✧.*

"Maybe I've been too cold with him" San looked at his reflection on the huge mirror in front of him. Thinking things out loud wouldn't have solved anything, though.

The previous night when they arrived home he didn't really give Wooyoung much attention: the scared look on the boy's face every time San got a slightly bit closer, the way he flinched and started shaking every time he touched him, the frightened looks and the habit of never looking straight at San, they were all good signals for the older one to give Wooyoung some space. But still, after San had locked himself in his room he didn't feel at peace.

He had just bought Wooyoung. He had bought a person, flesh and bones, like it was an object. He didn't want to scare the boy any further but what concerned him the most was that he didn't want Wooyoung to think of himself like a property.

San looked at his Rolex: he still had fifteen minutes to not be late to the office. Hongjoong had made himself clear: with such a huge money loss they had to reorganise some work and cut as many expenses they could and it had to be done immediately. He couldn't be late today. But (now) ten minutes were more then enough. He pulled a black tie out from one drawer al put it around his neck, leaving it hanging from his shoulders, he would have fixed it later.

He left his room and walked quickly to the door next to his. He didn't think much before he knocked loudly on the wooden surface. A few seconds passed before he could hear steps approaching the door and unlock it. It opened slightly, Wooyoung still sleepy face peaking from the gap. He was still rubbing his eye and San couldn't help but think at how cute he looked before that sweet, innocent face turned into a panicked expression. Wooyoung took a few steps back, opening the door completely and letting San in, he timidly walked inside the room and closed the door behind him before looking at Wooyoung unsure on how to start that conversation. The atmosphere was weird, both boys looked at each other for a few seconds before San took the courage and said the first sentence.

"Good morning, I'm sorry to just barge in here unannounced..." he scratched his head feeling uncomfortable, he thought of a way of cutting that suffocating tension but not much came to his mind
He remembered how that scared look who was so characterising of Wooyoung seemed to disappear the night before only when he heard Hongjoong and San bickering, maybe he could play that card again.

"I don't have much time before Hongjoong comes and scolds me for being late" he chuckled, "but I-"

"I understand, master" Wooyoung stopped him halfway, "I'll make it quick, don't worry"

San was about to ask what he meant but he didn't have time because in a second Wooyoung was kneeled between his legs unbuckling San's belt. The older was so shocked that he could move and speak again only when his zip was all the way down too. Wooyoung was about to undress him of his trousers when San finally stopped him.

"Woo-wooyoung, s-stop! Stop!" he yelled pushing the boy slightly back.

The younger shivered violently when San hand touched his shoulder and quickly moved away looking up at San with confused eyes.

"Do you want to do it in another way, master?" he asked standing up again, "Do you want me to undress first?" and without waiting for San's answer he started unbuttoning his pajama shirt.

San couldn't help but jump forward, taking Wooyoung's hand away from his clothes and holding them still between his, "I don't wanna do it. I didn't come here for this. Keep your clothes on and don't worry about mine"

Wooyoung's eyes were fixed on their intertwined hands, a look of discomfort visible on his face. San cursed at himself for being so impulsive, he quickly let him go and took a step back, his hands flying to his trousers instead trying to fix them back as he spoke again, "I came just to see if you were okay. I'll be gone for most of the day but I wanted to make sure you had everything you need"

"I-I do, but..." Wooyoung stuttered before lowering his head once again.

"But...?" San insisted.

"I don't understand, master. I'm sorry! Can I help you in anyway?"

San thought about his question, Seonghwa was always complaining about how many duties he had and how desperately he needed a hand, maybe Wooyoung could actually be of use.

"Maybe you can help Seonghwa-hyung while I'm gone, can you?" he asked.

But Wooyoung looked even more confused at that, "Do you- you want me to give pleasure to Seonghwa-hyung? Did you buy me for him?"

"What? No!" San jaw almost fell to the ground, "Wooyoung, listen: I didn't buy you for any of that! I don't want you to give pleasure to me, nor to Seonghwa. We won't force you in any of that" he held the younger gaze to make sure he understood, but it didn't last long before Wooyoung's head lowered once again.

"Why did you buy me, then?" it was just a whisper but San heard him clearly. The problem was that he didn't know how to answer.

