Archive of Our Own

Lee Heeseung.

The name alone was enough to make grown men falter—voices stuttering, hands trembling, courage slipping through their fingers like sand. Fear didn’t just follow him; it clung, suffocating, leaving no room to breathe. In the depths of the underworld, his name wasn’t spoken lightly. It was whispered.

Everyone knew him.

The ruthless, sadistic mafia leader whose existence revolved around one thing—revenge.

His father had molded him into something inhuman, carving away softness until nothing but a perfect replica remained. Same height. Same sharp features. The same cold, dominating presence that made people lower their gaze without being told.

At twenty-four, Lee Heeseung wasn’t just powerful—he was dangerous.

A black Bentley came to a slow halt in front of the mansion, its engine purring like a predator at rest. One of his men rushed forward, opening the door with practiced precision.

Heeseung stepped out.

A brown trench coat draped over his broad frame, his hair slicked back to reveal a face that held no warmth—only quiet cruelty. His eyes swept over the surroundings, dark and unreadable, as if weighing everything… and finding it insignificant.

He lifted his hand slightly.

That was enough.

A lit cigarette was placed between his fingers without a word. The slender stick rested there, fragile against the strength of his grip, before he brought it to his lips. Smoke curled slowly into the air, thick and suffocating.

He walked in.

Each step echoed against the marble floors—sharp, deliberate, final. The kind of sound that made people instinctively move out of the way without daring to look up. His men followed at a distance, silent shadows who knew better than to exist too loudly in his presence.

“Jay,” he called, his voice low—calm in a way that felt far more threatening than anger. “I don’t want anyone to disturb me.”

It wasn’t a request.

A small nod came from his right-hand man, immediate and unquestioning. No one would dare disobey.

Heeseung took another drag, the faint glow of the cigarette lighting his face for a split second—just enough to reveal the emptiness behind his eyes.

Then he turned, ascending the stairs without pause.

Smoke lingered in his wake.

And so did the unspoken warning.

His long legs carried him forward in unhurried, measured strides as he stepped into his room.

The space was dimly lit, the only source of light being the pale moon spilling through the tall glass windows. The room itself was vast, divided into sections. One held a lounge with a TV and a fireplace. Another housed a bar, glass cabinets displaying liquor from around the world, paired with sleek bar stools. And then—

Jaeyun.

He rose from the bed the moment he heard the mafia leader enter.

Heeseung’s gaze wandered over him, slow and deliberate, taking him in from head to toe. When their eyes met, the air thickened with something unspoken. Even from a distance, Heeseung could sense his nervousness.

Jaeyun was the first to look away, unable to hold the eye contact, his fingers fidgeting at his sides.

A faint smirk tugged at Heeseung’s lips. One hand slipped into his pocket while the other held the cigarette between his fingers. He took another drag and began to walk.

Jaeyun stilled, then slowly lifted his gaze again.

Heeseung moved toward the lounge, his eyes never leaving the boy. He shrugged off his coat and tossed it onto the couch beside him. Rolling up the sleeves of his black button-up shirt, he settled back, undoing a few buttons at the collar to loosen himself—yet his gaze remained fixed on Jaeyun.

“Come here.”

It wasn’t a request. It was an order.

Jaeyun inhaled sharply before forcing his feet to move. As he stepped closer, his figure became clearer in the glow of the now-lit fireplace.

Heeseung’s eyes dropped, taking in the details.

Jaeyun wore a black silk robe, loosely tied around his slim waist. The fabric barely reached his upper thighs, leaving his legs exposed under the warm flicker of firelight. His damp hair clung to his forehead, as if he had just stepped out of the shower.

Heeseung exhaled slowly, using the cigarette to steady the tension building in his chest.

It had been a week since he had last seen Jaeyun. A week spent in London for business. A week without touching anyone.

And yet—

Jaeyun had made it impossible for him to want anyone else.

No one could make him feel the way he did.

Heeseung exhaled slowly, the smoke curling past his lips as his gaze remained fixed on him. The best… what, exactly? A concubine? A distraction? Whatever name it was given, it didn’t matter.

He had had many partners before—sleeping partners. Nothing more. He wasn’t someone who believed in relationships, let alone love.

But Jaeyun…

Jaeyun was different.

Fragile, yet sharp in ways that caught him off guard. Most of the time, he was quiet, nervous—almost fearful around him.

