I called Lucas, and he showed up promptly at my apartment. We headed to the Promise Club together.
Lucas always invites me to parties, but he disappears within ten minutes. He's been hanging out with Taemin's twin brother, Taeho, and they usually meet here. From what Taemin told me, Taeho was someone who chose a different path and left home at 19. They talk occasionally. He said that Taeho tends to hide his face so Taemin won't have trouble.
I start dancing with the others, feeling the slight discomfort of being alone. Maybe this is the first time in my life that I want to hook up with the first person who comes my way.
— Hey. — A guy who is far from my type said, getting close to me while dancing.
— I just want to dance alone, I have a boyfriend. — I replied.
He backed off a bit, nearly getting run over by a guy who passed by, rushing. He looked desperate, and then another well-dressed person with an exceptional scent walked past. I paused for a moment to take that in. I searched again, but he had disappeared into the crowd; it was probably a chase. I kept dancing until I got tired, then went to the bathroom. There was someone who wouldn't stop staring at me; if he was really interested, he'd follow me. He was well-dressed.
(...)
(A Few Hours Before)
I needed to meet a client today, but there was an asshole in my club. I had to chase him down myself, and like a rat, he tried to hide by running through the hallways. I found him.
Normally, I don't eliminate opponents, but I can't let him wander around here freely when I'm present. It's bad for my image.
I ran the necessary distance to catch up with him. I just kicked him, making him fall, but he quickly got back up. No one is allowed to bring weapons here. Not even me or the security. He wasn't armed and tried to fight me, aiming for my arm. But if he had anger towards me, I had double that. I was the first to punch him relentlessly, knocking him to the floor, but he crawled to the wall.
— I need you to serve as an example. — I told him through gritted teeth.
All this loud noise and these people... it was a perfect disguise. These civilians seem to live in a completely different world. I could stop ordinary people from coming here, but it's better for business if poor, normal people come here regularly.
— You incompetent bastard... You'll never be accepted, no matter what you do, you'll always fail. — He said, but it wasn't me trying to blend into the wall in a failed attempt to survive.
I injected him with something and asked them to take him to the white room.
— Who is this, Min Jun-Ho?
— I don't know, I thought you would tell me…
— And why should I know, darling?
— Your brother. I think he's having trouble accepting our offer. You all handle it among yourselves first. Don't drag me into your mess.
— This won't be a problem.
— It already is. He hurt some of mine. I'll make sure either he or you pay for this.
It was stressful. I should have perfect leadership, with no flaws or gaps. But forming alliances was extremely difficult.
She left the room, and the guy woke up one last time.
After finishing my work, I cleaned myself up, and I'm glad I did. As soon as I opened the door, I found Park Salin.
However, his look was different; he seemed anxious. I noticed him hitting the hand of the guy who tried to reach him.
— Park Salin. — I said as I took the mask off my face.
— Darling. —He said, coming closer, grabbing my arm, and pulling away from the man who was bothering him.
I felt suffocated.
— Darling? — It was all I could say, trying to control myself. I tried to pull my arm away, but he gripped it tighter. I knew what his desperation was about and could intervene. But could he at least let me go?
— Let's go home. — Salin said to me, hoping the man would leave. But he just smiled and leaned against the wall.
— Boy, I think you're confusing the person next to you.
While struggling to control my breathing, Salin's insinuating black eyes turned to me. I sighed, subtly freeing myself from him but maintaining my posture, and I grabbed him by the waist.
— He didn't confuse anything. I'll take you home when I'm done, alright? — I said to Salin. — And you don't come near him again. — I said. This guy has a habit, he usually hits people for no reason. Unfortunately, he's the son of a councilman. A total mess.
— Seriously? Weren't you going to finally get married?
— Don't interfere.
— You're the one who always interferes.
I let go of Salin and faced him up close.
— This isn't your house, Tobias. I imagine you wouldn't want to cause trouble for your father.
He seemed annoyed and finally left.
— Wow. — Salin exclaimed, and I turned to him. — It's the first time I've seen a daddy's boy afraid of a caretaker. How much dirt do you know about him? — The guy smiled, relieved.
— What?
— Thanks. Sorry, I know you don't like to be touched, but I didn't know what to do. As soon as I saw that guy's watch, I would've died if I punched him.
— I don't think you could've beaten him.
— Huh? Have you seen me fight?
— No. — I said, walking away. I'd put someone to watch him through the cameras.
— Hey, I'm still talking to you! Respect your elders! — He shouted, but I ignored it. Something doesn't make sense... Marriage? What marriage? I didn't agree to any of my mother's plans.