Jonghyong thought, that it would be a good idea, to attend the senior's party. How wrong he was…
As soon as he entered Hyong's house, he immediately regretted his decision. The huge family house of Muyong-Hyong looked like a true source of debauchery: alcohol, kumar, and hookah smoke enveloped such a thick veil, that the throat hurt, half-naked girls scurried back and forth, completely unashamed of their position, fairly tipsy guys were already looking for adventures on their ass, loud and harsh music from the speakers of an expensive stereo system, it seemed, could be heard throughout the district.
Jonghyong shuddered. What the hell had brought him here?
"Jonghyong, you've come after all!" from somewhere in the crowd emerged the hero of the celebration.
"Hello, Hyong. Your house is just a freeloader's dream. Some guy let me in without even asking, who I am."
"Come on, today I'm happy everyone without exception!" Muyong was as pleased as a child. When Jonghyong met him, Hyong immediately gave the impression of being a flighty and overly hyperactive guy. Despite his age, Muyong seemed to be stuck somewhere between the concepts of "naughty child" and "ridiculous Hyong". He tried to pretend to be a senior, but he quickly got tired of it, and Muyong turned from an adult and reasonable person into a cheerful and carefree teenager. Jonghyong liked his energy and excitement. Such people charged the environment with positive emotions, but sometimes Hyong's clinginess was just infuriating.
"Have you seen Chaebom, Hyong? He sent me about a dozen messages before I got here."
One message of Chaebom is not limited. Even after Jonghyong responded to his friend's reminder of the party, the friend continued to harass him all the way home, and then to Muyong-Hyong's apartment. After the third message, Jonghyong simply stopped responding.
"Yes, he's over there. Didn't leave my side all the time, until you showed up. Your friend is quite funny," Muyong pointed to the center of the crowd, where Chaebom was laughing loudly, as he stood next to some guy. Senior slapped Jonghyong on the shoulder, and junior winced, as he felt a sharp pain in his back. The fresh wounds were a reminder of the Master's visit.
"Are you all right, Jonghyong?" Muyong withdrew his hand and stared at Jonghyong's face.
"Yes, Hyong, it's all right. I'll go," Jonghyong nodded his head in the direction of his friend, "or Chaebom will jump on this guy right on your desk, Hyong."
Chaebom frankly and quite openly flirting with a stranger. He was completely unperturbed by the surrounding crowd of people. Chaebom was giggling, and now and then, as if casually, he touched his companion here and there, lingering longer and longer with his playful fingers on his shirt. Jonghyong chuckled and started toward his friend.
"You're having fun, huh?" Jonghyong came up behind Chaebom, almost directly, and tried to shout over the noise of the music.
Chaebom was startled by a sudden shout in his ear and, forgetting about his "victim", turned in the direction of the voice.
"Jonghyong, you bastard, you scared me!" Chaebom punched his friend in the chest, leaning close to his ear, also trying to speak as loudly, as possible. He grabbed Jonghyong by the arm and pulled him away from the columns and the loud music so, that he could talk without making his throat grow hoarse.
"What the fuck did you call me here? You had enough to do without me."
"Ya, asshole, what are you talking about?!" Chaebom blushed, although only a few minutes ago he had been trying to get into his new friend's trousers. Literally.
"I only came because of you. You know, Chaebom, I'm not a fan of," he looked around the room and grimaced, "of all this."
"That's why I called you, Jonghyong. You've been walking around like a bug all week. I see you with your nose in your books. You stopped having fun with me," Chaebom pretended to pout his pink lips and looked like a pretty girl. His hair, the color of rich copper, framed his face beautifully, and his eyes glowed.
"Stop it, you know, that won't buy me," Jonghyong tapped his friend on the nose, and the other rubbed it resentfully with his hand.
"You're a fucking sociopath, you know that?"
"If I were a sociopath, it would long ago have rid of such an annoying friend, like you."
"Aish!" Chaebom tried to hit Jonghyong again, but suddenly his hand hovered in the air, and the guy froze in place.
"What's wrong, Chaebom-a, the ghost saw?" Jonghyong chuckled, as he followed Chaebom's gaze. But as soon as the guy saw, what caused the "frozen" state of Chaebom, goosebumps ran down his spine. Yes… there are creeps. A whole herd of horses went over the back of Jonghyong, and even the recently received pain faded into the background.
"Here comes your crash," Chaebom hissed in Jonghyong's ear, in the most malicious tone, that Jonghyong had ever heard. He immediately wanted to punch his friend in the face.
