Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Warmth. A sensation I seldom experience in my usual cold mornings as I rouse on time every day, alone in my bed.

This morning, I felt a foreign, yet comfortable mixture of warmth and weight imposed within my arms. And though unaccustomed to the sensation, I unconsciously embraced tighter onto the comfort, and soft bristles hit the apex of my nose. A floral scent hit my olfactory sense, so aromatic that a feeling of pleasure developed at the tip of my shaft in my hazy, half-awake state.

My eyes kept shut and my brain remained half-asleep, yet my body couldn't halt itself from chasing the blaze within my hard-on. Despite my somnolence, my hips moved on their own, leisurely pushing forward until my hardened dick was buried between two supple skins.

I rested at the crevice, relishing the feeling of warmth and stimulation on the nerve endings of my tip in my torpid state. Arousal continuously crept up my body, urging me to pull out ever so slowly and then slide back in between the heated nook. 

I resumed my movement at a sedated steady rhythm, in and out, pursuing the stimulus. A sigh escaped my lips and I grasped at a soft surface with my free hand as my motion increased in speed. 

“Hnggg.…“ I heard a dulcet moan escape from someone adjoined to me, and that was all it took for my eyes to promptly snap themselves open.

Disheveled brunette locks greeted me as soon as I opened my eyes, prompting the memories from last night to evoke.

The soft bristles with flowery fragrance belonged to Sunoo’s silky black locs.

The heat I was chasing with my tip was enfolded between his ass cheeks.

And it was the smooth skin on his hip that I gripped on to propel myself faster. 

As soon as I fully comprehended my prior action, I immediately withdrew away from the lithe body I was holding onto. 

Cautious not to wake Sunoo, who was spent from our long night, I gingerly pulled my arms away from beneath his neck. Yet despite my best efforts, he stirred, transitioning onto his back with his head on a slight tilt giving me an unobstructed view of his dormant face. 

I found myself unable to look away from his ethereal visage. Locked on his appearance, perusing his every little feature. Long lashes grazing rosy cheekbones, swollen pink lips formed in a subtle pout, three beauty marks scattered about, and his smooth, fair chest on a steady, rhythmic respiration. 

Undeniably, he’s a bonafide beauty. 

Throughout my three decades of living, I have met a myriad of men and women spanning the entire spectrum of attractiveness. Gorgeous, handsome, adorable, alluring, pure— I’ve witnessed all varieties of charms. Yet next to me laid a man who seems to encompass all titles simultaneously. 

In his tranquil state, he is the epitome of effortless beauty. 

Though, I know better. 

His angel-like image is but an illusion. A resting face akin to a white swan, yet when conscious, a mouth as venomous as a viper.

A walking juxtaposition, fitting for my amusement. 

In spite of his fiery personality, his visage is admittedly beguiling which made it difficult for my gaze to break away. It took a moment before my eyes fully shifted from his form to peek at the bedside alarm clock. My forehead creased in confusion upon seeing the glowing numbers. The time indicated that I had inadvertently overslept by a whole hour which was an aberration from my usual routine of rising at 7 AM for my daily morning workout. 

While I’m in need of a change of pace in my monotonous day-to-day life, I rather prefer consistency which is why I adhere to my routine at the start of my day. An hour's delay is enough to disrupt my planned schedule which I often find bothersome. 

Though today, I briefly found myself hesitating with the decision to head to the gym due to my overwhelming libido and raging hard-on. However, the idea that engaging in physical activity could divert the blood circulation from my shaft to elsewhere, thereby breaking me free from the intense arousal, compelled me to rise from the bed.

I prepared to take my leave but before doing so, I instructed Kai to gather all that Sunoo would require in my absence— a pitcher of water, wet wipes, painkillers, and any other necessities. Only once I was ensured he had all he needed in case I didn’t return to his side on time, I made my way to the estate’s indoor gym.

Given the lingering mild soreness in my lower body from our strenuous marathon sex last night, I opted to prioritize my upper body. But unlike my initial expectations, the grip of lust refused to loosen its hold on me as I reached the 40-minute mark of my exercise session. The persistent presence of my hard-on continuously disrupted me, causing me to conclude my workout 50 minutes earlier than usual.

Hoping a cold shower could help me out of my plight, I hurriedly departed the gym to make my way to the grand master's bathroom. But a brief, unintentional pause to gaze at Sunoo’s sleeping face and a peek at his bare, marked skin only served to further stiffen me below. 

Inside the glassed wet room, under the running shower head with my palms against the bath tiles and looking down on my member awaiting for the hardness to go down is where I find myself. It’s ridiculous, pathetically anticipating for my dick to soften in icy water yet to no avail as the blood flow persistently perseveres below.

The need to seek release by any means necessary is becoming too overwhelming. 

I sigh, tilting my head up and running my fingers through my drenched hair with my eyes closed as I ruminate on other ways to get rid of my carnal urge. As I wrack my brain of possibilities, a vivid image conquers every cranny of my mind causing me to abandon any other thoughts. 

A familiar and recent picture that I find myself wanting to see more frequently. 

A teary-eyed, hallowed cheek, and pink, rounded lips invade my mind that I immediately grip onto my cock. The memories of Sunoo here, on his knees, taking my full length down his throat and looking at me with fucked-out eyes compels me to leisurely jerk myself off. 

“Fuck,” I groan as I unconsciously turn my head to the side, my eyes landing on the bathroom vanity. A video of him from one of our many rounds last night ardently fucking himself onto my dick while gripping the counter immediately replayed in my head.

So fucking sexy, the way he moved his hips and the sounds of his moans asking for more.

My reminiscing incites a guttural moan out of me and induces my hands to move faster.

I shut my eyes to focus on the physical feeling itself, but my mind betrays me as it conjures up yet another image of him, this time completely bare on the bed.

Somehow his moaning and half-lidded face from under me while eagerly lurching forward to capture my lips is the icing on the cake of my recollection, prodding me to spill on my hand and onto the ceramic tiles. 

I pant and run my face under the cool spray of water to clear my head and rid of any evidence of my lapse in rationality. It takes a couple of minutes for the high to subside, allowing me to contemplate what had just occurred. 

…

Now that I’m sober, no longer under the trance of searching for release, I humorlessly chuckle to myself. 

What kind of spell do you have me under, Sunoo Kim? 

I can’t seem to recall the last time I’ve pleasured myself at the thought of another as I’ve always had someone else to satisfy my libido. 

Perhaps in my adolescent years?
A long while ago when I had no full control of my desires. 

Yet only one night spent with him and my body reacted vehemently in lust the very next day as if I was once again a teenager experiencing my very first wet dream. Nothing but his face could satiate the ache within me, and my only resort was to self-pleasure as I recollected the events of last night.

As if I didn’t spend 6 hours or so drilling him in almost every surface of the master bed and bathroom.

As if I wasn’t satisfied with my short exploration of his body.

But can I be blamed for my depraved actions with that appealing face and erotic body of his? Especially after knowing we have exceptional chemistry in bed?

I reel myself away from my shameless self-reflection to thoroughly clean and organize myself before exiting the shower. Upon checking the time on my phone, I realized that I am tardy for the daily breakfast I had promised Areum I would never miss. Thus, I didn’t take my time in readying myself for the day as my mind became discontent at the idea of seeing my daughter upset at my lack of presence. 

After donning a suitable attire that was prepared by Kai, I made my way to the formal dining room.

I fight the urge to glimpse once more at Sunoo’s face in deep slumber, keeping my eyes fixated on the door as I exit the bedroom. In truth, I’m slightly apprehensive by the prospect that my dick will stiffen anew just as I’m due to join my family. Random erections are inevitable to most men, but an unwelcome arousal boner is a different ballpark of challenge and annoyance— cue my hasty tread out of the room. 

When I arrived at the dining hall, my attention was immediately drawn to the two most distinguishable voices in the lively room— Areum and Wonyoung. To my relief it seems as if Areum is in a good mood despite my absence, grinning brightly at whatever my little sister had said to her.

I don’t often say it out loud, but the view of those two engaged in a lighthearted conversation is a feast for my eyes and their shared giggles are always a symphony to my ears. 

No one else in this world can evoke such feelings from me aside from them.

The two are seated across each other, at the end side of the lengthy dining table. Wonyoung’s personal staff sit at her side and assistant Kai is adjacent to Areum. The sixteen-seater table has a full arrangement of western breakfast yet the food remains untouched, indicating their wait for me. I took my place at the head chair of the table wherein my customary hot latte awaited me.

“Let’s eat,” I announced after the staff’s greeting.

Areum beams instantaneously as soon as she notices me taking my seat. “Dada! What took you so long?” she excitedly shouts, legs enthusiastically swinging under her chair.

“Sorry princess, Dad was preoccupied with something.”  I smile back at her, my thoughts at long last easing upon seeing her so cheerful and carefree. 

“That’s new…” Wonyoung comments from my side regarding my unusual lateness, “but where’s Sunoo- oppa?” she adds. 

“Yeah! Sunoo- oppa ! Areum has been patiently waiting like Auntie asked!” Areum interjects.

“He’s asleep and will most likely stay so until post-meridiem,” I absentmindedly replied, picking up a waffle and placing one on my daughter’s empty plate.

“Oh! I learned that word last week! It means afternoon, and we abravate it to P-M!” Areum exclaims, face full of innocent bliss and self-content.

“It’s abbreviate, princess. Uh-bree-vi-ate,” I enunciate, and she persistently repeats the word until she too pronounces it correctly. When she succeeds, I pat her head in acknowledgment and she squeals in response. 

“ Why is Sunoo-oppa sleeping in so late? It’s almost 10 AM,” Wonyoung inquires as she spreads cream on her waffle.

“Dada, spread mine with berry jam, please!” Areum insists, pushing her plate in my direction. Though I knew she would only take a singular bite out of the waffle once I added the jam, I complied with her request regardless, additionally adding fruits to the side as well.

Areum is currently going through a phase of emulating Wonyoung’s every word and action after declaring her aunt as her role model. According to her, Wonyoung is the quote-on-quote “prettiest person in the world” which to a child is a sufficient enough reason to look up to someone. 

And well, studies show that for children and babies, the more attractive a person’s physical appearance is, the more trustworthy they are. Likely why she was easily charmed by Sunoo yet still to this day is apprehensive about father.

“He’s tired and he needs the rest for tonight’s gala,” I curtly replied to Wonyoung as I returned Areum’s plate in front of her. 

“Oh right. You said you were taking him to the equestrian club last night. How was his first ride?” Wonyoung looks up at me, a pique of curiosity displaying in her eyes, “Did you guide him well?”

Upon hearing her questions, Kai dribbled out the orange juice he was leisurely sipping. He then lurches forward, hacking severely from the liquid accidentally entering his larynx. Everyone within the vicinity is in astoundment and confusion at his sudden outburst aside from me. His choking is most likely due to his knowledge of what Sunoo and I truly did, coupled with Wonyoung’s unintentional double entendre so I pay him no mind. 

“My god, are you alright?” Wonyoung asks in concern while her assistant hands him a napkin. Areum attempts to comfort him by patting and rubbing her small hand on his back. “There, there. It’s okay,” she coos. 

“E-hem, AHEM. Ye—Yes,” he coughs, fighting to regain his composure, “I’m alright, thank you. It just, uh— went down the wrong hole is all.”

I keep my focus on Areum’s breakfast, pouring water into her apple juice to dilute it and placing a piece of bacon on her plate for protein as they chatter about. At this point, I’ve chosen to disengage from the conversation around me, choosing to eat my meal silently instead. 

I’m brought back to the conversation when Wonyoung calls for my attention to answer her prior questions which I intentionally ignored. “It was enjoyable. He’s simply exhausted from all the riding,” I finally answer but tepidly, refusing to elaborate any further. Again, I hear Kai quietly choke from the side.

