Precious Thing

This time, it was the latter. Tae Woowon, who approached from behind, pressed his lips near Lee Yesin’s tattoo. He leisurely rubbed Lee Yesin’s lower abdomen with his large hand while teasing his ear. Lee Yesin’s heart raced.

“…What are you doing?”

“Just watching you take a piss.”

He was truly a pervert. Lee Yesin, who had tucked himself away in his robe, flushed the toilet and headed to the sink. After washing his hands, which were slightly damp with sweat, he turned around. He found himself facing Tae Woowon, who still had his body pressed against Lee Yesin’s back. He lowered his head and placed a light kiss on Lee Yesin’s cheek. Lee Yesin, blinking in surprise, raised his hand and touched Tae Woowon’s bruised neck. The skin had turned dark red from being bitten and sucked hard during the tattooing. Tae Woowon hadn’t made a single sound of discomfort while his skin reached that point.

“…Does it hurt?”

“Just you.”

Tae Woowon played with the area around the tattoo with his hand. Lee Yesin pressed down on the bruise. Tae Woowon smiled and stuck out his tongue. Lee Yesin wrapped his arms around his neck and kissed him.

It felt strange. He couldn’t understand why he was going along with him, unable to accept his confusing actions. It hurt that he didn’t trust him, and it stung that he couldn’t trust him back. Above all, the most unsettling thing was that he couldn’t envision their future. He had no idea what Tae Woowon wanted or what he was trying to do. Amidst the loosely tangled anxiety, doubt kept creeping in. Were all his words that excited Lee Yesin just empty flattery? Was he going to play with him however he wanted and then discard him when he got bored?

Lee Yesin thought of the black phone trapped in the cabinet as he sucked on Tae Woowon’s tongue. There was one thing he was certain of, if nothing else.

He was dangerous.

“Focus. Unless you want to suck my tongue until you go to sleep.”

He spoke in a low voice, slightly pulling back their connected lips. Lee Yesin wiped his damp lips with the back of his hand and embraced Tae Woowon’s neck, pushing his tongue into his mouth and licking the hot mucous membranes inside. His body, betraying his mind, quickly heated up.

٠ ࣪⭑

He needed to let his guard down to use the phone. However, Tae Woowon kept a constant watch over Lee Yesin, giving him little room to breathe. More often than not, he was glued to Lee Yesin’s side, hardly ever letting him out of his sight. Instead, he was completely stealing away Lee Yesin’s sanity.

The rumor that he preferred kisses over sex was true. He would randomly place kisses not only on Lee Yesin’s lips but all over his body, leaving behind red marks that were now a constant on Lee Yesin’s skin. At this point, even Lee Yesin had gotten into the habit of pressing his lips against Tae Woowon. Whenever their eyes met while doing their own things, they would naturally connect their lips. There were times when Tae Woowon, watching TV, suddenly began to suck on Lee Yesin’s neck, and other times when Lee Yesin nibbled on his shoulder.

Things got even more intense when they showered together. After Lee Yesin had washed up, Tae Woowon pushed him into a corner and went to town on him. He gripped Lee Yesin’s buttocks tightly and left a few marks near his groin, only releasing him when Lee Yesin was gasping for breath. But even then, he never fully crossed the line. In other words, he didn’t touch Lee Yesin’s back entrance.

Instead, Lee Yesin, feeling restless, retaliated when Tae Woowon was drying his hair. Perched completely on the vanity, he tormented Tae Woowon’s member with his foot. Rubbing his toes against the shaft while pinning it to his lower abdomen, he pressed down on the head with his toes. Unfortunately, Tae Woowon usually brushed it off as a joke, and when he wasn’t, he would suck on Lee Yesin’s hole as if punishing him and then leave him hanging. It was maddening. During the few days spent cooped up at home with him, Lee Yesin couldn’t grasp the sanity that floated above his head as Tae Woowon tossed him around.

“Why?”

Tae Woowon asked without turning his head. It had been a while since he’d taken his nearly dead laptop into his room, yet he hadn’t emerged, so Lee Yesin went to check on him. He found him sitting on the floor, typing away with the laptop on the bed. Lee Yesin walked over quietly, then flopped onto Tae Woowon’s bed without responding. He nudged the laptop screen with his hand.

“What are you doing?”

All he saw was the desktop background. Although he was Lee Yesin’s bodyguard and watcher, he hadn’t reported to Chairman Lee for a while but was still very busy. In the past, Lee Yesin had thought it was just another task, but these days, he found himself wondering what he was up to. An inexplicable doubt toward him had begun to pile up.

“Are you bored?”

With a crooked smile, he asked while touching Lee Yesin’s thigh. His hand quickly climbed to Lee Yesin’s buttocks. It felt like seduction, but Lee Yesin knew better. He was certain that Tae Woowon would excite him like this and then leave him hanging. He had no idea when his explosive sexual desire would erupt. It was becoming increasingly difficult for Lee Yesin, who had had his fair share of fun, to get him aroused while digging into his lower half. Lee Yesin pulled Tae Woowon’s hand away from his hole and lifted himself off the bed, heading over to his desk to open a drawer.

“What are you looking for?”

“A notebook. I had put it in here before…”

Lee Yesin didn’t have much talent for making clothes. So, he had scoured magazines twice as much as others, drawn pictures, and made his own answer books. He kept notebooks and pencils stashed all over the house, ready to capture ideas that popped into his head. Though it was a faint memory from long ago, he was sure he had put one in this room too.

“Ah, here it is…”

Along with the notebook, Lee Yesin found the sleeping pills. They were something Tae Woowon had once taken away from him. Lee Yesin could feel Tae Woowon’s gaze on him, so he deliberately took out the bottle, opened it, and checked inside.

“Are you going to take them?”