Jonghyong couldn't take his eyes off the guy, who appeared out of nowhere in the center of the room. Park, holy shit, Jungsuk. Jonghyong had hoped, that he would not meet senior here. What did he expect, though? Jungsuk-Hyong was Muyong-Hyong's best friend and classmate. It would be strange if the host of this party did not invite his friend.
As if by an unfair fate, the energetic and cheerful music changed to a smooth and slow melody, and all the dancers immediately tried to split into couples. But not Jungsuk. He stood in the center of the room formed among couples, and Jonghyong cursed everything in the world for the fact, that senior remained alone. Jungsuk moved to the beat of the music as if he had been doing it all his life. His body, like a vine, moved and writhed, shamelessly attracting attention. The guy closed his eyes and completely surrendered to the power of the dance. His hands moved over the beautiful curves of his body, tracing each section with smooth movements. His head was tilted back, and his delicious ass, clad in tight white jeans, was describing a figure of eight, making want to touch it. Jungsuk's hands were buried in his own hair, which was jet black with bright red highlights at the ends, making the guy's hairstyle even more daring and catchy. Then, all of a sudden, Jungsuk lowered his head and turned his face directly in the direction of Jonghyong, causing junior to feel, an icy current engulf him from head to toe.
Jungsuk had no trouble noticing, that Jonghyong standing in the corner of the room, staring at him. Today the guy looked obscenely sexy: black jeans, frayed at the knees, the same dark T-shirt with large graphic letters of acid green, a leather jacket with metal rivets and clasps, unbuttoned and open at ease, bright makeup, along with countless piercings, and a stylish hairstyle. All this made Jungsuk feel a pleasant tickle somewhere in the area of the stomach. Jonghyong caught his attention right after they first met, when Muyong introduced him as a medical freshman, along with another guy, apparently Jonghyong's best friend, seem, Chaebom. Back then, Jonghyong was dressed like a student, looked confused and so… intriguing. Jungsuk just couldn't take his eyes off the guy. But junior had avoided him after their acquaintance, and Jungsuk couldn't figure out why. After all, his "radar" has never failed. Jonghyong had certainly paid attention to him as much, as Jungsuk himself. But every time he encountered maknae at the University, Jungsuk was saddened to see, how junior avert his gaze, flinch in his presence, become embarrassed, and run down at the first opportunity. This was very upsetting, but it also spurred senior on. He loved challenges and never surrendered in the face of another, at first glance, an impossible task. And winning the favor of Jonghyong now became the number one task for Jungsuk. Something about the younger guy attracted him so much, that senior didn't want to back down. He has never had any problems with the attention of others. Jungsuk liked to be in the company of people, who literally praised his beauty and brilliant mind, the benefit of this was really in abundance. But Jonghyong is the first person in a long time, who has refused to make contact with him. And senior desperately wanted to know, what the hell?
"Hey, I'm having a party this weekend. You're coming, right?" a few days ago Muyong blurted out the idea, almost knocking his best friend over in a frenzy of overexcitation.
"Muyong-a, you throw parties every year after the first week of classes. Aren't you tired of asking me that yet?" Jungsuk chuckled, patting his friend on the shoulder. Of course, he was going to come. In the third year after admission, this became a kind of tradition.
"Ya, Jungsuk-a, you're so cruel to me! Is that a bad thing? I just want to give a positive charge to all students before the start of the new academic year," Myuong turned away resentfully, causing another chuckle from Park.
"Yes, rather organize a playground for "games" with a fabulous amount of alcohol, drugs, and deranged young students-beginners," Jungsuk played with perfect eyebrows, trying to catch his friend's eye.
"Aish, shut up, Park Jungsuk! As if you're against."
Jungsuk laughed in his melodious voice but suddenly noticed two first-year students, coming out of the auditorium, talking animatedly. Jungsuk couldn't remember the name of one of them. But here's the second one… the second name was etched into his inflamed brain. Kim Jonghyong.
"Invite him," Jungsuk said automatically. He didn't even look at his friend, as he said the words. All his attention was riveted on the impudent junior, who looked completely bored and at ease. But as soon as his gaze met Jungsuk's, Jonghyong's face changed. A shadow of wild embarrassment passed over him, and fear crept into his eyes, which were the color of pure amber. As it passed, Jonghyong nodded slightly and said in a low voice, "Hello, Jungsuk-Hyong. Muyong-Hyong."