“Enjoyable? You? Horseback riding? ” Wonyoung presses, voice dripping with skepticism as she raises a single brow. “You’re either deeply in love with him or you’re lying about something.”

Well, certainly not the former. I snort at her quick wit. 

"Enough with the inquiries. Just eat, Wonyoung," I urged her, swiftly ending the subject to avoid further discussions of Sunoo.

“ Hmph. So stingy,” she counters, rolling her eyes and taking in a forkful of her food. 

“ Vuss vat mean I can’t play with Sunoo-oppa today? ” Areum asks, her words slightly muffled by the strawberries in her mouth. 

Noticing the reddish juice of the fruit staining her chin, I reach out to gently wipe her clean with a napkin while answering her query. “ He’s not here as your playmate, princess. He’s here on a vacation,” I reply.

“ Oh,” — she frowns — “but I wanted to play with him because he looks like a doll!”  She exclaims, which to me, is ironic. Indeed, he does, but so do you. 

“He is still human. One who is not accustomed to spending time with children. You must ask for permission if you wish to hold his hands next time and if he says no, respect his boundaries,” I explain firmly and I notice instant comprehension in her round eyes, “Understand, princess? ”

“Yes, dada,” she nods vigorously, her eyes bright with understanding. I lightly ruffle her soft, wispy hair, a surge of pride blooming in my chest.

At such a young age, her intuitive nature never ceases to amaze me. I smile to myself at my thought.  

I never would’ve fathomed I’d experience such a profound sense of fulfillment until I had someone I would, without a doubt, lay down my life to protect. Prior to fatherhood, I was always so proud of myself and my achievements only, but never fully of others’. For her, I will not hesitate to burn bridges if it means I can build her a tower. 

“Aww. So smart, my cute little Ari,” Wonyoung coos. 

The conversation continues and then transitions to another topic, mainly an exchange between Wonyoung’s last year at Barnard as an econ pre-law major and Areum’s Mandarin lessons. All the while, I remain quiet as I’m not one to talk much, finding peace in my role as the listener when comes to trivial or casual topics. 

“Jiyoung, is Wonyoung’s attire ready for tonight?” I chime, addressing Wonyoung’s PA. 

“Yes, vice chairman. She will be ready by 6,” Jiyoung confirms. 

“Good. You cannot afford to miss this gala as it will help elevate your reputation,”  I remind Wonyoung. She and I both know how crucial today is as the more influential she becomes in high society, the more difficult it will be for my father to interfere with her as a retaliation against me.

“Duh! I even missed out on a study date with Yujin-unnie for this,” she huffs, taking a bite out of her strawberry. “Are you sure about bringing Sunoo-oppa as your plus one?”

I only hum in response. Before Wonyoung could probe some more, Areum leans and reaches towards me to capture my full attention, to which I gladly give. “ What about Areum? ” she poses adorably.

“ No, princess. This party does not have a dedicated space for children so you will have to stay with Ajumma tonight,” I see her face fall at my words, “ When tomorrow comes, I will take you to the Children’s Museum. How’s that sound?”

“Okay!” she exclaims excitedly. The once sullen look on her face is replaced with joy, and she resumes eating her food as if our conversation had not occurred at all. 

Amidst our meal, irritation takes over me as my phone vibrates consecutively with no sign of stopping. I grudgingly take out my phone to examine what the urgency might be, ready to rebuke whoever is disrupting my peace. However, my initial irritation is replaced with amusement the moment I see that it is Sunoo, who has awoken and is distressed at finding his bedside empty. 

I chuckle out loud at his early morning melodrama and call upon a kitchen staff to prepare Sunoo's meal. Remembering his passing remark last night about missing dinner, I make sure the food is light to avoid overwhelming his digestive system and to deliver the food to the master’s bedroom.

“ Look at you giggling at your phone and taking care of him. Are you in love with him?” Wonyoung teases, her head leaning on her hand, and a mischievous smirk playing on her lips.

“In love! In love! Dada is in love!” Areum chants, mimicking Wonyoung’s words. I hold myself back from physically shaking my head, but can’t stop the frown from etching on my face. 

“ He’s awake but can’t walk well. I put him in that condition, it’s only right I take accountability .”

“What? What do you mean by accounta — oh… Is that why Kai …? OH!” Wonyoung's eyes transition from puzzlement to apprehension, and then finally to perturbation within a short interval, “ Ew !—”

Before she can fully express her disgust, I face Areum to instruct her for the day, deliberately ignoring Wonyoung’s outburst, “ Princess, once you’re finished with your breakfast, ajumma will take you to teacher Wang for a short lesson today. ”  

“Okay!” Areum nods obediently, “Where are you going, dada?” she adds curiously. 

“Dad has to check on Sunoo because he is hurt from last night.” I see Wonyoung’s expression darken from my periphery, understanding the true meaning behind my words

“ How is he hurt? Did he fall off the horse? ” Areum asks inquisitively.

“No, but it’s my fault as to why he’s in pain. I need to take responsibility and make sure he’s feeling better.” 

“ Bad dada,” she scolds, eliciting a snicker out of me. 

“Dad will see you after your lesson, understand Princess?” I reassure her.  

“Okay. Bu-bye. I love you,” she waves, followed by a cheek kiss that I ducked down to meet. 

“I love you too, princess. Wonyoung, make sure she finishes her breakfast .”

“Yes, yes. Please go away or I’ll hurl, oppa.” She hurriedly waves me off, her face grim from repulsion.

With that, I begin my way to the master’s bedroom, finding myself striding faster than I usually do. As I enter through the double doors, a single boudoir pillow comes barreling towards me which I narrowly dodge by moving my head to the side.

“Aren’t you a savant,” I start my jest, walking towards the frowning culprit whose posture is slumped on the ottoman bench, “your marksmanship drastically improved in less than a day.”

“Im—PRO—ve on this,” he says with a voice crack while lifting one hand to show me his middle finger. His other hand remains rubbing his lower back and he attempts to clear his throat, his voice sounding raspy. 

I stop by the bedside table to fetch the glass of water and notice an opened packet of bromelain supplements which means his throat must be sore enough to take it. When I reach his side, I hand the drink to him and he takes the glass before wordlessly gulping the contents down. I then crouch down right in front of him, meeting his sharp gaze. 

“Hoarse voice. Whose concert did you go to last night?” I tease. 

“Your mama’s,” he quips after chugging down the water and handing back the glass to me. 

“How mature,” I snort softly, taking the cup.

“What’s immature is leaving the person you fucked into oblivion without notice.” — he coughs to clear his throat— “No note, no messages, nothing,” he scowls at me, scrunching his face in displease.

I inch my face close to his, our stares unwavering. “I apologize. Next time, I will make sure to inform you when I plan to leave,” I promise, though it’s half-heartedly.

“Fine. But I still feel like shit,” he pouts, lips pursing. 

Cute. Every single reaction and expression of his is animated. It’s cute.

“What exactly is the matter?” I ask, though knowing 

He glares at me, eyes displaying offense at my apparent ignorance. “Because of you, not only is my throat sore, but my asshole hurts so much and my lower back muscles are spasming too,” he bemoans. 

My brows furrow in confusion. “Did you tear? I don’t recall seeing blood whenever I cleaned you last night.”

His irritated eyes softened as his expression shifted. “No. I don’t think so because it’s not a stabbing-pain kind of hurt, it’s just general soreness,” he explains as he continues rubbing his lower back and I instinctively move my hand to massage the area to help alleviate his discomfort. “It’s been a while since I’ve gotten dicked down, I’m not used to the stretch. Not complaining, but your dick is like, huge,” —he extends both hands a foot apart to emphasize my size— “Like… massive.” 

I chortle at his exaggerated demonstration as it was done so with a serious face. Though I find his feigning demure amusing, I much prefer this blunt side of him. Finding his theatrical expressions and various, mostly fiery, countenances humorous. 

I lean closer to his nape until I can feel his steady breathing tickling my neck. “Then I’ll make sure you’ll get used to my massive size in no time,” I whisper to his ear while continuing my kneading on his back, now at a slower pace, dragging my fingers in a suggestive manner.

He tsked, pulling away from my touch by rotating his head and body in the opposite direction, “With your size and stamina, I just know my ass will be sore every time. You just keep going and going all night.” He tops off his complaint by sitting up and crossing his arms. 

Despite his exasperated words, I can see the tips of his ears transforming to a red hue, which means my words and actions did their job of provoking him. 

It’s cute. The way he’s pretending like it wasn’t him who was begging for me to continue fucking him after every round. Acting as if I don’t have an effect on him when it’s like child’s play to rile him.

“Is that why you can’t walk?” I smirk.

“Um no? My legs gave out when I tried to go to the bathroom because my legs feel like jelly,” —he rubs both of his thighs to soothe the strain, to which my hands follow— “Hurts to walk cuz’ it’s like someone repeatedly jackhammered my right thigh, bulldozed my left and then threw a bowling ball at the center—” 

Perhaps because of my quizzical look from his bizarre comparisons, he continues his rhetoric to defend himself, “—Don’t you and your abnormal stamina judge me. I’m out of shape because I couldn’t accommodate pilates in my budget for one whole year, so multiple rounds of riding and cumming made my legs unusable.”

I scoff at his misunderstanding, yet opt against correcting him. Instead, I teasingly respond, “You’re free to join me at the gym tomorrow morning for leg day.” I flex my arms, knowing he’ll ogle my muscles just as he did so during last week's dinner when I deliberately exposed my torso in front of him. “I worked on my upper arms this morning,” I smirk. 

His mouth gapes slightly and I see a quick glint of desire in his eyes before he composes himself as if his lust for my body had not slipped through momentarily. 

Regardless of how much he likes to play pretend, he’s like a children’s picture book. He’s quite easy to read.

“Show off. How were you up and running, unscathed, so early in the morning when you did most of the work anyway?” he huffs, changing the subject in an attempt to dissimulate his brief attraction towards me.

Well, not quite unscathed. I'm just better at hiding my discomfort. Keeping my thoughts to myself, I deliberately ignore his question, choosing instead to rise up. 

“Stay still,” I command as walk in the direction of the bathroom, setting down the empty glass on top of a console. “I will start an Epsom sitz bath for you, and then you may apply Anusol suppository afterward.”

I don't hear a response for a while as I get to preparing his bath until he breaks his silence with a question. “You’re like an expert at anal aftercare. Are you always this meticulous at taking care of the guys you slept with?” I hear him ask from afar.

“I’ve never slept with a man,” I disclose as I place my hand beneath the flowing water to make sure the temperature is suitable for him.

“Yeah bro, me neither!” I hear him shout from the bed, his voice enhanced to sound deeper than usual, and his tone laced with clear sarcasm. “Bullshit! With how well you fingered my prostate and rimmed my ass, you’re telling me you’ve never been with a man?! You’re a pathological liar!” he yells in offense, voice back to its normal pitch. I can’t help but to let out a laugh at his accusatory words. 

“I said I’ve never slept with a man,” I sprinkle the Epsom salt on the tub before returning to the bedroom, “I never said I have never tried anal,” I clarify.

His eyes widened, mouth slightly agape at me as if I uttered something utterly scandalous. I can tell his brain is running a mile a minute, attempting to conjure a witty comeback to no avail. 

Once more, I crouch down to his eye level until our faces are only inches apart. We stare into each other’s eyes and I study his flustered features. His slightly rosy cheeks and reddened ear tips are the clear indications that I thoroughly caught him off guard.

Resentment, anger, shame— every single reaction he displays to me, I find them all cute. I truly enjoy the effect I have on him. 

