removed the device from her young master's lap and repacked his backpack. He gave her a small nod as thank you and returned his attention to the medical team. Eros crossed his leg at the knee and tucked away his own device. "Thank you for your care of Mr. Min. Please proceed with what was scheduled for the day," Eros voiced lowly. The warmth he spoke with towards Jaejin was gone, all that was left was a cold, dominant tone that one had to listen to.

"Y-yes, Mr. Delacourde. Thank you for your praise." The doctor and nurses set to work, focusing on Jaejin's arm first. The silence was cut when the small medical handsaw was switched on. Ten minutes of that infernal buzzing resulted in Jaejin's pleased smile. His now pale arm looked feeble against his body. The doctor did minor examinations such as moving his fingers and rotating his wrists. Placing a pressure ball in his palm to gain strength in his hand, the doctor repeated the same removal procedure for his leg. 
Under the watchful eye of Isla and Eros, the doctor felt unwanted pressure when completing this simple procedure. X-rays were done and a full body check-up was completed. 

"You're fit to return to college and free to resume your daily routine."

"Finally. Thanks, doctor." Jaejin proudly left the examiner's table and stood on his two feet. He moved his body at different angles and took a few steps around the room. When he came to a stop, Isla dutifully fixed the unclasped pants leg and righted his t-shirt. The pants were one of the few sportswear he had to wear because of the cast. Fasteners were on each leg from the knee to ankle in a slender fit, the t-shirt was one of the few designer labels Eros gifted him, along with the subtle male jewelry on his ear and neck. His inky black hair was in a top knot on his head finalizing his delicate yet handsome look.
Eros stood and approached the two; Isla stepped back with a respectful bow while Jaejin turned his smile to him. "Are you heading back now?" he asked. Eros brushed his fingers across his cheeks then placed his hands in his pockets.

         "After I give you your gift. It's a few blocks away. Shall we go?" 

"Yes." Leaning his head slightly to the right, Jaejin tried to figure out what his gift can be. He was gifted with so many things over the past weeks and most of them were before they officially became a couple. 
Side by side the two left the building with Isla three feet behind them and the six guards joining them along the way to the entrance. Boarding the modified Bentley, Jaejin marveled at the luxurious comfort of the interior, on a collapsible tray was Eros's laptop and a fresh cup of Starbucks awaiting him. Behind the seat, he took a drink that was there waiting for him along with a light breakfast. 
        "Eat up. We'll be there in a few minutes," Eros commented when he entered the car after him. 

"How big is this gift for us to change locations?" Jaejin was curious about that fact but more of the idea of receiving something from his partner. 

          "I think it's best you judge for yourself." Eros rubbed his temple tiredly but managed to give him a small smile amidst it all. His action made Jaejin's curiosity level spike higher.
The two sat in companionable silence as the envoy made its way along the streets toward their destination.
The scenery outside captured both their attention, one rarely makes daytime visits to the public and the other was relieved to be outdoors, injury free.

           "When do you plan to return to classes? I understand that you were permitted to continue online classes for the remaining semesters."

Jaejin turned to him with an amused smile on his face. "There's this sixth sense that this question is hiding a lot of hope for something."

        "It's nice that I can speak in fewer words with you," Eros returned softly. The slight tug at his lips wasn't missed by his partner.

"Well you are considered a man of mystery and few words. I don't dare break the public's image of you, so I must adapt" Jaejin quipped.
The driver and the guard in the front seat began to cough violently, in an attempt to hide the unexpected snort of laughter.

         "Aren't you cheeky, today? Cute."

The straightforward flirting from Eros always catches him off guard.

   "Continuing our conversation, I wanted to suggest to you the opportunity to elevate your business. With online courses, you will gain more time to do personal recruitment. What do you think?"

Eros's suggestion was aligned with his thoughts during their weekend together. Hesitation was natural to anyone when starting a new path in life, so it was expected in Jaejin. "I need to put more thought into it. Though things are steady now, the bigger influence I get within the college student circle, the more issues will arise. I will have to think of countermeasures before that happens."