Tae Woowon, who had closed his laptop, leaned his chin on his hand and asked. Although he looked nonchalant, there was a chance he’d change in an instant if Lee Yesin nodded. Instead, Lee Yesin closed the bottle, put it back in the drawer, and crawled over to him. He climbed onto Tae Woowon’s lap, who was sitting cross-legged, gave him a quick kiss on the lips, and met his gaze.

“You know…”

Lee Yesin thought Tae Woowon would laugh, but instead, Tae Woowon looked up at him with a blank expression, then lifted him by the waist and laid him down on the bed. He held up Lee Yesin’s thigh and brought his face close. Lee Yesin felt a sudden, unexpected warmth and met Tae Woowon’s gaze, biting his lip, surprised by the unexpected intimacy.

“Hah…”

Lee Yesin, arching his back, climaxed as he felt his release being drawn out. Tae Woowon lifted his head, fetched an ashtray from the desk, and spat into it. He took the tip again, drawing out any remaining fluid and spitting it repeatedly. His lips were parched.

“…Touch me there.”

After rinsing his mouth with water, Tae Woowon adjusted Lee Yesin’s robe back in place and kissed his thigh.

“If we do it now, it’ll be too rough on you.”

“……”

With a slightly pouty expression, Lee Yesin reached down. He remembered how rough it had been on the day he got his tattoo. Perhaps it was still affecting him, as he noticed a bit of extra tenderness in the area today.

“No, it’s not your fault. I just can’t hold back.”

“…What if you didn’t hold back?”

Lee Yesin asked, lifting his upper body. Just looking down at Tae Woowon sitting between his legs made him feel warm.

“Aren’t you worried it might hurt you inside?”

“…So, are you planning to live without being with me? I can only be with you.”

Tae Woowon chuckled and gently rubbed Lee Yesin’s calf.

“Maybe when it feels a bit tighter.”

“What?”

Instead of responding, Tae Woowon wet his finger in his mouth and inserted one finger into Lee Yesin. Lee Yesin furrowed his brows, glancing down.

“You’re still more open than usual. Let’s hold off a few more days.”

He tantalizingly rubbed the inner wall, then withdrew his finger. Lee Yesin got off the bed and sat down on Tae Woowon’s lap. Pressing their lower bodies together, he slipped his tongue into Tae Woowon’s mouth and began to rock his hips. Tae Woowon grabbed Lee Yesin’s hips, encouraging him to move faster. Their erections rubbed against each other through the fabric. Though they weren’t directly touching, the rough friction from the clothes stung slightly, causing Lee Yesin’s throat to tighten with every brush. His moans spilled into Tae Woowon’s mouth, and the itch deep inside made him feel like he was going to lose his mind.

“Ah, ngh!”

In a rush, he reached down and pulled off Tae Woowon’s pants. His erection sprang free, fully hard. Lee Yesin began rubbing it eagerly against his own exposed through his gown. It felt smooth, without any sting—only a searing heat. Tae Woowon, firmly gripping Lee Yesin’s waist and rocking him, turned his head to break the kiss. Biting Lee Yesin’s jaw, he sucked on the edge of his lips, locking eyes with him. Lee Yesin looked down at his face, letting out a hot breath.

“Should I just keep living like this? Acting like I don’t know anything, going through the day without thinking about it, living with this empty head.” He loved the sweetness in Tae Woowon’s gaze, the way it stirred him when he kissed Lee Yesin’s face whenever he looked at the back of his neck, the strange tenderness that Tae Woowon gave him… Lee Yesin climaxed on Tae Woowon’s lap, leaning his head back. Tae Woowon pressed a deep kiss on his neck and softly caressed his nipple. Heart pounding, Lee Yesin wrapped his arms around Tae Woowon.

Maybe this was enough. He had enjoyed the peace of the past few days, and he didn’t mind Tae Woowon’s attentive care. Catching his breath with their chests pressed together, he slowly opened his eyes. There was a flower behind him. Blinking, Lee Yesin looked down at the blue rose. His grip on Tae Woowon’s shoulder tightened.

“…How long am I supposed to live like this?”

Tae Woowon pulled his head back so they were face to face. His hand moved down, gently stroking Lee Yesin’s cheek.

“For a while.”

“…How long is ‘a while’?”

“Just that. For a while.”

“Will it ever end? You didn’t even give me back my phone.”

Lee Yesin pushed Tae Woowon’s hand away and tried to stand, but Tae Woowon wrapped his arm around Lee Yesin’s waist, holding him in place. Tae Woowon grabbed Lee Yesin’s scowling face and kissed him. His tongue delved deeply, grazing the roof of his mouth and setting Lee Yesin’s senses alight once again. Lee Yesin tried to turn his head away, but Tae Woowon didn’t let go. He continued to soothe Lee Yesin, gently rubbing his nipple, coaxing him with his teasing touch. Out of breath, Lee Yesin swallowed Tae Woowon’s saliva as he kissed him deeply. With a soft smack, Tae Woowon pulled away, licking the corner of Lee Yesin’s lips.

“Stay well-behaved for a little while longer, okay? It’ll be over soon.”

He spoke in a low voice, then leaned in again, covering Lee Yesin’s lips and sucking on them. Lee Yesin let out a soft hum, gripping Tae Woowon’s shoulders tightly. There was no escaping him. He couldn’t push away the sweetness of Tae Woowon’s kiss. Lee Yesin helplessly yielded to him. And yet, nothing had changed. Tae Woowon still didn’t believe Lee Yesin when he promised not to run, and he still hadn’t given Lee Yesin back his freedom.

٠ ࣪⭑

“Leave now.”