I tacitly open my arms for him to come to be able to carry him to the bathroom. As he leans forward, I hook my arms under his thighs and at the middle of his back, lifting him from the bench. Only once he’s secured do I begin my walk back to the washroom as I cradle him. 

Suddenly, I pause amidst my saunter due to his words and a frown etches on my face as I look at him in disapproval. “Then that means you’ve been pegged before…” is his late comeback, said with clear mischief in his voice and topped with a smug grin. 

I shake my head, ignoring his joke while I continue my walk. He giggles at my reaction, clearly pleased with himself before burying his face to my nape as he holds tighter upon my neck. 

“So did you have your gay awakening very recently?” he mumbles out a question. 

“No. I’ve always been attracted to men,” I see him slightly pivot his head in my direction to side-eye me, keeping his head against my neck, “...and women.”

He pulls away from my nape and looks at me with full skepticism. “Bisexual yet you’ve never slept with a man?” he asks with a raised brow.

“Men have never approached me in that sense.” 

“You? With that face?” he questions in disbelief. 

“Yes. With this face,” I grin at his look of dubiousness. 

“Whatever,” he dismisses my words, returning to submerge his face in my clavicle. 

“Enjoying my scent?” I ask after feeling him inhale deeply against my skin.

“Mmhmm. You smell rich,” he hums, mumbling against my shoulder before spontaneously nipping at my exposed collarbone. The bite caused my arms to inadvertently flex, my hold on him tightening due to the unexpectedly forceful pressure. 

“Fuck. What brought that on?” I grunt, lightly setting him down on the vanity stool, then circling my affected shoulder to assuage the sting.

He instantly begins undressing and my gaze follows his every movement. I take in the aftermath of my work from last night. Hickeys of various shapes and sizes paint the surface of his body marking at his Adam’s apple, to his prominent collarbones, trailing down to his chest, until they reach his hips. 

I feel my dick twitch upon reveling in my artwork, the prick on my skin forgotten. It’s undeniable that I’m aroused at the knowledge that his body was an empty canvas and my mouth was the brush that glided all over to paint his fair skin with vibrant hues of red and purple last night. 

“Payback for this,” he gestures at his exposed body, pointing directly at the most notable mark that I left. 

Touché. I’ll let him off this time. 

“Didn’t like it?” I cock my head to the side, teasingly. Rather than acknowledging my question, he silently reaches out his arms to me. Taking his cue, I bend down and scoop him up, holding him in a bridal carry.

“Is the water’s temperature to your liking?” I ask as I set him on the tub and then gauge his face for any sort of discomfort. 

With a playful countenance, he goes for the offensive, splashing me with water. “Yep! Here, feel it,” he says buoyantly. 

Though caught off guard, I managed to narrowly evade the unexpected attack, casting him a look of disapproval. As I prepare to return the favor, my phone abruptly rings, halting me from my would-be tenfold retaliation. 

Receiving a call from Secretary Choi during my vacation means an important and most likely work-related emergency, in which case it is imperative that I answer the call. I excuse myself from Sunoo and step out to the balcony for privacy. 

” What is it ?” I ask as soon as I press the green button on my Cosmo phone. 

“My apologies for calling during your off day, Vice Chairman, but there is a crucial work meeting regarding the special project in Chicago. The board is adamant that you oversee the creation of the proposal as the CEO’s team’s work did not suffice. ” 

“I see,” I let out calmly but my forehead creases in annoyance. 

“ Sir, with your efficiency, I’m certain you’ll complete your work on time. Miss Jang, Mr. Kim and you can attend the charity event by 6 .” 

“ Sunoo will not be attending .” 

“ Pardon ?!” He exclaims, bewilderment clear in his voice, “ May I ask why, sir ?”

“ He is unwell .”

“ I’m sorry?” he utters out dumbfounded, “And for what other reason? ” he inquires further, unable to comprehend my answer. 

“ No other reason,” I reply sternly, putting an end to his probing. 

“ Uhhh… Yes. I understand, sir, ” He coughs yet his voice is still tinged with uncertainty. Despite his clear curiosity, Choi maintains his professionalism as my executive assistant, knowing better than to pry when he hears a certain tone in my voice.

“ Call up my team, and prepare for the video conference. I will be in my office in 15 minutes. ”

“ Yes, Vice Chairman. The rejected proposal should be ready as well. ” With that final acknowledgment, I hung up the call and promptly instructed Kai to meet me in my office in a short while. 

"Sunoo, I have work to attend to," I inform him upon returning to the washroom. I check my watch, using the time, a quarter past eleven, to estimate when I will likely be finished with work. "I won't be back until the afternoon. Should you require further assistance, seek Kai's help or call on any of the estate’s personnel."

“So sudden? Aren’t we supposed to like, relax today? Take me out on a date or something?” Sunoo protests, supporting confusion on his face. 

I remain silent as his statement is simply untrue. Our purpose for coming here was mainly to kickstart my plan as I intended to introduce him at the charity gala. However, with his current state, it’s in my best interest to do so when he is at his peak health.

“Your breakfast is on the coffee table, finish it before leaving the room. You’re free to explore the estate should you feel better later.”

He rolls his eyes at me before pettily splashing me with water. “Bye. Go away now,” he waves me off, acting as if he is disinterested in my presence.

Though I predicted the attack, I let the water wholly hit me this time, welcoming the impact of the warm water on my cashmere sweater. 

I study his face fall into stupefaction when he realizes I had stood still rather than dodging just as I did so before. Then I catch a fleeting look of panic in his eyes before he composes himself as if he didn’t care at all that he has thoroughly soaked my top. 

“... You should change your clothes or you’ll get sick,” he advises as he avoids my gaze, his eyes on his hands that are toying with the water. The tone of his voice is as apathetic as he can make it to feign indifference. 

Again with his little acting. 

Well, I’m in the mood to tease him.

With that thought in mind, I lower myself in front of the tub in order to whisper to his ears, “Why don’t you kiss me before I leave as a proper apology.” 

“Kiss my ass,” he scoffs.  

“Sure. With my tongue on your rim and a bite on a cheek too once it’s better.”

In the blink of an eye, I feel the warm water drench my hair before it cascades down my face.

Haha. Way too easy to rile up. 

11:30 PM

Before starting the meeting, I summoned assistant Kai to my office to brief him about my plan for today regarding Sunoo. He stands before my desk awaiting my instructions as I recline in my chair, head resting on my positioned hand. 

“You are to supervise Sunoo today and provide him with any assistance he may request. Ensure he does not miss lunch and supply me an hourly update on this iPhone as to what he does throughout the day,” —I push forward the cellular device closer to his standing form— “He might be argumentative sp should he wish to be on his own, then let him be but be sure to inform me accordingly.”

Kai nods while taking notes on his tablet, " Understood, sir. Is there anything else I should be aware of? "

“Notify the staff to vacate the premises. I want no distractions apart from your messages, ” I direct him, emphasizing my need for silence in order to finish work as quickly as possible. 

“Yes, Vice Chairman,” Kai affirmed one last time, grabbing the phone and then bowing respectfully before departing the room to carry out my requests.

After a quick apologetic message to Areum letting her know I wouldn’t be seeing her until later, I began my work by pulling up the video conference. As I listened to Secretary Choi commence the meeting, I couldn't help but muse on the motive behind my order to essentially babysit Sunoo. 

He is a grown man and his well-being shouldn’t be a personal concern of mine. 

Perhaps my rationale stems from a slight remorse from being unable to take responsibility for the condition I left him in due to work duties. Or perhaps it's my way of satisfying my ego—my constant desire to assert my authority over everyone around me. 

Both of which are purely self-serving.

But self-reflection is a luxury I can not afford at the moment as I have a pressing matter to attend to. I exit the realm of pondering to immerse myself in nothing but the discussion on the screen, doing my best to remove his pervasive presence in my mind.

12:30 PM

An hour of nonstop discussions and revisions took place, passing by instantaneously as I was too focused on my job. My indication that an hour flew by was the barrage of messages Kai sent for the first update I requested from him. Right on time as I asked. 

Though we are in the midst of a consequential video call, I can’t halt my fingers from moving and opening the chat to check what Sunoo was up to. 

 

I scoff at the cordial part. Sure .

 

 

The immediate shift of mood caused by his hatred of being told what to do is so ridiculous I unconsciously laughed out loud from disbelief after reading the last message. Cute .

Then silence.

My working staff who were engrossed in a discussion just seconds prior were startled at my sudden outburst as I had momentarily forgotten that I am in the middle of work. They collectively stare at their webcam in stunned stillness, a look of shock on each of their faces. Their stupefaction only ends when Executive Assistant Choi redirects them back to work with a singular cough.

Without addressing my brief unprofessionalism, I rejoin the conversation as seemingly as I can. 

As we continued our discussion, I could sense a positive change in their production and efficiency. It was as if there was an incentive that suddenly shifted their mood as more ideas were outputted throughout the short hour, speeding up our progress significantly faster than I anticipated. 

If they keep this pace up, we may finish earlier than expected and I will be able to spend time with Areum before departing for the party. 

1:30 PM

The meeting was adjourned at 1 PM and will resume at 2 PM. A waitstaff delivered my lunch soon after, but it remained untouched as I delved through the proposal on my own. 

It’s not out of the ordinary that I skip lunch just to finish my job. I often can’t find my appetite when there is unfinished work to be done as that has been ingrained in me since I began working under the family business. 

Embedded in me that I must finish my task first before anything else. 

When my phone buzzes multiple times, it is my signal that Kai has updated me on Sunoo’s wellbeing. It is only then that I finally reel away from the documents I have been diligently reviewing to read through the messages on the iPhone. 

As I read through his messages, an airy sensation enters my chest at the thought of the three of them eating together while amicably chatting. Yet my inability to witness the scene firsthand simultaneously sucks the air back out of me giving me a foreign feeling of emptiness. 

I can only imagine how happily Sunoo must’ve been listening to Wonyoung’s fashion show tales, fox ears perking at all of the renowned famous designers she personally knows and has connections with. Their shared interest was something I already anticipated having read all of his enthusiastic tweets about haute couture and luxury fashion houses. 

What I hadn't anticipated was his apparent fondness for children’s movies as it was not mentioned in any of the reports about him. I didn’t take him to be the type to enjoy animations as I read him rave about his love for horror which to me are two genres on the opposite spectrum. 

Perhaps it’s all mere talk, his way of appeasing a child. Either of which, I appreciate that he is acting genial with her given he has no prior experience with children. 

It’s assuring that he’s feeling better.

Knowing Sunoo is well enough to walk on his own, I briefly considered whether to call off Kai’s supervision and then take him to the event later. However, an unknown voice at the back of my head dissuades me from doing either. Instead, it urges me to eat as my appetite has returned from reminiscing the way Sunoo delightedly savored the King Salmon during our first and only dinner together.

Happy taking a bite out of all the dishes he personally picked, eyes twinkling in excitement at every swallow. I remember barely eating the dishes as I was too busy studying his every reaction. 

… it was cute, really. 

Giving in to my recently emerged hunger, I take a forkful of the lobster, tasting the rich and savory flavor of the dish. I can’t help but wonder if he had eaten this just as fervently as he did at Aman. 

Maybe I’ll know if I take him on an authentic wine and dining experience at a winery tomorrow.

2:30 PM

At the pace at which my executive management team members and I were working, coupled with my impeccable quality of work, we were able to complete the new proposal by 2:25 PM and have it sent to one of the board members for finalization. It’s a remarkable feat as we finished two whole hours earlier than my estimated time of completion. 

When I asked about the cause of the team’s boost in morale, Soobin responded by pointing out they had never seen me smile during work hours, let alone laugh. He went on to share that during their lunch break, one of the members exclaimed, “He laughed! The world must be healing,” which I find to be very absurd and overly dramatic. 

