Work Text
Jongin may have been innocent at one point of his life. He thinks, maybe he lost it when he was eleven and saw his father kill one of the men who frequented their house. Many years later he had come to know that the man was killed because he had betrayed the family. Jongin knows that his father saw him standing behind the door on that fateful day and the elder man’s eyes had sparkled when he realized the eleven year old had not made any noise after witnessing death in front of his eyes. Moreover, Jongin had never cried as an after-effect of the incident. It had onset the training of the heir Kim Jongin.Jongin had always excelled in studies and he was fairly intelligent. It was reasserted during his elaborate training to become the head of the family, to run the family business one day. At the age of fifteen, a simple suggestion from him had resulted in one of the biggest coups his family had landed, thus strengthening their power and hold over Seoul. The family business may have started with his grandfather, but it was fifteen year old Jongin working behind the scenes, who made his family the reigning kings.For as long as Jongin could remember, his family has been his everything. He had been like any other kid in the estate, studying or playing with the kids of men who worked for his family, or later learning the ropes to follow their father’s footsteps. He adored his beautiful mama and looked up to his father. Everyone seemed to like him but he always had that feeling that the men feared him, just liked him out of respect for his father. It didn't help that Jongin, as he grew up not only started drifting off from his friends, but those same friends started giving him the look of reverence. He was close to a handful, like Chanyeol or Junmyeon who were in training with him and Sehun, his kid brother. And Do Kyungsoo, the son of his father’s advisor.While Jongin and Chanyeol were of the same age, Junmyeon was a year ahead of them. Sehun and Kyungsoo were of the same age, and two years younger to Jongin. Jongin wouldn't admit it to anyone but he secretly watched Kyungsoo, always. The kid was shy and small, a bit clumsy, short sighted and not much of a talker, but his eyes spoke volumes. And his smile could rouse feelings even in Jongin, hailed as the Ice Prince in the family.The day to Jongin’s coming of age at eighteen had started off well. His mama had baked him his favorite cake, which had been mostly gobbled up by Sehun, but his brother had gifted him a picture of them in a photo frame. Underlying the brothers’ picture, was a picture of a smiling Kyungsoo. The brat had winked and smiled at Jongin, and received a sharp flick on his head in return. But Sehun knew how much Jongin liked to see Kyungsoo smile. They were later escorted to the parlor, where Chanyeol had already started getting his tattoo. The men in his family got tattoos at coming of age, this was a tradition maintained since the days of his grandfather. Jongin had smiled at Chanyeol and waited for his turn. When the artist was finished, his friend was sporting a tattoo on the insides of his forearm, just below his pits. The hanja characters were familiar to all of them, having been carved on all the men associated to the business, although at different places of their bodies. Jongin has been ready since years for this moment. He was quick to take Chanyeol’s vacant seat. The process was over pretty fast, and Jongin was marked for life.The party in the evening for their birthday might have been more happening than usual. It was not everyday that the heir and the underboss’s son both had their coming of age party. Jongin's father had gone all out and the event was pretty secured considering it was a family event. They were taken around the room by their respective fathers’, to let everyone know that the future leader was here. The evening had passed at an alarming speed, and before Jongin knew it, everyone was rushing for dinner. He could see Kyungsoo and Sehun heading out to eat too and grabbing Chanyeol and Junmyeon, he marched off to the same direction.Kyungsoo was holding a corner of Sehun's tux, it amused and irritated Jongin at the same time. But he kept on telling himself that he was happy to just see the other boy. Jongin had sauntered up to them and all the five boys had started merrily discussing the day. Seeing Kyungsoo happy for him and Chanyeol, Jongin wanted to smile so much,but he had to keep up his exterior appearance. His father had drilled into him since an early childhood- never get attached, never show your true face, always remain stoic, show only a cold exterior. Kyungsoo made it hard to keep up the appearance, but Jongin always tried harder. The room was filling up and it became pretty congested and that was when Jongin had suggested that they move to the adjacent small open terrace. Jongin had his back to the entrance of the teracce, and Kyungsoo at a side to his front. Chanyeol and Sehun were on either side of Kyungsoo, with Junmyeon beside Jongin himself. They had talked about stuffs, about how in two years Sehun and Kyungsoo will have their big day, and it was happy and merry. Until it wasn't. Jongin could remember the exact moment Kyungsoo’s eyes turned frantic, because he had been lazily looking at the smaller man. Kyungsoo had tried to say something but no words came out. And the next second he was charging towards Jongin and pushing him out of the way. Kyungsoo had barely managed to turn Jongin to his side when a shot rang out. It was deafening and then there were only screams.Jongin only remembers Kyungsoo making a pained sound and then falling on the floor and whimpering in pain. Junmyeon had rushed to find the source of the shot, there was mess inside the room. But nothing was comparable to the chaos inside Jongin. He couldn't move, not even when Sehun kept on shaking him and calling him out of his daze. Chanyeol was bent on the ground, trying to check Kyungsoo and it was a scream from the hurt man that finally broke his daze. Chanyeol was trying hard to contain the blood, but the bullet was lodged inside Kyungsoo. The three men quickly bundled up the smaller man and carried him out. The family took it from there.Jongin had left the estate medical home with Chanyeol and Sehun after Kyungsoo was operated and the bullet was taken out. He had quickly issued orders to find the shooter and the source of the order. After all, the bullet was meant for Jongin himself.It had taken less than two hours to find the shooter and another five to get the source of the hit out of him. Jongin had himself gone with his men and killed one of his own, with his own bare hands. At the end of the torture, the man had begged for death and Jongin had been unwilling. But he kept remembering Kyungsoo falling down, his whimpering and the blood. He had shot the betrayer then. He had come home and rampaged his room. Everything was broken. And then he had cried. Till Sehun being the brave kid he was, came to look for his hyung. He had consoled Jongin and both the brothers had cried their heart out, one for his friend and the other for truly losing his last shred of his innocence and purity.He had risen the ranks in one night, becoming the boss overnight, and ended up with two striking hanja tattoos on the side of his body, the letters for the golden circle unmistakable.Kyungsoo had regained his consciousness on the next day, and his first sight was a tired Jongin sitting in his room, still wearing clothes from the other night. Kyungsoo had smiled at Jongin, but was only greeted with a furrowed face.It was only when Sehun had come in later, that Kyungsoo had come to know that his beloved friend was now the boss of the family.Jongin knew the exact night he had lost his innocence. It was when Do Kyungsoo fell, and Jongin was in chaos.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The soft light of the early morning made its way to the room through the long, open windows. Painted in a monochrome white, the windows perfectly complimented the walls decked in grey. The highlight of the room was a wide wall opposite to the windows, painted in white stripes of different shades of grey- the edges made up of lighter shades and convening in the center with a much darker shade. A single picture was hanging on the wall, a field of vibrant flowers with a young adult looking directly at the viewer with a warm smile adorning his face. If one took a closer look at it, it was a simple painting with a signature of the painter scrawled across the bottom; but for some the striking feature of the picture would be the smile of the young boy and for others the soft dreamy grey eyes of the boy. A vase full of vibrant flowers was placed just below the painting, on top of a small high stool.
