Chapter Text
Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
“How’s Mother?” Yoon Jeonghan put his stuff into the medic kit he always carried whenever and wherever. He inspected the woman who was lying weakly on the bed. Her appearance wasn't that old; she's young for a mother with her late 20 years-old-son.
But the weak pulse and pale skin cannot be avoided. The illness seems to worsen each day, and there is nothing he can do about it.
He sighed. Glancing at the young man beside him, he completed his words. “There is no sign of her waking up. I’m afraid we need to wait a bit more for the medication to work.”
The Byakko was seen biting his own lips, trying to suppress the flame within him, perhaps. He raised and bit his nails out of habit, he looked ahead of him, where the vast artificial terrain made for his mother was there only for her to sleep on it. He is not regretting it, of course. He loves his mother, and as a dutiful son, he is willing to take the wheel of the association for her.
“Hyung, can you take her to Korea or any country? I wish her a long life, and I will do anything for it.”
Jeonghan was surprised. Ever since he works for the association, he would never expect the cold chairman to be this desperate. For a guy who kills people daily, and having someone leaving him makes little sense to the doctor.
“Hoshi-ya, don’t you think it is cruel to let people live in this evil world?” Jeonghan walks, approaching the younger. “You do think like that, don’t you? If the time comes, you have to be prepared for it. That is how it works. The real freedom is to rest in peace, after all.”
“Hoshizora Foundation would never change just because of her passing. Your mother has lived happily, and you are here to pass the legacy. You might not look like her because of your white hair, but I’m sure she will always be there with you. Even in her state now.” Jeonghan didn’t expect his comforts to be taken seriously. He just needed to pass the words of what he heard in the church back when he was a little.
The illustration of the dead watching and protecting the one who lives is another level of a benevolence delusion. As long as that person is not too obsessed with it, they can do whatever with that belief. For God favors humans who heard his words.
Hoshi slowly lifted Jeonghan’s hand, which was resting on his shoulder for a while. The desperate gaze of him was gone and replaced with a cold one. It entitles his sharp eyes to the Byakko. It really looks like a tiger’s gaze.
“Hyung, do it as I say. Essentially, money is not something I lack.” The Byakko then leaves the room, not even letting Jeonghan speak. But what can he do? He is only a doctor, and his job is to take care of his mother.
Just before Jeonghan finished his work, the door opened once again and showed the tiny figure. Lee Jihoon is his name, the chairman’s right hand, and also his most favorite. It is hard not to see the shorter one leave his master’s shadow. But here he is, with his monocles that are one and a half times larger than his tiny eyes.
“A bit of hindrance, don’t you think? He is so stubborn. I apologize on his behalf.” Jihoon stated, giving a fake smile. Yes, Jeonghan can sense it. There is no way a person like him would smile so sincerely at a lowly doctor like him. His adorable face said that there is no place for Jeonghan here in Hoshizora, but this person has to let go of it because of his superior’s order.
Is he perhaps jealous?
Jeonghan snickers and gets a confused Jihoon in front. The doctor crosses his arms, still smirking about his own thoughts.
“What the heck are you looking at?” The younger said, felt offended.
“It’s nothing. I just made up a funny scenario.” Jeonghan shook his head. “Jokes aside, what do you need?”
“The Lotto of Korea requests your appearance at the party next Friday at Busan. For the time being, you will be The Byakko’s doctor. Your job here will be replaced by another doctor from the associate’s hospital. So, tomorrow morning someone will pick you up, and their people will guide you to the hotel where the party was held. You will be there two days before the event starts.” Jihoon briefly explained.
“That’s all. You can continue whatever you were doing before.”
Busan Port City, South Korea
As the private airplane approached the peninsula, Jeonghan couldn’t hide his smile at how much he missed everything in the country. The memories he made here, his childhood house filled with many memories of him and his friends. It’s been only two years, yet it feels like he has spent 5 years of his lifetime in Japan.
“Sensei, please keep in mind that you are here for two days. The Byakko wished you not to leave Busan as soon as you landed.” One of Jihoon’s subordinates warned him, as if he read the doctor’s mind. To Jeonghan, it sounds like a threat, though.
