Pleasure Beyond Pain

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/18068570.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con, Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Stray Kids (Band)
Relationship: Hwang Hyunjin/Yang Jeongin | I.N, Bang Chan/Yang Jeongin | I.N,
Bang Chan/Lee Minho | Lee Know, Lee Felix/Seo Changbin, Hwang
Hyunjin/Seo Changbin, Hwang Hyunjin/Lee Felix, Bang Chan/Kim
Seungmin, Kim Seungmin/Yang Jeongin | I.N, Han Jisung | Han/Lee
Minho | Lee Know, Bang Chan/Original Character(s)
Character: Bang Chan, Seo Changbin, Lee Minho | Lee Know, Hwang Hyunjin,
Han Jisung | Han, Lee Felix (Stray Kids), Kim Seungmin, Yang Jeongin
| I.N, Original Male Character(s)
Additional Tags: Bondage, Blood Kink, Violence, Smut, Rape/Non-con Elements,
Master/Pet, Voyeurism, Rough Oral Sex, Asphyxiation, Sexual Slavery,
Emotional Manipulation, Necrophilia, Mutilation, Self-Harm, Anal Sex,
Forced Cohabitation, Branding, Suicide, Original Character(s),
Unhealthy Relationships, Psychological Trauma
Stats: Published: 2019-03-10 Completed: 2020-09-16 Chapters: 23/23 Words:
86066

Pleasure Beyond Pain

by Stray_Lilly

Summary

A circle of friends find their lives changed by revelations of murder, lies and betrayal after a
new addition to their circle.

Notes

Please read the tags first

 Chapter 1

“Hyunjin, can you come up here for a second?” his mother called from the attic.

“For fuck sakes,” Hyunjin muttered, pulling out his earphones and throwing his phone onto the
bed. Can’t she leave me alone for a minute? He made his way to the ladder and looked up into the
dark space. “What do you want, mom?”

“Just come up,” he could hear the exasperation in her voice. “There’s stuff we need to throw out.”
More stuff? Hyunjin sighed and began to climb the ladder. They’d been cleaning old stuff out of
the house since the morning. They’d just moved in and Hyunjin was exhausted. He’d been lifting
heavy boxes all day, not mention listening to his mother’s nagging. She was now kneeling beside a
few boxes, rummaging through them. “Magazines, old board games, toys…” she shrugged. “I
don’t think we’ll need to keep any of this.” “I don’t understand why the people who lived here
couldn’t just take everything with them,” Hyunjin complained. “I guess they moved out in a
hurry,” she said standing up, hands on her hips. “Anyway, you get these outside, and I’m gonna
order us some takeout. What do you want?”

“Whatever,” Hyunjin shrugged. She looked at him skeptically and he sighed. “Fine, pizza then.”
She gave him an amused look before making her way back down. Hyunjin groaned at the pile of
boxes waiting to be carried. At this rate, he didn’t have to feel bad about missing his workout for
the second day in a row. He heaved the first box into his arms, rolling his eyes when a few
magazines fall to the floor. He sighed and set the box down, bending down to pick up the scattered
magazines. House and Garden, Easy Cooking, and a few celeb gossip magazines. He threw them
into the box and narrowed his eyes when he saw a card sticking out of one of the magazines. At
first glance it looked like a simple black piece of cardboard. But as he ran his fingers along the
edge, he realized that there was more to it. A thin slit appeared, revealing the card to be some kind
of holder. He slipped his fingers into the space and smiled triumphantly when he pulled out a white
slip of paper. It appeared to be some kind of invitation. Strangely enough, there was just a date,
time and venue. Hyunjin frowned. There was no description of what the actual event was. He
shrugged and threw everything into the box, then hesitated before retrieving the invitation and
stuffing it into his jeans pocket. He figured that someone might come looking for it considering the
24th was only a few days away.

He’d just left the last box at the end of the driveway when someone pulled up to him in a red
motorbike. The helmeted person jumped off and rummaged in the carrier before pulling out two
large pizza boxes.

“Mom!” Hyunjin called. “Food’s here!” “Hey,” the guy greeted, pulling off his helmet to reveal
dishevelled red hair. “You good?” he smiled. “Yeah,” Hyunjin nodded, taken aback by his friendly
nature. He looked back to see his mom stepping out of the front door. He glanced one more time at
the dimple faced boy before retreating back towards the house. “See you around!” the boy called,
making Hyunjin cast a weird look at him over his shoulder. It’s not that he wasn’t friendly. He just
believed that people function better on their own.

“That was a cute kid,” his mother smiled, placing the pizza boxes onto the table. “He said he's in
his second year of college.”

“Great,” Hyunjin shrugged, placing slices of pizza onto his plate. He took his plate and began to
leave when his mother grabbed his arm.

“At least eat with me,” she pursed her lips.

“Why?” Hyunjin scoffed. “I always eat in my room.”

“So we can talk,” she shrugged. “We just got here. We should talk about things.”

“What things?” he narrowed his eyes.

“Just sit with me, please,” she begged.

“Fine,” he muttered, unhappily seating himself at the table. He chewed on his pizza waiting for her
to begin.

“I umm…” she bit her lip. “I made an appointment for you with an advisor at the local college.”

“What?” he glared at her. “I told you I don’t want to go to college! I dropped out for a reason! It’s –
it’s not for me!” he shouted, pushing his chair back and standing up.

“Hyunjin,” she sighed. “Sit down. We can talk about this.” “I don’t want to talk to you,” he spat.
“I’ll find a job. I’ll save up. And you won’t have to drag me around anymore.”

“What job, Hyunjin?” she scoffed. “Who’s going to employ you when you have an assault
charge?”

He ignored her words and made his way upstairs, back to his room. He knew she was right.
Finding a job with an assault charge was going to be a nightmare. And telling them ‘the bastard
deserved it’ probably won’t make them see him as anything less than a felon. “What the fuck do I
do?” he groaned, burying his face into his pillow. He’d fucked up his life. He knew that much. He
didn’t know what to do with it now. He looked up at the ceiling trying to distract his mind and
failing.

He quickly pushed himself off the bed and locked his door before opening his backpack to retrieve
the silver blade. He smiled as he sat down, feeling the cold metal between his fingers. He pulled
up the sleeves of his hoodie and clenched his lower lip between his teeth.

The first swipe across his wrist brought more relief than pain. He paused to see dots of blood creep
onto the surface of his split skin. Then he began to get greedy. He swiped across his wrist again,
once, twice, thrice, all in quick succession.

He held his hand in front of his face and watched with fascination as bright red drops of blood
began to slide down his wrist, like drops of rain sliding down the window on a rainy day. His
pupils dilated as he took in the sight of each droplet – the colour, the scent – oh the scent of blood,
he loved it.

He brought his hand closer to his face and inhaled the scent, feeling a state of euphoria slowly
begin to wash over him. But if there was one thing he loved the most about his blood, it was the
taste.

He licked up one of the drops and closed his eyes as the metallic taste filled his mouth. “So good,”
he whispered to himself, licking a long stripe up to his wrist and swirling around the blood in his
mouth before swallowing.

One of the best things about the new house – he had his own bathroom. He made his way to his
bathroom, parting his lips as he looked into the mirror. He smiled at the sight of his red-stained
teeth and lips.
“Why’d you take my delivery?” the boy asked Jeongin who scowled in return. “Here,” he said
shoving the twenty into the surprised boy’s hand. “You can take the tip.” The boy shrugged and
went back to work at the counter. Jeongin sighed in relief. He had to take the delivery – there was
no way he could turn it down. He had to see who was living in Jaemin’s house now. He was
surprised that there was someone around his own age. He didn’t seem friendly though – not like
Jaemin had been. He smiled sadly at the thought of his friend.

It was Tuesday midday so the restaurant was practically empty save for the staff that stood idly
talking amongst themselves or cleaning the already clean place. Jeongin leaned against the counter,
drawing circles onto the surface when a hush fell over the place. He immediately knew why. Chan.

He walked into the restaurant dressed in black jeans and a plain black hoodie. If you told anyone
that the blonde haired man owned a chain of restaurants, they’d never believe you – one, because
he was so young, and two, because he didn’t look like a businessman. He turned the sign on the
door to reflect that the restaurant was closed and he waited for all of them to line up. Jeongin
quickly straightened his uniform and joined the line.

“We need four of you to work at the event on Saturday,” Chan said, clasping his hands together,
his gaze hovering over each of them. His Australian accent never failed to make Jeongin smile.
Chan handed one of the invitations to a pink haired girl, a blonde girl and two more to older males,
all who bowed and thanked him. Of course, Jeongin would never be asked to work at that event.
He was special.

Chan’s lips curved into a smile as Jeongin looked at him with mischievous eyes. He looked around
at the rest of the staff.

“Dismissed,” he said to them and they made themselves scarce. Alone at the front of the restaurant,
he brought a hand up to Jeongin’s face, his thumb stroking the younger’s soft skin. He leaned in,
enveloping Jeongin’s lips with his own.

Jeongin leaned into him with a gentle sigh, his hands around Chan’s neck. Chan’s lips were always
soft and sweet. Jeongin parted his lips without Chan having to ask, letting his tongue explore his
mouth with light, almost teasing curiosity. The fact that Jeongin could feel several eyes on them,
only spurred him on and he let out a moan as Chan sucked on his tongue. “You always taste so
fucking good,” Chan whispered, when he’d pulled back from the younger. “I’ll see you tonight,”
he smiled, placing a kiss on Jeongin’s forehead.

Jeongin barely had time to register that Chan was leaving, before the blonde was outside the
restaurant again. He pouted, but was nevertheless satisfied with having had Chan’s lips on his for a
minute. He knew he’d be getting more that night anyway.

He’d only made four more deliveries before the sun had begun to set, meaning that his shift had
ended. Chan only expected him at his house at 7pm so he still had an hour. He decided to take the
scenic route to Chan’s place, riding his motorbike at a speed he usually wouldn’t. He usually
enjoyed the adrenalin rush he got from breaking the speed limit. But he just needed to slow things
down today. He suspected it was because he was still upset from seeing someone else move into
Jaemin’s house.

He was riding past a convenience store when he saw that said person step outside. Hastily, he
pressed on the brakes and pulled over to the side, unsure why he’d stopped. He lifted the visor of
his helmet and watched the other boy lean against the wall his eyes closed. He looked tired – tired
and not sleepy. It was the kind of tired you feel when nothing goes right. Jeongin knew that feeling
all too well. Maybe that’s the reason he found himself abandoning his helmet and approaching the
boy.
“Hi,” he said, his hands buried inside the pockets of his blue jeans. “You good?” The boy pushed
back his honey blonde hair and opened his eyes, surprise reflecting in them at the sight of Jeongin
standing in front of him. “You good?” Jeongin asked again, tilting his head.

The taller boy gulped. “No,” he said nonchalantly. “I’m not good.” He stepped away from the wall
and began walking away. Jeongin frowned, but his eyes opened in understanding when he saw the
sheet of paper in the boy’s hands, Curriculum Vitae printed across in bold words. He was looking
for a job. Jeongin thought about it for a second before shaking his head. He doubted the guy would
be able to handle that kind of thing.

“Just on time, baby,” Chan smiled as he opened the door for Jeongin. Jeongin smiled at him as he
felt the older male’s lips on the top of his head. He wanted to tell Chan how much he missed him,
but he couldn’t. He could only speak when permitted to. He followed Chan inside. He loved
Chan’s house. It was so spacious that several houses could probably fit in it. He always wondered
if Chan ever felt lonely living in it by himself. “Seungmin’s joining us today,” Chan said as they
walked up the staircase. Jeongin was glad that the older couldn’t see the pout on his face. He liked
having Chan to himself, but he knew that was impossible. He either shared Chan or got nothing at
all. It wasn’t fair but he accepted it. He loved Chan that much. He furrowed his brows when he
saw Chan leading him to the room on the right – that room. He began to tense. Did I do something
wrong? Oh god. A sense of foreboding fill him, along with a spike in his adrenalin which sent a
shiver of excitement down his spine.

Jeongin’s eyes took in the interior of the room. He hadn’t seen it in two months but it was exactly
the same. Various instruments hung on the walls, and he knew there were even more in the ornate
drawers that lined one side of the wall. Seungmin was already seated at the edge of the large bed
when they walked in. He was dressed only his boxers and the bruises on his collar bone told
Jeongin that they’d already been playing without him. He tried not to show that it upset him. He
didn’t hate Seungmin for it. He couldn’t. He was just a few months older than Jeongin and always
made an effort to be nice to him. Jeongin could go so far as to say they were almost friends. He
smiled as Jeongin entered and embraced him. “So good to see you again, Jeonginnie,” he said. He
pulled back and observed the younger. Jeongin lifted his gaze to meet Seungmin’s. “He’s losing
too much weight,” Seungmin told Chan. “You need to feed him more.”

“We’ll see about that,” Chan said, and Jeongin gasped when he felt his lips on his neck. “Strip,”
Chan whispered.

Jeongin obeyed, taking off his shoes and then his pink sweater, folding it and placing it on the
floor. He felt only slightly nervous, unable to guess what Chan and Seungmin had planned. His
kicked off his jeans and his boxers and they joined the sweater on the floor. He looked up to see
Chan shirtless and Seungmin without his boxers.

Seungmin’s erection was already semi-hard but it was Chan had Jeongin's attention. Chan licked
his lower lip, approaching Jeongin with quick strides. He tangled his fingers in Jeongin’s hair,
gripping the strands tightly, causing Jeongin to whimper and forcing him to face the wall on the
left. He guided Jeongin forward, his fingers still gripping his hair. “Against the wall. Hands up,”
Chan commanded.

Jeongin shivered as he obeyed, standing against the padded black wall. He lifted his hands so they
reached the thick metal cuffs that were attached to the wall. They were custom made for Jeongin
so no adjustment would be necessary. Chan locked the cuffs around his wrists and Jeongin knew
they’d only be opened by the key that hung around Chan’s neck. Seungmin approached him with a
smile and pressed himself against Jeongin’s body. He felt Seungmin’s cock rub against his own
and he closed his eyes, letting out a soft moan. “You’re adorable, baby,” Seungmin whispered,
rutting against his cock. “But you’re a bad baby too.” Jeongin quickly shook his head, hating that
he couldn’t speak to defend himself. I didn’t do anything.

“Do you miss Jaemin a lot?” Seungmin asked in a whisper. Jeongin’s eyes widened. How did they
find out? The delivery wasn’t recorded in his name. He made sure of it. He felt fingers in his hair
again and his head was pulled back so that he could see Chan glaring at him. “I told you to forget
about Jaemin,” Chan growled, tightening his grip. But he’s my friend, Jeongin wanted to say.

“Curiosity killed the kitty, Innie,” Seungmin told him reaching behind him and stroking his spine
with a finger, making Jeongin’s body quiver. His finger trailed down even further, slipping
between his cheeks and eliciting a loud moan from Jeongin. Jeongin felt confused when Seungmin
stepped away and he watched as the brown haired male lay on the bed, his fingers lightly trailing
over his own hardened length. Chan stepped in front of Jeongin and sighed. “I wish you’d listen,
baby boy. Will you listen from now on?”

Jeongin nodded eagerly. “Yes, Sir.”

“You’ll stop thinking about Jaemin, won’t you?” Chan asked softly, leaning down to peck
Jeongin’s neck.

“Yes, Sir” Jeongin whispered. “I’ll stop.”

“Good boy,” Chan whispered, his fingers brushing the tip of Jeongin’s cock before pressing into
his slit. Jeongin let out a low moan and yelped when Chan spanked his thigh, the pain
reverberating throughout his body. He didn’t have to look to know how red his thigh now was.

He opened his eyes to see Chan unbutton his jeans and lower his zipper. He hoped that was the
extent of his punishment. After all, he just went to Jaemin’s old house – nothing more. But when
Chan’s jeans and boxers fell to the floor, and he saw Chan’s devilish smile, he knew it wasn’t over.

Chan tilted his head. “Baby boy, I’m going to fuck Seungmin now. And you’re going to watch. Do
you understand?”

There was a pause as Jeongin registered what Chan was saying. He… He’s only going to fuck
Seungmin? He resisted the urge to beg and nodded. “Yes, Sir.”

“Do not take your eyes off us for one second,” Chan commanded, making his way towards
Seungmin.

Jeongin watched as he knelt between Seungmin’s legs, stroking the younger boy’s cock and
leaning down to kiss him. Their lips moved against each other's slowly, savoring each other's taste.
Jeongin felt a surge of jealousy as Seungmin wrapped his arms around Chan, his fingers digging
into the older male’s toned back. They explored each other’s mouth with ferocious intensity, their
tongues and teeth clashing as both their erections grew. Chan pulled away from Seungmin,
prodding his lips open before placing two fingers inside. Jeongin knew that Chan had lube, but he
also knew that Seungmin enjoyed the pain, much like Jeongin. That’s probably why Chan was
doing the bare minimum as he spread Seungmin’s ass cheeks to reveal his puckering hole. He
slipped both fingers in at once, making Seungmin moan in pleasure.

“Such a little slut,” Chan smiled at him as he pumped his fingers in and out. Jeongin bit his lip to
stop himself from whining. I’m your little slut – not Seungmin.

“You look so good,” Chan told Seungmin who had his head thrown back against the pillows. He
scissored his fingers stretching Seungmin a little more before pulling his fingers from his hole.
Seungmin whimpered at the loss but was soon rewarded as Chan’s cock prodded his entrance,
slowly moving. He spread his legs wider, giving Chan better access. “Such a good boy,” Chan
leaned down to kiss him again.

Jeongin dug his nails into his palms as tears began to fill his eyes. I’m your good boy. Chan began
thrusting into Seungmin’s ass, keeping Seungmin’s legs bent so he could thrust harder and faster,
just the way the younger liked it. Seungmin’s moans got louder as Chan’s thrusts got harder and he
began slamming into the younger male’s ass, lifting his hips to find his sweet spot. “Oh god, I’m
so close!” Seungmin gasped, clawing at Chan’s back, legs wrapped around the male's muscular
torso. Chan stilled inside Seungmin and his muscles began to tense, telling Jeongin that he was
about to come.

“Seungmin!” he growled the younger’s name as his cock stilled inside his ass, and the milky white
substance began to seep out of Seungmin’s ass. He began moving inside him again, until Seungmin
frantically clawed at his back and strings of white began shooting out of his cock and onto his
stomach. Panting, Chan pulled out of the younger and rolled onto his back. He propped himself on
his elbows and stared at Jeongin who was looking at him with tears running down his cheeks. He
hopped off the bed and made his way to the trembling boy. He placed a kiss on his forehead. “I
hope you learned your lesson, Innie,” he whispered. He reached up to uncuff Jeongin.

The younger had to make an effort stay on his feet once his arms had been set free. His legs were
already cramping. “Come,” Chan said, taking him and leading him to the corner of the room.

His eyes widened. No. Please. “Sit down,” Chan commanded and he sat down on the tiled floor.
He gulped as Chan crouched beside him. They locked eyes for a moment and Jeongin hoped he’d
see his desperation, but he was ignored. Chan reached around Jeongin, grabbing the chain that
hung from the wall. Attached to the end of the chain was a red leather collar, which was now being
fastened around Jeongin’s neck.

“You’re sorry, aren’t you?” Chan asked, cupping Jeongin’s tear stained cheeks.

“Yes, S-Sir,” Jeongin stuttered. “Very s-sorry. I – I’m sorry.”

Chan nodded. “If you are, then you’ll be a good boy and stay like this until the morning.”
Jeongin’s eyes widened as more tears began spilling.

He watched as Chan and Seungmin left the room hand in hand, closing the door behind them.
 Chapter 2
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Jeongin sat across from Chan at the kitchen counter. He munched carefully on his cereal, his eyes
downcast, aware that Chan was staring at him. “Jeongin,” Chan said, and he quickly lifted his
gaze, giving the older male his full attention. “Tell me how you’re feeling.”

Jeongin let out a small sigh of relief at being given permission to talk, yet he didn’t know exactly
what to say – or rather, what Chan wanted to hear. “Sir, I… I feel… I…”

Chan gave him a wry smile, as though he suspected Jeongin wouldn’t know what to say. “How do
you feel about me being with Seungmin last night?” he asked, prodding the conversation along.
“Be honest.”

“I guess, you’ve been with other people before – you do it all the time, Sir,” Jeongin shrugged.
“You make me do it too. So it isn’t new. But…”

“But?” Chan raised his eyebrows.

“It’s the first time you used it as punishment,” Jeongin said softly.

Chan nodded. “Did you find it harsher than a physical punishment?”

Jeongin nodded. He was accustomed to being punished physically – being whipped till he bled,
being fucked till he couldn’t move anymore… but last night was different.

The blonde’s lips curved into a smile. “Good,” he said. “It was my intention. We’ve all told you so
many times… Jaemin isn’t coming back. You need to forget him.”

Jeongin furrowed his brows, looking at Chan pleadingly. “But he’s my best friend.”

“Was,” Chan corrected. “He was,” he sighed. “Jeongin, I don’t want to say it again. I need you to
stop obsessing over him.”

Jeongin wanted to argue. He wanted to say that he wasn’t obsessed. He just missed his best friend.
But he knew it wouldn’t end well for him if he picked a fight with Chan.

“I understand, Sir,” he replied.

“Good boy,” Chan smiled, ruffling his hair. “You have the day off today? No classes?”

Jeongin nodded. “Yes, Sir. I was planning on just going back to my apartment and resting.”

“Nah,” Chan shook his head. “Felix wants to spend some time with you.” Jeongin’s eyes lit up.
“Would you like to spend the day with him?”

Jeongin nodded eagerly. “Yes, please Sir.” Felix was one of the more easy going people in their
social circle. Although Jeongin still had to be somewhat guarded around him, he could confide in
Felix more than he could with any of the others.
Hyunjin was in his room going through job sites on his laptop when he heard the doorbell ring
downstairs. He could hear the muffled voice of his mother talking to someone, and a few seconds
later, “Hyunjin! One of your friends is here! I’m sending him up!”

Hyunjin immediately stood up and furrowed his brows. He had no friends. So who…?

His room door opened to reveal a blonde man who looked a few years older than him. “Who the
fuck are you?” Hyunjin asked with a frown. “I don’t know you.”

“I heard you moved into my friend’s old house,” the man sighed, a polite smile on his face. He had
an accent that Hyunjin immediately recognized – Australian.

“Yeah,” Hyunjin narrowed his eyes, “so what?”

“Just here to collect stuff he may have left behind,” the man shrugged.

Hyunjin was suspicious. “You could have just asked my mom and she would’ve told you that she
threw everything out. You didn’t have to pretend to be my friend. What do you really want?”

“Are you always this distrustful?” the blonde chuckled, his eyes roaming Hyunjin’s room.

“Are you always a lying blonde?” Hyunjin scoffed.

“Nope,” the blonde shook his head with a wry smile. “I’m not always blonde. This colour is recent.
What about you?”

Hyunjin was taken aback. “I’m not discussing hair colours with you.”

“Yet you’re the one who brought it up,” the other shrugged. He sighed. “Look, we already
collected whatever you threw out and what I want wasn’t there. Did you take anything?”

Hyunjin’s eyes widened. I did. He went to his drawer and pulled out the slip of paper. “This?” he
held it out to the man who glanced at it and reached out before pulling back his hand.

“On second thought,” he smiled, “why don’t you keep it?”

“Why should I?” Hyunjin scoffed. “I don’t even know what this is.”

“It’s a social gathering,” the man explained. “You should come. Make friends. You are new to the
town.”

“I don’t need friends,” Hyunjin tried to hand the invitation to the man but he had his hands in the
pockets of his black hoodie. His eyes were focused on the laptop screen which Hyunjin hastily
closed.

“Looking for a job?” he asked, his eyebrows raised. “I can help you – if you come tomorrow.”

Now Hyunjin was tempted. “You – you can help me find a job?”

“I can give you one, or many,” the man smiled. “Think about it.”

“What’s your name?” Hyunjin asked, as the blonde turned to leave.

“Chan,” he said simply, before leaving Hyunjin’s room.

Only when he looked up at the fancy front of the restaurant did he realize that it might actually be
a bad idea. He smiled wryly and shook his head, turning away from the restaurant.

“Excuse me, sir!” he heard a female call. It was a blonde who looked to be in her late twenties. She
smiled at him. “I see that you have an invitation.”

“Oh,” his eyes widened. “Umm…” he looked at the slip of paper in his hands.

“You must be new,” she smiled. “Are you?”

He nodded. “I guess… kind of?”

“Then come in,” she gestured to the door.

He shook his head. “I umm… I changed my mind.”

“Oh,” she nodded in understanding. “How about you come in for a complimentary drink before
you leave?” she asked. “Some coffee?”

He tilted his head. “Anything stronger?”

The restaurant was huge. Hyunjin noticed straight away that there were stairs leading to another
floor upstairs. About fifteen to twenty people stood scattered around on the ground floor. Some
were in groups, some in pairs. They were standing, sitting, drinking, eating… Everyone seemed
happy to be there and they all looked… normal. That came as a relief. Soft music played in the
background and only when Hyunjin listened closely did he realize that the music was actually
being played from upstairs.

He made his way to the bar at one end of the room, greeting the bartender and ordering a beer. The
bartender poured him a glass and he sat on the stool observing the other guests. He still didn’t
know what kind of event it was. He hoped no one would ask him to speak about a topic he didn’t
understand. It would be embarrassing, and he’d probably be thrown out. He just needed to find
Chan and ask him about the job or many jobs that he’d been promised.

His eyes scanned the room, fixing themselves on the staircase as a familiar redhead began to
descend. The delivery guy? Hyunjin was surprised at how different he looked. He was dressed in
tight black jeans and a blue grey fur coat. Many of the guests stopped to greet him as though he
was someone important. To Hyunjin’s dismay, the boy’s eyes found him and he saw the surprise
reflected in them.

The boy began pushing his way towards Hyunjin who shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “What are
you doing here?” the boy asked him in a hushed whisper. “How did you get in?”

Hyunjin furrowed his brows. “It’s none of your business.”

“You’re not supposed to be here,” the redhead frowned. “You need to leave. Now.”

Hyunjin wanted to argue, but instead he drained the last dregs of his beer, ignoring the redhead’s
presence.

“Don’t just ignore me,” the redhead whispered angrily. “I –”

The boy jumped in surprise and Hyunjin saw the fear in his eyes when he saw Chan’s hand on his
shoulder.
“Jeongin, I see you’ve met my guest,” Chan smiled. “But you’ve already met him once before,
right?”

Jeongin’s eyes widened and he nodded slowly. “Yes, Sir,” he said softly, trying to understand what
was happening.

Sir? Hyunjin watched their interaction with raised eyebrows. He cleared his throat. “Umm, don’t
mean to be rude but about the job…”

Chan chuckled. “Don’t mean to be rude? But you are really rude, Hyunjin. And I think you know
it.”

Hyunjin resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the man who could be his future employer. Chan turned
to the redhead. “Jeongin, he’ll be working with you at the restaurant from tomorrow. Show him
around. Introduce him to people. Tell him what this place is about. Okay?”

Jeongin nodded. “Of course, Sir.”

“I’ll see you soon, Hyunjin,” Chan said, giving him a wink and departing from the pair.

Jeongin gave Hyunjin a strange look. “You know, if you want to just go home I can tell him that
you weren’t feeling well.”

Hyunjin shrugged and looked around. “So what is this? What do you people do here?”

Jeongin sighed, realizing that Hyunjin’s curiosity had peaked. “It’s just a monthly gathering,” he
explained. “It was sort of created by Chan.”

“What’s so special about it?” Hyunjin looked confused.

“The people are special,” Jeongin bit his lip, wondering how to explain. “We have… strange
interests – interests that aren’t really considered normal in society.” He gave Hyunjin a look, hoping
he’d understand.

“Like… fetishes?” Hyunjin chuckled.

Jeongin nodded. “Something like that. But this is just a space where we get to know each other –
nothing else.” He grabbed Hyunjin’s elbow, urging him forward. “Come. I have to introduce you.”

“To who?” Hyunjin scoffed.

“Someone, anyone,” Jeongin snapped. “Chan said I have to so I have to.”

Hyunjin shook his head. “That’s a bit –”

“Ah Felix!” Jeongin smiled, pulling Hyunjin forward. “I didn’t know you came downstairs.”

Hyunjin was stunned by the pretty boy who smiled at him. He had ginger coloured hair, and his
cheeks were adorned with freckles.

“Jeongin, who’s this?” he asked, and Hyunjin was taken aback by his deep voice.

“Umm…” Jeongin hesitated, looking at Hyunjin for help.

“Hwang Hyunjin,” he introduced himself with a smile. Yes, he hated social interaction, but this
guy… he was just too pretty to ignore.
“Lee Felix,” the ginger-haired male smiled. To Hyunjin’s surprise, he raised a hand to Hyunjin’s
cheek. “You’re so pretty.”

A light blush coloured Hyunjin’s cheeks and he shook his head. “Not as pretty as you.”

Felix simply smiled and tilted his head, his eyes taking in all of Hyunjin’s features. To Hyunjin’s
dismay he pulled his hand back. “What are your interests, Hyunjin?” he asked.

Hyunjin grinned. “Right now? You.”

“Careful there,” Felix laughed “My Changbin is quite possessive. He wouldn’t like that comment.
Although, he does like pretty boys so maybe…” he glanced at Jeongin.

“I don’t think Hyunjin is into those things,” Jeongin interjected. “And he was just leaving.”

Hyunjin gave Jeongin a confused look. “But I –”

“I’ll see you later, Felix,” Jeongin touched his shoulder before dragging Hyunjin away.

“Hey, what’s your problem?” Hyunjin wrenched his arm away. “I was talking to him.”

Jeongin glared at him. “Don’t. Don’t talk to him. Don’t involve yourself with him and Changbin.
They do things that you’d never be able to handle.”

“What are you talking about?” Hyunjin shrugged.

“What’s happening?” Chan asked, reappearing. “Did you introduce him around, Jeongin?”

“Yes, Sir,” the redhead said. “He was just leaving.”

“Leaving?” Chan raised his eyebrows. “Well, then you can leave with us,” he smiled at Hyunjin.

Jeongin’s eyes were wide with fear. “But Sir -”

Chan shot him an angry look and he immediately dropped his gaze and stood quietly.

Chan had a driver. This allowed him to sit in the back with the two younger males, one on either
side of him. “Are you enjoying the new neighbourhood?” he asked Hyunjin who merely shrugged
in response.

Jeongin’s eyes flickered between the two. People were usually more respectful towards Chan, but
this Hyunjin… He worried for the male. He knew what Chan was capable of, and Hyunjin
seemed… gullible and even though he took care to hide it, he seemed fragile too. He was glad
when the car pulled up to Hyunjin’s house.

Hyunjin opened the car door and placed a foot outside onto the pavement, before freezing. The
porch light was on, illuminating the scene before him clearly. His mother was welcoming someone
inside – a male figure. Hyunjin balked as the male drew his mother in for a kiss, their bodies
pressing against each other. She found someone again.

“Hyunjin, is everything alright?” Chan asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Hyunjin shrugged off the older male’s hand. “No,” he said, placing his foot back in the car and
slamming the door closed. “Can you drop me off somewhere else? Anywhere else?”
“How about… you come home with us?” Chan suggested, furrowing his brows as he thought.

Hyunjin hesitated. He didn’t have anywhere to go, but he couldn’t go home – not now. “Okay.”

Chan signalled to the driver and they were off again. “Tell me what’s gotten you so upset,” he
looked at Hyunjin.

Hyunjin could see from the look in his eyes that it wasn’t a question – it was an order. And
Hyunjin was too tired to disobey. “My mother,” he said through gritted teeth. “She brings these
men home,” he explained, feeling the frustration build up. He felt like punching through the car
window. “It’s not like we have no money. We have lots of it. Because she keeps getting divorced.
It’s like an addiction for her.”

“And that makes you angry,” Chan observed.

“Wow, you’re such a genius,” Hyunjin retorted, rolling his eyes.

Jeongin gave Chan a fleeting look of panic, which he failed to notice, his attention focused on
Hyunjin. It was a wonder how Chan hadn’t snapped yet. He suddenly seemed to possess a patience
Jeongin wasn’t aware of.

Hyunjin thought that Chan had given up on speaking to him, but almost jumped when he heard a
whisper. “I can give you an outlet for your anger, Hyunjin,” Chan whispered, his voice soft, sweet,
and clear, like a song.

“What do you mean?” he turned to look at Chan with wide eyes.

But Chan merely smiled and faced forward.

For the mogul that Chan was, his house was exactly what Hyunjin expected it to be. He stood in
one spot and looked around like a child exploring a museum.

“This way, Hyunjin,” Chan said, walking up the staircase, Jeongin at his side.

“Where are we going?” Hyunjin asked, following with weary footsteps.

He caught the look of panic that Jeongin threw over his shoulder and wondered what the younger
was so afraid of.

“I said I’d give you an outlet, didn’t I?” Chan sighed, leading him to a door that was ornately
decorated with vines and flowers. It was a design that Hyunjin could stare at all day. But Chan
opened the door and Hyunjin was taken aback by the interior.

Most of it was black. Black curtains and black walls that looked soft and cushion-like. The bed too
had black sheets and Hyunjin noticed, no covers. Strange instruments hung from the walls.
Hyunjin tensed when he realized what they were. He’d only ever seen them in movies and cheap
porn videos that he downloaded over the internet.

He gulped. “Look, Chan, you have the wrong idea.”

Chan shrugged off his coat and raised an eyebrow. “Do I? Doesn’t it bother you that you’re always
so angry, Hyunjin?”

Hyunjin shook his head. “I’m not,” he denied. “I’m not always angry.”

“Lies,” Chan said, stepping closer, Hyunjin feeling a shred of fear run down his spine at the
intensity of his gaze. “You’re so angry that it radiates off you, Hyunjin. You’re not just angry at
your mother – you’re angry at the world. You’re angry at yourself, aren’t you?”

Hyunjin lowered his gaze and clenched his hands into fists at his sides.

“Your anger is going to kill you, Hyunjin,” Chan whispered. “So kill it first.”

Hyunjin shook his head again. “I can’t. It never leaves. It never dies.”

“Because you haven’t found the right outlet,” Chan looked at him sympathetically.

“What are you suggesting?” Hyunjin looked at him curiously.

Chan licked his lower lip before letting a smile tug at the corner of his lips. “Use Jeongin.”

“W-what?” Hyunjin furrowed his brows. “No that’s – I – what do you even mean?”

Chan hummed. “He’s yours for tonight. Do whatever you want with him. Consider it an offer of
friendship from us.”

“Whatever I want?” Hyunjin was confused. “I don’t know…”

“Don’t know what you want?” Chan chuckled. “Think of it this way. Jeongin is a doll, and you get
to play with him however you want. Fuck him, break him. It’s all up to you.”

“No,” Hyunjin objected. “I – I can’t.”

“But Jeongin will like it,” Chan sighed. ‘Won’t you, little fox?”

Jeongin who was standing quietly to the side, his hands clasped together, nodded. “I will, Sir.”

Hyunjin noticed that there was no hesitation in his voice.

“See,” Chan shrugged. “He’ll even guide you through it if you need help.”

Hyunjin stood awkwardly with his hands in the pockets of his hoodie, contemplating the offer.

Chan was already leaving the room. “Help him, Jeongin,” he called over his shoulder. “I’ll be back
in the morning.”

“We don’t have to do anything,” Hyunjin said quickly as soon as the door shut.

“We should,” Jeongin said simply. “Chan wants us to. He wants me to be used. So use me,
Hyunjin.”

“Jeongin,” Hyunjin gave him disgusted look. “That’s fucked up. Why would you want this?”

“We’re all a little fucked up, Hyunjin,” Jeongin tilted his head. “Some of us more than others.”
When Hyunjin didn’t respond, he approached the taller male. “So what are you going to do to me?”

“Nothing,” Hyunjin shook his head firmly.

Jeongin sighed in exasperation. Chan was going to be disappointed and he hated the thought of
that. “Come on, Hyunjin,” he encouraged. “I can be a slut for you. I can be just like your mother.”

“What did you just say?” Hyunjin narrowed his eyes.

Jeongin felt relieved that he was getting a reaction now. “You heard me,” he smiled, unbuttoning
his shirt, so that it hung loosely off his shoulders. “I bet I can suck your cock better than she sucks
off the men she brings home.”

“Fuck you,” Hyunjin spat, feeling his anger rising.

“I know you want to,” Jeongin giggled. “Do you want to fuck me? The way she’s probably being
fucked by someone right now?”

Jeongin felt a stinging sensation on his right cheek and smiled triumphantly at Hyunjin’s slap.
“You can hit me harder than that, Hyunjin. Come on, now.”

Hyunjin pulled his hand back, surprised at his own action.

“Are you a virgin?” Jeongin asked, his shirt falling to the floor.

“No,” Hyunjin shook his head. “I’ve had sex a few times.”

“With males or…?” Jeongin raised his eyebrows.

“Both,” Hyunjin shrugged.

“Good,” Jeongin sighed. “At least I don’t have to tell you where your cock goes. You know that
much, don’t you?” He locked eyes with Hyunjin, glad to see the anger in them. “I’ll make a
suggestion,” he shrugged, walking over to the wall and retrieving an instrument from the shelf.

Hyunjin looked at the whip in wonder. “I – I’ve never…”

“It’s easy,” Jeongin smiled, flicking his wrist and shivering at the cracking sound it made. He held
out the whip to Hyunjin.

The leather felt strange in his hand. He clasped the handle tightly, twirling it around to get a better
feel for it. Strangely, having it in his hand made him feel more in control than he felt two minutes
ago. It brought strange urges to the surface. He looked at Jeongin with renewed desire. “Take off
all your clothes,” he breathed.

Jeongin obliged, unbuttoning his jeans and pulling it down, along with… panties? Hyunjin raised
his eyebrows at the lacy black material that Jeongin stepped out of. He gazed around the room,
fixing his eyes on a metal table pushed in one corner. It’ll do.

“Bend over that table,” he commanded, hating the shakiness in his voice. I’m in control, I’m in
control, I’m in control, he reminded himself.

Jeongin did as he was told, leaning over the table, the cold metal sending a shiver through his
body. He heard Hyunjin’s footsteps approach.

Hyunjin tentatively reached out his hand, almost pulling it back, but willed himself to complete the
action. He ran his fingers lightly across Jeongin’s ass, enjoying the silky feel off his skin
underneath his fingertips. He was quick to notice the scars that ran over Jeongin’s back all the way
done to the back of his thighs. He’d obviously been doing this for a while. It gave Hyunjin more
reassurance. He ran his fingers back across his skin, this time pressing a little harder, acquainting
himself with the redhead’s flesh.

Jeongin gripped the edge of the table tightly when he heard it – the sound of the whip being pulled
back. And he gasped when he felt it – the stinging sensation on his ass.
Hyunjin lowered the whip and watched as redness began to creep into Jeongin’s milky skin. He
pressed his fingertips against the blotchy red skin.

“Hyunjin,” Jeongin whined. “You can do it harder than that, can’t you?”

Hyunjin gulped. “Do you want me to?”

“Please,” Jeongin whined. “More.”

Hyunjin was momentarily confused as to how Jeongin wanted this. But he obliged, more out of his
own desire to see red than to please Jeongin.

Jeongin cried out as he felt the whip bite into his skin, and his eyes filled with tears. He hated that
Hyunjin paused again. “More. Please.”

So Hyunjin gave him more. The whip cracked against Jeongin’s ass again and again and again.
Hyunjin had lost count of how many times his hand had swung back and forth, each time with
more force than the previous strike. He watched greedily as Jeongin’s skin began to split open,
showing him the first sign of blood. Blood. More – he needed to see more. He began lashing out
with a ferocity he didn’t know he possessed.

Jeongin was shouting out with every strike now, his tears forming a puddle on the table. The fact
that Hyunjin was repeatedly striking one area, made the pain worse. He loved it. He especially
loved feeling his skin being ripped apart. He knew that he was bleeding. He could feel the blood
running down the back of his thighs, and between his cheeks. But he didn’t expect to feel what he
did next. It felt hot against his skin and it took him a few seconds to realize what it was – Hyunjin’s
tongue.

Hyunjin was on his knees, the whip thrown aside. He couldn’t resist. He ran his tongue along the
red stripes on Jeongin’s ass, lapping up the blood like a dog thirsty for a drink of water. He moaned
at the metallic taste that filled his mouth. He nuzzled the male’s ass, inhaling the scent of the
blood. “So good,” he moaned.

He gripped Jeongin’s thighs as his tongue pressed into rips on his ass, opening them up further. He
quickly licked all the drops of blood that had begun to drip down the younger male’s thighs.
Nothing should go to waste.

Jeongin cried out at the burning sensation and bit his lip to stifle his scream. Hyunjin’s tongue
aggravated his skin even more, stretching each of the cuts open. He felt some relief when
Hyunjin’s tongue slipped between his cheeks which were sticky with blood.

Hyunjin pried open Jeongin’s ass, making sure that his tongue found every drop of blood that had
fallen into the crevice. He thrust his tongue into the younger’s red rimmed hole. It wasn’t tight
which meant he could force his tongue in further. This forced an animalistic moan from Jeongin’s
mouth.

“Hyunjin, please!” Jeongin begged.

Hyunjin pulled back, unsure what he was begging for. “What do you want, Jeongin?” he panted.

“Please fuck me,” he whimpered. “Need it so bad.”

And he did, Hyunjin noticed. His cock was hard and dripping with precum. “Fuck,” he muttered at
the sight. “Did this really turn you on?” he asked, licking another stripe across Jeongin’s ass.
“Yes,” Jeongin murmured, his eyes blurry with tears. “So much.” Pain turned him on. Being used
turned him on. But he never imagined being used this way would turn him on so much. They made
him bleed a lot. But they never actually did anything with the blood. This was a first, and not the
last, he hoped.

He felt Hyunjin’s fingertips pressed against one of the cuts, drawing out more blood. He plunged
two fingers into Jeongin’s hole so suddenly that the redhead gasped at the sensation of being filled.

“Fucking slut,” Hyunjin added a third finger and pushed them in as deep as he could. “You’re not
even tight.”

Jeongin whimpered. He’d been used too many times to still be tight. “Please,” he begged.

Hyunjin pulled his fingers out of the younger’s loose hole, and placed his own hard cock at the
entrance. Agonizingly slow, he pushed the tip in, enjoying the whimpers and moans being released
from Jeongin’s mouth.

“Hyunjin, please!” Jeongin cried, thrusting his ass up and pushing Hyunjin’s cock deeper inside
him.

“So impatient,” Hyunjin shook his head, before thrusting all the way in and bottoming out.

“Oh yes, thank you!” Jeongin gripped the edge of the table tightly.

Keeping his slow pace, Hyunjin began to move his hips, feeling Jeongin’s hole clench around his
cock. He took the time to admire the red smears of blood on his ass, as though he’d been painted
red. His cock twitched at the sight and he couldn’t hold back anymore. He began pounding into
Jeongin’s ass, digging his nails into the redhead’s hips. He knew he was hitting Jeongin’s prostate
when the younger began to sob.

Jeongin cried out as his pain gave way to ecstasy. “So good, Hyunjin,” he sobbed. “So good!”

Hyunjin reached around took Jeongin’s cock into his hand, squeezing the length, and pressing his
fingers into the slit. “Come for me like the slut you are, Jeongin,” he panted, pulling out just
Jeongin squirted his load onto Hyunjin’s hand.

Hyunjin smiled at white mess on his hand and rubbed it over his own aching cock. He wasn’t
done. Once more, he ran his fingers over Jeongin’s bloody ass. The younger, still panting from his
orgasm, could barely register Hyunjin’s touch.

Hyunjin rubbed the blood onto his cock. He watched with satisfaction as Jeongin’s milky white
cum turned red when mixed with his blood.

“Get on your knees, Jeongin,” he commanded. This time his voice didn’t shake.

Jeongin felt weak, propping himself on his elbows, before managing to lift himself off the table.
He dropped down onto his knees with a thud, finding himself faced with Hyunjin’s bloody cock.
He looked up at Hyunjin, startled at his appearance. His plump lips were stained red and so were
his teeth, visible when he parted his lips to let out a breath. Dried smears of blood adorned parts of
his face. Jeongin took an odd pleasure in knowing it was his blood that decorated Hyunjin.

“I don’t think I need to tell you where my cock goes,” Hyunjin smirked.

For the first time that night, Jeongin hesitated. Sure, he’d tasted his own blood – like when he’d
accidentally cut his finger when cooking. His first instinct was to put his finger in his mouth. But
 he’d never tasted his blood like this.

He felt Hyunjin’s fingers tangle themselves in his hair. The tip of Hyunjin’s cock pressed against
his lips. Slowly, he parted them, bracing himself for the unknown taste.

Hyunjin closed his eyes as Jeongin took his cock into his mouth. Instantly, he wanted to come. But
no, not yet. He had the urge to make Jeongin taste himself. He gripped the red strands of hair
tightly between his fingers, forcing his cock in even further, not caring that Jeongin was gagging
around his length. His hands gripped Hyunjin’s thighs in a panic, relaxing when Hyunjin pulled
back slightly, allowing him to breathe. He began thrusting into his mouth, Jeongin’s moans
sending vibrations through his cock.

The bitter taste of cum mixed with the metallic taste of blood, made a sick feeling well up inside of
him, but Jeongin kept it at bay, moving his mouth at a steady pace, focusing on his task. Hyunjin
stopped moving and Jeongin closed his eyes as his mouth began to fill with Hyunjin’s cum. He
swallowed as more and more of the sticky substance entered his mouth, aware that he was
swallowing his blood along with it.

Chan watched with fascination as Hyunjin pushed Jeongin away. He threw himself onto the bed
and closed his eyes. Jeongin lay curled up on the floor, probably too tired to move.

“Well, the blood thing is new,” Sewoon remarked, arms draped over Chan's shoulders.

Chan shrugged and closed the laptop. “I think he’ll do. Jeongin seems okay with him.”

“He wasn’t too rough?” Sewoon raised an eyebrow.

“Nah,” Chan scoffed. “I’ve done worse to him. Jeongin can handle it."

Chapter End Notes

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I honestly didn't think anyone would be
interested
 Chapter 3
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

“I don’t know,” Jisung looked at Chan over his mug of coffee. “How do we know we can even
trust this Hyunjin guy?”

Chan looked at him sceptically. “Jisung, it’s not like we trusted you straight away either. You
know that there’s a trial period.”

The younger sighed and looked away. “I have a soft spot for Jeongin. And seeing what that
Hyunjin did to him –..."

“Yet you’ve done worse to Jeongin,” Chan raised his eyebrows. “We all have.”

“Yes,” Jisung closed his eyes, trying not to lose his patience. “But not on the first night with him.”

“You don’t know what my first night with Jeongin was like,” Chan muttered, before chugging
down the rest of his protein shake.

“What do you mean?” Jisung looked at him quizzically.

Chan bit his lip. He’d never told anyone about that night, and he didn’t intend on doing so. He
shook his head. “Nothing. I’m going up to check on them. You coming?”

Jisung shook his head. “Nah. I need to get home to feed Minho. But I’ll see you soon.” He checked
his watch and said a hurried goodbye to Chan before making his way to the front door.

“Hyunjin, wake up,” Chan gave the sleeping boy’s shoulder a pat before taking a seat on the chair
facing the bed. When the boy stirred, but soon started snoring again, Chan reached for the nearest
object - a pair of handcuffs, and chucked them onto Hyunjin.

Hyunjin groaned at the cold impact of the metal and sat up, rubbing his eyes. He blinked for a few
moments as he recalled the events of the night before. “Fuck, did I really…”

“Had fun?” Chan asked, drawing his attention.

Hyunjin shrugged, and pulled the covers closer, feeling uncomfortable under Chan’s gaze. Chan
fought back a laugh. If only Hyunjin knew just how much he’d seen – not just him, but his friends
as well. Hyunjin peered over the edge of the bed, remembering with a twinge of guilt that he’d left
Jeongin on the floor. To his surprise, the male wasn’t there any longer.

“He’s asleep in my bed,” Chan told Hyunjin, following his line of sight. “He’s fine.”

Hyunjin nodded in relief. “I’ve never…” He looked around at the room, evidence of his deeds
visible on some of the surfaces. He shivered. “I don’t know why I did it. I don’t… I don’t
understand. I don’t – I don’t do stuff like that.”

Chan nodded. “It’s normal to feel confused. But you were given an outlet, and you made use of it
the best way you could.”

Hyunjin looked down at his hands where remnants of dried blood had now turned brownish in
colour. “I can’t believe I hurt someone like that.”
“Why can’t you believe it?” Chan scoffed. “Because people say it’s wrong? Because you’ll go to
jail if you did that to some random stranger you found on the street?” Chan shook his head. “No,
Hyunjin. Don’t be afraid of any of that. You’ll find no judgement here.”

But Hyunjin couldn’t wrap his head around that. How could he not be judged for treating another
human being like a… like a dog – worse than a dog? “Is he okay?” he asked, his eyes wide.

“I told you,” Chan sighed. “Jeongin is fine. He’s had much worse. He loves having it much
worse.”

Hyunjin shook his head. “I’ll never understand that. How could he want something like that?”

“Because,” Chan stood up, “sometimes physical pain can provide a distraction from the mental
anguish you go through on a day to day basis.”

“He must be going through some fucked up shit if he needs that much pain to get through it,”
Hyunjin muttered.

Chan grimaced. “Maybe you can ask him about it some time.”

