ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎

"So this is your husband?! You know I just came back into Korea! A pity I couldn't be at the wedding, I heard it was the talk of the town!" Ms. Hwang went on and on while Soonyoung and Jihoon stood in front of her with understanding smiles on their faces.

Soonyoung hated how much Ms. Hwang talked because she never seemed to know when to stop but she was one of his biggest investors and customers so he had to put up with it.

So far they'd talked to a few guests and all had believed their act so it was safe to say that their mission was going according to plan.

"You remember my son Changkyun, he's taking over the business soon, you could maybe teach him the ropes?" She asked in a way that implied she expected Soonyoung to do as she requested.

Soonyoung nodded with a fake smile as Changkyun came forward, a cigarette in his mouth and one hand in his pocket, his out of dress code outfit summing him up to Jihoon who had never seen him before.

He was a rascal, basically.

Soonyoung knew Changkyun, a bit too well, they had been best friends in the past but after Soonyoung took over and left the party lifestyle, the two drifted apart.

He wasn't surprised to see that Changkyun was still engrossed in it.

"Soonyoung-ah, long time no see." Changkyun took a drag of the cigarette, the carbonated smoke flying straight towards the two as he puffed it out.

Soonyoung fought the urge to roll his eyes while Jihoon stepped back, not wanting to be part of the conversation. "Hey, I'm going to use the restroom." He informed the three and Soonyoung turned to him.

"Should I follow?" He said through gritted teeth, hoping Jihoon would get the hint. Unfortunately, he did get the hint, "No, I'll be fine, have fun catching up."

Jihoon patted Soonyoung's shoulder with a teasing smile before walking off, disappearing into the crowd of people.

"Fuck." Soonyoung swore under his breath, running his hand through his hair as he turned back to the mother and son. "I'd love to show you the ropes Changkyun, but maybe another time-"

The sight of Wonwoo at one of the bouffet tables drew his attention and Soonyoung smiled, genuinely. He had a chance to escape.

"I have an urgent matter to take care of, but it was nice seeing you both." He beamed at them before walking away with a rapid speed, practically dashing towards the black haired, tall man with glasses who was suspiciously eyeing the food.

Soonyoung crept up on Wonwoo, leaning forward, his lips positioned by Wonwoo's ear as he whispered, "Any updates Wonwoo-ya?" Wonwoo jumped, the sound tingling his ears as he moved ahead, turning around to see Soonyoung.

"Oh, no Sir, no updates yet. I was wondering if I could go and meet Kim Mingyu now, he may be able to give me some information on Yoon Jeonghan." Wonwoo stood with his hands in front of him, maintaining his professional look.

Soonyoung ran his tongue over his teeth, his disappointment and dissatisfaction speedily changing into anger. "Sure, you can go, I just... I need an update." Soonyoung informed Wonwoo, his eyes carrying an unidentifiable irritability in them which Wonwoo did not fail to notice.

Wonwoo nodded, gulping down as he eyed the food one more time before leaving the hall. "Was he hungry or something?" Soonyoung wondered to himself, his hands forming a fist on the bouffet table.

He glanced around, his eyes doing scans on ever person he saw. What if Yoon Jeonghan was here? What if he was laughing at Soonyoung being so fucking paranoid?

Soonyoung closed his eyes, attempting to manage his emotions. However, as he opened them, his eyes fell on the glasses of different wines and alcohols at the end of the bouffet table.

Just what he needed right now. Just one glass, one glass to calm his nerves.

He grabbed a shot of vodka, downing it as soon as it hit his lips. The burning sensation sent him on a ride of endorphins, letting him forget all his worries... but only for a second.

He needed more. Just a little more. Maybe one more glass, or two, or three.

"Hmm, maybe four." He drawled, picking up another, already beginning to lose his senses.

•••••••••••••

"What the hell?" Jihoon muttered to himself as he stepped back into the main hall, seeing Soonyoung failing to stand upright and being held by Seungcheol.

He walked over to Soonyoung who was engaged in a conversation with someone although he was stuttering and his words weren't clear.

Jihoon's eyes narrowed to the time on his watch. They'd been here for long enough. It was time to go because if they stayed here any longer, Soonyoung would embarrass not just himself but his business and Jihoon as well.

"We have to go." Jihoon informed Seungcheol who nodded, about to carry Soonyoung when Jihoon tapped him. "I'll take care of him." He mouthed and Seungcheol nodded again, allowing Jihoon to lead the way.

Jihoon put Soonyoung's hand over his shoulder and used his other to support Soonyoung's back as the two prepared to leave the event.

They took their first joint steps towards the exit when three men interrupted, blocking their pathway. Jihoon looked up, unable to decipher the identities of any of them.

"Where are you going Soonyoung? You're missing out on the party here!" The one in the middle with black hair exclaimed, a mischievous smile on his face as he came closer.

His eyes narrowed to Jihoon, his smile dropping as he saw him. "Who are you?" He asked, trying to be intimidating but instead coming off as annoying.

Jihoon rolled his eyes, "I'm his husband." He gestured to Soonyoung, suddenly feeling protective over the man beside him.

The man smiled, a fake laugh exiting his lips as he uttered, "Oh... you're the one he married to bring his sales back up, right?"

His eyes stayed on Jihoon who swallowed the lump in his throat, looking away as he tried to ignore the man. "Take care of them." He instructed, turning to Seungcheol who gently pushed the men away, allowing their path outside to be recreated.

As they continued their walk, Jihoon's eyes glossed over to Soonyoung, an irritated expression on his face as he watched the man whose eyes had started to close.. "As if having anger issues wasn't enough, you just had to be an alcoholic too."

He started to wonder, once again, how he had even gotten into this situation and how he could get out.

