Chapter Text
3:00.00
It was the evening, where business was at its peak. Men tired from work and from their lives rushed in to get a seat. The smell of alcohol and sweat permeated the club around them. It was a smell that he'd grown used to. A smell that he didn't go a day without.
Across from him was his best friend and coach, which was unusual because they were only a few years apart. But he knew the game, and Chanyeol was nothing but eager to learn.
He was going on about the new fighter, Oh Sehun, who was dominating the streets. His instincts were faster than Chanyeol's and he never took longer than five minutes to knock his opponent out. But Chanyeol never took longer than three minutes.
"Don't get cocky just because you're in the leaderboards now, 'Yeol," Luhan told him, trying to bring his friend back to reality. "This kid may be younger than you but he's smarter and he's getting better. I've already heard his name come out Kai's mouth.."
Chanyeol looked at his friend, who brought his drink to his lips, giving Chanyeol a knowing look.
"Kai?"
Luhan nodded, taking a sip. He felt the drink burning his throat as it went down.
"But Kai wouldn't even look at me."
Luhan looked down. "You're right. But that's why you have me."
Chanyeol nodded, remembering Luhan was just as smart as Kai was. Not as scary, but definitely just as smart.
"Sorry, I just—"
"I know," Luhan stopped him. He stood up, pushing the rest of his drink to Chanyeol. "You have fun here, but not too much. We have to practice in the morning. Bright and early."
"Where are you going?" Chanyeol asked, starting to worry. The thought of "clubbing" alone wasn't very inviting to him.
"I have to see someone," the older boy said in a low tone. A tone that Chanyeol didn't trust. Like that, his Friend hat was back on and he gave Luhan a look.
"Lu, don't go to him. Please," Chanyeol begged, going to stand next to his friend. "You're only torturing yourself."
He didn't notice it before but now he saw how tired Luhan looked.
"Come stay with me at my place," Chanyeol offered, not wanting to see his friend get hurt again.
Luhan shook his head, backing away from Chanyeol. "I have to end it once and for all."
"I'll go with you," Chanyeol offered, putting up his fists.
"Put those down, 'Yeol," Luhan smiled. "I'll be fine."
"That's what you always say," Chanyeol reminded him, looking away. He knew that comment would make Luhan sad and he couldn't bear to see it again.
After a moment Luhan finally responded, "I'll be fine," and left.
Chanyeol sighed, turning back to his table. He gulped down the rest of his drink while watching Luhan push through the crowd. He had half a mind to go follow him, but he knew Luhan would only object. So he made his way to the dance floor instead.
On the usual nights, Chanyeol would dance and drink for about an hour before deciding to head home, but on Friday's he would try and find someone to distract him from all the stress of everything for the night. He knew he wasn't the only one looking around, so he figured all the viable contenders were probably already taken.
His eyes roamed around from where he stood at the bar before settling on a pair of eyes that were burning holes through him. The boy across the room bit his lip as he gave Chanyeol a once-over. Clearly he liked what he saw as a mischievous smile tugged at his lips.
Chanyeol suppressed a blush as he looked over the other boy as well. His bleached-blond hair was a messy cottonball on his head, and his sweat rolled down toned arms that lead to hands stuffed in tight pockets.
He wanted him, that much was clear, and Chanyeol felt the same. It wasn't long before they were chest-to-chest, lips pressed together and hands roaming. Chanyeol caught the smell of mint before his whole night became a blur of skin on skin, fast thrusts, and quiet whispers between sheets.
-
At 5:30 AM, the alarm next to Chanyeol's bed went off. He slowly opened his eyes before adjusting them to the screaming machine next to him. He slammed the OFF button, before sinking his head back into his pillow. He lay there for a few minutes before everything hit his brain at once.
School, practice, Luhan, the club last night.
He sat up and turned his head, hoping no one was lying next to him. And no one was.
He thought he would be relieved. The whole, "Hey could you put on some clothes and get out?" part was always the worst and he was glad he didn't have to do it, but some part of him missed the boy he met the previous night. His hooded eyes and throaty neck invaded Chanyeol's mind as he went to go shower.
When he came back to his room, he noticed a note that was next to his alarm clock.
'Thanks'
Chanyeol flipped it over but the back was blank. Just thanks? Maybe the other boy wasn't as into him as he seemed. Chanyeol shrugged, throwing the note in the trash as he headed out the door.