Eros gave him a firm nod of satisfaction and pride. He sensed Jaejin had a head for unconventional business and that is what is needed in today's economy. As technology grows, fewer human workers are needed unless you have some background education in a certain field. When these companies grow, lots of people fail to be hired, this is where small business comes in. "Good. Oh. We are here." 
The car came to a stop after Eros's words. The guard in the front seat left the car first and opened Jaejin's day while someone from the SUV behind them rushed to Eros's side. 

Clambering out of the car, Jaejin took a sip of his coffee leisurely and took in the area under lazily half-closed eyes. High-end restaurants and boutiques lined the opposite street, when he rounded the car and stepped onto the pavement, the area before him was completely different. Five buildings with visible preserved architecture came into view. The brick buildings were either whitewashed or kept their red brick outlook. This area was well known not only for the high-end nature of businesses but the history behind the buildings or the land itself. Jaejin eyed each historic building as he approached Eros who was frowning for some reason. 
 

"Wow, so this Le Desir. Adam mentioned this place, he's been raving about this place nonstop. I think I should come with him next time. To have a club inside a historically marked building, this person must be pretty influential," Jaejin commented when he saw the sign and entrance to one of the most talked about clubs. 

           "If you have money and you meet a greedy official, the world is bigger than it seems," Eros grumbled.

"Hmm? What?"

Eros realized the situation through Jaejin's words. He wanted to facepalm himself. How can he forget to mention his club?
             "I own Le Desir. You can visit anytime."

Jaejin's eyes widen at the new information. He turned fully towards his partner with furrowed brows. "Does this make me a sugar baby, now?"

Violent coughs and sputtering sounded around them; Eros closed his eyes and made his lips firmer in order to hold back the incredulous laughter. His Jaejin has gotten bolder. "What are the conditions that make you believe you are one?"

"Semi-broke, college kid with good looks, attracted to handsome CEO and doesn't mind being spoiled by him, said CEO has interests in me. I think those are the basics," Jaejin answered honestly.

            "Hmmm. I see. Well, I prefer you claim the title of husband, my smartmouthed cutie."

Jaejin didn't hide it. His draw dropped after Eros's casual claim of him. The mischievous glint in those brown eyes wasn't missed. He knew the words this man speaks are honest and firm, his saying that he was to be his husband not only cemented his feelings for him but for their future.
"Can you not catch me off guard so often?" he grumbled as he made his way to Eros's side.

"No can do. I will miss those cute expressions of yours." A kiss was placed on Jaejin's head when the blushing boy hid his face in his partner's shoulder.

The two stayed in silence, oblivious to the stares of pedestrians walking around them and the soft smiles from the soldiers who kept them safe from a distance. 
"Husband. We haven't marked three months as a couple yet you call me your husband. What if I fall to the pressures of insecurity? What if I call it quits? What if..."

        "I will support you the best that I can. If you wish to end our relationship then I will respect your decision. I will be silently waiting for you though."

Jaejin chuckled."You have so much confidence in me. How? How can you believe in me so blindly?"

          "Because I was taught to look deeper into someone who captures your very existence. I've been doing so since I saw you that night. I like what I see and want it all to myself."

Who would have thought his first relationship turned out to be with someone so exceptional? Straightening his posture, he stood beside Eros and looked at what he staring at since they arrived.
More silence enveloped the two. One was nervous while the other was in disbelief.

"I may not be a car-obsessed guy but I know luxury cars when I see one, not to mention the design of this one."

Eros sighed in defeat. "My gift to you is inside."

"What? So who is this from? I know I'm not that charming to get such an extravagant gift from others."

        "Babe. Stop before I kiss you senselessly to counter that statement."

Jaejin's face was now one shade brighter than before.

          "This is a gift from my parents, "Eros contained.

"Right. Your parents."

Eros waited for him to come to terms with his statement. 