Kyungsoo took a long look at his treasured painting before looking out of the window. His seat beside the window gave him a perfect view of the estate, one of his reasons for choosing this roo. He could see the hurried activity in the gardens below, even from his height. Kyungsoo was small, it had been one of his dear wishes to grow taller but God had his final laugh in making him short and surrounding him with tall men. The soft rays were on his face, but he didn’t mind, his thoughts on the upcoming event of the day. He had couple of hours before he had to make a move, but he was content for now. His thoughts went back to the day he had asked Sehun to paint the picture on the wall, giving him only a vague idea of what he wanted and one specific detail. Sehun was a master of art and in no time had produced this beautiful piece for his beloved friend; it was everything Kyungsoo had wanted and more. Sehun had given him a thoughtful look before smiling at the rare sight of his best friend with a wide grin on his face. Years have taught all of them to school their emotions and expressions, and to finally see Kyungsoo smiling so widely had made Sehun’s day and he had never asked the endless questions that consumed him.
Kyungsoo took another look at his room- it screamed simple, just like it’s owner. It’s been years that he has known, but still he couldn’t get around to the promise and the constant fear of others knowing his true emotions. He sighed and once again looked out to see the servants preparing for the upcoming party in the garden, the pretty set up catching his eye. It was decked in a soft white and pink, from the stage to the seating arrangement and even the flowers. The staff were arranging the tables around the garden for the lunch, and the decked tables and chairs in white with a pink bow around them pleased Kyungsoo’s aesthetic senses.
Ten years ago Kyungsoo had first heard of the promise, his constant companion Sehun was the first one to relay it to him, even before his own parents. They had been in the hospital gardens, Sehun guiding the wheelchair along the tiled path with Kyungsoo seated on it, decked in his hospital pajamas and shirt. The security had increased threefold after the attack on Jongin but Kyungsoo still wondered why he needed to be guarded, then and even now. He had been just a sixteen year old boy who had saved someone dear to him, and now he was an advisor to that person. It was during their time in the garden, while pushing the wheelchair when Kyungsoo couldn’t see Sehun, the topic was brought forward. His tall friend had very carefully told him about the promise made by both set of parents- a betrothal within the
family
to solidify ties. Kyungsoo was grateful that Sehun was facing his back, for he never wanted his best friend to view the display of emotions that must have been on his face. Sehun had come forward after the continued silence from Kyungsoo, and bent down in front of the wheelchair and taken his hands into the other’s much bigger ones. It was Sehun who told him how the then
boss
had been in talks with his advisor for hours and finally convinced the other man to agree to the new ties. Sixteen year Kyungsoo might have thought that the friendly relation between him and Jongin might make this ordeal better, but the twenty six year old self definitely knows otherwise. The attack and the upgrade to the role of family
boss
had changed Jongin, maybe a bit too much. Gone was the boy who had a brilliant smile and was replaced with a man with cold features and even colder eyes. Also, he never smiled anymore. The day Kyungsoo had become his advisor, Jongin had spared him a glance that was different than that of a friend, and that was the only memory that Kyungsoo carried deep inside him.
Maybe, Jongin would be able to like him as more than a friend in some years.
Lost in his thoughts he didn’t hear the knock on the door at first. A louder repeat brought him out of his haze. He stood from his seat and made his way to the door, taking in a moment before opening it. His bodyguard was there along with Sehun. He dismissed the guard with a nod before inviting Sehun inside.
Sehun took a long silent look at him and then sighed, “Are you okay?”
“As much as I can be. I still don’t understand why I have to go through this when Jongin can have anyone he wants. Infact I very well know that the Lee’s would love to have their daughter in this
family
.”
This brought a smile to Sehun’s face. “Come on Soo, you know Jongin will treat you well. He may not have suggested this arrangement, but he never once spoke against it in ten long years.”
And, that was one of the main worries of Kyungsoo. Jongin never tried to speak against or break the betrothal. In fact, if he was being lenient to himself, his betrothed almost seemed content.
Kyungsoo shrugged at Sehun before moving towards the wall with the painting. He looked at the painting once more, and seemed to want to say lot of things to Sehun but stopped himself. Taking a deep breath he just asked his friend to move the painting to the other room later along with his packed belongings.