Today’s momentary lapse in professionalism will never be repeated as I always make sure to maintain a boundary between my work and personal life. In fact, I seldom bring Areum to work and on the rare occasions that I do, she’s hidden in my office, away from the prying eyes of my office workers. 

Not that I harbor distrust with any of my staff. It merely so happens that I prefer privacy in my life. 

Anticipating my final update of Sunoo for the day, I sit at my desk patiently awaiting the familiar iOS pinging. Instead, the reverberating sound of my personal Cosmo rings all around the room, indicating a familial call. Upon seeing the caller ID as my father, I have a glimmering hint as to what the call might be about as he is not one to initiate contact unless to gripe or instruct about something.

I smell a rat in my vicinity. I scowl at my thoughts before picking up the phone. 

I answer the call on the very last ring and deliberately position my head far from the phone’s speaker, knowing his booming voice will resonate around the room. 

“ Father ?” I answer uninterestedly. 

“ Park Sunghoon! You ungrateful ingrate! ” his voice resounds through the phone’s speaker, his tone brimming with indignation just as I anticipated, “ What is this I hear, you’ve audaciously brought your whore of a mother’s good-for-nothing bastard child and a prostitute-looking man to our family estate? !” 

“You should learn not to throw stones when you live in a glass house, father . Wonyoung is quite talented and Sunoo is my well-educated lover, ” I reply composedly, a clear contrast to his overly rattled tone. 

I then hear a thundering slam on his end of the call. “ LOVER?! Are you a homosexual like Jongseong now ?!” He shrills. 

“Yes,” I answer stoically without skipping a beat. It’s a lie. I am quite sure I am attracted to whomever I am attracted to regardless of their gender.

An ensuing silence lingers for several minutes before he speaks again but with a tone of resignation this time, “ You are lucky I am lenient unlike your aunt, otherwise you’d be out as my beneficiary like she did with Jongseong for his debauchery with men.” 

“ With my innate aptitude, I would still thrive on my own like Jongseong .”

“ Good! That’s what I like to hear!” Gone is the disappointment in his voice as he joyously shouts, “That is precisely why you’re my heir. You should always have that confidence to be a great leader like me! ”

I raise one brow at his ridiculous sense of pride and fickle mood, letting out a silent sigh of aggravation. 

He and I both know that he lacks true moral values and principles, but only speaks nonsense and sanctimoniously. He’s the type that would rather face bankruptcy than pass on the family conglomerate to competent, non-blood-related personnel. 

“ Anyway, I won’t interfere with your homosexual exploration as long as he’s temporary and you are not seen with him in publi —” 

“ I am taking him to tonight’s gala and introducing him as my lover,” I cut him off impassively. Though it’s a lie. it's unfair for Sunoo to be hounded tonight even if his health significantly improves by tonight, he will be staying home. 

“Over my dead body! He is a short-term fling and you will remarry your ex-wife or else I will never give you your rightful place as the company’s Chai— ”

“ I am planning on marrying him because I am undeniably in love with him .” I disrupt his nagging by cutting him off again. Though It’s a lie. I am primarily utilizing him to torment my father and I will end our arrangements when he has served his purpose. 

THUD

My lies have done their job of provoking him as I hear the phone clang to the ground. Chaos then ensues as I hear a cacophony of shouting and objects falling on the other end of the line. The most prominent sound of all is his assistant of 30 years urgently exclaiming, “ Someone catch the chairman, he’s collaps— Beep! Beep! Beep! ” 

The beeping signals the call's abrupt termination, and I shove the Cosmo in my trouser pocket.  

Though I should be pleased with the outcome, a frown ingrains on my face from discontent. The timing of the revelation to him is not in my ideals. Wonyoung’s presence at our family estate, let alone Sunoo’s, was not meant to reach my father’s ears. He was to find out when the news spread after the party.

I open up Kai and I’s chat to inform him that there is an informant within the staff and to find out who it is to blacklist them from ever working in this field. In turn, Kai dutifully informs me that Areum has been patiently awaiting my promise to wrap up my work duties and subsequently accompany them to the atrium, where their tea party is currently taking place.

Though I have completed all of my necessary tasks by 3 PM, my current emotional state deters me from departing.

I loathe when my schedule for the day goes awry, hate when I have to adjust my plans. Today just so happens to throw too many curveballs my way, effectively dampening my mood. 

I need to wind down. It will do me no good if my daughter or someone else sees me in this state. 

I let Areum know I would be working overtime and assured her I would make it up to her tomorrow. I also requested that he refrain from messaging me for the next hour as my mood is beyond irate. 

I open my desk drawer to pull out a cigar from its humidor, an ashtray, and my lighter to smoke. 

My preferred method of unwinding aside from smoking is to delve into more company-related work, and so through more documents is where I bury myself knowing I’ll be productive. 

I have always found gratification in my high standard of excellence, ego surfeited only when I complete another flawless work in everything that I do.  

For one hour straight, I did nothing but review new product developments and check through financial reports until I heard a ping on the iPhone. Initially, my first course of action was to turn it off as I thought that perhaps Kai disregarded my instruction. But upon seeing it is Sunoo initiating a chat with me, I unlock the phone. 

The way he messages never fails to make me laugh. I can hear his voice clearly as I read through.

??? 갑자기?

Was he not upset a moment ago...?

Hahaha, he's endearing. And beautiful.

A subtle smile involuntarily graces my lips as I feel all of my residual negative sentiments disappearing despite not understanding his last message. Given the decade-long gap between our ages, I sometimes find myself puzzled by his certain word usage. Fortunately, a quick online search typically provides the needed clarification

This time, to my surprise, it is in fact a gay slang, an area I’m also not well versed in. 

On that note, I also learned the word bussy… what an unpleasant word. 

4:30 PM

Under mysterious circumstances, I was able to finish my work twice as fast as my usual rate, effortlessly going through documents with utmost concentration. A quarter of the week’s workload was done and so I concluded that I might as well finish all of the proposals today while still in my highly productive headspace state. 

As I evaluate the document in front of me, I pause my assessment when I hear my phone chime and promptly unlock the device to check for an update.

From the stark disparity in their messaging style, I knew immediately that Sunoo had hijacked the phone from Kai.

Haha. Way too different.

5:30 PM

I found myself only satisfied with the entirety of the work I had completed by 5 PM. Though the result was impeccable, the downside of diligently working was not being able to bid Areum goodbye in person. Only through Kakao as I was running late for the event.

After a change into my tailored suit, I was on my way to the venue. Sitting in the backseat as the chauffeur drives in the direction of the event in silence when my phone dings, causing me to check. 

I have an inkling suspicion of how their conversation might have unfolded as Areum had said the same to Jay once. Given the unfiltered and exaggerated nature of children, it's quite possible Sunoo accepted the story at face value just like Jay did so.

I silently snicker to myself as I wonder what must've transpired in Sunoo’s pretty little head upon hearing what Areum said. 

Yet despite the inherent hilarity of the situation, it’s imperative that Sunoo learns of the context and how my ex-wife is not as villainous as she may have been painted as in a child’s unreserved account. Sooner or later, I’ll have to tell him the complete story, but in the meantime, I’ll have to wait and see what his next course of action will be.  

6:30 PM

Fake smiles, firm handshakes, and false pleasantries were exchanged between some of the most powerful business figures and me upon my arrival at the estate. Despite my reserved nature, I have been groomed since childhood to excel in networking because, after all, business is built on relationships. 

Though unlike Wonyoung who has never had an issue being sociable, my social energy drains in just an hour. And unlike Wonyoung who attracts bee-like socialites, I tend to attract wasps-like sycophants or hornet-like narcissists executives. Events like these are nothing more than a tiresome nuisance to me. An obligation as an executive that I must do even if it grates on my patience.

I feel one of my phones buzzing in my pocket and upon checking who it is, I excuse myself from the geriatric hyenas who had hounded me. After I slipped away to sit in an empty lounge, I open the chat. 

Out of no where, an idea crosses my mind. And though it's a spontaneous decision, my curiosity is consuming me to the point of ordering Kai. I must see for myself.

My brow unconsciously twitched. Kai had never once questioned my request until today. 

It appears I had previously overlooked Kai's gradual shift in closeness with Sunoo as he once addressed him formally, to now on a mere casual name basis. Not only was Sunoo getting close to Areum but to my personal assistant as well. 

Does he want to get close to Sunoo that bad?

…

I lightly shake my head at myself for even entertaining such ridiculous thoughts. Kai has always maintained professionalism in the two years he’s worked as my assistant and even if they do get closer, it will do him no good because Sunoo is just temporary.

I message Areum’s nanny to continue the update of the two in Kai’s stead. 

8:30 PM

Dinner commenced at 7, followed by the highly anticipated auction which began an hour later. The charity event's purpose is to raise funds for a cancer awareness organization that I’m certain half of the attendees in the venue don’t know the name of. 

Having frequented these events since my teenage years, I had become disillusioned with the people in attendance long ago. As soon as I realized that most individuals present in these events are more motivated to showcase their wealth and gauge potential business partners as opposed to genuinely helping people in need, I grew to hate the artificial environment. 

There is an unspoken expectation for the guest to contribute a substantial sum of money to be perceived on an equal footing with their peers. A pressure to fit in, not because they care. A pressure that I myself succumb to.

A pressure I was determined not to introduce to Areum, no matter what.

Because I was born to blend in with the superficial people around me, I bid for one of the very first items— a painting made by a local artist and an emerald necklace. Though I don’t particularly care for nor understand art pieces, they were not acquired in vain as they will be wrapped to be sent to my mother for her birthday.

Once I fulfilled my noblesse oblige and satisfied my socialization quota, I let Wonyoung know I was headed home first. I don’t let her befuddlement deter me as I continue on my way out, bidding farewell to whoever I cross paths with wearing a masked smile. 

Upon arriving back at the estate, I made a beeline to Areum’s bedroom only to be halted by Kai, who awaited me in the grand foyer. “Welcome home, Mr. Park. You are back earlier than usual,” he greeted with a bow.

“Yes, it was a brief event,” I fib as I handed him my blazer. “You’re free for the day,” I dismiss him, not awaiting his reply as I continue my stride uninterrupted to the second floor. The door I halted in front of is the children’s bedroom where Areum’s nanny informed me the two were located.

Upon opening the door, I silently take in the view in front of me.

I'm not quite sure what I had anticipated, but it certainly wasn't to find Sunoo sound asleep on the recliner, an open Dr. Seuss book resting against his gently rising and falling chest, while Areum lay comfortably atop her bed's comforter.

Who would have guessed I would witness such a scene in such a short period of knowing each other? 

I can't help but wonder if Sunoo's solicitous actions are all an act or if he genuinely felt sympathy for Areum after what she had said about her mother.

Remembering Kai's messages regarding Sunoo's mood earlier, perhaps I'm not giving him the credit that he deserves.

I silently switch off Areum’s bedside lamp, and with only the hallway lights illuminating the spacious room, I tuck her under her blanket. Leaving a forehead kiss, the familiar scent of her bath soap wafts in my nose and that is all the confirmation I needed to know Sunoo had done a great job at caring for her.

I gently lift the slumbering Sunoo from the recliner, cradling him in my arms, before shutting Areum's bedroom door. Then, an amusing epiphany at the amount of times I’ve held him in my arms in just one day made me chuckle out loud. Looking back, Areum and Wonyoung are the only two people I've lifted this much in my life.

Clad in a matching pajama set as Areum's, Sunoo remains peacefully asleep and undisturbed as I deposit him beneath the covers of our shared bed. With him comfortably tucked in, I then prepare myself for sleep, changing into my sleepwear. 

Upon returning to bed, I find Sunoo facing away from me yet the moment I settle beneath the sheets, he immediately turns in my direction. I don’t question his arms wrapping my chest, shutting my eyes at the sensation.