But Jeonghan scoffs, “don’t worry. No one knows I am here, anyway. Existing in this world alive and well.”
“Understood. Please let me know if you need anything. Excuse me.” The man bows as he leaves.
Honestly, Jeonghan himself is not quite used to all the formality of the association. Ever since he was a child, he has been such a rebel. But now, look at him acting like a corporate slave when his occupation is a health worker. Two things that he would never imagine in the past.
He wears an oversized white shirt, matching that baggy pants as he holds his million yen bag bought by the company. His appearance stands out the most compared to the muscular brothers Jihoon sent to protect the doctor. When the plane finally stopped, he finally walked out.
Much to his surprise, he was greeted by 20 or 30 armed people. Probably The Lotto guys. But surely, just to pick up a mere doctor, it is unnecessary to do that. They are either exaggerating, or the gangs in South Korea are in some kind of conflict that might have a potential threat to the party.
That is probably what Jihoon thought. It is so weird how this is the first time that guy sent Jeonghan on a formal occasion.
A figure standing one step further than the others. That man somehow reminds him of Jihoon. The glasses and their expressions probably express nothing. The only difference was this guy is way taller. Still, in terms of appearance, Jihoon looks way more approachable than this guy.
“Welcome back, Yoon Jeonghan.”
Ah, of course, they will try to dig up my personal information.
Jeonghan smiled and bowed back as a formality. “Hello,”
“Let me introduce myself.” That man finally invited the other to shake hands. “I am the secretary of The Lotto Co. Jeon Wonwoo. The President should have been here to greet you himself. It is a pity that he has to leave because of stuff. I will accompany you to the hotel if you don’t mind.”
“Jeon Wonwoo…” Jeonghan tried to feel the unique name before coming up with a reply, “Don’t worry about that. Please take good care of me instead.”
There are questions in his head, but it seems Jeonghan couldn't bring himself to ask. Wonwoo probably has realized that, but it’s not because of his shyness. He was thinking whether it was appropriate for him to ask. Well, but, since when does he mind other people’s opinions?
“You look young, Wonwoo-ssi.” Those four words unexpectedly got The secretary's attention at once. He needn’t know what motives the doctor would tell. But he cleared his throat, nevertheless. Ignoring the guest is probably the rudest thing he would do.
As he adjusted the glasses, Wonwoo glanced, “are you interested in me, perhaps?” He smirked. “I am young, yes. Been missing those days when I was just a literature student. But I am satisfied with my job now, maybe because someone has made no trouble these days”
Jeonghan let out a small laugh. “I never expected you to be a literature student. I thought you were studying economics or actuary judging by your icy gaze and smart looks.”
Wonwoo doesn’t answer but stares at him for a while. He then returns his attention to the tablet he used. He cross-checked all the invitations like his routine on the screen that were full of the companies’ names and influential people.
“Is there anything else you wish to ask, Jeonghan-ssi?” Wonwoo asked, still focusing on his own task.
Jeonghan hummed, “Indeed, I have another thing to ask, but it is not about you, Secretary Jeon.”
“Be my guest, then. Though, I cannot promise if the answers will satisfy you.” The younger one said.
“I understand that very well. So, may I know what kind of party I should expect later? The biggest underground groups in Korea threw a party in the early fall out of nowhere. Sounds absurd, am I right?” The beautiful pair of eyes unknowingly lit up by the questions. Wonwoo couldn’t help but appreciate Jeonghan’s ‘unnoticed,’ enthusiasm.
When he felt himself staring, Wonwoo took off his glasses and put them back in his inner pocket. He sighed deeply, foreshadowing the companion how disappointed he will be later with this answer.
“It is just a normal party, Jeonghan-ssi. We ordered the finest wine, cakes, desserts, and cuisines worldwide, as our guests are not limited to Asia. There will also be a bunch of beautiful ladies if you wish to spend your peaceful night. You know, getting drunk on the alcohol and letting it off to those angels are probably the best option for a family doctor like you.” The sudden seductive tone of Wonwoo almost made Jeonghan choke on his own saliva.