Early afternoon saw people filling up in the garden. A vast area was enclosed with white and baby pink decorative material and different shades of pink blooms adorning the fabric. Glass decorative pieces were hanging at regular intervals with artificial light flickering inside. Unlike a regular service area followed by dining chairs, the decoration was kept simple with the artistically created canopied structure at one end and circular tables surrounding the canopy. The canopy was a delicately beautiful structure in white, the columns on the sides of it swathed in the same baby pink fabric. Flowers graced the columns, decorated in taste. Fairy lights and ribbons were gracing the top of the venue, the dim lights from the strings giving a dreamy glow to the place. People were already seated at their designated tables, with more than adequate security surrounding the area. As more people came in, the buzz of the whisperings and laughter grew. It was almost time for the couple to make their respective entries when Chanyeol came in with the service officator. Even with a very private guest list with only close people associated to the family being invited, the venue boasted almost more than a hundred, even excluding the bodyguards.
The arrival of Kim Jongin with his brother Sehun, brought a silence amongst the guests. While Sehun and Chanyeol in their maroon velvet blazers paired with black pants and crisp white shirts were looking dapper in the role of ‘best man’, it was Jongin who took the cake. In a crisp three piece suit of white, a pink orchid gracing his pockets, the groom looked like he had come right out of a fashion magazine. His hair neatly arranged in a clean and deep undercut and in the soft sunlight of the late afternoon, it glistened with a bluish tinge. With the added edge from his platinum ear studs, Jongin looked every bit the
family boss
that he is. The hush that came with Jongin never really recovered, with him frowning at his friends and looking at his watch repeatedly. Even the elder Kims and Parks were silent. When the elder Do seemed to want to tell something to Kim Senior, the former head of the family was quick to smile and take his friend’s hands into his own and give an assuring smile.
“Where is he?”, Jongin snarled towards Sehun, after glancing again at his watch for the tenth time.
“Don’t worry, hyung. I saw him in the morning. He will come.”
“He better come.”
Chanyeol and Sehun exchanged glances, with Sehun breaking the contact with a shrug.
Not too soon, there was a ripple among the guests, as someone spotted the other half of the couple walking towards the gardens.
The murmurs reached Jongin and he could feel himself relaxing.
In another minute or two, a short man appeared and walked towards the canopy where Jongin and the other stood, stopping here and there to continue to bow to elders and other allianced family bosses. No one was really surprised at this gesture because the said man was known to be too humble and honest for his own good.
Kyungsoo reached the canopy and stood opposite to Jongin. He took one look towards the guests, eyes sweeping the whole area and noticing the positions of the security staff, a look towards his mom and gave her a small smile. He turned back his gaze to the official and gave him a nod, before looking at Sehun who stood between Jongin and the official. A heart shaped smile graced his face. Dressed in a navy suit with buttoned up shirt, he looked younger than his age. His thoughts inside were a mess and he studiously avoided looking at Jongin; ironically the said man was currently occupying all of Kyungsoo’s thoughts.
The ceremony passed in a blur with Kyungsoo exchanging his vows in a daze. It was only when the official asked them to bring out the rings did he refocus again in the present. Kyungsoo quickly dipped his hand past his collar and brought out the silver chain that he always wore, hanging from it was a radiating silver wedding band. Jongin took a long look at the ring before taking off a ring from his pinky, his fingers brushing lightly over the carved words on the insides of the ring. Jongin slowly took Kyungsoo’s left hand and easily slipped the ring on the shorter male’s ring finger. Kyungsoo in return took off the wedding band off the chain, and slid on the ring to Jongin’s left hand ring finger before pocketing the chain. A round of cheering and clap ensued, the rings glinting in the bright light. Both the rings were a
perfect
fit.
After the official pronounced them as a married couple, a strange tension hung in the air. There was a slight awkwardness with undecided next steps from both the men. Sehun, who was feeling a bit courageous might have started with a
‘k-i-’
before he faced Jongin’s infamous glare. Kyungsoo witnessed the glare and he felt a deep black hole in his gut. One second Jongin seemed so into the wedding and the next moment he did something that put Kyungsoo to misery.
He could hear another round of cheering from the guests before the champagne was popped and Jongin took a hold of his hand and steered him towards their respective parents to receive their blessings.
It was going to be a long day.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It was a long evening, one Kyungsoo would probably remember in bits and parts. After receiving countless blessings and enjoying the gala feast, time slowly ticked towards something that Kyungsoo had deep fear of. Not to mention, he would have to dance with Jongin, a customary tradition between newlywed couples. Throughout the evening, Jongin had been holding his hand and guiding him towards guests for their blessings, and when Kyungsoo was apart from his husband, he could feel the later’s eyes boring into him, following even the slightest of his movements. His stomach felt extremely funny whenever that happened, yet on the other hand, there was this pull that managed to draw him to where Jongin was in the next few minutes. Kyungsoo had kept his feelings in check for years, and it seemed that he was very close to losing his cool this evening. As the announcements for the opening dance began, he steeled himself as his eyes caught Jongin on the other side of the room; he was called the poker faced advisor for no reason.
As soon as the announcements were made it brought on the onset of loud cheers, and Jongin was standing in front of Kyungsoo in three strides. He brought out his hand, and for the first time since he arrived that afternoon, Jongin smiled. Kyungsoo felt some of the tension leave his body, before he gave a small smile and took Jongin’s hand. As they took their place towards the center reserved for dancing, the loud cheers grew even louder, with friends and family whistling and clapping. As the slow hums of the tune started, the cheerings went down slowly, and the young couple took their positions and bowed. Jongin took a step forward, and started circling his
husband
slowly, finally letting himself savour that feeling. Their gazes locked and Kyungsoo wanted time to stand still, but then Jongin closed all the distance between them. He had a hand on his back, and placed one of Kyungsoo’s hands on his own shoulders, while their free hands found each other on their own. Together they let the soft romantic number seep into their bodies, they started dancing with their feet in perfect sync, both somehow at the most vulnerable than they have been in years. Kyungsoo could feel the crazy heart beating, but he wasn’t sure whether it was his or his husband’s.