Jonghyong's friend greeted his seniors carelessly and continued to talk energetically, but Jonghyong didn't seem to hear him anymore. He was trapped in senior's crystal-clear blue eyes. Jungsuk-Hyong scared the hell out of him with his confidence and the intense scrutiny, he gave him, every time, when he saw Jonghyong. He couldn't get senior out of his mind. As soon as he closed his eyes, the insistent heavenly eyes followed him, wherever he ran. And Jonghyong tried, desperately tried to stay away from Jungsuk. But senior literally wrapped him in chains, surrounded him with barbed wire, each link of which slowly, but surely bit into his sensitive skin, making him want, madly want to try out the power, that senior radiated with all his gut. Jonghyong felt the dominant within Jungsuk with every fiber of his being. The acquired experience allowed him to determine the positioning of a person regarding his character and temperament almost without difficulty. And for him, Jungsuk was a rampant monster under the guise of a cute animal. Jonghyong wanted to belong to senior with every cell of his body in a way, that even his Master would not allow. To the pounding of his heart in fear, to the chilling horror, to the sweaty palms, to the shameful trembling in his weak knees, Jonghyong longed to be captured and torn to pieces by this guy. He wanted the fucking Park Jungsuk to pin his hands behind his back in a death grip, bend him over the nearest surface and fuck him so, that he couldn't sit on his ass for a week. This was what scared junior the most. He liked to obey, it was in his nature, in his essence. But to give the most expensive, the most "sacred", that was at Jonghyong – that he did not allow anyone for a very long time, even the Blake-Hyong. And it drove Jonghyong crazy.
"Hey, are you okay?" Chaebom lightly touched his friend's shoulder, and the other shuddered, coming back to reality, emerging from the thought stream of his melting brain.
"Yes. It's all right. Let's go."
"Oooh," Jungsuk heard a cheeky chuckle from the other side and turned to his friend, as the object of his observation disappeared around a nearby bend. "Earth calls to Jungsuk, over."
"In touch," Jungsuk answered almost automatically, still recovering.
"Do you have a crush on this maknae, Jungsuk-a? I can feel the intimate vibes in the air."
"Go to hell, just do as I ask," Jungsuk said, taking his friend's wrist and squeezing it a little too hard. It seemed like it was vital for him, to see Jonghyong at this damn party.
"Aish! Let go, hurts," Muyong tried to pull away from the tenacious grip and rubbed his wrist. "Well, now it's going to bruise. You're so rude, Park Jungsuk. Your pretty face doesn't match your boorish nature at all. Calm down, I already invited your guy along with his friend. They promised to come. At least, the one with the red hair. Chaebom. What's got into you? I've never seen you so…" Muyong thought for a moment, "excited. This Jonghyong, of course, is handsome and all that. But is he any different from a few dozen other freshmen? He's a little too daring for my taste. And rather closed, I thought. Dark horse. Something's wrong with this guy. But I still like him," Muyong raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture as soon, as he saw, that his friend was about to refute his assumptions about maknae.
Jungsuk said nothing at his friend's questioning look. He would whine, until Park told him everything, in every detail. But Jungsuk didn't know, why Jonghyong had attracted his attention so much. Muyong was right. Kim Jonghyong was no different from the other freshmen. There was nothing remarkable about him. He didn't seem like a nice guy, who was willing to make contact. But it was his dark and mysterious side, that interested Jungsuk so much. He wanted to know, what was really behind this junior's overly serious mask.
And now, in the dimness of the room, to the sound of music Jungsuk clearly felt other's eyes on him. He was not mistaken. Jonghyong is interested. And senior will do anything, to further whet his interest.
"Hey, this guy's hot. Hell, I wouldn't mind getting into his pants myself, if he wasn't the subject of your dreams," Chaebom's voice sobered Jonghyong, and he blinked away the delusion in the form of a beautiful vision of Park Jungsuk's image.
"Shut up," Jonghyong slapped Chaebom on the back of the head, and Chaebom hissed, immediately clutching at the bruised spot. "He is not the object of my dreams!"
"Hah, yeah. You freeze whenever he's around. What's going on with you, bro? You definitely have a crush on this senior. And he's definitely interested in your attention. So, why the fuck are you acting like a virgin before your first sex? Shut him down and be done with it."
"I don't date or sleep with guys," Jonghyong said, but he could feel, how his barriers gradually broke down. Jungsuk, no doubt, interested him. He was the object of his wet dreams, his dirty dreams. This damn Hyong was his crash, his greatest dream. His undoing.