“Maybe,” Hyunjin nodded. He realized that there was bright light streaming through the gap in the
curtains. He wondered what the time was. He glanced at his pile of clothes on the floor. His phone
was in his jeans pocket yet he made no move to get it, not wanting to expose himself to Chan.
“Umm… what’s the time?” he asked Chan hesitantly.

Chan glanced at the watch on his wrist. “Just after twelve.” “W-what?” Hyunjin’s eyes widened.
“But I was supposed to start work with Jeongin and –..."

Chan chuckled. “Let’s just say I gave you both the day off. You hungry?”

Hyunjin narrowed his eyes. “Why are you being so nice?”

“I’m a nice guy,” Chan shrugged.

“Huh,” Hyunjin scoffed. “Right.”

“Really,” Chan smiled. “I think we could be friends.” Hyunjin sat back against the headboard,
processing the older male’s words.

Being his friend could be beneficial. “I am… kind of hungry,” he shrugged.

Chan nodded. “I’ll be downstairs.” Hyunjin was surprised to see Jeongin sitting at the table. He felt
immensely guilty for whatever happened the night before. He fidgeted with the back of the chair,
unsure what to do.

Jeongin swallowed his mouthful of cereal and looked at Hyunjin with raised eyebrows. “Why
aren’t you sitting?”

“Umm… okay,” Hyunjin took a seat on the chair furthest away.

“You weren’t so shy last night,” Jeongin observed, pushing the cereal box towards him.

“Look… I…” Hyunjin sighed. “I’m sorry.”

“No you’re not,” Jeongin laughed. “But that’s okay. You don’t have to be.”
Hyunjin’s eyes widened. “I – I really am s –..."

“No, Hyunjin,” Jeongin shook his head. “You’re not sorry. Because deep down you know you
don’t have to apologise for taking something that was given to you. Do you also apologise when
you get gifts for Christmas?”

Hyunjin tried to find a way to argue that point. “What I did wasn’t as simple as a Christmas gift. It
wasn’t… normal.”

“Normal,” Jeongin scoffed. “What is normal? Is it what you’ve been told by your parents and
teachers and the old lady who lives down the street?” he laughed. “No. Normal for us is what we
want it to be.”

“Us?” Hyunjin looked at him quizzically. ‘Who’s us? You and Chan?”

“Me, Chan, his friends…” Jeongin shrugged.

Hyunjin nodded. “I see. And are you and Chan… are you…?”

“Are we what?” Jeongin looked at him in confusion. “Like… dating?” Hyunjin asked, pouring
cereal into his bowl.

Jeongin shook his head. “Nope. He has a boyfriend though.”

“I don’t understand,” Hyunjin bit his lip. “Then who are you to him?”

Jeongin set down his spoon and sighed. “Just someone special.” Hyunjin was about to question
him further when he stood up. “Excuse me, Hyunjin,” he smiled. “I’m going upstairs to rest.”

“I-Is it bad?” Hyunjin asked, noticing his slight limp.

Jeongin leaned against the table. “Do you want the truth or the lie?”

Hyunjin tilted his head. “I won’t rest until I get the truth so you may as well tell me. Is it bad?”

Jeongin nodded. “It’s bad. It’s been a while since I’ve experienced anything like this. It hurts when
I move. It hurts when I don’t move. It hurts. A lot.”

Hyunjin opened his mouth to apologise again but Jeongin spoke first. “I like it, Hyunjin. I like how
it feels.” Hyunjin watched him limp out of the room, a sick feeling pooling in his stomach. I did
that. I did that to him. But that wasn’t what was causing his sickness. Rather, it was the fact that
Hyunjin wanted to do it again.

“They’re a bit big but they’re fine,” Hyunjin admitted after he’d showered and dressed in the
clothes Chan had given him.

Chan chuckled. “They belong to my boyfriend. He wouldn’t mind me lending them to you,” he
added after seeing Hyunjin’s worried expression.

“So umm…” Hyunjin fidgeted with the shirt. “I suppose I should get going.”

Chan grimaced. “Already? I was hoping you’d join my friend and I for a drink. He’ll be here
soon.”

“Oh…” Hyunjin licked his lower lip as he thought. “I don’t want to intrude.”
Chan gave him a wry smile. “If I thought you were intruding I wouldn’t be asking you to join us.”

“I don’t know,” Hyunjin hesitated.

“Hyunjin,” Chan shook his head. “You lack confidence.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” Hyunjin laughed.

Hyunjin sat on the couch, feeling anxious about meeting Chan’s friend. Chan had reassured him
that he was friendly – and to Hyunjin’s bafflement, he’d be bringing his cat with him. When
Hyunjin had told Chan about his cat allergy, the older male had simply laughed it off and told him
not to worry.

Hyunjin’s eyes widened when Chan walked into the living room followed by a younger looking
male. He had dark blue hair and when he smiled at Hyunjin, the puffiness of his cheeks was
instantly visible. Hyunjin immediately looked for the cat and his jaw dropped when he saw another
man following close behind them. He wore cat ears and there was unmistakably a collar fastened
around his neck. Hyunjin scratched his head in confusion. Is this the cat?

“Hyunjin,” Chan smiled. “This is Jisung.” The blue haired male held a hand out and Hyunjin
shook it, giving him a polite smile before retreating back to the couch. He watched with raised
eyebrows as the male sank down onto his knees beside Jisung who was seated on the couch
opposite Hyunjin. “This is my kitty cat, Minho,” Jisung told Hyunjin, his eyes filled with mischief
that scared Hyunjin. He reached down to run his fingers through Minho’s hair. Minho closed his
eyes and tilted his head into Jisung’s hand. “Pretty, isn’t he?” Jisung looked at Hyunjin
expectantly.

Hyunjin quickly nodded. “Very.” And he was. His eyes, strangely enough, were very cat-like. His
face was perfectly sculpted, so much so that Hyunjin questioned whether he was real.

Jisung kept his hands in Minho’s hair, the male now leaning against Jisung’s leg. “Minho,” Jisung
said his name firmly, yet gently. “Why don’t you say hello to Hyunjin?”

Hyunjin looked at Chan in alarm when Minho began to crawl towards him on all fours. Chan
simply gave him a reassuring smile which really wasn’t any help. Minho stopped at Hyunjin’s feet,
looking up at him with a smile. “H-hello,” Hyunjin said, his voice shaking. To his surprise, Minho
rubbed the side of his head against Hyunjin’s knee. Hesitantly, Hyunjin reached a hand out, placing
it on his head before gently moving it back and forth, smoothing down his hair.

“He likes that,” Jisung smiled in approval. “Minho,” he called, and the male immediately turned to
look at him. “You know how to say thank you to Hyunjin.”

Minho peered up at Hyunjin, fluttering his long eyelashes, his lips curving into a smirk as he
clambered onto the couch, straddling Hyunjin. Hyunjin looked over his shoulder at Jisung who
didn’t seem upset. What is going on? Hyunjin wondered. But he didn’t have time to ponder,
because Minho’s lips were already on his. Minho gave Hyunjin’s bottom lip small kitten licks,
before nipping at it gently. His hands found their way around Hyunjin’s neck, and the younger
noticed immediately that Minho’s nails were long. They dug into his skin, not hard enough for him
to feel pain, but enough for him to be aware of them. Hyunjin released a shaky breath and Minho
took the opportunity to let his tongue explore Hyunjin’s mouth. Hyunjin placed his hands around
Minho’s hips, supporting him as he leaned into the kiss, his breath hot and tinged with a hint of
cinnamon. It made Hyunjin want to taste more. He let out an involuntary moan when he felt
Minho’s bulge rubbing against his own. He tried to shift so their crotches would be a safe distance
from each other. But Minho didn’t seem to want that to happen. When Hyunjin moved, so did he. If
Hyunjin had doubts before, now he was absolutely sure that Minho was deliberately trying to get
him off – because Minho was now palming him. Was this his thank you? “Fuck,” he panted, as
Minho’s hand began to apply more pressure. He opened his eyes and found Chan and Jisung
staring at him. No – this is weird. I don’t want them to watch me. But he couldn’t bring himself to
stop Minho. It just feels so fucking good. He tried to hold back, but found it more difficult when
Minho leaned down and clamped his teeth on the exposed skin between Hyunjin’s neck and
shoulder. I’m going to come, he realized. I’m going to come in front of these people. He was filled
with an overwhelming sense of embarrassment as he released into his pants, the sticky substance
coating his skin. How desperate can I be? I let another stranger do this to me? And even worse, I
let strangers watch. Hyunjin had never felt more embarrassed.

“Let Hyunjin clean himself up,” Jisung told Minho, his tone one of amusement. Hyunjin couldn’t
even look any of them in the eye as he made his way to the bathroom.

“You did well,” Jisung placed a kiss on Minho’s lips when Hyunjin had left the room. His cat sat
on his lap, enjoying the sensation of Jisung’s fingers running through his hair.

“What do you think?” Chan asked, hopefully.

Jisung nodded. “Let’s introduce him to the others.”

“Tomorrow” Chan sighed. “He needs time to process everything that’s happened.”

Jisung and Minho left before Hyunjin could come back into the living room. Chan could still see
the embarrassment all over his face. “Would you like to go home?” he asked the trembling boy.

Hyunjin nodded. “Don’t really have a choice.” Chan noticed how he kept his eyes downcast.

“Do you really hate living with your mother?” Chan asked, tilting his head.

“I don’t think there’s an adjective to describe just how much it sickens me,” Hyunjin scoffed.

“Then don’t go back,” Chan said with a shrug of his shoulders.

Hyunjin looked at him incredulously. “Seriously?” he laughed. “Where do I go then?”

Chan bit his lip. It would be risky, but beneficial. He was sure that Hyunjin was going to be a
permanent part of their lives. He wasn’t making a mistake. “Jeongin has an extra bed in his
apartment,” he sighed. “He’ll be happy to let you have it.”

“You’re telling me to stay with Jeongin?” Hyunjin looked at him wide-eyed.

“I’m sorry that you had to wake up because of me,” Hyunjin apologised to Jeongin again. “It’s
fine,” Jeongin shrugged, limping into his apartment. “The thing about this kind of pain is that it
gets worse when you don’t move.”

He gestured to the space around them. “Living room, and the kitchen is there,” he pointed to the
right. “Bathroom on the left.” He pushed open a door. “This is our room.”

Hyunjin looked at him in confusion. “But Chan said…” Fuck. He said extra bed, not bedroom,
Hyunjin realized.
 “This one is mine,” Jeongin said, taking a seat on the bed. Hyunjin noticed that the right side of the
bedroom was completely bare.

“Did someone move out?” he asked.

Jeongin nodded. “Yeah.” He lifted his legs onto the bed. “I’m going to sleep a little more. These
painkillers…” Hyunjin nodded.”Sure.” He wondered if he should go by his mother’s house and
pick up his stuff. Maybe in a few hours… He wanted to avoid seeing her for as long as possible.

He sat on the bed opposite Jeongin’s, his eyes naturally drifting to the red headed male. He was
asleep on his stomach. His t-shirt had ridden up, revealing the bandages around his torso. Hyunjin
was pretty sure it was there because of him. He spotted a red tinge around the edge of the bandages
– blood. He wondered if it was fresh blood. His teeth sunk into his lower lip, as he willed himself
to stay put. Control yourself, Hyunjin.

He glanced at Jeongin’s face – his eyes were closed but he was breathing too evenly. He wasn’t
fully asleep yet.

It felt like a few hours had passed, but when Hyunjin checked the time, it had just been an hour.
Jeongin was emitting light snores, and Hyunjin was pretty sure he was asleep now.

He slowly slid off the bed, treading lightly on the wooden floorboards as he crossed over to
Jeongin’s bed. He stared at his face for a few more seconds before crouching down and lifting his
shirt slightly further up, getting a better view of the bandages. He smiled – definitely fresh blood.
Just how hard did I whip Jeongin last night? He licked his lips. He dragged a finger along the edge
of the bandage, but was frustrated when he realized that the material had already absorbed the
blood. He thought about giving up and just going back to his bed before Jeongin woke up and just
kicked him out of his apartment. But the urge was too strong. It’s right here. I can’t ignore it.

He slipped a finger under the bandage, slowly peeling it upwards, his eyes flickering to Jeongin’s
face to make sure he’s asleep. He smiled victoriously when he exposed the cut that ran along the
bottom of Jeongin’s back, just above the waistband of his sweatpants. He knew that if he applied
any sort of pressure to the wound, Jeongin would wake up. He gulped. As much as he’d love to run
his tongue over that cut, he couldn’t. He noticed a few blood stains on the skin around the wound.
Perfect. Jeongin’s skin tasted like a strange mixture of soap and blood. It felt hot under his tongue.
He watched in delight as the stains vanished from Jeongin’s milky skin as his tongue swept over
them.

“Hyunjin, if you want something, just ask for it,” Jeongin muttered, his eyes fluttering open.

Hyunjin immediately flinched away and stood up, but soon realized that Jeongin wasn’t upset. The
redhead simply propped himself up on his elbows, giving Hyunjin a questioning look.

“The thing is,” Hyunjin crouched down beside him again, “asking for it isn’t fun.”

Chapter End Notes

Thank you for reading <3 I'll update soon. And I made a Twitter account if anyone
wants to follow me. I'm @ StrayLilly
 Chapter 4
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Three times. Jeongin had been violated without his consent three times in total, and all three in
successive nights. One night after the other, he'd been subjected to unbearable pain – physical and
emotional. After the third night, he’d been sure it wouldn’t happen again.

Trying to shake off his dreadful memories, he glanced at Hyunjin who was cutting vegetables into
small chunks on the counter opposite him. Jeongin placed his hands around his mug of coffee,
sighing in contentment at the warmth that spread from his fingertips. “Sure you don't need help?”
Jeongin asked, observing the focused way in which Hyunjin went on with his task.

“I'm good,” Hyunjin shrugged, not meeting Jeongin's eyes as he switched the stove on. He hadn't
made eye contact with Jeongin since their conversation earlier.

“Hyunjin, if you want something, just ask for it,” Jeongin muttered, his eyes fluttering open.

“The thing is,” Hyunjin crouched down beside him again, “asking for it isn’t fun.”

Jeongin furrowed his brows. “Hyunjin, I'm giving you what you want.” If there was one thing
Jeongin prided himself on, it was being able to always satisfy the needs of those who used him. But
the way Hyunjin looked at him in disdain brought to the surface a range of emotions he hadn't
experienced in a while. After so long, he began to feel as though he wasn't good enough. Jeongin
bit his lip. “Am I not good enough for you?” he asked Hyunjin, who stood up and tilted his head.
“Just tell me how to give you what you want, Hyunjin.”

The older male sighed. “You're too obedient. You enjoy everything. You want to be used.” He
looked at Jeongin guiltily. “But it doesn't mean that I don't want you. It's just means that
sometimes I want someone less compliant.”

“About earlier…” Jeongin bit his lip.

Hyunjin paused, his back turned to Jeongin. “I know what I want isn't realistic,” he said, his voice
soft. “That's why I'm trying not to dwell on it. And you shouldn't either.”

Jeongin nodded. “I understand.”

“Good,” Hyunjin looked over his shoulder at the redhead, his lips curving into a smile before he
resumed cooking. Jeongin did feel a little better after hearing Hyunjin's words. But his need to
please Hyunjin hadn't passed.

“You wanted my blood back there, didn't you?” he probed, noting the way Hyunjin's shoulders
tensed. “You saw my blood through the bandages, didn't you?”

Hyunjin slowly nodded. “I'm disgusting, right?” he asked as he washed his hands.

Jeongin stood up and pulled his sweater over his head. He opened the drawer and pulled out a
medium sized knife, the shiny silver blade reflecting the dim kitchen light. With tentative
footsteps, he approached Hyunjin. Only when he took Hyunjin's hand into his own, did the taller
male turn around, his eyes widening at the sight of bare chested Jeongin.
Jeongin smiled as he placed the knife into Hyunjin's hand. “I know it's not as fun as it would be if I
wasn't so willing,” he acknowledged. “But I'm giving it to you. So please, take it.”

Hyunjin closed his fingers over the blue handle of the knife. He ran his finger over the jagged
silver, weighting how hard he'd have to press it against Jeongin's skin to draw out the blood that he
craved so badly.

“Your bed, please,” he told the younger, bringing a hand up to his cheek. “I'll be there in a minute.”

Jeongin nodded. “Okay.” Hyunjin waited for Jeongin to leave before leaning against the counter
and closing his eyes.

He breathed in and out, trying to count each shaky breath that left his mouth. He should be happy
about this opportunity. Chan had given him the chance to live with someone who would be at his
beck and call, someone who would gladly give Hyunjin what he wanted. But the problem with
being given something so freely, was the temptation to take more than you need.

Jeongin had lain down on the bed just as Hyunjin asked. With his eyes closed and his breaths slow
and even, he looked as though he was asleep. It was no wonder Hyunjin had thought he was asleep
earlier on.

“How are you so good at being still?” Hyunjin wondered out loud as he sat beside the redhead.

Jeongin's lips curved into a smile and he opened his eyes to look at Hyunjin. “Practice,” he
explained. “Chan doesn't like too much movement.”

Hyunjin nodded in understanding. He handed Jeongin the sweater he'd left in the kitchen. “Put it
back on,” he told the confused male. “It's cold. And I just need your hand.”

“Are you sure?” Jeongin asked, sitting up. He was ready to offer any part of his body. He needed
Hyunjin to know that.

“Just your arm,” Hyunjin repeated. He waited for Jeongin to put his sweater back on before pulling
up the sleeve of his left hand.

Hyunjin gasped when he saw the scars on Jeongin's wrists, thin stripes going all the way up his
arm. They were similar to Hyunjin's, except that Jeongin's were faded, each line telling a story of
his past. “We don't have to do it on your arm,” Hyunjin said quickly.

“No, it's okay,” Jeongin reassured him. “I don't mind. I don't hurt myself anymore. You hurting me
in the place I used to hurt myself will only remind me that it’s a place I don't want to revisit. So do
it.”

Hyunjin was doubtful and knew that he should refuse, but the craving that pushed to the surface
spurred him on. He pressed the knife against Jeongin's milky skin. He heard the redhead's sharp
intake of breath at the first rip in his skin.

A thin red line appeared. But it wasn't enough yet. Hyunjin traced the red line with the tip of the
knife, making sure the tear in his skin was opened up more. Out of the corner of his eye he saw
Jeongin tightly clutch the edge of the bed with his free hand.

Hyunjin caressed the younger’s thigh through his sweatpants, knowing it wasn't going to ease the
pain but hoping it would be some kind of comfort. He was momentarily distracted by the
realization that he wanted to comfort Jeongin at all. But at the sight of the blood, he pushed those
thoughts to the back of his mind.
He couldn't help but let out a hungry whimper when the first few drops of blood oozed out of the
cut, slowly gliding down his skin. He leaned down, his lips parted. He stuck his tongue out,
lapping up the drops of blood before they were wasted.

“Hyunjin,” Jeongin said softly, his fingers finding their way into Hyunjin's blonde locks. “You'll
be uncomfortable like that. You can lie down.” Hyunjin looked at Jeongin questioningly, his lips
tinged with red.

Jeongin shifted further up the bed, crossing his legs. Hyunjin nodded before lying down, his head
on Jeongin's lap. Jeongin let his arm hang limply next to Hyunjin, making sure it was in reach. He
stroked Hyunjin's hair as the older male latched his mouth onto Jeongin's bleeding hand.

Jeongin watched in fascination as Hyunjin licked the wound on his hand. As it began to dry up,
Hyunjin began to get more desperate, his teeth pressing into his skin as an attempt to make it bleed
again. Jeongin reached for the knife that lay discarded on the bed. “Here you go,” he said, gently
pressing the knife into Hyunjin's hand.

It took Hyunjin only a second to understand, and before the redhead knew it, the knife was cutting
his skin open again. He gulped as the familiar burning sensation clawed its way up his arm. So
good.

The heat from Hyunjin's tongue pressed against his skin as the older began licking again. He let
out a whine, like a dog that had been starved. “It's okay,” Jeongin soothed, running his fingers
through Hyunjin's hair. This served to encourage Hyunjin who moaned against his skin.

He was about to offer Hyunjin the knife again, when there was a knock on the apartment door. The
sound of wood echoed through the apartment and Hyunjin sat up, looking at Jeongin with fearful
eyes. “Jeongin, who…”

Jeongin pulled down his sleeve and slid off the bed. “It could be anyone,” he shrugged. “Don't
worry. It's alright.” He gave Hyunjin a smile before exiting the bedroom.

Hyunjin peered through the gap in the bedroom door, slightly curious and slightly annoyed at
having been interrupted. He watched as Jeongin opened the door to reveal… Oh. The pretty
freckled one. Felix, he recalled. He was accompanied by another dark haired male. Changbin, he
guessed.

When both males took turns to pull Jeongin in for a kiss, Hyunjin was taken aback. Then he
remembered that he wasn't the only one Chan shared Jeongin with. Jeongin blushed as he always
did under Changbin’s and Felix's adoring gazes.

“We just wanted to spend time with you,” Felix explained as Jeongin shut the door. “We know you
weren't feeling up to going out and about, so we figured we'd come to you.”

“And we brought your favourite cupcakes from that bakery you like,” Changbin smiled.

Jeongin smiled thankfully at them. Kind and caring Felix was normal, but kind and caring
Changbin was rare. He wondered if Changbin had ulterior motives.

“You weren't busy, were you?” Felix asked, following Changbin and taking a seat on the couch.

“Oh,” Jeongin bit his lip and looked towards his room. It was a general rule that he couldn't leave
something with someone unfinished. He was just going to tell them that he needed more time with
Hyunjin when the male appeared from the bedroom.
Although his mouth had been wiped clean, there was a slight red stain on his lips that could easily
be mistaken as lipbalm.

“Hello,” Hyunjin greeted their guests with a polite smile.

“Ah it's the pretty boy!” Felix said with an excited grin.

“So it's true,” Changbin smirked, his eyes on the TV. “You are living with Jeongin now.”

Hyunjin nodded, trying not to stare at Felix. Why is he so beautiful? “I'm going to finish cooking
dinner,” he told Jeongin who nodded and went to the couch where Felix and Changbin made space
between them.

Hyunjin hated that he had such a good view of them from the kitchen which opened out into the
living room area. He licked his lips noting the tight feminine blue blouse that Felix wore. He
wondered what it would be like to peel it off him. As if sensing his gaze, Felix turned his head to
look at him, and to Hyunjin's surprise, gave him a mischievous smile. Hyunjin quickly averted his
eyes, trying to focus on cooking. But he couldn't help wanting to look at Felix again. When he did
find the courage to lift his gaze, his jaw dropped.

Felix and Jeongin were engaged in a heated makeout session. Felix straddled Jeongin, his arms
around the redhead's neck. Hyunjin watched lustfully as their lips collided. Jeongin's hands traveled
under Felix's blouse, making Hyunjin scowl in envy. His lips latched onto Felix's neck and the
blonde let out a long drawn out moan which made Hyunjin’s pants become a bit tighter.

Jeongin nibbled on Felix's neck, causing the freckled boy to throw his head back. His pink lips
parted slightly. From behind the counter, Hyunjin began to palm his throbbing cock through his
pants, his lip clenched between his teeth to keep himself from making any noise.

“Pretty, isn't he?” Hyunjin heard a whisper in his ear and jumped when he realized that Changbin
was beside him. Embarrassed, he quickly removed his hand from his crotch, like a child who had
been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

Changbin clicked his tongue. “You didn't have to stop on my account,” he chided. “I don't mind
you watching. Just… don't touch.”

Hyunjin looked at him with wide eyes. “I – I wouldn't…”

“Oh, but you want to,” Changbin chuckled.

Hyunjin ignored him and focused his attention on the stove.

“I actually don't mind sharing Felix,” Changbin admitted, leaning against the counter. “I just have
one condition. And I don't think it's one you'd accept.”

“And what's that condition?” Hyunjin asked, annoyed at Changbin's teasing.

Changbin licked his lower lip and leaned towards Hyunjin. “If you want to fuck my Felix, let me
fuck you first.”

“What?” Hyunjin raised his eyebrows, shocked by Changbin’s words. “I – I don’t… That’s not…
No. No, I can’t do that.” Hyunjin felt offended by the condition Changbin had set out. He was
always the one who did the fucking – but he’d never been fucked, and he didn’t want to be.

“Well then,” Changbin shrugged. “I guess you can’t do that either.” He gestured with a tilt of his
head to Felix and Jeongin.

“Felix, baby,” Changbin sighed. “Why are you looking at me like that?” “You want Hyunjin, don’t
you?” Felix pouted. “You’ve wanted him ever since you saw him in that video Chan sent us.”

“You know I do,” Changbin frowned. “So why are you asking?”

Felix drew invisible lines on Changbin’s chest. “Do you… do you think he’s prettier than me?”

“Lix,” Changbin ran his fingers through his sleek blonde strands before gripping onto the ends and
forcing Felix to look up at him. “I keep telling you that no one is more beautiful than you are.”

Felix closed his eyes and whimpered, loving the feeling of having his hair pulled. “Changbin…”

“You’ll help me get him, won’t you?” Changbin asked, placing a soft kiss on the blonde’s neck.
“Won’t you, Lixie?”

Felix nodded eagerly. “Anything for you, Changbin.”

“Promise, my love?” Changbin asked, nipping at his collar bone.

Felix let out a breathy moan. “I p-promise, Binnie,” he stammered, as Changbin sucked on his skin.

“Such a good baby,” Changbin purred, pulling Felix in for a kiss, as though it would seal the
younger’s promise.

His Felix was really beautiful. And his beauty served more than one purpose to Changbin.
Changbin loved beautiful things and just having the pleasure of calling Felix his, made him feel
good. But Felix also served to draw others in for Changbin, and that was his real value.

He glanced at the sleeping male on his left side. It was a stranger they’d picked up at a bar. “Is he
asleep?” Felix asked.

“Yes, finally,” Changbin sighed. “It would have been nice if he was awake though.” He clicked his
tongue. This one had given them too much trouble.

“I’ll be downstairs if you need me,” Felix said, slipping out of bed. “Enjoy it, Binnie.”

“I always do,” Changbin smiled at the blonde who exited their bedroom. He then turned his
attention to the unconscious male. “Now, what do I do with you?” he smirked.

“I know what Changbin asked you to do,” Jeongin said, observing Hyunjin as he played around
with the food on his plate.

“Yeah?” Hyunjin raised his eyebrows. “Well, I suppose his condition was easy for you. You just
beg to be fucked.”

A year ago, Jeongin would have felt offended by Hyunjin’s comment. But now the words did
nothing to him. He was used to those words, and had been called worse. In fact, he rather liked it.
“You’re not the first one who showed so much resistance to that condition,” Jeongin laughed. “But
they all give in sooner or later. Felix is quite something…”
 “I’m not giving in,” Hyunjin shrugged stubbornly.

“If you need help…” Jeongin trailed off, looking at him knowingly.

“Help with what?” Hyunjin looked at him with furrowed brows.

Jeongin cleared his throat. “Changbin won’t care whether it’s your first time or not. It won’t be
pretty.”

“But I just said I’m not giving in,” Hyunjin scoffed. “Anyway, what are you even offering?”

“I’m offering to fuck you,” Jeongin said simply, swallowing his mouthful of stirfry. “I’m kind of
gentle, I’ve been told.”

“W-what?” Hyunjin looked at him in confusion. “You…?”

“Is it really a surprise?” Jeongin gave him a wry smile. “I do whatever I’m told to do, Hyunjin. So
if someone asks me to fuck them, I do it.”

Hyunjin took a few seconds to process Jeongin’s words before shaking his head. “Nah, I’m good. I
don’t need Felix that badly.”

“Okay then,” Jeongin sighed. “But that’s what they all say.”

Chapter End Notes

Hi everyone. Thank you so so much for reading. I know I haven't been updating a lot
but things have been difficult. I appreciate all the kudos and comments <3
Twitter - @ StrayLilly
 Chapter 5
Chapter Summary

I needed some Hyunlix and Hyunin...

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

“You know you didn’t have to come with me, right?” Hyunjin raised an eyebrow as Chan jumped
out of the car.

“I wanted to,” Chan shrugged. “Besides, how did you plan on getting all your stuff to Jeongin’s
apartment by yourself?”

Hyunjin didn’t answer, but instead tried to figure out, once again, why Chan was being so nice. He
walked up the path to the house, only just realizing that his mother’s car wasn’t in the garage.
“She’s not home,” he told Chan, halting in his tracks.

“You don’t have a key?” Chan looked at him quizzically.

Hyunjin shook his head. “I didn’t take the spare key when I left that night. We can come back
another time,” he sighed. “Unless you know how to pick a lock?”

Chan chuckled. “I do, actually. But I don’t think I have to,” he prodded the door with his foot and
it swung open.

Hyunjin gaped. “She went out without locking the door.”

“She went out without even closing it,” Chan corrected, following Hyunjin in.

And Hyunjin suddenly wasn’t surprised. He could smell the alcohol as soon as he entered the
living room. From the wine glasses and empty bottles of liquor he could tell straight away that
she’d had company – the wrong kind. “She promised she wouldn’t,” he shook his head sadly,
looking at the mess around him.

“Nothing you can do,” Chan whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder and guiding him towards
the staircase.

Hyunjin paused on the second stair. “Maybe this is a bad idea,” he said, turning to look at Chan. “I
mean, how can I leave her in this state?”

“So you would rather babysit her?” Chan asked skeptically. “Are you sure you can live like that?”

“I…” Hyunjin sighed. “It’s my responsibility, isn’t it? As her son…”

“No,” Chan disagreed. “It’s her responsibility as your mother to take care of you. But I don’t see
her doing that, Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin nodded. “You’re right.”

It took three trips to the car before Hyunjin had moved all of his things out of the house. He took
one last look at the house before buckling his seatbelt. He glanced at Chan who had his eyes on his
cellphone. “Why are you so desperate to have me move in with Jeongin?” he asked, finally feeling
brave enough to ask what had been nagging him for the past few hours.

“I’m just trying to help you,” Chan shrugged, starting the car engine and pulling out of the
driveway.

“No,” Hyunjin looked at him stubbornly. “Look, I know it seems like I’m naïve and in a lot of
ways, I am, but not about this. So tell me the truth. What do you want from me?”

Chan’s lips curved into a smile. “Clever boy, Hyunjin,” he chuckled. “What I want from you…” he
hummed. “I want you to be there for Jeongin.”

Hyunjin narrowed his eyes. “That’s it?”

“That’s it,” Chan shrugged, looking at him so that he would see his sincerity. “Jaemin and Jeongin
were quite close. Now that he’s gone, Jeongin has been lonely. I could just see him slipping away
from me – from all of us. And none of us want to lose him.”

Hyunjin shook his head. “It’s hard to believe that you actually care about him. I mean, how can I
be his friend and use him the way you let me?”

“Hyunjin,” Chan sighed in exasperation. “How many times do I have to tell you that Jeongin
enjoys it?”

“Then why can’t you be his friend?” Hyunjin scoffed.

“I can’t be,” Chan shook his head. “I don’t want to be. I own Jeongin. I can’t own him and be his
friend at the same time.”

“How can you own a person?” Hyunjin muttered, looking out of the window.

“The same way you own any object,” Chan patiently explained. “You buy it.”

“So you… you bought Jeongin?” Hyunjin looked at him in surprise. “But then… But then why
does he have a job? I mean if you pay him…”

“Jeongin and I have a certain arrangement,” Chan explained. “I don’t pay him. But I do pay for
something important to him. Perhaps he’ll tell you in the future.”

“So you really own him?” Hyunjin’s eyes widened.

“Yes,” Chan nodded. “He signed a contract.”

Hyunjin felt as though he was having an information overload again. He thought about the concept
of owning someone – of owning Jeongin. “How far am I allowed to go with Jeongin?” he enquired,
hoping not to sound too excited.

Chan frowned. “Don’t break him. Literally, don’t break him. I draw the line at broken bones.”

“Oh,” Hyunjin couldn’t keep the disappointment out of his voice.

“Broken bones are a bit difficult to explain to doctors,” Chan explained, noting his disappointment.
“I realized it after the first few times.”
Hyunjin was puzzled. “I don’t understand it,” he groaned. “I don’t have a problem with what you
do to Jeongin, but I don’t understand you. It’s like you care for him, but at the same time you
don’t.”

“Think of it this way,” Chan sighed. “He’s a precious object because he serves me well. But at the
end of the day, he is an object. And I can’t have feelings for an object, can I?”

“You can’t,” Hyunjin agreed, finally understanding.

“Just remember my condition,” Chan nodded. “If you fail to befriend Jeongin, you’ll never see any
of us again.” He glanced at Hyunjin. “Understand?”

What Hyunjin understood, was that it was a threat, and that he’d need to do as Chan says. It was as
though he’d stepped into a world he never knew existed. And it was too soon to leave.

“You’re just taking orders today,” Jeongin explained as Hyunjin smoothed down the collar of his
green uniform shirt.

“What will you be doing?” Hyunjin asked, checking his reflection in the mirror.

“Deliveries,” Jeongin smiled, holding up the key for his bike.

Hyunjin watched him leave the restroom, and steeled himself for his first day of work.

The other staff members didn’t speak much to him. In fact, they only ever spoke to him when he
did something wrong. Jeongin had warned him about this. They believed that he and Jeongin were
favoured by Chan. And they weren’t wrong. Chan had let them go to work two hours later than
they were supposed to today. He wasn’t exactly subtle with his favouritism. But the staff had little
to complain about. For a pizzeria, the staff was paid very well. It kept them happy, and their
mouths sealed.

He had only been working for an hour when an unexpected sight appeared behind the glass
windows of the restaurant. His orange hair shone brightly in the sun, swept back in neat layers. He
gave Hyunjin a shy smile as he stepped into the restaurant.

“Felix, hi,” Hyunjin blushed at how strange and high pitched his voice had suddenly become.

“Hi, Hyunjin,” Felix giggled.

Hyunjin took in the shorter male’s outfit. He looked adorable in his pink woolen sweater and plain
blue jeans. “You look umm…” Hyunjin felt heat creep into his cheeks. “You look cute today.”

“Just today?” Felix pouted, placing his arms on the counter between them.

“No no,” Hyunjin shook his head quickly. “You look cute every day,” he reddened. “I mean, I
don’t see you every day but you look cute when I see you, umm, not that I wouldn’t like to see you
every day,” he stumbled over his words. Then, realizing what he’d just said, he looked away,
muttering, “Well, fuck.”

“You’re the cutest,” Felix giggled, placing a hand on Hyunjin’s cheek which warmed at the touch.

“Ah,” Hyunjin looked away, unable to find an appropriate response. “Umm, are you here for
Jeongin?”
Felix pulled his hand back and gave Hyunjin a mischievous smile. “Would it disappoint you if I
said yes?”

Hyunjin bit his lip, and leaned forward, trying to regain his confidence. “You know it would.”

“Well, then,” Felix said softly, peering up at Hyunjin, “I hope this helps. I came here for both you
and Jeongin.”

“I guess that’s better than nothing,” Hyunjin laughed. “Jeongin isn’t here though.”

“I see,” Felix said, looking around, his eyes finally settling on Hyunjin. “Then you can tell him on
my behalf. We’re all having dinner at mine and Changbin’s home. You should be there by 6,” he
smiled.

Hyunjin raised his eyebrows. “You live with him?”

Felix gave Hyunjin a wry smile. “I just invited you to dinner and you’re asking me about my living
arrangements? Very rude, Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin shrugged. “Can’t blame me for being jealous.”

“It’s quite flattering, actually,” Felix winked. “So we’ll see you later?”

“And if I don’t want to?” Hyunjin raised his eyebrows.

“Then don’t,” Felix said simply. “Although, I really wish you would,” he peered at Hyunjin from
beneath his eyelashes, his pink lips pulled into a pout.

Hyunjin licked his lips. “I’ll be there.”

“Good,” Felix smiled again, his eyes telling a tale of mischief.

Hyunjin listened to the sound of the shower being turned on in the bathroom. He closed his eyes
and laid his head down on the pillow, the sound of the water lulling him to sleep. He still had some
time before he and Jeongin were expected at Changbin’s and Felix’s home. A nap wouldn’t hurt.
He turned onto his side, cursing at having forgotten his phone on his chest.

He watched as his phone disappeared in the narrow space between the wall and his bed. Too lazy
to move the whole bed, he slipped his hand into the dark crevice, attempting to reach his phone. He
breathed a sigh of relief when his hand closed around it, but was surprised to see something else
that he’d brought back with it.

He observed the two boys in the polaroid. Jeongin was smiling brightly, his cheeks pink, no doubt
because the other boy had an arm around Jeongin’s waist and his lips pressed to Jeongin’s cheek.
Hyunjin turned the polaroid over and stared. In neat handwriting was written ‘Jeongin’ and
‘Jaemin’, their names connected by a heart and beneath their names, in an untidy scrawl was added
‘1st anniversary’.

Hyunjin chewed on his nails as he watched Jeongin style his hair in front of their mirror.
“Jeongin?”
“Hm?” Jeongin hummed, running his fingers through his hair.

“Did Jaemin live here with you?” Hyunjin asked, trying not to give away anything.

There was a pause in which a wave of emotion passed over Jeongin’s face, only to be replaced with
a rigid smile. “He did,” Jeongin nodded. “How did you find out?”

Hyunjin ignored his question. “But I thought he used to live in the house my mom bought.”

“He did,” Jeongin said as he applied eyeliner, “for a while. But like you, he decided he was better
off away from there.”

“So you both were good friends?” Hyunjin questioned.

Jeongin turned around and narrowed his eyes at Hyunjin. “Why all the questions about Jaemin?”

Because I think that you both were more than just friends, Hyunjin wanted to say. “Just curious,”
he shook his head.

“We should go,” Jeongin stood up. “The car Changbin sent to pick us up should be here by now.”

Jeongin was silent for their entire journey. Hyunjin could have kicked himself for bringing up
something that upset him. If Chan thought he and Jeongin weren’t getting along…

He silently shook his head and stared out of the window. Chan wanted him to be some kind of
replacement for Jaemin, so he’d have to befriend Jeongin somehow. He just didn’t understand how
to go about doing it, especially if Jaemin was more than just a friend to Jeongin.

He watched enviously as Felix kissed Jeongin in welcome.

“Nice of you to join us,” Felix winked at Hyunjin as he led the two of them inside. The house was
definitely homelier than Chan’s. It was easy to tell that it was inhabited by a couple. It was
decorated in bright colours and framed photographs of the couple hung on the walls. It was almost
like a museum dedicated to their relationship.

“Changbin will be home from work in an hour or so,” Felix explained as he led them to the living
room.

“In an hour or so?” Hyunjin raised an eyebrow. “Then why did you say that dinner was at six? We
wouldn’t have bothered you this early if we knew…”

Felix giggled. “I said that you should be here at six – not that dinner would be at six. No one else
is here yet.”

“So why us?” Hyunjin asked wearily.

“You,” Felix smiled. “Just you.” He threw Jeongin a glance, before fixing his eyes on Hyunjin
once more. Hyunjin felt a small hand slide into his own, and felt himself being drawn away from
the living room.

Hyunjin watched Felix move around the kitchen, tossing various ingredients into a pan. “Can you
cook?” Felix asked over his shoulder.

“A little,” Hyunjin admitted. “I’m not very good at it.”

Felix set him a few tasks, and he began to wonder exactly why he had been summoned an hour
earlier to dinner. “Why am I here?” he wondered out loud. “Why am I here right now?”

Felix toyed with the spoon in his hand and shot Hyunjin a nervous glance. “Because there’s
something I’ve been dying to do,” he sighed. “I’m just such a coward. I don’t know if I can.”

“What is it?” Hyunjin asked curiously.

Felix approached him tentatively, his eyes flickering between Hyunjin and the floor. It made
Hyunjin smile to see Felix’s hands trembling as he got closer. His usual confidence had been
stripped away, and it was a sight that he adored.

“What is that you want to do?” Hyunjin asked again, even though the lustful look in Felix’s eyes
held all the answers he needed. He just couldn’t be sure. He couldn’t understand why Felix would
want him when he had Changbin.

He inhaled sharply, too shocked to move away when Felix brushed his lips across Hyunjin’s, his
arms hooked around Hyunjin’s neck.

“I’m sorry,” Felix whispered against his lips, although his tone said that he was anything but sorry.
“I just couldn’t resist.”

There was only so much Hyunjin could take. How many times had he imagined having Felix?
Touching him, kissing him, feeling him…

He leaned in, taking control of the next kiss and forcing open willing lips with his tongue. Felix
sucked on his tongue, forcing a moan out of Hyunjin’s mouth and his grip to tighten on Felix’s hips
as he pulled him closer. He needed more of him.

Apparently Felix knew that, because he was the first to tear his lips away. He looked Hyunjin in
the eye, held his gaze for a heartbeat, then dropped to his knees on the kitchen floor. He roughly
shucked Hyunjin’s pants down to the tops of his thighs.

“Fuck,” Hyunjin muttered, bracing himself against the counter.

He moaned as the ginger-headed male wrapped his pink lips around the head of his erection. How
could he say no to that? To everything he ever wanted in front of him? Not even a saint would have
the strength, and Hyunjin was no saint.

He felt lips wrap hesitantly around his shaft and he ran his fingers gently over Felix’s hair. His
tongue traced a vein on his shaft, and Hyunjin shuddered. It was like waking up in a dream,
watching that mouth explore his cock. Felix was slow but thorough, taking his time to learn every
inch of him with his lips and tongue before sucking lightly – too lightly.

“Fuck,” Hyunjin swore. “Felix, please.”

Felix moaned around his cock and sucked harder, taking in more of him. Hyunjin felt the tug all the
way up his spine and watched Felix’s lips stretch around him. He gripped the strands of the other
male’s hair tightly between his fingers, throwing his head back and lifting his hips in a plea for
more.

He cursed himself for opening his eyes, because now he was taking in the sight of Felix struggling
to swallow him whole, tears leaking from his eyes as his cock hit the back of his throat. And that
sight was too much for him.
 Felix closed his eyes as soon as he got the first taste of Hyunjin’s cock. It wasn’t the worst taste,
but it wasn’t the best either. Of course, he wouldn’t let that show.

He felt rewarded when he heard Hyunjin murmur a string of curses. It was through Changbin that
he’d learned how to drive a man crazy enough that they’d be willing to take anything for him. He
knew exactly how hard he should suck, knew how Hyunjin would love to feel his throat tighten
around his shaft as he swallowed. He knew how much he should struggle, he knew how many
tears would be enough. He knew what to do with his tongue and how firmly he should grip the
base with his fingers so the tension would build and intensify.

He felt Hyunjin’s hands clench harder in his hair and his hips thrust forward helplessly. “Fuck, it’s
so good. I can’t –”

Hyunjin made a strangled sound and Felix took a breath, relaxing his throat, knowing what he
needed. He lifted both his hands to the other’s hips as Hyunjin thrust his way to climax between his
lips.

Felix heard the strained whimper and tasted salt as Hyunjin’s release filled his mouth. He
swallowed it with a deep groan, making sure to lap up every drop. The taste wasn’t pleasant but
he’d pretend that it was the most delicious substance he’d ever had. He licked Hyunjin’s cock
clean, fascinated that he was already starting to harden again.

Felix was pleased with himself. He did well. Changbin will be happy.

With trembling hands, Hyunjin buttoned his pants and watched as Felix stood up. He ran his
tongue over his bottom lip collecting some of the white substance that had dribbled out of his
mouth.

“Felix,” Hyunjin began. “This…”

“Ssh,” Felix placed a finger over Hyunjin’s lips, silencing him. “Changbin doesn’t have to know
about this,” he said in a whisper.

Hyunjin felt some relief at his words. Although he still wasn’t sure how he was going to face
Changbin at dinner.

“But Hyunjin,” Felix toyed with the buttons on Hyunjin’s now untucked shirt, “I really want more
of you,” he said, peering up at him from under his eyelashes.

Hyunjin took slow breaths, trying to compose himself. Felix’s cheeks were flushed pink and his
lips were swollen. There were tear stains on his cheeks and he looked beautiful.

“I want you inside of me, Hyunjin,” Felix said, his voice edged with desperation, his fingers
gripping tightly onto his shirt. “But Changbin…” Felix looked away. “You know what he wants to
do to you first…”

“I – I know,” Hyunjin ran his fingers through his hair, feeling frustrated. “But Felix, I can’t – I –
That’s not something I…”

He faltered after seeing Felix’s lips form a pout, his eyes filled with disappointment.

“I’ll think about it,” Hyunjin whispered.

“Jeongin,” Chan smiled and stood up, pecking Jeongin on the lips before gesturing to an empty
chair beside him. “To everyone who has yet to meet him,” Chan smiled at the other dinner guests,
“this is Hwang Hyunjin – our newest… friend,” he emphasized the last bit.

“Hi,” Hyunjin raised his hand in greeting, giving them all a wary smile.

“Nice to see you again, Hyunjin,” Changbin tilted his head, his eyes appraising Hyunjin and
making the younger male shift his feet uncomfortably.

“Yeah, it is,” Jisung agreed with a grin. He gestured to the seat next to him. “Please sit.”

“Hyunjin,” Chan smiled at the male that Felix had just ushered into the room. “This is my
boyfriend, Sewoon.” Sewoon greeted Chan with a brush of his fingers along Chan's jaw.

But what made Hyunjin truly uncomfortable was the stare from the male who sat across from him.
He wore glasses and had chocolate brown hair. He made no effort to smile or greet Hyunjin. He
simply stared, the look in his eyes seeming to be somewhat hostile.

“Seungmin, you haven’t introduced yourself. You’re being rude,” Changbin scolded, an eyebrow
raised.

“What are you going to do about it?” Seungmin scowled at Changbin who chuckled and shook his
head.

“Don’t mind him,” Changbin rolled his eyes. “He’s naturally grumpy.”

“Shall we eat?” Felix asked, gesturing to the food on the table. He gave Hyunjin a wink before
pushing a plate towards him.

Hyunjin was about to serve himself when he noticed something strange. Jisung had two plates in
front of him. He placed food onto one of the plates, and Hyunjin furrowed his brows when he
lowered the plate below the table.

Hyunjin gasped. Because there on the floor, unnoticed, was Minho. He had two furry black cat ears
clipped to his hair. They matched his black sweater and… Hyunjin raised his eyebrows. He was
wearing a short skirt which revealed his muscular thighs. Interesting.

He watched in fascination as Minho eyed the plate that was placed on the ground beside him. He
unwrapped his body from around Jisung’s legs and on all fours, he made his way to the plate.
Hyunjin was astounded when he began eating from the plate, as a cat would, with small nibbles
and licks.

Hyunjin looked at the other guests to gauge their reactions, but they were all conversing with each
other and neither of them batted an eyelid in Minho’s direction. Jisung himself had already begun
eating his own dinner. Perhaps sensing Hyunjin’s stare, Jisung turned to look at him questioningly.
“Why are you surprised?” he asked with a low chuckle. “I did tell you he’s my kitty,” he teased.

Hyunjin blushed. “I just didn’t think you meant it so literally.” He watched with his jaw slightly
lowered as Minho nuzzled Jisung’s leg, catching the other’s attention.

“Ah,” Jisung clicked his tongue and shook his head, but he had a smile playing on his lips.
“Come,” he told Minho.

The cat-like male obeyed, clambering onto Jisung’s lap. He smiled at Jisung, and Hyunjin couldn’t
help but notice the gravy stains smeared across his lips and some on his cheeks. He was a messy
eater. The sight awakened a feral urge within Hyunjin. He remembered how Minho had felt
pressed against his crotch. His pants began to tighten at the memory. He stared at his plate and
tried to count his breaths, hoping to calm his body down. But the little mewls escaping from
Minho’s mouth wasn’t helping. He lifted his gaze to the couple and had to stifle his own moan
when he saw Jisung lick a long stripe across Minho’s face. Someone else would have probably
found it disgusting but watching Jisung lick off the stains on Minho's face had awoken something
primal and needy inside Hyunjin.

“Fuck,” Hyunjin muttered under his breath. He glanced behind him. A large double door led to
what looked like a balcony. He would have excused himself but he didn’t think anyone was
actually paying attention.

He clutched the balcony rails tightly, his knuckles white. His eyes closed, he lifted his head, letting
the cool breeze envelope him.

He was only made aware that he wasn’t alone when he heard the other person let out a soft sigh.
He opened his eyes to see who else had needed fresh air and was surprised to see the hostile male
who had been seated opposite him – Seungmin. He stood too close now. If it had been any of the
others, Hyunjin wouldn’t have minded, but this one made his skin prickle.

“Too hot in there?” the male asked, his voice edged with sarcasm.

Hyunjin hung his head in shame as though the other male could read his mind. “I just… It’s all just
new.”

“You mean, it’s all a bit strange,” Seungmin laughed, but there was no warmth in his laughter.

Hyunjin shrugged in response, hoping to get rid of him. “Yeah, I guess.”

“Which part is the strangest?” Seungmin questioned, obviously not wanting to leave.

“I wasn’t aware that we were close enough to confide in each other,” Hyunjin shook his head and
looked away.

“I beg to differ,” Seungmin smirked. “How much closer would you like to be?”

He really was standing too close for comfort, their elbows touching. Hyunjin took a hasty step
back, choosing to lean against the wall instead. “What do you want?” he asked Seungmin. He
knew enough to understand the difference between someone who made conversation for the sake
of it, and someone who has a purpose behind their words.

Seungmin bristled. “You don’t trust me?” he asked in mock offence. “You were quick to trust the
rest of them.”

