Chapter Text
"Got it?" he asked, dryly.
"Yes, sir. Please be careful."
Cue to end the call from one of his man calling from the new target site and while putting a red circle mark on the area on the map mounted on his corkboard behind his desk.
It was already 2AM yet no hope of retiring for the night due to formulating schemes to over throw the next area of target. A total of 3 sites, simultaneously.
He smirked.
He would surprise his men to these new targets. Boosting his pride and productivity to conquer the whole South Korea because why not?
Running a black market for artifacts and art pieces could be fun sometimes. But then honestly, this is not what life Park Chanyeol had ever imagined venturing.
He is very much aware how doing illegal stuff could bring danger but oh, boy.
Graduatedwith an undoubtedly good remark from a prestigious art school in Maryland, he sure knows his way around exquisite pieces.
Coming home from Maryland, he suddenly became confused at the same time lost on how to run his life now. Any jobs seemed wrong, even related to arts did not taste right.
He eventually lived with his aunt that ran a diner in Jeju in hope to wait for something to capture his interest in life again. Of course, to help in the diner for he consider himself to do a job well anyway whatever it could be if he just put his mind on it.
Until he happened to encounter a group of suspicious looking men in black that he practically let out a snort for being too obvious that they do wrong things. He mentally shook his head.
Not that he was judging them nor afraid of them. He just didn't give a fuck. He can even protect himself assuming they have weapons.
Not long, somehow he become interested on what they were talking about. He tilted his head while wiping tables on how unusual the topic was.
"Ya, maybe boss are not gonna be discharge from the hospital anymore. Even his family were told to prepare for the worst outcome. What now?" someone brought up, although talking sternly, Chanyeol could hear affection and respect in his voice while talking about the certain boss.
"Yeah, man. He's more concern how this organization would continue. He doesn't even have a child, let alone a son." One somewhat disbelieved towards the fact.
"It's more critical now that the smuggled from Vietnam is coming." other one is panicked. On the spot received series of hit on the head.
"Are you for real, man?! I wanna elbow your mouth right now." another one hissed.
"Ya! Sorry I'm just so troubled for our boss's condition. I mean what should we do? Will he be open for audition of successor? Nah, how dumb. This is not some group school activity to be taken over by other student. Not to mention stranger. The organization is practically the most danger--WAHHWCHH HMPPPHAWWP!!!" all the other four guys crumpled the face of the man talking.
Wow, how entertaining. Chanyeol then became more or less aware of their line of work. Basically they were underground men with a terminal boss, huh.
The men went silent, Chanyeol noticed.
After the pause of interaction, "I think.. I think we should actually find a new one that boss would approve. Watcha think, guys?"
Chanyeol actually had no idea now which were which were talking. He was just consious for them to be talking this topic in a very public place. How dumb could they get?
They continue talking that he even felt relief that other customers started to disperse from the diner.
They were in the diner for 4 hours already talking and giving each other shits. Chanyeol did not mind the time for he found them somehow hilarious. And loyal.
But it was almost closing time and they still not showing sign of leaving. Really, he was longing for his matress.
"Dude, what do we do?!!" one sounding panicked for they still could not come up with candidates(???).
"Fucking hell if I know! I mean have we ever encounter an art pieces owner that we did not robbed?! OHSHIT, sowwy." he hissed, too late to realize that he disclosed an information. Catching the diner's helper gaze, alarmed that Chanyeol overheard.
Chanyeol just signaled like he brushed it off. The men smirked, satisfied to his not-giving-a-shit act. Continued talking after they ensure Chanyeol's discretion.
"Well, from Mr. Chicken, Mr. Pig and Mr. Duck I would never vote for. They were all after the spot but I have a feeling the organization would totally crumble under them. They would just take all leverage, people and other assets."
"What is art even?! I don't even know what can you get from a bowl. Mine's all looking antique in my cupboard at home."
"You, dumbfuck!" one attacked.
There they go again. Getting them no where.
"How about we consider a stranger with plainly an art background only? Art industry is harder than we think. I knew a lot that struggles to be on top that most of them either resorting on underhand methods or leave the art industry at all."
Chanyeol halted from the inventory he was updating upon hearing the statement.