•••••••••••••

Wonwoo opened the door to the café, the bell at the top ringing as he stepped in, drawing the attention of a few customers.

Wonwoo's eyes darted around the room, his eyes finally spotting Mingyu in the corner with headphones and sunglasses on and his hands typing away at his phone.

He certainly looked better in person, not that Wonwoo cared enough to notice it. It was just a meaningless observation.

Wonwoo walked over to the table, with a determined resolve. He had to get something out of Mingyu, he could tell Soonyoung was becoming more and more impatient as each day passed. Mingyu had to know something.

He had to.

He knocked on the table, trying to get Mingyu's attention which he received once Mingyu looked up. As Mingyu saw Wonwoo, a corner of his lip lifted into a contented smirk, his eyes checking Wonwoo out from top to bottom.

He was handsome, Mingyu was willing to give him that.

He took off his headphones and glasses, placing them on the table as Wonwoo took a seat across. "Good evening." Wonwoo said, his eyes noticing how dark outside had become.

Mingyu nodded, taking out lip balm from his pocket. "Good evening to you too, Jeon Wonwoo... that's your name right?" He glanced at Wonwoo who nodded as he tried to make himself comfortable.

"Fun name." Mingyu mumbled, loud enough for Wonwoo to hear him although the latter ignored his comment.

"I don't have a lot of time to be here so let's just cut to the chase." Wonwoo folded his arms, resting them on the table while Mingyu leaned back, looking way too relaxed and at ease.

Wonwoo breathed out, ignoring the man's behaviour as he asked, "What were you doing at the port that day?"

Mingyu smirked, his hands behind his back as he said with a smug look on his face,

"You're looking for Yoon Jeonghan right?"

•••••••••••••

Jihoon opened the car door, getting down first before gently pulling Soonyoung out. Once he got them both out and standing, he turned to the bodyguards and staff waiting for his signal.

"On Soonyoung's behalf, you're all dismissed... including you two Joshua and Vernon." Jihoon's eyes landed on the two who chuckled, nodding in adherence.

Jihoon turned to the house moving towards the house with gentle steps to not wake Soonyoung who was surprisingly still asleep.

"I hope you're okay." Jihoon murmured to himself as he rang the bell repeatedly hoping Minah would be quicker than usual.

As the door opened, Soonyoung's eyes opened slightly, "Jihoon-ah, thank you for caring about me." Soonyoung slurred, his head attempting to raise as he did.

"Just keep quiet until I drop you." Jihoon retorted as Minah appeared in front of them, a concerned look on her face. "Minah, I need help getting him upstairs, call Minghao please." He instructed and the girl rushed up the stairs, calling out for Jihoon's butler.

Jihoon, in the meantime, walked forward, using the rest of the energy he had to carry Soonyoung towards the stairs while he muttered, "Jihoon-ah, I'm sorry, I know you've still not accepted me as your husband, I know I'm a horrible husband, I'm sorry."

Jihoon sighed, his eyes avoiding Soonyoung's face as he replied under his breath, "That seems to be all you're saying, recently." He wasn't mad at Soonyoung and maybe that's what made him enraged even more.

Why wasn't he angry? Why was he trying to understand Soonyoung? Why was he trying to empathise with Kwon Soonyoung?

Minghao arrived, rushing down the stairs to help Jihoon. Together, the two raised Soonyoung up the stairs, one step at a time until they got to the top floor.

"Thanks Minghao, I've got it from here." Jihoon informed Minghao with a thankful smile. Minghao nodded, bowing politely as he let go of Soonyoung. "Should I run a bath sir?"

Jihoon nodded, rubbing his neck. "Yes, thank you Minghao." He smiled and Minghao smiled back, walking over to Jihoon's room.

Jihoon took a deep breath, walking to Soonyoung's room. He opened the door and as he got in, he gently pushed Soonyoung unto the bed, huffing and puffing, trying to regain his wasted energy.

"Ya! Kwon Soonyoung... why did you have to get so drunk? What's worrying you?" Jihoon interrogated the tiny-eyed boy who laid on his back on the bed, his face not showing whether he was awake or not.

Jihoon sighed upon receiving no response, going closer to the bed. As he took another step, he slipped almost falling on top of Soonyoung. His hands stationed beside Soonyoung's body, keeping a bit of distance between them.

Soonyoung's eyes opened wider, a joyful smirk playing on his lips. "You're so beautiful, darling." Soonyoung reached his hand out, touching Jihoon's cheek.

Normally Jihoon would move or push Soonyoung's hand away so why couldn't he do anything now. Why was he stuck? Frozen because of Soonyoung's touch?

"I'm sorry. I promise I'll do better." The words left his lips in a promised whisper and as he lifted himself up, his lips came in contact with Jihoon's, his eyes closing on impact.

Jihoon's eyes opened wide, the situation becoming clearer as he felt Soonyoung's soft lip on his. Soonyoung was kissing him, again.

No, why the hell would he do this?

Jihoon pushed Soonyoung back down, wiping the kiss off his lip as he ran out of the room, his eyes suddenly starting to tear up.

Why did Soonyoung have to do that? He thought to himself, his frustration piling up as he quickened his steps.

And why did I stay? Why did I not mind it?

Jihoon stopped just in front of his door, his hand slowly working its way up to his heart, acquiring it's position as it rested silently.

Why is my stupid heart betraying me?

ఌ︎ఌ︎ఌ︎ఌ︎ఌ︎ఌ︎ఌ︎ఌ︎ఌ︎ఌ︎ఌ︎ఌ︎ఌ︎

Ⓒ︎𝙾𝙷𝚆𝙰𝚈𝙾𝙷𝚆𝙰𝚈𝙾𝙷
𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙴𝙳 - 11•01•2025
𝙴𝙽𝙳𝙴𝙳 - 𝙽•𝙰