The steady vibration of the phone woke him. Tae Woowon picked up the call, gave a short reply, and ended the call. He gently stroked Lee Yesin’s back a few times as he held him in his arms. Almost drifting back to sleep, Yesin snuggled closer to Tae Woowon, feigning sleep. Tae Woowon pressed a silent kiss to the side of Yesin’s head before slipping out of bed. A moment later, he secured a shackle around Yesin’s ankle. After hearing the quiet closing of the bedroom door and the front door, Yesin opened his eyes. The pleasant feeling he’d had before falling asleep settled heavily.

He couldn’t understand how Tae Woowon could freely go out and casually shackle him in place. He had no idea where Woowon went, leaving him trapped here alone. Yesin knew nothing about what Tae Woowon did besides his security work, or what was on his laptop that he never let anyone see.

After lying there for about ten more minutes, Yesin got up, went to the bathroom, and retrieved a waterproof pouch with a hidden phone from the toilet tank. He’d managed to move and hide it here among the towels some time ago. Staring at the dark screen, he turned it on. Despite being turned off for a while, the battery was a bit drained. Ignoring his building nerves, he opened the phone. Only one number was saved in the contacts. As he was about to press the call button, his finger hesitated.

They say ignorance is bliss.

Swallowing hard, Yesin shook his head. Tae Woowon wasn’t normal for binding him and leaving him here whenever he went out. Yesin couldn’t stay trapped here indefinitely, waiting for his freedom, not knowing when or if it would ever come. He had to consider the possibility that Woowon might never let him go. And he couldn’t ignore the chance that Woowon might abandon him once he grew tired of him.

Biting the inside of his lip, Yesin made the call. After about three rings, the other party picked up. But there was only silence on the other end. Finally, Yesin spoke first.

“…Hello.”

It was too early to tell, but the other person sounded like a young man. As Yesin moistened his dry lips, choosing his words, the man continued.

“…Who are you?”

Yesin’s grip on the sink tightened, and he held the phone firmly.

“…Screwed over how?”

Even if Yesin fully trusted Tae Woowon, hearing this would surely shake him. And he’d already started to doubt Woowon. His chest felt tight.

“So, what kind of betrayal are you talking about?”

To meet him, Yesin would have to deceive Woowon. It wouldn’t be easy to leave without catching Woowon’s suspicious gaze. He stayed silent, unable to answer immediately, and the person on the other end, sensing his hesitation, spoke in a slightly awkward tone.

“……”

How did he know? As Yesin remained silent with a tense expression, the person on the other end sighed.

Cameras, listening devices… With slightly trembling hands, Yesin turned on the sink’s water, and the man chuckled softly.

The man was giving Yesin a choice. He could continue to trust Woowon if he wanted. But if he had even the slightest doubt, he was willing to reveal more.

“…Go on.”

“……”

Lee Yesin’s legs felt weak, and he slumped to the floor, gripping the sink tightly. Ji Geonwoo was not who he claimed, and his profession was not that of a bodyguard but a criminal? Then, who are you really? Why are you by my side, using that name and invading my life whenever you please? Why…?

“…How can I believe that?”

“…What?”

What? Lee Yesin’s mouth hung open slightly as he held the phone. He looked down at the dark screen, then steadied his trembling legs and got up. He turned off the phone, shoved it back under the towels, and went to turn on the TV. Switching to the news, which he usually never watched, he saw Lee Juho’s face fill the screen.

Various blurred images flashed across the screen, followed by a shot of Chairman Lee’s weary face. Text scrolled beneath it,

The world outside was spinning quickly. While Lee Yesin was trapped, struggling under Tae Woowon’s grip, things outside were chaotic. What is all this? Yesin stared blankly at the screen.

٠ ࣪⭑

“It’s over.”

Baek Hyeyun spoke, clutching the remote tightly. Seokkyung nodded, while Tae Woowon showed no reaction. The three of them sat in silence before the TV, watching the news, until Baek Hyeyun finally turned it off and moved. She lit a cigarette, Seokkyung went to get water from the bar, and Tae Woowon ran a hand through his hair.

It was all flawless—the search warrant to nail Chairman Lee, the discreet Shining Bran signal on the news screen. Even rumors about dangerous items in Chairman Lee’s safe spread smoothly, drawing in Yeho Group members like Yejun as planned.

However, they hadn’t anticipated Jo Seonggil sneaking into the country unnoticed and taking out Lee Juho so swiftly. Not that it mattered much; only the timing changed. The real issue was the lobbyist. After hearing about Lee Juho’s brutal murder, the lobbyist wanted out, breaking the contract and leaving with the cancellation fee. Understandably so. Chairman Lee had even willingly confessed to exaggerated charges to avoid being trapped by Seonggil’s ruthless example.

“It’s over.”

Baek Hyeyun repeated, her face weary. Tae Woowon pulled out a cigarette, lighting it.

“Did Jo Seonggil know Chairman Lee was under investigation?”

“What are you saying?”

Baek Hyeyun, who had been rubbing her temples, looked up at Seokkyung. He scratched the back of his head, standing a bit apart to avoid their smoke.

“If he knew Chairman Lee might go into hiding, he wouldn’t have targeted him so publicly. If Jo Seonggil wanted the Shining Bran, he would have taken down Lee Juho quietly. This scale is too grand. Not only was he killed, but his limbs were torn apart.”

“Does he have another motive?”

Baek Hyeyun approached Seokkyung, taking the water he handed her and glancing at Tae Woowon, who remained silent.

“Boss Woo. Say something.”

Tae Woowon stubbed out his cigarette and rubbed his eyes. He’d left Lee Yesin abruptly to come here. Yesin hadn’t been happy about him going out, nor did he like the shackles. He had to get back as soon as possible.

“I think he knows.”

Baek Hyeyun and Seokkyung’s eyes widened.

“What?”

“I think Jo Seonggil knows Chairman Lee isn’t the one who raided his safe.”