"So your point?" they continue.
"I think we could influence a good kid, riiiight?"
The hell? Chanyeol thought. They think of the most shallow ideas. He could not believe these. But at the back of his head he realize, art industry, dangerous organization, boss...
Strangely, he pictured himself negotiating, giving out money, blood rushing encounters.
What the actual fuck did he just imagined?
He did not realize he was gawking at the men. He just came to himself when they called him out.
"Hey, if your consider spilling shit I would blow your intestine up your mouth out!"
He was taken aback. "Ah—No. I just spaced out but I did not understand anything, man."
"As if we would buy that." One remarked pulling out a gun. Well for a moment there he was terrified. He looked around to think instead of being scared.
"It was your fault anyway opening your big mouth on place as open as this diner."
"You fucker—!" They were surprised by his bravery even under threat.
"Ya! Just take your ass out. I'm not even afraid of dying. Shame on you!"
Series of curses was thrown at him. Others were stopping the childish exchange.
"I swear, I just caught that you were looking for an art guy or something. A piece of advice, if you are dying to look for one, go to galleries, museum and all those shit. You all looking shit talking about that in a diner like this as if an art expert would fall from the sky. I actually knew some, I just want you guys to go cuz I'm tired."
Ugh, what type of goons are they? Chanyeol could never believe it.
The men gave each other looking saying 'wait, he's right.' Chanyeol rolled his eyes. Are they even dangerous?
Gangsters in Maryland were way more terrifying and have no patience in their DNA.
"Hey, you know arts?" He was puzzled to the question.
"Why's you ask? Are you that desperate? Asking random guy hahaha."
"Just answer, fucker."
He could feel his tiredness on his shoulder. He ignored them.
A hand fisted his collar. "How about I tried this in your mouth?" Aiming the gun on his mouth.
Woah, really now. It occured to him suddenly his death. Gosh he's laughing inside. How realistic this situation is.
"Cut the crap, man. What do you want?" What's his problem, he thought. Is he this tired of life. Just to end this night he respond, "I know arts, sure. But spare me to your childish mission."
He was released the instant and thank god they were scrambbling to go out already.
That's it?
What the actual fuck was that? He doubt they were not taking drugs for that sudden changes of personality.
Chanyeol heard bicycle honking, alerting people of newspaper delivery.
Oh, it's 5:30 in the morning. He only decided to end his day.
—-
The alarm started as it reach 5:30.
Someone groaned by the disturbance but then slapped it to stop.
This is how Byun Baekhyun starts his day from Monday to Saturday. Nothing's new but for some reason, he's unexplicably tired already to go on his day ahead.
Drinking his glass of water on the nightstand, he wasted no time to complain anymore.
He should get ready for his session at the studio.
He took a bath, prepare a simple breakfast and sets off to the studio by his car.
6:27. He checked his watch.
His co-dancers are almost complete and their leader slipped out from the changing room the same time he arrived in the room.
Good thing he already wore his session clothes for he finds it a waste of energy to change again in the studio. He just remove his trenchcoat and kick off his chelsea boots.
Right. Baekhyun at 26 considers himself to be contented with his life. Having a stable consignment business and doing his passion of ballet dancing at the same time.
Setting this daily session as his daily exercise before going to his office. Yes, he could not ask for more.
His group consists of 18 members that do showcases for events. He became a member for about 3 years already and he sees himself staying for a long time.
The stretching started and not long, the routine proceeds.
You might think he is a serious man but no. The studio is filled with constant laughter the whole time because of his goofy personality. It eventually become a lovely day for Baekhyun resulting for him to give off a good vibe for the troupe.
He is actually adored by the company for his humor and selflessness.
After the productive session, he took a short shower and went to his office in a 5-storey modern-looking building.
His office actually renting the whole 4th level. It is a chaos. He shook his head while silently laughing on the first scene he saw.
His men are hollering and bantering.
"Good morning, sir!" He was greeted one by one which he greeted back warmly.
"Yah, Baek your hair still damp. The weather's cold." One of his employees irritably ruffled his hair.
Kim Jongdae. A uni friend that chose to support his ventures after graduating. He actually become a shareholder of his small business after Baekhyun decided give the consignment a shot.