Why did I buy him? The question kept him awake for long the night before. He was about to talk again when a loud angry yell came from the corridor at his back.

"CHOI SAN GET OUT RIGHT NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT ME TO COME IN AND KILL YOU!" loud bangs resounded through the hall. San looked at the watch on his wrist before cursing out loud.

He turned to Wooyoung, "I really have to go, I'm sorry! Seonghwa will help you, go find him whenever you want, I'm sure he'll be in the kitchen or dining room. Later!" and with that he ran out of the room closing the door behind him.

Hongjoong flared a homicidal look to San before stomping to where the boy was and forcing him to move.

"What were you doing in there? Please tell me you weren't playing with that Shiva or I really might push you down the stairs!"

"It's Shiber, and no! I wasn't! That's Wooyoung's room now" San blushed, but still his answer came out sharp.

"And why were you in Wooyoung's room? No. Actually don't answer. I really don't wanna know. Your looks speak clear enough" his eyes flew to the shirt messily pushed inside his trousers and to the tie still hanging on his shoulders, "I cant believe you! I'm so furious with you right now!" he screamed as he pushed the door to the dining room open.

Seonghwa was there, fixing a bucket of fresh fruit on the table, he was about to greet them but Hongjoong didn't stop, dragging san away and to the main door. Seonghwa grabbed a tray full of croissants and quickly followed after them trying to stop the two running men, "Yah! You didn't have dinner last night, you're not skipping breakfast too!"

"Well I guess we have to since this one here prefered to have his dick sucked first thing in the morning" he yelled still marching.

"I DIDN'T HAVE MY DICK SUCKED!" San was now yelling back, cheeks and ears bright red.

"Whatever you did, it doesn't change the fact that we're fucking late!" he stopped on his track just right before the main door and he turned to face a shocked and at the same time pissed Seonghwa, "I'm sorry Hwa, we have to go. I'll see you tonight! I'll grab one of these tho..." he thanked the taller boy and took a croissant with his free hand while with his other he pushed San outside and through the car with renewed anger.

"But I cooked for a whole army!" Seonghwa whined, but his words reached only to the wooden thick door which quickly closed behind the other two boys. Seonghwa sighted resigned. He walked back to the dining room and he was about to put away all the good prelibacies he had cooked when a shy knock came from the still open door. Wooyoung was leaning on it, waiting for Seonghwa to look at him.

"Good morning, Wooyoungie! I hope you slept well" Seonghwa smiled warmly.

Wooyoungie? Thought the boy lowering his head to hide the sudden blush showing on his cheeks, "I-I did, thank you hyung. I, a-actually I... I came to see i-if you - is there anything I can do to help?" he rushed the sentence looking even cuter and making Seonghwa smile turn into a loud laugh.

"You can actually! I will never be able to finish all this by myself, so I hope you're hungry 'cause I definitely need some help here" and as he finished speaking he sat down at the table, moving the chair next to his for Wooyoung.

The boy walked shily and took his place looking at the table mesmerised, "You cooked all this, hyung?" he asked turning to Seonghwa.

"Well, not everything, but most of it, yeah! Do you want coffee?"

Wooyoung nodded vehemently, taking the fuming cup in his hands. He had always been extremely curious about that drink, the strong smell already filling his nostrils, but he had never the chance to try it. He took a big sip out of his cup, but soon his face contorted in a grimace, "Its bitter!" his voice raising by an octave as he looked at Seonghwa sad and disappointed.

Seonghwa laughed, his hand reaching out to Wooyoung's one that instinctively moved it away when he felt the touch. Seonghwa immediately noticed the mood shift on the younger's face and made a note to avoid physical contact as much as possible, but still he extended his hand to take the mug from Wooyoung. He smiled reassuringly to the boy and added couple of spoons of sugar for the younger, "Try it again!" and Wooyoung did. The flavour completly changed making the drink delicious and addicting.

"Thank you, hyung! It's much better, I love it!" his shoulders relaxed again after he had another sip of coffee.