“How? Why?”

Baek Hyeyun stepped closer, frowning.

“Like Seokkyung said, if he were after the Shining Bran, he’d have gone after Lee Juho quietly. But Jo Seonggil is after something else, and killing Lee Juho is his way of threatening me—to bring it to him before he kills me.”

“…Bring what?”

“The ledger.”

“What?”

“The ledger Jo Seonggil kept. It’s fifteen years old but contains specific details. It outlines the flow of dirty money. If it’s exposed, a lot of people, including Jo Seonggil, will go down.”

Tae Woowon exhaled smoke in a long stream. Smack. Baek Hyeyun hit him hard on the arm. He simply switched the cigarette to his other hand, brushing the ashes from his sleeve.

“That ledger was in the safe too…?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell us?”

“I assumed Jaeni knew.”

He knew she didn’t, though. If she had, Baek Hyeyun would have mentioned it. Following her carefully planned blueprint, he figured the ledger would eventually be disposed of smoothly.

“You’re crazy.”

“Get a new lobbyist.”

“Who’s bold enough to negotiate with Jo Seonggil over that ledger? That’s a death sentence.”

“Stick to the original plan. Wouldn’t it be great if we recover the Shining Bran while we wait for the person who stole the ledger to show up?”

The negotiation process with the lobbyist had nothing to do with Jo Seonggil’s safecracking. The plan was solely to focus on the Shining Bran and claim that the one in Chairman Lee’s safe was a fake while they knew the location of the real one. As long as they acted convincingly, there was no problem in pushing ahead with it.

“So, you’re saying we pretend not to know about the ledger and negotiate solely with the Shining Bran?”

“Yes. Find a lobbyist, as soon as possible.”

They had to protect Lee Yesin. The fact that Jo Seonggil had killed Lee Juho was almost certain proof that he believed the safecracker was connected to Yeho Group. Through negotiation, they needed to make it known that only the Shining Bran was associated with Yeho Group and distance themselves from the ledger. If they didn’t act quickly, he might start targeting the lives of Yeho Group people, one by one.

“There’s none.”

“What?”

“I said, there’s none. That lobbyist was the last one.”

Baek Hyeyun ruffled her hair in frustration. Tae Woowon looked at her quietly, and she continued with a sigh.

“They all refused once they found out the negotiator was Jo Seonggil. That weasel was our last option….”

“Should I go?”

At the sudden voice, Tae Woowon frowned and turned his head. Standing in the doorway of the inner room was Rogi, leaning against the doorframe, grinning in his robe. The painting

by the artist Saliman, which had come from Chairman Lee’s safe, had been verified as genuine. Rogi seemed quite pleased that his counterfeit had been acknowledged.

“What’s he doing here?”

“He came by with celebratory drinks yesterday. Since everything was going smoothly, we drank together. Why? Does that bother you?”

Baek Hyeyun replied provocatively. Ignoring her last words, Tae Woowon gestured at Rogi, who closed the door behind him and sat across from Tae Woowon, still smiling broadly.

“Hyung, if you need someone, I’ll go. I’ve done a lot of negotiations too.”

“Are you aware the opponent is Jo Seonggil?”

“I’ll go with Tak hyung. Just make me his assistant.”

Tae Woowon, after putting out his cigarette, considered Rogi. With Rogi’s level of boldness and acting skills, the chance of success was high. And as Rogi said, if he went with Tak, they could at least make it out alive. Tae Woowon nodded.

“Seokkyung, contact Tak.”

“Yes.”

“…Hey. It’s too dangerous. Do you even know what kind of place you’re sending Rogi to?” Baek Hyeyun said with a grimace.

“I’m not just sending him blindly. The only job is delivering the sealed documents to Yejun in exchange for the Shining Bran. As long as he doesn’t lose his nerve, it’ll be over quickly.”

It was simple, really. Rogi would negotiate with the Shining Bran to hand over the sealed documents to Jo Seonggil, who would then pass them to Yejun. After confirming the documents, Yejun would give Jo Seonggil the real Shining Bran. Once Yejun verified the documents, he would mistakenly believe that the terrifying Jo Seonggil, who had killed his father, was after Lee Yesin. In an attempt to save himself, Yejun would legally disown Lee Yesin from the Yeho Group. Since Lee Juho’s death, it was the perfect time for Yejun to file a lawsuit asserting his legitimate birthright to the group. Fights over inheritance among siblings were common in this world, especially without a will.

“That’s right. I can do this. Just have the money ready.” Rogi chuckled confidently. Baek Hyeyun let out a big sigh and reluctantly nodded, while Tae Woowon glanced down at his watch.

“Contact Jo Seonggil. Don’t agree to meet him right away; let’s set the time and place on our terms.”

“When should it be?”

“It doesn’t matter. What’s important is that we arrange the meeting ourselves. Don’t ever go into their territory.”

“Then, let’s set it for two days after contact. 8 p.m., at a motel.”

“Yes. Call him.”

Tae Woowon replied, rising from his seat. Seokkyung came up to him and held him back.

“Wait a moment. I have something to show you.”

Tae Woowon let himself be led by Seokkyung to his room, where Seokkyung opened a laptop and handed it to him. On the screen were messages exchanged with someone.

“It’s true that Go Hangyeol was murdered. This person killed Go Hangyeol. They’re currently living in Hawaii, USA, and carried out the job on the condition that they’d never return to Korea.”

“Who paid them?”

“Chairman Lee. The payment route is complex, but after looking into it, the money came from a borrowed-name account that Chairman Lee used only twice in the past. It was laundered at least three times. Lee Juho was also involved in this laundering.”