"Fuck off. I have a blower here." He flicked Jongdae's forehead in return. "So, how's today?"
"Well, we got twice the load from yesterday. And Pygmalion Gallery sent the confirmation email for the shipment on Friday." Jongdae flashes a smirk. Proud of the news.
"Nice. Grinding your ass out there already, huh?" Baekhyun teases.
"Oya, imma grind my ass on you—WAAH HAHAHA!" Baekhyun kicked his butt.
"Get lost, hoe." He giggled. He situated himself to his desk, forgetting completely the blowdrying.
Not long he received a call through the office telephone.
"Good morning, Tracing Consignment." he greeted.
The other line greeted back, dryly. "We would like to arrange a shipment for certain items. Do you consider servicing for valuable items?"
"Oh. You mean high-priced items, sir?"
"Exactly. Don't worry about the money. The shipment is our priority."
"Can I first get a name--" He was cut off by the caller. "I will just drop by your office today."
"Err. Oh yes, of course. We're open until 5PM." then the line is dead.
He ponders and digests the call. He did not had the chance to consider the guidelines of shipment from the urgency of the caller. They can't ship valuable items. That's not included on the type of consignment they're running.
What must he respond later?
He called Jongdae in and told him about the inquiry.
"Well, that's suspicious. Somehow." Jongdae noted.
"Right? What do you think on the deal?"
"I would flat out decline, dude. It's not on our services. But since you hadn't had the chance to explain our services and he made an appointment-sort of, better yet just hear the deal out."
"You think?"
"Man, don't sweat this. This shithole is yours." motioning around the office.
Baekhyun throw a pocket notebook at Jongdae. "Don't call this a shithole, moron."
Jongdae dragged his ass out, giggling.
The day dragged until at 4PM, Baekhyun got a knocked on his glass door. "Sir, someone is asking for you." his receptionist said. Flushing.
"Who is it?"
She flinched. "Sorry, sir. I forgot to asked." He tilted his head.
Huh.
"Anyway, are you okay? Your face is red." He stretched on his seat.
"Oh. I-I'm fine, sir."
Baekhyun signalled her go.
He saw his receptionist already on her table when we went out to meet the visitor, regaining her normal color. What's wrong with her?
Before he could think for other possiblities if she's sick, he found a man sitting at the secluded corner of his office lounging area.
With the scandinavian interior design of the lounge, the man wearing a navy suit with a reddish hair, sitting widespread knees became the highlight of the room.
The man is fidgeting on his phone until he clicked his tongue and make a call.
"Just go for it, dammit." he hissed.
Baekhyun took a sit on another chair so the man could have his privacy. But the call did not last long. So he get up and approach the man.
"Good afternoon, sir. How may I help you?" He then offered his slim hand to the man.
---
"Good afternoon, sir. How may I help you?" Chanyeol looked up from his cellphone, irritated from the call he made.
He's still sleepy for he only got three hours of sleep before he was dragged by Sehun to a meeting. And worse, asked to do the transaction of the shipment because apparently Sehun inquired to a possible consignment but suddenly ask to participate in an operation.
Chanyeol's eyee sting. He keeps on blinking to moisten his tired eyes.
But the man above him made him lose his tiredness in an instant. The man is wearing a moss turtle neck and brown suede-looking blazer which suits his body frame perfectly.
It almost felt like a joke to him to ever think can a man could be this elegant.
The look seems so comfortable for the man wearing it. Chanyeol certainly wants to hug hi—Wait. What the heck?
He hardly stopped himself from gaping. Dude, stop. You're just tired as to why your brain can't function properly.
The man above him tilted his head. Chanyeol still calculating why he become so shock, trying to recover when he was pulled from the reality thanks to the receptionist that placed two cups of coffee on the coffee table. Chanyeol springs to his feet, catching the offered hand.
"Good afternoon. I was affiliated to the man called earlier regarding the uhh rare items. I'm here to discuss further what you had from the call." Chanyeol hastily said. The slender hand of the other man is cold.
Hmm, small-framed person gets cold easily , he thought. But actually he's not small. Chanyeol just got a towering height.