The two of them sat at the table eating all they could from the delicious banquet, Wooyoung was shy at first but minute after minutes he started to soften and talk more freely with the older. There was something reassuring about Seonghwa that made him feel comfortable and not scared. In the meantime Seonghwa observed the boy attentively, trying to not put pressure on him and ask just enough to not make him feel uncomfortable but trying at the same time to know him a bit better. He realised Wooyoung loved sweet things and couldn't drink nor eat what was too bitter or too sour. Wooyoung didn't say much about his past, neither the older asked, but Seonghwa realised that something very bad had happened to the boy who was jumping at every louder noise and whose body turned stiff and distrustful just at the slightest touch. He definitely had some skeletons locked up in his closet, but as time passed that morning Seonghwa realised one could say many things about Wooyoung except he was a silent person. It didn't take long before the shy boy transformed into a questioning loud machine, whooping on Seonghwa who happily accepted this new side of Wooyoung and answered as many questions as he could. Soon Wooyoung was well informed about the life in the huge house: San's father was one of the most powerful bosses of Seoul underworld but during the last months he had started delegate more responsibilities to San and that's the reason why he was often busy and out with Hongjoong. So, Seonghwa was left alone in the huge house for most of the time. San was very careful in everything he did and wasn't one to easily trust people: that's why Seonghwa was left alone to take care of the huge house they were living in.

"I'm very happy you joined the family, Woo. It's good to not be so lonely anymore" Seonghwa smiled to Wooyoung picking up a few plates.

"Let me help you wash the dishes, hyung" chirped the smaller one happily after stuffing his mouth with the last piece of pancake.

"I'd really appreciate it, thank you Wooyoungie" but Seonghwa was quick to change his mind when after not even five minutes the umpteenth plate crushed on the ground. Wooyoung was really trying his best but he was so clumsy that he couldn't help it, so they ended up picking shredded glasses from the floor more than washing them.

"Okay, let's try something different, shall we?" asked Seonghwa after a while trying his best to keep Wooyoung away from the sink, "I'll show you where the laundry is, that will be much easier for you"

They walked to the floor below and Seonghwa switched on the huge washing machine as he instructed Wooyoung, "I already divided the clothes, these are the ones that we need to wash today" he said pointing to a basket full of black fabric, "take them one by one and make sure they don't have big spots, if they do spray this on top of it before you put the clothes inside the machine. I switched it on for you so all you need to do is close the door once all the clothes are inside and add the soap, then press this button, okay?" he looked at Wooyoung to make sure he understood.

Wooyoung nodded, "I'll take care of it" he smiled and sat on the ground starting to take out shirts and trousers and checking them one by one. Seonghwa looked at him one last time before leaving saying he was going back to clean the kitchen and living room. It didn't look hard at all: Wooyoung was very attentive with every piece of cloth he took from the basket, he made sure to spray enough product on each spot he found.

He did a pretty quick job and soon all the clothes were ready and closed inside the machine. He just had to add the soap and press the button. Easy peasy. He took the purple bottle which was settled on top of the machine, once the cap was opened a pleasant smell of flowers filled the room: he could tell that it was the same soap Seonghwa used to wash the blankets of his bed and the pajama he was still wearing. Wooyoung loved it and made sure to pour a huge quantity of product so that the clothes would have smelled extra nicely. Once he was done he pressed the button and sat down in front of the machine. And now I wait, he thought listening to the watery sounds coming from the machinery. White bubbles of soap started forming inside the spinning wheel, the movement was so smooth that it felt almost addicting to watch it. The more the washing machine moved the more soapy foam was made. Soon it became almost impossible to distinguish the black clothes since white was the only visible color through the machinery's porthole. A few bubbles started forming at the edge of the door, flying all around the room when the wheel started spinning faster. Wooyoung giggled and took some of the soft foam in his hands playing with it. It really smells nice, he thought blowing on it and making more bubbles fly around.

He kept playing around and laugh until he felt his bare feet getting wet: he looked at the machine which had started making weird noises and was pouring way too much soap out of the closed door. Wooyoung quickly stood up and rushed to the other side of the laundry room where he had spotted some towels. But when he came back the soap quantity was unbearable, almost hiding the machinery from view. He tried to dry it with the towels but it seemed like it was completely useless. He panicked.

"Oh, no-no-no-no! Please, stop! This is not fun anymore!" he tried to hit the machine but it only seemed to make it spin faster, "HYUUUUUNG!" He called as loud as he could, the washing machine in the meantime had started shaking, almost jumping on its spot and menacing to move away from the wall where it was located.