Hyunjin narrowed his eyes. “Was that a mistake?”

“The thing about mistakes,” Seungmin sighed, “is that we can’t call them mistakes until they
happen.”

“Do you always talk in riddles?” Hyunjin rolled his eyes.

“Listen,” Seungmin looked at him grimly. “You don’t trust me and that’s good. That’s probably
the smartest thing you’ve done since you found Jaemin’s invitation.” He looked at Hyunjin as he
cleaned the lenses of his glasses with the sleeve of his sweater. “I just want to help you.”
“First you tell me not to trust you, and then you offer me your help,” Hyunjin snorted. He turned to
go back inside but a hand closed over his wrist.

“Wait,” Seungmin said, his voice as firm as his grip. He slipped a piece of paper into Hyunjin’s
jacket pocket. “Call me when you finally figure out that you need help,” he shook his head before
letting go off Hyunjin’s wrist.

“He’s a bit strange, isn’t he?” Hyunjin asked.

Jeongin lifted his gaze to where Hyunjin lay on his bed staring at the ceiling. He closed his
textbook. “Who are you talking about?”

Hyunjin sat up and frowned. “That… Seungmin.”

“Well…” Jeongin thought about it. “He likes keeping to himself. But I wouldn’t call that strange.”

Hyunjin hummed. “Do you and him… do you both…?”

Jeongin chuckled. “He fucks me sometimes, Hyunjin. Sometimes he likes being the one fucked.”

Hyunjin shook his head and gave the younger a wry smile. “Sometimes your innocent face makes
me forget what you really are.”

“Speaking of innocent faces…” Jeongin cleared his throat. “Felix called me this morning. He
wanted to know if you and I would like to come over for coffee sometime this week.”

Hyunjin groaned. He’d somehow managed to get through the whole week without giving in and
accepting Changbin’s offer. If he saw Felix again, and they ended up having another session in the
kitchen, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to refuse Changbin.

He stared at Jeongin who was scrawling something in his notebook.

“I can feel you staring,” Jeongin murmured without looking up.

“Does it hurt a lot?” Hyunjin asked, biting his lip.

“What?” Jeongin furrowed his brows.

Hyunjin shrugged. “You know… being fucked.”

“I can show you,” Jeongin smiled and swung his legs over the bed.

“No, no,” Hyunjin said quickly, eyeing the male who was walking towards him.

“It’s not bad,” Jeongin reassured him. “Just… let me show you.” He brushed a stray strand of hair
away from Hyunjin’s eyes. “You don’t have to be so scared.”

“I am not scared,” Hyunjin scoffed.

Jeongin laughed. “You are, but it’s alright.”

“I’m not scared,” Hyunjin denied his accusation.

“Then let me fuck you,” Jeongin shrugged. Ignoring Hyunjin’s protests, he rummaged in his
drawer to find the bottle of lube before settling down on the bed.

“Jeongin, no,” Hyunjin said firmly, shifting away from him.

“I’ll just use my fingers,” Jeongin sighed, wiggling his fingers in front of his face.

Hyunjin hesitated. “Will that… hurt less?”

“It’s going to feel good,” Jeongin rolled his eyes. “Just trust me on this. I can’t bear to see you
pining over Felix anymore. So let me get you ready for when Changbin finally fucks you.”

“I don’t pine over Felix,” Hyunjin scowled.

“You say his name in your sleep,” Jeongin looked at him skeptically.

Hyunjin hesitated, eyeing the bottle of lube. “What do you need me to do?”

“First,” Jeongin stood up, “take off your clothes.”

“All of my clothes?” Hyunjin raised his eyebrows.

Jeongin nodded, waiting for him to strip. Hyunjin took longer than usual, and Jeongin could tell he
was trying to delay the process.

“You weren’t slow to take off your clothes when it was you fucking me,” Jeongin shook his head
impatiently.

“I was just excited,” Hyunjin argued, undoing the buttons on his jeans.

Jeongin swatted his hands away, deftly undoing the remaining button and unzipping his jeans. He
looked at the surprised expression on Hyunjin’s face and shrugged. “I’m just helping.”

Hyunjin scowled but pushed his jeans down to his ankles. Jeongin could see the tension in his
shoulders. It won’t work like that.

“Relax, Hyunjin,” he placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’re going to like it.”

“If I don’t…” Hyunjin glanced at him.

“I’ll stop if you want me to,” Jeongin nodded.

He used his fingers to trace the crevices on Hyunjin’s bare chest, feeling his muscles tighten as he
moved lower. He leaned forward, surprising Hyunjin with a kiss on his neck. “Relax,” he
whispered again, nipping on his neck.

He trailed his fingers lower, finding the waistband of Hyunjin’s boxers. He slipped his boxers
down to his ankles. He cupped his ass and heard a whimper from the taller male. For a few
seconds, he just massaged his cheeks, letting Hyunjin grow accustomed to his touch.

“On the bed, on your stomach,” Jeongin finally instructed.

Settling behind Hyunjin, he took in the beautiful sight of the male, posed with his face pressed into
the pillow, his hips lifted in the air, his body shivering despite the intense heat in the room.

He spread the cheeks of Hyunjin’s ass with his thumbs, and without warning he dipped down and
licked the tight ring of muscles.
“Jeongin?” Hyunjin’s voice was soft. Stunned. “Are you – oh god.”

Jeongin squeezed the flesh in his hands as he flicked his tongue over the sensitive skin, Hyunjin’s
surprised moans spurring him on. His hips tilted instinctively, unconsciously begging for more.

So Jeongin gave him more. He pushed his tongue inside and was rewarded with a shout that echoes
off their bedroom walls.

“Fuck!” Hyunjin was rocking helplessly against Jeongin’s mouth. “Fuck, Jeongin, I’ve never – this
– I didn’t know it would feel…”

But Jeongin could feel how much he liked it. He could hear it in the sounds Hyunjin was making.

“Oh god,” Hyunjin was muttering. “It shouldn’t feel so good. Why is it so good?”

Jeongin swirled his tongue around Hyunjin’s tight hole, eliciting a high pitched moan from the
other. “More,” Hyunjin panted. “Deeper, please.”

Jeongin thrust his tongue deep once, twice, then lifted his mouth and grabbed for the lube. He
tipped it over watched the thick liquid run between Hyunjin’s cheeks.

Hyunjin was swearing, his body practically vibrating with desire. “Why’d you stop?” he groaned.

“Just giving you what you want, Hyunjin,” Jeongin smirked. “You said you wanted it deeper,
right?” He reached around Hyunjin, taking his cock with his free hand. Hyunjin moaned, pressing
his face into the pillow.

Jeongin slowly eased one finger past the tight ring of muscles. “You’re so tight,” he murmured
when Hyunjin let out a ragged breath. He pushed in, massaging him in a way he knew would make
him want more. “Talk to me, Hyunjin,” he stroked his cock in time to the slow thrusts of his finger.
“What are you feeling?”

But Hyunjin only let out a strangled moan.

“No, I need to hear you speak,” Jeongin sighed. “Or should I stop?”

“What? No!” Hyunjin spoke up, his voice filled with frustration and need. “Don’t stop. I like it.
No. Fuck. I love it.”

“Told you that you would,” Jeongin leaned forward and nipped the back of his shoulder.

“Fuck you,” Hyunjin panted. “Or fuck me. I need more. Fuck me.”

Jeongin’s own cock twitched in response to that, but he knew Hyunjin wasn’t ready. “You don’t
know what you’re asking for,” he muttered. “But I’ll give you a hint.”

He pulled out and then added a second finger to the first, gritting his teeth at the slow insertion and
the snug fit.

Hyunjin let out a shout and dug his fingers into the sheets. “Jeongin – too much. I can’t –”

“See?” Jeongin chuckled. “You think it’s too much now. Can you imagine…?” He rubbed
Hyunjin’s prostrate with the tips of his fingers, unable to stop himself from soothing the pressure,
unable to deny Hyunjin his pleasure.

“Oh fuck!” Hyunjin whimpered. Jeongin felt Hyunjin’s own hand cover his where it gripped his
 cock, increasing the rhythm and force of the strokes. “Need… to come…” Hyunjin panted between
strokes.

Hyunjin pushed back against Jeongin’s fingers, begging. “Please, Jeongin, need –”

Jeongin sank his fingers deeper into his hot, tight hole and heard Hyunjin’s moaning getting louder
with every thrust. A dark thread of satisfaction wrapped around him, the way it always did when he
was able to please someone.

Hyunjin let out a loud cry when he came in Jeongin’s hand. Jeongin could feel the muscle
contractions crushing his fingers with the force of the orgasm and how hard Hyunjin was shaking
from it. Ignoring his own burning needs, he slowed down and then stopped.

Hyunjin collapsed onto the bed and rolled onto his back with a groan. After wiping his hands on a
towel, Jeongin lay down next to him. “How are you feeling?”

Hyunjin shook his head. “I -…” He closed his eyes. “I shouldn’t have let you do that.”

“You enjoyed it,” Jeongin frowned.

“Yeah but now…” Hyunjin sighed. “Now I’m weak and pathetic like you.”

“Bottoming doesn’t make you weak,” Jeongin argued, ignoring the insult like he’d trained himself
to do.

“It does!” Hyunjin shouted sitting up and wincing. “There’s a reason I never wanted to. Now I’m
just like you.”

“Hyunjin,” Jeongin sighed. “Listen…”

“No,” Hyunjin slid off the bed and looked down at Jeongin. “Get up. It’s my turn.”

Chapter End Notes

Thank you for reading <3 your comments and kudos mean the world to me...
 Chapter 6
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Hyunjin sat at the edge of the bed, observing the trembling boy who kneeled before him. The cold
draft from the open window engulfed them. Hyunjin wasn’t bothered by it, but Jeongin who was
bare bodied, shivered.

He’d been kneeling for a few minutes now. All Hyunjin had done was stare at him. It’s not that
Hyunjin didn’t want to do anything to him. He did. The problem was that Jeongin would enjoy
everything he gave him. And he didn’t want the younger to enjoy anything. He wanted him to
suffer.

In all honesty, Jeongin had done nothing wrong. But he needed to be punished anyway. Hyunjin
knew that his reasoning wasn’t sound, but he needed someone to blame for his weakness and
Jeongin just happened to be conveniently nearby.

He stood up and walked over to his closet, zipping open his gym bag to get what he needed.
Walking briskly to the other, he lightly touched his red strands of hair, before grasping onto the
ends tightly. This elicited a gasp of pain from Jeongin. “Come,” Hyunjin told him. The redhead
furrowed his brows in confusion and looked up at Hyunjin.

Hyunjin gestured to the bedroom door before tugging on Jeongin’s hair and leading him out of the
bedroom. His grip on Jeongin’s hair firm, he led him into the bathroom, and shoved him into the
shower.

“Let’s see how much you enjoy this,” the corner of his mouth lifted into a smug smile.

Jeongin looked at him in trepidation, his hands wrapped around his body, his feet shifting
nervously on the tiled shower floor.

Hyunjin took one end of the jump rope and tied it around the showerhead. The other end, he used to
tie Jeongin’s wrists behind his back. He made sure that the rope cut tightly into his skin, before
securing it with a knot. And then he turned the shower on.

He was rewarded with a shriek from Jeongin who wasn’t expecting the rush of cold water to hit
him. “Stay on your feet,” was all Hyunjin said before leaving.

He took his time cooking dinner, cutting the vegetables evenly, and sipping on a beer while he
cooked. He could hear the constant spray of water from the bathroom. It made him smile. He was
tempted to check the state of the younger male, but he wanted him to be alone for a while.

He ate dinner by himself, the sound of the water and the spluttering coughs from Jeongin satisfying
him more than the food was.

“Stupid slut,” Hyunjin clicked his tongue at the sight of Jeongin. Tied up, trying to keep himself
upright, his eyes battling to stay open, he looked truly pathetic. “You know,” Hyunjin chuckled, “if
you weren’t such a pain slut I wouldn’t have had to do this to you.”

Hyunjin turned off the water. “Still enjoying yourself? Still willing to take everything I give you?”
he asked as he removed his own clothing.
Jeongin’s eyelids fluttered as he tried to focus his eyes on Hyunjin. He opened his mouth to speak,
but nothing but a soft whimper came through.

“I can’t hear you,” Hyunjin growled, stepping into the shower and turning on the water again, this
time at a warmer temperature. Jeongin’s hair was plastered to his face. His red hair dye mixed with
the water that swirled around his feet, and Hyunjin wished that it was blood instead. “I said,” he
gripped Jeongin’s hair and tilted his head back, baring his throat, “I can’t hear you.”

Jeongin could hear the faint echo of Hyunjin’s voice. His body felt numb. He couldn’t feel his
fingers. He couldn’t feel his toes. He would have been glad for the sudden rise in the temperature
of the water, but his body had gone past the state of feeling cold. He just wanted to sleep. He tried
to respond to Hyunjin’s question, but his vocal cords wouldn’t obey him.

“Fine,” Hyunjin growled, unhappy with the lack of response. He clamped his mouth over Jeongin’s
throat, pressing his teeth into his skin, only pulling back when he was sure he’d left indentations.
Roughly, he gripped Jeongin’s shoulders and turned him around, slamming him against the wall.

With his faced pressed against the tiles, Jeongin felt the sharp edge of a knife press into his upper
back, the tip pricking his skin like a needle. There was a slight sting, starting at one point, and then
moving across in a jagged line. He suspected that it should have been more painful than it actually
felt. But being under the cold water for so long had dulled his senses to the point that they were
almost completely shut off.

Hyunjin watched with dilated pupils, as a red line slowly appeared on Jeongin’s back, between his
shoulders. He felt the hunger building up in him quickly. The next cut was faster, managed in one
swift movement of the blade. Jeongin didn’t flinch. Hyunjin didn’t mind. He didn’t care about
punishing him now. He just wanted to satisfy his own hunger.

Fat drops of blood mixed with warm drops of water dripped down the younger male’s back.
Hyunjin couldn’t resist any longer. He gripped Jeongin’s hips as his tongue lapped up the blood
hungrily. He wasn’t going to let any of it go to waste. His tongue made wild motions across
Jeongin’s back, determined to catch every scarlet drop before it dripped to the floor.

Panting, and his bloodlust satisfied, Hyunjin stroked his hardened length. He turned Jeongin
around, ignoring that the male was close to falling unconscious, his feet struggling to keep him
upright.

“Since you can’t stand,” Hyunjin sneered as he cut the end of the rope tied to the showerhead,
“let’s get you onto your knees.”

He didn’t have to push hard on his shoulders. Without the rope holding him upright, Jeongin’s legs
easily gave way and the redhead fell to the floor. He kept his head bowed, his legs sprawled
beneath him.

Hyunjin gripped the slippery strands of hair between his fingers and tilted his head back. Another
whimper escaped from between his lips, this one weaker than the last. “You disgust me,” Hyunjin
spat. “You’re nothing but a slut – a whore for anyone who wants to use you. And you know what?”
he asked, twisting the strands of hair in his hand. “You’re not even good at it.”

He tilted his head unsure as to whether Jeongin could even hear him. “Open your mouth.”

Jeongin made a weak attempt to obey, and Hyunjin growled in annoyance. “Fuck it,” he murmured,
before prying open Jeongin’s mouth with his hands. Only when it was wide enough, did he push
the head of his cock inside.
Hyunjin let Jeongin’s mouth close over his cock, pushing it further in until it reached the back of
his throat. His grip on Jeongin’s hair firm, he eased his hips back before grabbing Jeongin’s head
and slamming in hard. He began to shake, losing himself in the pleasure that spread from his groin,
through the rest of his body. Unable to feel or hear anything, his heart pounded and blood rushed
through his ears as the pleasure grew and surged. He slammed in, harder and faster, needing more.

Jeongin’s eyes widened at the pain of Hyunjin’s cock crashing into the back of his throat. He
choked as his throat was assaulted over and over, without mercy. He whined when Hyunjin’s
fingers began ripping out hairs, his grip getting tighter as he cried out. When his hips stiffened to a
halt, and his body shuddered, Jeongin felt the sticky substance shoot into his mouth and down his
throat. Hyunjin’s cock was pushed far inside, blocking his airway. All he could do was look up at
Hyunjin through teary eyes as the disgusting taste kept filling his mouth.

When Hyunjin yanked back, Jeongin coughed with force, expelling saliva, and cum that his body
had rejected. Hyunjin pulled him back to his feet, a look of disgust on his face. “See how pathetic
you are,” he shook his head, holding Jeongin up by his hair. “You can’t even swallow what I give
you.”

He smeared the cum from Jeongin’s face onto two of his fingers, before thrusting them into
Jeongin’s mouth. “Swallow,” he commanded. “Be a good bitch, Jeongin.”

Jeongin sucked weakly on Hyunjin’s fingers, trying to collect all of the cum onto his tongue. He
forced himself to swallow the substance, even though his throat burned.

Hyunjin cut the rope from his wrists, with one swift movement of his knife. He carried Jeongin in
his arms, but the way he looked at him was anything but intimate. He set Jeongin down on the bed,
haphazardly throwing a blanket over him.

Jeongin heard his footsteps fade away, and the front door creaking open, before being pulled shut.
He was gone.

He felt hot tears roll down his cheeks and onto his pillow. He was disappointed in himself, because
for the first time in a long time he had been tempted to say ‘stop’. Even though he hadn’t actually
said it to Hyunjin, the word had been on the tip of his tongue, and he hated himself for it. He was
supposed to take everything they gave him. He was supposed to obey at all costs. He was supposed
to be whatever they wanted him to be.

Three Years Ago

This was supposed to be easy. He was dressed well, he thought. He wore the tightest jeans he
could find, and he left the first few buttons of his shirt undone. He’d even worn eyeliner. He knew
which street corner to go to. He’d heard all about it. But the way the others were looking at him
made him uneasy. A middle aged woman sauntered over with the sway of her hips.

“Who do you work for?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.

Jeongin shook his head. “No one. Just… myself I guess.”

She laughed. “You can’t get clients that way,” she told him. “Look,” she pointed to a group, “they
work for Sejun, but we,” she gestured to herself and two others, “we work for Kai.”

Jeongin shrugged, not knowing what to say. “Umm…”

“Clients, especially the big ones, want to know that they have someone to complain to when they
aren’t satisfied,” she explained. “I can introduce you to Kai…”
“Don’t listen to her,” a boy dressed in a hoodie and jeans appeared next to Jeongin. “You want
big money, I know someone who can help.” Jeongin looked at him hesitantly. He did need money –
a lot of it.

Jeongin didn’t know what model the car was, but he could tell that it was expensive. The surface
was smooth, black and glistening. The wheels crunched softly against the tarred road. The dark
windows were tinted black. The boy led him across the street to where the car came to a halt. The
back window rolled down to reveal a middle aged man, streaks of grey running through his jet
black hair. He nodded his head in greeting to the boy, before his gaze turned to Jeongin.

“Looks young,” he drawled, an eyebrow raised.

“Eighteen,” the boy reassured him, showing him Jeongin’s ID card. “He just looks younger. He’ll
fetch a good price because of that.”

The man nodded in agreement. “I’ll deposit your payment tonight,” he told the boy. “You did
well.” He turned to Jeongin. “Come.”

The lack of light on the ground floor and the absence of any other people besides the man, and
himself, made the apartment building appear to be abandoned. Not for the first time that night, he
questioned whether this was too big of a risk. He’d just driven across town with a stranger, and
now he was following that stranger into an abandoned building. A strange feeling of foreboding
followed him as he climbed the staircase, and a chilling shiver ran down his spine. Only when he
turned onto the second set of stairs did he notice the light that shone where the stairs ended. Not an
abandoned building then, he thought in relief.

The corridor was well-lit. They passed several shut doors until stopping at one that was slightly
ajar. The man pushed open the door to reveal a simple setting – a double bed with white sheets,
surrounded by four grey wallpapered walls. The wall on the left side of the bed had a huge mirror,
almost spanning the length of the wall. There was no other furniture in the room.

While the man strode inside the room, Jeongin stayed put outside. The man looked at him, not
unkindly. “Come in, dear,” he sighed. “We have much to discuss.”

Jeongin sat at the edge of the bed, vaguely aware of how sterile the room smelled, almost like a
hospital. “How desperate are you for money?” the man asked as he paced the length of the room.

Jeongin thought about it. It was a matter of life and death. Had it been his life, he wouldn’t even
have considered doing something like this. But it wasn’t his life at stake. “I’ll do anything.”

“Then you need to understand a few things,” the man went on. “Once you agree to our terms,
there is nothing that we can’t do to you. The word ‘no’ must be completely eradicated from your
vocabulary. You cannot refuse anything.”

“I’ll do anything,” Jeongin repeated, looking at the man with a determined look in his eyes.

“I can’t do it,” was the first thing Hyunjin said when Chan opened his door. “I can’t do the whole
friendship thing with Jeongin.”

Chan observed the droplets of sweat trickling down his neck and onto his already wet sweatshirt.
“Come in,” he said, standing aside for the panting male. “Did you run all the way here?”

“Just a jog,” Hyunjin shrugged, running his fingers through his sweaty blonde hair. He followed
Chan into the living room, but stopped in his tracks. Sewoon lay on one couch, a glass of wine in
his hand. Seungmin was sprawled in an armchair. Both looked at him in surprise.

“Hyunjin,” Sewoon smiled. “This is a surprise.”

Seungmin simply stared.

Hyunjin wrung his hands nervously when Chan took a seat beside Sewoon. “Umm, maybe this
isn’t a good time.”

Chan shook his head. “You can speak freely around them,” he reassured Hyunjin. “Take a seat and
tell me why you can’t be friends with Jeongin.”

All three looked at Hyunjin expectantly, and he balked under their gazes. He hadn’t expected that
he’d have to answer to three people. He’d hoped that Chan would have been alone – that he would
have somehow convinced him to withdraw his condition, and that he would be okay with Hyunjin
unable to do as he requested.

“The way I treat him,” Hyunjin gulped. “The way I treated him today…” He took a deep breath
and they patiently waited for him to go on. “You know what I was like on my first night with him,”
he stared down at the carpet. “I think I did something worse today,” he admitted. “And I don’t
think he’ll want to be my friend because of it.”

Only the slight shift in Chan’s posture gave away that Hyunjin’s confession disturbed him.
“Hyunjin,” he said carefully. “Is Jeongin terribly hurt?”

Hyunjin shook his head. “I – No – I don’t think… I don’t know,” he stumbled over his words.
“There aren’t any broken bones,” he added and Chan visibly relaxed. “He’s maybe just… a little
cold. And mentally… maybe not so good.”

Chan nodded, before whispering something in Sewoon’s ear. Sewoon hummed in response, tilting
his head back to drain the rest of his glass. He was on his feet soon after.

“Sewoon is just going to spend some time with Jeongin,” Chan explained.

Sewoon quickly waved goodbye to Hyunjin and Seungmin before leaving.

“If you want me to move out…” Hyunjin began.

“No,” Chan frowned. “There is hope for you, Hyunjin.”

“I don’t see it,” Hyunjin scoffed. “I’m telling you, I can’t do it. Why do you keep insisting that I
can?”

“Because I understand your impulses,” Chan answered. “I understand your need to be in control, to
use, to cause destruction. And Jeongin has the ability to tame that side of you, to an extent. But you
need to let him.”

Hyunjin looked away. Chan had described his needs exactly as they are, yet he disagreed that
Jeongin would be of any help.

“It’s my fault,” Chan sighed. “I should have been more helpful to you. I just wanted you to learn on
your own. But I see now that it was a bad idea.”

Hyunjin slumped back in his seat. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“I’m not,” Chan smiled. “Why don’t you stay here for a few hours?” he suggested. “Or stay the
night – whichever you prefer. Just take a break from being around Jeongin.”

Hyunjin nodded. “I could do that.”

“Great,” Chan stood up. “Seungmin and I…” he glanced at the brown haired boy. “We have a date.
“Join us?”

“Huh?” Hyunjin raised his eyebrows in surprise.

When Chan began leading them upstairs, Hyunjin realized just what kind of date it was going to be.
The dark room was familiar. The slightest bit of light shone through the lights in the ceiling,
making sure that everything was visible, but not too bright.

Chan gestured to the armchair in the corner of the room. “Sit, Hyunjin. Observe. Have fun,” the
corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk.

Hyunjin took a seat in the comfortable leather chair, wondering what kind of show he was about to
watch.

Chan walked up to a dresser set against the playroom’s wall. He opened the third drawer to retrieve
what he’d planned on using. “Undress yourself,” he commanded, leaving the items on a side table.

Hyunjin watched curiously as Chan made his way to the corner of the room. He reached behind
the curtain, pulling forward a long red rope that Hyunjin observed was connected to an iron ring on
the ceiling. Looking around the room, he realized that there were long coils of rope in all four
corners.

Chan ran the rope through his hands to make sure it was still smooth. He always kept his supplies
in good condition, clean and treated. This rope felt supple and soft between his fingertips. He knew
its strength and was confident it would work well on Seungmin. This wasn’t their first time after
all.

When he lifted his gaze he was glad to see Seungmin bare-bodied, his clothes folded neatly on the
floor. He glanced at Hyunjin who clutched the armrests tightly, his eyes on Seungmin’s body.
Chan could understand. Under the plaid and soft woolen cardigans the boy always wore, it was
difficult to imagine that his body would be so toned, every muscle defined. He placed his hands on
Seungmin’s shoulders, massaging the tension out of them, before placing a kiss on his neck.

Hyunjin knew immediately, that what Seungmin and Chan were about to do was a lot tamer than
what he did with Jeongin. For one, Chan was discussing at length what his plan was. He also
reminded Seungmin that he was free to withdraw whenever he wanted to. He doesn’t own
Seungmin like he owns Jeongin , Hyunjin realized.

He watched intently as Chan walked around Seungmin and began his work. Despite Chan busying
himself with twisting and tying the ropes around Seungmin’s body, Hyunjin was surprised and
uncomfortable to see Seungmin’s eyes fixed on him. He was tempted to make some remark about
it, but thought it better to keep his mouth shut.

The red rope coiled around Seungmin’s limbs, knots forming under Chan’s deft fingers. He
watched closely as Chan wrapped the rope around Seungmin’s chest, around his shoulders, around
his thighs, creating a secure cradle. When Chan gave a tug on the rope to check its sturdiness,
Seungmin finally shifted his gaze away from Hyunjin, letting out a small gasp.

Chan retrieved something from the side table. He dangled the chain from his fingers showing it to
Seungmin who nodded, licking his lips at the sight of clamps. “Good boy,” Chan murmured, and
the two clamps bit down on Seungmin’s nipples.

Seungmin arched his body in agony, a whimper escaping from between his lips. Chan relished the
sight of the clamps biting down onto the other male’s sensitive skin. What made it even better was
the heavy chain that made sure that there was a constant tug on his nipples.

Hyunjin watched as Chan hoisted one of the ropes and Seungmin allowed his arms to be raised. He
pulled harder on another set of ropes, until Seungmin’s feet were off the ground. Chan smiled
looked at the boy in awe. Restrained, helpless, floating above the floor, it was a terrific sight. But
while Chan admired the view, Hyunjin’s mind had drifted elsewhere.

He wondered what it would be like to hoist Seungmin high up – as high as he could go. He
wondered how it would feel releasing the ropes and watching him crash down onto the floor.
Would he hear the crack of his bones? Would he hear the squelch of his body when it impacted
with the floor? Would there be blood? Would he scream? Would he cry out for help? Or would it
be too fast? Would a single fall kill him? Or would he have to hoist him up into the air and bring
him down crashing again and again and again, smashing his pretty face into the floor?

Chan glanced at Hyunjin, concerned. From the tent that had appeared in his jeans, he seemed to be
aroused, but his eyes were glazed over as he looked at Seungmin. He seemed a million miles away.
Chan was tempted to call out to him, but refrained from doing so. This was Seungmin’s time.

Chan removed his shirt first, more because of the heat radiating from the room, rather than a need
to be bare. He ran a hand down Seungmin’s spine. In response, the male arched his back, choking
out a cry because he had momentarily forgotten the weight pulling down on his nipples.

Chan was glad to see a reaction. Seungmin was one you really had to work to get any kind of
response. He kept a lot hidden, but Chan had learned to read the tension in his muscles, and the
changes in his breathing. He’d learned how to get the reactions he wanted.

Hyunjin licked his lips at Chan’s perfectly sculpted body. He longed to paint red the crevices
between his abs – to use his body like an artist uses a canvas. He longed to trace each line with a
sharp knife, to slowly cut through his skin, removing each layer one at a time.

Chan yanked his hand back and spanked Seungmin on his ass, sending him swinging forward on
the ropes. Seungmin bit down on his lower lip to stop himself from making any noise. There was
another crack as Chan’s hand met Seungmin’s reddening skin. This time, the male couldn’t help
but let out a whimper.

Despite his attention being focused on Seungmin, Chan was vaguely aware of Hyunjin who was
leaning forward in his armchair, like a predator watching his prey.

With every spank Chan gave him, Seungmin’s cock twitched, and Hyunjin wondered if the boy
could come just from being tied and spanked. Chan gripped the knot that held the ropes tied
together around Seungmin’s hips, and spanked harder. He spanked one cheek and immediately
backhanded the other. “Yes!” Seungmin cried out, earning another spank from Chan. This one had
so much force in it that Seungmin’s dangling body had begun to twirl around.

Hyunjin’s lips curved into a smile. Chan was strong. It was always more fun making the strong
ones realize just how weak-minded they really are. He didn’t care much for frail boys who did as
they were told.

Chan reached out to steady the boy, holding his body in place. Once Seungmin dangled in place in
front of him, Chan knew it was time. His cock was aching.

He unzipped his jeans, and pulled down his boxers. He reached for the condom, tearing the packet
open, before slipping the plastic onto his length. Seungmin’s body had begun to tense at the sound.

“Relax,” Chan clicked his tongue, and Seungmin obeyed, taking deep breaths.

He squirted some lube onto his fingers, spreading Seungmin’s cheeks, before teasing the rim of his
puckering pink hole with a finger. He eased the finger in, followed by a second, pressing deep and
curling firmly, before abruptly pulling out. Seungmin moaned at the loss, but sucked in a breath
when the head of Chan’s cock, prodded his cheeks.

He used a slow push, unhurried, feeling the younger male’s hole stretch further around him. Once
he was buried deep inside Seungmin’s ass, he could reach around his torso. He swiftly released the
nipple clamps, eliciting a cry from Seungmin as the chain fell to the floor. His body arched again,
and his hips thrust back, burying Chan’s cock even further inside him. Chan waited a few seconds
before moving, aware that the pain of release was far worse than the pain of the biting clamp.

He curved his body over Seungmin’s, his feet planted firmly on the ground as he began to thrust
into the younger male. Seungmin let out frustrated moans as he tried to rock back onto Chan’s
cock, but the harness wouldn’t let him take control. Instead, his body, dangling from the rope,
moved back and forth as Chan began to pound into him.

Hyunjin’s erection had begun to ache, threatening to explode from the thoughts that ravaged his
mind. He closed his eyes, listening to the sounds of slippery flesh, harsh groans and moans of
pleasure. He traced his length through his pants, imagining what it would be like to bend Chan
over and fuck him until his ass was raw and bleeding.

Chan dug his nails into Seungmin’s hips, holding him in place as he felt hot cum shoot into the
condom, coating his cock. He was about to reach around for Seungmin’s cock to help him release,
but thought better of it. The boy was shaking, his body so tightly wound, his eyes glazed over. He
was bound to come any second now.

Just as Chan predicted, the moment he pulled out of his hole, Seungmin let out a shivering cry.
Strings of white had begun to shoot out of his cock, splattering the floor with his release. Chan
stood back and watched as cum mingled with sweat dripped off Seungmin’s body and onto the
floor. It was messy, but it was the way he liked it.

Chan took a moment to roll the condom off his cock, tying the end and throwing it aside. He took
another look at Seungmin, admiring his handiwork, before yanking the rigging and dropping his
legs so that they were on the ground again. But Chan knew that it would be a few hours before
Seungmin was able to walk, let alone stand on two feet. He placed an arm around him, before
freeing his arms and letting them fall limply to his sides. With every unwind of the rope which had
pressed into skin, Seungmin moaned in agony. When he was free of all the ropes, Chan carried
Seungmin in his arms, to the unused bed to lay him beneath the covers.

When Seungmin had drifted off, Chan turned to Hyunjin. He found himself staring straight into the
blonde’s eyes. He was no longer seated in the armchair. He stood against the wall, his hands in his
pockets, his eyes vigilant.

“I need to go,” he said, his voice hoarse.

Chan frowned. “But I said you could stay –”

 “That’s not a good idea,” Hyunjin shook his head. “Trust me.”

“But –” Chan didn’t have time to argue. Hyunjin was already making his way out of the room. “I
just want to help you,” he muttered.

When Hyunjin was gone, he hopped onto the table, sitting down and taking a minute to catch his
breath. He reached for his cellphone, eager to check on Sewoon and Jeongin.

There was a single text from Sewoon.

Can we have a talk about Hyunjin?

Chapter End Notes

It's been a while, and I'm sorry. I've just been really busy with work and studying. I
hope this was alright <3
 Chapter 7
Chapter Notes

Hyunlix....
This chapter is relatively tame

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Jeongin remembered it clearly – the first night. It had been brutal, painful and unforeseen. When he
signed the agreement, he knew he was going to be in a lot of pain, but he had never imagined the
true extent of it.

“Before you sign,” the man had said, “I need to make sure that you understand the implications of
your signature.”

“I told you,” Jeongin sighed, his fingers digging into the edge of the bed that he’d been idly sitting
on for the past hour. “I’ll do anything for the money – anything at all.”

The elderly man observed him with a tilt of his head. “You understand that no matter how loudly
you scream for it to stop, no matter what you say, no matter how much you beg, the decision to
stop does not lie with you? You won’t have a say in anything. You won’t have a choice .”

Jeongin gulped. He was about to sign away his free will. From then on, his life wouldn’t be his
anymore. It had already been explained that everything – from his attire, to his mannerisms, to his
diet and the simplest of things like the way he walked – would all be determined by someone else –
some stranger who would buy him.

“I understand.”

“Jeongin, do you understand?”

Jeongin could barely hear him, and his eyes refused to stay open. He was just so cold. He wanted
to sleep.

“Jeongin, you need to listen,” Sewoon said firmly, a hand on his cheek.

Jeongin dug his fingers into the sheets, forcing his eyes to open and focus on the older male.

“I need you to tell me whether you’re uncomfortable with Hyunjin. Do you want him to stop?”

It’s not my choice , Jeongin reminded himself, before weakly shaking his head.

Sewoon sighed. “Jeongin, look what he’s done…”

“It’s okay,” Jeongin murmured. It is okay. He had to do his job. He had to make Chan happy. And
anyway, Hyunjin wasn’t that bad. He had a softer side to him. Jeongin just needed to find it.
There was a knock on the front door and Sewoon immediately stood up. “Took him long enough,”
he muttered as he rushed to open the door. He looked at Chan in disapproval.

“How’s Jeongin?”

Sewoon gestured to Jeongin’s room. “Go on.” He took a seat on the couch while he waited. Chan
returned a few minutes later with a sullen expression on his face.

“Hyunjin just lost control for a while,” he sighed, taking a seat beside his boyfriend.

“ Lost control for a while ?” Sewoon gaped. “Chan, he has no control!”

“He just needs to learn,” Chan frowned. “He’s not going to immediately learn –”

“Learn how to be a decent human being?” Sewoon scowled. “That isn’t something that should be
learned. You either are one or you’re not.”

Chan shook his head. “You’re being too harsh.”

“I’m being perfectly fucking reasonable,” Sewoon argued, his eyes reflecting his anger. “I’ve been
understanding of everything you’ve done to Jeongin, and your… lifestyle. But nothing you’ve ever
done comes close to how Hyunjin treats him.”

Chan placed an arm around Sewoon's shoulders, trying to calm him down. “Just give me some
time,” he pleaded. “I can help Hyunjin. Do you know what I see when I look at him?” he
questioned, and Sewoon shook his head. “I see what I could have been if I didn’t have help.”

“You could’ve never…” Sewoon disagreed. “You know what I see when I look at Hyunjin? I see a
monster. And to be honest, he reminds me a lot of Changbin.”

“That is an unfair comment,” Chan raised an eyebrow at the mention of one of his best friends.

“How is it unfair?” Sewoon scoffed, shrugging off Chan’s arm. “You and I both know what he
does.”

“Why are we discussing this?” Chan rolled his eyes. “He told me he stopped. And I believe him.”

“And that makes you a fool,” Sewoon drew away from him, an angry glare in his eyes. He pulled
out his phone and began scrolling through the articles he’d saved. He pushed the phone into Chan’s
hands. “Look. Missing persons reports. All in the last few months.”

“I’m not discussing this,” Chan shoved the phone back. “He said he stopped and I trust my best
friend.”

“You’re in denial!” Sewoon ran his fingers through his hair in exasperation. “You know it’s him!
And can you just imagine those two – Changbin and Hyunjin – together ?” he laughed
sarcastically. “What a great pair they’d make…”

“Changbin,” Felix peered into the bedroom, a panicked look in his eyes. “It’s Hyunjin. He’s
outside.”

“Fuck,” Changbin muttered, jumping out of bed, exposing the bloody sheets. “I’ll take a quick
shower. Make sure he’s comfortable. Keep him downstairs.”
Felix gave him a smile. “Of course, Binnie.”

He raced downstairs, pressing a few buttons to let Hyunjin through the gates. When he opened the
door, Hyunjin was already striding up to him. He noted the expected sharp intake of breath from
the taller boy as he eyed him. Good. He still wants me.

“Hyunjin,” a smile slowly spread across Felix’s face. “Come in.”

And as soon as he did, Felix reached around to push the door shut. He took Hyunjin by surprise,
placing both hands on his chest and forcing him back against the door. “Took you long enough,” he
murmured, before pressing his lips against Hyunjin’s.

Hyunjin gasped at the unexpected intimacy, but quickly responded. He wrapped his arms around
the smaller boy’s waist, pulling him closer, devouring his lips. His teeth nipped Felix’s lower lip,
and the younger moaned, allowing Hyunjin’s tongue to savour the taste of his mouth.

When Hyunjin’s hands began inching under his shirt, Felix knew it was time to pull away. “Not so
fast,” he winked.

A low whine escaped from Hyunjin’s mouth, his eyes hungrily eyeing Felix’s body.

Felix slipped a hand into his own, leading him to the living room. “Changbin’s in the shower,” he
explained. “You’ll have dinner with us?” He turned to face Hyunjin.

“Umm,” Hyunjin scratched the back of his head. “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea about
why I’m here.”

“And why are you here?” Felix questioned with an eyebrow raised and a playful smirk on his lips.

“Because I need a place to stay for the night,” Hyunjin replied, averting his eyes so he wouldn’t
have to look at the seductive expression on Felix’s face.

Felix pouted. “That’s all? You’re not here for anything else?” Changbin won’t be happy.

“Not tonight, no,” Hyunjin shook his head, his gaze fixed on the carpet. He wasn’t ready for that.

“That’s a shame,” Felix whispered, running his fingers down the side of Hyunjin’s face. When it
was clear that Hyunjin wasn’t going to change his mind, Felix showed him to the guest bedroom.
“There’s a bathroom just through that door,” he told Hyunjin, pointing to the door on the far side of
the bedroom. “I’ll let you know when dinner is ready,” he smiled.

“He just needed a place to stay for the night,” Felix sighed, watching Changbin select a shirt from
the closet.

“It’s fine,” Changbin said, admiring his selected black shirt in the mirror.

“It is?” Felix’s eyes widened in surprise. Changbin wasn’t a patient person, and Hyunjin was really
testing his patience, yet he seemed fine with it. There was just something about Hyunjin. Changbin
hadn’t said it, but Felix could tell that the other male was special to him. And he detested Hyunjin
for that. He was the only one who was allowed to be special to his Binnie.

“Hm,” Changbin nodded. “Clean this up, Felix,” he gestured to the bloodied sheets. “Make sure he
sees nothing.”

Felix frowned. “I’m your boyfriend, not your slave,” he scoffed, unable to keep the irritation out of
his voice.

Changbin left the shirt hanging on his shoulders and sat down beside Felix. “Lix, baby,” he cooed.
“My pretty Lix.” Felix’s frown softened into a smile at the gentleness in Changbin’s voice. “I
know you’re not a slave, baby,” he pressed his lips onto the younger male’s forehead. “Forgive
your Binnie?”

Felix nodded eagerly. He’d forgive Changbin anything. He wrapped his arms around the older
male, resting his head against his chest. “I love you, Binnie.”

“I love you too, Lix,” Changbin reassured him, running his hand up and down his back. “Now will
you clean up for me?”

“Of course,” Felix smiled.

“Lovely,” Changbin stood up, glancing at his reflection in the mirror. “And Felix, I want you to go
to Hyunjin tonight. Make him feel good. If you’re sucking him off again, do it better than the last
time. It obviously didn’t do much for him if he’s still not willing to have me.”

Felix nodded. “Yes, Binnie.” He scowled at the thought that the last time might not have been good
enough for Hyunjin. He told Changbin that he was sure Hyunjin had enjoyed it. He’d just have to
do more tonight.

“Just don’t let him put his dick in you,” Changbin warned. “Not yet. But do whatever else you
need to do to make him happy.”

“Hyunjin, dinner is –”

Felix froze in the doorway of the guest bedroom. Hyunjin lay on his back, his eyes dazed as he
struggled to keep them open. Felix bit his lip. This was the perfect opportunity.

He stepped inside and pushed the door shut, alerting Hyunjin to his presence. The older male
pushed himself up on his elbows, tilting his head as he studied Felix. “You… You need something,
Felix? I’m not that hungry, so I don’t think I –”

“But I’m hungry,” Felix smirked, striding purposefully towards him. Without warning, he hopped
onto the bed, straddling the surprised male.

Hyunjin ran his fingers through Felix’s hair. “Where’s your boyfriend?” he asked, with raised
eyebrows.

“Asleep,” Felix lied. “Don’t worry about him.” Changbin was smart enough not to interrupt them.
And this was all for him anyway.

“Good,” Hyunjin whispered against Felix’s lips. He stuck his tongue out, licking Felix’s lower lip.
“What are you craving today?” he enquired, his lips tugged into a smug smile.

Felix giggled sweetly. He had to be this sweet, delicate person for Hyunjin. “You,” he fluttered his
eyelashes, before lightly palming Hyunjin’s semi-hard cock through his jeans. Hyunjin closed his
eyes, sucking in a breath. “What would you like me to do?”

Hyunjin opened his eyes, his exhaustion forgotten. He placed his hands on Felix’s hips, before
pressing his lips against the other’s. “I want to make you feel good,” he said, nipping his lip before
pulling back.

Felix blinked in surprise. “I – you what ? You…” He had never expected that from the blonde.

“Why are you so surprised, hm?” Hyunjin smiled, his hands massaging the younger’s hips.

Felix simply stared, not knowing how to answer.

“What would you like me to do?” he copied Felix’s words from earlier, his hands traveling under
Felix’s shirt.

Felix flinched at the cold touch of his fingertips, but they gradually warmed as they moved
upwards, igniting a trail of pleasure until they found his nipples. He gasped when he felt Hyunjin’s
fingers brush against his buds. This wasn’t going to plan. This was supposed to be the other way
around.

Hyunjin removed his hands from the younger’s body, leaning back on his palms, admiring the
sight of the flushed male. “You’re so beautiful, Felix,” he sighed. “There are so so many horrible,
sickening things I want to do, but… not to you.” He shook his head and Felix looked at him
quizzically. “No, you’re different. Angelic…” Felix wanted to protest – to admit that he wasn’t as
angelic as he seemed to be, but the look of adoration in Hyunjin’s eyes stopped him. “You’re an
angel,” Hyunjin sighed. “And…” He leaned in close to whisper in Felix’s ear. “I want to make you
feel as though you’re in Heaven.”

Felix didn’t protest when Hyunjin began unbuttoning his shirt, nor did he protest when Hyunjin
laid him down on his back. The blonde hovered over him, his hands on either side of Felix. He
brushed his lips against the other’s, lightly at first, and then with more purpose. Their soft lips
glided easily against each other, and when Felix moaned, Hyunjin slipped his tongue between his
parted lips. Felix’s tongue met his, and they each relished in the hot, wet taste of the other.

When Felix involuntarily bucked his hips up against Hyunjin’s, the blonde pulled back to survey
the younger. Felix whined at the loss of contact, hating himself for craving more. It wasn’t
supposed to be like this. But Changbin needed him to make Hyunjin happy. This was the only
reason he was here, going through with this. Only for Binnie , he reminded himself.

But thoughts of Changbin went out of the window, when Hyunjin began trailing kisses down his
jaw, along his neck, down to his chest.

“Oh god, please ,” Felix moaned, not sure what exactly he was begging for. Hyunjin’s tongue
lapped at his skin hungrily as though he was being satisfied just with the taste. And just when
Felix’s sweatpants began to feel tight and uncomfortable, Hyunjin’s mouth latched onto a nipple.
“Hyunjin!” he gasped, threading his fingers through his hair.

Hyunjin sucked on the nipple, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin while his fingers flicked Felix’s
other nipple back and forth. Felix bucked up his hips, eager to get friction to help with his bulging
erection. Hyunjin met his thrusts with his own clothed erection, and Felix dug his fingers into the
sheets beneath him, desperate to have more of the male. He ignored the taunting voice of his
subconscious, and the guilt that he was receiving pleasure from someone who wasn’t Changbin. As
pleasure began to build in his core, it became easier to ignore everything besides the male who
stared down at him.

But Hyunjin was quick to lift his hips, not wanting to relieve the younger so soon. “Patience,
Felix,” he whispered, pulling back to look at the other who whined desperately. “I just want to
make you feel good, baby,” he smiled, reaching down to caress his cheek.
Felix furrowed his brows in confusion. This Hyunjin – this affectionate, soft Hyunjin – was a world
away from the merciless, vicious Hyunjin they’d seen in the video Chan sent. He was puzzled at
how the male’s demeanor had changed. But his mind couldn’t process any more information,
because at that moment, Hyunjin’s tongue began tracing the crevices on his abdomen, leaving soft
kitten-like licks and nips on his skin. He wove his fingers into Hyunjin’s hair when his tongue
dipped into his navel, sending a shiver of pleasure down his spine.

Hyunjin lightly pressed his palm against Felix’s painful erection, causing the younger to whimper.
“Hyunjin,” he gasped, “Please.” Hyunjin’s touches, Felix had to admit, were unlike anything he’d
felt before. His kisses were feather-light, and his fingertips touched his body reverently, as though
Felix was a delicate piece of glass. The soft whispers of gratuitous praise made Felix feel as though
he was truly deserving of every touch from Hyunjin.

Hyunjin placed a kiss on his stomach before rolling down the smaller male’s sweatpants. But this
brought no relief for Felix. His cock, restrained by his boxers, only throbbed more for attention,
and he was tempted to take them off himself. But he didn’t want Hyunjin to stop touching him. So
he clutched the sheets tightly, moaning in frustration as Hyunjin traced his clothed cock with the
tip of his finger.

Hyunjin simply stared at the squirming male, his head tilted to the side, his lips curved into a
smile. “You’re so pretty, Felix,” he smiled.

Felix sunk his teeth into his lower lip, trying to restrain himself from making any more loud
sounds. Changbin was in the study just across from this room and could probably hear him. He
didn’t want his boyfriend to think that he could actually be pleasured by anyone other than him.
But when he felt Hyunjin’s mouth against his crotch, he had to admit that he was in fact, feeling an
immense amount of pleasure from the male he’d intended on ensnaring for Changbin.

Reminding himself that this was supposed to be the other way around, he pushed himself up on his
elbows, wanting to do something for Hyunjin – anything, really. But he collapsed flat onto the bed
again as Hyunjin began nuzzling his crotch. He inhaled and moaned against the cotton, as though
the scent of Felix was satisfying.

“Hyunjin, please,” he begged again, this time aware of what he was begging for – more . Felix
wanted more. He panted in relief when Hyunjin finally obliged. He hooked his fingers into the
waistband, pulling down the younger male’s boxers.

Felix’s length sprang free, tapping against his stomach. Hyunjin pressed his lips to the tip,
collecting some of the precum onto his tongue. Felix clutched the sheets tighter, arching his back
at feeling of Hyunjin’s hot tongue on his length.

Hyunjin ran a hand up the side of Felix’s thigh. “You need to stay calm, baby,” he said softly,
before pressing a kiss on the inside of his thigh. Felix instinctively spread his legs wider, unsure
what he was permitting Hyunjin to do.

But Hyunjin didn’t need direction. He opened his mouth over the tight sac at the base of Felix’s
shaft. The taste made him linger, and he rolled and teased the heavy sacs with his tongue as he
stroked the younger’s erection slowly.

“Oh yes , Hyunjin,” Felix moaned, threading his fingers through the other’s blonde locks.

Hyunjin trailed his tongue up Felix’s cock, tracing every ridge and vein, taking his time as he
gazed directly, shamelessly into dark golden eyes. Taking Felix’s length whole, he eased into a
steady pace, plump lips wrapped around his erection. The wet sucking noises of saliva being
dragged up and down, added to the sounds of Felix’s moans and whimpers. He bobbed his head,
taking as much of Felix into his mouth as possible. Felix’s cock began to grow thicker and firmer
against his tongue.