Tae Woowon silently stared at the conversation on the laptop screen. The person who had carried out the crime without any guilt was living luxuriously off the money he’d received back then. Now, as the money was running out, he was demanding a substantial amount from Seokkyung as a fee for the information.

“Gather some data on Chairman Lee.”

“What kind?”

“Enough to get him a life sentence in the first trial. Pass it to Lee Yejun, too.”

“Oh, along with the files on his competitors’ corruption?”

“Yes. Include things that would be advantageous for him in the succession battle.”

To spark Lee Yejun’s ambition, Tae Woowon planned to give him a few high-level pieces of information from the beginning—things that could be useful in future power struggles for Yeho Group. Alongside, he intended to provide extensive material on Chairman Lee’s various corrupt activities to publicly expose his crimes.

In large corporations, public image is crucial. At that level, almost everyone has committed similar wrongdoings, but what matters is the cleanup afterward. With Chairman Lee facing imprisonment and Lee Juho dead, showing remorse and admitting to wrongdoing would sway public opinion toward Lee Yejun. If that happened, Lee Yejun would be positioned closer to the chairman role, while others would be pushed aside.

It was unfortunate for Chairman Lee, but Tae Woowon had no intention of leaving the man who had brought Lee Yesin to ruin unscathed. Considering Chairman Lee’s vast connections, he might manage to get out after a few years or a few decades, even if he received a life sentence in the first trial. Preparing for that possibility, Tae Woowon intended to ensure he had nowhere to return to, destroying his influence and angering the public.

“Got it. I’ll do it that way,” Seokkyung replied confidently, nodding with understanding. Tae Woowon ruffled his hair before stepping out. As he moved toward the door, Rogi, who had been snacking, stood up and approached him.

“Hyung, are you leaving already? How about a drink before you go?”

Rogi was trailing after him, hinting at drinks first thing in the morning. Tae Woowon shot him a glance.

“No. I have somewhere to be.”

“Then have a drink with me after this is over, with Goldie.”

“Fine. Good luck.”

Leaving the hotel room, Tae Woowon got in the elevator and checked the monitor of Lee Yesin’s room. He wasn’t in bed. Shifting the screen, he saw him standing blankly in front of the TV. It seemed like he’d just seen the news.

Usually, Lee Yesin only watched movies or variety shows and hardly ever watched the news. He hadn’t been aware of the recent stir over

reappearing or the news of Chairman Lee’s tax evasion and embezzlement charges. The fact that he’d watched the news all of a sudden was odd. His posture was suspicious, too. If he had been seated, hugging his knees, it might’ve seemed coincidental; this looked like he’d turned on the TV urgently to confirm something.

Tae Woowon rewound the footage. A few minutes after Tae Woowon left, Lee Yesin got up and went into the bathroom, then came out a moment later, looking dazed, and turned on the TV. Damn, what’s going on? His brow furrowed at Lee Yesin’s unexpected behavior, he got off the elevator.

On his way home, he received the call he’d been expecting from Park Jonghyun. He informed Tae Woowon of Lee Juho’s death and asked if Lee Yesin would attend the funeral. Tae Woowon said yes. Then Park Jonghyun brought up Tae Woowon’s employment status. Since Chairman Lee had personally hired Tae Woowon, his position was now unclear with Chairman Lee in custody. If Lee Juho, who knew the backstory, had been alive, it could’ve been passed on to him, but his death complicated matters. Sighing heavily, Park Jonghyun agreed to discuss it further after the funeral. Tae Woowon, planning to resign eventually, thanked him and hung up.

A few minutes after the call, Tae Woowon arrived home, ignoring traffic signals along the way. He found Lee Yesin sitting on the sofa, staring at the TV, which was repeating the same news. Tae Woowon sat beside him, noting how he didn’t glance his way. When he turned his face to look at him, Lee Yesin’s eyes were conflicted.

“…My father died.”

“Yeah. Get dressed; let’s go out.”

Lee Yesin raised his cold hand and placed it on Tae Woowon’s cheek. He didn’t look sad, but he appeared deeply unsettled. Isn’t that a good thing? He’d always said he hated him. Besides, he might even know by now that Lee Juho had swapped him with Go Hangyeol. While brushing Lee Yesin’s hair, he leaned in slowly and buried his face in Tae Woowon’s shoulder.

“Don’t leave me. Don’t… leave me alone in that place.”

If Tae Woowon had known he’d cling to him so dearly, he thought he would’ve had him killed sooner.

“Alright.”

Tae Woowon gently stroked his back.

٠ ࣪⭑

With reporters’ camera flashes all around, Tae Woowon entered the funeral hall with Lee Yesin. Lee Yejun was already there, and Lee Yejin and Yoon Seokyung were on their way back from overseas. Despite the news having only recently broken, condolences were pouring in. However, few were allowed to bow to Lee Juho’s portrait.

Due to Jo Seonggil’s threatening behavior, security was tight for the mourners. Journalists and unverified guests couldn’t pass the entrance, and those inside were mostly Yeho Group associates and known business figures.

“Why are you just getting here? And where’d you lose your phone that you didn’t answer?” Lee Yejun asked sharply, his gaze icy. Lee Yesin quietly replied, “Sorry,” and bowed to greet a mourner. The funeral hall was somber, with no laughter or lightness. Among whispered conversations, familiar words like “murder,” “revenge,” and “Chairman Lee” reached his ears—all orchestrated by Tae Woowon. This grand funeral and the dangerous atmosphere within it were his creation, and he was pleased with how it was unfolding.

After a few hours, when things quieted down a bit, Tae Woowon took Lee Yesin outside for a break. In a secluded corner, he handed him a warm soy milk and lit a cigarette.

“…Could you contact Heechan? He’s the only one I’d like to call.”

Tae Woowon, removing the cigarette from his lips, ran a hand along the back of Lee Yesin’s neck, tracing the outline of a tattoo that had healed smoothly, thanks to regular applications of Vaseline.