"Hey, Jonghyong-e, are you all right?" Chaebom touched his friend's forehead with a worried hand, but the other immediately came to his senses and pushed it away.
"Why the hell does everyone keep asking me that? I have heard this question for the thousandth time in the past few days. Do I look that pathetic? I'm fine, damn it! The next person, who asks, if I'm okay, will get a punch on the muzzle!"
"Hello, Jonghyong."
Behind his tirade, Jonghyong didn't notice, how the slow music change again. He had lost sight of senior, and now Hyong was directly in front of him. His voice, which reached Jonghyong's sharp ears, made his entire body shudder. Jonghyong turned and met the malachite eyes. Today Jungsuk apparently changed the lenses to bright green. Now, up close, Jonghyong could see senior clearly and carefully. His dark hair, singed at the ends by the flames, was disheveled, and a drop of sweat ran down his temple. Perfect brows, beautiful eyes accentuated by dark eyeliner, full, sensual lips, blush on the cheeks. There were silver earrings in his ears, and a tattoo peeked out from under the collar of his light shirt, its dark tongues caressing senior's neck, gradually descending lower, hidden by the fabric. Jungsuk ran his hand through his hair again, pushing the unruly strands back, and Jonghyong noticed the variety of rings on Hyong's tiny fingers. Jonghyong started to panic. He was ready to sink through the ground, or even better to run away, rather than be near Jungsuk. Once again, the guy was convinced, that the cute image of Hyong did not match his aura at all. The sight of him today made realize that again. His pleasant features and delicate body proportions made him an angel in the flesh, but when he looked at his malachite eyes, junior felt the presence of the devil at his side. Jonghyong was absolutely in hell, and Jungsuk was the very embodiment of Lucifer!
"Hello, Hyong," Jonghyong said, trying to sound as confident, as possible, and praying, that the senior wouldn't notice otherwise. Junior's insides were literally quivering with fear.
"How are you?" Jungsuk continued to stare at the younger guy's face and unconsciously ran his tongue over his full lips, moistening the parched surface with saliva.
Jonghyong almost gasped, when he saw, how the tip of the pink tongue slid shamelessly over Hyong's lips, and somewhere just a little further away, the silver ball of a barbell flashed for a moment.
"It's all right, Hyong. I just came in. Muyong-Hyong has a very beautiful house," what the hell is he talking about? Who is currently conducting such a dialogue?
"That's right. Muyong-a likes to attract to itself excessive attention," Jungsuk smiled, from what his eyes turned into small slits, and Jonghyong again caught themselves on, how that unrestrained he is staring at his senior and not can divert from his eye. "Would you like something to drink?" Jungsuk nodded at Jonghyong's empty hands.
"Yes, Hyong, that would be nice," Chaebom tried to save the situation, when he realized, that his friend was literally hovering, looking at their senior. Although he was not mentioned at all.
"Will you keep me company?" Jungsuk did not seem to notice Chaebom. All his attention was focused on Jonghyong. Senior studied his reaction and, frankly, was pleased with the effect. There was nowhere for Jonghyong to run now, unlike at the University.
"Yep, of course, Hyong," and Jonghyong mentally slapped himself. He shouldn't have come here at all. He glared at his friend, but the other only winked and waved, as Jonghyong followed Jungsuk, trying to get around the dancers. If Chaebom knew the whole truth, he wouldn't have brought him here. But unawareness doesn't absolve from responsibility, does it? Jonghyong was ready to kill his friend immediately!
"How was the first week in Uni?" Jungsuk handed the younger guy a glass, and junior thanked him with pleasure. It seemed, that alcohol was now just necessary to relax a little. Every muscle in Jonghyong's body was taut as soon, as he and Jungsuk were alone in the empty kitchen, away from the crowd.
"Not bad, I guess. At least, there were no problems."
"You've chosen a rather difficult direction. Heavy load."
"I…" he almost blurted out the first thing, that came to mind. Truth. He didn't really choose a damn thing.
"Yes, quite a lot of work already in the first week. But this is Uni, Hyong. School time is over. It's time to grow up."
Jungsuk suddenly approached Jonghyong, and he froze, holding his breath. Senior was standing too close to him. To mask his uncertainty, Jonghyong began to pour alcohol into himself. The liquid burned his throat, settling unpleasantly on his tongue, and it didn't help at all.