-
Chanyeol did a few rounds with the punching bag as he waited for Luhan to arrive. Whenever he called him out on it, Luhan would tell him it was so he could get extra practice, but Chanyeol knew it was because he would be with—
"Sorry I'm late," Luhan called, running in.
Chanyeol stretched his arms as Luhan walked towards him. As he came into view, Chanyeol noticed Luhan was wearing makeup. Something he hadn't done in years.
"Sorry, my alarm clock didn't go off. Okay, so today let's—"
"What are you wearing?" Chanyeol asked, bringing his arms down.
"Just some makeup. Do you like it?"
"Luhan..." Chanyeol murmured, holding the older boys face gently. He ran his thumb over his tongue before rubbing under Luhan's eye. As he suspected, the area was purple underneath.
Luhan closed his eyes, taking Chanyeol's hand away. "I'm fine. It's over."
"Is it?" Chanyeol asked, getting frustrated. Luhan was always making excuses for him, never worrying about himself. "Can't you see this isn't okay?"
"It's over," Luhan repeated, moving to the mat. "We have to practice."
"Han, no," Chanyeol pleaded, standing in front of the other boy. "Tell me what happened."
"Why? It's over!" Luhan said, pounding his fists into Chanyeol's chest. "Why can't you let it go?!"
Chanyeol held him still in his arms, allowing him to pause and recuperate himself.
"Because you're my best friend, and I'm not going to stand by while you get hurt."
"It's over," Luhan cried, hugging Chanyeol back. They stayed like this for a moment before Luhan pulled away, his makeup smeared.
Chanyeol wiped his tears away, assuring him that it was alright and that he didn't have to be ashamed.
"I found him at the ring," Luhan started, looking down. "We started talking and I told him I wanted to end it once and for all, and he got so angry... I took your advice. I told him that was exactly why we could never be together—his short fuse. And he started threatening me, threatening you. And I cursed at him. A lot. But.. he smacked me and I wanted to run but I didn't. I was still. So he punched me"— Luhan gestured to the bruise under his eye—"and I told him it was over and I left. When I got home he showed up a few hours later crying and asking if we could talk but I didn't listen to him. I ignored him the whole night."
"He was there the whole night?"
Luhan nodded. "I found him sleeping outside the door this morning but luckily I got away before he woke up. Actually I wanted to ask you if I can stay with you for a few days? Just until I can find another place."
Chanyeol nodded, hugging him again. "You can stay as long as you want. Hell, you can move in."
"No thanks," Luhan chuckled, hugging the giant boy back. "You're way too messy."
-
As Chanyeol was jogging home he couldn't rid himself of the anger that spread throughout his chest when he thought of Luhan getting hit. It wasn't the first time, and he had a feeling it wouldn't be the last. His best friend couldn't see it, but he was such a lightweight when it came to relationships. Even when Chanyeol had just been steps from Luhan's apartment, the older boy had pulled him away and begged him not to fight with his boyfriend even after he'd been sent to the hospital for "slipping down the stairs."
Chanyeol huffed, running faster. He fought to suppress his primal urge to fight. Fight for his best friend and to stop the bastard that kept hurting him. His hands tightened into a fist as he came to a four-way stop. Left lead to his apartment, right lead to Luhan's. But after thinking about what Luhan would want, he proceeded left.
-
Chanyeol helped Luhan pack his things hurriedly, when his attacker would surely be at the ring, and get him settled in his apartment. Chanyeol was already in the process of trying to find a roommate, so the situation kind of worked perfectly.
"Thanks for doing this, 'Yeol..." Luhan finally said after all his things were unboxed and put away. "I owe you one."
Chanyeol sighed, his hands planted firmly on his hips. "Consider it me repaying you for leaving that asshole."
Luhan didn't react, only moving to sit on his bed. He played with the corner of the sheets for a moment before smoothing it back down. After a moment he finally said, "Yeah, well... he wasn't all bad."
A subconscious urge to roll his eyes hit Chanyeol, but he ignored it. Instead he sat next to Luhan, heaving an arm around the older boy's shoulder. "You'll move on, Han. I'll make sure of that... Just give it time."
Luhan shrugged, blinking away the tears that began to cloud his vision. "You don't get it, 'Yeol... I really love him, you know. He's not just some bridge you get over. He means everything to me..."