Almost.

Because there were moments when that softness shifted into something else entirely. Something that made Heeseung pause… and want more.

And that was the problem.

Out of everyone he had ever kept, Jaeyun was the one he couldn’t seem to get enough of.

And that only made the hunger worse.

Jaeyun stood at a distance from him, feeling slightly scared to overstep. No matter how close they had been a week before, Heeseung still felt untouchable. Unreadable. He was a mystery Jaeyun didn’t know how to solve.

“I want to drink wine,” Heeseung stated.

Jaeyun didn’t take a second to move. He walked toward the bar, poured wine into a glass, and brought it over to him. Heeseung took a few seconds before taking it, letting his eyes scan Jaeyun properly. Then he slowly took the glass and sipped.

“Sit,” he commanded, slightly patting his left thigh, manspreading.

Jaeyun sucked in a breath. The way Heeseung looked at him was intimidating. He knew this was going to happen—he had been prepared for it. He knew Heeseung would come back from London today and would want to be with him. But he didn’t know why he was still so nervous around him.

Slowly, he sat down on his lap. Heeseung grabbed his waist and pulled him closer. Jaeyun gulped, avoiding his gaze.

Heeseung stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray and brought the wine glass closer to Jaeyun’s mouth, offering him a drink. And just like always, Jaeyun didn’t have the option to refuse. He was Heeseung’s… toy. To order around. To command. To have his way with. And Jaeyun just had to comply with whatever he wanted.

So he let himself sip the wine like a good boy.

Heeseung smirked in satisfaction, then took another sip himself—this time not swallowing. He grabbed Jaeyun’s chin, a bit harshly, pulling him closer before pressing their lips together.

Jaeyun let out a surprised gasp but didn’t resist. He followed, parting his lips as Heeseung poured the wine into his mouth from his own, a bit of it dripping down his chin and spilling onto his robe. The kiss was messy and passionate at the same time. Heeseung gripped the back of his neck, exploring his mouth with his tongue.

Jaeyun moaned softly, his hands resting on Heeseung’s shoulders, feeling himself losing his mind from the way he was being kissed.

After a while, Heeseung pulled away. Jaeyun breathed heavily, completely dazed. He had lost himself—Heeseung had kissed him like he was starving.

“Pretty baby,” Heeseung whispered against his lips, now a darker shade of red. “Missed me?”

Jaeyun could have stayed quiet. But he chose to be a good boy.

“Y-Yes.”

“Yes, what?” Heeseung asked, his grip tightening around his waist.

Jaeyun swallowed. “Yes, sir.”

Heeseung smirked, patting his lower back. “Good boy.”

Jaeyun almost moaned at the nickname but stopped himself.

“Did you prepare yourself like a good boy, as I told you?” Heeseung asked, his eyes landing on the wine that had spilled down Jaeyun’s chin and neck.

Before Jaeyun could answer—or even think of one—Heeseung pressed his lips to his chin, sucking gently before moving down to his neck, licking the drink off his skin.

Jaeyun gasped loudly, his eyes shutting as his heart nearly leapt out of his chest. He completely forgot he had been asked a question as Heeseung continued to suck at his neck.

“You have to answer when I ask you something, baby. Don’t make me angry,” Heeseung spoke in a deeper tone.

Jaeyun almost cried—not because he was scared, but because he didn’t want to make Heeseung mad. That was the last thing he wanted.

“Sorry, sir,” Jaeyun replied, gulping. “Yes, I did.”

“You did what?” Heeseung looked him in the eyes.

“I-I prepared myself for you.”

Heeseung smirked. “You did?”

Jaeyun nodded. Heeseung slowly traced his lower back, pushing a strand of hair behind his ear, his fingers brushing through the damp strands.

“How? Let me see,” Heeseung whispered, his eyes darkening.

Jaeyun gasped. “What?”

“You heard me,” Heeseung stated. “Show me how you did it.”

Jaeyun nodded—because, obviously, he had no choice. He stood up and turned to face him. Heeseung watched his every move with the same intensity, which only made him more nervous.

Slowly, Jaeyun untied the knot of his robe and let it slide off his shoulders and onto the ground. He was wearing nothing underneath—just a black pair of panties.