Time seemed to have stopped around them, but as the song progressed, they could feel themselves relaxing to the music, let go of their bodies. For Kyungsoo, this was the closest he was to Jongin since years, since that fateful accident; and then at the present, Jongin standing with him in the center with light falling only on them, had never looked more handsome to his husband. Tall and strongly built, his white tuxedo did him justice, his grey eyes cold and sharp as the winter rain were bright and shiny for the first time. Maybe for someone hardened over for years, it could also be termed as affection. His eyes were deep and irresistible, locking Kyungsoo in a cage and vowing never to let go. They turned elegantly, but there was still a harshness attached to Jongin. He was still a leader, someone not to be underestimated but Kyungsoo could care less. Because, for the first time in years, Kyungsoo felt that Jongin was anything but indifferent to him. The way his hands held his back, carefully yet with a strong hold, like he was afraid to let him go, or the way his husband kept looking at his lips followed by sharp intake of breath; the warmth between them grew by second, creating a powerful buzz around them lively with the physical tension that slowly started being evident. Kyungsoo slightly shook when he felt Jongin’s hands grip him tighter, and now that he was aware of his surroundings, he could feel that the music has stopped, all the lights were bright and everyone was staring at them. He could feel himself go pink but then Jongin called his name.
“Kyungsoo.” Just Jongin calling him at this close, was enough to melt his heart. His deep voice could make even his name pretty and sensual.
Kyungsoo tilted his head up and looked at Jongin. The last thing he saw was the slight bump of Jongin’s nose right in front of his face, before Jongin dipped his face and kissed him. Kyungsoo was surprised for a couple of seconds before he opened his mouth and kissed back Jongin. His husband. Jongin tasted like champagne and then Kyungsoo’s eyes went wide as he felt his husband’s tongue in him. Kyungsoo tried to get a glimpse of Jongin’s face but the kiss was filled with a sense of urgency, a desperate need to seek and look deep into Kyungsoo’s soul. He could feel the rush of helplessness, warmth enveloping him, sinking him into nothing, leaving his limbs limp. All he could do was cling to his husband, only see him in this dizzying world. Jongin’s insisting mouth brought to surface everything he has been hiding ever since he realized his own feelings; the night he took a bullet for Jongin, the night he risked his own life for the person he deeply loved. And now, standing here in their own little world, Kyungsoo has never felt more safe or tranquil.
The couple lost track of time and were only brought back to the present by the loud cheers for the second time that evening, for Kim Jongin has finally claimed his husband.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It’s been a week that they got married amongst their family and friends. A week, seven whole days; yet Kyungsoo only had glimpses of Jongin here and there. After the searing kiss that they had shared(which makes Kyungsoo blush just at the thought of remembering it), Jongin had made a beeline exit to one of his conference rooms once the evening was over. He had a meeting with his father and bosses of three other families, and Kyungsoo had spent the night alone in his new room. His new shared suite with Jongin was big enough, and tired from the day's ordeal Kyungsoo had just come up to the room and waited for Jongin to come. It was too much to hope that they would spend the night like a normal couple but Kyungsoo had hoped for at least a glass or two of champagne with his husband before going off to sleep, But, Jongin never came. Even when Kyungsoo was waiting till six in the morning, he never heard Jongin come to the suite. Later, Sehun had told him that Jongin has gone to an emergency trip to Busan with one of the bosses he had meeting with earlier. Sehun had implied that it was a test for Jongin to prove his stand, family before personal feelings; although the practical and sensible side of Kyungsoo understood this, the inner Kyungsoo remained apprehensive, It didn’t help that Jongin came back after two days and went immediately to business mode. Kyungsoo himself was too busy, his duties seemed to have increased threefold. But even then he had hoped each night for Jongin to come to him. Jongin did come, but he made his appearance to their suite late each night, after Kyungsoo had fallen asleep from waiting and was gone by the time Kyungsoo woke up at six. If Kyungsoo hadn’t known better, he would think that Jongin never came to their room, except the rumpled state of Jongin’s side of the bed proved otherwise. Kyungsoo was determined to talk to Jongin today anyhow. His thoughts broke due to the continuous beeps coming from his phone. He looked at his phone to find incoming messages in his secret group (as Sehun said) with Chanyeol and Sehun.
Sehun
I want to go out of the estate today
Let’s have some boba tea and cake
:D <3
Chanyeol
Sehun-ah, let’s go
Hyung will treat you
Soo, you are coming, right?
Kyungsoo
I don’t think I can make it.
I still need to go through this month’s collections.
Need to do some work on the legal side too.
Chanyeol
Kyungsoo, take some time off, you have been
working like a demon for the last three days
Kyungsoo
I really can’t
Treat Sehun to an extra boba tea from me
Sehun
Wait Soo
Are you putting work over your best friend?
Me? Kim Sehun?
Sorry, but cannot accept it.
We are going out.
While we are at it, we can hit the club too,
hyung and I are due there for an inspection anyway
Chanyeol
Yes, Sehun is right.
You can come with us to the clubs today
Just follow up tomorrow with the collections and other stuff
Sehun
Yes Soo, hyung is right
Anyway, Junmyeon and Jinki hyung have gone
for another meeting
Kyungsoo
Right, I forgot
Jun hyung was supposed to go for the
pre-meeting with the Chinese
Sehun
It’s unlike you to forget something Soo
Are you okay?
Is anything bothering you?
Should I beat up Jongin for you?
Chanyeol
As if you can.
Anyway Soo, you should take a breather
Come with us
Kyungsoo
Ah
Okay
Chanyeol
Do you know where Jongin is today?