"But—"
"You're right though. It's not the same as it used to be; we've grown apart and he's changed. So aggressive and never satisfied with anything.. I'm surprised he's even considered taking Sehun under his wing."
Chanyeol shook his head, still advert to the idea of someone like him not seeing the potential he possessed. "Well that's Kai. He feels something and goes for it. With you, with Sehun.. Not me though."
Luhan swallowed, a tiny smile pulling at his lips. "We don't need him. Sure he has power and a fleet of men behind him but we've got friendship, loyalty, and trust."
Chanyeol laughed, pulling Luhan into a tight snug. "Yeah, we do."
-
"CHAN-YEOL! CHAN-YEOL! CHAN-YEOL!" the group of young men chanted around the two boys, just inches from each other's faces. The aforementioned boy dropped his bookbag to the ground, his face stern and ready to fight.
It reminded him of high school; that one macho guy seeping under his skin until it burned so hot Chanyeol couldn't contain himself anymore. Except this time there were no deans to break them apart.
It was clear the boy staring him in the face had been waiting for this fight. The smirk on his face proved that. Even so, Chanyeol knew he'd soon be punching the smirk right off.
"You wanna start or should I?" Chanyeol hissed through gritted teeth. His hands were tight fists held up in front of his chest.
"Does it matter?" the other boy laughed, giving a side glance to his crew on the side. They didn't seem to have so much faith in their friend. "You're just gonna end up on the ground anyway."
Chanyeol laughed at the boy's attempt to faze him, then stopped, straight-faced, pushing the boy against a wall he didn't even realize was there.
The boy huffed, losing that edge that once covered his face.
"What's the matter?" Chanyeol asked, pushing the boy harder into the wall.
The boy swallowed, his breaths increasing in tempo. He looked around at the crowd that was starting to form. His friends retreated, slowly backing away. The crowd was a mix of entertained, worried, and skeptical faces. He knew this fight would be talked about and he wouldn't let his name be soiled.
He looked back at Chanyeol, nostrils flaring. "Nothing," he spat, pushing Chanyeol off of him.
Adrenaline was pumping lively through their bodies as the crowd coalesced in a "Fight!" chant.
Chanyeol breathed slowly—a lesson taught by his coach. His coach who was also his best friend, hurting inside but letting none of it show.
"You can't lose your poker face," he once told him at a match. It proved right, as a good game face usually scared his opponents immediately. And a scared opponent was an easy opponent.
The two boys circled each other, fists up.
"Come on, Jimin, let's just go!" one of the boy's friends called from a side. "It's not worth it, man."
"Yeah!" another friend called.
Jimin shook his head, eyes locked on the towering Chanyeol.
The crowd became impatient, screaming things like "Fight already!", "C'mon!", and "Quit being a pussy and just fight!"
Somewhere in the haze, Chanyeol felt a sharp blow to his face. He stood back, feeling his cheek begin to throb. It was over, he was gone, and it was time to fight.
Chanyeol noticed the boy cheering, so happy to have gotten a hit to Chanyeol Park, renowned fighter of Seoul, at least getting there anyway. But it didn't prove long before a force pounded itself into his jaw, almost throwing him off his feet.
"Don't worry, I got you," Chanyeol said, holding the boy's shoulder, then jamming his fist into Jimin's lower abdomen. The boy keeled over, his face contorting as his nerve-endings signaled his brain that he was in big trouble.
Chanyeol moved behind him, not missing a beat as his foot connected with the back of his opponents knees. Like that, he was on the floor. And Chanyeol beat his record to two minutes.
The crowd was sporadic, cheering and yelling as Jimin curled into a ball on the floor. His friends ran to his aid as the rest of the crowd entrapped Chanyeol in huddle of cheers and jumping. He nodded appreciatively, though he had to admit all the attention made him a bit uncomfortable. He remembered Luhan telling him not to get a big head after winning; it would only distract him from getting even better.
He looked at Jimin, wincing as his friends pulled him up from the ground.
"Here, let me help you to the nurse."
-
2:00.00
"Two minutes, huh?" Luhan hummed as he and Chanyeol walked down the street to the ring.
Chanyeol nodded. "That's my fastest time. Soon it'll be a minute, I'm telling you."