Wooyoung quickly jumped on it trying to make it stay still with his weight as he called Seonghwa again and again 'til the older appeared at the door, breath short.

"Wooyoungie, what's -" but he didn't even finish his sentence when his eyes were met with the scene in front of him: Wooyoung soaked wet, clinging at the washing machine as it moved furiously and squished floods of soap out of every slit, "WHAT THE FUCK?"

Wooyoung cried out, his body shaking on top of the evil machine, "Hyung, please do something, I don't know what happened!"

Luckily Seonghwa wasn't one to easily panick and quickly rushed to the washing machine socket pulling it out before the water could reach it. The machinery suddenly stopped, making Wooyoung sight in relief. Seonghwa scratched his head desperately trying to keep calm, he walked to the bottle of soap which had fell to the floor and realised it was half empty. He squinted his eyes and pinched at the bridge of his nose exhaling loudly. In the meantime Wooyoung stood silently, head low, in the darker corner of the room.

"I'm sorry, hyung. I-I don't know what happened, I just-" he stopped talking and closed his eyes shut when Seonghwa walked closer to him, bottle of soap still in hand. If he has to beat me I hope it's going to be fast, he thought waiting for the first hit. But that hit never arrived.

"Wooyoungie, it's all right, is not your fault. I had to show you the right amount of soap that you had to use. You didn't know, it's okay. We will buy a new washing machine. A bigger one would be usefull since we're four people now" he smiled at the boy who had once again opened his eyes and was looking at the older with concern.

"Hyung i-is not going to b-beat me for what I've d-done?" he asked shaking.

"Oh no, baby! I could never! It's all good, really! Look..." he opened the cap of the bottle and poured just a tiny amount of soap inside, "This is the right quantity, so you will know for the next time, okay?" he smiled and gave Wooyoung the half full cap who took it with still shaky hands.

"I'm so sorry, hyung. I'm good at nothing" his eyes became teary, "Don't say that! I'm sure we will find something you're good at. Now let's get out of here, go have a bath and dry your hair properly. I don't want you to get sick, okay?" he smiled, "I still have a few things to do, you can have a look around once you're done. Explore! There are many interesting rooms in this house!" he chuckled and offered Wooyoung his hand to take.

The younger looked at it with uncertainty, but slowly moved his hand and clung it around Seonghwa's, "Thank you, Seonghwa-hyung!" he whispered quickly hugging the older's arm before he completly detached his body and walked together upstairs.

Seonghwa gave Wooyoung clean clothes and a new pajama for the night, promising him that they would have bought all he needed that night. The online shopping was the best, had promised Seonghwa explaining to the younger showing him many different websites on his phone. Wooyoung couldn't wait, but he knew Seonghwa was still busy doing the cleanings and since he didn't want to be a bother he decided to follow the suggestion and have a look around the house. Seonghwa didn't lie when he said that the place had many interesting rooms: until then Wooyoung had already found a small private cinema, hidden behind heavy red curtains instead of a normal wooden door, a huge gym with any kind of sports forniture and a swimming pool, an indoor garden that smelled better than the washing machine soap, a bathroom so huge and decorated that Wooyoung didn't really know what use they could make out of it.

He was about to turn around and go look for Seonghwa when another room caught his attention. There was no door but differently from the cinema room no heavy curtains were hiding what was inside. There was just a small arch at the end of the long corridor as an entrance to the room. It was particularly bright even at that time of the day when the sun was already setting. Wooyoung walked closer and realised that all the light was coming in from the huge window wall that was occupying the wall in front of him. The room didn't look too big nor particularly decorated, but as Wooyoung walked inside he gasped astonished. The red light of the setting sun was invading the space and reflected on the many pearl white statues placed all around the room. There were any kind of figures, from the more classical, human ones, to those more undefined and surrealistic. The one that caught Wooyoung's attention the most was a tree entirely made of glass and crystals hanging from the ceiling with thick brown ropes. Roots and branches finely recreated out of the shiny material. It looked so majestic but at the same time so fragile that Wooyoung found himself staring at it for a while. His attention switched just when a particularly sharp sunray reflection made him notice another piece of art. He moved, walking closer and wondering how could he notice it just at that moment.