“I think it is safe that you bring the prostitute despite being the government’s most loyal dog,” Jeonghan said nonchalantly. Completely unaware of what the secretary was holding right now.
The doctor’s stance froze as he heard a Glock touch his temple. Slowly but surely, he eyed his left side, unsure what to do with it.
The winter hasn’t shown its first chill breeze. Still, Secretary Jeon successfully made it as if he brought all the avalanche upon him. Jeon Wonwoo’s expressionlessness is not meaningless after all. Jeonghan could feel raging flames in him. It added up to this character. The doctor was satisfied with how things turned out.
As the new adrenaline rushed his blood, he teased the boy once more, “You won’t shoot me, Mr Secretary.”
“Yeah, the President would kill me and toss my body to the sea if he knew I killed you. Therefore—” the sentence got cut off when Wonwoo struck Jeonghan with the back of his gun right at his stomach. As the doctor groaned in pain, Wonwoo hit the nerves on the back of his neck, putting the beauty into loss of consciousness.
The driver who saw that shivered as he stumbled on his words, “S-secretary Jeon, is it really okay? If the Hoshizora knows—”
“I can help you shut up by shooting the bullets from the back of your head.” Wonwoo took out his handkerchief, wiping off his Glock. “or do you perhaps want to give this gun a blowjob? You will go to heaven in 20 seconds, though.”
“I - I WAS WRONG!!!” The driver shouted for his life only for Wonwoo to get more annoyed instead.
But he ignored it for now.
He dialled the President on his phone as soon as the driver was silent again. Waiting for forty seconds, but there was no answer. He pressed the dial button again, and it repeated. Eventually, he gave up.
Ah, I really don’t want to dial the vice president. He prayed.
But there is no other choice. If it is the Vice president, he will pick up no matter what. That fact alone makes the blood in the secretary boil. He let out a groan, so quick even before the other could even pick up.
Well, well. If it’s not you, Secretary Jeon!’
Wonwoo hates that he could see the small fang appear whenever he hears this guy.
“The doctor is here. Should I give him to the President or let him rest?”
Not even a greeting, tch. Look how cold this Persian cat is.
“I am older than you.”
Yeah, I know.
“Shut the fuck up. What should I do now?”
What do you mean, ‘what should I do?’ Aren’t you smart, Secretary Jeon?
Wonwoo rolled his eyes so hard he wanted to hang up instead. But he can’t just show Hoshizora the current state of their treasure doctor, right?
“Mingyu-ssi, do you want to meet him?” He asked suddenly. Still praying that the brat listens to what he’s going to say.
But he heard a thump somewhere on the phone. Is he still in the warehouse? He thought.
Sorry, what was that again? It’s a bit loud down here.
“Do you want to meet him? Your childhood friend?”
A silent wave hit them, followed by two gunshots from the other end. When it fell silent, Wonwoo called the name again, “Mingyu-ssi?”
‘Let him rest. Seungcheol will be there in twenty minutes.’
As soon as he hung up, Mingyu took off his leather gloves to the side, took off his coat aside, then fastened the harness that was keeping his muscles from stiffening. As he refilled his gun, he watched the lifeless body of thieves in front of him. He stared at it, making sure he left no one to live.
When in doubt, however, he shooted one more bullet before leaving them like worthless rubbish.
Wonwoo’s people will take care of it, he said to himself. Now, all he needs to do is to fetch Seungcheol from the stinky old geezers, and he can return to his house for Minryu’s birthday.
He walked out of the empty warehouse with a whistle. From the way his subordinates see him, it was a rare sight for a happy Kim Mingyu not being an annoyingly irrational person.
But, as the tall man tried to get inside the sedan, a blast exploded; it threw him so hard against the car’s door.
Though his endurance was above average, he can’t avoid the blast and the ringing sounds in his ear. He saw the flame devouring anything inside; the black smoke contrasted the greyish-orange sky. It’s not that noticeable, fortunately, because of the gloomy autumn. He brought himself, gazing again at the flame inside.
Indeed, Wonwoo’s people never do arson. Another person? Is it the outsider? Questions and questions appeared in his head, trying to figure out the person who ‘erased’ his trace.