I needed to give him a report personally and I
haven’t seen him since morning
Kyungsoo
He has gone to Jeju, will come tonight
Sehun
*narrows eyes*
This seems like a good opportunity
to spend time together at the club
*evil smile*
Chanyeol
Hi5 sehunnie
Kyungsoo
Count me out
I will just have the tea and come back
Sehun
Dream on
This day is your best friend’s
I will not listen to anything else
Kyungsoo
*sighs*
Okay
I must have been mad to confess to you
I should have never said you are my best friend
Sehun
You wish
But no one can replace me
Kyungsoo hates walking and Sehun knew that. Still his best friend dragged him to shop after shop and finally when he could sit at the boba tea shop, Kyungsoo felt like his legs would give away. Sehun had too much clothes for his own good, he looked more like a GQ model than a mafia boss and sometimes Kyungsoo found it really amusing. But not right now. He was hungry and thirsty and Sehun made him try clothes too even when he repeatedly said no. Kyungsoo will never understand what’s wrong with his all black suit, but well he isn’t someone who won’t indulge Sehun. No one ever not indulged Kim Sehun.
After they had completed their shopping, all three of them had now changed into new clothes and were ready for their visit to the club. The brief stop at the tea shop made Kyungsoo relax a bit because clubs were not his scene. Sure the clubs belonged to this family, and he had to frequently visit to make sure things were in order, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. And currently, he had a lot on his mind. Like, slowly legalizing the family’s assets to the upcoming meeting with the leader from China. After finishing their teas, they made a move to the club. The body guards trailing them still made Kyungsoo uncomfortable but not everything will go his way; the one time he had dared to suggest to Jongin about removing his guards, ended up in Jongin losing his cool and not talking to him for days. Kyungsoo wistfully thought that if only Jongin showed any kind of reaction to him now. The last week had him on his toes and he had immersed himself into work to the point even someone as oblivious as Chanyeol had pointed it out. Kyungsoo tries to relax himself till they reach the club.
Club Black Pearl was located in the heart of the city and one of the most frequented ones that belonged to the family. Celebs to commoners it was the go to place for everyone. The inside of the club was done tastefully in black, red and gold and looked royal. It was divided into sections with a lounge at the entrance, followed by a bar and music-n-dance area. The VIP rooms were on another level, with the family lounge located strategically, to have an entire view of the club. Heads turned when the three bosses entered with their guards. Few people can actually recognize them, especially Kyungsoo but people gawked at them. Sehun and Chanyeol looked like supermodels in their cut-fit designer street wear, whereas Kyungsoo looked downright smokey in his skin hugging black jeans, white shirt and blue leather jacket. Sehun had even done some gel up to his hair which made Kyungsoo want to run his hand through his hair but he controlled himself because his best friend will behave like a kicked puppy if he messes it up. Their guards formed a human cage and guided them to the lounge restricted for family. After a couple of rounds of drinks, Sehun and Chanyeol after pleading for probably the hundredth time left Kyungsoo alone and went to mingle around the dance floor. Kyungsoo wasn’t interested in dance, he was more the person to lie back and observe people. He had a clear view of the dance floor and chuckled seeing Sehun and Chanyeol being immediately surrounded by girls on all sides. With a slight smile on his face and a sip from his glass, he brought out his phone. Unlocking it, he checked his messages and calls, it seemed almost everyone had messaged him but not the one he wanted the most. It was another day of no communication from Jongin. He shook his head thinking about how busy his husband was, but his inner, vulnerable self refused to agree. He brought out his laptop and started working on some of the reports that were pending. As Jongin’s advisor, Kyungsoo had to foresee anything to everything and would typically always be with Jongin but this week has been different. He was working on legalizing some of the last of the family assets for Jongin and for that he needed to continuously meet people and pull in favors; all without Jongin. He wants to get over with the task at hand so that he can return to Jongin’s side and go back to normal days. He spends the next forty minutes working non stop and just when he was about to close his laptop, a file caught his eye. It was the file on the Chinese family, The Red Dragons . The leader was a pretty mysterious guy with no photograph or personal details available. It was assumed that he was a man of many names, but no one knew his real one. He was dubbed as the dragon in their circles, and that was it. But Kyungsoo had managed to get some information on the gang from one of his Chinese contacts, Jackson who owed him a favor. Well, he had to let go of the marker that he held over the other person but he needed the information desperately for Jongin. He needed it if they were to have an upper hand in the upcoming meeting with the gang; an alliance between the red dragon and golden circle would be legendary and beneficial to both the gangs, not to mention skyrocket their power. He quickly scanned the document, taking in names and their roles. He could pick out three familiar names - Zitao- a deadly sniper, Luhan- the sweet angel of death and Yixing- the leader’s right hand man. His source had managed to get him a name for the leader, or at least one of his names. Kyungsoo tried to search in his photographic memory, but couldn’t associate the name to anyone. There was a rough image with the file, it was pretty grainy and from a distance and Kyungsoo could hardly make out anything from it. He sighed as he closed the file. It made sense that Luhan worked with these people. He knew Luhan because unknowingly he had saved the pretty guy once but even he knew how ruthless the other man was, but if Luhan was working under this person, it meant the leader was pretty dangerous himself. Closing the laptop, he finished his drink and got up to look for his friends.
He tried to scan the crowd but couldn’t find his two tall mates and spent some time looking for them. He started feeling a growing sense of unease when he couldn’t find them. On top of this, he felt as if someone was watching him. He could feel being watched and he took a look around the whole club until his eyes landed on a corner in the VIP section. A sharp featured man was sitting at the furthest corner and looking at his way or rather at him; his eyes felt intense but the next second the man was talking to someone beside him. Kyungsoo’s phone rang and before he could say hello, Sehun’s high pitched voice came from the other end. “Kyungsoo?Can you hear me?I just got a call from Junmyeon and it seems Jongin’s home and not really in a good mood. Let’s go back quickly, meet us at the back with Minho.” Kyungsoo could only say a yes before Sehun disconnected the call. When he looked towards the VIP lounge again, the man was gone. Kyungsoo shook the feeling of unease thinking about what Sehun had told him just now and collected his things. Minho, his bodyguard took care of his belongings and both of them were out by the back door and in the car in less than five minutes. Both Chanyeol and Sehun looked worried, which in turn worried Kyungsoo. He could only wonder what put Jongin in such a mood.