“Kwon Heechan’s in Italy.”

“What?”

Lee Yesin looked at him in surprise. Tae Woowon regretted not being able to kiss him under so many watchful eyes.

“When you disappeared, I tried to reach out, but he was busy preparing to leave for Italy. I didn’t believe it at first, so I checked later—and sure enough, he’d left.”

He’d hidden Kwon Heechan in Tak’s studio and purchased a plane ticket in Heechan’s name, then hired someone to use his passport. For all intents and purposes, Heechan was now in Italy.

“…When?”

“A little after you came home.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because telling you wouldn’t change anything.”

He removed his hand from the tattoo. A stranger in mourning clothes, who had been watching them from a distance, quickly looked away and left as soon as their eyes met.

“You should’ve told me. Heechan is my only….”

“Enough.”

When Tae Woowon cut him off, Lee Yesin scowled and smacked Woowon’s arm. Dissatisfied, he then hit his shoulder and pushed his chest.

“Why is everything your way? Don’t you care about me? Am I not a person to you? Why do you ignore everything I say and never listen to what I want?!”

Tae Woowon sighed, threw his cigarette to the ground, and took hold of Yesin’s wrist, pulling him into an embrace and gently patting his back and head.

“And what exactly is it that you want? To leave the house? To have a phone?”

“You have no right to keep me locked up.”

Yes, he was right. Tae Woowon had no right to keep him confined; Yesin was only there because he chose to stay. Woowon found himself unable to argue and silently stroked Yesin’s back as the latter’s heavy breaths gradually steadied.

“…If you’re not one of Chairman Lee’s lackeys, then what are you?”

After a long silence, Yesin asked in a small voice. Woowon loosened his grip, stepping back slightly to look down at Yesin, who had bitten his lower lip and dropped his head.

“What do you want me to be?”

“…Don’t play around.”

“Then take your pick. I’ll be whatever you want.”

Yesin’s face twisted, though Woowon couldn’t tell if it was from frustration or the effort to hold back tears. He drew him into his chest again, gently caressing his hair.

“I’m on your side.”

“…You bastard.”

Woowon gently kissed his hair, comforting him as he endured the pain of Lee Juho’s death.

٠ ࣪⭑

Yoon Seokyung finally appeared on the second evening of the funeral. She walked in, heels clicking, dressed to perfection. Yejun greeted her, and Yesin, who was standing beside him, bowed his head silently.

“I’ve heard some terrifying things going around,” she said, making Yejun’s face tighten.

“They say your grandfather’s so terrified, he’s ended up in cuffs.”

“Mother.”

“And with my son’s support gone, he might not be able to take the chairman’s seat. Let me know if you need help; I can give you a hand.”

She smiled, putting an arm around Yejun’s shoulder, then stepped back and looked at Lee Juho’s portrait. Plucking a chrysanthemum from the lavish display around it, she tossed it in front of the portrait. Juho’s siblings cursed her, but she paid them no mind, turning on her heel.

“Yesin, come with me.”

Confused by Seokyung’s words, which he couldn’t understand, Yesin swallowed hard and followed her. Tae Woowon, who had been on standby, naturally followed.

“So, not your boyfriend… then someone from Chairman Lee?”

Seokyung looked Woowon up and down as they stepped onto the outdoor terrace. Both Woowon and Yesin stayed silent. Seokyung didn’t seem to expect an answer; she simply nodded to herself, pulling a cigarette from her small purse and lighting it expertly.

“…Why did you call me here?” Yesin asked stiffly. Seokyung’s lips, painted bright red, curved softly as her eyes, sharp yet ageless, narrowed in a quiet smile.

“Yes, you do have the right to talk to me like that. The only connection between us has passed away, hasn’t it?”

“……”

Woowon lowered his gaze, observing Yesin’s small ear. He took in the soft lines of his cheek and nose, and imagined the eyes he couldn’t see from where he stood. He already knew the truth—that Yesin was Lee Juho’s illegitimate child.

“If I could turn back time to the day you were born, I’d never faint again. I’d make sure to stay strong and hold my ground to protect my child.”

He knew, too, that Juho had swapped him with Go Hangyeol. Yesin’s expression remained unchanged, while Seokyung, bold in her confession, now looked somehow weary. The imposing energy she had displayed in front of Juho’s portrait had faded, leaving only the weight of past regrets.

“Chairman Lee—that bastard I Chanseok—he knew too. He’s the one who allowed it. Honestly, I feel an overwhelming sense of relief right now. I’m so happy, I could cry.”

With a small smile, she released the smoke from her trembling lips. Yesin’s small Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.

“Thanks to them, your mother and I have been living on pills, while they live well, eat well.”

“……”

“And what about you?”

“……”

“Do you eat well? Sleep well?”

“……”

Yesin’s clenched fist tightened. Woowon lifted his gaze to look at Seokyung. If her words became too much for Yesin, he was ready to take him away immediately. Seokyung, oblivious to Woowon’s intentions, took a long drag on her cigarette, and exhaled away from Yesin’s face, her eyes lowered.

“Six years ago, I told Hangyeol to tell me what he wanted. I promised to do anything for him. Do you know what he said?”

“…”

“He said he just wanted to live like this. That he enjoyed being with you and just wanted to live quietly. I wondered who he took after to be so good-hearted.”

The conversation slowed down. The cigarette in her hand burned all the way to the filter. Her fingers must be feeling the heat, yet Yoon Seokyung didn’t let it go. Lee Yesin’s gaze was fixed on it.

“You probably hated the way I suddenly changed. Just as I grew to hate you overnight. But, Yesin, now that I think about it… I never once thought of myself as an adult.”

“…”

“By the time I came to my senses, I was this age. And now, here I am.”