Heat rushed through his entire body as he felt himself being scrutinized. Not knowing where to sit, he lowered himself to the floor. He slowly spread his legs, one hand resting behind him on the ground to steady himself.

He didn’t dare lift his head to look at Heeseung, knowing he wouldn’t be able to go through with it if he did.

He could feel the wetness pooling, embarrassment flooding him as his body reacted despite himself. Even though Heeseung had already seen him naked multiple times before, it didn’t make this any easier.

He slowly brought two fingers to his mouth, coating them with saliva before lowering his hand toward his body. His breathing grew heavier, a sudden heat spreading through him. He could feel the mafia leader’s eyes on him, watching his every move.

With a hesitant motion, he pushed the fabric aside, leaving himself exposed under that intense gaze. A satisfied sigh slipped from Heeseung at the sight.

Jaeyun still didn’t look up, his eyes fixed on his own fingers as they began to trace over himself, more slick gathering and slipping down his thighs.

“Look at me,” Heeseung demanded, his voice low and husky.

Jaeyun slowly lifted his gaze, their eyes meeting at last. The mafia leader’s eyes were dark and intense, his lips curling into a faint smirk. Jaeyun swallowed hard, his breath catching as he began to move his fingers, keeping his eyes locked on him.

His lips parted softly as he teased himself by rubbing his clit, his movements slow and uncertain at first, then gradually growing more deliberate. A quiet whimper slipped past his lips as finally added a finger inside of himself. The slick reducing the friction and making the intrusion easier. He began moving his finger right away, pulling all the way out and then pushing back in. His mouth parted as his breathing became shallow. He added another finger, the sensation built, his body reacting instinctively.

Heeseung watched in silence, clearly satisfied, while Jaeyun’s control began to slip. The eye contact didn’t last long—within moments, Jaeyun’s gaze faltered, his focus consumed by the rising pleasure.

His breathing grew uneven, soft gasps escaping with each movement. His body tensed, toes curling and legs trembling as the sensation overwhelmed him, drawing him closer and closer to the edge.

That was enough to make Jaeyun still his fingers, even as his mind screamed at him to keep going. Heeseung must have noticed the flicker of disappointment on his face, because a low chuckle slipped from his lips.

“Now come here,” he ordered, his voice edged with amusement as he unbuckled his belt and gestured for him to come closer. “Suck me off like a good boy.”

Jaeyun’s legs were still trembling as he moved forward, slowly lowering himself onto his knees in front of him.

His hand trembled while he pulled the pants down along with the boxers to expose his length. Heeseung was already hard, thick, veiny — begging to be in his mouth. He didn't waste a second and brought his lips closer to the head, pushing his tongue out and licked the head, tasting the precome that leaked onto his tongue. He gave few more licks to the head before wrapping his lips around it, moaning at the sensation. It was impossible to take him fully into his mouth so he took what was humanly possible and tried his best to make Heeseung feel good. He began bobbing his mouth back and forth. His pace was slow. He placed his both hands on the either side of Heeseung's thighs on the couch for support. Heeseung grabbed back of his head by his hair, thrusted into his mouth, groaning at the sensation.

“Fuck!” Heeseung smirked, tracing his lips which were wrapped around him. “You are perfect at this, pretty.”

Jaeyun moaned at the praise and fastens his pace.

Heeseung grabbed the back of his head and pulled him off of his cock, bringing him closer to his mouth and attaching his lips to him. Jaeyun gasped softly into his mouth, letting Heeseung explore his mouth while settling himself on his lap, straddling him. The mafia leader practically ate his lips like a starved animal, roughly grabbing his hips to pull him closer. His finger traced the panties that covered his ass and pushed his hand inside of the fabric to touch him bare, feeling how wet he was underneath.

“So fucking wet, baby,” Heeseung whispered against his lips, grabbing his neck, tracing his thumb on his throat and collarbones while he leaned backwards, exposing himself fully. “You want my cock this bad, huh? You sure you can take it?” He traced his lips along his neck and collarbones, travelling down to his nipples, opening his mouth to take it inside and suck on it. Jaeyun gasped loudly, whimpering softly in his hold. His body going completely pliant in his hold.

“I-I can take it, sir,” Jaeyun whimpered out.