Fire at the port is an exciting scene to see. Mingyu couldn’t blame the port workers for watching one of their warehouses being burned to the ground. He stared at them for a while before actually getting into the car.
“Tell the workers that the smoke contains harmful substances. Don’t let them walk any closer to the site. We got a new job, and that is to cremate those hags.” Mingyu said as he treated his own right arm.
“Understood, sir.”
“The document.” Mingyu halted his voice, looking directly at the rearview. As two pairs of brown eyes looked at each other awkwardly , he continued, “Did you get it? It wasn't my trace that had burnt, but those scum. Surely enough, there is something in that warehouse that deserves to be burnt along with the bodies, don't you think?”
“Perhaps the drugs that have been stored on the 2nd floor, sir. I just heard the news that it does not belong to us nor any of our partners—”
“Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?”
“We were afraid that this will blow The Lotto’s disguise—”
“And by doing that, you dare breathe in front of me and make schemes?” Mingyu sneered. He knocked his finger several times against his knees. Probably counting down his patience.
As they approached the forest area of the seaside, Minggu stopped knocking. The silence between them made the driver wary of the vice’s next move. By means, he cannot answer the question earlier. Did he really expect to crawl out of him alive?
“Get out,” Mingyu said.
The car stopped, and the man finally got out of it, only to drag the driver to the asphalt’s hard surface. He then tosses out a heavy envelope filled with cash inside. The driver didn’t expect the Vice president to be this forgiving and a kind person. He took the envelope fast and got himself up.
“You speak nothing of this. Now, leave. Go to your wife and kids at home.” Mingyu uttered as he took the wheel.
The driver bowed, “Thank You, sir — BANG! "
There it goes, the last bullet Mingyu spent for today. Satisfied, he dragged the body to the side. Put some gasoline and there light the flame.
“I’m sorry, little one, it seems you have broken the pledges between your brothers. So, I helped you with that.”
As another heat and flames reflected on his dark eyes, He took out a necklace with a cross as it charms to the fire. At least, he thought. At least the dead would not live with regrets but gratitude to God for this life experience. An honourable death, Mingyu would say. He then clasped his hand together, praying for the dead’s journey to the afterlife.
“May all of you rest in peace.”
Seoul, South Korea
“Seungkwan-ah! That is not how you persuade this guy!” Hearing that, Seungkwan makes a disgusted face at his ‘friend.’ Why is this girl getting so worked up, anyway? This is just for an assignment project, not an exam. Whether that guy agreed, it won’t affect the score. No, let’s correct that. Whether that guy falls over heels for her, it won’t.
Seungkwan knows him. A stone face, foreign-looking. Probably doesn’t understand Korean. He bet his pinky that this guy also does not find these surreal-looking ladies even attractive.
“I’m sorry, what was your name again?” The girl asked in a different tone. Higher, almost screeching. Alright, it’s overdramatic, but Seungkwan knows what voice when he hears one.
“Vernon.” The quiet guy answered. Somehow makes a shiver down Seungkwan’s spine. Well, it is probably not only him, judging how the girl reacts.
“Vernon, yes! So, Vernon, do you mind spending your Saturday with us? You see, this project needs three people, and we need one more person to do the rapping and other lower tone singing.”
“Uhmm—”
“See, he doesn’t want to do it! Let’s just get out of here, Hwajin-ah.” Seungkwan says as he puts all the books into his bag.
Hwajin grunts, “You’re not even listening to him!”
“Whatever, I have a song to record tonight.” He said, as if in a hurry. Or he could say that the eyes have been watching him make a creep. As their eyes met, Seungkwan quickly looked away, “And just search for another guy, I don’t like him.”
Hwajin sighs as she sees the grumpy get out of the class. “I’m sorry. Seungkwan is tired these days. He has become more sensitive than ever.”
“Probably,” Vernon replied, not paying attention to her.
“But, anyway.” Hwajin smiled again. “Are you free?”
Vernon glanced, “I’m afraid not. But if we shoot the video on Friday night then, I can do that.”