“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

Lee Yesin finally managed to respond, his face calm. Yoon Seokyung forced a smile and discarded the cigarette, which had burned out on its own, on the ground.

“When I see you, I still see your mother. I still see Hangyeol.”

“…”

“But thinking back, I realize how young you were then. I thought only I was the victim, that you were just a little demon sent by your mother…”

After a pause, Yoon Seokyung swallowed as if forcing down a mass of words. She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, and then opened her mouth with a small smile.

“I have no right over you. Still… if you need help, reach out.”

“…”

“Eat well. Get enough sleep.”

“…”

“I’m leaving.”

She tucked her hair behind her ear and took a step, heading back inside the building. Just as she was about to enter, she paused, looking at Tae Woowon.

“Chairman Lee got arrested, but you’re still around. Guess you’re not with his people?”

“I’m here for Lee Yesin.”

“…Good to know.”

With a soft nod, Yoon Seokyung disappeared into the building. As the door closed, Tae Woowon stepped behind Lee Yesin, who had his head lowered, and gently embraced him. He could feel the weight of the life Lee Yesin had lived—the harsh circumstances that were all too easy to picture, and the profound loneliness that was harder to understand. Tae Woowon quietly held him, staying close until the rain that had started dripping on his forearm finally stopped.

٠ ࣪⭑

Lee Yejin, the last of the immediate family to arrive, took on the responsibility of wrapping up the funeral. Under a tense, guarded atmosphere, the service concluded without incident. After the burial, the three siblings shared a quiet meal together before going their separate ways.

“Aren’t you tired?”

On the way back home, Lee Yesin asked the question, looking at Tae Woowon, who was behind the wheel. Accustomed to functioning on little to no sleep, Lee Yesin seemed relatively alert. Tae Woowon, who had slept even less, was tired but not drowsy enough for it to impair his driving.

“You should sleep.”

“…I’m not sleepy.”

“Want me to hold your hand?”

When Tae Woowon asked with a smile, Lee Yesin gave a little grumble in response. Tae Woowon rolled down the window slightly, taking a sip of water at a red light. His mind felt sluggish.

“Aren’t you going to ask?”

“About what.”

“…What I talked about with my mother last time.”

Tae Woowon stole a glance at Lee Yesin’s profile. He had his head lowered, nervously fidgeting with his fingers.

“Do you want me to ask?”

“Don’t talk to me like you’re doing me a favor. I’m asking if you’re actually curious.”

“I am. But tell me later. For now, just rest.”

“…Hold my hand.”

Tae Woowon reached out and took his hand. Despite it being midsummer, Lee Yesin’s hand was cold, perhaps from constantly being in the air conditioning. Tae Woowon held it tightly, sharing his warmth with him. But when they reached home, Tae Woowon’s hand had grown just as cold as Lee Yesin’s.

“I want to shower alone.”

As he tossed his clothes onto a chair in the dressing room, Lee Yesin ran a hand along Tae Woowon’s bare waist. Tae Woowon, halfway through unbuckling his belt, looked down at him, silently seeking permission. He brushed back his hair, pressing a kiss to his exposed forehead.

“Don’t take too long.”

“…Okay.”

Naked, Lee Yesin turned and left the dressing room. Tae Woowon watched his retreating figure for a moment before heading to the bathroom in the living room, undressing as he went. After a quick shower, he saw he had a missed call from Baek Hyeyun. He called back, and she picked up almost immediately.

“Yeah. Did you set the date?”

Since the lobbyist was replaced with Rogi, the script must have changed significantly. Also, the plan took longer than expected as they made arrangements to fully take down Chairman Lee, ensuring that Lee Yejun would handle things with certainty. But it would pay off. Chairman Lee would die a lonely death, and Lee Yejun, with his ambitions, would become a solid shield for Lee Yesin. Through the materials received from Jo Seonggil, Lee Yejun would eventually take the chairman’s position with ease. To show goodwill to Jo Seonggil, he’d ensure that no one could touch Lee Yesin after he was expelled from Yeho Group.

“What about the location?”

“Make sure to be there before the scheduled time. If Jo Seonggil’s side gets there first, things could go south. Their heads could roll before negotiations even start.”

“It’s just a warning. Tak will be there, and Rogi is no pushover. It’ll be fine.”

Despite his words, Tae Woowon couldn’t be entirely sure. Jo Seonggil, whom he had never met, was unpredictable. Even after a long time tracking him, Tae Woowon had no clear read on him, and the rushed timing of the meeting made him uneasy. But it was too late to back out now. He could only hope sending Rogi wasn’t a mistake.

“Yeah. Just got in.”

He had merely been standing behind Lee Yesin, but he must have been caught on camera while coming and going from the funeral hall. He was about to reply offhandedly when a thought crossed his mind, and his expression hardened. The news… How had Lee Yesin received it?

“Let me know if anything comes up. I’m hanging up.”

After ending the call, Tae Woowon strode purposefully toward Lee Yesin’s room. Why had he insisted on showering alone? He’d assumed it was to pull himself together, but perhaps that wasn’t the case. He couldn’t let himself be fooled by Lee Yesin’s sweetness. This was someone who could hit him from behind without hesitation.

He swung the door open. Through the partition, he could see the silhouette of Lee Yesin sitting on the bed. As he approached, Lee Yesin, who had been staring blankly, reached out an arm like a child asking to be held, blinking with clear, unguarded eyes.

“…”

There was no way to withstand it. Tae Woowon rubbed his face and held Lee Yesin’s hand. He pulled him into a hug and laid down on the bed. Lee Yesin snuggled into Tae Woowon’s arms.

“…Thank you. For staying with me all this time.”