Then, I feel his hand caress my chest in a soothing, circular motion. Though the action is innocent, I can't help the hardness forming below from the feeling of his finger.

“This feels like the one I’m wearing” he murmurs half-asleep regarding the fabric of my pajama top.

“Yes, it is identical. Go back to sleep,” I hoarsely whisper back in an attempt to extinguish the fire building up at the pit of my stomach.

Instead, from the periphery of my vision, I note his eyes peeking open slightly, illuminated by the gentle moonlight. “I can see your nose hairs,” he jokes. 

In retaliation, I move my free arm to cover his eyes, eliciting a quiet giggle from him. “By the way…” he begins causing me to fully open my eyes and shift my head downwards to meet his gaze— though his eyes are now closed. 

“Get rid of that damned Fox in Socks book,” he declares, his tone suddenly serious, in stark contrast to the lightheartedness of moments ago.

His comment catches me off guard, and I can't help but chuckle at the randomness of his request. "Why?" I inquire, genuinely curious for his answer.

He retells the story with closed eyes and furrowed brows, "Areum asked me if I was a good reader, and me with my bachelors in journalism obviously said 'Yeah, I'm the best. Even better than your dad.' Well, fuck me, I've never been more embarrassed in my life."

I smirk at his exasperated tone. “Yeah? More embarrassed than when you sent Areum that Kakao— oof,” Without opening his eyes, he grabs a pillow from behind and chucks it at my face, cutting me off before I can finish. I remove the cushion off my face, cackling at his retaliation. 

He sure improved his aim. 

“Anyway. She said you were better, so throw that book away,” he insists, voice muffled as he buries his face in my chest. I close my eyes, holding him close, and hum back in concession.

Perhaps children’s picture books aren’t so easy to read after all. 

4:00 AM

"Sunoo, wake up," I nudge the sleeping man, urging him to rouse from his slumber. "W-what the hell, what time is it?" he grumbles, forehead creasing from the disorientation of being abruptly awakened in the dead of the night. 

“4,” I answer and his brows knit tighter in irritation. “Get up. I’m taking you on a drive as you wished,” I continue and he freezes at my words, eyes widening like a saucer as if he was alarmed by what I said. Something in my words allowed him to catch up to his senses as he briskly sat up, grabbing his phone from the bedside table. 

“Uhm… r-right now?” he stutters out.

“Yes. Let’s go,” I affirm, turning away from him, towards the double doors. I pause my movement to turn my head his way when I realize he has remained rigidly sitting on the bed, “What’s the matter?”

“Can this wait til the sun’s out?” he nervously asks. 

“No, it can't.” I firmly say.

I wait patiently as he reluctantly swings one leg over the edge of the bed, his movements slow and unsteady. As his foot tentatively touches the floor, I can't help but notice it shaking, like a newborn fawn learning to stand for the first time. Putting the pieces together, his body must have relapsed, leaving him once again sore and struggling.

I let out a sigh as I walked his way to scoop him in my arms before finally exiting the room to trudge towards the direction of the garage. "This is why I told you to stay put and rest, but you didn't listen," I chastise softly. He remains silent, not acknowledging my words as I continue my walk in silence. 

Inside the three-door garage parked a collection of my most prized exotic cars, transported here from my house in Tenafly. As soon as the automatic lights illuminated the space and the luminous exteriors of my cars came into view, Sunoo leaped off of my arms and ran straight to the Chiron parked in between the Valkyrie and the Huayra. 

“Like it?” I ask, finding the twinkling in his eyes and his sudden forgotten pain entertaining. He looks up at me with a combination of excitement and judgment. “Uhhh, duh?! Who wouldn’t? Dude, it’s a Bugatti Chiron!”

“I didn’t take you for a car enthusiast,” I remark in amusement.

“More like an EXPENSIVE car enthusiast. Anything expensive, really,” he professes and I snicker at his candidness. All he does is brazenly turn back to the car to inspect it some more, “I’ve seen this on Insta reel. This thing can, like, buy me a 5-bedroom house in Sacramento.” 

“Yes, it is indeed the priciest one here,” I say and his eyes light up even more, “Is that your pick?” I inquired.

“Pick for what? Are you giving it to me?” he cheekily says. 

I flick his forehead gently in response and he squeaks dramatically as if I did so heavy-handedly. “No. I’m taking you out in whichever one you pick.” I respond.

As if a spell had been broken, his face contorted to panic, the anxiousness back in his eyes. "...Do I have a choice?" he cautiously asks.

I raise a brow at his question. “Are you that unwell? All you will have to do is sit on the passenger seat.”

“... alright,” he hesitates before pointing at my Rimac Nevera. “Then… that one,” he says slowly. And though I’ve only taken this car out for a drive or two, I grab the key from the holder to unlock the car as soon as he gives me his answer.

Noticing his struggle to figure out the mechanics of the door, I opened the passenger seat to let him in, before taking my place in the driver’s seat. Inside, I set the fob key in its cubby, and my pistol from my holster inside the small car console. I notice him sitting motionless, his belt still unbuckled, I remind him to do so because it’s crucial for what we are about to do. 

“Oh right. Sorry, I’m just used to…” he trails off without completing his sentence as he mindlessly fumbles to buckle himself in, mind preoccupied with something. Growing impatient, I reach over to click the belt into place for him. 

With everything set, I start my drive towards the direction of the empty field where Jay, Jake, and I often went during our teen years, but less so now that we’re older. 

Although I had offered him the opportunity to play music, he instead chose to text furiously, leaving us shrouded in silence for the first ten minutes of the drive. 

As we venture further and further into the wooden area, I notice Sunoo’s face grow paler and paler from my periphery while his legs shake restlessly.

Suddenly, it dawns on me. 

The sudden realization that perhaps he’s not ill, but instead he’s in fear for his life overtakes my thoughts and without missing a beat, I burst out laughing. The laugh I let out admittedly sounds a little too maniacally causing him to look at me with a mixture of astonishment and fright. 

He then tenses and pauses, clearly taken aback by my unexpected outburst and so I move my hand to caress his thigh as a way to ease him. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” I flash him an audacious grin while slowing down the car, “I assure you, you won’t be dying tonight,”

“W-What?” his lips quiver, complete terror in his eyes.

Knowing we’re nearing our destination, I take this moment to adjust the car's settings from Comfort mode to Track mode. With the rear and front powers of the vehicle on fully maxed out, I glance at him one last time before putting both hands on the steering wheel. “In fact, after tonight, I suspect you're about to feel more alive than ever.”

He only stares at me in confusion and with that, I waste no time pressing down on the gas pedal with force. Though the infotainment display shows I’m only on 70% throttle, the car rockets,  accelerating from 15 to 150 mph within 4 seconds. The rapid surge pins us back into our seats as the car seems to take flight, the unlit road appearing like a blur.

I can feel my adrenaline coursing through my veins, but just as I’m about to exult, I hear Sunoo’s dolphin-like screech piercing the air so loud, causing me to cackle instead.

“AHHHHH!!!! SUNGHOON PARK YOU CRAZY SON OF A BITCH!!!” he wails, hands grabbing at my shoulders and unintentionally tugging at my shirt.

“Careful babe. You wouldn't want me to accidentally crash, now would you?” I say clearly as a joke knowing that the traction control on the Rimacs is phenomenal, but my words fall flat as he briskly removes his hand to grab elsewhere for dear life.

“JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH SLOW DOWN YOU MANIAC!!!” He shrieks and when I quickly peek at him, his eyes are tightly shut just as they were when I piloted the helicopter two days prior

Truly, he is such a hoot. 

At his request, I gradually eased off the throttle, reducing the speed of the car down to 20 mph, at which point, I switched the mode to Cruise.  From the corner of my eyes, I see his breathing start to steady, eyes slowly opening. With a right turn to an off-road, I steer in silence awaiting his reaction.

Without disappointment, he gives me a piece of his mind, voice ragged from the screaming. “What the hell was that?! You just sped off like crazy!” He grills at me, “Why are you smiling like you’re a mental asylum escape patient? STOP! We literally could’ve died!” 

“That is why I brought out at 4,” I chuckle, aiming to ease his nerves. "I've been driving this route since I was 16 - there's not a soul around at this hour," I assure him.

He stares at me deep in thought before saying, “Oh is that why…” he trails off and I know exactly where his train of thoughts went to. “Still… there was a chance someone could’ve been on the road. There were no street lights, that was dangerous…” he rambles.

“Like I said, I’m very familiar with this road. It leads to nothing but an empty field—“ I begin, but before I can finish, he interrupts me upon seeing the street ahead on a dead end.

“I KNEW IT! YOU’RE GOING TO TAKE ME TO A SECLUDED AREA AND OFF ME, PATRICK BATEMAN STYLE!” He screams in a frenzy, an accusing finger thrown my way. 

Who the hell is Patrick Bateman?

He erupts into frantic screaming as I refuse to slow down, and I see his foot instinctively pressing the invisible brake on the passenger side. Inching closer to the towering tree, I swiftly switch the car into Drift mode and put my skills to work. 

With a few quick maneuvers, I steer and countersteer, causing the car to swivel in a 180-degree motion.

When the car comes to a stop, all Sunoo can muster up is a light beating on my arm, while I laugh at his adorably furrowed brows. 

“How was your first spin?” I ask teasingly and in response, he shakes my shoulders while continuing his light punching. I laugh as I release the brakes and ease onto the pedal, turning right toward the empty dirt field where I can finally unleash the car's full drifting potential.

“You crazy, insane, loony, unhinged son of a bitch,” he chants as he keeps two hands on my arms. Though clearly distressed, I feel his fingers squeezing my biceps, feeling my muscles. “I really thought you were going to hunt me down in the forest,” he confesses still not letting go as I park the car in the middle of the field. 

I look at him in utter incredulity, “For what reason would I risk prison time when I’m the vice chairman of my company?”

“I don’t know! Don’t rich people get away with murder like Patrick Bateman in American Psycho?!” 

Again, I have no inkling clue as to who that guy is, therefore I’m assuming he is a character in a horror movie.

“I wouldn’t know. I don’t particularly enjoy horror,” 

His expression and tone shift from a guarded, appalled look to an innocent surprise. "Oh really? That sucks, I love horror movies," he remarks, and I find it fascinating how quickly his mood changes. 

“All that horror has clearly addled your brain, which is why you would leap to such an absurd conclusion,” I tease, poking his forehead playfully. "What made you believe I'd kill you, or anyone for that matter? And if you were so certain I'd kill you, why did you still follow me?" I question in befuddlement. 

“First of all, I literally just met you like a week ago. Second of all, you were openly carrying a gun! Third of all, you’re like, uber loaded and I have no means of escaping your mansion. I literally had no choice, so next time, communicate better!" he gripes.

“Fair enough, I apologize,” I say, throwing him a semi-apologetic grin. “Though, I always carry a pistol on me for safety reasons. If not in the open, just know it’s somewhere hidden, especially in the car I’m driving.”

“Good to know,” he huffs, crossing his arms. 

“Though I’m curious about something. I was sure you’d choose the Chiron. Why did you choose the Nevera?” 

He looks away, seemingly embarrassed. “I told myself that if I was going to die tonight then at least I get to ride an electric hypercar for the first time, on my last night on earth… plus, the color is mint.” 

I throw my head back in laughter, my hand subconsciously swiping over my face in pure amusement. 

Who reasons like that?

He refuses to meet my gaze and so I continue my inquiries. “Lastly, without fibbing, did you enjoy what we just did?” 

It takes him a couple of minutes before responding, head still rotated away from me. “… Yes,” he finally admits. 

“Then I take it, you’re up for drifting?”

Without hesitation, his head snaps back to face me, eyes twinkling brightly like the stars in the clear skies above in excitement. “Yes,” he answers zealously.