“Sure you can. Fucking slut!” Heeseung muttered as he grabbed his waist and stood up from the couch, carrying Jaeyun towards the corner of the room, pinning him to one of the walls. Their eyes met once again. Jaeyun has his arms wrapped around his neck and legs around his waist. He was fully naked, except that little fabric that covered his lower private region while Heeseung was fully clothed, only his hard cock was out which was now touching his panties.

Heeseung pushed the fabric of his panties aside, tracing his thumb along his folds, more slick dripping down on his length. He uses that slick to lubricate his hard length, stroking himself before pushing inside his entrance. Jaeyun rested his forehead on his shoulder, fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt as he whimpered, feeling himself getting ripped apart. It had been a week he have not taken a cock inside of him and that intrusion stung but he tried to take him in without making a fuss or telling him to use lube even though he wanted to.

Heeseung groaned as he bottomed out, his entire cock suited inside of his tight cunt. He began moving right away, pulling all the way out and then pushing back in with a hard thrust. Jaeyun moaned loudly in response. Heeseung grabbed his neck with one hand and another grabbing his waist to keep him pinned to the wall while thrusting into him.

“Fuck! So tight! You feel perfect around me,” Heeseung almost growled as he got closer to his release. Jaeyun struggled to breathe because mafia’s hand on his neck was choking him at this point and the consistent hit on his prostate was driving him over the edge. After few more thrusts, Heeseung released inside of him, groaning as he did. Jaeyun followed suit and came with a loud moan as well, his legs trembling at the overwhelming sensation. Both breathed heavily as taller man finally let’s his legs go and his feet touched the ground but he couldn’t actually stand straight. Heeseung carried him back to the bed and layed him down, kissing his forehead as he stood up.

Heeseung kept his eyes on Jaeyun, especially on his ruined panties. Jaeyun didn’t have energy to move to remove it from his body so Heeseung took that initiative, taking it off and sliding it down his legs, throwing it on the floor. Then Heeseung’s eyes landed on his his cunt and the cum that dripped down his thighs. He let out a groan while he undressed himself, getting the sweat drained fabrics off of himself. He was naked too now. He got on the bed with him, hovering over his smaller frame underneath him.

Jaeyun opened his eyes to look at him. Heeseung leaned down on him and stroked his own cock. “Don’t think we are done already, pretty baby.” He whispered as he pushed inside his entrance. This time it went in smoothly. Jaeyun’s legs were still trembling due to his orgasm. He definitely wasn’t ready for round two yet but he also didn’t have an option. He might get overstimulated and pass out soon but also couldn’t deny how amazing mafia leader’s cock felt inside of him.

*

Jaeyun woke up the next morning with an aching back, his lower half sore. He scrunched his nose as he made his way to the bathroom, stepping under the shower.

After washing up, he stood in front of the mirror, scanning the hickeys scattered across his neck and collarbones. He touched them lightly, still remembering the mafia’s hot breath against his skin. His cheeks reddened at the thought, feeling flustered by the blurred memories from last night.

But he soon shrugged it off, his expression turning serious again. He grabbed a robe and wrapped it around himself, then slid on a fresh pair of panties.

He glanced at the closed bathroom door before reaching behind the mirror. In the small gap between the wall and the mirror, he had hidden a device. Pulling out the mobile phone, he turned it on and dialed a number. After a few rings, the person on the other end picked up.

“Hi, puppy,” a voice from the other side spoke.

“Don’t call me that,” Jaeyun replied sternly.

“Okay, okay,” he chuckled. “So… how’s it going with your mafia husband?”

“He is not my fucking husband,” Jaeyun gritted his teeth. “Just hand the phone over to Sunghoon, Jongseong!”

“You could have called him, but you decided to call me instead. Just say you missed me, puppy,” Jongseong continued rambling. “That stupid mafia leader can’t even take care of you like I do. You haven’t started having feelings for him, right? I trust you, but still—”

Jaeyun rolled his eyes at Jongseong’s babbling, but he was soon cut off when someone snatched the phone from him.

“Jaeyun,” another man spoke from the other side.

“Yahh! You can’t just snatch that!” Jongseong’s dramatic whine echoed.

“Sunghoon,” Jaeyun recognized him instantly.

“Are you okay?” Sunghoon asked.

“I’m okay. Don’t worry about me,” Jaeyun replied. “I called to tell you that Mr. Lee will be at the party at the Parks’ place.”

“You’ll be there with him, right?”