"Rose....." Jaejin realized his words, his body froze upon that. Parked at the curb was Ford's electric vehicle. The Ford Mustang Mach-E. Though he wasn't looking to purchase a car of his own, he personally appreciated electric vehicles and their clean line design but to be gifted one...? That's crazy.

          "I believe they wish to spend their accumulated cash on their children's partners. Spoil them if you must. Big sister Amara was the first. Now that a ring is on her finger, those two are waiting for the new generation to start with her and big brother Luke. I'm the second son, meaning I'm next to get bonded with some. Just like that, you're by my side. You are now someone of great importance to them because to them the son they worry about the most is now in a relationship."

"This... but we...." 

              "It's early in our relationship, right?" he continued, a hapless smile on his face as he shrugged his shoulders. Taking a sip of the now cold coffee as he looked at the car, he continued. "They mean well. Those two love us without a fault and seeing us happy comes like a duty to them. Many will have much to say of someone being gifted a car in the forty to fifty grand range but to my folks, it's them helping out the partner of their son. I hope you accept it without any guilt or pressure."

Jaejin stepped forward the circled the dark blue mid-size SUV, the windows were darkly tinted and the wheels looked reinforced to his untrained eyes.
               "Modifications to the wheels and body of the SUV were done, the interior also. The system is linked to our network meaning you can contact anyone under my faction and the others. A tracker is placed so we will know your position in times of danger. Insurance and ownership are all under your name, also a driver and two soldiers are assigned to you."

Hearing everything out loud immortalized in Jaejin's mind how powerful his partner was. To have their own network, to do such things like insurance, possibly more with ease, and having an army under their name - the Delacourdes can basically overthrow the head of state or control him in the background. This man was presently giving him and his mother freedom in means he wish not to know of. 

"Please relay my thanks." His honest remark made Eros's worries disappear. 

     "Come here."

Returning to his side, Jaejin saw the change in those fair brown eyes. Using his thumb and forefinger, Eros held his chin to move his head slightly upwards to gaze into his obsidian eyes. His lips were slightly parted and his face was still heated due to their close proximity. "You're mine, Min Jaejin. You will understand what that means in its entirety. For now, focus on all the things that once troubled you, I will be a call or text away. When you open my gift, I leave the decision to you. Okay?"

"Okay."

 Eros smiled at the quick response. "Have a good day, my sweet Jin," he said in a low breathy voice. To punctuate his sentence, he placed a slow kiss on his partner's lips, swiping his tongue teasingly against his lips and tongue. Jaejin groaned when Eros placed more pressure on his kiss before slowly cutting off their connection. 
Opening his eyes, the brown eyes of Eros were now one of a predator. Though the two hadn't reached the stage of mid-level intimacy, the tension and compatibility between them were high.           "That's more like it."

Not a word left Jaejin's lips as he kept Eros's gaze. For some odd reason he was frozen on that spot, one hand still in the pocket of his hoodie and the other holding the empty coffee cup. Additional warmth was felt on his hand in his pocket, it was Eros's. An object was released before the soft caress of fingers brushed against his own.
Eros took a step away from him, bringing him back to reality.
"Hahhhhh, that wasn't nice," he grumbled while tousling his messy hair. The low laugh was heard, making his frown turn into a smile. He watched with pride as Eros turned and enter his car, not before looking his way one last time. Jaejin chuckled. "I have a boyfriend," he whispered to himself.
Placing his attention back on his new car, he met the faces of Isla and a young man around his age possibly older next to her. A dark BMW pulled to the curb behind the SUV. Isla stepped forward with his backpack on her shoulder. 
"Young Master Eros has left your settling in to me. This is Kreden your driver and also your secondary bodyguard. When you don't feel the need to drive, he will be there for you. These two are your assigned guards. Latis and Joonie both are from the main family house but are fluent in English. I decided to stay as your attendant, your secretary as you can say, and an on-call nurse for the second young master's faction."

Isla's last statement caught him off guard. What do you do with a secretary?