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Dear readers, I am truly sorry for no updates for months but I have been uninspired because of adulting followed by Soo's enlistment and almost no Kaisoo interaction. But fear not, the EXO dot has renewed my passion for this story and I promise I will complete it. I am going to do once a month update, and if I get time maybe squeeze short chapters in between. Thank you for loving this fic and being patient with me.Talk to me on Twitter - @lostinthedragonLots of love,Lostinthedragon
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The ride to the estate was silent. Kyungsoo was always silent, but not Chanyeol and Sehun, especially the former one. Chanyeol's face was serious, Sehun was frowning and Kyungsoo just wanted the ride to be over. He looked down at his phone, willing it to make the notification sound of a message. Jongin had returned, called Chanyeol or Sehun, read Kyungsoo's messages, but there was no reply. He didn't think he has done anything for Jongin to be angry, but right now he was worrying like anything. There goes all his plan of talking to Jongin about their relationship. As the car rolled into the estate, security seemed to be tighter than before to Kyungsoo. Sehun was throwing worried glances at him, and when he made an inquisitive look towards his friend, Sehun leaned in and said, "Soo, Jongin seemed not his normal self. Try not to get angry if he has an outburst." "We will see", Kyungsoo shrugged. They were quick to get off the car in front of the main house, and strode inside and came to a halt. Jongin was sitting at the end of the hall, indimidation radiating off him. The three of them moved towards where Jongin was sitting and looking at them unflinchingly. The bodyguards stayed at the door and near the windows. It was a good minute of silence before Jongin broke his gaze and said in the most coldest of his tones, "Get out". He wasn't looking at anyone particular but they knew the drill. The guards moved outside. When the three of them still stood there, Jongin looked and Chanyeol and Sehun with a hard gaze and said, "You too". Chanyeol nodded at the request and turned to move out but when there was no movement from Sehun, he stopped. Sehun looked miserable. "Jongin, we don't need to do this." "I asked you to go out." "Kyungsoo didn't want to go, we forced him", Sehun replied. "Yes, you told me. But you should have known better, Sehun-ah." Kyungsoo was shocked at this exchange. He had never seen either Sehun or Jongin like this. Jongin never raised voice at Sehun. He stepped in, touched Sehun's shoulder to reassure him. "I will be fine, you go." "I am sorry, Soo", Sehun murmured before moving out. Jongin got up as soon as the other two left and kept pacing in front of Kyungsoo. The shorter man appeared calm on the outside but was actually a mess inside. *** "Kyungsoo." His name being spoken aloud brought Kyungsoo out of his thoughts. It's been quite some time that both of them were alone, and Kyungsoo was trying to look forward to this. "Yes, Jongin." His husband gave no reponse. Kyungsoo tried again, "Jongin?" "Ahh, yes." "Did you like going out with my brother and Chanyeol?" Even at the most unexpected situations, Kyungsoo prided himself that nothing could surprise him. But at this moment, Jongin did. After the sudden ride back home and the interaction with their friends, this was not what Kyungsoo expected. And that soft voice. Jongin's soft voice was more lethal than anythign else. It meant a storm was going inside Jongin. "I did. Although they can be pain, but I liked going outside." "Then, I am sorry I called you back." Kyungsoo stepped towards where Jongin had now stopped. In front of the window. The beautiful late afternoon light was falling on Jongin's face and hair, and he looked mesmerizing. Like he was born to rule the world. "It's okay", Kyungsoo said. "I am sure you wanted to talk to me after ignoring my existence for a week." Nothing changed on Jongin's face except for the hint of a smile. "I had my reasons." "I am sure you had. I , on the other hand, wanted to talk to you about several things – starting with the Chinese." "Did you get the information?" "Yes, Jongin. We have quite a handful of it, only one thing is missing. The identity of their leader, nicknamed The Dragon". "We still have a week, try to get hold of the information." "I will. But you would like to know one thing though – I feel like they are gathering information about us, especially you." Jongin snapped his head towards Kyungsoo. He came close to Kyungsoo and gripped his shoulders tightly. "What do you mean by that?" "I have been tracking Luhan. It's seems that they have increased their security and they have men out for information." Jongin sighed deeply. He brough out a small envelope from the inside of his coat pocket and passed to Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo looked at Jongin before taking the envelope and looked inside. There were photographs – of Sehun, of Chanyeol and lastly of himself. He tightened his fingers on the photos and stopped at one particular one. His attention was caught at his own picture. He couldn't move his eyes from his pictures,it was of him looking at someone. And he exactly knew at whom he was looking. The tall guy at the club. He kept his thoughts to himself for now. Jongin was looking at him and expecting some reaction. "So I was right", he said. "Do you know why I called you back?" I called you back as soon as I received this. I wanted to wait for sometime, but I didn't want to take a risk. I have been trying to put the family before my marriage but it seems I made a hasty call today which I absolutely don't regret." This was the most Jongin had ever told Kyungsoo, about how he feels. Kyungsoo felt restless. "It's okay, the guards were with us, plus I had Minho, Chanyeol and Sehun." "Chanyeol and Sehun left you. They were f dancing, leaving you there alone."Jongin was clearly agitated. "You left me alone too." Jongin was in rage as soon as he heard this. "I left you in my home, surrounded with my people. The best place where you can be protected." Kyungsoo felt frustrated. "Jongin, don't make this about me." Jongin gave him a weird look, trying to get his emotions in check. "But, it's always been about you Kyungsoo", he said before he closed the gap between them and pulled Kyungsoo to him for a kiss. The kiss started out in anger but in seconds melt into something more dreamier, caring, passionate, something like love. Jongin was gripping Kyungsoo tightly, as if he will be taken away from him.The kiss lasted for minutes before both of them gasped for air. Jongin looked at him, his eyes all soft. "What do you mean by that, Jongin?" Jongin's expression went back to his usual aloof self. "I may be the head, but as my advisor you are the backbone behind me. You cannot fall." "Try to stay at the house, and if you go out, make sure you take Minho and keep Sehun or Chanyeol close to you." With that, Jongin pecked Kyungsoo quickly, before leaving the room and headed towards his study. *** Kyungsoo stood alone for a long time. He had hoped for something, a flower had started blooming inside him when Jongin said it's about him. But Jongin had quickly crushed it. It wasn't about Kyungsoo, it was about the family. He turned and looked outside the window, to the gardens. To the place where they took oath of ever after, to the place where Kyungsoo married his love. He decided then and there, that he will never show Jongin his true feelings.