“I have not—” Jaeyun started, but was cut off.

“You have to convince him to take you with him. It’s an important part of the plan. Only you can save him,” Sunghoon said, his tone stern. Jaeyun didn’t think much about that statement, even though it stirred something inside him.

“I’ll be there,” Jaeyun stated firmly. “Just make sure we get this plan done successfully.”

“We will. See you,” Sunghoon replied before hanging up.

Jaeyun sighed as he switched the phone off again and hid it behind the mirror like before.

*

Jaeyun dressed himself in a magenta velvet button-up along with black slacks that hugged his slim waist perfectly, making sure he looked presentable—and as alluring as possible—because he had a hidden mission to accomplish: to lure a man.

He walked toward Heeseung’s office. Nobody tried to question him because he was allowed to move around freely wherever he wanted. He would have knocked, but he didn’t know where that sudden confidence came from; instead, he simply pushed the door open and was immediately met with the mafia leader’s eyes.

Jaeyun gulped as he was scrutinized—not just by Heeseung, but by two other men in the room, who seemed to be his clients.

Heeseung noticed his clients practically staring at Jaeyun.

“Oh, isn’t that your new pet, Mr. Lee?” one of the clients remarked. “Good choice. Mind letting me have him for one night?”

Heeseung clenched his jaw but forced a laugh. “Mind taking your leave for now, Mr. Ahn? We’ll discuss this deal later.”

“Of course. As you wish.” Mr. Ahn stood up from the sofa and walked toward the door. Jaeyun kept his eyes on the floor as they passed by him.

“Come here,” Heeseung ordered in the same authoritative tone, his expression stern and intimidating.

Shit. Did Jaeyun make the right decision coming here at this hour—and without knocking? He hadn’t angered him, had he?

He quietly walked over and stopped right in front of him. Heeseung looked him up and down.

“You look pretty today,” Heeseung said, making Jaeyun glance up at him. A sigh of relief escaped him as he realized Heeseung wasn’t angry. “But you shouldn’t be walking around like that.”

Heeseung spread his legs slightly on the office chair, turning fully toward him. Jaeyun blinked, unsure how to respond.

“You’re only mine to look at, right? Especially in those… provocative clothes of yours. Showing off in those tight pants?”

Jaeyun gasped at the shameless words.

“What? Did I say something wrong? Aren’t you mine, pretty?” Heeseung asked, his gaze dead serious.

Jaeyun swallowed and nodded slightly, but when Heeseung raised a brow, he understood what was expected.

“Yes, sir. I’m yours,” Jaeyun said, maintaining eye contact.

“Perfect.” Heeseung grinned, patting his lap.

Jaeyun understood the gesture and sat down on his lap, placing one hand on his shoulder. Heeseung’s arm instinctively wrapped around his waist.

“Shouldn’t you be punished, hm?” Heeseung murmured, tracing his lower waist.

Jaeyun was still sore from last night, and he definitely wasn’t ready for more—but at the same time, part of him wanted it anyway.

“I would let you, sir… but…” Jaeyun trailed off, fidgeting with his fingers.

“But?” Heeseung’s tone deepened.

“I’d like to request something,” Jaeyun said. Heeseung gestured for him to continue. “I… want to attend that party this evening with you.”

Heeseung raised a brow in confusion. Jaeyun had never asked to accompany him to business events before.

“You want to come with me? Why?”

“I just… get bored at home without you. And I missed you. We haven’t spent much time together.” Jaeyun blinked innocently and pouted slightly, trying to appear as harmless as possible.

Heeseung smirked. “You think those puppy eyes will work on me, hm?”

Jaeyun felt his breath hitch for a moment.

“It’s a business party, darling. You’ll get bored there too. And I don’t want anyone’s eyes on my pup.”

Jaeyun shifted, turning to straddle his lap, settling himself directly against him. Heeseung leaned back, arms tightening around his waist. Jaeyun bit his lower lip and moved slightly, pressing closer. Heeseung let out a low groan, gripping his hip and guiding his movements. Jaeyun leaned forward, close to his lips, and Heeseung closed the distance, capturing them in a heated kiss. The kiss was messy with their tongues colliding and saliva dripping. The mafia grabbed his hips and thrusted his hips upwards to meet his clothed cunt. Jaeyun gasped in response.