"If you need help, you can always come to me," Jungsuk's voice was muffled, enveloping him from head to toe, sending goosebumps all over his body. It would be interesting to listen to him in a slightly different state of affairs…
"I have, of course, another direction, but I will be happy to help you with the basic standards of the subject. So, don't be shy. Hyong will take care of you," Jungsuk smiled devilishly and bit his lower lip. Jonghyong felt like a trapped animal, trembling with fear.
"O… okay. Thanks, Hyong," knees were shaking as if Jonghyong had just run a hundred meters. His throat was dry, even though he had drained the entire glass. Hands were instantly sweating, and the glass jar threatened to fall out and shatter. Jonghyong shifted his grip, trying to still the trembling in his limbs.
"Am I embarrassing you, Jonghyong-a?" Jungsuk was standing just too close. If someone came into the kitchen now, it would look like Hyong was flirting with Jonghyong. But the worst part was, that this was what was happening now, damn it! The affectionate use of his own name caused Jonghyong to let out his breath noisily and move away from Hyong with a great effort, under the pretext of pouring himself another glass.
"No, Hyong, it's all right, it's simple… I'm probably not used to this kind of attention to my person, that's all," another incoherently contrived speech. Jonghyong didn't know, what the hell he was talking about. Hyong's proximity unnerved him. All the usual confidence evaporated at once, and Jungsuk seemed amused by it.
"Too bad, you more than deserve it."
Jonghyong almost dropped the glass, when he turned around and almost slammed into his senior's chest. Despite the height difference, Jungsuk literally loomed over him, covering him with the shadow of his powerful aura. It seemed, that if senior touched Jonghyong now, his heart would stop. But Jungsuk just stared and stared at him, like a predator watching its prey persistently and methodically.
"I…" he cleared his throat and tried again, "I need to find Chaebom."
Jungsuk grinned, and Jonghyong realized, that he had screwed up. Senior acted accordingly. And Jonghyong knew, that every time he did so, he only increased Jungsuk's interest in himself with his embarrassment and uncertainty. If he could push him away or send him away… but Kim couldn't. He just didn't have the strength to resist it.
"Of course. Otherwise, your friend will think, that I did something obscene with you," Jungsuk continued to grin, and to be honest, Jonghyong didn't like it at all. "But take my words seriously. If you need help, I am always ready to give it to you," senior suddenly put his hand on Jonghyong's shoulder, and it took a huge effort for him to stay on his feet. The touch was so intense, that it was felt even through the thick fabric of the leather jacket. Jonghyong nodded his thanks to Hyong, then retreated as quickly, as possible, trying to escape the insistent gaze of the malachite eyes. His shoulder burned as if Jonghyong had just received at least a third-degree burn. But he felt no dislike. Opposite. A pleasant heaviness and a searing wave of heat settled somewhere in the pit of the stomach. Jonghyong shrugged, trying to focus on the pain in his back, that he had recently received, a gift from his Master's skilled hands, but it didn't help. Hyong's touch, just a fleeting touch, boldly all the sensations after the session. He found himself wishing, that he could go back to Master again, right now, so that senior could skin him, like a dead hare, and drown out the strange feeling. But Blake-Hyong would rather have another heart-to-heart conversation with him than allow him to lie under the device after just a couple of hours.
"Chaebom, I'm going home, I'm tired," Jonghyong found Chaebom with another guy in his arms, merrily dancing somewhere away from the general gathering.
"Jonghyong-e, are you sure? You've only just arrived," the friend was upset. Jonghyong, indeed, had not spent much time with him in the past few days. Chaebom was the only person, Jonghyong could still trust. But when he imagined, that he would have to avoid a certain Hyong all evening, just looking at whom made him want to climb the wall, and he felt sick.
"Chaebom, I'm sorry, but I really have to go. Call me, when you get home, okay?" Jonghyong nodded goodbye and ran for the exit at the speed of light.
When he got on his bike, he turned the key in the ignition and took off, immediately picking up a decent speed. The wind ruffled his hair and hit him in the face, making his eyes water, and making him want to scream. Jonghyong was never a careful driver. But right now he needed to get some kind of adrenaline boost, to wipe out the weakness, he'd felt in Hyong's presence. To get rid of that telltale feeling of excitement, that had settled like a worm somewhere inside him. Burn out that studying and fascinated gaze of beautiful malachite eyes. But the more he tried to put the image of senior out of his mind, the more the fire grew inside, seizing the already tight trousers in the groin area. Jonghyong clenched his teeth so, that there was a grating sound. His cock throbbed treacherously, as he remembered, how close Hyong had been to him, his even voice, his attentive gaze, the weight of his hand on Jonghyong's shoulder.