"Ahh, right. Good thing. We're 30 minutes from closing so yeah I guess we can talk about it now. Excuse me." The man situated himself in front of the visitor. "I'm the one of the owners, my name's Byun Baekhyun. Thank you for dropping by personally. It's getting cooler, hope you did not have any trouble getting here." Offering his concern to Chanyeol.
"I'm...Park Chanyeol." his brain is turning into a mush. What is wrong with him buffering and all.
Good thing Baekhyun seems all business that he dives right on the deal. "Actually, sir our small consignment does not have this kind of service you wish to avail. I did not had the opportunity to explain earlier to the caller because he seemed to be in real hurry." he apologetically said.
Chanyeol shifted on his seat. "We know consignment company does not do valuable shipment..."
Baekhyun waited for him to continue.
"But for some reason, we can not transport the items."
"Oh." Baekhyun realizes something's off.
Of course, valuable items. Urgency. Involvement for only small business consignment. His instinct assumes the worst for the sake of his and his men lives, always his philosophy when it comes to his men. He must be vigilant. Too much maybe.
He long decided not to take risk whatever got to his nerves.
"Sir, I'm sorry but I would have to decline. Somehow, I can understand the situation. I respect your deeds but I do not wish to be involve. I cannot put my men to critical circumstances that would jeopardize our profession. Sir, I would like to offer my apologies for declining. Rest assured whatever we had between this meeting would end with me." Baekhyun handled it as professionally as he thinks he could be.
His mind starts to race for possibilities on security issues. Ugh, he would never wish for an easy way to success by involving with dangerous measures.
"Won't you even want to hear about the worth?" Chanyeol reasons out.
"I see no reason, sir. I'm really sorry. The fact that this is not in our services it only means risking on somehing we shouldn't." Baekhyun only wanted to convince the other to drop it already.
"It's just two art pieces that must be transfer from a gallery to a warehouse. Discreetly." Chanyeol carefully explained.
"Sir, I'm aware that this shipment is being done with the administration of galleries." Baekhyun countered. "Not to mention we do not have logistics for this job. Not that I'm considering."
Baekhyun continues, "Mr. Park, I really apologize, but I cannot risk this." he determinably declined.
The entire time Baekhyun laying out reasons, Chanyeol can't help to be drown by his expressions and manner of talking. Not bothering understanding the spiel for he already know that the other man won't accept the deal. He just wants the man to continue talking.
This is the first time Chanyeol's team to consider hire a consignment to transport their contraband. They thought it would be easier to transfer without raising alarm to security if a legal entity would transport the item to them, assuming it would just be a typical commodity.
"Mr. Park." Chanyeol was dragged out from scrutinizing the art in front of him. What?!
"Chanyeol." he said abruplty.
"Sorry?" Baekhyun asked.
"Call me Chanyeol."
"Eh?" Baekhyun got confused, "Anyway sir, again I apologize."
Chanyeol already throw the deal out of the window, anyway. He's just enjoying himself with the view. Seriously, the owner is too gorgeous for a man.
"I understand. I do not wish to bring distress to your team." he said when all he wanted to do is to talk to the guy longer.
Baekhyun visibly relaxed. Maybe because Chanyeol decided not to push it.
"Can I have a business card?" Chanyeol asked.
"Of course." Baekhyun fished out his walled from his back pocket, handing him a simple yet sleek card.
Chanyeol tried his all not to grin. He fondly fondle the card. Employees start to trickle out and offer goodbyes to them on their way out.
"What will you do after this?" Chanyeol suddenly asked.
"Uh.." Baekhyun feeling weirded out because the question is completely not related to the topic they were suppose to be having. "Home." he carefully replied.
Chanyeol sensed the other being puzzled. "I see. Well, I appreciate the time. I respect your decision, Baekhyun." he unwillingly set on his feet, simultaneously offering his hand, anticipating the handshake.
Baekhyun fleetingly note the informality of the man. Taking the hand. "No, sir. It's our pleasure. Thank you very much for the time dropping by. Please, let me set you off." He then slipped beside Chanyeol making him smell Baekhyun.