Hearing his approval, I switch the gear into Drift Mode, preparing the coupe to accelerate once more. Although the car is equipped with an impressive drifting assistance, it is still necessary for me to remain highly attentive, lest I lose control of the wheels from the vehicle's immense 2000 horsepower and because I've never had the opportunity to take it out for a spin before today.

“Then hold still,” I instruct, and as soon as I see him comply, I press down firmly on the throttle, speeding the car toward the apex of the field.

Right as we hit the perimeters, I steer until the car is sideways before countersteering to regain stability. The power of the sudden, speedy motion whiplashes us, inducing a scream out of Sunoo. 

Unlike earlier when his tone only sounded of pure panic, this time he sounds in a contradicting blend of exhilaration and fear. His screams induce me to go even faster than ever, spinning the car tighter than ever. 

The Chiron might be the fastest and a McLaren might have the best traction control, but the Nevera is proving to be my favorite as the drive becomes more thrilling. 

For 40 minutes, I pushed the car’s wheels to its limits, executing an amalgamation of tight circles and lap drifts that kicked up clouds of dust all around us. The combined sound of the tires screeching, Sunoo’s intermittent scream, and my laughter filled the coupe all throughout until I felt there was sufficient adrenaline coursing through our blood. 

Perhaps if I take this car out more, it’ll soon be my favorite. 

When I eventually switched the car back to Cruise mode, it marked the end of our fun. The car drives back at a steady and unhurried 20 mph in the direction of the estate after I set it on custom autopilot mode. 

With one hand near the wheel in case of emergency, while the other is somehow in his hold, I listen in silence as he excitedly yaps away. Periodically, I will glance at the empty road ahead just in case, otherwise, he has my full attention. 

“By the way, where I grew up in California, people do that kind of stunt but at intersections and random streets. And like, one hundred people gather to watch it.” he relays while fiddling with my fingers. 

I scowl forms on my face as I listen to his words. “That sounds reckless and can lead to a bystander’s death.”  

“Yup. Saw it on the local news often so that’s why I never went to one even when my high school friends invited me,” he criticized, nose twitching in disapproval. I reach out to pinch the tip of his nose, to which he shakes his head until I release my hold. He scoffs and squints his eyes at me as I return a grin his way.

Then I watch his facial expression change instantaneously, his face lighting up. "But you looked effortless doing that. The way you handled the wheel while the car was spinning like this," —his free arm moves around animatedly to showcase the motion of the car earlier, tracing his pointy finger in a swirling motion— "You're insane!" he gushes.

“Yeah?” I couldn’t help but smile at his adorable enthusiasm.  

“Hell fucking yeah!” his voice raises an octave, “I’ve never done that before!” 

“Do you want to try for yourself?” I ask, ready to turn around and relinquish control of the car if he desires but he shakes his head in response. “No thanks. It’s only fun to watch because I actually dislike driving.” 

Yet another preference we completely differ in.

“On the contrary, I quite enjoy it.” 

“Oh yeah? Then how come you’re literally just looking at me and letting the AI do the driving?” he taunts light-heartedly.

“I take pleasure in moderation,” I quip back.  

“Bull. Last night was anything but moderate.” 

“Is that a complai—?” I attempt to banter but he abruptly cuts me off with a resolute “no”.

We both shared a look before laughing at his rapid response, said so solemnly.

As we gradually recede from laughter, he starts playfully tracing his finger slowly along my bicep in a suggestive manner, mimicking the gesture I made on his back yesterday morning. “I’m curious…” he trails off similarly to his finger. 

I raise a brow at him, anticipating his upcoming words. “I want to test how good this car can drive on its own,” he looks me right in the eyes, voice sounding sultry.

“Ha,” I snorted in a mixture of amusement and disbelief, understanding his implication. “And pray tell how will you do that?” I challenge. 

His hands drag down to my thighs, circling my visibly erect penis caused by his seductive look. My satin pajama bottom doesn’t do a good job of hiding the imprint as he starts fondling the hardness, beginning from the tip and down to the base. 

“Why, when I can just show you how?” he entices. 

As much as I’d love nothing more than to ram my dick down his throat, I prevent his head from diving fully down by holding onto his chin. Instead, angling his face upward and he looks at me with eyes displaying slight offense from the rejection. 

“Tempting, but judging by your raspy voice, I’m certain your throat is still bruised,” I say to clear his misunderstanding. 

He rolls his eyes, a smile forming on his lip before he grabs onto my wrist. “As long as I don’t deepthroat I’ll be fine, but thanks for the concern, Mr. Gentleman,” he sarcastically and cheekily remarks. 

“You’re a tease, Sunoo,” I sigh, letting his face go and he unbuckles his seatbelt as he continues his dive down to my lap. “Don’t let the head touch your pharynx, you’ll regret it,” I warn.

Wordlessly, he pulls my cock out of my boxer briefs with ease, admiring my size once out in his full view. He starts off by leaving a kiss on the tip before gradually licking down to the base, then back up to suck on my head I grip the wheel at the feeling of my tip in his wet, warm mouth as my other hand caresses his nape. All the while, the car cruises down the road on its own without a hitch and he maintains an unwavering eye contact. 

And fuck, that’s hot.

The look of lust in his fox-like amber eyes incites my cock to stand entirely, veins protruding which he fervently licks up and down. He makes sure my balls aren’t neglected, running his tongue all over the skin as he strokes my shaft inside his tight little fist. 

Fuck . This is precisely the stimulation I was insatiably craving for yesterday morning. Though this feeling is twice more satisfying than my hand could attempt. Twice more wet and warm. Twice more erotic in person than in my head. 

Noticing his free hand beginning to fondle his own boner, I reach down to assist him, my hand enveloping his smaller ones. Reaching inside his draws, I grab at his shaft before running my thumb over the slit leaking with precum. 

All he can let out are muffles of moan from his mouth fully occupied with my cock, and I sigh at the sensation. That little mouth of his sure is talented .  

When he pulls off of my dick with a pop, I subsequently use my thumb to guide my tip on his cheek where a singular beauty mark sits and then unhurriedly drag my leaking precum down to his philtrum, and on to meet his pouted lips. Both of our hands stroke each other’s dick in unison, the speed only moderate to pace ourselves so as to not cum quickly. Though I wouldn’t mind painting his already fair skin with even more white. 

He sticks out his tongue which I lightly tap with my tip, enjoying the feeling of sensitivity on my glans’ nerve endings. His tongue skillfully flickers on my frenulum and then on my slit before shaping his lips in a circle to be able to take in half of my dick. His amorous eyes never leaving mine, all too alluring while he repeats his motion of pleasing me. 

The way he looks at me as if I’m all that he needs. I want nothing more than to destroy his vocal cords, I hold myself back to avoid causing more bruising in his throat.

Just as he pulls away to lick back up to the head, an unknown object on the road causes the otherwise smooth drive to jolt up the car, forcing my hardness to ram fully into the depths of his throat. He expectedly gags, then coughs at the abrupt insertion. I move to pull him off, but instead of letting go, he keeps his nose pressed against my pelvis keeping me still on the chair. He then purposely contracts his throat walls all around my penis causing me to curse out loud.

Keeping me deep inside, he continued to shallowly bob his head on my cock, my tip pressing on his pharynx. The sensation is so euphoric that I almost lost my rationale. It takes all of me to mentally halt my hands from holding him down to fuck his mouth aggressively until he’s on the brink of consciousness. 

Though I relish the feeling of his throat and am beyond turned on by his eagerness to please, I remove my hand from his dick to pull him off me with a gentle but firm yank on his hair. Detaching from my shaft, I see him gasp for air, breathing deeply with his swollen lips slightly parted. 

What a beauty. 

“I need to fix this stubborn streak of yours,” I assert, studying his teary eyes and glistening lips. I firmly press his head downwards at my cock’s level, slapping it against his round cheek. As hot as he looks, I’d much rather prefer he recovers sooner than later. 

“I’m warning you one last time, Sunoo. Don’t deepthroat or I’ll make sure to make you mute for a week,” I sternly reprimanded him, “Learn to listen, yeah?” 

He only nods his head, eyes becoming glossier from desire. Immediately after I loosen my hold on his hair, he plunges down to take me back in his mouth, maintaining at the peak of my penis while rubbing his soft hand close to my scrotum. He pulled away one last time, spitting thrice on my shaft till I could feel his saliva cascading down my balls. “Can I put it in?” he pleads while stroking me.

I look out to the empty and dark road ahead, contemplating whether to comply with his wants, but considering our lack of necessities, I decline. “No, you need to recover and we don’t have lube.”

“It’s a little sore but nothing I can’t take with spit,” he insists, “Please?” he pleads. Fine. If he wants to be treated like a whore, then I’ll gladly do so. 

The sound of urgency in his voice and the look of hunger in his eyes compelled me to concede to his desire. Slowing down the car to 15 mph, I adjust my seat by reclining as far and as low as I possibly can in the compact coupe. 

Keeping one hand resting on the wheel, I tap on my thigh with the other, signaling him to climb atop of me which he does so obediently. He leaves his pajama bottom and boxer on the passenger seat in the process. 

The sensation of his bare, soft ass against my slicked dick caused me to rut my hips upwards, rubbing myself on him. “Needs to be wetter. Give me your hand,” I command. 

He extends his hand in front of me and I spit twice on his palm. He follows suit by dribbling his own spit, using the gathered mixed saliva to lather on my dick and his entrance. He lays his head on my chest, moaning as he stretches himself with a finger. 

Growing impatient, I take my middle finger to assist him, moving our digits in sync inside. “That’s not where your prostate is,” I point out, adjusting his finger upward in the direction I’ve grown familiar with yesterday night. “Right here,” I whisper in his ear and he moans louder at the sudden pressure. 

Satisfied with the stretch from four fingers, I withdraw our hands away from his hole and he whines from the emptiness. I smack his ass, causing him to whimper, yet that doesn’t deter him from grabbing at my shaft to align his hole on my tip. Struggling to slide in my cock, I grab his waist to slowly slide in past his tight sphincter until I’m fully in the confines of his looser canal.

Unexpectedly, he leans forward to seize my lips into his, and without further ado, he begins bouncing on my cock. He rides me in a steady, paced manner similar to the pace of our tongue’s movements. 

Our kiss progressively shifted hungrily, speeding up, unlike the movement of his hips despite my hand attempting to guide it faster. Losing tolerance for his shallow riding, I abruptly brake the cruising car halfway causing him to surge forward, my dick finally penetrating to the hilt. He lets out a squeak, gripping onto my shoulder, nails digging on my exposed skin. 

The gratification of witnessing his eyes roll to the back overtakes my rationality as I let go of the brake and the wheels to place both my hands on his hips. 

Fully drowned in lust, I lift him, then vigorously slam him back down. I repeat the motion until the sound of our slapping skins gradually increases in aggression.

Not satisfied with the tempo, I hold him in place as I begin to speedily pound his ass, thrusting my pelvis upwards in the direction of his prostate. The depth and speed of my strokes caused him to encircle his arms around my neck, holding on for his dear life. 

My pace quickens even faster at the sounds he’s making which are an amalgamation of pleasure and pain.  The tears on his face so sexy I feel compelled to kiss the reddened ridge of his cheeks. 

The car’s autonomous stop from detecting a stop sign causes me to hit even deeper while he sobs harder. Then the feeling of his dick twitching against my abdomen signaling his close to cumming. 

Shit. How can I stay sane when he feels good, looks overly enticing, and sounds beyond erotic? 

“Face front. I want you to look ahead, hands off the wheel,” I command to prolong his release and he does so like a pliant little doll. 