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Kyungsoo loved late afternoons – especially if he could spend them in the estate garden, watching the dimming light falling on the flowers and casting a spell around him. It was his favorite time of the day and the only time he was always alone. Well, he needed this time for himself, away from the family. Here he almost felt normal, a regular guy enjoying a sunset.He has mostly spent his time with Sehun and Chanyeol so far and not left his estate. But then, he doesn’t have the time for that too. With Sehun not actively seeking to go out, Kyungsoo remains in the estate and does all his work. He has wrapped up legitimizing their businesses and just preparing all the required stuff for their meeting with the Chinese. Although they have a lot of information on them, they are still missing the main piece of the puzzle – the identity of their leader.Today he has a lot on mind. Two days have gone since he had shared a kiss with Jongin and the other had left him with those words. The thought of the kiss – makes Kyungsoo blush and be mad at the same time. Kyungsoo loves Jongin, but he knows the other can be a pain. Although his husband is now spending more time in the estate and they have met on several occasions - but it has never been just the two of them. While Jongin is not avoiding him now by going out of the estate – he is not actively seeking him either. His husband is still coming to their room after Kyungsoo slept and leaving before he woke up. It rattled Kyungsoo to no end – but he was not going to confront Jongin on this. He was still hurt from the other day.
*
Kyungsoo comes back to his office and goes over some documents. He is so engrossed that he doesn’t hear the ding of an incoming message on his phone. The shrill sound of his personal phone suddenly jerks his attention back and he checks his phone. The call was from an unknown number but he picks it up when the caller rings back again.“Hello”, he says slowly.“Doh Kyungsoo – sshi”.“Yes, speaking.”“Kyungsoo-sshi, this is Lu Han.”Kyungsoo was not surprised – he knew the Chinese where tracking them too. Lu Han and Kyungsoo knew each other, so Kyungsoo had been expecting the other to get in touch with him.“It’s been a long time”, he says.He can hear Lu Han smile on the other end. The man had the smile of an angel – if looks could fool, Lu Han was on number one. The man was as dangerous as they came.“Let’s meet Kyungsoo-sshi.”Kyungsoo was immediately on alert. He knew they were all on watch, and to meet a member of the Chinese family just days after their meeting would raise questions. But they were nowhere near to finding the identity of the leader and Kyungsoo wanted to give this a shot.His mind was running with all the possibilities and safe places to meet. Kyungsoo wanted to meet on their own turf, he couldn’t afford Jongin’s wrath again – he was not ready to deal with that yet.“Black Pearl, tonight at nine”, he says quickly.Lu Han confirms before ending the call.Kyungsoo thinks about telling Jongin about the meeting and decides otherwise. He will just tell the leader after the meeting with Lu Han. He decides to take Sehun and Minho along with him.
*
Lu Han seemed like he didn’t expect Sehun to come with Kyungsoo for their meeting. Kyungsoo notices the slight twitch in Lu Han’s face and raises an eyebrow in question. Lu Han just shrugs and they all sit in a VIP table. Minho is standing close to where Kyungsoo is sitting and Lu Han is just in front of him. Sehun sits on the side, having a good view in case anyone decides to surprise them suddenly. They share a formal round of drinks with Lu Han and Kyungsoo doing some small talks. Kyungsoo expects the other to ask about the wedding because he is sure most people in the underworld knew, but Lu Han doesn’t. Instead he gets up and comes to sit close to Kyungsoo. The advisor asks his bodyguard to go towards Lu Han’s previously occupied seat in the understanding that the Chinese wanted to share something only for his ears.“Kyungsoo-sshi, we have known each other for years.”Kyungsoo nods his head.“I have a proposition for you.”“I don’t understand your question, Lu Han.”Lu Han seemed to struggle to find the right words. He continued, “I have someone who needs your professional advice.”“My professional advice? You are losing me in this conversation, Lu Han.”“I have a businessman friend, who is seeking advice in some legal matters. You are the best in business – so I recommended you.”When Kyungsoo doesn’t say anything, Lu Han continues, “There is nothing fishy in this, you will advise him, in return he will invest with Kai.”“Sounds good. But what about our deal?”Lu Han immediately understands what he is saying and nods his head, “All taken care of.”Kyungsoo smiles and says, “When can I meet him?”Lu Han takes a moment and says, “He’s here, in the adjacent room. Waiting for you.” He takes a look at Sehun when he says this. Kyungsoo takes a look at Sehun – who is just looking at the front and not really trying to hear their conversation. Kyungsoo nods at Lu Han.Lu Han gets up and moves to the adjacent VIP private room and Sehun gives a questioning look to Kyungsoo.Kyungsoo tells him about a business prospect and that they are going to meet the person – looking at the direction of the room where Lu Han had disappeared to. It was another five minutes before Lu Han came back with a smile plastered on his face.“Kyungsoo, you can go in.”Both Kyungsoo and Sehun get up to go but Lu Han stops Sehun. He says, “Only Kyungsoo”.Kyungsoo, Sehun and Minho exchange looks and Sehun says in an annoyed voice, “Only if Minho gets to check in person for weapons.”Lu Han gives a nod and Minho goes with him into the room. He comes back to Kyungsoo and gives a clearing. The Chinese mediator then proceeds to search Kyungsoo and when he finds only a phone on him, takes him into the room.The private rooms are designed with sensory lights and the room is at first not very well lit – the only source of light coming from a silhouette at the end of the room. Kyungsoo takes baby steps into the room and slowly couple of sensory lights switches on. It takes few seconds for him to adjust into the room and when he sees the person present in the room, his gaze hardens. It’s the mysterious tall guy who was watching him the other day. He frowns.“Hello Kyungsoo-sshi. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person”, and extends a hand towards Kyungsoo.“Well, you have the advantage of knowing me, but I can’t say likewise.”The stranger lets out a chuckle and says, “Kris Wu at your service.”It’s hard for Kyungsoo to not roll his eyes.