Luhan tilted his head, his bruise more visible now. It was healing, but it was still there. "Granted, the kid wasn't paying attention. He let his guard down and anyone with hands could've knocked him out. What if he kept his focus?"
"I still would've gotten him; He was an arrogant little bastard. I don't even know how he got the first punch but regardless I would've gotten him if he was still focused," Chanyeol nodded, setting his mind. Jimin had the drive, at least, to get better. He thought it actually would be cool if he joined them, but on the same accord he was too cocky and too focused on his reputation and winning instead of how to actually win. These thoughts were only in Chanyeol's mind because of Luhan.
The elder shrugged, going to unlock the doors to the ring when he noticed they were already unlocked. He looked up at Chanyeol, confused. Neither one had a clue as to who would be there during their time. They entered the room.
"Faster! C'mon! You call that a swing? You want to get knocked out, don't you?!"
Chanyeol's chest bumped into Luhan's back as the older boy stopped in his tracks. Beyond them was a sweaty boy pounding into one of the punching bags, another yelling into his ear—the other being Kai.
Chanyeol barely noticed when he saw the boy beating life into the bag. A tall, skinny boy with bleached-blonde hair, hooded eyes and a throaty neck. The neck Chanyeol's lips were on just a few days ago.
"Come on, Oh! Could you at least try?" Kai screamed, his face turning a dark red. "Goddamn it! Why am I even bothering with you?!"
The other boy yelled something that was muffled by his mouthpiece. Chanyeol was confused; he was doing great. In fact, he'd never seen anyone hit so fast. He felt bad for the punching bag.
"That's enough," Kai sighed, stepping away. He ran a hand through his hair, contemplating. Maybe he knew Sehun was great, and it frustrated him. As least that's what Chanyeol thought before he met Kai's eyes. It was then he realized there was no one standing in front of him anymore.
"Lu?" Kai whispered, his voice soft and gentle.
Chanyeol turned, catching Luhan's last foot out the door. He was running.
No, Chanyeol thought.
"Lu!" Kai called, running towards the door. Chanyeol immediately moved, stopping him in his tracks.
"Hell no," Chanyeol spat, his voice much lower than intended.
"Move aside, kid," Kai warned. In the distance, Sehun removed his mouthpiece, panting as he watched the scene unfold. He wiped sweat out of his eyes and finally saw who his coach was arguing with. A small gasp escaped him.
"Or what? You'll send your men after me?" Chanyeol gritted, his hands curling into fists.
A smirk pulled the side of Kai's mouth. "Oh, I'll do worse than that."
Sehun backed away, grabbing his duffle bag. He found a back door and snuck out.
"I couldn't care less what you would 'do' to me, Kai. You just stay the f*ck away from Luhan. He said it's over so that means just that—it's over. He doesn't want to see you, and he definitely doesn't want to see your short-fuse again. So keep away from him."
Chanyeol expected a big string of curses and worn-out threats, but instead he got sad eyes and a crumbling stance.
"He doesn't want to see me?" Kai said, looking away. Chanyeol had never seen this side of Kai—the soft, unnerving side. It must have been the side Luhan always saw in him. The reason he always made excuses for his inexcusable behavior. It was just simply odd.
"Clearly not, Kai," Chanyeol pointed to the door. "He just ran away from you."
Sehun stopped to lean on a wall before breathing deeply through his nose and out through his mouth.
"Calm down," he told himself, banishing the tears that began to form. He looked down at his hand which was shaking. He stretched his fingers in an attempt to stop the shaking. "It's wrong... It's not right.."
He shook his hand out quickly before he felt a force collide with his back.
"No!" he yelled, landing on the ground.
The boy next to him scrambled to get up, breathing a "Sorry, I...." before getting back to his feet.
Sehun looked up and immediately recognized him. "Hey, wait! Stop!"
Luhan paused, looking back at the boy he'd just tackled. Sehun got up, leaving his duffle bag on the ground.
"You were just at the ring…w-with that guy..." he said to the stranger. Their hands were in clenched fists at their sides.
"Yeah..." Luhan looked down. "I have to go—"
"Right," Sehun nodded, the coldness leaving his hands. He was in control again. Picking up his bag, he said, "Too coward to face Kai?"
Luhan's breaths stopped at the words "too coward." He reevaluated the boy in the front of him. Suddenly, it clicked.
"So you're Sehun."
The boy smiled, eyes dark. "In the flesh."