“Ride me,” Heeseung whispered against his lips.

“First, promise me you’ll take me with you,” Jaeyun whispered.

Heeseung chuckled softly. “Fine. I’ll take you. Now don’t make me regret it.”

Jaeyun’s fingers made quick work of Heeseung’s belt before he pushed his pants and boxers down, freeing him. His hand wrapped around his length, stroking slowly at first, testing the rhythm. Heeseung’s grip tightened in his hair, pulling him forward into another heated kiss—possessive, breath-stealing.

Jaeyun picked up his pace, feeling the growing hardness in his palm, the subtle shifts in Heeseung’s breathing feeding his confidence. When he finally pulled back, his own breaths came uneven. Without wasting a second, he rose to his feet, slipping out of his slacks and damp underwear before settling back over him, straddling his lap.

He bit down on his lower lip, eyes locked with Heeseung’s as if daring himself not to look away. His hands braced against the back of the chair, lifting himself just enough to position him. Then, slowly—deliberately—he lowered himself, taking him in inch by inch.

A shared moan slipped between them, low and unrestrained.

Heeseung’s curse came out sharp, his hand striking Jaeyun’s ass in a firm, urging slap, pushing him to take more. Their gazes held, heavy and unspoken, yet unmistakably clear. Jaeyun understood. He didn’t need words.

He began to move.

At first, it was slow—rolling his hips, lifting himself before sinking back down, adjusting to the stretch, the lingering ache in his body. A soft moan escaped him, edged with discomfort, but he ignored it, letting the sensation blur into something deeper, something consuming.

Soon, his movements grew steadier, more certain. Each rise and fall became smoother, more deliberate. He felt every inch, every shift, every response beneath him—and the control sent a thrill through his spine. He leaned into it, into the rhythm, into the way their bodies met and matched.

Heeseung met him halfway, thrusting upward now, their movements colliding in a desperate, building pace. The tension snapped all at once.

Heeseung came first, his grip tightening as he pulled Jaeyun down. Jaeyun followed close behind, his body tensing before releasing over his lap.

For a moment, neither of them moved—only the sound of their breathing filling the room, heavy and uneven.

Then Heeseung’s hand slid up to his neck, pulling him closer again, capturing his lips in a slower, deeper kiss.

Jaeyun melted into it, a soft hum escaping him in response.

The kiss lingered longer this time—less urgent, more deliberate. Heeseung didn’t rush it. He held him there, steady and close, as if savoring something he wasn’t ready to let go of just yet.

Jaeyun’s hands, which had been braced for support moments ago, slowly relaxed. One of them slid to Heeseung’s shoulder, fingers curling lightly into the fabric, grounding himself. His breathing began to even out, though the warmth in his chest refused to settle.

When they finally pulled apart, the distance between them felt… different. Not empty—just quieter.

Heeseung’s gaze didn’t leave his face. It lingered, sharp and unreadable as ever, yet softened by something Jaeyun couldn’t quite name. His thumb brushed briefly along Jaeyun’s jaw, a fleeting touch that felt almost out of place coming from him.

“You’re learning,” he murmured, voice low.

Jaeyun huffed a quiet breath, somewhere between a laugh and something more uncertain. “Is that all I am to you? A quick learner?”

For a second, there was no answer.

Heeseung leaned back slightly in the chair, studying him again—this time with a kind of patience that made Jaeyun’s chest tighten. “If that’s all you were,” he said finally, “you wouldn’t still be here.”

The words settled heavier than they should have.

*

Jaeyun walked side by side with Heeseung as they stepped into the Parks’ estate for the business party they had been invited to. He was dressed in a white floral-patterned button-up paired with black pants. Heeseung, on the other hand, wore a black trench coat over a black button-up and matching black pants.

If Jaeyun hadn’t been focused on a serious mission, he would have allowed himself to admire him—because Heeseung looked undeniably handsome. But instead, he forced his attention back to the plan he had carefully crafted with the Parks.

As they entered the party hall, Jaeyun glanced around, taking in his surroundings. Around thirty to forty guests were already present, all dressed in formal attire, champagne glasses in hand as they mingled to the soft music playing in the background. Heeseung had arrived with five security men, who discreetly positioned themselves around the hall on his instructions, leaving him alone with Jaeyun.