With his back to me and his hand against the dash, he slides my cock back inside his hole with the other, slumping forward when the Rimac’s stop assisted my full-length’s insertion. I trail my finger up his fair back, tracing up his spine until I reach his neck wherein I wrap my hand around to pull him against me. 

Adjusting the rearview mirror to see his face, I keep my hold on his neck. “You wanted to sightsee? Keep your eyes on the road,” I direct. With his upper back leaning on my chest, while his lower back forming an arch, I resume my upward thrusting only when he opens his eyes to look back at me through the mirror. He does his best to meet my speedy tempo but ultimately lets me do the work. I don’t mind as I prefer to take the lead, as long as I can caress his body from his nipples down to his smooth abdomen. 

As the car drove further away from the forested area and neared the vineyards and residences, I found myself needing to be more attentive to the road ahead. However, I struggled to maintain the necessary level of focus due to the constant squeezing of his entrance, causing me to slightly ease down my movement. 

To tease him, I edge him by significantly slowing my stroke. And unsatisfied by my deceleration, he haphazardly starts bouncing on my dick to meet my thrust, clearly in dire need of release. When I completely ceased movement, he mewled in displeasure before taking a hard bite out of my neck. 

“What’s the matter?” I chuckle despite the sting. 

His response is to wrap both hands around my neck, lightly squeezing. “I’m going to kill you. You know I’m close,” he weeps, face so beautiful looking aggrieved. 

That was the catalyst for me to continue my onslaught of his hole until he cums right onto the car’s steering wheel. That didn’t deter me from continuing my hasty speed as I got closer to my release. He twitches and moans even harder from the overstimulation causing me to groan even more. 

As the car pulls up inside the long driveway of the gated estate, my beat becomes erratic as I chase for my release. “Can you cum inside me?” he pleas crudely. And without asking twice, I climax as I bottom out, just as the car has parked on its own in front of the garage. 

We remain interlocked, his back’s labored breathing moving in synchrony against my chest. All the while the beads of sweat trickle down from his nape, mingling with the dampness on my neck. 

After regaining my composure, I extended my arm to retrieve the console where the baby wipes are— an item I have learned to consistently carry with me since fatherhood. I clean the two of us and the wheel as he remains languidly superimposed atop me. 

Out of the blue, he pivots his head and plants a sweet kiss on my lips, the adorable gesture evoking a chuckle out of me. “Thanks for cleaning,” he says coyly. 

“Turn around for me,” I instruct to lift him easier, which he does so.

I removed my top, wrapping the sleeves around his bare waist before opening the heavy carbon-fiber door. A cascade of fallen autumn leaves spills onto the ground as I heave up the butterfly door and exit the vehicle while embracing him in my arms, hands supporting his ass. 

With the fob in my hand, gun back in my holster, and Sunoo in my arms, we exit the car. I stand in front of the Rimac as we take in the aftermath of our off-road ride. 

“Holy shit, isn't this car expensive?” he asked upon seeing the mud splattered all over the exterior and random debris adorning the Nevera’s bumper. 

“It’ll be good as new after a wash,” I reassure.

“Still, It’s way too pretty to end up like that.”

“No matter the beauty or price, sports cars are meant to be utilized to their full potential,” I glance at him, his face contorted in incomprehension. “They are not meant to be confined indoors like a painting in a museum existing solely for aesthetic purpose,” I reason. 

"And what if the car just wants to stay inside all day and look pretty?” he asks theoretically.

“Cars can’t form preferences,” I deadpan despite knowing the hidden meaning behind his words.

“I said ‘what if’, yeah? A scenario!” he sasses causing me to snicker. 

I chuckle at his defensiveness, the sound resembling a hissing kitten. “In that case, it will be remembered only in vain. Whereas a vehicle that showcased its full potential will be remembered for its full glory.” 

“Well for me, it’s okay to live in vain. It doesn’t have to do anything else as long as it serves one purpose, that’s enough.”

“And what would that purpose be?” I entertain his insinuation. 

“Being someone’s eye candy,” Sunoo crosses his arms not taking his scrutinizing eyes off the vehicle in front. “If it’s well looked after, that’s good enough for me,” he asserts.

“We'll have to agree to disagree. There’s no longevity in that sort of existence. It will become monotonous for the owner.” 

“So what? As long as the owner keeps up with its pricey maintenance, that's all that matters,” he challenges.

“Eventually, the owner might seek out other cars for a new thrill.”

“Ha. You say that but honestly, car collectors don’t even care about all that. I mean look at you, you have like so many sports cars and you’ve used all of them,” he gripes which I found amusing. 

“That’s because I have yet to find one I’m particularly fond of. Should I find something enjoyable, I tend to commit to it,” I grin at him and he rolls his eyes at me.  

"This will be the last time you two visit without a prior appointment," I pronounce, my fingers tracing circles on my temple in irritation.

Jake only chuckles, finding my annoyance amusing. "Mate, just answer your damn messages, and we wouldn't have to come here. It's as simple as that," he shrugs nonchalantly as if it were the most obvious solution in the world.

In actuality, my workload had doubled immediately upon my return from Long Island the previous week due to father’s pettiness. I haven't found the time to message anyone with the exception of Areum's caretaker for updates on her day-to-day, and occasionally Wonyoung to check on her well-being.

“What’s the purpose of your visit?” I sigh, not in the mood to entertain their little disturbance.

“Uncle Hosan called to interrogate. Pressing if it was me who introduced you to your paramour. Said you brought him to your family’s grand estate and is planning to embarrass him to his colleagues,” Jay relays.

“And what did you tell him?”

“I told the truth and he was not pleased. In fact, he subtly reproached me for ‘infecting’ you,” he chuckles dryly, shaking his head. All the while Jake snickers, finding our conversation humorous. 

“Interestingly enough, I didn’t hear about Sunoo’s presence at the auction,” Jay adds, raising a curious brow.

“He wasn't feeling well, so I allowed him to rest,” I say, looking down at the paperwork in front of me in an attempt to reduce the mountain of workload while they’re here distracting me. 

“Woah!” I hear Jake exclaim in astonishment and when I glance up at them, Jake looks stupefied while Jay wears a pensive expression.

“I don’t understand the exaggerated reaction.”

“How bad was he feeling? Because remember when I got my appendix taken and you still insisted I go to your inauguration to vouch for you?” Jake says.

“I needed my biggest backer,” I assert matter-of-factly.

“It was a two-day event, bro. I could’ve gone the next day,” Jake retorts.

“I agree with Jake. You detest it when your plans get delayed because you're so anal about everything," Jay comments, voice tinged with intrigue. “I’m in awe.”

“You're both blowing it out of proportion,” I shake my head, looking back down at the ledger in front of me, “His presence there was simply inconsequential.” 

“If you say so, mate…” Jake says skeptically, followed by a question from Jay. “How did Uncle Hosan find out about Sunoo anyway?” Jay inquires. 

“Paid off Areum’s previous nanny’s son,” I exhale deeply from annoyance upon recalling. 

“No way. Did you fire her too?” Jake chimes. 

“Yes.”

“Damn. How’s our princess doing?” he asks in concern.

“Upset, but it’ll eventually pass.”

“Don’t be too sure. Ajumma had been watching Areum since she was a baby,” Jay counters.

“You two would know there is no permanence in our world.” The two fell silent, understanding the implication behind my words as the air around us became palpable.

“So… What’re you doing on your birthday?” Jake interrupts the heavy atmosphere to change the topic. 

I glance at the date on my phone, realizing that I haven't made any arrangements besides work, as the day falls on a Friday. “Work, followed by a probable small dinner,” I reply flatly.

“Man, come on,” Jake exclaims in disappointment, “That’s what you did last year too. How about let’s do something fun this year. Missed doing stuff with you, bro,” he complains, conveniently forgetting that he himself was preoccupied in Australia last December.

"I have spent 32 years on this Earth. There is nothing else I desire in this world besides the position of Chairman," I state firmly.

“Booooo,” he jeers, throwing me a thumbs down. “Let’s spend the weekends at my cabin at Aspen. Go skiing just like old times… but bring your beau too,” he insists, adding the last part a little too enthusiastically. 

“And why would I do that?” I retort, a tad bit too snappy. 

I surmise their disruption and the never-ending pile of paperwork must be getting to me. 

“Chill, it’s just a suggestion. It’s all up to you,” he says, unapologetically while grinning mischievously, raising his hands up in a surrendering fashion. Jay snickers from the side and I throw him a look of irritation too. 

“I’ll talk to him about it. Is that all?” I sigh in defeat. “Can this conversation continue elsewhere when I’m not knee-deep in paperwork?” 

“Let's goooo,” Jake cheers, throwing a devil’s horn sign in triumph as if the trivialness of my compromise was something worth celebrating. 

Jay at last rises from the seat adjacent to me, preparing to take his leave. “In that case, we’re stopping by to see the princess. Are you still in Manhattan or are you back in New Jersey?” Jay asks.

“One57. Yellow journalists are still lurking near my house at Tenafly as if it were me in scandal and not father, who’s in Korea.” The two only snicker at my expense, before standing to exit the door. 

"Alright, we'll see you at your place, mate," Jake bids goodbye. "Don't forget to invite Sunoo, loverboy." He playfully waves one last time before shutting my office door.

Speaking of Sunoo, I haven’t had the chance to converse with him in 4 days after letting him know my schedule. Our last messages were filled with his gushing as he sent me scenic pictures of Central Park, taken from outside of his window. 

Under my order and with the assistance of Kai, Sunoo moved into my spare unit in midtown as soon as we returned to the city as it was already fully furnished. Though it’s a convenient 6-minute walk from my condo, I’ve yet to visit him. 

The day prior to our return, I spent the morning at the Children's Museum with Areum, dutifully accompanying her as I had promised. During this time, Sunoo took the opportunity to recuperate on his own from our early morning car fun. Then around late afternoon, I brought him to my favorite winery in the Hamptons. 

Our ensuing early dinner had been relatively calm as he was pliant the entire time, happily devouring food and sampling wines he’d never tried. And though our occasional banter persisted, the usual sassy undertones had subsided to a degree. The following day, the four of us were driven back to the city, a three-hour ride of nonstop chattering between the three. 

A knock on the door from Assistant Choi to excuse himself for a lunch break pulls me out of my reminiscing. And with some spare time on hand, I used the moment to call Sunoo, otherwise Jake would nag me later on as to why I hadn’t invited him yet. 

"...Hello, hyung?" Sunoo answers my call on the third ring, his voice filled with curiosity.

 "We're going on an out-of-state trip from December seventh to the tenth," I inform him, waiting for his response. There is a brief silence on the other end of the line as if Sunoo is carefully considering his next words.

 "Can we postpone for another week? It's my friend's birthday on the ninth, and we're planning to skate at the rink in Rockefeller and then go bar hopping," he finally replies, his tone firm as if he won't give in my way.

 "Which friend?"

 "Um, you don't even know—" Sunoo starts, but I interrupt him.

 "I know," I state firmly, not giving him any leeway to change the subject.

 "...fucking weirdo," I hear him mutter under his breath before continuing, "Riki Nishimura. He's turning twenty."

  Ah, the son of a Japanese food mogul, living in a meager apartment as if his family can’t afford to buy him a building in the Upper West Side.

 "You can bring him along. We're going to Aspen." I don't bother mentioning that Astrid, Jay, and Jake will also be joining us.

Instantly, I detect a shift in Sunoo's, voice now filled with excitement. "Really?! Okay, I'll tell Riki!" he exclaims eagerly.

 "Oh! And can I also bring along another friend? I’m sure you know about him too—" I can practically hear his eyes rolling at the last part— "his name is Jungwon," he adds, hoping for a favorable response out of me.

 Without skipping a beat, I reply, "No."