A slow-burning anger churned in Luhan's veins. Not at the boy's words but his cockiness, and the fact that this was the upcoming star threatening Chanyeol's rise to fame.
"He really signed you." Luhan stated rather than asked.
"Who? Kai? Yeah," Sehun smiled, taking a few steps down the street. "It's funny, you can't even say his name."
For whatever reason, Luhan followed, walking with him. "You don't know anything."
"Oh, but I do," Sehun nodded. "He hits you when you're being a bad boy, right?"
Luhan stopped.
"The proof's under your eye," Sehun pointed. "You tried to leave him, right? Too bad he'll never give you up. Which might sound sweet but really it terrifies you. Because you know he doesn't stop until he gets what he wants. Even if it means killing a few people in the process. But who would you even have to worry about? Oh, yeah… Chanyeol, is it?"
"Who the fuck are you?" Luhan demanded, pushing the boy’s arm.
"Easy there," Sehun chuckled. "I'm just another worthless fighter. You don't have to worry about me."
"I'm not," Luhan resolved. "Who are you working for?"
"I told you," Sehun spat. "I work for Kai. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone your and Kai's little secret; I just want you to know that I know."
"You. Don't. Know. Anything," Luhan informed, pushing the blonde boy with every word. "And besides, what if Kai were to find out you knew?"
"Who's gonna tell him? You? Go ahead. Do it. Now," Sehun pointed back to the building.
Luhan looked away.
"Exactly," Sehun laughed. "Doesn't matter anyway. He trusts me. He knows I wouldn't tell anyone."
"And why would he do that? Why would you do that?" Luhan crossed his arms.
"Simple," Sehun flicked Luhan's head. "I'm under his wing; I won't betray him. And he knows if I told anyone he was gay I'd be buried six feet under before I could finish my sentence."
Luhan rolled his eyes. He was always advert to the fact that Kai was a dangerous man. No one knew how sweet and gentle he was behind closed doors. If he wasn't angry, that is.
"But..." Sehun mulled. "Who's stopping me from saying Chanyeol Park's coach is a cocklover?"
Blood drained to Luhan's cheeks. He couldn't let that happen. Not even his parents knew.
Sehun watched the panic unfold on his face before laughing.
"Kai's stopping me, that's who," he said, patting Luhan's shoulder mockingly. "He cares for you. If I mess with you, I'm messing with him. Relax."
Relax.
The word echoed in Sehun's mind as he kept walking. When it happened was unknown, but he suddenly felt himself being slammed against the concrete walls of the ring.
"Who the fuck are you?" Luhan asked, arm placed strategically on Sehun's chest. "You can cut the bullshit. Who are you working for?"
"I told you," Sehun seethed. Luhan could feel the faint thumping of his heart on his arm. Not as brave as he appears.
"I'm not stupid," Luhan told him. "There's no way in hell you're working for Kai. He's not stupid either."
"I just want to make it to the top. And Kai is the only one who can get me there. You and your little duo are never going to make it. Just give up. Really."
Luhan backed away, letting the boy off the wall. The blonde boy's eyes were dark and sinister. Almost dead, as if someone had personally sucked the life out of him. Really, he felt bad for him. He wanted to bundle him up and take him home, but at the same time he wanted to bash his head against the concrete. He didn't know whether to watch out for him or pray for him or both.
"Just stay away from us," he told him before heading back down the road.
Kai paced in a small circle, tapping his elbow. "He's just upset. He'll get over it and we can talk."
By now Chanyeol was hoping Luhan got far; he was tired to babysitting Kai until then. It was difficult not to punch him right in the face, but he held back. After all it would only set the ringleader off.
"No, Kai," Chanyeol sighed. "Get this through your head: You hurt Luhan countless times, physically and mentally, so now he's had enough and it's over between you two. Stay away from him."
He turned to exit the ring, figuring he'd just practice some other time. Behind him he heard frustrated screams and loud banging.
As he walked home, he thought about the boy at practice. He remembered their night together, and the seemingly insincere note he received the day after. Not once in their night of passion did Sehun mention he was a boxer. Chanyeol had told him, when he was pressed against his bare chest, that fighting was his life. That even though it sounded as though he was a wannabe tough guy, it really was all he had.
Why didn't Sehun tell him he was also a fighter? Why didn't he say he was the new rising champion of Seoul?
-