Small fingers tightened in Hyunjin’s hair. “Oh god, Hyunjin,” Felix’s voice trembled. “Don’t stop,
just… don’t…” Suddenly he began to gasp, air spiraling up into his chest, and his core began to
tighten. His thighs quivered and his fingers curled and flexed within the sweat stiffened blonde
hair. He couldn’t help but buck up his hips, forcing his cock to the back of Hyunjin’s throat.

Hyunjin’s eyes filled with tears at the constant thrusts of Felix’s cock. But he persisted, angling his
head to allow the younger’s length better access to his throat.

Felix’s breath hitched, and his body stilled for a few seconds, his fingernails digging into
Hyunjin’s scalp. A grunt, that soon turned into a sob, punched out from deep within Felix’s chest.
He threw his head back and with a jolt his orgasm rocked him. He felt that hot tongue on him,
moving the cum spilling out over to the back of Hyunjin’s throat. He felt pressure on his cock as
the older swallowed around him.

When Hyunjin finally pulled away, Felix was looking at him with dilated eyes, a sheen of sweat
covering his body. “Thank you,” Hyunjin whispered, softly.

Felix furrowed his brows and shook his head. “You… you’re thanking me?” He observed that
Hyunjin hadn’t even removed any of his own clothing. “Let me…” he bit his lip. “Let me return
the favour.”

Hyunjin shook his head and chuckled, despite the ache in his erection. “Tempting, but no. This isn’t
an exchange. I just… I needed that.”

Felix watched in confusion as Hyunjin made his way to bathroom. He wondered how he was going
to face Changbin now. Of course he’d been given permission by Changbin to do this with Hyunjin.
But he’d never expected to actually enjoy it. He’d expected Hyunjin to use him for his own
pleasure, but Hyunjin… Felix shook his head. He felt disoriented, as though he’d woken from a
deep sleep.

When Hyunjin returned from the bathroom, Felix was nowhere to be seen. He’d expected that Felix
would go back to Changbin straight after, but nevertheless, he felt disappointed. He consoled
himself with the aftertaste of Felix still in his mouth. He closed his eyes, trying to remember every
detail of the past hour, eager to experience it again, even if only in his imagination.

His eyes fluttered open and he jumped up in surprise. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep. He was
surrounded by darkness. No. A lamp burned on the nightstand next to him, casting an eerie glow
on the armchair next to the bed. Hyunjin’s eyes widened. The armchair wasn’t empty.

“Did you sleep well?” Changbin asked, the corner of his lips quirking up.

“What are you doing in here?” Hyunjin asked, his eyes narrowed as he instinctively moved further
back on the bed, drawing his legs close.

Changbin chuckled. “Well, I came in to talk to you but you were asleep. So I waited… politely.”

“Politely?” Hyunjin scoffed. “This is fucking creepy.”

“I guess,” Changbin shrugged. “But while we’re on the topic of fucking…”

“No,” Hyunjin snapped. “Not yet. Not… I can’t…” he sighed in exasperation. He was desperate
for Felix, almost desperate enough to give Changbin what he wanted.

“That’s a pity,” Changbin grimaced. “I hoped…”

“Why?” Hyunjin frowned. “Why me?”

Changbin sighed. “I see so much potential in you, Hyunjin. For the first time, I’ve seen a glimpse
of myself in you. We could… We could do so much together,” his eyes widened in excitement as
he spoke.

“What?” Hyunjin looked at him incredulously. “There is nothing similar between you and me.”

“Don’t be so sure of that,” Changbin smirked. He picked up a glass of red wine from the bedside
table and gestured to another glass, already filled. “Wine?”

Hyunjin picked up the glass but hesitated. He didn’t trust Changbin. But surely the man wouldn’t
stoop so low as to drug him. He tipped the glass back, allowing the cool burgundy liquid to fill his
mouth. Instantly, his eyes widened. It was wine, yes. But there was a hint of something else –
something familiar. No. Changbin wouldn’t. He wouldn’t , Hyunjin tried to convince himself. But
the taste was undeniable.

Changbin looked at him knowingly, a secretive smile on his lips.

“Whose blood is it?” Hyunjin questioned, afraid of the answer. “You can’t just use any… It’s not…
It’s dangerous.”

“Calm down,” Changbin rolled his eyes. “The… let’s call it a donor…” he smiled. “The donor was
thoroughly checked out. He was clean.” He held Hyunjin’s gaze for a few seconds until the
younger nodded in satisfaction and looked away.

“I didn’t know that you also…” Hyunjin bit his lip.

“Oh no no,” Changbin laughed. “Trust me, there’s none in my glass. But I understand it’s
something that you enjoy. And I like providing my friends with the things they like.”

“That doesn’t explain why you want to fuck me,” Hyunjin shrugged.

“Oh that,” Changbin sighed. “I really just want to fuck you because you’re so pretty. And as much
as you think you don’t want it, a part of you is begging for it, Hyunjin,” he eyed the blonde over
his glass.

Hyunjin downed the rest of his blood infused wine and tilted his head. “I can’t deny that I didn’t
enjoy Jeongin’s fingers inside me.”

Changbin visibly tensed, his jaw set as he glared at the younger. “Jeongin? You let him fuck you?”
he asked through gritted teeth.

“Jealous?” Hyunjin laughed. “You wanted to be the first?”

“I couldn’t care less about your virgin ass,” Changbin scoffed. “But I asked first. And Jeongin
knows that.”

“Well, it’s not like he put his dick in me anyway,” Hyunjin hummed. “He was just helping out. He
said that you… won’t go easy on me,” he raised his eyebrows in Changbin’s direction. “Is that
 true?”

Changbin shook his head. “I never go easy on the people I fuck because they’re never friends. But
you, Hyunjin, are a friend. Am I right?”

Hyunjin weighed his options. Say no, and he won’t get Felix. Say yes, and he could get Felix, and
more. “You’re right,” he nodded and he heard a sigh of relief from the man in the armchair. “But
Changbin, I like my blood straight from the source.”

Changbin smiled. “That can be arranged.”

Chapter End Notes

I'm sorry this took so long. I hope you're all well <3
 Chapter 8
Chapter Summary

Minchan.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Chan slid the wad of cash across to the man who barely glanced at it, before slipping it into his
coat pocket. “Is that enough?” Chan asked with raised eyebrows.

“For now,” man shrugged, taking a sip of the coffee. He looked around the diner. “I’d think
someone of your stature could afford something classier. But you bring me here every time.”

“This isn’t a date, Taeyong,” Chan scowled. “And anyway, more people are likely to recognize the
Chief Inspector of Police in a five star hotel, than in this dump of a diner.”

Taeyong simply chuckled in response, downing the rest of the coffee. “Some other asshole cop
will take my position in a few years – maybe sooner, depending on my retirement plan. You’ll
bribe him off too?”

“If I have to,” Chan shrugged. “Now, listen,” he clasped his hands together, all business-like.
“Take Changbin’s and Felix’s names off that suspect list.” He slid a slip of paper towards the
inspector. “And get me whatever information you can on this guy.”

“Will do,” Taeyong smiled, studying the male opposite him. “You know, whoever takes my
position in the department… They might be some morally upright stand-up-for-the-masses kind of
person. Money isn’t going to get you anywhere with someone like that. You can’t keep doing this.”

Chan sat in the driver’s seat of his car, tapping his fingers anxiously on the steering wheel. As
much as he hated Taeyong, he was right. So was Sewoon. But despite everyone’s suspicions, there
really wasn’t any evidence that Changbin was doing anything wrong.

He glanced at the watch strapped to his wrist. It was 9am. Jisung was probably at work by now.
That meant…

.He walked up the path to the house Minho and Jisung shared. It was fairly unpretentious and
reflected their modest income. Jisung was a veterinary assistant and Minho was an artist who
painted by commission. Of course, Chan had offered to set them up in a nicer space, but Jisung had
a certain amount pride, which was a quality that Chan respected.

He hesitated before pressing the doorbell, second-guessing himself. This might not go according to
plan – in fact, he knew it wouldn’t.

He waited patiently for the younger male to open the door. And when he did, Chan instantly
regretted his decision.

Despite it being the early hours of the morning, Minho already had two fluffy white cat ears
clipped onto his brunette hair. A smirk found its way onto his face as he appraised Chan with
brown almond-shaped eyes. “Jisung isn’t here,” he said with a sly smile. “But you know that.”

Chan ignored his chiding tone, and smiled. “I came to see you, Minho. But you know that.”

Minho laughed and beckoned for him to come in.

“I’m not interrupting anything, am I?” Chan asked as Minho led him through the house.

“You are,” Minho shrugged his shoulders. “Yoga.”

That would explain the navy yoga pants he had on, and the slightly oversized white t-shirt, lightly
stuck to his body with sweat.

“You don’t mind watching me finish up, do you?” he gave Chan a sultry glance over his shoulder.

“Sure,” Chan rolled his eyes at Minho’s typical behavior, which had been foreseeable. He’d done
this enough times to know what to expect from the younger male. But still, being alone with Minho
always intimidated him. It was laughable, that Chan who usually unsettled others, always found
himself unsettled by this young male.

Minho led him to a small room, void of furniture except for a brown leather couch pushed back
against the wall. Floor length windows provided a pleasant view of the garden outside. Sticks of
incense burned in a far corner of the room, and Chan had only just noticed the speaker that played
a soft, relaxing melody. It was a very peaceful atmosphere, too peaceful for the chaotic creature
that stretched himself out on the yoga mat.

“How have you been?” Chan enquired, seating himself on the couch.

“Great,” Minho replied nonchalantly, as he stretched to reach his left ankle. He was flexible, Chan
knew. He glanced at Chan, and his mouth lifted at the corner. “But something is bothering you.”

Chan bit his lip, wondering how to broach the topic. “Have you played with Changbin and Felix
recently?”

Minho arched his back, creating a perfect curve over the mat, so perfect that Chan was almost
tempted to trace the curve of his body with his hand. “It’s been little over a month since,” he
answered, staring at the ceiling.

“Would you consider scheduling something with them soon?”

There was a pause as Minho straightened his body, kneeling on the mat, his hands massaging his
thighs. “I could discuss it with Jisung,” he raised an eyebrow in Chan’s direction. “What do you
need?”

Chan’s eyes flickered away from Minho’s thighs. He held out the device in the palm of his hand. It
was a digital camera, the size of a nine-volt battery. The device didn’t have any storage but would
transmit motion activated audio and video via Wi-Fi directly to his laptop. “I need you to place this
in one of the air vents in their bedroom.”

Minho clicked his tongue, chiding Chan. “Spying on one of your best friends? That’s not very
nice…”

“Will you do it?” Chan sighed, not in the mood for Minho’s games.

“Maybe,” Minho smirked. “I’m assuming you want me to do this without my Jisung knowing?”
“You know he won’t approve,” Chan frowned. “It would be easier if I had his help. But he’ll never
agree to this.”

Minho stood up and made his way to the couch, reaching for the towel that was draped over the
couch. “Spying on one best friend, and hiding it from the other,” he chuckled, wiping a bead of
sweat that dripped down the side of his neck.

The brunette threw the towel onto the floor, before casually placing himself on Chan’s lap. Chan
sucked in a breath. He’d expected this too. With a knowing smile, Minho unclipped the cat ears
from his hair, throwing them aside. He knew Chan wasn’t fond of them.

“You’ve been okay?” he asked, his eyes reflecting his concern. “I know you’ve been stressed out
about Jeongin and Hyunjin. Jisung said so.”

“I’m trying to figure things out,” Chan replied, honestly. He wrapped his arms around the other’s
waist, partly because he needed to do something with his hands, and partly because he couldn’t
resist not touching Minho. The fading scent of incense now mingled with the scent of Minho’s
sweat, creating an arousing aroma, all too familiar.

“Putting that,” he gestured to the camera, “in their room. This will help you somehow?”

Chan nodded. ‘I’m hoping it will.”

“I like helping you, Chan,” Minho said softly, his arms around the older male’s neck. “But you
make me so angry,” he pouted.

“Angry?” Chan raised his eyebrows,

“Oh yes,” Minho pursed his lips. “You play with Seungmin, with Jeongin, with everyone, besides
me. It’s been so so very long since you played with me.”

“You know why I’ve been so reluctant,” Chan said, giving Minho a knowing look. “But,” Chan
looked over his shoulder, not wanting to meet his piercing gaze. “I can schedule something with
Jisung.”

He winced when he felt Minho’s nails digging into his shoulders. “That’s not what I want,” Minho
hissed.

This sudden change from temperament, Chan had expected too. “Minho, you’re hurting –”

“I hate you so much,” Minho whispered, before placing his lips on Chan’s. Chan reciprocated
enough to feel the softness of his lips, before pulling away. Minho didn’t hate him.

“Minho, no,” he warned as the male tried to chase his lips. “Don’t.”

“Why not?” Minho threaded his fingers through Chan’s curls, gripping onto the strands tightly.
“You want this too, so stop denying it!”

Chan let Minho wrench his head back painfully. “Minho,” he panted, feeling himself harden under
the younger’s own bulging crotch. “I don’t just want you,” he said, closing his eyes. “I love you.”

Minho released his grip on Chan’s hair. “I love you too,” he sighed, before latching his lips onto
Chan’s neck.

“But we said we wouldn’t do this anymore,” he reminded the younger, and himself.
 ---------------

They’d started out as acquaintances. Minho had simply been the person his best friend was in love
with. But as they got older Jisung and Minho’s relationship had begun to evolve into something
more than just romantic. Soon, Minho was going around wearing a pair of cat ears, calling Jisung
his owner, and he and Jisung couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

Chan, who was coming to terms with his own sexual needs at the time, was completely
understanding of it. It had been Jisung who first suggested the idea. He’d become quite the voyeur,
and wanted to see his kitty with someone else – someone he was sure Minho was comfortable with.
Of course, Chan offered.

It wasn’t the first time Chan had been intimate with his friends. And after the first time with Minho
and Jisung, it happened several more times. This was despite the fact that pet play didn’t do much
to arouse him. He found Minho’s cat-like behavior somewhat annoying and cumbersome. He
didn’t see anything special in the cat ears or the tail that Jisung sometimes made Minho wear. He
also failed to see the appeal in the kitten mewls and shy gestures. The way he saw it – if he wanted
a cat, he’d just visit the animal shelter. He preferred dogs anyway.

Nevertheless, he always obliged. Seeing Minho’s beautiful body, and his mesmerizing eyes up
close was more than enough of a reward, even under the watchful eyes of Jisung. He enjoyed the
sensation of Minho’s soft skin under his fingertips, his hot tongue, every curve, every crevice of
his body – and he found himself wanting more and more. What frustrated him, was that he didn’t
understand exactly how he wanted Minho. All he knew was that he needed more .

It had only just struck him that he had never had a proper conversation with the brunette, until the
day he happened to find himself at their home, alone with Minho.

He’d really intended on having lunch with both Minho and Jisung, but the latter was called to
work. The atmosphere between him and Minho had been filled with tension that both of them were
reluctant to dispel. He wished he knew how to strike up a conversation with him. Every time he
had met Minho and Jisung, Minho was fully submerged in his kitty space.

Chan had been expecting an awkward lunch, where he sat at the table, and Minho ate cat food on
the floor, as he usually did when Jisung was around. He was relieved when Minho sat down
opposite him at the table with an identical plate of food.

When he heard a low chuckle, he looked up in surprise. Minho unclipped the kitty ears from his
hair and placed them on the table. “You hate these, don’t you?” he asked with a smirk.

Chan nodded, honestly. “Actually, the whole kitty thing isn’t my –”

“I know,” Minho shrugged. “To be honest, it’s not always my thing either. I like it, but it gets…
obtrusive.”

Chan raised his eyebrows in surprise. “How so?”

Minho gave him a wry smile. “For starters, it’s been a while since I actually had a proper
conversation with Jisung. He likes me like that , all the time,” he gestured to the cat ears. “You
know, like a pet.”

“So then… What is it that you want then?” he asked, putting down his fork. “A normal relationship
with Jisung?”

“Oh,” Minho chuckled, the look in his eyes ever mischievous. “I like being a kitten – Jisung’s
kitten,” he explained. “Not all the time. But I also don’t want a plain boring relationship either –
vanilla isn’t my thing. And on the other hand, I also would hate to have some kind of strong
dominant male, tying me up and telling me I’ve been bad,” he cringed at his own words before
laughing.

Chan felt a slight blush enter his cheeks, because he was exactly as Minho described. He was still
learning how to do things and he had a long way to go.

“Well,” Chan looked at him skeptically, “If you don’t want any of that, you’re not left with many
options.”

“I think I know what I want,” Minho sighed. “But I want you to help me.”

“What?” Chan laughed at the unexpected words. “Me?” he spluttered.

“Oh, I’m not joking Chan,” Minho stood up, haphazardly throwing his fork onto the table. He
stalked towards Chan, taking him by surprise and straddling his lap, one leg on either side of him.

Chan shifted uncomfortably. “Minho –”

“God, I want you so bad,” Minho whispered, his gaze piercing. “But… I don’t know whether
you’ll like it.”

Chan’s eyes widened. “What? No. I – I’d like… anything… from you,” he cringed at how
desperate he sounded.

“Anything?” Minho’s lips curved into a disconcerting smile.

He’d left his best friend’s home feeling ridden with guilt. He understood Minho’s reasoning
completely. Jisung was into pet play and nothing else. He’d only ever known Minho as the shy
kitten, but Minho’s preferences were beginning to change. He was afraid to tell Jisung.

It was only kind of Chan to agree to help him explore without Jisung’s knowledge. That’s all it was
– he was being helpful and kind… And it would only be three times a week, when Jisung worked
extra-long shifts at work.

But Chan never expected it to lead where it did. He never expected Minho to do the things he did.
He never expected that he’d actually enjoy it. And sometimes, they wouldn’t do anything at all,
except talk over lunch or dinner. Chan had learnt a multitude of things about Minho – his likes, his
dislikes, his wishes, his dreams. And he felt comfortable sharing his own with the younger male.
That’s when he began to realize that it – the situation – had gone beyond just being helpful and
kind.

Soon, it was difficult to discern whether they were meeting to explore their sexual needs, or their
growing feelings for each other. Physical need fused with emotional need and it became difficult to
tell the both apart.

While Minho was burning to tell Jisung who he was sure loved him enough to accept his
relationship with Chan, Chan was reluctant to tell Sewoon. Chan was certain that his boyfriend
would leave him in an instant. When Chan discussed getting his physical needs fulfilled elsewhere,
Sewoon made it clear that he would share no more than Chan’s body.

After a year and a half, he broke off his illicit relationship with Minho. He couldn’t betray both his
boyfriend and his best friend any longer. Minho had called him weak for it. But it took a vast
amount of strength to walk away.
 ---------------

“Minho,” Chan warned weakly. “We shouldn’t –”

Minho paused momentarily, only to shake his head in amusement. “Isn’t it funny, Channie, how
‘we can’t’ changes into ‘we shouldn’t’?”

Chan looked away guiltily and Minho continued undoing the buttons on Chan’s shirt, stopping
halfway so that it hung loosely, exposing his shoulder. Without warning, he sunk his teeth into his
shoulder.

“Fuck!” Chan growled. “Minho, no. Sewoon, Jisung… We…”

Minho licked a stripe over his teeth impression on Chan’s pale skin. He released his grip on Chan’s
hair, allowing the older to look at him. “I missed you,” he murmured, before connecting their lips
again, but only for a moment. “I need a shower,” he said, hooking the corner of his lower lip
between his teeth.

“I’ll be going then,” Chan tried to stand up. “Thank you for your time, Minho.”

Minho made no move to get off his lap. “I said I missed you, Chan.”

Chan sighed. “What do you want, Minho?”

“Shower with me.”

“No,” Chan shook his head adamantly. “Absolutely not. Shower with you ? You know where that
will lead.”

“Then let it lead there,” Minho looked at him, his eyes beseeching. “Channie. You’re really going
to say no to me?”

“I don’t want to say no, Minho, but –”

“But it’s been so long,” Minho pleaded, his lips forming a slight pout. “I guess you really don’t
want me anymore, huh?”

Fuck . Chan tipped his head back, inwardly berating himself.

He worked the conditioner into Minho’s hair, lathering the auburn strands thoroughly down to the
tips and then gave a gentle nudge, so that his head tipped forward washing it away. He tried to be
clinical about it – scrubbing Minho’s back, over his shoulders, down his arms, everywhere he
could reach without lingering too long. He rubbed his hands over Minho’s body, helping the water
to wash away the soap from his smooth skin. He ignored the neglect his own body felt, and began
to wish he hadn’t been stupid enough to start this in the first place.

“All done,” he said, his breath shaky.

Minho turned around to look at him, a mischievous look in his eyes. He took a step forward, and
then another, closing the gap that Chan had tried so carefully to maintain.

“Minho…”

Chan flinched when Minho’s fingers made contact with his wet skin, and Minho couldn’t help the
smug smile that found its way onto his lips. He couldn’t resist kissing Chan’s flesh – down his
arms, one and then the other; his chest, over his pecs, tracing their outlines, then down between
them to his abs. Now, he was on his knees on the marble, kissing his way down each side of his
sharp V-cut.

He felt Chan tense, but he intentionally ignored his cock, choosing instead to make his way down
one thigh, holding the back of his knee as he kissed his shin and the side of his calf and his foot,
then the opposite ankle and back up; his knee, his thigh, his hip. He slid a hand around, cupping his
firm, taut ass. His tongue flicked out to lick the groove of his abs, his fingers digging into the hard
muscle of his backside.

Chan rested his hands on Minho’s shoulders, breathing deeply, watching him. Minho eyed his cock
which was still at rest, hanging down and curving to one side a bit. With his hands still gripping his
ass, he leaned forward, kissing his sac. A kiss at first, just the touch of his lips, but when Chan
tightened his grip on his shoulders, he opened his mouth and extended his tongue to lick a long
stripe along his cock, all the way up his balls, and then took his sac fully into his mouth. Minho
began to suck gently and Chan hissed, his fingers digging into Minho’s skin. Minho felt his cock,
lying across his cheek, begin to harden. It was a victory for Minho who was well aware how adept
Chan was at controlling his arousal.

Minho tilted his head so the length of his cock rested on his face while he sucked his balls.

“Fuck, Minho. Fuck ,” Chan hissed.

“Does that feel good?” Minho asked, backing away.

“Yes, so good.”

“Want me to do it again?” Minho smirked.

“Please. Yes. Fuck.”

So Minho did it again. With every touch of his lips and tongue, Chan’s sac tightened and his cock
hardened. Minho made sure to grasp his ass tightly, both for balance and also for the way Chan’s
flesh felt in his hands. Feeling Chan’s cock harden to a semi-erection, he moved his mouth to his
shaft. A long, agonizingly slow lick, lifted his cock, and the head was eclipsed by Minho’s mouth.
But Minho gave him one gentle suck, before pulling away.

Chan swore under his breath and Minho chuckled. “Desperate yet, Channie?” he taunted with an
impish grin.

Without waiting for an answer, he did it once more, licking from balls to tip, pausing at the end to
suck as much of his length as he could fit into his mouth. The harder and thicker Chan got, the less
Minho knew he’d be able to take. The older male was nearly at full erection now, his beautiful
penis standing straight up, veined and straining, skin stretched, head glistening with Minho’s
saliva, balls tight against his body. All the while, hot water beat down against Chan’s back, keeping
the shower cubicle full of steam.

Minho stared up at him. “I’m going to suck you dry, Chan. I’m going to take your big, hard cock
into my pretty mouth and suck you until you’re so hard you can’t stand up straight. And then I’m
going to keep sucking.”

Chan let out a low throaty growl, his chest rising and falling, his jaw set. “Do it,” he gulped.
“Please.”
With a sultry smile, Minho turned his head sideways, wrapping his lips around the other male’s
girth, licking him with his tongue, sliding his mouth down to the root and then back up, taking him
in his mouth until his tip hit the back of his throat. Minho leaned forward, opening his throat and
taking him in deeper still.

Chan rumbled and moaned, gasped as Minho backed away and then licked down the other side,
taking his taut sac into his mouth again. He hissed again, but soon his hiss became a drawn out
moan when Minho slid his fingers into the crease of his ass. A single gentle suckle of his balls, and
then he moved back up to wrap his lips around his head.

At the same moment that Minho sucked on him hard, he slid his fingers over his hole, making sure
all ten fingers deliberately brushed against the tight knot of muscle and back up. He immediately
noticed the tension in Chan’s body.

“What?” Minho asked, pulling off Chan’s cock. “I doubt you’ve let anyone but me put anything up
your pretty hole, Channie. Haven’t you missed this?”

“Fuck,” Chan murmured, sucking in a deep breath. “Go on, then,” he urged, his eyes wide, his
breaths shallow.

Minho felt giddy with excitement. He’d only ever done this with Chan – only wanted to do it with
Chan. He placed a light kiss on the head of Chan’s cock. “Pull my hair and fuck my mouth like you
mean it.”

So Chan buried his fingers in Minho’s wet hair, gripping it near the roots. One of Minho’s hands,
reached around to cup the half-moon globe of his ass, while the other hand was now on the crease
near his thigh, his middle finger pressed against his ass hole.

Minho buried his cock in his mouth, licking the tip and then swirling his tongue around the head.
When Minho took him in deep again, Chan cursed, tightening his grip on his hair. He was so thick
now that Minho’s lips were stretched, and he felt every pulse of blood in the veins of his cock. He
was close, Minho knew. But still his body was tense, rock hard and still.

Minho’s finger worked harder against his asshole and his eyes flickered down to lock on Minho’s.
The command was clear in Minho’s gaze.

Chan’s expression darkened, his chest swelling as he took a deep breath. Minho slid the older
male’s cock between his lips, and this time Chan shifted his hips, pushing into Minho’s down-
thrust. Before he could touch his throat, Minho backed away, and Chan immediately pulled back.
Again, Minho lowered his mouth on his cock, and Chan matched his motion. When Minho started
bobbing, Chan’s hips moved accordingly, shallow thrusts to match. When Minho set a steady
rhythm, he also began to push his finger into the ring of muscle in his ass. Throaty moans left
Chan’s mouth, one after another, and then Minho’s fingertip slid in just a bit, causing Chan to curse
out loud.

“Jesus, fuck , Minho!”

Minho’s hair was now in a firm grip in both Chan’s hands, just the way the younger enjoyed it.
Minho’s throat opened more, and he took Chan in deeper. He pushed his finger in a little more and
Chan couldn’t hold back then, pulling Minho by the hair onto his cock.

Minho moaned, more for Chan’s benefit that his own. The vibrations on his length made him
growl and thrust again. Minho slid his finger in further, but not too much; only the first knuckle of
his middle finger had been sucked in. Slowly he moved his finger in a circular motion, and it was
enough for Chan to lose all control.

Minho looked at him slyly, letting him move as hard as he wanted but pulling away from his
thrusts until he groaned in protest. Then, without warning, Minho downed him, taking him into his
throat so that his balls touched his lower lip. The younger male felt a moment of triumph that he’d
once again been able to take in that much of him.

“Minho, I’m coming,” Chan warned. Minho backed away and suckled on the springy head of his
cock, giving him shallow bobs to thrust into. “Can I come on your face?”

“Mmmm-mm,” Minho gave a slight shake of his head, still bobbing on him, one hand tightly
gripping the flesh of his ass, the middle finger of his other hand, still inside his hole, slowly
thrusting in and out.

Chan growled in frustration, and his sac tightened. Minho felt his cock throb and then felt his cock
jerk. He came with a burst of hot, salty, musky come on his tongue. Minho moaned as he
swallowed the gush of milky substance. He pulled away from Chan’s cock, sliding his fist down
his length and stroking him to milk the second stream from his cock. A jet of white cum spurted
onto Minho’s face, coating his parted lips, and his cheeks.

Finally, Chan stumbled backward, wrenching himself from Minho’s grip. Satisfied, Minho stood
up, watching Chan sagging against the wall of the shower. He felt powerful, as he always did with
Chan. This was a man always perfectly composed, a man who prided himself on self-control and
restraint, and Minho could always reduce him to a panting, boneless mess.

His eyes still on Chan, Minho stood beneath the showerhead, allowing the water to wash away
traces of Chan’s cum from his face. They locked eyes for a long while, until Minho stepped away
from the showerhead and turned the water off.

Wordlessly, Chan pulled a towel free from one of the hooks outside the shower. His expression
unknowable, he wiped Minho dry from head to toe, gently and thoroughly, and then himself. He
paused, just licking his lower lip and staring down at Minho.

“I love you, Minho,” he breathed, leaning down to kiss him. His lips moved against Minho’s, slow,
hot, wet, insistent. It wasn’t a deep kiss, and it wasn’t long. There was no tangling of tongues, or
intrusions or demands attached to the kiss. The kiss was a reminder that no matter what they
physically did, what they felt would always be so much more.

“I love you too.”

Chan sat in the driver’s seat, feeling weak and defeated. He couldn’t deny that he didn’t think this
would happen. He just thought he’d be strong enough to resist everything. But then again, this was
Minho – his Minho . And it really had been so long, too long. He turned his head to look at Minho
who sat on the steps of the porch, staring at Chan with a longing in his eyes. He’d asked Chan
again, if he could tell Jisung about them. But Chan couldn’t have that happen.

He pulled his phone out from a compartment in the front, and swore out loud at the string of unread
messages from Sewoon.

Chan where are you?

You promised you’d be here at Jeongin’s place to discuss things with Hyunjin
 Chan?

Seriously…

Chan texted back a quick reply, lying that he’d gotten caught up at a work meeting. He knew that
Sewoon would accept the lie unquestioningly. And that made him feel all that much guiltier, and
sick to his stomach.

Chapter End Notes

I'm sorry that these updates take so long <3 thank you for waiting. And if you have
any suggestions or requests for things you'd like me to write about please let me know
<3
Twitter - @StrayLilly
 Chapter 9
Chapter Notes

This chapter is mostly just to move the plot forward....

Hyunjin trudged up the stairs leading to the corridor where Jeongin’s apartment was situated at the
very end. He reflected on his night at Felix and Changbin’s home. It had been… enlightening . He
should be happy. Changbin had reassured him that he’d get to have Felix soon – as soon as he
allowed Changbin to fuck him.

He knew he should just get it over with – but then what happens? He’d get to have one night with
Felix. But one night just wouldn’t be enough. There was also Changbin’s promise of a constant
supply of blood, but that too, Hyunjin knew would come at a price – a price not yet set by
Changbin.

His head began to ache as he got closer to the apartment. He was dreading seeing Jeongin. He
knew he’d probably taken things too far, but it wasn’t like he’d caused any permanent damage.
Wasn’t that what Chan was most afraid of?

He wondered if Jeongin would be upset with him now, or whether he’d be nonchalant about it –
pretending as though it never happened. Hyunjin hoped it was the latter.

What he didn’t expect when he opened the apartment door was to see Sewoon. His usual friendly
demeanor had been set aside, and he looked grim.

“Sit, Hyunjin,” he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him. “Chan had a few early morning
company meetings. He’ll be here as soon as he finishes work.”

Hyunjin wanted to decline, but he realized that the male wasn’t exactly asking. “Did you and Chan
stay here with Jeongin last night?”

“I did,” Sewoon replied, staring down at his phone. “Chan had work to do.”

Hyunjin eyed the closed bedroom door, wondering if Jeongin was asleep, or just awaiting orders
like a dog. “He’s okay?” he gestured to the mahogany door.

Sewoon narrowed his eyes. “Do you care?”

Hyunjin laughed. “I was just trying to be polite.”

Sewoon gave him a seething look, before looking down at his phone.

“You care about him a lot,” Hyunjin grimaced. “I mean, doesn’t it bother you that your boyfriend
fucks him all the time?” He couldn’t resist testing the older male’s patience.

Sewoon shook his head, not lifting his gaze from his phone. “Chan fucks a lot of people. But it
doesn’t mean anything more than that. It’s just fucking.”

But Hyunjin didn’t give up. “If I were you, I’d be concerned. Does he fuck other people because
you’re lacking in bed? You don’t like being tied up, spanked, fucked until you pass out?”

Sewoon looked up from his phone, regarding Hyunjin with a cool stare. “Not that it’s any of your
business, but Chan and I have never and will never have sex.”

“At all?” Hyunjin raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Like… nothing?”

Sewoon nodded. “It’s just not my thing.”

Hyunjin grinned. “Oh, so you are lacking. Poor Chan.”

They only had to wait five more minutes before Chan came in. “Hi,” he said, eyeing the two who
sat opposite from each other, Hyunjin with a smug smile on his face, Sewoon glaring icily at
Hyunjin.

“Is everything okay?” Sewoon asked, as Chan sat next to him. “Your meetings usually aren’t that
long.”

Chan nodded. “Just a few problems with the shareholders, but nothing I can’t handle,” he smiled at
his boyfriend. “Now, let’s get on with this,” he said studying Hyunjin.

“Get on with what?” Hyunjin raised his eyebrows. “I feel like I’m being reprimanded by my
parents. Except, you’re not my parents. And my parents would never give a fuck anyway.”

“What you did to Jeongin…” Chan began, looking at him cautiously.

“You said no broken bones,” Hyunjin shrugged. “So what’s the problem?”

“The problem ,” Chan patiently explained, “is that he could’ve gotten really sick, Hyunjin. I said
you could use him, but you want to kill him.”

“That wasn’t my intention,” Hyunjin protested. “I just – I…”

“You were careless,” Sewoon finally spoke. He glared at Hyunjin. “You’re careless with Jeongin’s
life because it means nothing to you.”

Hyunjin returned his glare. “And I won’t lie – it really does mean nothing to me. I can’t force that.”

“Isn’t that enough?” Sewoon looked at Chan in revolt. “Can’t you hear what he’s saying? Why
would you want him with Jeongin?”

“Hyunjin,” Chan sighed. “I want you to listen to me carefully. I asked you to befriend Jeongin.
And I told you that there would be consequences if you didn’t.”

“What are you going to do?” Hyunjin laughed. “Sure, you can kick me out of here. But you can’t
stop me from seeing anyone. You don’t own your friends, Chan,” he sneered. “They can see me
whenever they want.”

Chan pulled out his phone and shook his head. “I hoped there was a better way to do this.”

Hyunjin watched with furrowed brows as Chan tapped the phone screen a few times before
pushing the phone towards him. “Your first night with Jeongin. Do you remember it well?”

Hyunjin watched the video with clenched fists, bile making its way up his throat. “Why – why do
you have a video of this?”

“It’s necessary,” Chan shrugged. “For situations like these.”

“What do you want from me?” Hyunjin asked fearfully.

“Your compliance,” Chan’s smile was threatening. “That’s all, Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin gulped. If people saw that video, if people saw him like that, his face clearly visible…
There was no judgment here – with Chan and the rest of his friends. But out there…

He thought of all the names his mother’s boyfriends had called him and tried to block out the voice
that echoed inside his head.

“I was like you,” Chan admitted, looking at him sympathetically. “I did terrible things to people
who didn’t deserve those things. And even when there was consent, people really didn’t know the
extent of what they’d signed up for. It was Jeongin who showed me that there could be another
way. He can show you too if you let him.”

“What kinds of things did you do?” Hyunjin asked Chan excitedly. “Was there blood? How did
you hurt them?”

Sewoon tried and failed to suppress a disgusted sound, which Hyunjin pointedly ignored. “What
did you do?” he asked Chan again, almost willing to beg for the details. Someone like Chan who
had access to everything and the power to do as he pleased, would be able to make Hyunjin’s
darkest fantasies come true. The cogs in his brain were already turning, wondering how best to
manipulate Chan into giving him what he needed.

“Things that are best forgotten,” Chan said, giving Hyunjin a pained look.

Hyunjin sat back in annoyance. Chan was no fun. He’d have to make do with Changbin.

“The video will stay safe with me,” Chan reassured him, “as long as you comply.”

Hyunjin dug his fingers into the wooden surface of the table. “Fine.”

“Great,” Chan’s lips curved into a smile. “I’ll get Jeongin. You’re accompanying him to his
college classes today. And one more thing – you’re not to touch him again until I say so.”

“Fuck,” Hyunjin murmured.

Chan and Jeongin emerged from the bedroom hand in hand. A backpack was slung over Jeongin’s
shoulder and he smiled brightly at Hyunjin.

“Hello, Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin was relieved that as he hoped, they were going to forget about the events of the previous
day. “Hey,” Hyunjin forced a smile onto his face, and Chan’s shoulders visibly relaxed.

“Should we get going?” Chan asked Sewoon. “I’ll leave you three at the campus and I’ll head to
work.”

Hyunjin looked curiously at Sewoon. “What will you do at college?”

“It’s where I work,” Sewoon shrugged. “I teach math.”

“Huh,” Hyunjin looked at him with interest. "Fits. You seem the type." He reveled in the glare
Seoon shot his way.

Hyunjin jumped out of the car after Jeongin, standing awkwardly on the sidewalk. He watched as
Sewoon and Chan said their goodbyes. “I’ll see you and Jeongin tonight,” Chan said, lowering the
window. “Be good,” and Hyunjin knew that was directed more to him than Jeongin.

Be good. And Hyunjin had been – for several weeks – no it was just one week. But it felt longer. It
felt like the longest most fucked up week of his life. One, he was stuck escorting this kid to college
like he was some kind of body guard. Two, the kid in question wouldn’t talk to him. Three, he
wanted – no, he needed – Felix, but Chan was depriving him of that.

Chan arrived on time every day – at 7am to take them both to college. At 4pm to take them to their
afternoon shift at the restaurant. At 8pm to take them back to Chan’s house.

That’s what annoyed Hyunjin the most. He’d be forced to sit in a corner and watch while Chan
used Jeongin, while he bound him and whipped him and belted him and fucked him. The first few
days, Hyunjin had gotten uncomfortably hard to the point he’d taken his cock out of his pants and
had started jerking off to them.

But by the end of the week, his arousal had dimmed. The longer he was being kept away from
Felix, the more agitated he’d grow. He’d come so close to taking one of the leather restraints and
wrapping it around Chan’s throat, ending his life so that he’d end Hyunjin’s misery. But he
couldn’t do that.

That fucking video. Chan had implied that there was more than one copy – kept in a safe place. All
it would take would be a few words from Jeongin, pegging Hyunjin as a rapist – someone who’d
forced him to partake in everything – and Hyunjin would be thrown into a prison cell.

Especially with his history – the police wouldn’t hesitate.

He chewed on his nails as he watched Chan slam his cock into Jeongin who was suspended in
midair, his hands splayed apart by thick silvery chains that hung from the ceiling.

He thought of Felix, and what it would be like to… No . He couldn’t have those kinds of thoughts
about Felix. He couldn’t. He’d never do these things to Felix. Felix was precious. Hyunjin would
show him that. But first, he needed to get away from Chan.

“How long are you going to do this to me?”

Chan looked up after he’d placed a half-asleep Jeongin on the bed. “I don’t know, Hyunjin,” he
shrugged, picking up his jeans off the floor. “How long do I need to?”

Hyunjin scoffed. “You’d have to do it forever. You know that, right? You know that as soon as you
let me out of your sight, I’m going to Changbin and Felix. And whatever the fuck you’re afraid of,
it’s probably going to happen.”

Changbin stared at him, and Hyunjin could see that familiar cold and calculated look as he
considered his words.

“What’s Changbin offering you?”

Hyunjin shrugged. “Whatever I want.” And all Hyunjin really wanted was Felix.
“And there’s nothing I could offer you that would make you decline him?”

Hyunjin’s lips lifted at the corner, and he stifled a laugh. He shook his head and approached the
blonde. He placed a hand on Chan’s bare chest, his skin warm despite the air conditioning. Chan
didn’t flinch as Hyunjin’s hand trailed downwards over the waistband of his boxers. “Would you
let me fuck you?” he asked in a whisper, pressing his hand against Chan’s crotch. Chan’s face
remained impassive, his gaze cool, when Hyunjin moved his hand around to cup his ass. “Would
you let me do to you the things you do to Jeongin?” his lips curved into a knowing smile. “You
wouldn’t, right?” he dropped his hand and stepped back.

Chan sighed. “You’re right. I wouldn’t.” He bit his lip. “Go, Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin’s eyes widened. “But the video?”

“I won’t use it.”

“Yeah, right,” Hyunjin scoffed. “The moment I walk out of here you’re going to –”

“Why would I?” Chan sat down at the edge of the bed. “I never planned on using it. I can’t do that
to Jeongin. He does what I say, but that doesn’t mean I’d expose him that way for the world to see.
I won’t use the video.”

Hyunjin wanted to argue, wanted to make Chan admit that he intended on using the video. But the
offer of freedom was too tempting to pass up. He’d have to risk it – for Felix.

“Wait,” Chan called out when Hyunjin made a beeline for the door. “If you’re thinking about going
to Changbin and Felix right now…”

“Why can’t I?” Hyunjin raised a brow.

“They’re not home. Changbin had a business trip. Felix went with.”

“Oh.” Hyunjin couldn’t help but feel disappointed. He’d hoped tonight…

Chan watched him leave, hoping that he’d believed his lie. He needed a little more time. Hyunjin
couldn’t go to Changbin just yet.

He was always hesitant about texting Minho, afraid that Jisung might see, might find out… But
Minho still hadn’t gotten around to placing the camera in Changbin and Felix’s bedroom, and Chan
was running out of time.

Chan: Minho. I need it done ASAP. Please.

He pressed send, figuring that it wouldn’t give much away if Jisung saw it. He never expected
such a quick reply from Minho. It usually took him a few hours. He supposed he was just lucky
today.

Minho: Tonight.

He breathed a sigh of relief. That at least was going to plan.

Dressed, and in his office, he pulled out the folder that he’d locked in his desk drawer a few days
ago. Taeyong had done well. And Chan still couldn’t wrap his head around the information
contained in the folder. But a few things stood out to him.
Five restraining orders

One breaking and entering charge

Three physical assault charges

Two sexual assault charges

Sentenced to two years in a juvenile detention center at age 13

Transferred to psychiatric institution at age 14

Released after passing psychiatric evaluation at age 16

It made Chan sick thinking of what Hyunjin and Changbin would do together. His only hope was
Minho.

When he heard the soft tap on his office door, he immediately closed the folder. “Come in,
Jeongin.”

The redhead pushed the door open, and took a few hesitant steps inside. “Are you busy, Channie?”

Chan shook his head, holding a hand out. “Come.” He observed the male who had just a thin
blanket wrapped around him. “I thought you were asleep.”

“Bad dreams,” Jeongin sighed, perching on Chan’s lap.

Chan slipped his hands under the blanket, caressing the old scars that lined Jeongin’s torso. Jeongin
turned his head to meet his gaze. “Hyunjin isn’t here.”

Chan nodded. “I let him go.”

“So we’re not watching him anymore?” He sounded slightly alarmed.

“I’m watching him,” Chan reassured him. “Don’t worry about that.”

Jeongin studied him for a moment before nodding and relaxing back against his chest.

Chan smiled. “I have a question for you.”

“Of course.”

“Why are you still here, Jeongin?” He waited patiently for the younger to answer, but Jeongin just
stared down at the desk, his fingers fidgeting with the calendar. “Your contract with me finished
five months ago.”

He felt Jeongin’s body tense.

“You don’t want me around anymore?”

“Oh, Jeongin, that’s not it!” Chan said quickly. “I love having you around. I love that you are
mine. You know this. I just wondered why…”

Jeongin shrugged. “I thought I’d be happy to leave when my contract ended. But when it did I
realized something.” He paused, staring at the wall. “The person I was before I signed that
contract… I’m not that person anymore. His friends, his family, his life… It’s different from mine
now. I can’t just go back to that. I don’t want to. I’m happy now, with you, like this.”

Chan let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. Recently it felt like Jeongin was the
only constant in his life, the only thing that had asserted it’s permanence in his life.

“I have a question for you too.”

Chan smiled. “Go ahead.” Questions from Jeongin were rare, but welcome.

“Have you heard from Jaemin yet?”

Oh… “No,” Chan shook his head. “I haven’t.” He’d thought Jeongin was moving past that… “It
still bothers you?”

Jeongin let out a soft sigh. “I know you told me to forget about it. But it isn’t easy. The thing is…”
he hesitated. “Jaemin and I…” Chan looked at him expectantly, but Jeongin just shook his head. “It
doesn’t matter now. I just feel guilty because I was the one who brought him into all this, you
know.”

Chan knew. Jaemin had been Jeongin’s first friend at university, and Chan had given Jeongin
permission to bring him to one of their social gatherings. Jaemin had become fast friends with
everyone in their circle.

“He left so suddenly,” Jeongin’s voice broke.

Chan rubbed his shoulders. “That wasn’t your fault.”

Jeongin looked as though he was about to argue, but thought better of it. “Can I go to sleep now,
Chan?”

“Yes, Jeongin.”

That was as far as intimacy always went with them. The contract, though expired, would always
stand as a barrier between them, reminding each of their places.

Jisung tilted his head, considering Minho’s request. The auburn haired male was perched on his
lap, waiting for an answer. “Why?”

Minho’s lips formed a slight pout before spreading into an easy smile. “It’s just been a while since
I played with them,” he shrugged. “I thought it would be fun. And you always enjoy spending time
with Changbin.”

Minho had blinked several times already, alerting Jisung to the lie in his words. And if there was
anything Jisung hated, it was being deceived by someone he loved and cared for. Then again, it
wouldn’t be the first time Minho disappointed him.

Even now, he thought about telling Minho, thought about confessing that he knew about it – about
them. The memories still caused his heart to ache and his veins to pulse with anger. He wondered
if this too, had something to do with Chan. But as far as Jisung understood, Minho and Chan hadn’t
been alone in months. Unless…

The thought made him dig his nails into Minho’s hips, causing the older male to flinch in surprise.
Ever since he found out about them – ever since he’d seen them – it had begun to feel as though a
tear had appeared in the fabric of his life.

The one he loved – the one he thought loved him enough to faithful – cheated on him with one of
his best friends. And while Minho’s betrayal hurt, Chan’s betrayal hurt even more. They’d grown
up in the same foster home – Jisung, Chan, Changbin. They were like brothers – they were
supposed to be. But Chan ruined that. Every time he forced himself to smile at Chan, to hug him, to
just be around him, cut through Jisung like a knife.

“Sorry, baby,” Jisung murmured, brushing his fingers over the indentations in his skin.

“Is something wrong?” Minho asked, concerned.

Jisung wondered once again whether he should tell Minho. No, he should give Minho a chance to
tell him.

“Baby, is there anything…” He trailed off, unsure what he was dreading more – Minho lying to
him, or Minho telling him the truth.

“Is there anything…?” Minho’s eyes were wide, his deception masked with innocence.

“Is there anything you’d like to tell me? Anything you’ve kept from me? Or – or lied about?”

Minho shrunk back, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of Jisung’s shirt. He looked away and
Jisung could see his features contort with fear. He knows now, that he’s been caught out . Tell me ,
Jisung silently implored. Tell me the truth.

“I’m sorry,” Minho began, his voice shaky. He couldn’t look Jisung in the eye and it pained the
younger.

“What are you sorry for?”

“Chan…” Minho gasped as though the word had slipped from between his lips without him
knowing.

“What about Chan?” Jisung tried to keep the menace out of his tone.

“He…” Minho gulped. He looked at Jisung now. “He wants me to put a camera in Changbin’s
bedroom.”

“What?” Jisung furrowed his brows. This wasn’t what he expected. “A camera?”

Minho nodded. “He came by a few days ago. He asked if I could. He didn’t say why – just that it
would help him.”

Wonderful. He betrayed me and now he wants to betray Changbin by spying on him. “Such a
control freak,” Jisung muttered. He’d had enough. “Bring me the camera.”

Minho paled. “What are you going to do?”

“Bring it to me!” Jisung snapped, and Minho flinched, sliding off his lap.

Jisung sat back in the armchair his eyes closed. Minho and Chan had been alone together again. He
wondered if they…

“Here it is,” Minho handed him the small black object. “He wanted me to place it in an air vent.”
He held the object back out to Minho. “You can help him,” he forced a smile. “Shall we go?”

Minho was taken aback. “You’re really going to help?”

“Yes,” Jisung lied. “I am. But don’t tell Chan, okay?”

Minho nodded eagerly, a relieved smile on his face. “Thank you, Sungie.”

“Go on,” Changbin smiled at Minho. “Felix is waiting for you upstairs. He was pretty excited
when he heard you were coming by.”

Jisung pecked Minho’s forehead before urging him towards the staircase. “Go, baby.”

When Minho was no longer in sight, Changbin turned to him. “What happened?” His text to
Changbin had been simple, but they knew each other well enough to understand what was needed.

Need to talk without M & F. Be there in 10.

He was glad Changbin had saw to it that they would be alone. They sat now, in the living room,
side by side on the couch as Jisung filled him in.

“Motherfucker,” Changbin shook his head when Jisung had finished. “It’s fine,” he shrugged. “Let
Minho do it. I’ll take care of whatever needs to be done.”

“You’ll be okay having a camera in your bedroom?” Jisung asked in surprise.

“I’ll take care of it,” Changbin repeated, lips curving into a familiar smirk. But his smirk fell away
when he surveyed Jisung. “Minho and Chan… Again?”

Jisung sighed, closing his eyes. “Probably.”

Changbin had been the only one there for Jisung when he needed to confide in someone. He’d
come home early from work to find his best friend fucking his boyfriend in their bedroom. He’d
been distraught. He’d been furious. And before he could act on his anger, he’d retreated. But
Changbin had been there for him.

It was Changbin who suggested he keep an eye on Minho and Chan. For a month he followed them
around, came home early, watched them fucking.