Jonghyong slammed the door of his room with a deafening crash, completely unaware, that there was anyone else in the house. He stripped off his jacket and unzipped his belt buckle on the way to the bathroom. After locking himself and leaning against the door, the guy didn't even bother to undress, just lifted his T-shirt, holding its edge in his teeth, and lowered his trousers with boxers enough, to release the excited flesh. As soon as he touched himself, an animal growl came from his throat. The member burned and throbbed, demanding attention, and Jonghyong ran his hand over it almost dry, except for the natural lubricant, that was liberally released from the reddened head. With his free hand, he began to twist the nipple, feeling a sharp, but light and pleasant pain on the sensitive area, while the other hand moved roughly and quickly on the cock, squeezing it into a tight ring of a fist, pulling the foreskin lower and lower. Jonghyong closed his eyes and immediately regretted it, meeting the green eyes again.
Jungsuk looked at him, shamelessly licking his lips, playing with the barbell in his mouth. His half-closed eyelids expressed an extreme degree of pleasure. He watched, as Jonghyong jerked off on him, and frankly enjoyed the spectacle. His small fingers gently wrapped around the hot trunk of Jonghyong, and the guy whined, like a heat bitch, when he felt others' grip. Despite his small hands, Jungsuk used them very skillfully, moving up and down the trunk, occasionally playing with the sensitive skin of the scrotum. Jonghyong threw back his head, hitting the back of his head painfully and noisily against the door, while senior's hands continued to flutter over his cock, then roughly squeezing it until it hurt, knocking out a convulsive whine, then gently running his fingers along the entire length, making him moan with pleasure.
"Cum, Jonghyong-a. Cum for Hyong," Jonghyong literally heard the noisy searing whisper of Jungsuk next to his ear and poured out into his fist, as if these words were exactly, what he needed.
When he got his breath back, he opened his eyes and realized, that he was still in his own bathroom, alone, without Jungsuk. Looking down, Jonghyong saw the whitish spots of semen on his favorite jeans.
"Damn, I'm going crazy," he muttered to himself, running a clean hand through his hair.
Jonghyong stripped off his dirty clothes, put them in the laundry barrel, and climbed into the shower. Sinking down on the cold tile, he drew his knees closer and ran both hands through his hair, tousling it furiously.
"What the hell is going on? Who are you, Park Jungsuk? A fucking devil in the flesh?"
Water slashed at his newly slashed back, but he felt no pain. All, he could feel now, was senior's gentle yet demanding hands, sliding over his cock, and his voice rasping in his ear, "I liked, Jonghyong-a. And you?.."
The USA. New York, 2028
People are tormented by the immensity of eternity, and therefore we wonder, whether descendants will hear about our deeds. Whether our names will be remembered, when we leave. And will they want to know, what we were like. How bravely we fought. How desperately we loved.
("Troy")
Jungsuk rubbed the bridge of his nose tiredly, then gave his head a little shake to clear it. On the table opposite were piles of various papers, medical histories, appointment sheets, and staff reports. Jungsuk was literally buried in the chaos and did not even remember, how long it had been, since he entered his office. Paperwork was always a strain on him, but unfortunately, he had no choice. At least, that's what Jungsuk thought.
"Jungsuk, are you busy?" there was a soft knock on the door, and a woman in its late forties appeared. Jungsuk was terribly tired. All he wanted to do now, was get home as quickly, as possible, close to the person, he loved, and not be stuck here with a lot of paperwork.
"No, Sarah, please, come in," Jungsuk pulled a smile and nodded towards the chair opposite. The woman went into the office and immediately looked at the "volume of work", that her colleague was so interested in.
"Have you thought, what we were talking about?" the woman looked her colleague seriously in the face, which made Jungsuk want to run away. Runaway from this conversation and never think about the answer.
"Sarah, I think, we discussed this a few months ago. I can't do that."
"But you're the only one, who…"
"He wouldn't want that," Jungsuk interrupted, and the woman closed her eyes, trying to control herself.
A couple of months ago the chief doctor of the Department of child psychiatry, and also mentor Jungsuk, passed away, leaving his subordinates without guidance. Everyone was devastated by the news. Erik Miller was not a pleasant person when it came to personal communication, but he was a first-class expert in his field. Jungsuk was grateful for everything, that senior had taught him. In his own way, he loved and respected his mentor. He became a second father and teacher to him, though Mr. Miller never showed any affection for junior or anyone else. Work and professional skills were the most important thing for this man. It had been about six months since his death, and Jungsuk was taken aback, when Sarah, another member of the senior staff, offered to take him the place. Of course, this was very promising, if Jungsuk agreed. But he just couldn't afford it. To take the place of the man, which literally idolized and listened to every word, that came out of his mouth… Jungsuk considered this a betrayal. And there were, in his opinion, far more experienced employees on the staff. So, why is he exactly, damn it?
