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The next morning Daechul woke up late. After the eventfulness of yesterday, the man was exhausted. Even though the wound was healing nicely, occasionally it still gave the man some trouble, making him lose his energy faster than usual. Because of that he had to sleep for longer periods of time, to make up for it. These past days weren't very forgiving for him, what with so much action happening, that Daechul rarely rested well. However, that morning had a stark difference than the previous ones, because the leader of the most powerful gang in Korea woke up rested and full of energy. Even though his thoughts were occupied with a certain pinkett while he drove home, as soon as his head hit the plush pillows, he was out like a light.
The man yawned, stretching his numb muscles, and sat up. He checked his phone, seeing that it was almost twelve PM. He also had one unread message from Kimoon.
Kimoon, 8:23 AM
Hi, Daechul. Didn't want to wake you, because you need to rest. Writing to inform you that the cleaners have arrived. I will foresee the process and get back to you.
Daechul locked the device and stood up, marching to his closed. The man intended to take a long, hot shower, get something to eat and then drive to the mansion, curious about the cleaning process. He hoped that no one told Maya what the state of the house was, because she would surely abandon everything and drive there to see the mess with her own eyes. She certainly did not need to see that.
After his satisfying time in the bathroom, Daechul rewrapped his injury and got dressed in tight black jeans, black hoodie and his favourite combat boots. The man took care of his damp raven black hair, took his phone and gun, and was out of the room.
When he reached the dining room, he found the families already there, seemingly just starting their lunch. Almost everyone was there, save for Siwon, Ilsung, Kangmin, Jinwoo, Kimoon and Minsoo.
Daechul greeted everyone, wishing a tasty meal and sat down. As soon as one of the maids saw the man, they rushed to prepare a serving for him too, which resulted in Daechul quietly thanking them and digging in.
"So, how was the party?", curiously asked Maya, keeping her eyes on the twins, as both girls did less eating and more playing with their food.
Daechul shrugged, trying to look nonchalant.
"Good. It was successful. We got one of the men, and made a deal with him. I'm expecting his call soon", informed, taking a bite of his bulgogi.
"Do we know the man?", wondered Doyun.
Daechul had already made up his mind to keep Hansul's identity in secret. Not only because of Minsoo, but also to result in as much secrecy between the underground Korea. Daechul couldn't risk someone accidentally finding out Hansul's true colours and informing Chungee. That would surely jeopardise their plans. And also could end up and Hansul's death. Even if Daechul did not really like the man, he was important to Minsoo, and also required for him to get his way, so Daechul had to ensure that he was safe at all times. Although, he figured that if Hansul is discreet, that wouldn't be mission impossible. The man already admitted to doing this thing for a pretty long time, so that would surely mean that Hansul was experienced enough.
"No, I actually never saw him before yesterday", Daechul shook his head, continuing to eat.
Doyun nodded, seemingly deep in his thoughts.
No one had any more questions to ask, so the rest of the luch passed in a comfortable silence. As soon as Daechul was finished with his bibimbap, and everyone left to their own things and schedules, his brother sat in the empty chair next to him.
Junghyun looked like a mix of shy and happy, so Daechul turned from his finished food, taking the glass with freshly squeezed orange juice and taking a few generous gulps, before he urged his little brother to speak up.
Junghyun cleared his throat.
"So… I need a favour from you, Chulie", started.
Daechul got curious.
"Yeah? What can I do for you?"
That's where Junghyun got even more shy, almost rosey with embarrassment.
"I got invited to a date. With the same man the day when you got back from Seoul."
Daechul raised his dark eyebrows, suddenly understanding the reason for Junghyun's shyness. His brother was reluctant to go to him in fear of being denied to go to this date. However, Daechul tried to be understanding, never wishing to oppress his siblings just because he was a tad bit overprotective.
So the man smiled, trying to look inviting and not intimidating, as to not spook his brother even more. He wanted to be there for his family just as they were for him. Daechul was not an emotional person, choosing to listen to his mind rather than go by heart, but when it came to his family and friends, the man was willing to show emotion in order to bond with them. He was fully aware just how important a family is, and that awareness only got stronger when Sungwoon died. Only, back then, Daechul opted to ignore that knowledge, in order to strengthen his anger. He was full of that emotion and just didn't know how to deal with it. Now, he at least has an idea.