“Don’t act right away,” Changbin had warned. “You’ll get your revenge on Chan one day. You
just need to wait for the perfect moment.” And Jisung waited. When Minho and Chan stopped
meeting, and Jisung knew this because he’d hired someone to keep track of them, he decided that
he’d try to put it all behind him. Minho was his again, after all.

But now…

“What do I do, Changbin? I’m tired of waiting.”

“Just a little longer,” Changbin coaxed, his arm around Jisung’s shoulders.

Jisung looked at him quizzically. “Do you… Are you going to do something?”

Changbin hesitated. “I would tell you, but the less you know, the safer you’ll be.”
Jisung nodded. He knew what Changbin was into. He hadn’t seen it, but he could guess. He’d
stopped questioning Changbin a long time ago. He was right – Jisung didn’t want to know. “Just
promise me that if you’re going to hurt him, you’ll let me be a part of it.”

Minho rutted against Felix’s hardened cock, a strangled moan escaping from the younger. They
never played alone often. Usually Changbin and Jisung would participate or at the very least,
watch. But today they were alone.

Neither Minho nor Felix was interested in sticking their cock up the other’s ass. They both
preferred being the ones getting fucked into. But Minho had made Felix orgasm a multitude of
times in many other ways.

He knelt on the bed between Felix’s legs and took both their lengths into his hands. This was
Felix’s favourite. And it would be messy. Minho had to make sure of that.

He took Felix’s lips between his teeth, increasing the pace of his hands as they pumped their cocks
together. Felix kissed him with an increasing fierceness. Minho got the idea that Changbin didn’t
pay much attention to the younger. But Felix remained unwavering in his love and commitment to
Changbin. It was something Minho never understood.

Felix wrapped his legs around Minho’s waist, thrusting into his hands with his neck arched back, a
string of profanities leaving his mouth as he neared his orgasm.

When Felix’s torso was splattered in white, he slid off the bed, a satisfied smile on his face. “I’ll be
in the shower,” he said over his shoulder.

Minho waited for the sound of running water before digging in the pile of clothes at the foot of the
bed. He retrieved the camera from his jeans pocket. The air vent was built into the wall, and too far
up for Minho to reach from the ground.

He stepped onto the bed and then onto the side table, careful not to knock anything down. He
reached up, sighing in relief when the camera just about managed to fit in through the grate.

He’d only just stumbled back onto the ground when Changbin and Jisung appeared in the doorway.
“Is Felix in the shower?” Changbin asked.

Minho nodded, hoping he didn’t look too guilty.

“We’re leaving now, kitten,” Jisung smiled, holding a hand out to Minho. “You did so well today,”
he whispered when Changbin wasn’t paying attention.

“I love you, Sungie,” Minho pecked him on the lips.

Jisung nodded. “Let’s go.”

Minho gave Jisung a quizzical look. It was the first time he hadn’t said it back.
 Chapter 10

Hyunjin had gone to work that morning, had seen Jeongin who offered him the briefest of smiles
before heading to one of his classes, and wondered how long he had before Chan released that
video. But would he really? Did he mean it when he said he wouldn’t? Could Jeongin’s wellbeing
be that important to him?

Whatever the answers to those questions were, Hyunjin decided not to give a fuck anymore. If he
was going to spend the rest of his life in prison, that was fine. But he needed Felix first. He’d texted
Changbin to ask when he could come by. Luckily he only had to wait for a few hours.

He was nervous, felt nauseated just thinking about it – Changbin’s dick shoved up his ass. He
remembered Jeongin’s fingers and how they hurt, and anticipated the worst from Changbin. A part
of him liked to remember that Jeongin’s fingers had also felt good inside him, but he pushed away
that thought, not letting it linger. It wasn’t supposed to feel good to him. He wasn’t a bottom. He
refused to be one.

Just this one night. He’d do it just for this one night. For Felix.

“Hi.” Felix greeted him with a small smile. “Come in, Hyunjin.”

“It’s good to see you,” Hyunjin said, stepping into the foyer, feeling slightly disappointed that he
hadn’t been welcomed with a kiss like the last time.

Felix offered him another smile, beautiful, but not as bright as the ones Hyunjin loved. Was Felix
upset about something? Was it Hyunjin? Was it Changbin?

“Changbin is upstairs,” Felix gestured to the staircase. “Turn right, third room on your left.”

Hyunjin furrowed his brows. “You’re not coming with?”

Felix regarded him with an impassive stare. “You would want me to?”

Hyunjin thought about it. He would have impulsively said yes. But he didn’t really want Felix
seeing him like that. No fucking way .

He shook his head. “No, I guess it’s better this way.”

Felix shrugged. “Up you go then.”

Hyunjin glanced at him once more before heading upstairs. Felix seemed… off. He’d have to ask
Changbin.

He took a deep breath and gulped before turning the door handle.

It wasn’t their master bedroom – Hyunjin could tell by the lack of personal items. And it wasn’t a
playroom like Chan’s – he was grateful for that. It appeared to be another guest room, slightly
bigger than the one he’d previously spent the night in. And it was warm. A low fire crackled
beneath a grey marble fireplace. The foggy night sky could be seen from between the curtains,
pulled apart and secured with matching velvet navy blue bows. The entire floor was covered in
plush carpeting, the same navy blue colour that Hyunjin loved.
Coincidence? He doubted it.

“Could you close the door, please, Hyunjin?”

He jumped in fright, feeling foolish for not having seen Changbin leaning back against the pillows
on the bed. He pushed the door closed and nodded in Changbin’s direction. He hoped they could
get this over with quickly.

Changbin, to Hyunjin’s annoyance was still fully dressed in jeans and a soft black sweater. Hyunjin
had expected him to be naked already.

“Thirsty?” Changbin stood up. “Water? Wine? Something stronger? Or something… else?” His
lips lifted into a smirk as he approached Hyunjin, a glass of familiar red liquid in a brandy glass.

Hyunjin brought his knuckles up to his mouth, sinking his teeth into them. It had been a week since
the last time he had any. He couldn’t understand that Changbin would want to give that to him
without expecting something in return.

He shook his head. “Can we fuck now?”

Changbin threw his head back and laughed. “Oh Hyunjin, if you were someone else I would have
pegged you as being eager to have my dick inside you, but I know you’re just eager to have it
finished.” He regarded him with a thoughtful smile. “You should drink this. I’m not attaching any
sexual favours to it. I’m just hoping it’ll help you relax a little – make it better for both of us.”

Hyunjin stared at him for a moment, his fingers closing around the glass. He lowered his gaze to
the scarlet liquid. “You’ve diluted it with something.” He swirled it around, bringing the glass up
to his nose and taking a whiff.

“Just a shot of vodka,” Changbin shrugged. “Like I said, I want to loosen you up a little.” He met
Hyunjin’s suspicious stare and rolled his eyes. “If I wanted to drug and rape you, I would’ve done
it already.”

Hyunjin chose to believe he was telling the truth, or perhaps his willpower had weaned. He took a
small sip at first, licking the excess blood off his lips. Changbin had placed himself in an armchair
by the fire – still fully clothed. He had his eyes trained on Hyunjin.

Hyunjin lowered the glass. “Do you think I’m some kind of freak for doing this?”

Changbin tilted his head and smiled. “I do, but I like that.”

He was sincere, and that confused the fuck out of Hyunjin.

“What do you get out of it?” Changbin asked. “You have an interest in vampires?”

Hyunjin snorted and took a seat across from him. “No, that’s bullshit. I started cutting myself with
my pocketknife when I was in sixth grade,” he admitted. “If I hadn’t done it to myself I would have
done it to someone else. I couldn’t let that happen. And then I just – I just liked the look of it, you
know? I liked how the blood looked on my skin. And the smell – it was comforting.”

Changbin nodded in understanding. “And the taste?”

“It has nothing to do with the taste,” Hyunjin shook his head. “I only started ingesting it after I had
it from someone else. Isn’t it amazing how people rely on this one red substance to live? Too little
and they’re gone, dead, finished. Drinking blood makes me feel…”
“Powerful? In control of their lives?”

Hyunjin smiled and drained the glass. “Yeah. It’s like… Fuck, I know it sounds stupid but it’s like
I’ve taken something important to them. Like I’m…”

“In control,” Changbin nodded. “I get it.”

Hyunjin narrowed his eyes. “Is that why you… you want me?”

Changbin smiled. “I’m glad you understand. It’s a guilty pleasure.” He stood up, taking his sweater
off in one fluid motion. “Shall we do this now?”

Hyunjin stayed seated, testing the waters. “If I say no…?”

“Then you’re free to leave,” Changbin shrugged. “But, I believe there’s something – someone –
you want from me.”

“So I do this, and I get to have Felix?”

“You do this and you get to have everything you want, Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin slipped his t-shirt over his head, discarding it onto the floor. “About Felix,” he hesitated.
“Is he unhappy?”

Changbin looked taken aback by this.

“Unhappy that I’m here, I mean,” Hyunjin added.

“Did he give you that impression?” Changbin tilted his head now, eyebrows raised in question.

Now Hyunjin had a feeling that he shouldn’t have mentioned it. “No,” he shook his head quickly,
taking a few hesitant steps towards Changbin, his nerves making him shiver despite the warmth of
the room. “So how, um…”

“How do I want you?” With a flick of his fingers, Changbin undid the button on Hyunjin’s jeans.
“Naked.”

Hyunjin nodded, pushing down his jeans and underwear, past his knees until they pooled at his
feet. He kicked off his shoes and stepped away from the pile of clothes. “And now?” he cleared his
throat and looked away, feeling an unimaginable amount of shame. What the fuck was he doing?
He felt like a slut.

“On the bed,” Changbin instructed. “Lie back and I’ll be with you in a moment.”

Hyunjin began the shameful walk to the bed, the sight of the covers pulled back, daunting.

“You didn’t do any prep, did you?”

Hyunjin looked over his shoulder and shook his head. “You said not to.”

“Lovely.”

Hyunjin’s throat felt dry as he clambered onto the bed, lying on his back. He considered asking for
water, but that would only delay things.

He screwed his eyes shut when he felt the dip in the bed. Here we go.
He felt a hand trailing up his thigh, nudging his legs apart. He spread both legs out on either side of
Changbin, leaving himself wide open to him. He was breathing heavily, unevenly, his limbs stiff
with fear of what was about to happen.

He gasped when felt Changbin’s fingers toy with his nipples. He flicked them until they hardened,
pinching them until Hyunjin’s eyes flew open and he cried out from the sudden pain. And then…
Oh . He felt the wetness of Changbin’s tongue lap over his stiffening nipples.

He pulled back and placed an unexpected kiss at the base of Hyunjin’s throat. He drew himself up,
hovering over him. He traced Hyunjin’s lips with the tip of his index finger. He leaned down as if
to kiss Hyunjin, but pulled back up before their lips could touch. Hyunjin’s brows furrowed and he
momentarily wondered if there was something wrong with his mouth. But no, he didn’t give a
fuck. He needed Changbin to hurry up.

He sucked in a breath when Changbin brushed up against his groin.

“Oh, look who’s hard,” he chided, thrusting up against Hyunjin again, causing a long drawn out
moan to escape from the younger male’s throat.

Hyunjin immediately turned his head to look away. A fucking weak slut – that’s what he was. How
could he be turned on by this? He wasn’t a bottom. He wasn’t.

Changbin knelt between his legs, popping open the cap on a bottle of lube. He slicked some onto
his fingers. “Knees up.”

Hyunjin hesitated. Changbin noticed.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” Changbin sounded affronted. “I do hurt people but you’re not like them,
Hyunjin. Learn to trust me.”

That wasn’t going to happen. But Hyunjin hooked his lower lip between his teeth, pulling his knees
to his chest and exposing himself.

One finger nudged into him. Uncomfortable. Wrong. Something inside that wasn’t supposed to be
there . He screwed his eyes shut, trying to drown out the feeling of a bodily invasion as it prodded
around inside him.

“You’re so tight, Hyunjin.”

And then he added another finger. Hyunjin let out a yelp as Changbin stretched his tight ring of
muscle, an enduring burn making his legs quiver.

Changbin began to move his fingers around, in and out, slowly fucking into him. Soon, the
slipperiness gave way, and the pain faded into the background, overridden by an intense feeling of
discomfort. His brain kept telling him that there was something awful inside him – something he
needed to wrench out.

“No, Hyunjin,” Changbin scolded, his voice firm. “You need to relax or you’re going to hate this
even more.”

And Hyunjin tried to relax his muscles, tried to release the tension, tried not to squeeze so hard
around Changbin’s fingers. But as soon as he felt the tip of a third finger, his body tensed once
more. More pain and discomfort reverberated through him as he was stretched open more than he
thought he could stand.
And then, for a moment, he felt relief. He could breathe again. But he knew it wasn’t over. His
body automatically tensed in anticipation.

“Relax,” Changbin warned, and the blonde took a deep breath, trying to talk his body into calming
down. He could feel Changbin’s hands, prying his thighs apart, and Hyunjin was struggling to let
him. Finally, he coaxed his body into giving in. He spread both legs around Changbin’s body,
leaving himself open and exposed.

He couldn’t bear to look at Changbin but he could feel the other’s piercing gaze on him.
Changbin’s fingers closed around the sheets, on either side of Hyunjin, his hips shifting forward,
the head of his cock prodding Hyunjin’s hole.

He placed a hand over his mouth, clamping his teeth down onto his fingers – pain to distract from
pain. A thick arousal began to split him open, slowly, patiently. Hyunjin muted his cries with his
own fingers, biting down so hard he was sure his teeth were going to rip right through the flesh.

He could feel hot tears trickling down the side of his face as Changbin sunk further in. He eased in
deeper, deeper, until Hyunjin’s ass had sucked his cock in, and he was pressed flush against his
ass. Soft mewls escaped from Hyunjin’s mouth which still enclosed his fingers. Spit leaked down
his chin, joining his tears.

Changbin pulled back and slowly pressed in again. The pain was now a dull ache. And he pulled
back again. But the third time thrusting in made Hyunjin gape with unforeseen pleasure. His fingers
slipped from his mouth and he couldn’t help that his moans were timed to Changbin’s hard thrusts.

Hyunjin’s skin was flushed, sweat dripping down his chest as Changbin pounded into him. He
panted as he felt his core begin to tighten. He arched his back, pressing his head into the pillows,
twisting and thrashing, moaning incoherently and clenching the sheets in desperation.

He felt feverish, delirious, ashamed. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. This wasn’t who he was.
He wasn’t supposed to come undone beneath anyone. He wasn’t supposed to take cock the way he
did. He wasn’t supposed to –

“Changbin!” His eyes widened as he felt the other’s hand wrap around his erection.

His ass spasmed and clenched around Changbin’s cock that shoved inside him, pulsing as it
disposed of its cum.

Changbin began to slide his hand along the length of Hyunjin’s erection, and it only took a few
seconds before he came with a sob, hating himself for enjoying something so humiliating.

He waited for Changbin to pull out, before turning away and burying his face into the pillow. He
felt like a whore. He felt stripped of his pride. He felt weak.

He felt a soft blanket being drawn up over his shoulders. “I’ll send Felix up with something to eat.
There’s a bathroom just through that door on your right. Shower whenever you feel up to it. I’d
offer to help, but I doubt you want that. And stay the night, Hyunjin. We have a lot to talk about in
the morning.”

Hyunjin waited for him to leave but he could feel the male lingering.

“I know you’re probably eager to have Felix. But I doubt your body feels as eager. He’ll be there
for you to use when you… recover. I’ll have him stay the night with you just so you feel reassured
that you can have him whenever you want to.”
He heard the sound of receding footsteps and the opening and closing of the door.

Felix heard everything. He’d even opened the door just a sliver to take a peek. And he didn’t
understand it. Changbin was being so nice to Hyunjin. He wasn’t forceful or rough like he was
with the others. It was almost like he didn’t want to hurt Hyunjin . But why? What was so special
about him?

Felix definitely wasn’t accustomed to this. He was used to being the only one Changbin was
remotely gentle with. He was used to being the only special one. He’d known the moment he saw
Changbin set eyes on Hyunjin that Changbin found him attractive. But surely that wasn’t the
reason Hyunjin was suddenly special? What did he have that made Changbin want him?

He set Hyunjin’s dinner onto a tray preparing to take it up as Changbin had instructed him. Felix
and Changbin would have their dinner together as they always did. That at least hadn’t changed
yet.

Hyunjin slept on his side, back to the door. He shifted slightly under the covers when Felix
entered. He set the tray down on the table in front of the fireplace. “Your dinner is here,” he said,
glancing at the male who made no attempt to acknowledge him. He must feel ashamed. They all
did.

“I’ll be back after my dinner,” Felix explained, retreating. Hyunjin lifted his head a fraction before
letting it fall back against the pillow.

“How is he?” Changbin asked, seating himself at the dining table.

Felix sat opposite him, picking apathetically at his food. “He’s fine,” he perked up at having
Changbin’s attention once more, even though he hated that Hyunjin was once again the subject
matter. He watched as Changbin popped a cherry tomato into his mouth, chewing slowly, his eyes
fixed on the flickering candle flame between them. He swallowed and locked eyes with Felix. It
was a look Felix knew only too well; the darkening of the sky before a storm broke out.

“Did I do something wrong, Felix?”

Felix’s fork cluttered onto the plate and he winced at the echo. “No, Binnie,” his voice was soft,
almost a whisper. “Why would you think that?”

Changbin sighed, placing his own fork onto his plate. “Why else would you fail to do something I
asked of you?”

“What do you mean?” Felix’s eyes widened and he shrunk back in his chair, trying to recall
everything Changbin requested help with since the morning.

“I thought I asked you, very nicely , to keep Hyunjin happy?”

“Oh…” Felix looked down at his hands. “Did I do something – something wrong?”

For few seconds he could feel Changbin’s gaze penetrating him. “Why did Hyunjin ask me
whether you’re unhappy that he’s here?”

Felix bit his lip, trying to think of a quick yet believable excuse. “Binnie, I – I was… I was just
feeling a bit sick. I had a headache, and – and I didn’t realize…”
“Is it better now?”

Felix nodded.

“Good,” Changbin picked up his fork. “Then Hyunjin won’t be complaining again.”

“He won’t,” Felix reassured him with a smile. But Changbin wasn’t even looking at him. He
frowned. “I don’t understand why he’s so important.”

“You will,” Changbin smiled at him now. “You’ll understand soon.”

Felix looked away. “I thought I was important.”

“Ahh,” Changbin sounded as though he’d come to a realization of great significance. Felix was
surprised when Changbin extended a hand and their fingers entwined on the table. “My Lixie.
You’re the most important. You’re the special one. That will never change.”

He pressed a kiss onto Felix’s knuckles, and Felix couldn’t look away from him. This was the
Changbin he loved, the Changbin he’d do anything for, the Changbin who’d done everything for
him.

When Felix received a job offer to model for a company in South Korea, there was no way he was
going to turn it down. Despite his family’s protests, he accepted and took the earliest flight out. He
should have listened to his family, should have done some research. Maybe then he would have
found out that the company didn’t actually exist.

The man who picked him up from the airport, took him to what looked like an abandoned building.
But it just happened to be Felix’s new home. He was taken to a room with a double bed, sheets
clean and white. The walls were overlaid with a dull grey wallpaper. One of the walls was covered
by a huge mirror. There were no windows and the room was void of any other furniture.

Felix lost track of how long he was kept in there – days, weeks, months, a year, maybe two. Every
night someone new – sometimes more than one – would come in and use him. He’d given up
fighting after the first few. It was futile trying to run, and they treated you better if you were well-
behaved.

He’d resigned himself to the notion that he was going to be there forever. And then Changbin came
in one night. He told Felix that he was taking him away. He said that Felix didn’t have to do
anything for him, that Felix could even go back to Australia if he wanted to.

But after staying with Changbin for a few days, Felix canceled his flight. Changbin needed him. He
couldn’t just leave him alone. He’d saved him, and Felix would show him his gratitude. So he
stayed. And he fell in love. They fell in love with each other.

“I’ll make sure Hyunjin is happy,” he reassured Changbin, giving his hand a squeeze. “I promise.”

“I love you, Lix,” Changbin smiled. “You know that, don’t you?”

Jeongin looked around the café, his shoulders tense. He could never feel at ease here.

“I’m telling you,” Seungmin frowned. “Changbin is manipulative. Can you imagine what he and
Hyunjin will get up to together?”
They were both seated at their usual seats at the back of the café. It was a regular hangout for
anyone attending the local college. They fit right in, even though they weren’t there to mingle and
de-stress.

“Stop being so fidgety,” Seungmin scowled. “You’ll just draw attention to us. What did you tell
Chan this time?”

Jeongin sighed. “I told him I had some group project to work on.”

“Good,” Seungmin took a sip of his coffee. “So why do you think Chan ditched his attempt to tame
Hyunjin?”

Jeongin scoffed. “Maybe he finally figured out that you can’t tame crazy.” He still shuddered
every time he thought of the contents of the file Seungmin had shown him – Hyunjin’s past
offences, his psych records.

Seungmin nodded in agreement. “Anything else new?”

“Nothing,” Jeongin shrugged, his shoulders slumped. “Do you think we should just give up?”

“No!” Seungmin seemed taken aback. It was the first time he’d suggested such a thing. “Look,
Jeongin, we can’t give up on this. I can’t give up on this. I’m too invested. And you are too. I
mean, of course you are. He was your boyfriend.”

That was the most painful part about wanting to give up. Jeongin sat back and closed his eyes. He
loved – was still in love with Jaemin. It hurt to give up, but what else could he do? Jaemin and his
parents had just vanished into thin air. He needed answers.

Chan had tried to convince him that Jaemin and his parents had to move away suddenly, because
what other reason could they have for disappearing like that? But Jeongin knew he was wrong.
After all, Chan didn’t know about his relationship with Jaemin. According to his contract with
Chan, he was forbidden from having any kind of relationship with someone else.

They’d complicate things for you, Chan had told him . It’s not jealousy or possessiveness . But if
you were to get into a relationship with someone who disapproved of what we have…

And Jaemin had disapproved. He hated that Jeongin had bound himself to Chan that way. They’d
fought about it a lot.

When Jaemin disappeared, a part of Jeongin wondered if perhaps the male had enough of seeing
him with Chan. Maybe that’s why he didn’t even bother saying goodbye.

But then Seungmin came into the picture. He said he’d met Jaemin on some online chat forum.
They started talking and became good friends. When he stopped answering Seungmin’s calls,
Seungmin became worried. He decided to launch an investigation of his own.

Because that was his job. Seungmin was a police detective. He’d taken special leave to investigate
Jaemin’s disappearance. He’d disclosed this to Jeongin when he’d asked for his help getting to
know Jaemin’s acquaintances.

“I just don’t think Chan is involved,” Jeongin admitted. “He’d never hurt Jaemin. I’m sure of it.
But the rest of them…”

“I have my doubts too,” Seungmin nodded. “And my suspicions.”

“You’re talking about Changbin,” Jeongin guessed. “But we can’t just jump to conclusions, even if
he is on the top of our list. Just carry on investigating him. See what you find.”

“But you know,” Seungmin leaned forward, a gleam in his eye. “The thing about crazy, is that it’s
volatile. And I think that Hwang Hyunjin is going to end up being our wild card.”

Jeongin surveyed him in disbelief. “Hyunjin? How so?”

“He’s either going to fuck up this whole investigation, or he’s going to lead us straight to all the
answers we need.”
 Chapter 11
Chapter Notes

Very little/almost no smut in this chapter. But from this point on, the book is going to
get a bit gruesome courtesy of Changjin, so please be cautious.

Hyunjin slept fitfully, having constant nightmares of being held down and fucked again and again,
clawing at the sheets, trying to get away, trying to stop the torment. He woke gasping for air, the
sheets snaked around his legs like the restraints he’d dreamed of.

“Hyunjin?”

He yelped, startled at the face that peered down at him. Felix.

“I… Changbin sent me, to spend the night. He told you, didn’t he? That I’d be here?”

Hyunjin ran his fingers through his sweaty hair. “Yeah,” he nodded. “Um… I uh… I should
shower.”

Felix stepped back from the bed, handing him the towel that he’d left aside earlier. “You haven’t
eaten yet,” he said, glancing at the untouched tray. “Shower, and I’ll heat it up for you.”

Hyunjin studied him. He had that bright smile on his face again, but there was something in his
eyes that made Hyunjin begin to doubt the genuineness of it. Had it ever been genuine?

The shower was a welcome one, and he relished the idea of washing away the stain Changbin had
left on him, but he knew that would take more than just water to erase. He wanted to just erase this
whole fucking night.

When he returned to the room, Felix was setting down the tray of food beside the fireplace. He
kept his back to Hyunjin as he changed into the slacks and t-shirt Changbin had given him.
Everything fit perfectly, if the new smell hadn’t already made it obvious that they were purchased
just for him.

“Come,” Felix beckoned over his shoulder. “It’ll get cold again.”

Hyunjin obliged, seating himself in an armchair, and looking at Felix questioningly. “Sit with me?”

Felix hesitated but nodded. “Okay.” Another smile.

Hyunjin balanced the plate on his lap, his fork lazily moving around the contents. “You’re
unhappy.” He didn’t phrase it as a question because it was so observable.

Felix stiffened, his shoulders tense, his eyes wide and unblinking. His lips quivered as he struggled
to find an appropriate response.

“Why?” Hyunjin asked, unrelenting. “Don’t you approve of this arrangement?” He stared as he
asked the question, aware of the way Felix dug his nails into the armchair.
Slowly, he began to shake his head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about Hyunjin. Is there
something you’d like me to do? Changbin said you wouldn’t want me tonight but if you –”

“I don’t want you tonight,” Hyunjin agreed. “Or any other night, if it’s not what you want.”

All colour had drained from Felix’s face. His eyes darted around the room, panic rising. Hyunjin
had seen that look one too many times on other faces – faces he hadn’t cared about. But Felix was
different. He just needed to make him understand that.

“You don’t want me?” the depth of Felix’s voice filled the room, sending a shiver down Hyunjin’s
spine.

“Oh, I do,” Hyunjin’s lips curved into a smile. “Very much, actually. But not to use.”

His brows furrowed, Felix tilted his head to the side. “Then what do you want with me?”

Hyunjin considered his question. There was an answer even though he himself was loathed to admit
it. Finally, he gave in. “I want to take care of you. If you’ll let me, Felix,” he added. He gave the
other a few moments for it to sink in.

“Take care of me…” Felix softly repeated the statement, staring into vacant space. When he
brought his gaze back to Hyunjin he seemed disgruntled. “Changbin does that for me.”

Hyunjin raised his brows. “Does he really? Whoring you out so he can get what he wants? That’s
taking care of you?” He couldn’t help that his words dripped with contempt, but Felix didn’t seem
moved by them.

“He means well. And he never forces me.”

Hyunjin had to chuckle at that. “Then why are you here with me right now? I can’t imagine that’s
from your own free will.”

Felix looked away. “It’s my choice. I’ll do what I can to keep him happy.”

Hyunjin nodded, setting down his plate. He stood up. “And I’ll do what I can to keep you happy.”

Felix rose too. “Do you want me to do any –”

“You can stay,” Hyunjin shrugged. “Tell Changbin you’re doing whatever he told you to do. Tell
him we’re fucking. It’s fine. But I won’t touch you until you want it.” He slipped into the comfort
of the bed once more and patted the empty space beside him. “I won’t touch you,” he repeated.

When Hyunjin woke the next morning, the space beside him was empty, but the imprint Felix had
made remained, as well as the strawberry scent of his hair. Hyunjin reached out a hand to caress the
pillow, ignoring that dark thing that lurked beneath the surface, telling him to take what he wanted
even if it broke Felix. But, no – Felix was different. And yes, he’d said that about the others too,
but this time he’d control his impulses, keep that monster caged…

When he went downstairs, Changbin and Felix were already finishing up their breakfast. “We
didn’t want to wake you,” Changbin said in greeting. “Help yourself.”

Felix’s eyes flicked to Changbin, seeing that he was occupied with his phone, before deciding it
was safe to not acknowledge Hyunjin’s presence.

Hyunjin reached for a muffin, popping a piece into his mouth. He chewed slowly as he surveyed
the two, neither of them looking at him. He swallowed. “You said we have a lot to discuss,” he
reminded Changbin.

Changbin placed his phone on the table, a smile gracing his features. “ Show , actually, not discuss.
After you eat. I’m afraid I might ruin your appetite.”

Hyunjin raised his eyebrows. What is it that Changbin could possibly want to show him? “Now,”
he said firmly. “I insist.”

Changbin didn’t seem remotely threatened, didn’t seem to be aware of what lurked under
Hyunjin’s skin. He shrugged his shoulders. “Well, if you insist…” He stood up and beckoned to
Hyunjin. Felix remained at the table.

He led Hyunjin to the living room where he retrieved a torch from a cabinet, pushed the glass
center table aside, and kicked away the brown rug.

A trapdoor. He’d been hiding a trapdoor. He fished a key out of his pocket, turning it into the built
in lock. When the door sprang open, he switched on the torch to reveal a steel ladder descending
into the dark. “It’s not a long a way down,” Changbin reassured him.

But even as Changbin descended, Hyunjin was hesitant. He didn’t trust him, not one bit. But he
followed, for Felix.

The landing was dark, a sliver of light from Changbin’s torch illuminating a narrow passageway.
Hyunjin took in the low ceiling, and tried to get a glimpse of what lay ahead. “Is this all built
beneath your house?” he asked in awe.

Changbin nodded, leading him down the passage. “It was just an escape tunnel when I moved in.
You know, from the war? But I extended it. It serves me well.”

Only a few feet in, Hyunjin could already smell it. Blood. He paused, causing Changbin to look
over his shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

“Where are you taking me?”

“Hell for some,” Changbin shrugged. “But for you and I, heaven.”

Out of pure intrigue, and a lack of care for self-preservation, Hyunjin followed. Unusually long, the
path continued for several meters, until it opened out into a larger room.

Hyunjin took a deep breath as he surveyed the various contraptions on shelves and cluttered onto
tables. But what caught his attention was the corpse hanging from a hook above a white sheet of
tarp. Headless, its arms and legs were severed, and it hung like a piece of meat, skin yellow,
splattered with crimson.

Hyunjin waited for the nausea, the fear, the urge to run. But it never came. Instead, he felt a
pulsing excitement, his hair standing on end. He’d done a lot himself, but nothing like this. He
would never dare do something like this. Not out of moral obligation, but out of fear of being
caught.

He stared at Changbin who fiddled with one of the metal contraptions on a table. “What are you?”

Changbin didn’t look up at him, but his lips quirked into a smile. “Human. Like you.”

Hyunjin approached the corpse, trying to resist the urge to run his fingers over its leathery skin. He
could see now why Changbin needed him. He had it too – the monster that lurked beneath his skin.
Still he asked, “What do you want from me?”

“Companionship,” was Changbin’s answer. “It gets lonely. I have no one to share this with, no one
who understands.” His frustration was audible.

“Felix –”

“Accepts but doesn’t understand.”

Hyunjin’s lips curved into a smile. This was more than he ever imagined. This was too good to be
true. “How? How do you cover it up?”

“Money,” Changbin stood next to him now. “Money can do a lot for you when you have a lot of
it.”

Hyunjin took it all in. It was everything he’s ever wanted, like being let out of a prison cell – being
freed from a cage. Changbin placed a hand on his back. Hyunjin didn’t stop him. Instead, he said,
“I think Chan might be a problem.”

Changbin laughed. “Oh he is. But not to worry, Hyunjin. I think he has more pressing matters at
hand.”

Jisung didn’t know why he was doing it. Maybe he just wanted to torment Chan. Maybe he needed
more proof. Maybe Minho had just fucked him up too badly. Yeah, that was it. Minho. It wasn’t
just Chan he wanted to torment; it was Minho too.

Minho appeared surprised when Jisung announced that Chan would be joining them for lunch.
“Just thought you might want the heads-up,” Jisung smiled. “So you can cook a little extra. You
know how much he eats.”

Seeming to recover from his surprise, Minho nodded. “He has an appetite, that one.”

Perhaps he’d meant to sound nonchalant about it, and maybe Jisung was just imagining it, but
those words were laced with affection. Affection for Chan. He couldn’t stomach it. “Let me know
if you need help,” he murmured. “I have some work to do.”

Minho looked up from the stove, concerned. “Is everything okay, Sungie? You seem a bit stressed
out these days.”

Jisung forced a bright smile onto his face. “Perfect. Everything is perfect.”

Chan arrived punctually at 12pm. Annoying. But Jisung let him in with another fake smile. Chan
gave no indication that he could see through the mask.

As instructed, Minho was on his knees beside the small dining table. He had a pair of fluffy white
cat ears clipped to his hair, and wore a tight black t-shirt over white denim shorts. Jisung had
picked the outfit himself.

“Hello, Minho,” Chan greeted Minho, casting him only a small glance as he seated himself at the
table.

Jisung seated himself in the opposite chair. He knew Minho wouldn’t even look at Chan unless he
obtained permission. His kitty. And Chan despised that, Jisung knew. He’d never been a fan of the
whole cat thing, didn’t understand it, didn’t see the appeal.

“It’s nice of you to join us,” Jisung studied Chan who seemed to be admiring the paintings on the
walls. “It’s been a while.”

Chan turned his attention to him. “I missed this,” he smiled.

Fake. It was all fake. The only thing Chan missed was having his dick shoved up Jisung’s
boyfriend’s ass. He was supposed to be his best friend, his brother. They’d grown up together, in
the same home, raised by the same person. They’d been inseparable. And now... Chan had ruined
that.

“Well, help yourself,” he gestured to the food prepared by Minho. He waited for Chan before
serving himself. His plate full, he looked at Minho slyly. He was curled up at his feet, no doubt
waiting for an invitation to sit on Jisung’s lap, to be fed the way Jisung usually fed him.

“Nothing for you today, Minho,” he said, tucking into his food. Both Chan and Minho looked
taken aback at this, but he continued chewing on his food. He swallowed, and looked down at
Minho who met his gaze, brows furrowed in confusion. He could feel Chan’s stare too. “Come,” he
said to Minho, patting his lap.

Minho gingerly got to his feet, sliding onto Jisung’s lap, back to the table, eyes studying Jisung’s
face. Chan averted his eyes, staring down at his plate. This made Jisung smile.

He traced Minho’s lips with his fingers, prying them open, pushing several fingers in at once.
Minho sucked on them diligently. “Such a good kitty.” He pecked Minho’s cheek before
withdrawing his fingers, saliva dripping from them.

He placed his arms around Minho’s waist, sliding them down to his hips. “You’ve gained too
much of weight, Minho,” he clicked his tongue, fingers pressing into Minho’s hips. He could feel
Minho’s body stiffen at the remark, brown eyes blinking, unsure of what he’d just heard.

But Chan’s reaction was more interesting. He’d set down his fork, and now glared at Jisung, jaw
clenched. He seemed to be restraining himself from saying or doing something he was sure to
regret. He wondered what he’d have to do to make Chan lose it. He was so good at keeping himself
composed…

He ignored the hurt in Minho’s eyes, and trailed his fingers under his boyfriend’s t-shirt. His skin
was cold but when he slipped his hand into Minho’s shorts, his skin grew warmer. This wasn’t new
to Chan. He’d seen him and Minho fucking before; he’d even joined them.

With one hand he unbuttoned Minho’s shorts, the other hand slipping further inside, between his
cheeks. “You need to lose weight, Minho,” he drawled, “or soon, you won’t be worth touching
anymore.”

He heard Minho’s stifled gasp, and felt the cool tears that trickled down his cheeks and onto
Jisung’s hand. Yes, Minho had never been one for degradation.

Even without lubricant, it was a wonder how a whore like Minho was still so tight. He pushed the
tip of his finger in, Minho whining into his chest. “Ssh,” he soothed, pushing his finger in further.
Minho’s heat clenched and unclenched around him, trying to adjust. Impatiently, he added another
finger, causing Minho to dig his fingers into his shoulders.

“Jisung, no,” Minho began to protest, and Chan tensed, eyes flickering from Jisung’s face to his
hand in Minho’s shorts. “Jisung, that hurts –”

“That’s enough, Jisung,” Chan stood up, eyes blazing with anger. “What the fuck are you doing?”

Triumphantly, Jisung relented, releasing Minho, shoving him off his lap. “What?” he looked at
Chan innocently. “I was just having fun. Isn’t that what you do with… everyone?”

Chan trembled with anger as he spoke, each word clearly enunciated. “Minho said no .”

“And that bothers you?” Jisung snorted. “Okay, then. Take him.” He looked at Minho who stood
to the side, dissolving into sobs at his words.

“Jisung!” Chan was furious. “He isn’t a thing! You can’t give him away like he means nothing to
you!”

“Can’t I?” Jisung raised his eyebrows. “Go Minho. I’m sure Chan will take care of you.”

“Why are you doing this, Sungie?” Minho asked, distraught. “I – I love you.”

“Love?” Jisung sneered, standing up and slamming his hands onto the table, wiping it clean of
everything, the sound of glass shattering echoing through the house. “Fuck love! You’re a whore,
Minho. How can I love you? Wouldn’t loving someone like you bring me down to your level?”

“Jisung,” Minho shook his head, approaching him in a panic, but Jisung held out a hand, stopping
him.

He looked at Minho in contempt. “Whore,” he spat. “You fuck my best friend in my bed – our bed
– and expect me to love you? No. Go to him. Tell him to take care of you now.”

Chan glanced at Minho again. He’d been silent since Jisung kicked them both out. He could
understand only a fraction of Minho’s heartache. Chan lost his best friend, but Minho had lost
everything – his boyfriend, and his home.

“I’m sorry,” Chan murmured, pulling into his driveway. “I’m so sorry.”

“You?” Minho’s voice sounded strained, like he was trying to keep his tears at bay again. “I’m the
one… I’m the one who started all of this. Me. I ruined it. I ruined everything. It was my mis –”

He stopped, biting his lip and looking out of the window. But Chan could still hear it loud and
clear. Mistake .

He switched the car engine off and opened the car door. “It’s cold,” he sighed. “Let’s get inside
and then we’ll see what to do from there. Okay?”

“Chan,” Minho placed a hand on his knee. “I didn’t mean that. You. Us. We’re weren’t – we’re not
– a mistake.” He hesitated. “But after this, after today, I don’t think…”

“You don’t think we can be together,” Chan nodded. “Stay here. With me. As long as you want,”
he murmured. “No strings attached.”

Minho looked doubtful. “But Sewoon…”

“He doesn’t have to know what happened,” Chan reassured him. “I’ll tell him that you need a place
to stay. And that’s the truth. He won’t mind.”
After the whole episode with Jisung, Chan knew that lying to Sewoon wouldn’t sit well with
Minho, but what choice did he have? He couldn’t lose Sewoon too.
 Chapter 12
Chapter Summary

This chapter is basically just Seungmin and Jeongin enjoying themselves. But
something essential to the plot happens at the end of it.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Jeongin stared. He couldn’t help himself. It was strange to see Lee Minho so dejected, so… unlike
himself.

There were two sides to Minho that Jeongin had become well-acquainted with. There was the
obedient kitty who aimed to please its owner at all costs. As a pet, Minho was subservient, always
so into his role that if you spent enough time with him, you’d forget he was human at all. Then
there was the cocky, slightly arrogant side to Minho, which Jeongin knew Jisung wasn’t well-
acquainted with.

Jeongin had spent enough time with Minho alone, when Felix invited them out for a shopping trip
or to see a movie. Minho seemed like a different person when he wasn’t with Jisung. He seemed
like a person .

Cocky Minho had the potential to be annoying, with his unsolicited judgments, his loud opinions,
and that knowing look he always had in his eyes, like he kept a million secrets that he knew you
were dying to know. But still, Jeongin enjoyed his company. Beneath the arrogance there was
something warm. He listened to Jeongin’s and Felix’s concerns. Sometimes he gave them sound
advice, and sometimes he offered much needed, and unexpected hugs.

Jeongin wondered whether Minho had ever shown Jisung that side of him. Perhaps Jisung was just
content with a pet. And perhaps that was what led to their big argument.

Neither Chan nor Minho had really explained why Minho was suddenly living at Chan’s place. It
was really out of the blue. All Minho had said was that he and Jisung had an argument and were
taking some time apart.

Jeongin glanced at his phone. Seungmin would be here soon. They had some talking to do about
the whole Changbin-Felix-Hyunjin situation. Hyunjin had moved out of Jeongin’s apartment. He
was now staying with Changbin and Felix. Unbelievable. And alarming.

He looked up again, eyes flicking to where Chan was absentmindedly rubbing the hem of Minho’s
shirt between his fingertips. They were side by side on the couch. Minho was pretending to watch a
TV show, while Chan was just… staring at him. He did that a lot. He needed to be careful or
Sewoon would notice.

That would be terrible, Jeongin knew. Chan loved Sewoon so dearly. If he messed that up… But
Minho had been here for a week and things seemed perfectly fine between Chan and Sewoon.
There was nothing to worry about, he hoped. Unless Minho and Chan…
Jeongin shuddered. No, that would break Sewoon. He’d spent all of last night with Jeongin and
Chan. He did that sometimes.

It had been uncomfortable for Jeongin the first few times, knowing that he was fucking someone
else’s boyfriend right in front of them. But then he got to know Sewoon. And he’d confided in
Jeongin about how insecure he felt every time Chan fucked someone else. Sewoon understood
Chan’s need for sex, but hated his own inadequacy when it came to fulfilling Chan’s needs. It was
difficult for him, but still, he loved Chan, and appreciated Jeongin being there for him in a way he
couldn’t be.

“Thank you for lending him to me,” Seungmin thanked Chan at the front door, smiling at Jeongin
who stood patiently at his side.

Chan nodded. “We should do something together soon,” he touched Jeongin’s cheek. “The three of
us.”

Jeongin studied Seungmin. He never seemed put off by that idea.

When Seungmin moved into the city to investigate Jaemin’s disappearance, he hadn’t known the
kinds of things Jaemin had been into. And when Jeongin gave him a brief introduction, he was sure
that Seungmin would never be willing to immerse himself in this world just for an investigation.
He was wrong.

Seungmin had already been into these things long before he found out about Jaemin’s interests. So
as much as he fucked around with them all for the purpose of his investigation, he found some
enjoyment in it too.

“Looking forward to it,” Seungmin smiled.

“Anything new?” Jeongin asked from the armchair where he’d curled up, a mug of coffee between
his hands.

“I don’t know,” Seungmin admitted. He sat back against the couch, one leg dangling off the edge.
“The moment I think I have something, it turns out to be nothing. Changbin is too good at covering
up his tracks. I have no idea how he’s doing it. And my department…” He let out an exasperated
sigh.

“Your department?” Jeongin’s eyes widened and he set down his mug. “They’re not calling you
back, are they?” Seungmin had gone to great lengths to get his department to allow him special
leave to investigate Jaemin’s disappearance. But he’d been here for a year now and he’d found
nothing. With no pay, Jeongin knew his time and money was running out. Of course he’d have to
leave soon…

“It’s fine,” Seungmin shook his head. “I’ll handle it. Somehow.”

Jeongin wasn’t convinced. If Seungmin left, he’d be on his own. He wasn’t half as resourceful as
Seungmin. Where would he look for answers?

“It’s fine, really,” Seungmin insisted, obviously noticing the worry etched on Jeongin’s face.

Jeongin nodded, forcing his lips into a smile. His eyes found the camera on the table between them.
“I didn’t know you were into photography,” he quirked an eyebrow.
Seungmin chuckled. “Photography and film, yeah. Hobbies since high school. I was just cleaning
all my equipment today.”

“Can I?” Jeongin asked, already reaching for the camera. He waited for Seungmin to give him the
go ahead, before prodding the strange buttons on the camera. He knew how to take photos with his
phone, but that was about all he could do. He wondered… “How come you’ve never taken photos
of me before?”

Seungmin huffed. “Am I your personal photographer?”

Jeongin rolled his eyes and slipped off the armchair, stomping over to Seungmin. He straddled his
lap and peered down at him while those dark eyes looked up at him in astonishment. Jeongin had
to stifle his laugh.

He could be like this with Seungmin. The others… They were Chan’s friends more than his. There
were rules that governed their interactions with him. But Seungmin never held him to any of that.
When it was just them, they were friends – equals.

“You know,” Seungmin cleared his throat, “Chan expects us to do something. So we should.”

Jeongin snorted at this. “If you want to fuck, just say so. I enjoy it as much as you do.”

“Okay then,” Seungmin sighed dramatically, wrapping his arms around Jeongin to pull him closer.
“Let’s fuck.”

Jeongin smiled triumphantly, forcing his lips onto Seungmin’s and pinning him to the couch. Their
desperate, smothering kisses conveyed their mutual need and riled lust. Their tongues met and
Jeongin’s body rubbed against Seungmin’s, right over his groin, undulating his hips onto
Seungmin’s lap so that the older male let out a low groan as well as a low laugh.

“I thought Chan might’ve tired you out last night?”

Jeongin continued the movement of his hips, red hair falling over his eyes as he looked down at
Seungmin. “We didn’t do much. He seemed distracted. I feel like…” He applied more pressure to
Seungmin’s groin, eliciting a drawn out moan, “… he just wanted me there to distract him from
whatever was distracting him.”

“Ah,” Seungmin’s lips lifted into a knowing smirk and he weaved his fingers into Jeongin’s hair.
“He didn’t use Innie the way he likes to be used, did he?”

“Don’t be a jerk,” Jeongin scowled, just before his lips were once again conquered. He pressed
down on Seungmin’s shoulders forcing him back again. And then he leaned down, pressing his lips
against Seungmin’s neck, teeth grazing his skin. He could feel Seungmin’s erection pressing
against his own. How were they both so hard already?

“Mm-mm,” Seungmin whined, throwing his head back. “Innie, not here.”

“Here, then?” Jeongin smiled as he undid the first few buttons on Seungmin’s shirt, exposing his
chest. He ran his tongue along the exposed skin, feeling Seungmin tremble beneath him.

Seungmin laughed, startling the younger by pushing him back. “Not here,” he repeated. And then,
without warning, Jeongin was lifted up by the ass. Seungmin took a few seconds to adjust to
Jeongin’s weight in his arms and then he strode across the floor to the bedroom. They both laughed
when Seungmin collapsed onto the bed, Jeongin panting on top of him.
“Here,” Seungmin yanked Jeongin down by his hair. “Kiss me now.”

Jeongin shook his head, freeing Seungmin’s grip from his hair. “Nope. What’s all this?” His eager
eyes took in the various devices on the desk in the far corner of the room.

“Told you,” Seungmin followed his gaze. “Was cleaning everything.”

“Chan has cameras,” Jeongin murmured. “But you know…”

“He doesn’t use them for any hobby,” Seungmin nodded in understanding.

“Yeah, they’re an insurance policy.”

Chan had video footage of everyone. Everyone he knew who knew about his lifestyle. Precautions,
he’d told Jeongin. Not everyone could be trusted and he had a reputation to uphold. No one wanted
videos of them fucking going around on the internet, so the footage served as protection.

“If you’re so interested in my cameras…” Seungmin grinned. “I have an idea.”

“What?” Jeongin tilted his head. “Want to be my personal photographer now?” he teased.

Seungmin rolled his eyes and sat up. “Did Chan ever record you for a purpose other than keeping
your mouth shut about his adventurous sex life?”

Jeongin shrugged. He’d never mentioned using the recording for anything… special. Chan didn’t
need his own personal porn. He could fuck Jeongin whenever he wanted to. “Don’t think so.”

“You want to?”

It took Jeongin a moment to process the question. Recording him… Like a… “A sex tape?”

He saw concern flash across Seungmin’s face. “If you hate the idea –”

“I don’t,” Jeongin quickly reassured him. “It’s just…” he felt his cheeks begin to warm. “Do I have
to like… put on a performance?”

“Oh,” Seungmin laughed. “Not if you don’t want to. It’s just fucking like we usually do.”

Jeongin sat bare bodied on the bed and wrung his hands as he watched Seungmin set up the tripod.
It was his first time being filmed so erotically. It made him nervous knowing that every action he
did would be recorded and watched again by Seungmin. There was a certain pressure now to make
it worth watching again.

When the camera had been set up, Seungmin made his way to the nightstand where he retrieved
the box that Jeongin knew held the supplies they needed.

“Condom?” Seungmin looked over his shoulder and raised a box with a few square packages.

Jeongin hummed. “If you want. I’m good with anything. If you don’t mind cleaning up
afterwards…” Messy sex had it perks, but the cleanup was anything but enticing.

Seungmin placed the box back into the drawer, and threw a bottle of lube over his shoulder.
Jeongin caught it with ease. “Want anything else?”
Jeongin laughed. “Just you. Hurry up.” He leaned back against the pillows and beckoned. “Come
here.” He couldn’t help but glance at the camera furtively when Seungmin began to undress.
“It’s… running?”

“It is,” Seungmin confirmed, lying down next to him. “And I know you’re nervous.” He gave
Jeongin a reassuring smile. “Just be natural. Forget that it’s there. Look at me. Touch me.”

Jeongin’s eyes lit up at the order. “Touch you?” He shifted onto Seungmin’s chest. Peering down
at him.

“Just start touching me. Start from the top and work your way down.”

Jeongin began with Seungmin’s shoulders, massaging the tension away. He moved down to his
collarbones, to his upper chest, over his pectorals. Seungmin sighed softly, his eyes closed.

Jeongin stifled back a laugh as he suddenly twisted Seungmin’s nipples.