Jaeyun felt Heeseung’s hand rest lightly against his lower back, guiding him forward. He did his best not to get distracted by the touch.

Then he finally spotted who he had been waiting for—Park Sunghoon. And Park Jongseong. The Parks.

Jaeyun met Sunghoon’s gaze, and Sunghoon gave him a subtle, knowing look. Jaeyun responded with the slightest nod, signaling that everything was in place.

Sunghoon approached them with a practiced smile.

“Hello, Mr. Lee. You’re finally here. I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Hello, Mr. Park. Nice to see you too,” Heeseung replied smoothly.

Sunghoon’s smile didn’t falter as he extended his hand. Heeseung accepted it without hesitation, their handshake firm—measured. A silent exchange of power, neither willing to yield even an inch.

“I trust the journey wasn’t inconvenient,” Sunghoon said, his tone polite, though his eyes remained sharp.

“Not at all,” Heeseung replied. “I’m always curious when I receive an invitation from you.”

A quiet pause followed—brief, but loaded.

Sunghoon let out a soft chuckle. “Then I hope tonight satisfies that curiosity.”

Beside him, Jongseong finally stepped forward, offering a slight nod. “Drinks?” he asked, gesturing toward the bar.

Heeseung glanced at Jaeyun for the briefest moment before answering, “Why not?”

Jaeyun followed closely as they moved further into the hall, his senses sharpening with every step. The music, the conversations, the clinking of glasses—it all blended into a carefully crafted illusion of normalcy. But beneath it, he could feel the tension coiling tighter.

Everything was in place.

At the bar, Sunghoon picked up a glass, swirling the amber liquid lazily before handing one to Heeseung. “To new opportunities,” he said.

Heeseung took the glass but didn’t drink immediately. “Or old rivalries,” he added, a faint edge slipping into his voice.

Sunghoon’s smile deepened just slightly. “Those tend to go hand in hand.”

Jaeyun stood just beside Heeseung, close enough to feel the subtle shift in his posture—the way his guard never truly dropped, even in a room full of supposed allies.

Good.

That made this all the more believable.

“Shall we discuss business somewhere quieter?” Jongseong suggested, his gaze flicking briefly toward the crowd.

Heeseung nodded. “Lead the way.”

As they began to move, Jaeyun allowed himself one quick glance toward Sunghoon.

A signal.

Barely noticeable—but enough.

Sunghoon’s fingers tapped once against his glass.

Right on time.

The hallway outside the main hall was quieter, the noise fading into a distant hum. The lighting dimmed slightly, casting long shadows along the polished floors.

Jaeyun’s heartbeat picked up, though his expression remained calm. Each step felt heavier now—not with doubt, but anticipation.

They stopped in front of a set of closed doors.

Jongseong reached for the handle—

And then—

A sharp sound echoed from somewhere behind them.

Not loud enough to cause panic.

But deliberate.

Heeseung’s head turned instantly, instincts kicking in. His hand moved subtly, ready. “Did you hear that?”

Sunghoon frowned slightly, playing his part. “Probably nothing. The staff—”

Another sound. Closer this time.

Jaeyun stiffened, his gaze shifting down the corridor as a figure moved at the far end—too fast, too precise to be a guest.

There it was.

The moment.

He stepped slightly closer to Heeseung, voice low. “Something’s off.”

Heeseung didn’t respond immediately, but Jaeyun felt the shift in him—the way his entire body sharpened, attention locking onto the threat.

Then everything happened at once.

A gunshot cracked through the hallway.

The sound ricocheted off the walls, deafening in the confined space.

Heeseung moved—but Jaeyun was faster.

“Down!”

He shoved him hard, forcing him back just as another shot rang out, the bullet striking the wall where Heeseung had been standing a second before.

Chaos broke loose.

Jongseong cursed, pulling Sunghoon back as security from both sides rushed in.

Jaeyun grabbed Heeseung’s arm, his grip tight, urgent. “We need to move—now!”

Heeseung didn’t argue this time.

Not when the threat was real.

Not when Jaeyun had just taken the lead without hesitation.

They moved quickly down the corridor, footsteps echoing as more noise erupted behind them.

Jaeyun’s pulse pounded in his ears, but his focus stayed razor-sharp. Every turn, every movement—calculated.

Convincing.

Perfect.

Because this wasn’t just about survival.

It was about trust.