At Lee Yesin’s quiet voice, Tae Woowon clenched his teeth tightly. Oblivious, Lee Yesin touched Tae Woowon’s back with his fingertips and pressed a kiss to his bare chest.

“Tonight, I’ll put you to sleep.”

Lee Yesin patted Tae Woowon’s lower back. Tae Woowon was helpless. This wasn’t his own will; with a few gestures, Lee Yesin lulled him to sleep.

Since he’d started napping in the afternoon, Tae Woowon woke up in the pitch-dark night. He felt Lee Yesin’s body half-sprawled over his. Sliding his hand under the robe, he kneaded Lee Yesin’s bottom and stroked his wrapped-around waist. Looking down at Lee Yesin, who was asleep without a sound, Tae Woowon sighed.

Maybe it would have been better to run with him. That way, he could’ve kept him confined for life, but Lee Yesin was stronger than Tae Woowon had expected. Not only had he endured Jang Wonhyeok’s filthy captivity, but he also maintained his mental clarity through Tae Woowon’s subtle confinement, even managing to rattle him in the process. Perhaps he was stronger than Tae Woowon.

After touching Lee Yesin for a long time, Tae Woowon wrapped him in a blanket and got out of bed. It was probably too late, but he needed to check the bathroom. Before going in, he went to the room and checked the monitor to see if Lee Yesin had gone anywhere else after leaving the bathroom. The screen showed only him moving from the bathroom directly to the bed. Tae Woowon put the monitor back in the drawer and inspected the bathroom, checking the cabinets, toilet tank, laundry basket, and towels… but found nothing. He washed his hands and looked in the mirror. Maybe he’d just turned on the TV by chance. If he hadn’t installed the cameras in the first place, he wouldn’t have known about this. Entertaining futile and aimless thoughts, he left the bathroom.

“…I thought you’d gone somewhere.”

Lee Yesin sat on the bed, wrapped up like a cocoon in the blanket, looking up at Tae Woowon with a dazed expression. Tae Woowon approached, took a glass of water from the bedside table, and handed it to Lee Yesin.

“Feed me.”

He was unfazed by the unreasonable request. Tae Woowon held back a faint, incredulous smile and brought the bottle to Lee Yesin’s lips. He kept his mouth tightly shut, gazing up at Tae Woowon.

“With your mouth.”

Oh, please. Muttering under his breath, Tae Woowon filled his mouth with water. Cupping Lee Yesin’s chin, he lifted it, met his lips, and slowly let the water trickle down as Lee Yesin swallowed eagerly. After a few rounds, Lee Yesin, satisfied, slipped his tongue into Tae Woowon’s mouth. Tae Woowon put down the bottle roughly, grabbing the back of Lee Yesin’s head to keep him close. Wet, smacking sounds filled the air as he devoured his lips and tongue.

“Nn…”

Lee Yesin let out a small whimper through his nose, twisting his head to escape Tae Woowon’s tongue. After biting and chewing on Tae Woowon’s lower lip, he whispered, “I’m hungry.” Tae Woowon, caressing the back of Lee Yesin’s neck, licked his lips before letting him go.

“What do you want to eat?”

“You’ll make it?”

“Yeah.”

Tae Woowon picked up the dropped bottle. Thankfully, there was only a little water left, so the floor didn’t get wet.

“Fried rice. With kimchi and ham.”

“Watch me from over there.”

He told him this, eyeing Lee Yesin, who showed no intention of getting out of bed. Lee Yesin nodded with a sleepy grin. Tae Woowon watched him slowly wriggle out from under the blankets before turning and leaving the room. He felt like he’d already lost before he’d even begun.

٠ ࣪⭑

Rogi sprawled on the motel sofa, tapping on his phone. Across from him, Tak, who’d been reading, stretched out his feet and nudged a takeout menu on the table toward Rogi. Rogi glanced up.

“What?”

“Turn down the volume.”

“You’re picking a fight over nothing.”

“A fight? It’s a suggestion.”

Rogi made a face at Tak’s words, then turned off his phone and sat up. He pulled a cigarette from the table and lit it.

“Hyung, who’re you ‘raising’ these days?”

Tak, who’d flipped a page, smirked and nodded.

“Two people.”

A few days ago, Jang Wonhyeok had died after a few experiments. Tongueless Won Jungkyu had had a few rounds of sex with Tak, and Kwon Heechan, who’d lost most of his fingernails and toenails, had begged for death while witnessing everything.

“But one of them, I can’t mess with as I like.”

“Why?”

“He’s Boss Woo’s.”

To Rogi, that was surprising. In his experience, Tae Woowon neither hated nor liked anyone intensely. If he didn’t kill them or ignore them, keeping someone around was a first.

“Hyung, don’t you think it’s funny to call him Boss Woo? We always used to call him a psycho.”

Tae Woowon didn’t have a code name, so whenever they talked about him behind his back, people always struggled to describe him.

“Not me. I used to call him ‘Pretty.’”

“Ugh.”

When Rogi feigned gagging, Tak chuckled. Tak had a unique taste. His fascination with overpowering men his own size was unusual, and the reason he fell for Tae Woowon was even stranger.

The first day they worked together, after pulling off a successful heist, Tae Woowon and Tak were escaping by car. The owner of the stolen goods quickly realized and sent his men after them. One reckless guy performed a daring stunt on a bike, charging straight at them.

“Avoid him?”

Tak had asked Tae Woowon in the passenger seat, who shook his head. Bold guy, Tak thought as he ran over the biker. Tak’s specially modified car plowed on, while the biker and his bike were flung aside. The other pursuers, shocked, stopped in their tracks, but Tak didn’t. Blood splattered on the windshield. Turning the car around, he even ran over a few sprawled pursuers. As the car jolted violently over their bodies, Tae Woowon muttered a quiet curse, “Ah, damn.”