“Fuck!” Seungmin swore, jolting upright, his face only an inch away from Jeongin’s. “Fucking
brat.”

But Jeongin only laughed, and extended his tongue, the tip licking over Seungmin’s lips. “I want to
be fucked.”

“Yeah?” Seungmin arched a brow. “So do I.”

“Then get back down,” Jeongin rolled his eyes. He reached for the lube, drizzling some onto his
fingers.

Seungmin spread his legs around Jeongin, lifting his knees up and exposing himself.

Lightly, Jeongin traced the puckering hole with a finger and Seungmin groaned in protest.
“Jeongin, come on…”

“Fine.” Slowly, he slipped a finger inside, feeling the tight clench of muscles around his finger.

“Another.”

Jeongin obliged, sliding in another. Seungmin’s heat squeezed his fingers as they slowly sank in
deeper. Seungmin arched his back off the bed, lower lip clenched between his teeth.

He began to thrust his fingers in and out, fully aware that this wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy
Seungmin. He waited for Seungmin to whine for more before plunging in a third finger.

Now Seungmin cried out, his rim being stretched by Jeongin’s fingers. The redhead gave him an
impish smirk, pressing in as deep as he could and letting his fingers curl up until he found that
bundle of nerves.

Seungmin’s eyes popped open and a gasp of pleasure escaped from between his lips. “Again,
Innie.”

“What? This?” Jeongin curled his fingers again, stroking that sensitive spot.

Seungmin’s fists clenched the sheets and his body arched up. “Fuck!”

“Enjoying yourself?” Jeongin pulled his fingers back, only his fingertips remaining enclosed.
Seungmin panted, looking at Jeongin with a mixture of annoyance and fondness. “Yeah, so are
you. A little too much.” He sat up and his eyes drifted to Jeongin’s lower half. He was fully erect,
the tip of his cock glistening with precum. Seungmin dragged his finger up the thick vein of
Jeongin’s shaft and hummed to himself. “Changed my mind. I want to be inside you.” His finger
went down, skimming over his balls until Jeongin’s muscles visibly tensed.

He reached up, cupping Jeongin’s jaw and forcing him to look directly at the camera. Jeongin felt
heat creep into his cheeks. “Repeat after me,” Seungmin’s lips curved into a shrewd smile. “I’m a
pretty brat and I need to be fucked.”

Jeongin chuckled under his breath. “Are you really?” Seungmin shot him a weary look and Jeongin
murmured a quick apology. He stared into the camera, feeling incredibly self-conscious. “I’m a
pretty brat,” he began, running his tongue over his lower lip, “and I need to be fucked.”

Satisfied, Seungmin leaned forward, kissing him. Jeongin let out a soft moan when Seungmin
licked into his mouth. “Now get on your hands and knees.”

Jeongin raised an eyebrow but complied, shifting around to be on his hands and knees across the
mattress. “Is fucking from behind more dramatic on camera?” He could imagine that Seungmin
must have rolled his eyes at this.

“I can fuck you harder this way.”

Oh. He could hear the bottle of lube being opened now. “I’m already prepped,” he reminded
Seungmin. The idea of being fucked hard was suddenly very appealing, especially when Chan had
denied him the pleasure of it last night.

Seungmin was silent. Not a sound could be heard. Jeongin wiggled his hips impatiently.
“Seungmin,” he whined.

“What?” Seungmin’s voice was laced with amusement.

“You’re just leaving me here,” Jeongin tried to sound angry, but it came out more whiny than he
intended.

Seungmin laughed. “Mm-hm, I’m playing with you.”

“I hope you’re aware,” Jeongin scowled, “that I can ruin this porn video for you by saying awful
things like, ‘Seungmin your dick is too small’, and – Oh !” He gasped when he felt Seungmin
pressing against his entrance. Teeth grazed Jeongin’s shoulder and he clutched the sheets.

When Seungmin grabbed his hips and pressed in more, Jeongin inhaled a hiss, and even though
being filled so intensely always felt so strange, the pleasure of it was instantaneous. Their bodies
were conjoined now, Seungmin’s cock filling him right till the hilt.

Jeongin pushed back onto Seungmin’s cock, wanting more, more, more. Seungmin didn’t deny
him. He set up a languid tempo, and Jeongin knew it was just the calm before the storm.

Soft moans of pleasure echoed through the room as the smell of heated sweat grew thicker.
Seungmin had a steady rhythm now. “Okay,” he panted. “I’m done playing.”

Jeongin felt a shiver of excitement and he braced himself. He felt a hand wrap around his throat,
not hard, but firm, holding him in place.
Seungmin began to pound into him. Each thrust made Jeongin want to jolt forward, but Seungmin’s
arm wrapped around his waist and the other hand still firmly around his throat, locked him in
place.

Seungmin had angled himself so that every thrust brushed up against his prostate. It would take
only a few jerks, or even just a little friction from the bed, but Seungmin’s hold was firm.

Jeongin moaned, his frustrated whines caught in his throat as Seungmin’s fingers increased their
pressure around his throat. Not long after, Seungmin released his throat completely. The feeling
was powerful. Air rushed back in and his cock felt ready to explode, as if all that oxygenated blood
had rushed between his legs. “Seungmin, please,” he gasped.

Seungmin had both hands on Jeongin’s hips now, fingers digging painfully into his skin. “Fuck,
I’m –” he began to thrust rapidly, desperately, “– so close!”

He burst in a growl of ravenous need. With one last thrust, he spurted his cum inside Jeongin.

Jeongin’s core throbbed, desperate for release, and he whimpered when Seungmin pulled out of
him. He growled in frustration when Seungmin threw himself onto the bed, looking up at Jeongin.

“Seungmin, what –”

Seungmin beckoned to him with a finger, his mouth hanging open invitingly.

Oh. Oh yes.

Jeongin didn’t need to be told twice. He crawled up Seungmin’s body, bringing his hips up to
Seungmin’s face.

Seungmin licked the stiff erection, swirling his tongue around the head, and opening his mouth to
let Jeongin slide in.

Jeongin tangled his fingers in Seungmin’s brown locks, slamming his cock into the back of
Seungmin’s throat.

Seungmin moaned around his cock, encouraging Jeongin to slam in harder and faster. Jeongin’s
heart began to pound, and blood began to rush through his veins, concentrated and pooling at one
central point – that node of pleasure that roared and surged.

Jeongin cried out as his hips came to a halt and his whole body shuddered. He spurted his cum into
Seungmin’s throat, watching as the brunette swallowed everything diligently.

As soon as Jeongin pulled out, Seungmin grabbed him close and kissed him. Jeongin grunted at the
taste of his cum, but allowed Seungmin’s tongue to thrust in.

“Was that pornographic enough?” Jeongin asked, lounging on the bed while Seungmin put away
the camera.

Seungmin smirked over his shoulder. “I’ll let you know after I’ve watched it. Would you like a
copy?”

Jeongin laughed. “Let’s give everyone a copy for Christmas.”

“Oh yeah?” Seungmin snorted. “I think –”

The sound of the doorbell startled them both. “I’ll get it,” Jeongin slid off the bed, pulling on his
 jeans.

He trudged towards the door, struggling to put his sweater back on. He opened the door, just a
sliver, furrowing his brows when he saw the empty hallway. He stepped out, looking from side to
side, but there was no one sight. He was about to step back inside when he noticed an envelope at
his feet. “What…?”

He snatched up the envelope and closed the door behind him. “Seungmin,” he called, “I think
there’s something for you.”

Seungmin gingerly reached for the envelope, opening it to reveal a set of photos – slightly blurry,
but clear enough to show the two individuals seated across from each other.

“That’s Chan,” Jeongin observed. “I don’t know the other one.”

“I do,” Seungmin sighed. “That’s my boss, Taeyong.”

Chapter End Notes

Thank you for reading

 Chapter 13
Chapter Summary

Basically, Changbin, Felix and Hyunjin go hunting in a nightclub.

Chapter Notes

This gets pretty gruesome at the end so please read with caution

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Hyunjin was surprised at how easily he’d assimilated himself into Changbin’s and Felix’s lives.
The first day after he’d retrieved his stuff from Jeongin’s apartment was the hardest day. Every
time Changbin looked at him, Hyunjin was afraid that he’d ask for it again – ask to fuck him
again.

But as the days waned, Changbin made no such request. In fact, every other night, he’d sent Felix
to Hyunjin. He wondered whether he was aware that Hyunjin resolved not to touch Felix until he
was explicitly asked. Maybe Changbin just didn’t care.

The one thing that Hyunjin noticed was how Felix was treated by Changbin – cooking, cleaning,
taking Changbin’s calls like some kind of secretary – menial things fit for a servant. It made sense
considering they couldn’t have actual help around the house. That would be far too risky what with
the activities that occur in the basement. But Hyunjin hated how easily Felix catered to Changbin’s
whims.

To an outsider, Changbin’s lack of interest in Felix was obvious. But Felix seemed oblivious to it.
Changbin spent most of his free time down in the basement, doing what, Hyunjin could only
wonder.

Nothing much of interest had happened since Hyunjin moved in. He hadn’t asked Changbin why,
for fear of sounding desperate, but Changbin told him anyway.

“We can’t be impulsive,” Changbin explained over dinner one evening. “Everything takes careful
planning – choosing the right person to hunt involves knowing everything about them – who they
live with, who would miss them, what risk would they pose – we need to know it all. Especially
with your… affinity for blood, Hyunjin. We can’t have you falling ill so thorough checks are
necessary.”

“But how do you check all of that?” Hyunjin had gaped. They would need information so personal
that they’d have to –

“I paid someone to do it for me,” Changbin waved away the question. “Money, Hyunjin. If you
have money, you can do anything.”

Tonight, five days after Hyunjin had moved in, they were finally doing something. They were
hunting , as Changbin called it.

He’d also insisted on dressing Hyunjin himself. Hyunjin had maintained that his clothes were more
than satisfactory for a nightclub but Changbin had apparently procured an outfit just for the
occasion. Hyunjin would have resisted if it didn’t look so good.

Dressed in tight black jeans and a red button-down, the sleeves ruched to his elbows, he followed
behind Changbin and Felix.

The club was situated in a modern, windowless building. Behind the velvet rope, a rowdy array of
young adults chattered mindlessly amongst themselves. When they reached the rope, Changbin
poured himself over it, leaned closer to the bouncer and smiled. He said something inaudible to
Hyunjin because of the thumping bass reaching them through the doors. The rope was soon lifted,
and Felix and Hyunjin followed him through.

Hyunjin found himself on an open floor, the surrounding balcony covering three of the walls
around them. In the middle of the chaotic dance floor was a small raised platform where someone
controlled the music.

To his surprise, there weren’t just young people inside; there were quite a few elderly men and
women all wrapped around younger looking partners, some more inebriated than others. A few of
the younger ones wore collars, chains attached to someone’s hand. It was that kind of club.

Changbin came to a sudden halt, pressing himself up against Hyunjin. He turned his head and
Hyunjin lowered his, curious.

“Everything we – all three of us – do tonight is part of the process. Keep your cool, and don’t
jeopardize this no matter how infuriated this may make you.”

Hyunjin made a slight noise of assent he wasn’t sure Changbin heard. But he watched now,
closely, as Felix turned to face Changbin. Changbin dropped something into Felix’s palm – a pill.

“To make it more enjoyable for all concerned,” Changbin offered an explanation. “It helps, doesn’t
it, Lix?”

Felix nodded, shooting Hyunjin a reassuring smile before placing the pill on his tongue. But
Hyunjin still tensed. Was this necessary? While Changbin offered Hyunjin a reprieve from the
restrictions of society, Hyunjin’s ultimate goal was Felix. And if Felix was being harmed…

It astounded Hyunjin how willingly he’d accepted the pill, how willingly he was going along with
any of this.

Felix leaned in towards Changbin, whispering something in his ear.

And when he stepped back, Changbin struck him across the face. Hyunjin inhaled, fingers
clenching into fists. “What the fuck, Changbin.”

Changbin turned his head again. “Calm down,” he said to Hyunjin, and then to Felix, “Drinks.” He
handed Felix his card and the younger inclined his head, striding over to the bar.

“It’s all part of the hunt,” Changbin explained, when he was gone. He gave Hyunjin a curious look.
“If you want to back out…”

“No,” Hyunjin said quickly. If he backed out now, he’d never get Felix. And besides, Changbin
had promised a kill before the night was over. “I’m good.”
Felix returned with two bourbons for Hyunjin and Changbin. Changbin downed his without
bothering to savor the taste, exhaling and letting out a light chuckle. Hyunjin sipped on his more
cautiously.

“I’ll get myself another,” Changbin announced. “Felix, why don’t you take Hyunjin onto the dance
floor?”

Felix looked at Hyunjin with raised eyebrows, his gaze already slightly dazed, lips quirking up into
a small smile. “Dance with me?” Tonight, he was dressed in navy blue pants that gleamed under
the flashing lights, an indication that at least some part of the material was leather. His black shirt
was thin and wispy, translucent for the most part, to show off his slender yet muscular body.
Perfection . How could Hyunjin decline?

He let Felix lead him away from the bar and into the thrum of the dance floor. He drew a breath
when Felix slid sinuously against him, allowing him to inhale his strawberry hair. He could see
several pairs of eyes on them now, watching them move against each other.

Felix hummed, biting his lip and throwing his head back against Hyunjin’s shoulder, the curves of
his ass pressing against Hyunjin’s crotch. Hyunjin had to keep himself in check when Felix grinned
at an older man a few feet away from them. He had his eyes fixed on them, his gaze hungry and
envious.

Hyunjin wondered if this was the one they were taking home tonight. Changbin had been rather
secretive about it, saying that Hyunjin would know when the time came. He supposed it was out of
fear that Hyunjin might back out.

“It’s okay to enjoy yourself,” Felix said, intertwining his hands backward around Hyunjin’s neck,
his hips swaying.

“Oh, I am,” Hyunjin ensured him, sliding his hands down the other’s body. He watched as Felix
made eye contact with a passing female. He dragged his tongue over his lower lip, causing the
young woman’s eyes to widen a fraction before she was lost in the sway of dancing bodies. “Does
this please you?” he asked Felix. “Does it please you being used as bait?” His hand spread across
Felix’s chest, over the flimsy material, feeling the warmth radiating from him.

“Sometimes it does,” Felix admitted. “Sometimes it doesn’t.”

His drug-induced honesty contented Hyunjin. “And what about it pleases you?” He buried his nose
in Felix’s hair, the possessive gesture sending a message to those who were watching.

“I like when he watches,” Felix explained, grinding harder against Hyunjin’s crotch and eliciting a
soft moan from the blonde. “Sometimes, Changbin gets tired of seeing them use me,” he paused to
allow one of his hands to interlock with Hyunjin’s, the other hand still around his neck. “And then
he ends them, just like that, while they’re still inside me.”

Hyunjin nuzzled into Felix’s neck. This was the most he’d allow himself to do, he reassured
himself. He’d never take advantage of Felix this way while he wasn’t thinking clearly. “Tell me
why it doesn’t please you sometimes.”

Felix arched his back against Hyunjin, fingers tangling themselves in Hyunjin’s hair. “Sometimes I
see it. That thing in his eyes. Wild. Hungry. Angry. Hateful. And sometimes –” Felix halted his
movements, “– sometimes I worry that it’s going to consume me.”

“That won’t happen.” Hyunjin was determined not to let it happen.

Felix let out a bland chuckle. “I don’t need your protection.”

Hyunjin released him with a frustrated growl. Why was it always like this? Why did they always
reject him? Why did they always decline his protection? Why couldn’t they ever see how much he
cared for them?

It made him so angry. So angry .

He looked over his shoulder, meeting Changbin’s gaze from where he’d settled into a couch. He
inclined his head, an invitation for Hyunjin to join him.

Hyunjin wasn’t surprised that Felix hadn’t followed him. He seemed to have quite a good idea of
what Changbin expected of him. He had a role to play and he was playing it well.

“Hypnotic, isn’t he?” Changbin smiled when Hyunjin took a seat next to him. Hyunjin kept his
eyes fixed on Felix, and yes, he truly was hypnotic.

He gracefully weaved between the undulating bodies, selectively brushing some, avoiding others.
He never sought out company, perhaps because he knew that his movements elicited a pull, a
magnet for attention. It started with just a few people – just a boy here and there, a girl. His
movements were hazy and beautiful, like watching a feather drifting in the breeze. He was enticing
and seductive and no one could take his eyes off him.

Hyunjin observed quickly that Felix tended to subtly, gently let the girls go, eliminating them from
his playpen with unspoken signs that they read before backing off. Then there were boys. One at a
time, they got a moment, sometimes two, in Felix’s arms, against his body, but they were just tools,
a means to an end, used to draw in the older men looking for someone vulnerable. And Felix
definitely knew how to make himself look vulnerable.

Hyunjin leaned forward when he spotted two males being drawn closer and closer to Felix who
made sure to cast both of them shy glances. With a change in music, Felix’s movements became
more sexually charged. Hyunjin watched, entranced, as Felix found himself between the two men,
all three pressed so close that Hyunjin’s fingers clenched into fists. But Felix didn’t seem to mind.
With his head tilted back against one, he allowed a hand between his legs from the other.

“It’s a small sacrifice,” Changbin placed a hand on his shoulder. “But it’s worth it.”

Hyunjin glared at him. “How far are you going to take this? How much will he have to sacrifice to
get what you want?”

Changbin didn’t seem fazed by the question. “He’s enjoying it,” he leaned back against the couch.
“You will too in a few hours.”

“Fuck,” Hyunjin murmured under his breath. He didn’t know whether he could stomach this. Felix
was his. He was supposed to protect Felix but this…

He sucked in a sharp breath as a hand curled between Felix's legs, palming up the front of his sleek
pants and across his belly, beneath his shirt. He felt a stab of envy that these strangers were just
gifted with permission to touch Felix in that way.

He began to feel an itch beneath his skin. It was a dire need to move, to act, to paint the floors with
the blood of those men who thought they were in their rights to touch that boy, his Felix. He
wanted to cover the walls with their blood and he wanted more than anything to fuck Felix in the
aftermath of the gore until only Hyunjin’s name was on his lips.
“Does he belong to you?”

Both Hyunjin and Changbin turned to look at the man who seated himself on the adjacent couch.

Changbin made a sound of acknowledgment and turned to watch Felix again. “To both of us, yes.”

Hyunjin kept silent, not knowing what to make of this. The man nodded, looking slightly amused.
“I’ve seen you here before, just two of you, I mean. Last weekend and the weekend before that.”

"Oh?" Changbin was either disinterested or feigning his disinterest. Hyunjin suspected the former.

“Are you new to… their dynamic?” the man asked Hyunjin now.

Hyunjin shrugged, glancing at Changbin. He didn’t want to say the wrong thing.

But the man went on speaking, his gaze fixed on Felix. “He’s really pretty. If he was mine I
wouldn’t let him run wild like that,” he snorted.

Hyunjin studied him. He looked to be in his mid-twenties and dressed as though he’d arrived
straight from a business meeting, but judging from the cheap suit it he couldn’t be anything more
than some insignificant entry-level worker.

"You have to be strict with the pretty ones,” he drawled on. “You have to show them who’s in
control.”

Behind his glass of bourbon, Hyunjin saw Changbin holding back a laugh. “Is that so?” Changbin
somehow managed to keep the amusement out of his voice.

The man nodded. “Especially with one that pretty.”

His voice had begun to grate on Hyunjin’s nerves. He envisioned what it would be like ripping out
the man’s throat, thick coagulating blood decorating the walls. And then it struck him that this
might be the one Changbin had planned take home with them.

Was he? Hyunjin tried to gauge the expression on Changbin’s face. He couldn’t tell.

Changbin’s gaze had settled on Felix, and his current companion. The latter currently had an arm
wrapped snugly around the former's middle, one hand sliding up to tease a nipple through Felix’s
shirt, trailing blithe kisses over the space between his neck and shoulder. Hyunjin wanted to look
away but found himself unable to do so.

Felix’s dance partner had pulled himself closer, pressing his leg between Felix's thighs. Felix
glanced between Changbin and the stranger, dancing shamelessly against the friction between his
legs.

“Changbin, please.” It was a mixture of a whine, a plea and warning. Hyunjin was about to erupt.

“It’s alright, Hyunjin,” Changbin patted Hyunjin’s back, a gesture meant to be comforting but only
elicited more anger. Changbin raised a hand vaguely in Felix’s direction, and at once, the younger
began moving towards them, his dance partner in tow.

He seemed a few years older than them all – early thirties. He dressed casually in jeans and a t-
shirt. A pair of round glasses sat on the bridge of his nose.

Changbin shifted along the couch, patting the expanse of space between him and Hyunjin. The
young male Felix had brought along took a seat, and Felix wasted no time in straddling him.
Did Changbin really think this would make Hyunjin feel better?

Felix was a toy on display, perfectly vulnerable. Ever so slowly, Felix’s lips drew up in a smile and
he leaned to the side, pressing his lips to Changbin’s neck, showing the stranger where his loyalties
lay. The man slid his hands over Felix’s front, pinching Felix’s nipples to peak. Felix let out a
whimper when the sensation tilted from pleasant to painful, and Hyunjin had to look away.

A whore. Felix is Changbin’s whore and nothing else. How can he not see it?

There was a shuddering gasp as the stranger’s hands relented, only to slip under his shirt again.
With a drink in one hand, Changbin used his free hand to skim over Felix’s slim hips, and down
the front of his pants where he was visibly aroused. Changbin began to stroke him there, gentle and
teasing.

The man that had been on the adjacent couch had long since vacated the area, probably sensing
that he wasn’t going to be invited to play.

“What would you do with him?” Changbin suddenly stopped his movement.

The man whose arms were wrapped around Felix, looked at Changbin with wide eyes, his pupils
blown with possibilities as if Changbin had just handed him the keys to the gates of hell.

“Oh fuck,” he gulped. “I’d want to see what this mouth could do.” He looked pointedly at Felix’s
lips, and in response, the younger flicked his tongue over his lips.

“What else?”

Hyunjin leaned his head back, looking at the flashing lights above them. He just wanted this to be
over now. He didn’t think it would be like this.

“We could share him,” the man responded, looking rather dazedly at Felix. “We could take turns
fucking him, let him suck us both off.”

Changbin’s lips curved into a smile, and Hyunjin’s eyes widened. This was the one.

Hyunjin’s heartbeat began to escalate as they began the ten minute walk to Changbin’s car. They’d
had to park out of sight so as not to draw attention to themselves. Felix still clung to the man from
the club. He hadn’t offered a name and they hadn’t asked for one. Apparently this was normal for
them. That’s what Changbin had whispered to Hyunjin anyway.

Hyunjin glanced at the man through the rearview mirror. He was still enthralled with Felix, his
hands groping whatever flesh they could find. Hyunjin longed to cut off those hands. Maybe he
could. Maybe .

He still didn’t trust Changbin. He couldn’t help but feel as though this was all an elaborate ploy to
set him up, to get him thrown in jail. He would have to tread carefully. He’d let Changbin prove
himself.

As they walked up to the house, Felix still clung to the man, arms wrapped around him and head
tucked up against his shoulder to continue kissing his neck, and whether his stumble was feigned or
not, Hyunjin could not tell.

The man gaped at the scope and scale of the house, and looked at Changbin with renewed interest.
As they moved through the foyer, he studied the framed photographs of Changbin and Felix,
casting them curious glances. It would have astounded Hyunjin too. The photos exuded an air of
domesticity and normalcy, highly at odds with the couple leading him into their living room.

But if anything could erase curiosity, it would be Felix who grinned shyly. "Our bedroom is
upstairs.”

Hyunjin tries to not to look as surprised when Felix and Changbin head upstairs and into a
bedroom, that Hyunjin knew was definitely not their master bedroom. He didn’t know why he
expected anything to be done there anyway. They weren’t lacking for space in this house.

By the time they reached the inside of the guest bedroom, Felix was already undressed, whether by
his hand or the man’s it was hard to say, but Hyunjin found himself hypnotized watching Felix’s
body twist and arch pleasantly, flushed and warm, just barely trembling on the bed.

The room was smaller than the one he’d been given, and save for the chest of drawers, an armchair
and the large double bed, there was no other furniture.

He watched how their victim murmured gentle things against his Felix, how Felix smiled at them,
shivered, bit his lip. The words carried, and even though Hyunjin tried to shut them out he heard
them clearly.

“Come to me, baby.”

Felix twisted again, not at all uncomfortable with being handled so obscenely by that stranger.

“They’re unkind to you, aren’t they? I’ll be so kind, so gentle with you.”

The words were sickeningly familiar – sick, sleazy, honeyed words, repeated over and over into
the gullible ears of innocents. Fucking pervert – pervert who had his hands all over Felix.

Felix’s only reply to the words was a soft growl, fingers curled against the man’s shirt, lip between
his teeth. His body still moved, rocked, swayed to the music no one can hear anymore. It was as
though he felt a perpetual need to shift and dance and make use of his limbs – the effects of
intoxication.

Changbin draped himself over an armchair, but Hyunjin placed himself on the window seat, unable
to watch. It was fine – it wasn’t like their victim was paying attention to anyone other than Felix.

His eyes squeezed shut, he tensed at the sounds of breathless panting and the soft wet licking
sounds of Felix's mouth wrapped around the man's cock. He dug his fingers into the cushioned seat
imagining that he was gorging out the man’s eyeballs. But no, the one who really deserved to
suffer was Changbin. He was the one who’d tricked Felix into doing this.

Hyunjin wondered how many times Felix had performed in such a way in order to secure a
Changbin a kill. He wondered how many hands and mouths have moved across his body, each
desperate to claim him and mark him and make him theirs.

While Felix had busied himself, deep throating the man, Changbin had retrieved a bottle of lube
from the dresser. He drew nearer to them, but did not yet approach the man, and instead trailed a
gentle caress down Felix’s spine with the backs of his fingers. His fingers moved lower, pressing
against the younger’s opening.

Felix’s vocalizations grew louder as Changbin worked him open. And when Changbin gripped his
hair between his fingers and pulled him off the man’s cock, Felix feigned protest.

The man began to open his mouth in argument, but Changbin spoke first. “You want to fuck him,
don’t you?” Without waiting for an answer he threw the bottle of lube to him.

Hyunjin felt nauseous.

Felix lay stretched out on his back, obediently spreading his legs wide when the man returned to
settle between them. His smile was coy. He was a teasing little thing with bitten lips and hooded
eyes, his knees drawn up and head ducked against his shoulder, eyes up looking at the man through
his hair.

Hyunjin began to pace. He fucking hated this.

The man didn’t hold back, lining himself up and pushing in hard, watching Felix’s back arch,
catching his hands beneath. “Fuck, oh fuck,” the man groaned, starting a harsh, brutal rhythm that
had Felix pushing back against him, stretching one arm above his head, fingers splayed in pleasure.
He kept his eyes on Changbin, and the reverence in them made Hyunjin sick.

"Very good, Lix,” Changbin praised and Felix let out a contented moan in response.

Hyunjin watched Changbin’s movements carefully, cautiously. The older male was now making
his way to one of the drawers. The topmost one. He beckoned to Hyunjin who reluctantly joined
him, eyes widening at the sight of the knives.

Changbin looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to choose. Hyunjin felt a shiver of
excitement. This was really going to happen. He pointed to a knife with a jagged edge, its handle
made of a shiny blue metal. He wasn’t going to leave his fingerprints on it. He wasn’t that stupid.

Changbin didn’t question his reluctance, but instead removed the knife from the drawer, twirling it
between his fingers. Behind them, the lewd sounds of fucking could still be heard. “I think you just
want to watch today,” Changbin murmured. It wasn’t a question so Hyunjin just shrugged. “I
understand your hesitation,” Changbin gave him a knowing look.

"I'm close," the man declared, drawing their attention, thrusting erratically now, fingers clenched
hard to push Felix's legs up higher, further apart, to drive deeper harder faster into him, eyes open
only to slits to watch the younger’s release spread across his pale skin. Felix whimpered as he
came, hands clutching the sheets.

“I’m so close!” The man sounded frantic, desperate.

Hyunjin tensed when he saw Changbin’s eyes turn upwards from Felix, an inhuman curve
gathering in his spine, a snarl snaring his lip to bare his teeth. A beast closing in on its prey.

"That’s enough," Changbin looked the man in scorn and before the man had time to do more than
blink in surprise, he'd been grabbed by the hair, head tilted back, and his throat opened wide and
silent as Changbin passed the knife across it.

Hyunjin watched in elation as the blood cascaded over Felix in a torrent across his belly and chest,
a wave of scarlet covering pale skin. This was a dream. It had to be. This was the most beautiful
dream, so beautiful that it brought tears to Hyunjin’s eyes. The man’s lifeless body was thrown to
the side, his throat gaping open. A wave of adrenalin pulsed through Hyunjin’s veins and he
wished more than anything that he’d been brave enough to hold that knife. Why was he such a
fucking coward?

With his lips parted and eyes closed in utter ecstasy of the moment, Felix looked ethereal, arching
up as blood slipped down his skin, the spray up under his chin, warm and tacky and thick. When
his eyes fluttered open, he gave Changbin a warm, delighted smile.
 But Hyunjin noticed how quick his smile faded. He followed Felix’s gaze, only to see that
Changbin’s attention was on him, and not Felix.

“Was that good?” Changbin enquired. “I wanted it to be good for you. It’s your first time so I made
it simple. I know there are other things you want to try. There is always next time.”

Hyunjin was surprised at how eager Changbin was to please him. Interesting .

“It was good,” Hyunjin reassured him, gaze drifting back to Felix.

“Enjoy yourself,” Changbin sighed, somewhat content. “But don’t overindulge,” he chuckled.

Hyunjin raised his eyebrows in question and Changbin swept his hand towards the bed where Felix
lay, panting, covered in blood. Changbin gave Hyunjin one last glance, before leaving him alone
with Felix.

He licked his lips, glancing from the dead body to Felix, alive, chest heaving as blood dripped
down his ribcage. He knew he said he wouldn’t do anything until Felix asked. But there were
exceptions. How could he let go of this opportunity? And then, he just wanted a taste, nothing
more.

Felix didn’t bat an eyelid as Hyunjin knelt between his legs. “I just… need to taste.” Felix didn’t
object. Of course he wouldn’t.

He licked a long stripe up Felix’s torso, collecting blood and cum on his tongue. He pulled back
for a moment to savor it as it passed into his body. He glanced over his shoulder at the corpse.
Stupid man reduced to nothing. His blood would flow in Hyunjin’s veins now.

Felix’s eyelids were already drooping, sleep taking hold. He nuzzled his face into Felix’s neck,
tasting the saltiness of his sweat blending with the metallic taste of blood. “Felix,” Hyunjin
breathed, the taste of Felix on his tongue more satisfying than blood. He pressed his body down
onto Felix’s, wondering what it would be like being inside him. He could do it. He could fuck him
right now. But he shouldn’t. It had to be Felix’s choice. And he’d make that choice soon. Hyunjin
knew Felix would see that he was the better one.

When Felix was his, Hyunjin would never whore him out like Changbin did. Oh no, Hyunjin
would keep him safe. He’d keep him locked away from everyone, protected from the harshness of
the world outside. He’d look after Felix. He’d do what he couldn’t do for the others.

Chapter End Notes

I hope everyone is having a nice day/night

 Chapter 14
Chapter Notes

This chapter is quite angsty I think but I hope it's okay

See the end of the chapter for more notes

At the age of nine, after a tragic boating accident had taken his parents’ lives, Chan had been taken
in by his father’s elder brother. His uncle, he learned, was a man of great wealth, power and pride,
all afforded to him by his title of District Magistrate.

Of course as a child, Chan hadn’t exactly understood what that job entailed; all he knew was that
his uncle was kind but stern, a no nonsense kind of man who was happy to leave him to his own
devices as long as the rules of the house were followed. He sent Chan to the best schools and
expected only the best results. Chan happily obliged.

But while he exceled academically and athletically, his behavior often got him into trouble. He had
a temper, one that grew steadily over time, and no amount of counseling or threats of punishment
could ever help his temper simmer down. He was quick to anger and quick to resort to violence as
a means of resolving his frustration. Chan had reached middle school when his uncle had simply
given up on finding a solution to his anger.

And then his uncle made a life-altering announcement. There were to be two new additions to the
house that was usually just occupied by Chan, the magistrate and their maid servants. Two little
boy additions.

Playmates and brothers, his uncle called them. But Chan didn’t see the need and sulked about it.
The magistrate patiently explained that he planned on running for mayor one day, and social work
would be a help. It was also a good deed, his uncle explained. Just like Chan, the two boys had no
one else to care for them. They too, had lost their parents.

Jisung’s and Changbin’s arrival changed everything for Chan and although he was apprehensive at
first, he grew fond of them and realized that they looked up to him. He was the only family they’d
ever had. And they were his.

But Jisung especially had a difficult time adjusting to the new lifestyle. He’d lived in a Malaysian
orphanage since birth and was accustomed to having the bare minimum and fighting to protect
what he deemed as his. He guarded his possessions with his life, even though the magistrate could
easily buy him whatever he wanted.

Several scuffles had broken out between the three boys because of Jisung’s unwillingness to share
– if he got to it first, it was his, and if someone else touched it, they would pay dearly for it.

Changbin was different. Mercurial. Chan learned that he had a mask – the smiling, happy, good-
natured and helpful boy who was quick to obey. But it was the person behind the mask that gave
Chan reason for concern. When he was alone with Chan and Jisung, Changbin allowed the mask to
slip away, revealing the boy with glazed over eyes and lips that could not form a smile. It was
because of his parents, Jisung always told Chan. Changbin had been removed from his parents’
care and placed in an orphanage. Chan could only imagine why.
Chan was fifteen when he first caught Changbin burying a carcass in the garden. It was just a small
cat, Changbin reassured him, but Chan felt no reassurance. He kept silent about it, even as the
number of carcasses escalated with each passing year.

Changbin was his brother and if he confided in someone about what he’d seen, Changbin might get
taken away. Who knows where he would end up and with whom? Chan couldn’t risk the three of
them being separated. They were family now.

And anyway, Chan had himself to worry about too. When he was eighteen and had only a few
weeks until he was sent off to university, his uncle had caught him in the act for the third time.

He had the male lying face down and naked on his bedroom floor, his body battered and bruised,
Chan’s boot prints all over his back.

It was a relief that like the previous two times, his uncle had done nothing except order for the
male to be sent away. But a week later, he told Chan that they were going on a little trip – just
them.

It looked like any other apartment building. Except it wasn’t. His uncle had explained how they
kept people there – people who came out of their own free will and for one purpose only – to be
used. But Chan’s purpose was different – he was there to learn.

Chan spent the rest of the winter holed up in an apartment of his own, paired with someone
selected specifically for his needs. So together with Jeongin, he learned and he observed, realizing
that control was better than chaos.

Minho had been living at Chan’s house for just over two weeks, yet he already felt as though he’d
overstayed his welcome. It wasn’t anything that Chan said or did. It was Sewoon. Not that he’d
implied anything either.

Minho’s own guilt gnawed at him. It berated him for forcing himself into Chan’s life, into
Sewoon's life. Sewoon . Minho couldn’t even look him in the eye. Every time Chan was within
touching distance, Minho would immediately flinch away like he’d been burned – a guilt-induced
reflex that was sure to garner suspicion from Sewoon, yet it couldn’t be helped.

He felt like an imposter. He wasn’t deserving of Sewoon's smiles, of his kind offers to help Minho
settle in properly. What’s worse was that Sewoon didn’t even live there. Chan’s house had become
more of a home to Minho than to Sewoon.

On the nights Chan and Minho were home alone together, Minho would lock himself in his
bedroom, resisting the urge to go to Chan. But it was far worse when Sewoon stayed over.
Whenever Minho saw Chan and Sewoon together, lying back on the couch, limbs tangled, or
cooking together in the kitchen, or just the smiles they exchanged when they passed each other, he
felt jealousy swell in the pit of his stomach, and when his guilt reminded him that Chan was never
his, it had him heaving on his knees in the bathroom.

He loved Chan. He was in love with Chan. But he could never show it, because he didn’t have the
right to. Even when Chan looked at him longingly, when their hands brushed, when he tried to get
Minho alone, Minho was always aware of Sewoon's presence like an invisible barrier between
them.

And then there was Jisung. Minho couldn’t deny his love for Jisung either. But he also couldn’t
deny that it was a different kind of love. It felt different. It was –

“Minho?”

Minho jumped in surprise, nearly dropping the plate he’d been holding. When he saw Sewoon
standing in the doorway, he felt that pang of guilt which always emerged when forced into a
conversation with him. “Sewoon,” he tried to smile.

“Uh…” Sewoon wrung his hands, obviously nervous about something. “It’s uh… It’s Jisung.”

“Jisung?” Minho frowned. “What about him?”

“He’s here. In the living room.”

Minho’s blood ran cold as soon as he set eyes on the blonde lounging in an armchair. Chan was
perched on the arm of the adjacent couch. He gave Minho a panicked look, and Minho knew that
he was also afraid of what Jisung would say, what he would do, what he would ruin.

“Minho, baby,” Jisung smiled at him. “It’s good to see you again. So good.”

Minho stared, hardly daring to breathe.

“I missed you,” Jisung went on, “so I dropped by to see how you were doing.”

“What do you want, Jisung?” Minho asked the question softly, hoping he didn’t sound too
confrontational, that he didn’t provoke Jisung.

Jisung’s smile faltered but only for a second. He gestured to the bag at his feet. “When you left,
you didn’t take any of your things.”

“Thanks.”

For a moment they simply stared at each other, Jisung’s smile seeming more menacing with every
passing second.

“Would you like to stay for dinner, Jisung?” Sewoon asked politely, and Minho clenched his jaw,
saying a silent prayer for Jisung to decline.

“I’d love to.”

Minho retreated to the kitchen where he clutched the edge of the counter, taking deep breaths and
trying to keep the nausea at bay.

“It’ll be okay.” Chan’s warm breath brushed over his nape.

Minho shook his head. “It won’t. It won’t, Chan. He’s going to tell Sewoon.”

“You don’t know that he will.” But Chan sounded doubtful of his own words.

“You’re going to lose Sewoon.”

Chan made a strangled noise in his throat and Minho had never felt guiltier. This was his fault.
He’d ruined Sewoon’s relationship with Chan because of his own selfishness.

“Maybe I deserve to lose him, Minho,” Chan sighed. “I lied to him for so long.”
“ We lied to him,” Minho corrected. “We lied to them both.” And now they were going to pay the
price.

Dinner did not get off to a good start at all.

“Why are you sitting at the table, Minho?” Jisung raised his eyebrows, lips twisted into a scowl.
“Did you forget your place?” He indicated the floor with the tilt of his head.

Minho couldn’t disobey. Not now, not when just a few words from Jisung could ruin everything
for Chan. He pushed his chair back from the table, gaze lowered.

“Minho, don’t.” Chan . Minho shook his head, a plea for Chan not to interfere.

“Don’t. You don’t have to.”

“I want to,” Minho murmured, but every defiant bone in his body seemed to be awakening, forcing
him to stop in his tracks.

“Ah, are you waiting for these?” Jisung dangled the pair of white clip-on cat ears in front of
Minho. “Here, take them.” Minho had been fond of those – the white fluffy ones, with a touch of
pink in the center.

Reflexively, he reached out a hand but immediately froze, his fingers curling inward, just an inch
away from the pair of fluffy ears.

Shackles , he realized. The moment he put them on they would be like shackles, binding him to
Jisung once more.

It happened so suddenly. The floodgates had opened. Minho’s body shook with sobs, the tears
flowing in a torrent that had been lurking so close the surface, they could no longer be held back.

Along with his tears, a tidal wave of understanding crashed over him. How had he not seen it
before? How had he not realized?

Minho had been like a bird who was content to live in a cage because the cage had always been
unlocked. And why would he have left when the bars of the cage offered him safety – he was fed
and cared for and he loved Jisung for that. Until it dawned on him that despite the open door, his
wings had been clipped. And Minho wanted to fly.

But Chan… Chan had been the gust of wind that propelled him into the air and helped him to take
flight. As long as Chan was with him, he could fly. As long as he had the gentle caress of the wind,
his wings would not fail him and he could go wherever he wanted to go.

“Minho?” For the first time, Jisung sounded apprehensive. “What the fuck is wrong with you?
Why aren’t you putting them on?” He was blind to Minho’s tears, and could only see his refusal.

“Jisung, you need to leave,” Chan was on his feet in an instant. “Now.”

Jisung nodded, but made no move to leave his chair. “Are you happy?” And for a moment Minho
thought Jisung was speaking to him, but his eyes were on Chan. “Did it make you happy taking
everything away from me? Because Minho was everything to me, Chan. You know that.”

Minho’s eyes flickered to Sewoon who sat in stunned silence, his gaze now focused on Chan, his
brows furrowed.
“Do you think you can love him better than I can?” Jisung continued.

And finally, Sewoon seemed to have grasped what Jisung was implying. “You’re obviously
misunderstanding,”

“Misunderstanding?” Jisung laughed. “Sewoon, it was a bad idea letting your boyfriend fuck
whoever he wanted to in the first place. I have one rule for Minho. You know what it is, right?”

Sewoon frowned. “That you have to be there when he’s with someone else. But what does that
have to do with –”

“Chan seemed to have forgotten that rule.”

“What – what does that mean?” Sewoon spluttered, rising to his feet, his eyes wide. “Chan, have
you been meeting Minho without telling Jisung?”

“He has,” Jisung answered for him. “Meeting him, fucking him. What else, Chan?” he raised an
eyebrow. “Was it just fucking or…” He smirked. “Was Sewoon just not good enough for you?”

“Shut the fuck up, Jisung,” Chan barked, eyes blazing with anger. “You have no idea –”

“Sewoon has no idea!” Jisung leapt to his feet, slamming his hands down on the table, the cutlery
rattling. “So tell him! And tell me! Are you in love with Minho?” He shifted his gaze to Minho.
“Are you both in love? Are Sewoon and I complete fucking idiots allowing ourselves to be dragged
along all this time?”

Minho and Chan locked eyes, simultaneously coming to the conclusion that it was time to come
clean. They both nodded.

Sewoon was the first to walk away, and Minho saw the exact moment Chan’s world began to
crumble.

“Sewoon, I love you.”

Sewoon bowed his head, swiftly making his way to the door.

“Sewoon, please.” Chan went after him. “I love you. I can explain.”

“Explain what?” Sewoon turned around to face him, his eyes glassy. “I feel like a fool, Chan. I am
a fool. I trusted you because I was incapable of giving you what you needed. I trusted that at least I
had your heart, I had your honesty, and I had you , even if your body wasn’t mine. And fuck, I
know that was my fault. I know . I’m the inadequate one, the one who can’t even have sex with my
boyfriend. But I guess even my love wasn’t enough.”

“I do love you!” Chan attempted to reach for his hand but Sewoon recoiled from his touch. “I love
you both.”

But Sewoon shook his head. “Leave me the fuck alone.”

“Oh dear,” Jisung cooed, as the front door was slammed shut. “That was…” he sighed
dramatically.

“Get out,” Chan said through gritted teeth. “Get the fuck out.” He grabbed Jisung’s collar,
dragging him away until he wrenched free and stumbled back onto the front porch.

“You took my happiness away, brother ,” Jisung spat the last word like it was a curse. “But at least
let Changbin have his.”

The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Both Minho and Chan had declined to face each other and
had hastily retreated to separate parts of the house.

For hours, Minho sat idly on the window-seat in the guest bedroom, gathering the courage to do
what needed to be done.

The walk to Chan’s bedroom took longer than he anticipated, his feet protesting in fear of what he
was about to do. Facing the door, he raised his fist, poised to knock.

He couldn’t do it.

He dropped his hand and turned around, gasping when the door opened behind him. He whipped
around, cheeks reddening. “Chan, I was just…”

Chan looked just as surprised, a bottle of water in his hand. “I was just on my way to ask you if you
needed anything,” his lips quirked up but his smile was tired. “Do you?”

“Uh…” Minho hesitated.

“Why don’t you sit down?” Chan opened the door wider, gesturing for Minho to follow him inside.

Minho perched at the edge of Chan’s bed, wrapping his arms around himself. “I wanted to say that
I – I have to leave.”

“What?” Chan shook his head, hunching in front of him. “Minho, no. That’s not – don’t. I mean, I
don’t mind you staying here. Actually, I – I…” he tilted his head back as though steeling himself.
“I want you to stay.”

“It’s wrong.” Everything about it was wrong.

Chan nodded. “It should be, shouldn’t it? Us loving each other. It should be wrong. But it doesn’t
feel that way. Does it feel that way to you? Does it feel wrong?”

Minho couldn’t lie to himself. Loving Chan had been the only thing that ever felt right. “It
doesn’t.”

Chan’s sigh was one of relief, and Minho couldn’t help the small smile that found its way onto his
lips. “I should go. Back to my room, I mean.”

“Is that what you want?”

No, of course not.

Chan lay beside Minho, his breath fanning the back of the younger male’s neck. Minho could feel
the heat radiating from his body. He began to circle Minho’s shoulder blades with his fingertips,
the way he usually did when giving Minho a massage after a tiring day. His fingers, feather-light,
traced the contours of Minho’s spine.

“Just relax,” his voice was low and gravelly, his lips grazing Minho’s ear as he spoke and causing
him to shiver.

As his fingers continued their journey over each and every bump of Minho’s vertebrae, the tension
that had accumulated throughout the day began to recede.
They had slow, gentle sex, that morphed seamlessly into something faster, more urgent, desperate.
Minho didn’t even remember when he’d changed his position, but there he was on his knees, right
cheek pressed into the pillow, the weight of Chan’s hands on his hips, fingers digging into his
flesh, sure to leave marks. The room was filled with soft moans, gasps and the sound of skin on
skin.

And when Minho thought they were reaching their end, Chan began to draw out, each inch
bringing panic. Minho rocked back against him, pushing back until he was impaled once more.
Minho was full and heavy, desperate to be touched, and of course, Chan knew.

He reached beneath Minho and that was all it took.

It was only later, when they’d come down from their highs did the memory of their nightmarish
day return. And echoes of guilt haunted Minho long into the night.

“I don’t understand any of this,” Jeongin muttered, looking at the spread of photographs on the
coffee table, Chan’s face stared up at him from across the man who he learned was the head of the
police department and someone Seungmin reported directly to. “Do you think they know you’re a
detective? Do they know you’re working for the police? Why would they leave these photos for
you? Are they going to out to you to everyone? What are you going to do?”

Seungmin shook his head. “Innie, calm down.”

But how could Jeongin calm down? If everyone found out that Seungmin worked with the police,
he’d have to explain his suspicions about Jaemin’s disappearance. They – whoever did it – would
know that Seungmin was coming after them. It would set back the investigation and maybe put a
complete stop to it.

“These photos were left for us ,” Seungmin explained, his hands wrapped around a hot mug of
coffee. “Whoever left them here knew you’d be with me.”

And that didn’t sit well with Jeongin at all. “So they know you’re investigating Jaemin’s
disappearance and they know I’m helping you? That can’t be good.”

“You’re reading too much into it.”

“And you’re unnaturally calm!” Jeongin began to pace the length of the living room before
throwing himself onto the couch. “Seungmin, whoever left these photos knows where you live,
knows who you are, and they probably know a whole lot about me too! I don’t want to end up
dead in a ditch somewhere.” Like Jaemin might be.

“If they wanted us dead, we would be already. I actually think…” he stared out at the rain battering
the window, “I think they’re trying to help us. Thanks to them I know how Changbin and Felix
have been keeping under the radar – my boss isn’t as morally upright as I assumed he was. And
now I also know that Chan is involved somehow.”

Jeongin curled into Seungmin and considered this with pursed lips. Jeongin would be ready to
believe anything, but he refused to believe that Chan had harmed Jaemin in any way. He wasn’t a
monster.

“I don’t think that Chan is –”

“ Think about it,” Seungmin interrupted, fingers absentmindedly running through Jeongin’s red
 locks. “We both know who Chan’s uncle is. We know how powerful he is. Don’t we?”

Jeongin couldn’t deny this.

Jaemin had lived with his parents until his father took ill, leaving him alone in that house with his
grieving mother. When he befriended Jeongin at university all he would say was that he had an
older sister who lived in a small fishing village with her husband and children. When Jaemin
vanished, Jeongin’s attempts to track all of them down were futile. How would an entirely family
just vanish without a trace, without someone knowing something? Who had the power to make an
entire family vanish?

Jeongin should be glad that someone was trying to shed light on their investigation by sending
them those photos. But a sense of unease had begun to grow inside his chest, and every beat of his
heart against his chest seemed to dispense a warning that he couldn’t decipher.

“We’re going to solve this,” Seungmin squeezed his shoulder.

“What can I do?”

Seungmin regarded him with a thoughtful smile. “Go back to Chan in the morning. Behave as you
usually do. But probe, just a little more. We know he’s involved now. We just need to know the
extent of his involvement.”

Jeongin would do exactly as Seungmin asked, but only to prove that Chan wasn’t involved in
Jaemin’s disappearance. He just couldn’t be.

Chapter End Notes

Thank you for reading and have a nice day

 Chapter 15
Chapter Notes

This one is a bit gruesome and short but I think it explains a few things

“I have questions.”

Changbin inclined his head in acknowledgment, but still, Hyunjin wondered whether he should
continue. Watching Changbin carve the body apart was like watching the creation of a piece of art.
The body was his canvas, the knives his brushes, and when the two met, something beautiful
emerged.

“Go on,” Changbin encouraged.