“Oho? What do you do on Saturday, anyway? It’s not that you are familiar with the area, right? For an exchange student like you, of course, you need some guidance.” She raised her eyebrows playfully. But Vernon only smiles and nods like a robot in response.
He then stands up, ready to go to the next class. “Thanks. But, there is no need for that. As for my Saturday, it is not something you need to know.”
Vernon walks down the hall, and as always, eyes are on him. But he doesn’t care; tailing a guy in front of him was more exciting to him. The guy’s steps and the slight bounce his hair did are so adorable that Vernon cannot take his eyes off him.
“Ah, our Boo~” A man ran from the other corridor and threw his hands over Seungkwan’s shoulder. Not a smile he received, but nags. The others joined him, teasing and playing around him. The scrunch on his forehead was replaced by a small laugh instead.
Is he happy being with them? Vernon wonders.
Those people threw fake faces and many lies behind him. Does Seungkwan know this? That many people are jealous of him?
Vernon was once again startled as he saw another friend try to kiss the chubby cheeks. Which, of course, leads Seungkwan to give a soft punch in the gut. So forgiving, Vernon thought.
He doesn’t know what could happen if it were him.
Out in public, showing affection is not something Vernon could do. Those feelings of admiration and love are not written in his dictionary, but maybe a fit of jealousy over something was. A little fire inside him heated as he saw how close those strangers were to Seungkwan.
“Seungkwan-ah!”
Vernon’s voice makes the group of friends stop their tracks only to look back at him. Confused faces, asking who he is or why would Seungkwan know this guy.
But things happened; he smiled at Seungkwan as if he cared for him rather than his surroundings. He said, “I thought we had agreed to return to the company together?”
“What—”
“I’m sorry, guys. It seems Seungkwan has a schedule that he needs to attend to. If you excuse us,” Then Vernon escorted Seungkwan out of the crowd.
The latter protested; of course, Vernon was lying for no reason, and it pissed him off. Seungkwan doesn’t even know how far Vernon will drag him.
“Okay, I think this would do.” Says Vernon as he finally releases his grip from Seungkwan.
“Really?” Seungkwan scoffs. “That is the first thing after you dragged me without my permission?”
Vernon chuckled as he said sorry for him. He doesn’t know, though, that his gummy smile effortlessly makes Seungkwan flustered. Looking away, the shorter stuttered, “W-well, what do you need? I thought I clarified I don’t really like you….”
“You are so honest. That’s why I told Hwajin that I would join you two.”
Seungkwan was dumbfounded. So what? He tells himself. He gives Vernon a dirty look for the last time before leaving him behind.
“Wait!” Vernon grabs the wrist, trying to make Seungkwan stay.
It seems Seungkwan’s eyes like to roll today, “what do you want?”
“I would like to invite you. To a family dinner. This Saturday.”
What’s wrong with his talk?
Seungkwan scrunched his nose, trying to make sense of Vernon’s offer.
“I agreed to shoot the video on Friday night. After that, you will come with me to Busan.” The latter sentences make Seungkwan frown even harder. Vernon really speaks like they already have an agreement when it’s nothing at all.
“No.” Seungkwan walks away.
“How about I pay you? To be my boyfriend this Saturday?”
They are really having a staring contest in the campus yard. Well, of course, resulting in Seungkwan’s loss because those eyes, significant than the others, are making him dizzy. He massaged the temple of his head, trying to return his focus.
“The answer is still, no. I am loaded both in my wallet and in my bank. I suggest you donate your excess money than to spend something stupid like renting a boyfriend.” Seungkwan said the sass.
“Then,” Vernon walked at him till his back met the building’s wall.
He gulped, trying to swallow his nervousness. “What….”
“Then…” the taller put his hands over the cheeks, he erased the distance between them as he whispers, “Then, I won’t let you eat triangular kimbap, jelly, tofu, rice cake, mochi, onigiri, sushi, sashimi, meat, chicken-“
The ticklishness makes Seungkwan fail to hold his laughter. “AHAHAHAHA! ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, YOU WIN! STOP WHISPERING ALREADY!”
“So, what do you say?”