Surprisingly, their talks went well. A quick google check showed Kris Wu exists and is a legit businessman. Although he made money from his initial days from some insider trading – it was well covered. He needed Kyungsoo’s help in getting rid of some bad businesses but at the same time gain something from them in return. They discuss about things in details and when Kyungsoo promises to get back soon with some ideas and starts to leave – it’s almost close to two hours since they started.
“Mr. Wu, you must know I don't deal directly with clients?”
“But you are here”, says the person opposite to Kyungsoo.“I know, it's a favor to Lu Han. But I am not going to continue this. When I return, I am going to discuss this with the family head in detail. So consider this as an invitation to the golden circle estate.”“Thank you, Kyungsoo-sshi. Everything that I have heard about you is true.”Kyungsoo looked at Kris Wu for sometime before nodding his head.The tall Chinese man extended a card towards him and said, “This is my personal card. Reach out to me after you talk to Kai.”Kyungsoo takes the card and leaves the room. Kris doesn’t come out. He nods at Lu Han and proceeds to go back to the estate with Sehun.
*
Time flies before it's the day to meet the Chinese gang and their enigmatic leader. While the others have settled into the fact that they knew nothing about the leader, Kyungsoo still had no good feelings about it. It kept on bothering him and he was sure Jongin was bothered about it too.He had earlier spoken to Jongin about Kris Wu and his deal and they had decided to meet Kris Wu after they settle today's meeting.Jongin hadn't looked majorly upset about Kyungsoo going out but he wasn't pleased either. Especially that Kyungsoo was directly contacted. That he was exposed.
There was an underlying tension between Jongin and Kyungsoo and whenever the two were in the same room the bubble was just waiting to burst. Jongin was there in their room, getting dressed when Kyungsoo had woken up. He had looked at Kyungsoo with such an intensity that the younger had felt like hiding himself away from Jongin and tucking back under the covers. But he had got up, had a bath and dressed up – all the while Jongin remained there, watching him like a hawk following his prey, never uttering a single word to him.Things hadn't fared better when Jongin came in later to the breakfast room and found Kyungsoo and Sehun fighting over the last piece of croissant and Sehun caging his friend to snatch it from him. Jongin had barked a “get off” at Sehun and struggled to physically separate the two of them. Throughout the remaining time of the breakfast, Kyungsoo had to again endure Jongin's eyes on him while Sehun kept on smirking at him like he is hiding some major secret and everyone except Kyungsoo knows it.
Kyungsoo was relieved when they all gathered in Jongin's office to receive the Chinese. Junmyeon was outside with couple of others to receive them while they waited at the office.The men from Red Dragon arrived soon after that and Junmyeon entered first with Lu Han and Yixing with him. Next came in Zitao – who seemed to be the bodyguard for their leader today, followed by their leader. Jongin came to the front to meet him while Lu Han took the initiative to introduce everyone. The leaders nodded at each other followed by a bow and the man opposite to Jongin said, “Wu Yifan, pleasure to meet you.”
Kyungsoo couldn't control his gasp any more. It was out before he realized it and all the eyes in the room were on him.
Lu Han had a twinkle in his eyes and Jongin looked at him in question.
Kyungsoo's face changed from shock to annoyance but Wu Yifan was now looking at Kyungsoo.
“Kyungsoo-sshi, we meet again”.
He turned to Jongin and said, “Kai-sshi, I am here to extend friendship and not be enemies.”
“Kyungsoo-sshi here may think I have tricked you guys, but it is him with his integrity who has cemented my desire to be on the same side as you.”Jongin gave a tight smile and indicated for the other to seat.
Kris Wu was Wu Yifan, the enigmatic leader of the
Red Dragon
.
Instead of directly going to his seat, Wu Yifan moved towards Kyungsoo. He bowed to him and when Kyungsoo reached out to stop the other, he held Kyungsoo's hand between his own.
“Please accept my apologies, but what we discussed that day, it was genuine and I still need help with it. I hope you won't hold it against me.”
Kyungsoo looked at the man standing infront of him and then at Jongin.
Jongin had his eyes glued to where Wu Yifan was holding Kyungsoo's hand between his own and as if sensing that Kyungsoo is looking towards him, he looked back at him.
In that moment, Jongin didn't look like the head of this family.
In that moment, he looked like a real husband – shooting daggers at Kyungsoo and Wu Yifan with his eyes – and if looks could kill, both of them would be dead.
In that moment, Jongin looked possessive, almost like he was in love with Kyungsoo. But Kyungsoo was never letting Jongin bloom hope in him.
*