Goodness . His warm smell makes his inside feel like a melting butter. Honestly, he never questioned his preference because all his past relationship, although ages ago, were with women so of course he knew he's straight.
Certainly this is totally new to him but much to his surprise, does not frighten him.
There is suddenly a voice that encouringing him 100% that this encounter is special and supports him all the way.
But this is so abrupt.
He's getting really confuse by the pull.
"Mr. Pa—Chanyeol?" Baekhyun softly called out for him becasue he did not moved an inch. Oh lord, the way he called his name is so much to his liking.
He was never homophobic.
Yes, the idea of this attraction is strange and foreign but Chanyeol just keep his composture.
He's an adult and he knows change is normal. One who doesn't acknowledge change would only experience distress and hinders the ability to cope.
He follows Baekhyun out the lounge. Setting foot outside the office all the way to the elevator lobby, the absense of heater is almost painful.
Yeah, it is really getting colder.
Not wanting Baekhyun to be expose to the harsh temperature, he decided to take the elevator by himself. Wishing for Baekhyun to take shelter back into the warm of the office.
After the last pleasantries, they both bid farewell.
Baekhyun expects it was their last meeting, only Chanyeol being determine to meet him soon.
Little did they know, stars start to shift because of the encounter. Meeting closer to inflame one another.
—
"How was it?" Jongdae asked right after Baekhyun got back.
"Dude, it was sketchy! Of course, I declined right away. I think the items are so valuable, though we did not get to talk about the worth, but then it's obvious." Baekhyun is careful not to disclose much but only the information that it was highly valuable. He shouldn't back from his word to keep their talk with Changeol to himself. However, Jongdae is a business partner. He have all the rights to know. Giving Jongdae the context why he was determined to decline.
"Oh." knowing Baekhyun, he follows his instinct to be too much vigilant when it comes to the business. "Well that's cool. We still got Pygmalion as our big transaction today. Nothing's harmful with decorations and stuff for the exhibit, right?"
"Yeah. It's just strange considering hiring small consignment to ship valuable item. And they even knew we do not ship valuable items." he said, as a matter of fact. He started to prepare his stuff, he wanted to rest already.
His exhaustion from the morning is making a comeback.
This is why he loves dancing. It makes him lively.
And speaking of dancing, he received a text from his choreographer/lead dancer.
Lara
Hey, we got gig. Dance at an exhibit/gala. 2 weeks from now.
He smiles. Starts to look forward to it.
"What is it?" Jongdae got curious.
"Got a new showcase."
"That's great! Can I comeee?" Jongdae asked excitedly, wanting to support and of course, watch how talented his bestfriend is.
"Hahaha maybe. Of course. But I'll see. We just got it and no other details."
—
Chanyeol dropped his keys on the bench by the door inside of his office.
Oh Sehun and Kim Jongin are already inside. They are his two most eligible men. The two men noticed his grin and blushing face, and playfully nudge each other.
"OH! SOO BRIGHT!!!" Sehun exclaimed while covering his eyes.
Huh? Chanyeol suddenly become confuse.
"It's 6PM and you only got the lamp light on." He stated dryly.
But both men only giggle. "Cha~n. What is it? Why are you grinning like a lunatic?"
The fuck? He's grinning?
Then he noticed his checkbone is kinda sore. Probably because he keeps preventing from grinning, which he failed momentarily.
"I am not." he dumbly denies.
"Oya? It seems like you stumbled upon a Van Gogh on you way here." both men laugh.
Chanyeol stand by a chest and scanned the pictures, paying respect to people in the picture frames before slumping down to his desk chair.
"How's the operation, Sehun?" Chanyeol asked.
"Good. It's downstairs." he assured. The afternoon operation ran smooth without interruption. "It's exquisite as it is in the picture."
Both men we're candidates for the leader position back when the time in the diner, where weirdly noisy guys were talking about looking for a new boss because unfortunately, their current boss at that time was in terminal illness. Without heir, they were desperate for a successor.
Several days after that night at the diner, Chanyeol was getting the trashes out when black van appeared in front of him and forced him inside.
Wow. Great. Kidnapping.
Yes, right. He knew he's so weird for not getting scared in situation like this.
He was blindfolded, tempting his sleepiness.