“Fine.” He answers, “I’ll go.”
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
When the sun goes down, then the city skylights fill the void. It will be the perfect time for Xu Minghao to enjoy his liquor. Wine, soju, sake, vodka, whiskey, and cocktails. The beauty of these liquids makes him enthusiastic. He is not an alcoholic, but an artisan. For example, when the blue of Curaçao is mixed with the transparent sparkling lemon, rum, and vodka, it looks like the ink meets water and forms beautiful strokes inside.
He sips the blue cocktail by the pool. The whole vibes with blue and night are something mesmerizing for anyone who sees him. Even his best friend from childhood has seen him growing, and he can’t help but admire the scene, too.
“ Mù guāng wángzǐ is really suiting you, huh?” His friend commented.
Minghao let out a sigh, “Junhui- gege , you know, being called the twilight prince is not far better than you, the dawn prince.”
“Haha, it sounds so cheesy when I see that title along with our names on the headline news this morning.” Junhui chuckled as he leaned his back to the railings.
“Cut the talk, gege. Do you miss me?” Minghao asked as the stars in his eyes stared at the dark eyes of the older one. It’s been so long since they talked. Today, just because his father had a gathering, of course, the executive director needs to attend such a meeting too.
Junhui brings his hand, playing with the bluish hair of Minghao. As if a master playing with his kittens, the younger purrs with his touch. The bigger hands pat Minghao’s head, and Wen mutters, “I do. So, let’s meet again every week, every day, or even every moon that occurs in your winter. Forget about the people who have us for a while. This weekend is only for us. Nothing else matters.”
“Hubby!”
Minghao flinched. Both of them froze as the woman steps closer. She is an actress and also Minghao’s older sister. But, the more important thing about her is…
She is Wen Junhui’s beloved wife.
Beloved? Minghao doubted that. The way his gege changes expression shows that she is not ‘beloved’ at all.
“Ah, that kills the mood,” Junhui mumbled as he glared at the woman behind him.
“Oh! Haohao is also here! Father was searching for you! Some business partners want to see the Luohua Group’s heir, after all.” She said, putting her arms on top of Junhui’s shoulder sensually, ignoring the foul mood that clearly shows both on her hubby and her little brother.
His red nails, red dress, and red lipstick really match Junhui’s maroon outfit. The couple really looks good in Minghao’s eyes. They are just back from their honeymoon, so of course, they have this lovey-dovey mood on them. What did he expect, anyway?
“Then, if you excuse me, Dajie , Wen Xiansheng.” Minghao walked inside, leaving the couple behind.
Disappointment, envy, jealousy, anger are all Minghao could feel right now. But who is he to change the fact that the marriage between those two has been settled long ago? He glances for another time, staring at them, imagining that it was him rather than his sister.
He lost again.
“He is talking formally to you again…” Xu Jinghua sighed. “You have known him ever since he was born. You two even bathed together when we were young. But since he entered high school, he keeps calling you Wen Xiansheng. Are you not going to scold him?”
“I’m not. Why are you here, anyway? Can’t you tell that I am in the middle of a conversation?”
His wife pouted. “I’m jealous. Your colleagues here were introducing their wives while you were searching for my little brother.”
Jun sighs. He sweeps his hair to the back as he admits, “Fine, that is my fault. But do tell me, if you are telling the truth, was your father really searching for Minghao?”
“Hehe, no~” Jinghua giggles. Showing off her cuteness.
Jun rolled his eyes. He knows it will be like this. The never-ending ambitions of the firstborn always get the younger siblings in despair.
“Tomorrow, isn’t it? You will fly to Vienna for the upcoming film?” Jun asked, answered with excited nods from the woman.
“Until?”
“Hn? Are you afraid that you will miss me?”
“Of course. You are my wife, after all.” He said monotonously. It’s okay. Jinghua wouldn’t know the difference in his mood through the way he talks.
“I will spend two weeks in Vienna, then another two weeks in Florence.” His wife hummed.
“Alright, enjoy your time there.” He replied with a smile.
As the word month was derived from the moon’s hours to revolve around the earth, and so that is how long their love would last.