"You're wrong, Jungsuk."
"Sarah, I can't, you know. I'm just not ready for it. This is too much responsibility. Besides, I simply do not meet this qualification."
"Jungsuk," Sarah suddenly put her tiny hand on top of Jungsuk's, drawing his attention, as he turned back to his papers, trying to avoid the unpleasant subject with all his might, "look, Erik wasn't the most pleasant person, but he appreciated you very much and was more than happy with your skills in the profession. He wasn't in the habit of praising his employees, but believe me, he specially treated you. And not because your father is a powerful and rich man, but because of your personal qualities. I've never seen a more hard-working and responsible employee, than you. You give almost all your free time to work. You take everything about your profession very seriously. You literally miss the emotions and feelings of each patient through yourself. You are the youngest employee in the entire state, witch to achieve such high results. And precisely because of their personal qualities. I knew Erik well, and he would like, that you take his place."
Jungsuk loved his job. Really. And he wouldn't mind going even higher. Who would refuse such a generous offer? But Jungsuk was also too decent when it came to personal matters. And he simply could not imagine, that he would take the place of his mentor.
"Mr. Park," there was another knock, but this time more insistent, and when there was no answer, a young receptionist came in, "Your husband is on the phone. Says, it's urgent."
"Okay, thank you, Natalie. Transfer the call to my phone," Jungsuk mentally cursed to himself. Jonghyong would not have called the hospital reception but would have reached him personally. But when Park hastily checked his phone, he realized with regret, that it was dead. Leaving for work in the morning, Jungsuk was going to put the device on charge immediately upon arrival in the office. But when he saw the pile of undecipherable documents in conjunction with other working moments, he simply forgot about it. And the personal phone number of his husband, which was installed in his office, Jonghyong did not know. There was no need. And now it suddenly appeared.
"Won't bother you," Sarah got up from her chair and moved toward the door, and Jungsuk nodded gratefully. Such conversations exhausted him.
"But think about, what I told you," his colleague called from the doorway, "Erik would have wanted it. Believe me."
Jungsuk picked up the landline phone as soon, as the door closed behind the woman.
"Jonghyong-a, did something happen? I'm sorry, my phone is dead, and I…"
"Jungsuk-e, help me. I feel like I'm about to have a panic attack!"
Jonghyong did not let him finish, and Jungsuk immediately caught the uneasiness and uncertainty in his husband's voice. To be honest, Jungsuk wasn't supposed to come to work at all for the next few days. Jonghyong's condition before his first solo exhibition was extremely agitated, and Jungsuk was obliged to devote all his free time to him, support him and help, and not hang around at work. But Jonghyong assured him, that he was fine, that he could handle it, even though Jungsuk could see, that he was walking on the edge. Given, what they had been through in the past, Jungsuk should have been more careful and reasonable, rather than leaving his husband alone in such responsible and at the same time stressful days for him, no matter, what he said.
"Calm down and take a deep breath. Relax, Jonghyong-e. Come on, breathe with me, it's all right," Jungsuk's voice was even and melodious, though inside he was cringing with fear. Jonghyong won't survive another nervous breakdown.
Jungsuk heard his husband breathe more calmly after a few long and agonizing minutes, then continued.
"What happened? How can I help you?"
"Everything is falling apart, Jungsuk-a. I don't think, that I'm ready. I can't handle it. I just… it's just that…" Jonghyong again made a couple of deep breaths, and Jungsuk from the other end of the wire just waited patiently. "I didn't meet my deadline. The exhibition is already tomorrow, but the planned works are still not ready. I don't know, what to do. I have nothing to replace the intended composition, that is what is available. I have a few suitable completed works, but they are left in my work apartment, but it is so late, that I have no one to send there!"