Hyunjin nodded even though the other’s eyes were clearly focused elsewhere. “How do you cover
it all up? I mean, surely someone would have suspected you by now. And…” he glanced over his
shoulder at the empty set of iron hooks that hung empty where a body had been swinging days ago.
“What do you do with them afterwards?”

“This may not sit well with you,” Changbin put down the knife he’d been using, and Hyunjin
noticed with sharp intake of breath, how the blood coated his hands like a pair of silky scarlet
gloves. “Actually, I know it won’t,” he huffed out a laugh and turned to Hyunjin. “I know you feel
like you deserve to know everything. And you do. I would want to as well. But for your safety,
should anything go wrong, knowing less will be in your favor.”

“Fuck that,” Hyunjin snapped, hopping off one of the metal tables. “I want to know everything.
Now. Or I’ll…” he bit his lip.

“Or you’ll what?” Changbin’s brows rose in amusement. “Will you leave?”

Hyunjin looked away. He couldn’t leave. Not because Changbin was offering him the opportunity
of a lifetime, but because of Felix.

“I’ll show you the answer to your second question,” Changbin said, turning his attention back to
the nearly dismembered body. “I just need to finish first.”

“Okay,” Hyunjin was about to leave, but paused, once more transfixed with the way Changbin
sawed into the body, sometimes hard and slow, other times wild and aggressive. It was a lot like
fucking – no, it was better – and Hyunjin found his bulge straining against the fabric of his jeans.

A low whine escaped from his parted lips before he could stop himself. Changbin looked over his
shoulder, gaze drifting to where Hyunjin had unknowingly been palming himself.

Quickly, he dropped his hand and turned away.

“Wait.”

He froze.
“Come here. Come closer.” Changbin patted the empty space beside the body. “I’ve done a lot
more than just jerk off to a dead body, and Hyunjin had to wonder at the implications behind his
words.

Hesitantly, he hopped onto the metal table, leaning against a slab of concrete and lowering his
zipper.

Changbin continued the mutilation as Hyunjin began to stroke himself. He pressed his lips
together, trying to silence his embarrassing moans but with the sound of ripping skin and snapping
bone, his moans grew louder, needier.

His fingers moved rapidly along his shaft, timing each stroke with the slicing of the cleaver. As he
got closer to his climax, it became more difficult to keep his eyes open. He longed to throw his
head back, screw his eyes shut and come hard into his fist, but he couldn’t take his eyes away from
the severed limbs that had been set into a neat pile and the pools of blood running like intersecting
rivers between them.

“Let me.”

Changbin replaced Hyunjin’s hand with his own, beginning to lightly stroke his length. And when
he took Hyunjin’s hand into his own, the younger male had wanted to protest until he realized his
intention.

Hyunjin whimpered when he felt his hand being pressed into the leathery skin of the corpse. He
closed his fingers around the severed forearm, unable to hold back any longer. He began to thrust
into Changbin’s fist, digging his nails into the dead flesh as his cum spilled over Changbin’s
fingers.

Changbin’s lips quirked into a smile. “Clean yourself up and then we can leave.” Still panting from
his high, Hyunjin felt unsteady as he hopped down, feet wobbling. But Changbin clicked his
tongue. “I said clean yourself up, Hyunjin.”

Changbin lifted his fingers to Hyunjin’s lips, the younger briefly taken aback by what Changbin
wanted, but it shouldn’t have surprised him, and it didn’t bother him either. He took a second to
marvel at the bloodstained fingers now decorated with his cum, and closed his lips around them.

He sucked each one individually, shamefully aware of his dick beginning to harden again.

“We’ll leave in an hour,” Changbin pulled his fingers away, leaving Hyunjin bristling at the
triumphant smile on his face.

When they’d been on the road for nearly two hours, Hyunjin began to feel uncomfortable. They
were traveling in broad daylight with a mutilated body in the trunk of the car. If they were pulled
over… But Changbin seemed at ease. He’d probably done this several times already.

They were well away from the city now and he wondered whether Changbin had some specific
spot in a remote location where he buried the body parts. Hyunjin couldn’t think of any other way
to conceal them.

He was surprised when Changbin turned onto a dirt road, a farmhouse looming ahead. In the
surrounding fields of green he could see cattle grazing, and the sounds of whinnying horses could
be heard in the distance.
“A farm?”

Changbin nodded, gesturing for Hyunjin to follow him out of the car. He popped open the trunk
and retrieved the bag of limbs. The bag was smaller than he expected it to be. Changbin had
probably chopped up the body into tinier pieces while Hyunjin had been in the shower.

Hyunjin glimpsed a few workers in the barn who bowed in their direction as they passed, but no
one stopped them. Changbin led him around the back of the house. The smell was putrid and
Hyunjin couldn’t decide whether the source was the pigsty or the plastic bag in Changbin’s hand.

A long wooden trough ran the length of the pigsty, and as Changbin approached, the pigs began to
get excited, trotting towards the trough and waiting in anticipation. Hyunjin stood beside a wooden
shed and gawked when Changbin opened the bag, dumping the contents into the trough.

He was aware that the sight of the human slop should have made him sick. He should be retching
his guts out. But the part of his brain that should have registered this as wrong, as sick, just didn’t
work. It was a failure in the engineering of his brain, Hyunjin decided. It wasn’t his fault that he
was delighted by the sight of the pigs eating a dead man. He was born this way.

Changbin strode over to him. “Happy?”

The smile on Hyunjin’s face should have said it all but he nodded in confirmation. “Whose farm is
this? Do they know we’re here?”

“It’s mine,” Changbin laughed. “It was a small investment, but a useful one. Not even Felix knows
about this. The farmer who runs this place for me knows that I come by from time to time. To
check on the animals.”

“To bring them food,” Hyunjin laughed.

“Do you understand now? Do you understand why I wanted you so bad? Why I need you,
Hyunjin?”

Hyunjin nodded. “Because we’re the same.”

“Yes,” Changbin sounded relieved. “And we need each other.”

That was where he was wrong. Hyunjin needed Changbin for one reason only – Felix . Once he
learned how Changbin did all of it – how he covered everything up, how he kept himself safe –
Hyunjin would end him. And then he’d be able to do it all on his own, with Felix right by his side.

He slipped his hand into Changbin’s, offering him a coy smile. “You’re right, Changbin.”

He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Changbin’s. He saw his eyes widen in surprise before he
kissed him back, and Hyunjin wrapped his arms around him.

All too aware of his desperation, Hyunjin grabbed him by the hips and pulled him in even closer.
Changbin took advantage of it, deepening their kiss, tongue exploring his mouth as his need grew.

With agility, Hyunjin spun them around, pushing Changbin against the wooden shed. He
unbuckled Changbin’s belt, making fast work of pulling them down his thighs along with his
underwear. He gave Changbin another quick kiss before dropping to his knees.

Changbin slapped a hand over his mouth when Hyunjin wrapped a hand around his shaft, thumb
sliding across his slit. He maintained eye contact with Changbin as his lips stretched around the
head of his cock, one hand stroking the rest of the length and the other fondling his balls.

Changbin carded his hands through Hyunjin’s hair, hissing as he swallowed more of his length.
Their soft moans were muffled by the noise of the pigs devouring the remains of a man whose
name Hyunjin didn’t even know. But anyone could walk by and see them like this. Of course,
Hyunjin knew that made it all the more exciting.

He found a steady rhythm, and Changbin rested his hand on Hyunjin's head and thrust his hips in.
Hyunjin allowed Changbin’s cock to hit the back of his throat, gagging slightly. He circled his
tongue each time his mouth descended on Changbin’s cock and hummed again when he felt the
muscular thighs tensing up.

Changbin was beginning to pull harder on his hair. “Hyunjin,” he warned, curtly.

Hyunjin felt all of Changbin’s muscles constrict and the shaft pulse in throbs as cum splattered
over his tongue and slid down his throat. Changbin was surprisingly good at keeping quiet,
although his heels had dug deeply into the mud, and Hyunjin’s scalp had begun to ache.

He inwardly sighed . The things I do for you, Lee Felix.

Felix had been a troublesome kid. Rich parents who never gave him their time or attention, too
much freedom, too little do with that freedom… He’d run away from home several times, just to
see whether anyone would care.

No one cared.

He stayed on the streets for days, fooling around, whoring himself out for the fun of it. But they
didn’t care enough to look for him.

He’d been on a street corner by himself, wistfully staring into the dark, hoping there was someone
out there looking for him, missing him, when a car rolled to a stop in front of him. The handsome
male rolled down the window, peering up at him.

His eyes were kind, and his smile reassuring. “Are you sure you should be out here by yourself?”

Felix shrugged. “No one cares.”

“I do.”

“You don’t know me,” Felix laughed, looking at him skeptically.

“But I want to. Will you come with me?”

Felix sighed. They were all the same. This one too. He’d fuck Felix, give him some money, and
then tell him to get lost. But it was something. It was nice to be cared for even for an hour or two.

“Sure.”

But Felix learned that Changbin was different. He took him in, gave him a place to live, but didn’t
touch him, not until Felix asked him to do so two weeks later. Sometimes it felt like a dream to
Felix. Suddenly being cared for, showered with affection, being told he was loved, being showed
he was loved… It was a dream come true.

So when Changbin told him that he had a secret, that he did bad things, when he showed Felix the
bad things that he’d done, Felix had remained by his side. He didn’t care who Changbin
slaughtered. He’d accept every part of Changbin, even the parts shrouded in darkness. And when
Changbin needed him to help, he would. He’d do anything for Changbin.

Because Changbin would do anything for him.

Well, that’s what Felix had thought, but now… Now there was a new threat. He’d heard the moans
emanating from the basement. Changbin didn’t allow him down there but he could imagine what
they were doing. And when they left, together, Felix could finally understand what was
happening.

Hyunjin was replacing him.

And it made Felix angry, so angry that he was currently sitting across from Chan in his study.

“I know you tried to help Changbin. You spoke to him, warned him against doing what he does.
But you know that he still does it.”

Chan narrowed his eyes. “Are you here to tell me to leave him alone?”

Felix shook his head. “I’m here to help you. I know you love him and that you’re worried.” He
could understand Chan’s suspicion. Felix had always shown unwavering devotion to Changbin, but
that was exactly why he was there right now. He was doing this for love.

“Why?”

“Because I want him to stop,” Felix explained. “And I – I want to get rid of Hyunjin.”

Chan leaned across his desk, interest peaked. “And how do you plan on accomplishing this?”

“You need proof right? Of the things he does? Evidence?” Felix raised his brows in question. “If I
can get you proof, you can threaten to expose him if he doesn’t stop, and… And you can also force
him to make Hyunjin leave.”

“Felix,” Chan tapped his fingers on the mahogany desk, “if Changbin finds out what you’re
planning, he’ll kill you.”

Felix shook his head. “He loves me, Chan. He’ll be angry, sure. But he wouldn’t hurt me. And
anyway, he’s not going to find out. You won’t tell him, right?”

He could see it in Chan’s eyes. It was the same look everyone gave him. Pity . None of them
understood Changbin’s love for him. None of them could feel it like he could.

“Alright,” Chan agreed, with a soft sigh. “But be careful. Whatever you’re going to do, be careful.”

Felix didn’t know exactly what he was going to do. But if he was going to outsmart Changbin, he’d
need help from more than one person. And he knew just who to go to next.

The house was a mess. Empty takeaway containers strewn on the tables, dirty clothes on the living
room floor, and every one of Minho’s paintings, scattered in bits and pieces.

Jisung lounged back in the armchair, clicking his tongue in admonishment. “Felix, you’re asking
me to betray my brother.”
“But you’re going to help me, aren’t you?” Felix asked, his gaze returning to the blonde. “Because
you need what I’m offering.”

“What the fuck could you possibly offer me?” Jisung laughed. “After that whore ran off with Chan
I haven’t wanted anything.”

“Except for Chan to suffer.”

Jisung’s eyes lit up at this, and a smile began to spread across his face. “What do you have in
mind?”

Felix smiled. “Death would be too easy for him, don’t you agree?”

Jisung nodded eagerly. “Fuck, yeah. I want him to suffer.”

“And he will,” Felix rose to his feet. “If you promise to help me, he’s going to lose everything.”

“Even Minho?”

“Even Minho.”

Convincing Jisung had been easy. But this next part would be a bit trickier. Changbin had kept the
photographs hidden away in his desk. Collateral, just in case , he’d said. And Felix was making
use of it now.

He had texted Jeongin only to find out that he would be spending the night at Seungmin’s place,
and the rest of the week at Chan’s. Felix couldn’t wait an entire week for Jeongin to go back to his
apartment. He had to do this now.

He just hoped Seungmin wouldn’t be much of a problem. Felix didn’t know much about him, but
he seemed kind. Perhaps he would even help Jeongin and make Felix’s task easier.

He glanced at the contents of the envelope one more time before placing it at the foot of the door.
It was up to Jeongin now to obtain Jisung’s revenge for him.
 Chapter 16
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

The opera house was opulent. Felix had been there a number of times, yet the architecture always
left him in awe. The ceilings soared, a large yet elegant crystal chandelier lighting the grand foyer.
Gilded filigree lined every doorway, the walls adorned with frescos and tall marble columns that
evoked a Roman impression. Rows of cushioned red seats were lined before the stage, but Felix
and Hyunjin were seated on a plush bench on a balcony reserved just for them.

Only the most important guests were seated up in the balconies. Felix heard that the mayor would
be attending this rendition of The Marriage of Figaro . One of Felix’s favorites, but he couldn’t
enjoy it today.

Felix glanced at his blonde companion. Hyunjin was dressed in a white button-up dress shirt and
black slacks that Changbin had picked out for the occasion. Felix had turned out in something
similar – a white shirt with a simple black tie and grey flannel trousers.

He would have probably taken more care of his appearance if this was one of his and Changbin’s
opera dates. But his boyfriend was currently with Jisung, helping him drown his heartache in
alcohol – or rather, that was what Changbin believed.

When Changbin told Felix of his plans for the evening – a close study of their next victim – Felix
had immediately called Jisung and reminded him of their arrangement. When Jisung turned up on
their doorstep just before Changbin, Hyunjin and Felix could leave for the opera, of course
Changbin wouldn’t turn him away; he doted on Jisung. Everyone knew that.

And so Felix got the opportunity to be alone with Hyunjin, just like he wanted.

“Where is he?” Hyunjin asked, peering at the faces below them. “The one we’re supposed to – oh.”
He paused to give one of the wine waiters his order. Felix did the same, glancing at the back of the
male as he left the balcony to retrieve their wine.

“You just met him,” Felix’s lips curved into a smirk at the surprise on Hyunjin’s face. “It’s
important that he sees us together,” he explained. “We gauge his interest today. And in a week,
maybe two, we’ll return and propel things forward. This is Changbin’s process.” Changbin had
shown Felix no more than a single photograph of the man. He’d been given no other details,
although he’d glimpsed the name Jihoon on the waiter’s nametag a few moments ago.

Hyunjin’s eyes were wide, his jaw slightly lowered as he grappled with this. “How did he arrange
for this guy to be our waiter? It can’t be a coincidence?”

“No such thing as coincidence,” Felix acceded. “For a price –” he made a telling gesture with his
hand, “–anything can be procured.”

“So what do we – do we just sit here?”

Felix inwardly sighed, “Of course not.” He reached out, intertwining their hands on Hyunjin’s lap.
He could feel the man’s body stiffen, the muscles on his thigh tensing below the weight of their
clasped hands.

He couldn’t understand Hyunjin. What was it that he really wanted? A means to do the bad things
he fantasized about? Did he want Changbin? Or did he, as he claimed, want Felix? No, Felix
couldn’t believe that he was Hyunjin’s goal. The man knew nothing about him; there was no
reason for him to go to such lengths for Felix.

He kept their hands intertwined when the waiter, Jihoon, brought back a glass of wine for Hyunjin
and sparkling water for Felix. “Riesling?” He quirked a brow in interest at Hyunjin’s choice of
wine.

Hyunjin grimaced. “I don’t know anything about wine. I just ordered… whatever.” He took a sip,
wetting his lips with the liquid. “A bit fruity but it doesn’t taste like shit.”

Felix snorted, lowering his voice as the lights began to dim slightly. “Can we have a bottle of the
riesling?” he asked the waiter who stood nearby, waiting for further instruction. “It better not taste
like shit,” he sighed when the waiter left. “My family donates the wines that are sold here. Father
is a wine sommelier.”

“Wine what ?” Hyunjin looked baffled, mouth hanging open again.

Felix rolled his eyes. “Wine expert. My family owns a few vineyards. I grew up around wine.” He
eyed Hyunjin, seeing the exact moment he realized that Felix came from a well-to-do family. “Did
you think I was some poor kid using Changbin for his money?” Wasn’t that what they all thought?

If Felix wanted money, all he had to do was go home. Even though he hadn’t seen his family in
years, they’d take him back only because he was the heir to their fortune. He just didn’t want it.
His childhood had been loveless, lacking of affection, and filled with useless material things.

“No,” Hyunjin said with only a slight hesitancy. His fingers relaxed around Felix’s; perhaps his
nervousness was fizzling out. “But I don’t understand why you are with him.”

“I love him.” Felix had to work hard to keep the anger out of his voice and a smile on his face. It
was always the same question from Hyunjin, always implying that Felix and Changbin shouldn’t
be together.

Changbin had saved his life, stopped him from throwing his life away, just like he’d tossed away
all the meaningless things his family had offered him in place of love. Changbin had shown him
that he was loveable, that he could have a different life, a happier life.

He wasn’t going to let anyone take that away from him.

Just when the overture began to play, Felix shifted closer. “Kiss me,” he whispered, aware of the
waiter’s eyes on them. Hyunjin studied him for a second, blinking as if he’d misheard. Felix raised
his brows, waiting. “ Now , Hyunjin. We need to.”

Hyunjin made up his mind, cupping Felix’s jaw with his free hand and leaning down to connect
their lips. Felix wasted little time in shoving his tongue between Hyunjin’s lips. Hyunjin’s soft
breathy whine was drowned out by the music and his tongue slid along Felix’s, prodding, probing.

When Felix’s fingers traced the waistband of his slacks, Hyunjin pulled back, his eyes searching,
wide and somewhat fearful. His cheeks were flushed pink with embarrassment. Felix popped the
button open, tracing a finger down the length of his zip, feeling Hyunjin’s erection strain against
the fabric. “Just go with it,” he urged Hyunjin. The blonde nodded – of course he wouldn’t say no –
and allowed Felix to lower the zipper.

Behind them the waiter shifted on his feet, his gaze on their backs. He couldn’t see everything, but
he would – soon. This wasn’t going to be some kind of subtle touch-under-the-table kind of thing.
Felix was used to putting on a show, being a lure. Hyunjin on the other hand…

Hyunjin sat back, his head tipped towards the ceiling when Felix found his hard cock. He latched
his lips to Hyunjin’s neck, licking, biting, and adding a nice firm stroke. At this point, Felix’s own
erection had also considerably hardened, aching to be touched, but he ignored it.

He tightened his grip on the blonde’s throbbing dick, and Hyunjin’s eyes flared open. This time his
moan was slightly louder, and a few faces began to scan the balconies for the source. Hyunjin had
turned red, straightening in his seat, trying to look unfazed. Felix chuckled against his neck but
didn’t stop. “You’d like to turn me around right here, wouldn’t you?” he teased. “Don’t you want
to pull my pants down and fuck me right now?” He kept his voice loud enough for the waiter to
hear.

Hyunjin’s teeth clamped down on his lower lip, but his hips lifted off the bench, tunneling through
Felix’s fist in a quest for more friction. His eyes were dark and heavy lidded, lust weighing more
than common sense, because he nodded in response to Felix’s questions.

“Mm,” Felix murmured, prying Hyunjin’s lip free. “I want your cock too,” the lie was easy. “I
want your cock buried in my ass.” Or maybe it wasn’t so much of a lie. It had been so long since
Changbin touched him... No. What was he thinking? He didn’t want Hyunjin.

He could feel Hyunjin’s precum making a sticky mess of his fingers now as the blonde ground his
hips against Felix’s hand. “Felix” he whispered, an urgency in his voice, eyes darting around in a
panic.

“Too afraid to come right here?” Felix murmured, tongue tracing the blooming red marks on
Hyunjin’s milky skin. “Too afraid to show how much you want this?”

“No.” Felix was startled when Hyunjin took hold of his wrist, pulling it up between them, flicking
his tongue along Felix’s fingers. His mouth enveloped each finger, gathering the precum onto his
tongue. And when Felix’s fingers slipped from his mouth, what he said next elicited a gasp from
the waiter behind them. “I taste so good, Felix. So good.”

“Oh, yeah?” A shudder passed through Felix’s body. “I want a taste too.”

Hyunjin was visibly surprised at this, his cloudy eyes trying to focus on Felix. “You… do?”

Felix cocked his head to the side, loosening the tie from around his neck. “Mmhm. But you have to
be quiet.”

“I’ll –”

“Open your mouth.”

Hyunjin eyed the tie in Felix’s hand, lowering his jaw. Felix smiled in approval, folding the tie
pushing it into the expanse of Hyunjin’s mouth. And then he dropped to his knees.

Twenty four hours ago, if someone told Hyunjin he was going to be seated and gagged in a VIP
area in an lavish opera house with the richest people in the city around him and Felix on his knees
between his legs, he would have thought they’re fucking crazy.

But here he was. And this was fucking crazy.

Hyunjin’s dick was erect, the head flushed pink and moist. Felix’s tongue flicked over the head,
little kitten licks that were driving Hyunjin up the walls. The fabric of Felix’s tie was damp with his
saliva and he had to use his tongue to keep it in place, so as not to activate his gag reflex.

He was painfully aware of the man behind him, watching Felix suck on his dick like it was candy.
Part of him was embarrassed at something so private and intimate being done in full view of a
stranger, and another part felt gratified and smug at their display.

Felix drew the head of Hyunjin’s cock into his mouth and sucked. Hyunjin’s eyes nearly rolled to
the back of his head, grateful for the material in his mouth, stopping him from emitting
pornographic moans for the mayor and his family to hear from the balcony beside theirs. He also
appreciated the thick slab of concrete that separated them.

This felt so fucking unreal. Suddenly, having Changbin’s dick down his throat in a pigsty, felt like
it had been worth it. Of course Felix was worth it. He was a fucking god.

Felix’s hands gripped Hyunjin’s thighs, steadying himself before he lowered his head and
swallowed Hyunjin’s cock so deep that it felt as if his length was halfway down his throat.
Hyunjin’s hands found Felix’s soft golden locks, and he carded his fingers through, keeping his
grip light so that Felix could move however he wanted to.

Felix hummed softly around his shaft, slow vibrations making Hyunjin’s hips buck off the bench.
And then, Felix began to suck like a machine, his mouth taking Hyunjin even deeper. Wrapped in
his tongue and sucked into the velvet warmth of his mouth, Hyunjin lowered his hands, digging his
fingers into the cushioned bench.

His orgasm was a flood that pulled him under, each wave causing his body to jerk and writhe. Felix
pulled back until just the head of Hyunjin’s cock remained in his mouth, and the jets of his release
coated his tongue. Felix drank him down, swallowing hungrily around his flesh.

Just when it began to feel like too much, Felix’s mouth began to move off Hyunjin’s dick. Hyunjin
couldn’t handle this. He couldn’t understand how he had existed for so long without knowing this
beautiful creature existed. Said out loud, it would have sounded tacky, something from a cheap
romance novel, but it was how he felt.

Felix’s lips were swollen, the skin around his mouth red, his face flushed. Beautiful.

This feeling. It was familiar. He’d felt it for others, but they hadn’t lasted. They were vague
shadows in the recesses of his mind. Felix would be different. It would be different with him. He
needed Felix. He couldn’t imagine not having him, not being with him. Mentally, physically, this
need plagued him.

As nice as their little tryst in the opera house was, it was after that really mattered to Felix. Their
work with the waiter was done. He could hardly look them in the eye as they left, and Felix had
given him a very generous tip. They’d see him again in a few days, and again after that, and then
Felix’s misery would end.

He’d asked Hyunjin if he minded a detour before they went home. A walk, maybe. There was that
park just a few blocks away. They were well into the night, but the air was warm, hugging them as
they set off down a tree lined path. Garden lights illuminated their way, making it easier to avoid
the downtrodden bits of cobblestone.
He wondered how to begin his conversation with Hyunjin. The whole purpose of this was to find
out more about him and what made him tick. But the look in Hyunjin’s eyes made Felix feel
uneasy.

Felix had been with many men before. Fucked them. Dated them when he was younger. But none
of them looked at him this way. Not even Changbin. Hyunjin’s gaze was a mixture of awe,
longing, lust and something darker, something wild and dangerous, something threatening. He
tried to calm the steady beat of his heart against his chest, like an alarm that needed to be switched
off.

“You confuse me.” The words had slipped out of Felix’s mouth. He had no intention of starting the
conversation this way. “I mean,” he tried to recover, “I um…” How was he going to explain that
statement? He settled for honesty. Give a little, get a little, maybe? “You say you want me but you
and Changbin… I saw you the other day. When you came back from wherever you went with him.
I could tell that you both – you must have fucked.”

“Hm,” Hyunjin looked contemplative, lifting his head and inhaling the air. “I gave him a blowjob.”
Felix clenched his hands into fists at the nonchalance with which Hyunjin spoke. “It didn’t mean
anything. And I didn’t enjoy it.” Felix listened intently now. “I’m difficult to understand,” Hyunjin
admitted. “My parents always said so. But then, they never liked me.”

Felix’s brows drew together. “They never liked you? What does that mean?”

Hyunjin shrugged his shoulders, hands jammed into the pockets of his slacks. “The things I did.
They never liked it. I played with dolls.”

Oh? Felix shot him a surprised glance. Hyunjin played with dolls? Interesting.

“It wasn’t so much the playing part that they minded. They didn’t like that I cut them up, scattered
the limbs all over the house.”

Oh, well, it made sense to Felix now.

“They stopped buying me toys with faces – dolls, stuffed animals – that kind of thing. It frustrated
me so much that I…” he trailed off, grimacing. “Maybe I shouldn’t tell you that part,” he huffed
out a laugh.

“You can tell me,” Felix said quickly, eagerly, slipping his arm through Hyunjin’s and taking the
taller man by surprise. “I’ll listen.”

Hyunjin seemed hesitant but he nodded. “I killed Sugar. I killed Sugar, our cat. And I umm…”
Hyunjin pressed his lips together as if trying to stifle a laugh. Of course he would think this was
amusing. “It was the night before Thanksgiving. We were going to have a ton of guests. My mother
made a few things already, kept it on this huge silver tray in the fridge. You know the kind, right?”
Felix nodded. “I put Sugar on the tray, left it for them to find in the morning, all cut up and so…
dead .”

Felix was used to murder and death and gore. He lived with Changbin after all and he’d had to
adapt to having that kind of thing be a part of his life. He didn’t approve of it, but he tolerated it out
of love. Still, the way Hyunjin recounted what had happened, chilled Felix to the bone.

“You know what’s strange?” And Felix noticed that Hyunjin’s voice tended to get high-pitched
when he was excited. “They never said anything about it. When I woke up, they pretended as if
nothing happened. Such fucking idiots,” he laughed lightly. “They didn’t realize that ignoring it
made me want to do it again and again and again. My mother stopped adopting cats after a while.
Took my fun away just like that… But I got them back for it.”

“How?” Felix probed growing warier by the second.

“I was eleven so my methods were still elementary back then,” Hyunjin snorted. “You know, little
things just to scare them. Sometimes I stood over them with a knife when they woke up, sometimes
I left sharp things at the foot of their bed. It got boring though. And I needed more of a reaction.”

Felix was wary now. “What did you do?”

“I chose one,” Hyunjin grinned. “I picked the better parent and got rid of the other one. You see, I
knew it would terrify my mother. I knew it would break her heart. But I also knew she’d stick up
for me. She wouldn’t let anything happen to me. But I guess even when she tried to make it look
like I acted in self-defense they insisted that I get sent away for a few years. Sucked but… That
was the first time I realized that my actions had consequences. I’ve been more careful since then. I
mean, as careful as I can be. I slip up sometimes but nothing too bad.”

“Nothing too bad,” Felix repeated, schooling his features into impassivity. “Right.” He hoped
Hyunjin wouldn’t see through the mask, wouldn’t feel the way his body tensed, wouldn’t sense his
fear.

He wished for the comfort of Changbin’s arms now.

Changbin hooked his lower lip between his teeth, eyeing the burgundy liquid in his glass.
“Felix…” he sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. “Can’t say I didn’t see it coming, but…”
But it was still somewhat of a shock to the system. Betrayal, even when it was expected, tended to
hurt.

In the armchair adjacent to his, Jisung offered him a sympathetic smile, a knee pulled up to his
chest as he fidgeted with his shoelace. “I thought a lot about how to tell you. I figured I should just
get to the point.”

“I’m glad you did,” Changbin admitted. He was shaken, but only slightly. For days, weeks even,
he’d seen Felix slipping out of his grasp. He just hadn’t realized Felix was so discontent with
Hyunjin’s presence that he would betray Changbin this way. “I just wonder who else he went to for
help.” He cast Jisung a fleeting look of panic. “He wouldn’t go to Chan, would he?”

“Honestly,” Jisung shrugged, “I have no idea. I only know the little that he told me, you know, that
he’d help me ruin Chan if I helped him get evidence against you. And he called me here tonight.
Said I should keep you back at home.”

“Interesting,” Changbin murmured, trying to figure out what Felix was up to. He wanted to be
alone with Hyunjin, but why?

“What will you do?”

Changbin had plans in place for something like this, and each one ended the same way. “I have to
get rid of him. Felix served his purpose but he’s replaceable. Hyunjin and I won’t need him.”

Jisung looked at him in surprise. “So Hyunjin is coming around then? You said he wasn’t so
comfortable around you yet.”
 “He is.” Changbin’s lips twitched into a smile. “I think it might work out.”

Jisung’s smile was bright and genuine. “I’m glad, Bin. I know how long you’ve looked for
someone like him, someone like you.” He reached out to squeeze Changbin’s shoulder. “I know
how tough it was for you when we were kids.”

It had been. Jisung was the only one who had tried to understand him. Chan cleaned up after him,
but Jisung? He was the one who told Changbin that it was alright, that there was nothing wrong
with him, that he wasn’t sick.

“I’ll take care of Chan for you,” he promised Jisung. “Minho too.”

“Make it hurt.” Jisung’s request was a somber whisper, his eyes downcast.

Changbin considered this with a smile. “You can even watch.”

Chapter End Notes

I hope you liked this chapter! There are only a few left
 Chapter 17
Chapter Notes

This is probably the last full smut scene for this fic

Senator Byung’s dining room looked different every time Jeongin stepped into it. Each time, it had
looked grander than the last. The first time, it had rich maroon curtains drawn back to reveal the
sprawling estate through the large windows.

Now, there were large tanks built into the walls, an array of tropical fish swimming around the
room. The blue lights lining the inside of the tanks reflected off the large chandelier hanging from
the dining room ceiling, casting the entire room in a shimmering blue glow that made Jeongin feel
as though he was dining underwater.

“Do you like it?” Senator Byung gave Jeongin a fond smile. “I thought you might. The fish are a
new addition. I wanted something different, something I never had before.”

Jeongin nodded, still in awe, unable to concentrate on the food in his plate. Beside him, Chan
chuckled. “Innie, if you like them so much I can have the same done at my house.”

Jeongin shot him a skeptical look. “And then I’d never go back to my apartment.” And Jeongin
knew Chan liked his privacy these days. He liked being alone with Minho. It wasn’t as if Jeongin
minded. In fact, he was happy for them, but it was still kind of strange. It had always been Minho
and Jisung. They had something solid, or it had seemed that way at least.

He imagined it would be strange for the Senator too. He was used to having all three – Chan Jisung
and Changbin over for dinner. On occasion, Jeongin, Felix and Minho had accompanied them.
What would Chan’s uncle think if he knew Chan and Minho were together now? That was
probably the reason only Chan and Jeongin had accepted the invitation to dinner this time.

Jeongin was glad. There would be fewer eyes on him and he would be free to snoop around just as
Seungmin had instructed him. The detective had been over the moon when Jeongin told him that
he would be going to visit the Senator again.

“You know where the Senator keeps his valuables,” he’d told Jeongin. “Look around. See if you
find anything connected to Jaemin.”

Jeongin managed to tear his eyes away from the fish, and wolfed down his dinner as politely as he
could. Neither Chan nor the Senator objected when he excused himself from their company.

The Senator always gave Jeongin free reign of his house. He considered Jeongin a God-send,
someone who saved Chan from the worst of himself. He wasn’t as fond of Felix and Minho – well,
he seemed to like them but hadn’t extended the same kind of warmth he had to Jeongin.

Jeongin always felt a pang of guilt about it. But being held in high esteem by the Senator had its
uses.

The Senator’s private study was just next door to the master bedroom. Jeongin had been in there a
few times before, back when Chan couldn’t keep his hands off him. He couldn’t help feeling a
little bitter, and very much unneeded. He carefully moved aside a few books from the bookshelf
until he found the safe.

Guessing the combination was easy – Chan’s birthday. He hesitated only for a moment before
cracking it open.

Documents. A sea of documents. He doubted either of these documents would have a connection to
Jaemin but he read through them just in case, eyes darting over his shoulder in fear of getting
caught.

There were documents dating back decades. He retrieved a short stack from the very back of the
safe – title deeds… Jeongin knew that the Senator owned three properties – this one where he
spent majority of his time, another in Majorca and another in Cambodia. He looked at the three
documents. One seemed a little different from the others.

Oh. One was a copy. He wondered why the Senator would have a copy and not the original. He
skimmed the document, looking for the name signed at the bottom. Senator Byung had transferred
the property in Majorca. He gasped when he saw the new owner, the name ringing an alarm bell in
his mind.

Even when he’d seen the photos of Chan with that police detective he’d refused to believe that
Chan had anything to do with Jaemin’s disappearance. But this . This was proof of it. Anger burned
in his veins, along with hurt and disappointment.

But as much as he wanted to act now, wanted to confront Chan about it now, he knew he should
tell Seungmin first. After all, Jaemin had been just as important to him. He took a few minutes to
compose himself, plastering a smile onto his face.

Seungmin yawned, slipping his hoodie over his head, gun in hand just in case. When he opened the
door to find Jeongin, his eyes round and glassy and his jaw clenched, Seungmin said a silent prayer
of thanks.

Despite the slight tremble in the redhead’s body and his glum expression, Seungmin could guess
that he’d found something. He hadn’t really expected Jeongin to find anything useful, but he had
hoped .

“Here,” Jeongin held out the folded sheet of paper before Seungmin could even get the door
locked. “I can’t even look at him anymore. I don’t know how I managed to be quiet about it for the
rest of the night. I can’t believe…”

Seungmin drowned out the rest of his ranting, focusing on the words on the page. “Na Minhyun?
The Senator transferred his property to Jaemin’s father?” They’d hit the jackpot. This is where
Jaemin’s family was moved to. Majorca. They’d obviously been paid off.

Jeongin took a deep breath, raking his fingers through his red locks. “How could they – do you
think he’s with them?”

Seungmin bit his lip. It would be easier to say yes, to comfort Jeongin. But it was becoming harder
and harder to lie to him. Instead, Seungmin opted not to answer. “Why don’t you get some sleep?
It’s one in the morning. We need to plan our next move with fresh minds.”

Jeongin braced himself against the wall with a hand, his shoulders slumping. Seungmin knew he
was thinking about Jaemin, and Chan’s role in all of this.
“You did good. You found exactly what we needed,” Seungmin reassured him, loosening Jeongin’s
cufflink from his shirt. “You just need some time to process it all. Let’s go to bed. Okay?”

But Jeongin pulled away, his jaw clenched, hands balled into fists. “I need to know what happened
to Jaemin.”

Fuck. Seungmin couldn’t let him do something brash like confront Chan and lose the only piece of
evidence he had.

He took hold of Jeongin’s wrist, “Come on. I’ll explain it to you.” He was glad when Jeongin
didn’t resist. He sat the redhead down at the edge of the bed, crouching in front of him as if to
pacify a child. “You saw the photos, didn’t you? Chan with my boss. It’s going to take more than a
document to put him away. You understand, right? We need more evidence. If we rush into this we
lose what little we have. We need to build a case before we act.”

Jeongin stared at him unblinking, and Seungmin held his breath, waiting for the angry outburst.
But it never came. Instead, Jeongin’s features softened, the fierceness in his eyes dissipating. He
cupped Seungmin’s face, cold fingers trailing his jaw.

“Can we fuck?”

The question was so unexpected that Seungmin thought he misheard. He furrowed his brows,
“What?”

Jeongin sighed, his eyes searching Seungmin’s. “I asked if we could fuck. I mean,” his teeth grazed
his lower lip in a show of his nervousness, “if you don’t want to tonight…”

“Oh,” Seungmin rose to his feet, “I mean yeah, I want to.” He gave the redhead a reassuring smile.
They didn’t do this often, and come to think of it, it was hardly ever Jeongin initiating anything. It
was laughable how needy he made Seungmin feel. Jeongin stood and slipped his suspenders off his
arms and worked the buttons of his shirt open. The creases in his forehead were telling enough for
Seungmin to know that despite his enigmatic smile, Jeongin was still thinking of confronting Chan.
It was a problem.

“What are you thinking about?” Jeongin tilted his head slightly.

“Me?” Seungmin fumbled for an answer. “I was just –”

“I can’t fuck you if you’re still dressed,” the redhead chuckled. His pants followed his shirt to the
floor, then the rest until he stood naked at the foot of the bed, stroking his length. He pulled open
Seungmin’s bedside drawer, rummaging for a condom.

Seungmin took the opportunity to discard his hoodie and boxers, placing his gun back on the
bedside table. There was something different about Jeongin. He couldn’t quite put a finger on it. It
was as if a switch had been flicked on or off. Something about the way he was behaving,
something that didn’t sit right. He tried to console himself with the reassurance that it was probably
just difficult for him coming to terms with Chan’s involvement in everything.

Jeongin ripped open the foil packet and another shiver twisted down Seungmin’s spine. “Bed,
Min,” he gestured to the untidy bed, the covers thrown halfway off. Seungmin had just fallen
asleep when Jeongin arrived. Now he felt so awake.

He lay down, the warm sheets suddenly feeling scratchy against his back. He wriggled a bit to
scratch the itch, but maybe… Maybe he was just itching for Jeongin’s cock.
Jeongin crawled up the bed, hovering over him and smashing their lips together. It was a sloppy
kiss, full of gnashing teeth and licking tongues. And when Jeongin pulled away, he pushed
Seungmin’s legs up and wide. “Hold yourself open.”

Seungmin obliged, grabbing his ankles.

“Wider, Min,” he urged, and then, “A bit more.”

“Seriously…” Seungmin groaned at the command but he pulled his feet wider until his thighs
ached from the stretch.

“Yeah, that’s better.” Jeongin curved his mouth into a grin that held a great deal of lust, with a
subtle hint of smugness. Seungmin’s smoldering want burned in his belly when Jeongin reached
for the lube. “You should see yourself. You’re so open. So needy.”

Well, open and needy was certainly what Seungmin felt. Jeongin climbed onto the bed, his weight
shifting the mattress and the sheets under Seungmin’s back. “I don’t think I ever – no, I know I
never told you this before but I always love seeing you like this.”

He trailed his hands over the back of Seungmin’s quivering thighs. The sensation, as well as
Jeongin’s confession, electrified every inch of Seungmin’s skin. And the loud snap of Jeongin
opening the bottle of lube tightened the need in Seungmin’s belly. A hollowness in Seungmin
ached to be filled, not just by Jeongin’s cock, but by the taste of Jeongin’s skin, the smell of his
sweat. Jeongin really made him feel needy; he wondered if the redhead was aware of that and did it
deliberately.

“Can I fuck you hard?”

Seungmin’s heart pounded against his chest. His whole body burned. Embarrassment fought with
lust. He surrendered to the latter. “Yes.” It came out as a whisper.

When Seungmin first moved into the city for this investigation, he’d realized that sex was a large
part of what would be expected of him from the group of people he’d be investigating. It always
felt like a chore with them.

Except Jeongin. There was something so real, so genuine whenever they had sex that Seungmin
often found himself toeing the line between work and… and something else. Was it friendship?
Seungmin didn’t want to even think of the other thing.

“Hmm?” Jeongin stood still, obviously waiting for Seungmin.

“Fuck me, hard.” He spoke louder this time. “Use me,” he added. He spread his feet wider and
arched his back, needing Jeongin’s touch.

Cold liquid ran between Seungmin’s ass cheeks, swiftly followed by Jeongin’s finger. “Tight,”
Jeongin murmured, making a small noise of satisfaction. Gentle pressure teased the ring
Seungmin’s entrance and Jeongin coaxed him open, then pressed a digit inside. He had long fingers
– perfect fingers.

Fire snaked into Seungmin’s head and balls and he moaned as his emptiness filled. Jeongin thrust
in hard but pulled out agonizingly slow, pressing all around, slicking Seungmin’s channel, adding
another finger, and pressing in again. Occasionally, he lingered over Seungmin’s prostate, teasing
the spot with tiny strokes.

Seungmin twisted on the bedspread. The urge to jack off, to spend himself as Jeongin finger-
fucked him was high, but he kept hold of his ankles and held himself wide for Jeongin, even as he
added another finger.

“Do you think you’re ready?” Jeongin’s question was as sensuous as the touch of the fingers inside
Seungmin’s channel.

“Fuck just – yes,” he whined pathetically.

“Good.” When Jeongin withdrew, the loss of his touch ached more than the stretch, but before
Seungmin could utter a plea, Jeongin set the head of his cock against Seungmin’s hole and pushed
inside. The sharp sweet burn of being stretched had Seungmin gasping for air.

Light flashed in Seungmin’s vision and the longing inside him disappeared. Jeongin was there,
inside him, above him, murmuring nonsense into his ear about how good he felt, about how tight
he always was, about how beautiful he sounded. Seungmin trembled, the honey taste of ache from
being finger-fucked to being full with Jeongin, tightened his cock and balls. Every second ticked
away in a tangle of hurt and joy and pleasure so close to perfection it was hard to breathe.

Seungmin couldn’t touch himself, not without letting go of his ankles, and he loved the tight fire in
his thighs and arms, sweetening the mist of agony already surrounding him. Only Jeongin
mattered, his rhythm flinging Seungmin higher, away from his thoughts.

Jeongin hammered into Seungmin and gripped Seungmin’s shoulders, digging fingers into flesh.
His thighs slapped against Seungmin’s abused ass and the echo of those blows filled Seungmin’s
ears. The room brightened with each stinging contact, until Seungmin was lost in the dizzying
heights near his release.

Seungmin moaned and swore out loud every time Jeongin rocked against his prostate. Agony and
bliss twisted together and whipped about in Seungmin’s heart and mind. Seungmin needed the
sweet release from the world only Jeongin gave to him.

At the back of his mind, his conscience began to remind him that this was never meant to happen.
There had never been anything romantic between them, but maybe if they’d met under different
circumstances…

Seungmin’s soul sang and his balls drew up. He twisted, trying to find relief for his cock. “Harder.
Fuck me harder,” he ached for it now.

“Of course.” Jeongin feasted on Seungmin’s mouth and pistoned into him so hard, Seungmin lost
the grip on his ankles. He returned Jeongin’s kiss for all that he was worth, tangling his hands into
Jeongin’s red locks and wrapping his legs around his torso.

Soaring over the edge of pain and the ecstasy of release, Seungmin broke the kiss. “Jeongin, I need
– I –”

“I know, Min.” Jeongin wrapped his hand around Seungmin’s cock and fisted it with the same
faltering tempo as his fucking.

Seungmin forgot how to breathe. The desire in his core crackled like the wild sparks of a fire,
sending a flame of pleasure that seared into his balls. His vision turned white and he emptied his
seed over Jeongin’s hand and onto his own chest. He couldn’t even voice his relief. That moment
of abandonment he’d felt, the clash between torment and euphoria was infinite; it lasted forever
and not long enough.

Through it, Jeongin kept fucking him and Seungmin rode the sweetness and sting of those strokes
back down. Although his vision was cloudy, Seungmin couldn’t just leave Jeongin to get off on his
own.

He wanted to give back all that Jeongin had given him, but for now, Seungmin gripped Jeongin’s
ass and pulled him in deeper. “Don’t stop. Keep going,” he encouraged.

“Oh, fuck.” Jeongin sucked in air and his movements became erratic. Seungmin met Jeongin’s
every thrust, twisting his hips and tightening down. Jeongin shuddered, and drove into Seungmin,
crying out at his own release. His movements slowed and he fell into Seungmin’s arms.

With one hand, he stroked Jeongin’s damp and trembling back, with the other he smoothed down
his sweaty hair. Jeongin stirred enough to pull out of Seungmin. And when their gazes connected
again, there was something so final in the way Jeongin looked at him, that it began to scare him.

“Give me a moment.” Jeongin pressed his lips to Seungmin’s, and Seungmin opened for the quick
taste of a sweet kiss.

Seungmin wanted to think about why he suddenly felt on edge, about why Jeongin was behaving
so strangely, about everything, but he was so tired . And there was always the morning anyway.

He was barely conscious when Jeongin returned with a warm, wet washcloth and a towel. With
care, he cleaned Seungmin’s chest, then tossed the cloths off the side of the bed.

Seungmin slid into the warmth of Jeongin’s arms as the soft sheets enveloped them.

Jeongin didn’t want to do this. He didn’t want to betray Seungmin like this. But he was angry. So,
so angry. At Chan, mostly. Fuck, he was so angry at Chan. But he was so angry at Seungmin too.

This was more than just some stupid criminal case. This was about Jaemin. His Jaemin. All that
bullshit Seungmin had said about needing more evidence, needing to build a case… He didn’t need
that. That was useless to him.

He needed the truth from Chan and he was going to get it. Seungmin hadn’t left him a choice, and
Jeongin wasn’t going to leave Chan a choice either.

Beside him, Seungmin was snoring gently, an arm thrown around Jeongin. With some difficulty,
Jeongin slid out of his grasp. He put on his slacks and threw on Seungmin’s hoodie. He bit his lip
before approaching the metal object on the bedside table.

It felt heavy in his hands, and foreign – an object that didn’t belong. Just having a gun in his hand
made him tremble. Fuck, he didn’t even know how to use it. But he would try. He glanced at
Seungmin’s sleeping form, offering a silent apology. Seungmin had been his only true friend, the
only one he could trust, and here he was betraying him.

He’d offered Seungmin this one last night, because he knew he would never be forgiven for what
he was about to do. And maybe… Maybe it had been for him too. Seungmin was different.
Everything felt different with him. And perhaps if Jeongin wasn’t still so in love with Jaemin…

He drank in the sleeping form of the beautiful man. If there was some kind of drug Jeongin could
take to forget Jaemin, to stop loving him, he would have taken it and things would have been
different. If the way Seungmin looked at him was anything to go by, there would have been a
future for them. But that wasn’t going to happen.
I’m sorry, Seungmin.
 Chapter 18
Chapter Notes

Please excuse any typos I didn't have time to read through Also, I'm sorry this
took so long!

Chan drummed his fingers along the edge of his desk. Several dog-eared documents were scattered
on the surface. This wasn't how he usually kept his study. But he'd been distracted lately.

He and Minho went at it like rabbits, fucking on every surface, unable to keep their hands to
themselves. Even now as Chan thought about it, he’d unconsciously lowered his hand down to
crotch, palming himself. He felt like a horny teenager. He rubbed a socked foot over a patch on the
rug – a tell-tale sign that he and Minho had been fucking in here earlier. He remembered Minho’s
fingers gripping the edge of the desk as Chan plowed into him. He palmed himself harder at the
memory from a few hours ago.

He knew that even though the sex was great, Minho wasn’t just a fuck-buddy. He was more than
that. He was... Well, they hadn't put a label on it. How could they? Chan still felt guilty. Jisung was
his brother and however he was, in his own way according to him at least, he loved Minho.

Then there was Sewoon... He hadn't been answering Chan's calls. Hadn't been reading his
messages. Was never home when Chan went by. Chan missed him. He missed—

Chan heard the faint echoing click of the double doors downstairs and his fingers stopped their
movement, his body turning rigid. Save for himself and Minho there wasn't supposed to be anyone
else home.

He tapped a few keys on his computer, bringing up the security cameras, startled when he spotted
Jeongin trudging up the stairs. He stared up at a camera secured in the light-fitting, as if he'd
known Chan would be watching him. Of course he’d know. Not many people knew him better
than Jeongin.

He took his eyes off the screen and fixed them on the doorway. There was a haunted look in
Jeongin's eyes, even as his lips attempted to form a smile. Chan's first thought was that something
terrible had happened. Or maybe that was an overreaction. After all, he had given Jeongin a key.
Maybe he just... stopped by.

“Always such a night owl,” Jeongin said, a slight tremor in his voice.

Chan smiled. “You're not though. It's...” he glanced at the clock, “It's 1am.”

Jeongin sat down in the chair across from Chan, his fractured smile fading. “I want to talk about
Jaemin.”

Of course this was about Jaemin. Chan clasped his hands behind his head and leaned back. “We've
already discussed—” He froze at the sight of the document Jeongin produced. “How did you find
this?”

“You paid Jaemin's family to keep quiet.”

“Jeongin—”

“What did you do to him?”

Chan closed his eyes and pinched his nose bridge. When he opened his eyes he hoped Jeongin
could see how sincerely sorry he was. He chose his words carefully, “I did what I had to do to keep
my family safe. I'm sorry for... for what you lost.”