"I am happy for you, Hyunie. If you want to go, I won't hold you back. And also, do not be afraid to go to me lest you need something, okay?"
Junghyun smiled widely, leaping into his older brother's arms for a warm hug.
When they broke away, both brothers were still smiling.
"Thank you, Chulie. The favour that I was asking you, wasn't pleading for approval, actually. We agreed to meet up in one cafe shop. He asked if I needed a ride, but I wanted to sound independent and said no, so.." Jungyun sheepishly chuckled, clearly embarrassed.
Daechul laughed, having an idea where this was going.
"Because you tried to look all mighty in front of your crush, you need a ride from me?"
Junghyun nodded.
"I'm ridiculous, right?"
Daechul shook his head, denying his brother's foolish claims immediately. He would never let any of his siblings think about themselves so negatively.
"You aren't, Hyunie. Sometimes we lie because we don't fully know the person that we are talking to, and trying to make ourselves as appealing as we can. That's normal, and nothing ridiculous. I think you did it in order to your heart telling you that was the way to go. You like him, and because it is still a fragile stage of your communication. But I would advise you to tell him the truth eventually. I think he will feel flattered", said Daechul while petting his brother's fluffy hair, trying to make him feel better.
Junghyun giggled, hugging his brother once, seemingly happier than before.
"Aw, Chulie, you are the best."
Daechul playfully scoffed, secretly satisfied that his brother thinks of him so positively. When the family got to know about his leadership of the gang after Sungwoon died, Daechul feared that everyone would look at him differently, maybe with fear and uncertainty. After all, the line of work that Daechul surrounded himself with was the furthest thing from innocence, flowers and whatever softness is. Leader's position in such a well-known and powerful gang brought a lot of brutal operations, loads of blood and gun shoots.
However, regardless of his wariness to restore the non existent contact with his family, everyone took him with extended arms and happy tears. It proved to him that family blood was stronger than everything else. Daechul could not be any more grateful to have his mother and siblings. Well, Siwon too. Just a little.
"Well, when is your date? What time do you have to leave?", inquired Daechul.
"Oh, it is today, five in the evening. The cafe is a pretty good distance from here, so we should leave an hour before", informed Junghyun.
Daechul tried to mentally calculate his schedule for today.
"Okay, four PM sharp I will be here, and we will leave immediately. I still have to drive home, and, as it is almost one PM, I should hurry", said Daechul while standing up and finishing his glass of juice.
"Wait, Daechul. How was the party? Is the house very trashed?", curiously pried Junghyun.
Daechul sighed. He must've inherited gossiping from his mother.
"If I tell you, will you promise to keep it from your mom?"
Junghyun immediately started nodding.
"Come, escort me to the car while we talk."
The brothers left the dining table, turning towards the door.
"The whole house is a mess. Even the yard and the driveway. It looks straight out of a cheap party movie", Daechul quietly said, in case Maya was lingering somewhere near.
Junghyun cackled in disbelief, looking like he just won a million won.
"What?! Oh god, what would mom say?"
Daechul shook his head, wordlessly reminding the boy to keep his mouth shut. Junghyun nodded, still smiling. Daechul opened the main doors and went outside after letting Junghyun out first.
"That's not the worst part. The master bedroom is completely destroyed. The windows are broken, the bedframe and other furniture is shattered. That room is completely gone. It certainly will need disinfection."
Junghyun frowned.
"Who did this?"
Daechul sighed.
"It was two teenagers. Had a pretty violent fight. Someone let the police know while I drove Minsoo home."
Junghyun wiggled his eyebrows at the mention of Minsoo, smiling like a pervert.
"Oooh, what happened between you two?"
Daechul opened his mouth to stop his nosy brother from asking any more questions, when his phone rang, unknowingly saving its owner from more awkwardness.
The man hurriedly took it out of his jeans pocket to look at the caller ID. It was Hansul. Daechul furrowed his eyebrows, not expecting him to reach out so soon.
Daechul turned to Junghyun apologetically, but his brother got the memo before he even said anything.
"Four o'clock", reminded him, and turned to head inside.
He picked up the call.
"Hyun."