"I expect you to follow every last one of Lee's orders in Busan. Okay?"
Minho froze, his hand still clung to whatever he was to throw next. Turning slowly, he met Jae Hyun's imposing figure against the doorway, arms crossed to his chest. The man looked at the strewn mess all over the floor, and back up at him.
Drawing in a deep breath, Minho leveled a look at him, trying to regain his composure even though his heart had lodged in his throat, given Jae Hyun's sudden presence. He dropped down the tub he was holding.
"Whatever you say, Mr. Park." Minho shrugged, saying the last words with sarcastic emphasis. "I'll get whatever you want done." He continued, making sure to remain as calm as possible. Everything about this trip was uncalled for, and the fact that he wasn't being given a choice didn't make it any easier.
Jae Hyun gave a curt nod, making sure to maintain their eye contact. There was uncomfortable silence between them for a few generous seconds. This was expected, considering none of them was willing to be the first to break the ice. Every bit of the tension added by the minute, and just then, Jae Hyun straightened from his casual lean, taking slow steps towards Minho.
"Whatever happened between us was a mistake that won't happen again. It shouldn't cloud your judgment."
And there it was. Jae Hyun's roundabout way of dismissing what happened. At least this time he dared to mention it, even if he called it a mistake.
Minho's jaw clenched, and he nodded stiffly."
"Understood." He said, breaking his gaze.
Frustrated as he was, the best Minho could do was to accept whatever was thrown his way. After all, he had tried his best to get out of Jae Hyun's life, but the man wasn't buying it. He would hunt him to the depths of the earth if that's what it took.
A flicker of something inscrutable ōworn Jae Hyun's face for a split second, and Minho couldn't tell whether it was amusement or relief. Surely, this man wasn't relieved to toss him to another sick trip after having his way with him…Minho exhaled a grunt.
"See that you do. And one more thing…" Jae Hyun moved closer, getting too close that Minho could practically smell his cologne. His hands traced the back of Minho's neck, pulling his face closer to his–what made Minho hold perfectly still, trying so hard not to react to the unease Jae Hyun was causing him.
"And this thing we allowed, it stays between us…" Jae Hyun said in an unusually soft tone as his grip tightened on Minho's nape. "Do not speak of it outside of these walls, are we clear?" he said, his breath gusting over Minho's face–what sent knots pulling at the pit of Minho's stomach.
Minho was nervous, yet indifferent. To be fair, it was always Jae Hyun making moves on him and then making him feel like the villain. It was the same thing, for a second time and something about this man always left him confused. "Alright." he managed to grind out.
Jae Hyun held his stare for a few more seconds before releasing Minho with a light shove. He turned, looking at the mess Minho made one last time then heading out of the room.
Minho facepalmed himself. He was baffled at Jae Hyun's audacity–always walking up to him and making unrealistic demands. Why is he always so pissy? Minho thought, releasing a shaky breath as he retreated to sit on the bed, raking his hands through his hair frustratedly.
"Get to Busan, and do whatever you're asked." Jae Hyun threw over his shoulder without looking back. "And we put this behind us." Then he was gone.
***
Lee drove the black sedan through the highway and out into the winding roads out of the city, his hand tapping on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. It was by Jae Hyun's order that he tagged Minho. Not that he liked it. Tagging an amateur along was a recipe for disaster.
Minho on the other hand lounged on the passenger seat, feigning nonchalance, with one arm slung over the door as he ogled at Lee.
"So," Minho began, breaking the silence between them. "Are we there yet?"
Lee shot him a dirty look. "What are you, five? We'll get there when we get there."
"Easy there." Minho chuckled, "Take a joke." He spread his arms out, stretching lazily. "I have to say though, road trips are the worst." He was only trying to make conversation, and Lee wasn't having it
"Sounds like a you problem, get used to it." Lee sneered. "This is the job."
Minho slumped back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. The trip was going to be a long tiresome one with a mate who didn't want to talk. He arched an eyebrow, taunting Lee even more. "Being Jae Hyun's errand boy? You know…I expected some excitement."
Lee's jaw tightened visibly. However, he didn't turn his gaze from the road. "Watch your mouth kid. You don't know the first thing about what I do."
"Oh, sure I do." Minho retorted sharply. "Big boss wants you to keep an eye on me, no? See if I'm worth the price he paid huh."
Minho was pushing Lee to the edge, maybe because he had the idea that he was the boss's favorite and anyone who dared mess with him would face the consequences, or maybe it was that stupid part of his brain that didn't know when to shut up.
Lee's grip on the steering wheel tightened, yet, he knew better than to rise to the bait. "I got a job to do, kid. Believe whatever helps you sleep at night."
"Don't we all?" Minho mumbled, turning his gaze out the window. This was what had become of his life, being tossed around in strangers' hands with his chances of coming back alive slim. An expendable errand boy.
Fuck my life. Minho thought
After what felt like an eternity, Lee cleared his throat, startling Minho who was lost in his thoughts." We're soon making a pit stop. Try not to get us both killed while I take a pee, hm?"
Minho looked at him, not responding, and shifted his gaze back out the window.
Not long after, the rest point came to sight, with a blur of neon lights and Lee pulled into an empty spot. He killed the engine, giving Minho a questioning look. He wanted to trust Minho, but Minho had built a reputation for himself, trusting him would be a dumb idea–one that Lee was willing to bet on.
"Alright, I heard you." He replied, rolling back his head against the headrest as Lee disappeared out of sight.
Minho had already prowled out of the car, leaning against the hood by the time Lee was coming back. "I thought road trips were the worst, you seem to be having a good time," Lee said, rounding the front of the sedan.
Minho however was busy admiring himself, not looking up at Lee. "Just taking in the sights." He said, eyes sliding sideways to meet Lee's through the glass. "The view could be better though, don't you think?"
"Get in the car, Minho. We're wasting time." Lee huffed exasperated being in no mood for Minho's jokes.
Smirking, Minho pushed the hood, sauntering to the passenger side and sliding back into the seat as he fixed Lee with a heated look. "Yes sir." He muttered sarcastically.
The rest of the drive slipped in silence until finally, Busan's skyline began to rise in the distance. Lee drove through the busy streets, finally pulling up in front of another warehouse. He killed the engine and turned to Minho. "Listen up, because I'm only going to say this once…"