Silence followed immediately after my refusal, perhaps from shock as he didn’t foresee my firm answer. “...huh? Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“Why is that? Riki can come but my other friend can’t because…?” he questions, still sounding dubious of my answer. 

“What’s so strange about my answer? I don’t feel that it’s necessary for you to bring along your ex-boyfriend,” I divulge.

Silence ensues on his end of the line before he speaks irritably. “You know what? I’m so frustrated by you knowing so much about me cuz you did your little digging, but I don’t know jack shit about you or your wife except for what Areum said. I don’t even know your birthday!” he seethes, unable to keep his voice from increasing in volume as continues his rant. “F.Y.I. Jungwon’s more than just an ex— he’s also my best friend! And actually, I think I’d rather not go at all. Have fun on your little vacation. Goodbye.” 

The iPhone emits a beep, signifying his abrupt disconnection from the call. I sit there, staring at the cellular device, unable to process the hurricane of a conversation that just took place. The clear anger in his voice vastly differs from when I paid him a surprised visit at his old place. 

In an attempt to defend myself and placate him, I called back immediately but the call only led to voicemail. Two more attempts until I relinquished further pursuit. 

His refusal to pick up the phone allowed me time to sit and contemplate the situation which was something I should’ve done in the first place. Taking a moment to pause and carefully consider the situation is my usual approach before making any decisions or taking action unlike a moment ago.

After 40 minutes of sitting in silence, ruminating, I’ve come to the realization that I didn’t handle my emotions nor use my words as well as I should’ve. Perhaps from my irritation at my excessive amount of workload, coupled with Jay and Jake’s impromptu visit, I said some unfavorable things. 

I messaged Sunoo to answer the call in order to resolve the issue, lest I visit him after work. Upon returning to my paperwork on hand, I couldn’t refrain from constantly thinking back to our conversation and checking the phone for his reply yet it remained unread. 

Then came the result of proofreading my work, yet unlike the usual— Choi tentatively let me know that I had made a mistake for the first time in a long time. That was the crux of my decision to take an extensive break away from the company. 

To ensure I get the job completed despite vacationing, I gave my team the choice to do a quarter of the workload for a hefty sum of bonus. Another quarter will be given to the CEO’s team to prove themselves after last week’s disappointment, and half will be brought with me to Aspen. 

With work finally out of the way, the only remaining hurdle between me and my much-needed vacation is to address the unresolved issue with Sunoo in person as he did not return the calls or messages. 

Precisely why the following afternoon, I stand in front of the loft I used to reside in as a bachelor in my 20s. Pressing in the unchanged door’s code, I push open the doors to a unit that now smells like Sunoo.  

My first impression upon entering was the stark contrast in the furniture that I was once familiar with. The darker-themed interior I had lived in has completely changed to a brighter color scheme, mostly of beige and pink. Only the kitchen appliances and the marbled wine bar remained untouched.

He sure works fast. I lightly chuckle to myself. 

I see his figure seated on the couch, his gaze fixed on the television screen. “How’d you know the passcode?” he asked without looking, voice impassive. 

“It’s Areum’s birthday,” I reply simply and he nods his head in acknowledgment as if my presence was nothing more than a fleeting breeze.

Settling down beside him, I observed the reality show he’s fixated on, not comprehending its appeal. “What’s enticing about this? It’s artificially scripted,” I address him.

“I don’t care if it’s fake. It has two things I like,” he responds, eyes never leaving the television as he takes a sip of his red wine.

“Drama and the lavish lifestyle?” I ventured with a smirk.

“Hooray,” he claps his hands unenthusiastically, before setting down the wine glass on the coffee table. “Crazy how well you know me but I don’t know anything about you,” he remarks contemptuously.

I turn to look at him, displeased by his passive-aggressive demeanor. “I admit what I’ve said is wrong and my delivery was less than ideal. For that, I apologize,” he finally looks my way upon hearing my apology.

“I’m glad you know how to apologize,” he affirmed, yet I know that the problem is far from resolved. It’s troublesome to simmer in dispute hence why I came to see him without delay the very next day with the intent to strike the issue at the root before it grows bigger into a tree. 

“However the way you dealt with the situation was also incorrect,” I firmly say and fortunately, he only listens without disruption. “We’re both adults. When a disagreement arises, it’s in our best interest to discuss the problem to avoid further misunderstanding as opposed to running off,” I continue. 

“Okay, yeah. You’re right. I’m sorry too, that was wrong of me to just hang up and not answer,” he apologizes looking sincerely in contrast to my expectations. “But, I’m right about the other parts.” 

I nodded in acknowledgment and reached for the remote on the coffee table, turning off the television to ensure we had each other's full attention without the ambient sounds emanating in the background.  

Facing one another, I proceeded to explain myself. "My birthday is the day before your friend's, on December 8th. The trip is a celebratory retreat planned by Jay and my best friend, which is why it was unreasonable for me to exclude yours." Admittedly, not my best explanation but I’m making an effort to improve my communication with him just as he wanted. 

Sunoo considers my words, then asks, "So... that means you'll be okay with Jungwon?"

“Yes,” I answer despite the nagging feeling of opposition inside. “Though I will come to pick you up tomorrow, while they have to find their own way to Teterboro Airport tomorrow. 9 AM sharp.” 

“Teterboro?” —his eyes widen in recognition— “We’re flying in a private jet?” his voice raises a decibel as he questions in anticipation. 

“Yes, it’s Jay’s and we will be lodging at my friend’s vacation home.” 

Out of the blue, he scowls at me before bitterly stating, “But if you’re piloting again, I’m telling you right now, I’d rather you just buy me a commercial plane ticket.” 

The unexpected reference and his sour expression caught me off guard, causing me to laugh until my eyes blur from tears. “Not funny. Didn’t laugh. Nearly died,” he exaggerates. 

“Jennifer will be flying us,” I inform him, “and I wouldn’t do something as negligent as that when Areum is around.” 

Despite my taunting comment, he only looks back at me thoughtfully as if he’s carefully choosing his next words. “That’s good… At least she has one good parent…” he utters somberly out of nowhere. 

Ah, I see.

How cute. Now I’m certain that must be why he was extra genial with Areum. 

“Sunoo, regarding my ex-wife, whatever Areum told you is only half true.” The confounded look on his face only urges me to continue.

“That… your wife is in prison for harming you?” he asks carefully. I fight the urge to chuckle at his eyes displaying innocent wonder, akin to a curious puppy. As if he’s more than eager to learn more about me. 

“No. She has never harmed me once, and no she’s not in prison.” I firmly correct.

“Wha…? So your daughter lied about her mom crying, then choking you?” his eyes shift to bewilderment. 

“Not quite. Areum tends to misreport events which are then completely misunderstood by others. It is typical of children her age.” At my words, he looks even more flabbergasted, tilting his head in confusion.

The ever-loving struggle to maintain seriousness is even harder now than before.

Clearing my throat, I begin my clarification. “I was there to hear and witness in full context. When Jiyeon and I divorced, Areum was only three years old when her mother bid her farewell. She was leaving as she felt the need to hide away at Loire Valley for some much-needed mental recuperation.” 

“Huh?” 

“When explaining the reason for our separation to Areum, Jiyeon had told our daughter that she 'felt as though she was choking me.' But that was only in the metaphorical sense— she thought she was restricting my freedom,” I continue but Sunoo only looks at me bemusingly. 

“What the fu… O-okay but then Areum said you guys visit her mom at a place with a huge courtyard and a guard tower with people wearing orange suits. Isn’t that prison? How the hell could I misunderstand that?” 

“Areum is referring to her maternal grandparent’s estate in France where Jiyeon is currently residing. It is a château,” — I see his eyes widening as he begins to connect the dots— “It is not a prison guard tower, but a repurposed defensive castle watchtower. The large courtyard is the botanical garden which Areum happily strolled around in while the maintenance workers, wearing orange PPE, were working on.”  

“There’s no fucking way…” he trails off and we stare at each other as I study his face animatedly change in expression. 

Breaking out of our quiet stare-off, he burst out in a cackle, propelling himself back on the couch’s many cushions. His smile too infectious I found myself unable to control the laugh I was once keeping at bay. 

“Kids, man,” — he wipes at the stray tears in his eyes from laughing hard— “They’re something else,” he shakes his head.

“That is why context matters.”

“Tell me about it. I was literally hexing your ex-wife in my head, and I felt so bad for Areum, thinking she actually witnessed all that at such a young age.” 

I can't resist a lighthearted dig. "Doubt on the authenticity of 'literally'," I say, eliciting a scoff from Sunoo.

“Boooo! Get off the stage! This isn’t English class. Booo!!” he heckles, causing me to reach up to his nose to pinch the tip. Though before I can reach him, he nips at my finger causing me to smear his saliva on his cheek. I giggle at his grimace as if it were not his own bodily fluid I wiped on his face. 

“Speaking of staging, which interior design firm did you source to decorate this place in such a short period?” I inquire, taking in the surrounding contemporary furnishings.

“None!” he boasts, eyes twinkling in pride. “I shopped and picked every piece of furniture here, got the movers to put them where I wanted, and then asked the management to paint the walls,” he grins, moving to sit on my lap and then seamlessly wrapping his arms around my neck.

The view looks familiar to that of last week in the Rimac, with him on top of me. The sudden memory causes an uncomfortable pressure near my pelvis— an ache I make a great effort to disregard.

Keeping my calm, I lean back to rest comfortably on the couch with one hand under my head, and the other holding his waist.

“Impressive. All under a week while using the black card, I presume,” I retort, continuing our repartee with a teasing praise.

“When you’re jobless on a Tuesday with access to an unlimited card, everything is possible,” he quips back smugly. “You like it?” he asks, unbuttoning my white dress shirt to which I let him.

“I’m not fond of pink” — he squints his eyes at me— “but otherwise, job well done,” I compliment. His eyes crescenting prettily at my words as he pulls open my top to marvel at my torso. The smile on his face causes the apple of his cheeks to showcase his whisker-like dimples prompting me to impulsively pinch one. 

“You’re tripping, pink is pretty,” he jerks his head to the side, slapping my hand away to liberate himself from my fingers. His other hand tracing my abdomen. 

“And speaking of trips. Am I correct to assume the two pieces of luggage in the entryway are for Colorado, meaning you were never planning on yielding in the first place?” I conclude with a singular raised brow.

“Well, you’re more lenient than you look. I knew you’d come and apologize cuz’ you’re obsessed with me. Just saying,” he cheekily remarks while leaning forward until we’re chest to chest and his smiling face in my proximity. 

Though untrue, I plead the fifth, rendered silent as his simple action undeniably caused a stir in me. There’s no controlling my body’s reaction as I feel my trousers tightening around my thigh, the rigidness doesn’t go unnoticed by him as it is right under his perky ass. 

I shift to move away but he only counters by grinning at me while grinding slowly right above my hardening dick in a gyrating motion, both hands now holding mine.

There’s no stopping us make out on the couch, his pants gone and my top removed, before I carefully carried him up the stairs and into the master’s bathroom to bath.

Shrouded by intense desire, we fucked in every room of the condo. From the bathtub, on his bedroom desk, and his bed. Even had him bend over next to the steak I was searing on the stove. 

Only that evening, when he laid comfortably in bed, sleepily, did I bid my goodbye. Despite his tempting invitation to stay the night, I let him know that I couldn’t afford to let Areum be on her own with a new nanny. 

And only after informing him of our plan for tomorrow did I make my way outside of his unit, closing the door quietly behind me. 

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Sunoo's POV

Lord help me and hide Sunghoon's gun from me. I MIGHT KILL THIS MOTHERFUCKER, RIKI.

Sunghoon is mad. He's like, MAD mad.

How do I even begin to make him feel better when he's throughoutly pissed off on his birthday?!

Wonki's apartment

Sun's Loft