"Jonghyong-e, everything is all right. Calm down," Jungsuk held the phone more comfortably and glanced at the watch on his left wrist. "My working day ends in half an hour. I can stop by your apartment and bring the works myself. Just tell me, which ones you need, okay?" Jungsuk listened intently to the deep and rapid breathing of Jonghyong on the other end of the line and was ready to get off his position right, fucking, now, so that he could get to his beloved as quickly, as possible. This exhibition was a very important event for Jonghyong. This is the first time he has been able to reach this level, given a fairly long break after giving up his favorite activity for certain depressing reasons in the past. That's why Jungsuk was willing to do anything, to make Jonghyong feel the best. Of course, Jungsuk loved him for what he was, or he would not have gone the way, which they had together. And Jonghyong knew it. But getting support and admiration from others is completely different. Jungsuk always admired Jonghyong's talent for painting, even persuaded him to hang several works in his office. But the love and support of a husband is not everything. It was a third-party opinion, that Jonghyong needed, after all, he had been through. That is why, though not immediately, he agreed to exhibit his best works, although he did not think, that it was such, after a long downtime when one of the influential clients of Jungsuk clinic noticed one of the paintings in his office and offered to help organize and sponsor the exhibition.
"Do you know, how much I love you, hah?" his husband's words snapped him out of his reverie, and Park smiled, as he ran his fingers over the frame of their wedding photo, which was on the desktop, right next to the phone.
"No more, than I love you. I'll be at the apartment as soon, as I can. Don't be nervous, try to relax. Wait for my call, okay?" after a few more soothing words, Jungsuk hung up and leaned his hands on the table. The papers were still lying quietly in their places. But it did not require urgent intervention. But his husband did. And immediately! Jonghyong has always been for Jungsuk in the first place, that would not have happened.
Leaving the office, closing the door firmly behind him, then locking it with a key, Jungsuk said goodbye to the remaining night shift staff and left the clinic, heading for the parking lot. It would take at least an hour and a half to get to Jonghyong's apartment and then to the gallery unless Jungsuk got stuck in traffic. Even in the late hours, the streets of New York were crowded with traffic, both automobile and pedestrian.
Jungsuk was greeted by cool and fresh air, which would have even pleased him after a whole day in a stuffy office, if not for the heavy rain that broke out. It might take longer than he had anticipated. It was dark outside, the roads were damp, and visibility was worse than usual.
Jungsuk pulled out of the clinic's parking lot and decided not to use the detours, but to drive straight up Park Avenue toward eighty-third street on the Upper East Side. At first, the traffic was smooth and calm, which surprised Jungsuk very much. Usually, at this time the main thoroughfare was teeming with cars and public transport. At medium speed, Jungsuk drove calmly straight down the road, tapping his fingers lightly on the steering wheel. He wanted to see Jonghyong so much. They had grown a little apart recently, although Jungsuk had never lost sight of him. Just used to doing it. But the heavy workload of Jungsuk and the upcoming important event of Jonghyong, all did not allow them to spend as much time with each other, as they would like. And Jungsuk felt guilty before his husband. As soon as he deals with the problems at work, he will definitely take a vacation and take Jonghyong away. He could use a pleasant experience after the stress of the past few months.
The rain was increasing, and visibility on the road was almost zero. Traffic slowed, and suddenly Jungsuk started, when he heard a loud horn honking somewhere behind him. A sports car passed him at a decent speed, and Jungsuk shook his head at the careless driver. Who rides like this in this weather? However, a moment later, the horns were repeated a little further down the road, and the whistling sound of tires made wince from an unpleasant sensation in ears. A second later Jungsuk heard a terrible crash of cars colliding with each other, which made his heart clench with fright, and his pulse jumped to an incredibly high mark. His hands trembled, but Jungsuk instinctively opened the door and hurriedly got out of the car. He did not have sufficient qualifications, but still passed the general course of medical care, so his feet carried him to the scene of the accident. Belonging to the medical profession simply did not allow to stay away. Running past the colliding cars, Jungsuk asked the surviving drivers, if everything was all right. After a positive response, he sat down on the ground, next to the car, that had flipped over on the roof, and saw a young woman driving and in the back seat in a child's seat a small child, apparently five years old or a little more.
"Oh my god! Call for help, quickly!" Jungsuk tried to check the woman's pulse. She was unconscious, and there was a rather large gash on her temple, and a trickle of scarlet blood ran down and dripped onto the roof. But she was still alive. If the medics arrive in time, she may be able to be saved. Jungsuk got up from his knees as quickly, as possible, to rush to the opposite car door and check on the child. But as soon as he got to his feet, he heard again the whoosh of tires and the deafening screech of brakes. On the other side of the pile of cars, another car was racing, apparently out of control on the wet road, trying first to avoid the resulting traffic jam, and then to slow down. This was the last thing, that Jungsuk saw before everything went dark.