"Hey, won't you even fight back?" a guy questioned his calmness.
"I'm tired." he replied dryly. "We do not have money and I don't have immediate family anymore." he kind of warn them of his unvaluable social standing.
"Shut up." one said.
"I was silent until you asked me. And now, shut up?"
It was actually a short ride. He felt cold when he was placed in a room, people murmuring.
Not long several commotion happened and his blindfold was removed then. He adjusted his vision and notice men in suits and a man on a wheelchair.
Two other men were dragged too beside him. One wearing a black leather jacket, a white plain shirt and ripped jeans. Someone that looks like just got out of a bar. The other was wearing a backpack, maroon button down, light-colored jeans and dirty chuck.
"Good evening, gentlemen." the man on a wheelchair greeted. To Chanyeol, he had a look of intimidating calm and authoritative despite looking limp in a wheelchair. Highly respectable on level he couldn't point at.
"You three...would be placed under interrogation to determine your capabilities to handle this organization..." he took a deep breath from his oxygen mask. He was about to continue when a stern-looking man placed a kind hand on the older man's shoulder, whispering.
A table was placed in front the three men with a paper for each one.
The stern-looking man cleared his throat after straightening up. "Gents, we need you to sign these Non-disclosure Agreement before I explain everything."
His choice of words gave the men no choice but to sign.
He started, "This organization participates in black market for art categories encompassing from paintings, artifacts, potteries and more. We are called Gypsy, we have quite an influence in the market and with a net worth of six billion dollars.
"Basically, we retrieve worthy stuff from galleries usually when they would transfer pieces from galleries to next. But of course, operations change depending with the situation. And that's where the leader of the organization's vital duty comes on. Deciding when, where and how to move.
"As a matter of fact, Mr. Han here, is unfortunately in his worst situation and wasting no time to find a successor. You've been investigated quite deeply by our team that's why you guys are here. Every one of you have credentials we see fit to be in the group. The deciding factor would be observed through series of examination."
Chanyeol wanted to smile somewhere and do a peace sign because how sick this could get. Was he in some kind of gag show?
The agreement even stated something about combat training, plastic surgery if needed and nuclear formulation...what?!
"Dude, I could have done my hair. Where's the camera, huh? Huh? This is certainly a comedy show, huh." the guy in leather jacket humored. Looking around. Thinking the same as Chanyeol's.
No one moved an inch.
Ugh. What have I got myself into? Chanyeol couldnt help but be upset.
He have no time for this. He still needs to find himse—wait. Hmm.
HMMMM.
Hmmm.
Riiiiight. Wait a sec.
If this could even be true. Maybe.
Just maybe.
Well, this is a new. He could try this just to see where he could get. He couldn't believe hinself for considering this comedic moment.
Before Chanyeol could stop his curiousity he spoke, "If you need a new leader, why would you even go this far to find outside of your group?" he questioned. "When we all know not a single shit about your so called organization."
"They are all used to take orders, kid." Mr. Han answered. "I am looking for a man that is firm and confident...to execute plans...Someone who knows how to command, not to take orders."
That simple reasoning made Chanyeol even more curious. Especially Mr. Han's personality. He find the old man the very respectable for a criminal.
He always wanted to be that kind of man, minus the bad deed.
Having not much of a choice, after two days, they were allowed to inform someone that they were alright and come up with a reason for being gone for 2 weeks.
These days would be cover the whole examination process in ways they weren't given clues about.
From logic, language, manner of speaking, table manners, and even shaking hands.
Chanyeol knew better than to be at ease. Even sleeping has never been so shallow just to keep his guard up.
The warehouse happen to be the headquarters of the Gypsy. Of course, the 3 men do not have an idea where they were. They were stationed only on the ground level of the warehouse, not giving them a chance to figure out where they were if they managed to see the deck view.
The warehouse is in constant chaos of men. Rushing, cursing and of course, celebrating. Celebrating successful operations.
He suddenly heard Jongin muttered in disbelief naming a piece they saw the men carrying. Chanyeol just gave him a glance. At this moment, they were taking a break after another weird test.
It's halfway from the days scheduled. None of them were hinted how they've been doing. It seemed to Chanyeol that both men were also not bothered with the turn of events.