And tonight—

Jaeyun was going to earn all of it.

They didn’t stop until the noise behind them dulled into distant chaos.

Jongseong led them through a side passage, pushing open a heavy door that led into a quieter wing of the estate—private, guarded, and far from the party floor.

The moment they stepped inside, the door shut firmly behind them.

Silence.

Thick. Controlled.

Jaeyun finally let go of Heeseung’s arm, his chest rising and falling a little faster than he would’ve liked. He forced himself to steady his breathing, to look shaken—but not too much.

Heeseung, however, looked anything but shaken.

His gaze was sharp, scanning the room once before settling—on Jaeyun.

“You reacted fast,” he said.

It wasn’t praise.

It was observation.

Jaeyun swallowed lightly, shrugging as if it hadn’t meant much. “Instinct.”

A pause.

Heeseung stepped closer. Not rushed. Not aggressive. Just… deliberate.

“Instinct doesn’t usually involve throwing yourself into danger for someone else,” he said quietly.

Jaeyun held his gaze this time. “You told me to stay close.”

The answer hung between them—simple, but layered.

For a second, it felt like Heeseung was trying to read through him, piece by piece, looking for something that didn’t quite add up.

But all he found—

Was consistency.

Loyalty.

Exactly what Jaeyun wanted him to see.

A faint exhale left Heeseung before he finally looked away. Not dismissive—just… thoughtful.

Behind them, Sunghoon straightened his sleeves, his expression carefully composed again. “This is… unfortunate,” he said, tone edged with irritation. “I’ll have my men handle it.”

Jongseong nodded in agreement, already speaking quietly into his phone, issuing orders.

Heeseung let out a low scoff. “You invited me here, and somehow I get shot at within minutes.”

Sunghoon’s gaze flickered, just for a moment. “If this was my doing, you wouldn’t have walked out of that hallway.”

The air tightened instantly.

A challenge.

Heeseung’s lips curved slightly—not quite a smile. “I’d hope so.”

Jaeyun stayed quiet, eyes shifting between them, as if caught in the middle—exactly the position he was meant to be in.

After a moment, Sunghoon gestured toward the seating area. “Sit. We can still talk business. Unless you’d prefer to leave.”

Heeseung didn’t sit immediately. His eyes moved—once again—back to Jaeyun.

A silent question.

Jaeyun hesitated just enough to make it believable. Then—

“We’re safe here,” he said quietly. “At least for now.”

That was all it took.

Heeseung nodded once and finally took a seat.

By the time they left the estate, the night had grown quieter, the chaos from earlier buried beneath controlled damage and whispered explanations.

The car ride back was silent at first.

Jaeyun sat beside him, hands resting in his lap, gaze fixed ahead.

He could feel it.

Heeseung’s eyes on him again.

“Why didn’t you run?” Heeseung asked suddenly.

Jaeyun didn’t look at him. “Would you have?”

A beat.

“No.”

Jaeyun finally turned his head slightly, meeting his gaze. “Then there’s your answer.”

Silence followed—but this time, it wasn’t tense.

It settled.
Shifted.
Something had changed tonight.

Heeseung leaned back in his seat, his expression unreadable—but his voice, when he spoke again, carried something new.

“From now on,” he said, “you don’t leave my side. Not at meetings. Not anywhere.”

Jaeyun’s pulse quickened—but outwardly, he remained calm.

“Understood.”

Heeseung studied him for a moment longer before looking away.

Trust wasn’t something he gave easily.
But tonight—

Jaeyun had crossed a line few ever did.
And somewhere deep down, even Heeseung knew it.

 

Later that night, long after they had returned—

Jaeyun stood alone on the balcony, phone pressed to his ear.

“Phase one worked,” he said quietly.

On the other end, Sunghoon’s voice was calm. “I figured.”

Jaeyun glanced back toward the room, where Heeseung was just out of sight.

“He trusts me more now.”

A pause.

“Good,” Sunghoon replied. “Because the next step won’t be this easy.”

Jaeyun’s grip on the phone tightened slightly.

“Just be ready,” Sunghoon added.

The line went dead.

Jaeyun lowered the phone slowly, his thoughts heavier now.

Because somewhere between the lies, the plan—
And the way Heeseung had looked at him tonight—
Things were starting to blur.
And that…
Was dangerous.

 

Part 2 SOON....