He looked at the four faces who were awaiting his orders. Jaejin never had any authority at his childhood home, he was treated as shit by the staff under his father's rule. No one listened to his basic needs, he had to either do it himself or find his mother in the too-large mansion. How does one order another human? Jaejin frowned at the thought. Isla giggled knowing the dilemma her young master was having. 

"Where would you like to go, young master?" she asked.

"Hairstylist then some shopping. I will leave school for another day."

"Very well. Can I have the remote key?" 

He handed the small silver device to her while she took his empty cup simultaneously. Unlocking the car, the guards returned to their car and the driver took hold of the remote under her orders. Isla held the rear door open for him, revealing a gift bag and two folders on the seat waiting for him. Excited to see what was inside the bag he entered the car and forgot about his surroundings.

Under a patterned tissue paper were two boxes, they both had logos any fashion-forward person will know. "Is the word moderate not in his dictionary?"
In one slender box with the name Ferragamo embossed on it, a soft leather bi-fold wallet was neatly packaged in it. Lifting the item, Jaejin expected a lightness to be felt but it was far from it. The bulk was somewhat noticeable but not at first glance. "Please be moderate," he chanted. Opening the wallet was one thousand cash neatly packed and a silver card. Tugging the card out of the slot, Jaejin slowly raised his head and took a deep breath. It wasn't the first time he held a credit card, he already had one but for emergencies. In his hand was a Platinum Card from American Express. The charge card that anyone will go crazy in a clothing store with. The other crazy thing is, it was his name on the card.
"Just how rich is this family?" he muttered. 

"Young master do you want me to transfer your cards to your new wallet?" Isla asked softly.

"Isla, when am I going to get used to spending without worry and wearing clothing that is practically a month's rent?"

His secretary, formerly his nurse, laughed at his question and set out to do as she asked. 

The next box had a note attached. 'This line is secure. You can talk to her freely. To rid of your apprehensions, read the files.' The box was a new phone alongside a case and was already programmed. 
The files beside him were beckoning him, especially the black one. Reaching for it with shaky hands, he opened it and in chronological order, the entire assault on the Korean Min family filled the pages in the folder along with associated criminal profiles. His chest pained him, the shock was one thing but disgust was more apparent. There was enough evidence to destroy the Min family for generations to come. One word from the contents was enough to crush the family's image. The file shook violently as the papers fell onto his lap.

"He... Eros... The hell. He destroyed a six-generation family in one night."

His partner was a monster.

A monster who will do anything for him. 

Jaejin sighed, this time in acceptance of his partner's hidden life and relief that his father will be served his comeuppance.  This folder was blue and was sealed on three sides. The black circular seals had the words confidential printed in white along the edges with a thorned white rose at the center. Without anyone telling him the meaning of that insignia, he knew it was one of Eros's signature marks. 
"Isla, do you have a knife or sharp object on you?" he asked. It wasn't weird to ask his new friend this. Even though her position was a nurse, she was proficient in combat and weaponry. She revealed this to him and Eros informed him of this.

"Yes, young master. Here it is." 

Placed in his hand was a small dagger in a tactical sheath. He eyed the weapon for a few seconds then proceeded with his actions. That little request placed additional plans for his future in his mind. Eros's previous question surrounding his mother came forth when he opened the second file; that's where his answer was found.

Eros's sworn brother was successful in sourcing the dowry/investment his mother's family gave his father and what it was used for. Though the sum was large in Korean currency, when converted to US currency it was enough to kickstart a small financial firm. It was his mother's dowry that laid the foundation for the HW Financial Group, not to mention the small investments made in the Korean market. Annual profit and loss were recorded on six sheets of paper with balances due to his mother. In the eyes of the law, the money is all under the husband's ownership but all the information gathered wasn't under legal ways, was it? Eros's motive in giving Jaejin the two files was simple. The statement was clear.

Your father is now in ruins and your mother is safe. 

Jaejin chuckled under his breath. "What a fun game."