But right now, Chanyeol is more curious about their line up. As the days go, Chanyeol bit by bit getting ideas what they had in common.
Another remark just dropped by Jongin. Naming a piece that they saw.
They are all somehow involved in arts. It was safe to say both men have basic knowledge in arts but Chanyeol knew they knew more. More.
Not taking the curiousity anymore, "I got a degree in MICA almost a year ago." he stated. Hoping they would disclose sonething as well just to confirm his guess.
Sehun and Jongin regarded him for a second.
"Oh." Sehun gave him a confused look.
"Look, I'm just curious what could be our similarities. That's all. I am aware they need someone that has knowledge for all these shit. And yes, I admit I have. Although I don't have any experience." Chanyeol explained, whispering.
Somehow, the men become comfortable with each other after days of being together.
Jongin was the one to answer first. "My family formerly own a pawnshop that only accepts worthy stuff. I got to handle it for 3 years before my grandfather decided to close it for good." He continued, still whisphering. "He said he wanted to treasure the stuff 'til his last breath."
Chanyeol saw the glint of amusement and affection in Jongin's eyes while mentioning his grandfather. He then turned to Sehun after Jongin seemed to be done.
"I studied conservation through scholarship, man." Sehun answered. Pride completely shown in his eyes. "I got so interested so I really worked my ass out."
He focused on Chanyeol after he talk. "Dude, MICA? Damn."
Chanyeol laughed. "Why?"
"Nothing much. Although man, how did you afford? Financially and academically?"
Oh. Chanyeol hesitated to answer at first. "I got a scholarship too. And...I managed to graduate with considerable good standing."
"Dude, that's exactly what a geek would say!" Sehun hissed, wide-eyed.
Chanyeol figured out Sehun's too much an extra as a person. He snorted on the remark. "Am not haha."
They were interrupted by Mr. Ken, the stern-looking man, clearing his throat. The men straightened from their seat. Turned out they were being summoned for another test.
The set up that examination was different. They were back from the hall the first time they were brought in the warehouse. There were many people than normal but no psychologists, no theraphists and no people in lab gowns. Only suited men and Mr. Han were present.
Chanyeol noticed Mr. Han lose of weight in just a span of days. He figured because of the man's severe condition.
"Gents, after the series of experiments conducted," Mr. Ken started talking. They participated in 16 tests in total. One by one stating the results of the test but never giving anything relevance.
"So, we will now announce who get to carry the organization." if Mr. Ken could get any more serious, the three men were certain he actually managed.
"So how's the consignment?" Sehun asked.
The thought made Chanyeol grin, remembering the elegant man that do things inside of him that he cant not explain.
"Nah, man. They decline straight up. Said they do not transfer high valued items." he explained while playing with his fingernails, grinning. "Told you that was not possible."
"Chan, was it really not a go?" Jongin clarify.
Chanyeol raised an eyebrow. "Ya, what did I said that's not clear?"
"Then why do you act like a lunatic, producing happy hormones everywhere?" Sehun flinging his hands in the air, acting like clearing duct particles. "Instead of feeling disappointed because they declined."
"I am not!" slapping himself in his mind. Get a grip!
They tease him some more. Still making him spill what's up while denying it as much.
Two years after the selection, they established a new personality of the organization. It's inevitable.
Chanyeol got the position with a close competition against Jongin. Chanyeol's only advantage was that he could conveniently alternate his left and right brain hemisphere that accounts for both creativity and logical thinking, respectively. It was a very objective selection.
Sehun and Jongin were fine with the result and was about to undergo another contract signing of agreement of non-disclosure when Chanyeol demanded to have them as his close men.
It all went surprisingly well, saying that they both do not have important personal responsibilities.
And look at them now. Conquering deals from another to next.
"What's the next assignment, though?" Jongin inquired, smug.
"My friend, we have an upcoming exhibit in two weeks. This is quite big. With parties and stuff. And what's more, there will be an auction." Chanyeol already sort it all out. The exhibit itself is the only missing.
"Where?" it's Sehun's turn to ask.
"Pygmalion's 25th anniversary." Chanyeol can feel his excitement burning.