It was a painting, a huge one, that occupied almost all the wall in front of Wooyoung. It was so big and colorful that the boy tried to touch it to feel if it really was just painted or if it was actually real, the impression he could have almost walked inside of the beautiful landscape so vivid he felt almost disappointed when his fingers touched the dried tempera. It was a green field on a spring day: flourishing trees were hiding from the view a further away town of which just the peak of a bell tower could be seen. Wooyoung extended his hand touching it again, his finger tips brushing against the rough surface in which lots of blue flowers were painted. He realised tears had escaped his eyes as his free hand rose to dry them. He didn't know why he was suddenly crying, but that painting was making him feel something funny at the pit of his stomach.

"I wish I could disappear inside of you" he whispered, his mouth so close to the canva like he was confessing those words right to the painting itself.

"I'm happy you found our little museum" Seonghwa's voice broke out so suddenly that Wooyoung jumped back, startled.

"I didn't notice you" he said blushing turning around to face the older, "Are you done with the cleanings?" his eyes so expecting that Seonghwa couldn't help but melt at all that cuteness.

"Yes, I'm done. I'm not hungry though, should I cook something for you? Or we can just have a tea and finally look for your new clothes" he smiled.

"A tea is more then enough, I'm not hungry either" Wooyoung said, trying his best to not jump on the spot for how excited he was. Shopping online! Shopping online! Were the only two words his brain was processing at that moment, "Actually -" he had a second thought, "is there any more coffee left?"

Seonghwa laughed amused, he probably had created a new addiction to the younger, but he nodded leading the way back to the living room.

They sat on the huge couch for an indefinite period of time buying clothes, shoes, accessories and many other things that Wooyoung wasn't even sure he would actually need, but he didn't complain since Seonghwa seemed so happy. Time passed and even before they could realise it they heard the main door opening and two new voices filling the house. Hongjoong was the first one to walk in the living room, a tired smile appearing on his face as soon as his eyes locked to those of Seonghwa.

"We're home!" he greeted.

Seonghwa opened his mouth to say something but instead he gasped frightened when suddenly Wooyoung jumped up from the couch, his body bending in a bow as soon as San walked inside the room.

"Welcome back, master!" he greeted, loud and clear.

Hongjoong couldn't stop the scoff that left his mouth and turned to San, trying his best to not burst out in a loud laugh. Seonghwa looked at Wooyoung instead.

"Master?" he joked.

Wooyoung blushed hard, raising his head to look at Seonghwa first and to San then. The black haired boy shook his head embarassed and pushed Hongjoong to the side as he walked closer to the couch.

"Thank you Wooyoung, but just call me San, yeah?" he scratched his head smiling, rosie blooming on his cheeks.

"San? But-" he tried to argue, but Seonghwa was quicker to answer.

"Oh, San-ah! You know we will tease you forever about this, don't you?" and he started laughing, soon followed by Hongjoong.

Wooyoung sat back on the couch, confused and a little bit embarrassed and guilty. But San didn't seem bothered by the other's jokes, so he just let it go. When the laughters died out Hongjoong sat on the couch next to Seonghwa.

"Happy to know that I still have you on my side" he smiled putting his arm around the pink haired boy's shoulder, but this one just pushed him away. He stood up with a scoff and made his way to the furthest side of the sofa, far away from Hongjoong.

"Hwa, c'mon! What did I do now?" he whined looking for eye contact with the other who instead started reading an old magazine left on the coffee table in front of him.

San tried to save the situation "I'm starving, what's there for dinner?" he asked trying to switch the topic not knowing that the situation would just escalate.

"Nothing!" answered sharp Seonghwa, his eyes burning holes through San and Hongjoong heads, "Leftover from breakfast are in the fridge, if you're still hungry you'll find instant ramyeon in the upper cupboard" and with that he stood up, "Wooyoungie, come with me, we can continue in my room where these two won't bother us!"

Wooyoung threw a last gaze at San, looking for permission but he didn't spear any look at Wooyoung and instead he walked ragingly to the kitchen, followed by a disconsolate Hongjoong.

What kind of people did I end up with? he thought to himself as he followed Seonghwa upstairs.

✧.*

A/N
And so it begins: a penny for your thoughts. I really hope you're enjoying the story so far. Comments are always very welcome ❤️