“What I lost? Do you even know what I lost?” Jeongin's voice shook, his eyes burning with rage.
“He was everything to me!”

Chan shook his head. He'd hoped to save Jeongin from this, from the truth. “I knew about you
two.”

Jeongin's brows furrowed. “You knew ?”

“That you considered him your boyfriend?” Chan grimaced. “Yeah. I make it my business to know
everything about the people I enter into a contract with. You know this. It was no different with
you. I had to know what you were doing, who you were with, and why.” Even to himself it
sounded obsessive but that was the way his uncle had raised him to do business.

“Is that why you – why you...” Jeongin's body shuddered and he wrapped his arms around himself.

“I told you," Chan frowned, “I did it for my family. Jaemin found out things he shouldn't have.
Changbin found him in his basement taking photographs. I couldn't just let him…” he hesitated at
the sight of Jeongin's distraught expression. “It was quick and painless,” he lied. It hadn’t been
quick or painless. They’d had to extract information from him. He could still recall the tortured
screams, the blood, the severed limbs. All Changbin’s work, while Chan stood idly by. Perhaps he
was no better than Changbin.

And Jeongin wasn’t consoled. “Shut the fuck up!” he spat, lurching to his feet. When Chan saw the
gun held with two shaky hands, his blood ran cold. “You don't know what he must have felt!”

“Jeongin, that's enough,” Chan said firmly, trying to keep the edge of fear out of his voice. “Where
did you get that?” But he knew already. “You don't even know how to use it, do you?” He tried to
talk him down but Jeongin seemed incapable of listening, of understanding.

“I loved him,” Jeongin's voice dropped to a whisper. “And he loved me. After my contract with
you ended it was going to be just us. Just me and him.”

It was a childish fantasy that was never going to become a reality even if Jaemin had still been
alive. But Chan nodded, “I know that you were in love with him. That you wanted to spend your
life with him.” Jaemin had told Chan and Changbin that much.

Jeongin narrowed his eyes. “I don't believe you. I can't believe anything you say anymore.”

“I waited for you to tell me you wanted out of your contract. If you told me you wanted out so you
could be with Jaemin I would've happily let you. I would've still paid for your brother's treatment. I
would have paid for anything you needed. But I think you knew that, didn't you? I think that you
needed me as much as I needed you. I know it wasn't all about the money for you.”

Jeongin's grip on the gun loosened a fraction. Good. There was one more thing he had to say to
Jeongin. One more truth. And it would either save Chan's life or end it.

“Jaemin never loved you.”

Pure fury engulfed the uncertainty in Jeongin's eyes now. “How can you say that? You don't
fucking know a thing about him!”

“I know that gun belongs to Seungmin,” Chan pointed out. “I know that Seungmin is a police
detective. I know that Seungmin has been on Changbin's trail for years. And I know that Jaemin
worked for Seungmin.” All of this, Jaemin had confessed in an attempt to stop the knife from
slicing into his skin, to keep his remaining teeth, his remaining fingers. But Changbin had been
merciless. So had Chan. Anything for family.

Jeongin let out a stuttering gasp, confusion flickering over his features. “That's not – it can't...”

“Put the gun away, Jeongin,” Chan urged. “Give it back to Seungmin. And ask him for the truth.
Ask him about Jaemin.”

Jeongin lowered the gun. “Where is he? Jaemin. Where – where’d you put him?”

Chan shrugged apologetically. “Changbin disposed of the… the…” The pieces of him . He couldn’t
say it. Not to Jeongin’s face.

Jeongin nodded, turning on his heel and heading for the door. He paused in the doorway, and when
he spoke, it took Chan a few seconds to realize that it wasn’t directed at him.

“I hope you get away while you can,” Jeongin said.

He threw Chan a seething look before leaving, and when he was gone, only a stricken looking
Minho looked back at Chan from the doorway.

“Minho…”

But Minho backed away from him, the fear evident in his glassy eyes. “Don’t you come any
closer,” he held out a hand.

“I can explain,” Chan rose from his chair. “Please just —”

“You’re a monster. Like your brothers,” Minho shook his head, raising a trembling hand to cover
his mouth. “You’re all the same.”

Seungmin rolled over onto his back and covered his eyes to block out the sunlight streaming in
through the curtains. “What time is it?” he yawned, pressing closer to Jeongin's body.

“Just past seven.”

“Then why are you dressed already?” Seungmin mumbled, fingers closing around the soft material
of Jeongin's sweater.

“How'd you meet Jaemin?”

“Mm?” Seungmin's neck began to prickle and he noticed for the first time, the lack of emotion in
Jeongin's voice. He turned onto his side and propped himself up on his elbow. Jeongin rested his
back against the headboard. His eyes were closed. “I told you we used to chat online.”

“Online where?”

Seungmin pressed his lips into a hard line, trying to recall the lie he'd recreated. “A forum. For
people who were... dealing with stressful situations.”

He sat up and stretched his arms, stifling another yawn. He lazily swung a leg over Jeongin's lap
and pressed his lips to the side of his neck. He let his teeth graze the skin there. Jeongin's hands
trailed along his back, pressing him closer.

“Have you been lying to me?”

Seungmin's eyes flew open and he pulled away from Jeongin. The redhead stared at him, his
expression unreadable. “Why would you ask me that?”

“Are you? Are you lying to me? About everything?”

Seungmin swallowed thickly and slipped off Jeongin's lap. He pulled his t-shirt over his head,
noting the mud Jeongin had tracked onto the floor. “You went out.”

“To see Chan.”

“I see,” Seungmin busied himself with getting dressed, trying to hide his concern. But he was more
than worried. “How'd it go?”

“Did Jaemin love me?” There was a quiver of emotion in Jeongin's voice now. “You were his
friend, right? You should know.”

“Of course he did,” Seungmin lied. “Very much.”

“Chan's right. I don't know how to use this thing.” Seungmin looked over his shoulder, jaw going
slack at the sight of his gun in Jeongin's hand. He held the gun out to Seungmin who was glad to
have it back in his possession.

“What the fuck were you thinking?” Seungmin stood up and checked the chamber. Still full.

“I just want the truth,” Jeongin shrugged, his gaze lowered, lip pulled between his teeth like a
petulant child.

No , Seungmin thought, you don't .

“Please?”

Seungmin hung his head. He didn't want to break Jeongin's heart. A while back he wouldn't have
cared but now... “Are you sure?”

Jeongin nodded, “I need the truth.”

Seungmin sat down in a chair beside the curtain. He couldn't look at Jeongin as he spoke.

“I met Jaemin on a drug bust. Was about to cart him off to prison. He'd havve got ten years at least.
So I decided to put him to use. Offered him a deal,” he resisted the urge to glance at Jeongin to
gauge his reaction. But he couldn't. “I've been after Changbin for years. Been investigating him,
seeing him disappear off suspect lists... I had to do something. Jaemin was the perfect opportunity.
I knew about Changbin, about his circle, who he hung out with. So I...” he took a deep breath. “I
sent Jaemin in your direction. Told him to do whatever he had to do to get close enough to the
truth, to the evidence we needed.”

“So you used him? And then...” Jeongin's voice was small, and when Seungmin forced his gaze
upward, he saw that Jeongin’s body had begun to tremble. “You both – you and Jaemin used me.”
Seungmin shook his head, wanting to console him, to give him some kind of comfort but not
knowing how. He couldn't defend his actions. Fuck, he didn't even regret any of it. He was sorry,
of course, but he didn't regret doing whatever he did.

“I had to. For the greater good,” Seungmin tried to explain. “How much longer can someone like
Changbin be left out there to murder innocent people?”

“When my brother got sick…” Seungmin’s eyes widened. Although he knew what happened,
Jeongin hadn’t ever spoken about his family before. “When he got sick, my parents told me to do
whatever I could to get money for the treatment. It was just some experimental treatment, you
know? A slim chance that it could fight off the cancer,” Jeongin sighed. “But I did whatever I
could. Worked a few jobs. Started selling myself. Ended up with Chan. You know the story,” he
said with a shrug. Seungmin did know that Jeongin’s younger brother died a few months after
beginning the treatment.

“But I bet you didn’t know I went back home a while ago. After my contract with Chan ended. My
parents didn’t want anything to do with me. I was just a whore. A shame to the family. They used
me and when I was of no use to them anymore they discarded me like a piece of trash… So I
stayed with Chan. After Jaemin, he was all I had left. Until you came along. I thought you were
different from the rest of them,” Jeongin’s words tapered into a sob. “That you wanted to be with
me because you – because you liked being with me. That you were a friend, my best friend.”

“It doesn’t have to be this way,” Seungmin flopped down beside him. “It doesn’t have to end like
this, Innie. I’m still here. I know I used you and I can understand how that must feel. But when I
put them all away for what they’ve done, when all of this is cleared up, we can go away. You and
I. Just… be by ourselves, away from all of this. Someplace far, wherever you want to go,” the
words flowed from his lips, as if the idea had been lurking in the recesses of his mind for a long
time. He hadn’t even known it was what he wanted until he started speaking.

Jeongin looked at him through his tears, with what could only be described as a look of loathing
and pure disgust, “Then you’re more fucked up than I thought.” And Seungmin wanted to curl up
in a blanket of his humiliation. “I’d be careful if I were you,” Jeongin whispered. “They know who
you are. You thought you were one step ahead of them. But they were just playing with you. A
mouse with its tail caught in a trap, scrambling from one cat paw to the next. That’s what you are.”

“Don’t go,” Seungmin tried to stop Jeongin but he was already on his feet. He knew he had a
million other things to think about. His life was in danger, his cover long ago blown. But the sight
of Jeongin so distraught, in tears, leaving, was too much. He couldn’t let him go like that.

“There’s nothing left,” Jeongin whirled on the spot and shrugged. “There’s nothing left for me. It’s
all… It’s all a big fucking mess.” He made as if to leave, but looked back at Seungmin again.
“Wanna know the craziest thing? I would’ve gone anywhere in the world with you! I fucking
thought about it! But now? I don’t want to see your face again, Seungmin. Or I swear to god, I’ll
fucking kill you myself.”

Jeongin’s feet felt heavy, like he had to drag himself along or he’d just… collapse. And maybe that
wouldn’t be so bad. He squinted up at the sun and clutched the railing, pulling himself up a few
more stairs. Why’d his apartment have to be so high up?

He stopped and pressed his hands to his cheeks; his tears were long ago dried up but his eyes still
burned and his lips felt cracked. He’d never cried that much before. Especially not in public. Even
with the hood of his jacket pulled up to hide his face, passersby had still stared in concern. It was
probably the way his body shivered, like a sharp piece of ice had been plunged into him freezing
him from the inside out.

He didn’t feel cold though. He didn’t feel anything. Because he’d felt enough to last a lifetime. He
liked the numbness, that emotionless state that came after feeling too much, after the rage, after the
sorrow, after finding out you’d been living a lie. The numbness was a defense mechanism, he
guessed. Something innate that kept him from completely shutting down. He figured it was better
than any drug, better than getting wasted.

He reached his apartment, and pushed the door shut behind him. He decided then and there that he
wouldn’t be stepping out of the apartment any time soon. Hell, he wasn’t even going to get out of
bed. He just wanted to sleep it all away. Maybe he could wake up next week, or next month or next
year or… never. That would be great.

He slipped into bed, and willed himself to sleep. You have nothing else to do, he told himself. You
have nothing else.

Nothing else.

No one else.

He let the sleep take him.

And he woke with a start. The room was dark, the outline of the curtains rustling about in the
night’s breeze. What had woken him? He could hear the ticking of the clock. He hadn’t shut his
room door. What else? He could hear something else.

Breathing. Soft breaths. Not his own. Whose? He clutched the sheets as his panic began to rise.

Footsteps just outside. Getting closer.

Jeongin shrunk closer to the wall as if that would help him any. He held his breath, his heart
pounding against his chest. He saw the silhouette of the man in the doorway and clapped a hand
over his mouth.

“Afraid?”

He knew that voice.

“But I’ve just come to invite you to a little party.”

Hyunjin.

“Changbin’s waiting. He has something amazing planned for you and a few of your friends.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” Jeongin spoke up, sitting upright and inching further away.

Hyunjin sighed. “Can’t you be the subservient thing you always claim to be and just do whatever
the fuck I tell you to do?”

Jeongin slipped off the bed, backing away. But he knew he had nowhere to go. Hyunjin blocked
the doorway. He clamped his mouth shut, taking a few more steps back until he felt the closet door
behind him.

Hyunjin’s laugh split the silence. “You know what I like, Jeongin. Don’t give me an excuse to spill
your blood. Or do, because that would just make my day.”
Jeongin remained rooted to the ground, hardly daring to breathe.

“Have it your way then.”

 Chapter 19
Chapter Notes

Like always, make sure you're okay with the tags

Also, I love Minho very much. He's 1/3 of the bias line. Just saying

Hyunjin rolled onto his back, sore and tired, but allowed Changbin to press open-mouthed kisses
along his chest. He opened his eyes and threaded his fingers through the man’s hair. “You always
make me feel so good, Changbin,” he lied, encouraging him to divulge a little more. Changbin
enjoyed talking, especially when Hyunjin showered him with affection and praise. Some primitive
thing inside Hyunjin actually felt a flutter of sympathy for the man. He was always so eager for
Hyunjin’s touch, for his sweet, sweet, lies. “You know I’m always going to be there for you, with
you… Don’t you?”

Changbin settled beside him, propping himself up on one elbow to look down at Hyunjin. “Are you
sure you want to be there when it happens? When we… When we finish them?”

Hyunjin heaved a tired sigh. “I told you, I do. They’re your friends, not mine,” he tried to keep the
annoyance out of his voice. “I’ll even help you if you want me to. I have been helping you,” he
reminded Changbin. It hadn’t even been difficult for him to do. The three men chained up in the
basement had hardly put up a fight. Hyunjin only came away with a bruise or two, but otherwise, it
had been a piece of cake. “Unless you don’t want me there,” he gave Changbin a questioning look,
hoping that he looked offended enough for the man to feel guilty. “I mean, I know it’s personal for
you and Jisung. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“Of course I’d love to have you there,” Changbin said, a stupid smile on his face. “I just…” his
smile faded. “Just…”

On alert, Hyunjin sidled up to Changbin and wrapped an arm around him. “What is it?” When
Changbin remained silent, Hyunjin threw a leg over his torso, straddling him. He pressed a kiss
onto Changbin’s throat – he couldn’t wait to run a knife across it – and trailed more kisses
downward. “Tell me,” he urged, before teasing one of Changbin’s nipples with his tongue.

Changbin heaved a sigh before he spoke, “You’ve always wanted Felix.” Hyunjin tensed. “And
that’s the reason you agreed to be with me,” Changbin continued, his voice just above a whisper.
Hyunjin felt his chest constrict with each passing second. Was Changbin about to call him out on
this whole charade? Was he not a good enough liar? “But it’s different now, right? It’s me you
want, right?”

“Of course,” Hyunjin lied easily, relaxing. Of course the idiot just wanted reassurance. “Felix was
just a good fuck.” He hadn’t even fucked Felix. “He’s nothing to me.” Changbin was nothing. And
soon, Hyunjin was going to make sure that he knew it. Changbin was going to be pig food. It
brought a smile to Hyunjin’s face. At least Changbin could be of some use. His farm – the one only
he and Hyunjin knew about – was going to be the perfect place for Hyunjin and Felix to settle
down.

He’d made sure that he and Changbin frequented the farm, so much so that the workers were all
familiar with Hyunjin now. And when Hyunjin had stopped by the farm on his own just to test the
waters, neither of the workers had even questioned his presence.

“And I don’t just want you, Changbin.” Hyunjin forced a coy smile. “I…” he shook his head in a
show of shyness, hoping the insinuation would be enough.

Changbin’s surprised intake of breath was audible. And he pulled Hyunjin down for a kiss. “I’m so
glad. I thought you wouldn’t agree,” he whispered against Hyunjin’s lips.

“Wouldn’t agree to what?”

And Hyunjin listened in stunned silence as Changbin explained how Felix had gone to Jisung,
intending on betraying him. “He can’t be trusted anymore,” Changbin said, his features set into a
scowl.

Hyunjin’s heart began to pound against his chest, panic setting in. “What are you going to do with
him?”

“Ah, well, I figured he should just die along with the rest of them.”

Die. Hyunjin nuzzled his face into Changbin’s neck to mask his terror. He hadn’t expected this
hurdle. But as unexpected as it was, Hyunjin knew he wouldn’t let Changbin go through with his
plan. Hyunjin loved Felix. He’d loved the others too, but he hadn’t gone this far for them, hadn’t
known he was capable of going this far. He’d taken a look at those petty scraps of paper –
restraining orders – and had turned tail like a fucking coward. Not this time. He wasn’t running
away. He wasn’t giving up on Felix, even if Felix couldn’t yet return his love.

He placed a hand over Changbin’s chest; he would relish the day the gentle thud of his heart
ceased. And that day was coming soon. Hyunjin could do it now, but he shouldn’t act brashly. This
needed proper planning, because he couldn’t risk losing Felix.

Felix knelt beside the unconscious body, cleaning the defecated mess on the floor. He’d never been
allowed into the basement before. But that had changed since Changbin brought in the prisoners.
He needed someone responsible to look after them, he’d said. Someone he could trust.

Felix smiled to himself as he kicked Sewoon's limp body over. Changbin insisted on keeping them
unconscious most of the time. But it wasn’t like anyone would hear them screaming. Not in this
torture chamber; it was too far below the ground. He clicked his tongue at the remnants of stale
bread in Sewoon's plate. How ungrateful. Changbin was being generous by feeding them and they
still… He shook his head in disdain.

“Lix?”

Felix pursed his lips, pretending not to hear Minho.

“Lix, please.”

Felix turned to look at him, their newest prisoner, Minho. Sewoon had been down there for two
weeks at least when Jeongin was brought in. And then, Minho, just a day after him. Minho wasn’t
even down there for twenty-four hours yet. Upon Jisung’s request, Minho had been kept conscious
to witness the plight of the other two, to be awake for every horrific moment.

“You’re done screaming then?” Felix raised a brow. “I did tell you it would do you no good.”
“You don’t have to do this.”

Felix cocked his head to the side. He’d made such wonderful memories with these three people.
He’d talked with them, laughed with them, befriended them. But all of that faded into nothingness
when Changbin brought them in as prisoners. For Changbin, Felix would forgo any friendship.

“You haven’t touched your food,” Felix frowned. “Jisung won’t be happy.” Unlike the other two,
Minho had been receiving special treatment from Jisung. Instead of stale bread, Minho was given a
full dish of sloppy cat food that smelled like a mixture of rotting seafood. There were two furry
black ears clipped to his hair too. And he’d been stripped naked, his ass opened up with a plug that
had a tail attached.

“Lix—”

Minho stopped at the sound of the door opening and Felix shot him an exasperated look. “You
should’ve eaten your food.” He carried on with his cleaning, hoping to be done soon so he wouldn’t
have to witness what was going to occur.

Jisung strode with purpose into the chamber. He’d been around ever since Minho was brought in
the night before. He greeted Felix with a pat on his head, and fell to a crouch in front of Minho.
Felix watched out of the corner of his eye. Minho had bowed his head subserviently. Too little too
late.

Jisung caressed his bruised face, eyes flickering to the uneaten food and back to Minho’s face.
“Naughty kitty,” he clicked his tongue and pouted. “I told you it should be finished, didn’t I? And
what’s this? You didn’t even touch it.”

Minho seemed to realize the gravity of the situation because he began to murmur an apology which
Jisung responded to by gripping his hair and shoving his face down into the bowl. “Eat,” he
growled.

Felix averted his eyes. Somehow, the sound of Minho grunting and gagging as he forced the food
down nauseated Felix more than the feces and urine he’d been cleaning up. The clanging of the
chains attached to Minho’s manacles echoed throughout the chamber, thankfully drowning out the
rest of the disgusting sounds he made. Still, Felix hurried and when he’d mopped up whatever was
visibly dirty, he swept his gaze around the chamber and decided that it was clean enough. He
didn’t want to be there for the rest of whatever Jisung had planned. But he was surprised when
Jisung called him.

“Felix,” Jisung said, letting go of Minho and rising to his feet. “Let’s have a little talk upstairs
while Changbin is busy, shall we?”

Felix nodded.

Jisung glanced at Felix, feeling sorry for him. He’d served Changbin well despite his flaws. Minho
couldn’t relate. “Let’s sit down.” He drew Felix down onto the couch and placed an arm around his
shoulders. “We haven’t had a chance to discuss things. I mean, since your visit.” Felix gave him a
curious look and nodded. “I suppose you can see now that your plan, the one you’d asked me to
help you with, isn’t going to come together. You see, don’t you?”

Felix looked down at his hands, his expression grim. “I know it won’t work. Changbin has his own
plans and I can’t interfere with them. Honestly, all I wanted was a way to get rid of Hyunjin. And I
thought I’d help you with Minho in exchange for your help but you already have him down there.”

“But I can still help you,” Jisung offered him a smile. “We’re friends aren’t we?” Felix nodded, his
eyes wide with hope. So gullible. “Tell me what you planned, Lixie.”

Felix sighed, and began to explain. He told Jisung how he’d wanted to get photographs of
Changbin in the basement, had wanted Jisung to help with that. He planned on giving the photos to
Chan.

“Why would you do that?” Jisung’s brows rose, bristling at the mention of Chan. “Why get Chan
involved?”

“Because he wanted Changbin to stop killing. He was desperate for him to stop,” Felix muttered,
sounding like a petulant child. “If I gave him the photos he would’ve used them as blackmail.”

“And why would Hyunjin leave?”

“Because if Changbin stops killing, Hyunjin has no reason to stay,” Felix shrugged. “He’s only
here for that. To be a part of that.”

Jisung tried to hide his amusement. Felix was going to lose his life because of a little jealousy.
“And if Chan gave the photos to the police? What then?”

Felix offered him a smile. “That lieutenant, the one Chan’s been paying to keep Changbin’s record
clean… I left the photographs of him meeting with Chan in Jeongin’s keeping – I hoped he’d do
the right thing and turn them in. I couldn’t do it myself. I…”

“Wanted to keep your hands clean,” Jisung nodded, surprised at Felix’s desperation to stay in
Changbin’s good books.

Felix continued, “And I’m sure the lieutenant wouldn’t want the rest of the police department
finding out that he’d been aiding a serial murderer. He would’ve been too afraid to let Chan turn
Changbin in. He would have… taken care of Chan.” He bit his lip, suddenly looking unsure.
“Wouldn’t he?”

That was Felix’s grand plan? Jisung stared in disbelief. Had Changbin really been fretting over
that? It was a foolish, so fucking childish plan based on hope alone, and Jisung had to refrain from
laughing. And to think, Felix had seemed so determined when he asked for Jisung’s help. It all just
proved how annoyingly naïve Felix was. Changbin really did score with him. If only Minho had
been so stupid and so willing to obey.

He stored away all the information he’d learned; he’d tell Changbin later and they could laugh
about it together. “Tell you what,” Jisung said, “I’ll get rid of Hyunjin for you right after we get rid
of everyone else, okay?” It was a lie but at least Felix could remain comforted until Changbin
ended his life. And of course, gullible Felix nodded happily. The truth was, Felix had served his
purpose, and like a broken toy, he was going to be tossed into the trash. Minho too, except he
wasn’t broken… yet.

Minho had checked into a cheap motel for a few days, just until he found somewhere else to go.
Discovering that Chan was just as vile as Changbin and Jisung had been a shock to his system. He
hadn’t wanted to live with Chan anymore. He couldn’t.

Hyunjin had to have been following him because the very next day, Minho had woken up to see the
man standing over him. Minho’s head still throbbed where Hyunjin had hit him with the bedside
lamp. And then he’d woken up in the… the basement? Was that what it was? Changbin had said it
was underground, and had called it a basement but it seemed to stretch on, far larger than any
basement Minho had ever heard of.

The three of them – Sewoon, Jeongin and Minho – were chained up in what appeared to be a side
room. Through the open doorway, Minho could glimpse an iron table. At first, he’d assumed that it
was dirt and rust that crusted the walls and concrete floors, but he’d learned from Felix that the
brown stains were actually a decade of dried blood spatter. Minho shuddered to think what went on
down there, what Changbin had been doing and to whom.

But Changbin was the least of his worries. He still didn’t know exactly why either of them were
being kept down there, but whatever it was, it gave Jisung free reign to live his sadistic fantasies.
Jisung… The things he’d been doing to Minho in the past twenty four hours were things Minho
hadn’t thought him capable of. He’d never treated Minho like this before.

He heard the echo of a slamming door, and fear began to gnaw at him. He hoped it was just Felix.
Eyes wide with terror, he eyed the blue plastic dish he’d licked clean and shifted so that his vomit
would be hidden behind him. He didn’t know how Jisung would react to it. He listened like a dog
trained to hear an intruder and recognized more than one set of footprints. It was amazing what
twenty four hours trapped in this hell hole had done for his senses.

He allowed a flicker of relief at the sight of Felix, but cowered when Jisung strode in behind him.
Jisung’s gaze rested on the empty dish and the corner of his lips lifted. “Such a good kitten,” he
cooed, crouching down to run his fingers through Minho’s dirty hair. “You deserve a reward, don’t
you? Look, baby, I even asked Felix to help.”

Minho shook his head slowly, ready to plead even though he didn’t know what Jisung had in store
for him. Fuck, he didn’t want to know. But neither Felix nor Jisung listened to him. Felix began to
unlock the shackles keeping him chained to the wall.

“We’re just going for a little walk,” Jisung smiled. “We’re going to decorate you. Make you look
all pretty.”

Minho’s chest tightened, all too aware that he wasn’t chained up anymore. What if he got away? If
he ran really fast… But he didn’t even know where to go. He’d just run into a locked door and then
what? Then Jisung would punish him. Minho couldn’t risk that. He locked away all thoughts of
escape, and began to crawl after the two of them.

He’d been right, he realized as he crossed the threshold and entered into a large chamber – the
basement stretched on, the outline of several other doorways shrouded in darkness. It would’ve
been cold, except there was a fireplace built into the wall on the far end. And… Oh. He spotted the
table he’d glimpsed, immediately taking in the attached restraints. His voice had already turned
hoarse from his futile screaming. The only people around to hear his screams had been his fellow
prisoners and the ones who’d taken him captive. He debated making a run for it again, but he
couldn’t even see where the exit was.

But Jisung tapped the table, indicating that Minho should climb onto it. Minho didn’t dare question
him at this point. Although he trembled every step of the way, he obeyed, lying down flat on his
back while they cuffed his wrists and ankles, keeping him in place. A small voice in his head told
him that he was going to die, but an even quieter, more resigned voice told him it was going to be
much worse than that.

“You’re going to love it,” Jisung said, leaning down to whisper in his ear. Minho wished he could
shrink away, recoil from him. A whisper seemed tame compared to what he’d done to Minho when
he first woke in the basement – it had culminated in that plug… But Minho still couldn’t stand him,
couldn’t even pretend anymore. He focused his eyes on the flames flickering in the fireplace,
following their movement in an attempt to hypnotize himself, to help his mind run away, so far
away from this moment that he would forget it was even occurring.

But his view of the fireplace was obstructed by Felix’s gloved hand reaching for an iron rod that
glowed red with heat. Minho furrowed his brows, panic rising, as he Felix approached with the hot
poker. Minho shook his head, wanting to protest, to beg for mercy, but only gasping breaths left his
mouth.

He began to thrash before the poker even made contact with his skin. What came after the initial
scalding burn on his chest was something Minho would remember only in flashes. He’d passed out
and woken up several times, sometimes howling in pain, other times quiet, his body convulsing.
Each time his eyes flew open, Jisung had been staring down at him, a grin on his face.

He didn’t remember being taken down from the table. Nor did he remember being thrown back in
that room and chained up again. But when he woke, what felt like hours later, his mouth was filled
with something slimy. With difficulty, he propped himself up and began to cough. He stared,
alarmed at the mixture of saliva and blood he’d coughed onto the ground. He tried to swallow but it
hurt too much. Moving his tongue hurt too much. And that was because… Oh. He suddenly felt
faint at the realization that he’d bitten through his tongue.

“Minho?”

He looked up, startled to see Jeongin awake, looking at him with a mixture of revulsion, pity and
fear. “I—” Ah, right, he couldn’t talk. It wasn’t worth the pain. Pain. Why was there so much of it?
And then he remembered.

“What did they do to you?” Jeongin asked in a horrified whisper, his eyes wide.

Minho lowered his head, getting his first look at the blistering skin on his torso. The word was
branded into him vertically, starting from the middle of his chest. W-H-O-R-E. It wasn’t neat by
any means. In fact, it was barely legible. After all, they’d only had a poker at their disposal. Minho
let out a bland laugh. He’d just been branded and he was criticizing their effort. He was going
fucking crazy, wasn’t he? He laughed again, hoping it would numb the pain.

It didn’t.
 Chapter 20
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Felix felt the exact same way he’d felt all those years ago, growing up in a family that didn’t care
for him – unwanted, invisible and useless. Changbin barely spoke to him and barely touched him.
And a few minutes ago, when he’d bumped into Changbin in the hallway, the man had paused and
placed a warm hand on Felix’s cheek, his gaze softening. And for a moment there’d been
something underlying that gaze. Regret, maybe? Or sympathy? A mixture of both? Felix just
couldn’t understand why. Or maybe he could.

Hyunjin .

Of course, Felix’s first instinct was to blame Hyunjin. Hyunjin who devoured Changbin’s attention
like the leech he was. Hyunjin who preened every time Changbin complimented him and went out
of his way to please Changbin. And Felix couldn’t help but think that it was like… like looking at
a reflection of himself. A few months ago, it had been Felix sitting on Changbin’s lap, fluttering
his eyelashes and basking under Changbin’s attentive gaze. But then, Changbin had never looked
at him quite like that . And Felix was beginning to understand that although Changbin was his
world, he was just a miniscule part of Changbin’s world.

Insignificant. That’s what Felix was.

“Well,” Hyunjin chirped, settling down on the couch, “looks like it’s just you and me.” He placed
an arm around Felix’s shoulders, unsurprised when he felt the blonde’s body turn rigid. “Let’s have
a conversation, alright?”

“I should check on things in the basement,” Felix attempted to stand up but Hyunjin’s grip was
firm. “Changbin will be back soon,” his voice rose and he sounded panicked. “I was going to make
something for dinner too. I should—”

“You don’t have to do anything. Changbin and Jisung have a long night ahead of them,” Hyunjin
calmly disagreed. He handed Felix a glass of wine. “Drink. Relax.”

But Felix shook his head, “I don’t want any.”

And Hyunjin hated to threaten him but, “Changbin won’t be pleased, Felix. Here I am being nice
and you just…” he sighed. “What will Changbin do when I tell him?” The effect was immediate
and Felix sipped on the rosy liquid.

He glanced at Hyunjin. “You said you want to have a conversation?”

Hyunjin nodded. It was a necessary conversation, even though he already knew the outcome. He
could have just saved himself the effort of talking to Felix and just got on with his plan. But if there
was a way to do this without hurting Felix, he had to try. “I know you love Changbin.”

“I do,” Felix’s lips paused on the rim of the wine glass.

“But…” Hyunjin hesitated, already dreading Felix’s reaction. “I just don’t think you understand his
intentions. He doesn’t… feel the same way about you, Felix. He doesn’t love you.”
“Oh?” Felix’s lower lip curled, his eyes filled with mirth as they fixed on Hyunjin. “Changbin
doesn’t love me? And what do you know about love? Has anyone ever loved you?” He barked out
a cruel laugh. “I doubt it.”

Hyunjin rose to his feet, afraid that he might do something reckless if he remained in close
proximity to Felix. Felix’s words had stung in a way he hadn’t expected. But he couldn’t let that
deter him, couldn’t let that get in the way of helping Felix. Even if Felix never returned his
feelings, Hyunjin wouldn’t make less of an effort to protect him, wouldn’t love him any less. And
it was because of that love that he was doing this.

“Drink up,” he said, tapping Felix’s wine glass. “Finish it or Changbin will hear about it.”

He really hated that it had come to this. If he had it his way, he’d wait for Felix. But he didn’t have
the luxury of time anymore. Changbin had forced his hand.

Chan stared at the flickering flame, resisting the urge to blow out the candles and shroud the table
in darkness so he wouldn’t have to look at Changbin and Jisung. He hadn’t expected the two of
them to show up for dinner at his uncle’s house, especially since they’d declined his uncle’s last
two invitations.

The Senator could probably sense that all was not well among the trio and knew not to force them
to converse with each other. Instead, he spoke to them about the various projects he was involved
in as well as his latest investments – topics that weren’t likely to cause any kind of disagreement
among the trio. Chan wasn’t surprised at his uncle’s tact; he’d raised the three of them and knew
their temperaments well.

What did surprise Chan was when Jisung said, with his eyes locked on the frosted window, “I’ve
been thinking about how we used to love winter. Playing in the snow, sledding, building snowmen
and,” he huffed out a laugh, “those snowball fights.”

Chan lowered his fork and stared, caught unawares by the sudden trip down memory lane. Did the
wine loosen Jisung’s tongue or was this just a prelude to whatever story he wanted to tell to piss off
Chan? As calm and unaffected, Jisung had seemed when he’d taken a seat across from Chan, the
ire swimming in his eyes left no doubt in Chan’s mind that he wasn’t exactly pleased to be having
dinner with Chan. But then, that begged the question, why was he there? Why were both Jisung
and Changbin there?

“I remember the snowball fights,” Changbin said, the corner of his lips lifting. “Didn’t they always
end up way too serious?”

And maybe Chan was the one who drank too much, because it felt as though Changbin was
directing the question at him. But it was Jisung who answered, “All of our fights end up too
serious. Every petty argument, things that could be resolved with a smile or apology…” Jisung
shook his head and sighed. “We always let it get out of hand. Right?” This time there was no doubt
that the question was directed at Chan.

Chan wondered whether it would be best to agree just so they’d stop staring at him, or just tell
them how he really felt – that there was a world of difference between petty arguments and the
complex web of betrayal and murder that they’d woven around themselves; it wasn’t something
that could resolved with a smile or apology. Choosing not to exacerbate the situation further, Chan
nodded, “Yeah.” Changbin’s sigh was audible and Chan looked at him with raised brows. Was that
not the answer he’d anticipated?
“Let’s take a walk,” Changbin suggested, already on his feet. “The three of us.”

Jisung liked these games. He was beginning to understand the thrill it gave Changbin. Hunting. As
far as he was concerned, this whole thing was Chan’s fault so it was only fitting that he would be
the one who suffered the most, that he would be their prey.

He fell back behind Changbin and Chan. It was becoming difficult not to roll his eyes at the
bullshit Changbin was spewing while they walked down the cobblestone path that curved through
the lamp-lit garden.

“You’re my brother,” Changbin was saying to Chan. “I know we have our differences, but we
don’t have to hate each other because of them.” How sentimental. Changbin had always been good
at that and Jisung admired him for it. It took an immense strength of will smiling at someone you
hate.

“Differences?” Chan came to a halt, and Jisung inwardly groaned. He wanted to get back to
Minho. Couldn’t they hurry up already? “Yeah, we have differences. You’re a murderer,” Chan
hissed, lowering his voice.

Typical Chan. A hypocrite. “Are you conveniently forgetting about Jaemin?” Jisung snorted,
stepping between them. He was supposed to keep his mouth shut but he couldn’t let Chan get away
with his hypocrisy.

“That’s different,” Chan shot Jisung an angry glare and turned back to Changbin. “Whatever I did,
I did for you , because I didn’t want anything to happen to you. It was a one time thing. And I told
you that you need to stop your shit, because I won’t commit murder for you again.”

“And if I told you that I stopped?” Changbin cocked his head to the side, the picture of innocence.

And of course, Chan was fooled. “Do you mean that?” he asked Changbin, his eyes wide. Fucking
idiot. Was he so desperate for Changbin to change that he’d believe such a tenuous lie?

Changbin nodded, looking at down at his feet and wringing his hands in a show of nervousness. “It
isn’t easy. But I can’t go on like that any longer. I want a better life for Felix and I.”

Chan took a hesitant step towards him and then, much to Jisung’s amusement, pulled Changbin
into a hug. “Binnie, I’m so – so happy. I didn’t think you would… I just…” he trailed off into a
contented sigh.

Changbin pressed his cheek against Chan’s shoulder and raised his eyebrows in Jisung’s direction.
Jisung could read that look on his face – a warning that nothing would go to plan if Jisung didn’t
play his part. Fuck. He wasn’t as good an actor as Changbin. Just being in close proximity to Chan
made him want to hack him into pieces.

He cleared his throat and placed a hand on Chan’s shoulder. “Hey…” Chan pulled away from
Changbin and narrowed his eyes at Jisung. Great. Obviously, he wasn’t eager to make amends with
Jisung. He managed to school his facial expression into one that was (hopefully) sincere. “I want to
apologise. For everything that happened with Minho. I was wrong to…” he pressed his lips
together. He’d rehearsed this, but it was still so fucking difficult. “I was wrong to treat Minho the
way I did. And I was wrong to take out my anger on you. Whatever you both did, I understand
why.”

Chan pursed his lips, unmoved by the apology. Well, Jisung really wasn’t adept at acting.
Changbin couldn’t blame him if it all didn’t work. They could come up with some other plan,
although, he had to admit that it wouldn’t be as rewarding as what they already had planned.

“Well, then,” Changbin clapped Chan on the shoulder. “I think we all can agree that actions show
sincerity more than words. So let’s do this. Dinner tomorrow night? The three of us? My place?”
He shielded Jisung from view and smiled brightly at Chan. “It’s a long road ahead of us, but if we
start now, we can make amends, Channie.”

Jisung could sense victory even before Chan’s soft sigh carried through to him. “Sure,” Chan
acceded. “I guess you’re right.”

“Great!” Changbin shot Jisung a grin over his shoulder. “Isn’t it great, Sung?”

“Wonderful,” Jisung’s smile stretched across his face. “And,” he added, watching Chan’s face
closely, “since we’re making amends, why don’t you invite Minho and Sewoon to come along too?
I could use the opportunity to apologise to both of them.”

Chan’s smile fell, and he looked away, but not before Jisung could see how distraught he was.
Good. “Minho and Sewoon…” Chan clenched his jaw and glared at Jisung. “Sewoon refuses to
talk to me since the day he found out about Minho.”

Jisung lowered his gaze in false shame and his voice dropped to a whisper, “I’m really sorry, Chan.
But…” he glanced at Chan, “what about Minho? You’ll bring him, right? I really want to apologize
to him.” It was becoming increasingly difficult not to laugh.

Chan’s scowl softened into a regretful grimace and he gave a slight shake of the head. Choosing to
ignore Jisung, he offered Changbin a tight smile. “See you tomorrow.”

When Chan was out of earshot, Changbin fixed his stony gaze on Jisung. “I warned you not to push
him. Was it really necessary to mention Sewoon and Minho?”

Jisung shrugged, unbothered. “I was just having a little fun.”

“Fun,” Changbin said, his expression still deathly serious, “is what you’re supposed to have
tomorrow night. Don’t you forget, Jisung, that I’m doing all of this for you. I can easily get rid of
all of them without the dramatics and fun and games, but I know how he hurt you and how
important it is for you to make him pay for that. Don’t fuck this up for both of us.”

“I’m sorry,” Jisung mumbled, feeling like a petulant child. “I just… really hate him.”

Changbin sighed heavily and placed a hand on Jisung’s shoulder. “I know , but it’ll all be over
soon. As long as we stick to the plan , Jisung.”

Changbin’s life wasn’t as chaotic as he knew it seemed to others – Jisung, Chan, Felix, Hyunjin…
Everything he did was carefully thought out, every minute detail taken care of, every shortcoming
taken into account, every precaution put into place.

It was a force of habit, instilled in him from an early age. His parents, both professors, had the
same tendency to plan and calculate and achieve nothing less than perfection. They were the
perfect family too. Until it came along. The Imperfection that entered their lives was one the three
of them hadn’t anticipated.

Changbin’s parents had been bubbling with joy when they found out that they were expecting
another son. The Imperfection seemed normal when it was born, and then… Well, it didn’t exactly
fit in their perfect family – at least that was what Changbin knew. His parents seemed ignorant of
the whole thing. Things at home were unraveling, becoming messy, and even his parents were
changing, striving against the grain of perfection that they’d sown in Changbin.

And Changbin hated it. He hated the chaos. He hated The Imperfection that seemed to get worse
with each year, fitful tantrums where things would get thrown and broken and his parents would be
running around all panicked and oh… Changbin couldn’t handle it. He needed to get rid of The
Imperfection.

The way ten year old Changbin saw it, he was doing the world a favor. It was as simple as a little
push and The Imperfection was gone. He couldn’t understand why his parents were so upset with
him, why they told him to forget what he’d done, to tell the police that it was them who’d done it.
He didn’t understand why they were taken away from him. But before he knew it, his life was
drenched in more disorder and chaos.

“Changbin.”

Jisung snapped him out of his thoughts and he murmured a quick apology, fishing his house keys
out of his pocket—

“Changbin, look.”

He registered the panic in Jisung’s voice then, and he looked up to see the front door wide open.
The front door stays locked – a rule Changbin had made sure Hyunjin and Felix adhered to. Maybe
one of them had forgotten, but – but that didn’t seem right. He exchanged a worried look with
Jisung and stepped inside.

The lights were on, no sign of any disturbance. “Hyunjin? Felix?” He stopped in the foyer, the
eerie stillness and silence putting him on edge. Neither of them responded to him.

“We need to check the basement,” Jisung’s eyes were wide. “If they got out…”

Of course that was important. But in that moment, Changbin was more worried for Hyunjin. He
followed Jisung into the living room. His first inclination was to check that the coffee table was
undisturbed, the rug covering the metal door still in place. No problem there.

“Hyunjin?” he called again, this time more panicked. His gaze swept the living room, spotting two
empty wine glasses on the sidetable and the denim jacket he’d gotten Hyunjin just two weeks ago
lying on the vacant couch.

“I’ll check upstairs,” Jisung muttered, the sound of his hurried footsteps padding away. Changbin
ran his fingers through his hair, a mixture of frustration and fear tightening his chest as he strode
into the kitchen.

His heart sank into the pit of his stomach. “Hyunjin,” he drew in sharp breath as he dropped to his
knees beside the unconscious man. Hyunjin lay on his side on the kitchen floor, a scarlet smear of
blood marring the tiles beneath him. “Hyunjin, no ,” Changbin felt a band of grief squeeze his
heart. This couldn’t be happening.

“Hey,” Jisung dropped down beside him. “Changbin, he’s breathing. He’s fine. Just…” he turned
Hyunjin over onto his back. Changbin winced at the sight of the wound that tore open Hyunjin’s
arm. It was as if a knife had been plunged into his flesh just below his shoulder and used to rip
open a wound. “It’s not as bad as it looks,” Jisung reassured him. “You can take care of this, right?
 See? Nothing to worry about.”

But Changbin had too much to worry about. “Felix. He wasn’t upstairs, was he?”

Jisung shook his head, “Checked everywhere.”

“Then I think we know who did this.”

The first thing Felix noticed when he woke, was that the bed was uncomfortable. He knew
immediately that this wasn’t home. Of course it wasn’t. Changbin would never do this to him,
would never keep him chained to a bed with his mouth taped shut like an animal. No, this was all
Hyunjin. Felix was sure of that, even though the last few hours were all a blur to him. The
argument with Hyunjin, being threatened to finish his wine, and then… Then? He couldn’t
remember.

He blinked, his sight slowly getting accustomed to the dim light seeping in through the window
that had been covered with brown paper. He tried to get a grip on his surroundings. He was in a
store room of some sort. There were boxes everywhere, old art supplies, a tennis racket, old
clothes. He gasped when a shadow rocketed across the window. A bird, he realized from its shape.
And were those cars he could hear down below? And laughter. Children. A residential street? An
attic! He was in someone’s attic!

And that was when the panic began to grip him. He twisted, trying to free himself from his
restraints but to no avail. His flare of panic sent his heart racing and his brain synapses exploding,
his sweat-covered body feeling like it was about to seize up. He began to wrack with raw sobs,
every cell in his body swelling with fear of what Hyunjin was going to do with him.

What was Hyunjin going to do with him?

Chapter End Notes

Thank you for reading I'll be back with another update soon! There are only 2-3
chapters left! I hope everyone is alright and please wish your cats a happy
international cat day from Lilly
 Chapter 21
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

“How are you feeling?”

Nervous. Slightly afraid. And also quite relieved that everything was working out the way he’d
planned. But he couldn’t tell Changbin that. “Everything still hurts. But it’s a bit better,” Hyunjin
groaned, turning his head a little to lean into Changbin’s touch. “Whatever Felix used to knock me
out must’ve been…” he sighed and his eyes fluttered open. “Still no sign of him?”

Changbin shook his head, his jaw clenched. He’d been furious when Hyunjin had ‘regained
consciousness’, and had spun his tale about Felix flying into a fit of jealousy. A mental breakdown,
Hyunjin had called it.

“He’ll come back,” Hyunjin lied. “He loves you. He just left because he was afraid of how you’d
react to – to this,” he gestured to his shoulder. “Just wait, he’ll come back crying and begging for
you to forgive him.”

“And when he comes back, I’m going to kill him.”

Hyunjin nodded, a smile plastered on his face, but burning with veiled anger on the inside.
Changbin was never going to touch Felix ever again. He cleared his throat, “You should get going.
If you leave Jisung down there with Chan much longer, who knows what he’ll do?”

Changbin rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I know. Honestly, I wish we could just get it over with.
Something quick. But Jisung… I guess he’s justified in wanting to drag it out.”

Hyunjin considered him with a small smile, “So I was thinking, my shoulder isn’t actually that bad.
I really should be down there with you.”

“Hyunjin,” Changbin’s voice edged with concern, “I told you, you won’t miss much. You need to
rest. We can do whatever you want when you’re well enough.”

“But Changbin ,” Hyunjin whined, his lower lip jutting out, “I’ll be missing out on so much of fun.
That’s not fair.”

With a soft sigh, Changbin leaned down, his face hovering less than an inch from Hyunjin’s. “Are
you sure?” He searched Hyunjin’s eyes, probably looking for signs of discomfort.

And Hyunjin really didn’t want to be so persuasive as to actually be dragged down into the
basement for that shit show. So he lifted his head off the pillow, and ran his tongue over
Changbin’s parted lips before capturing them into a kiss. “I’m sure I – ouch!” He made a show of
wincing as he flexed his arm. Changbin drew back with wide eyes, but Hyunjin frowned. “I’m fine
, really.”

“Bullshit,” Changbin murmured, slipping off the bed. “I’m getting you more painkillers before I
head downstairs. You’re not getting out of bed.”

Hyunjin snickered as the door closed behind Changbin. Once things really got going in the
basement, Hyunjin would be leaving all this behind. A shame, but for Felix he was ready to give
up anything. He grazed his fingers over the stitched wound running down from his shoulder to the
middle of his bicep. He wasn’t lying when he said it hurt. It really fucking hurt. At one point, with
the tip of the knife barely buried in his flesh, he hadn’t been sure he was going to be able to go
through with it. But he had, and it looked more than convincing. He sighed. The things you do for
love…

Chan wanted believe that Changbin’s intentions could be taken at face value, that whatever he said
was a true reflection of how he felt, that the moment he sat down at the dinner table they wouldn’t
cut open his throat from behind. They were family after all. Family didn’t – weren’t supposed to –
hurt each other. But even as he’d jumped into the car and started the engine, he couldn’t help but
think of Sewoon’s warnings.

Sewoon had repeatedly warned him not to trust Changbin; he’d pleaded with Chan to leave him be,
to stop trying to interfere even if it was for his own good or he was going to end up with a knife in
his back. Maybe Chan should have listened.

He hadn’t ended up with a knife in his back, but he had ended up with a needle in his neck halfway
through his appetizer. Fuck, why didn’t he listen to Woojin? If he’d listened he probably wouldn’t
have ended up in this position. Clothes ripped off him until he stood naked, bound in padlocked
chains and shivering in – well, he couldn’t even see where he was because of the blindfold
covering his eyes. But there was no light and no noise except for the clanging echo of chains that
bounced off the walls. Chan had never been to prison, but he had no doubt that it would feel like
that.

He flexed his fingers and toes, trying to get his blood flowing. His wrists and ankles had been
bound so tightly that the iron bit into his skin every time he tried to twist out of his restraints.
Eventually he had to give up, curling up on the floor and trying to conserve what energy he could.
All he could do was wait.

And he didn’t have to wait long. He tensed at the sound of the door creaking open and the
approaching footsteps, shifting further back until he was pressed into the corner of the room.
“Having fun? Enjoying our dinner party?”

Jisung. Chan ignored his jibes and let out a stuttering breath. “Whatever you want to do, get it over
with, Jisung.”

“What’s the hurry?”

Changbin.

“We have a few games planned, Channie,” Jisung whispered, so close to Chan that he could feel
his breath on his face.

Fingers deftly undid Chan’s blindfold, the material slipping away to reveal Jisung’s grin. “You
want me dead,” Chan glared, “so fucking kill me. There’s no need for games.”

The corner of Jisung’s lips lifted into a smirk. “Don’t worry. You won’t be playing alone.”

Jeongin pushed himself up into a sitting position, still feeling slightly groggy. It had only been a
few minutes since he’d woken to find that he and the other two, Minho and Sewoon had been
taken outside of the small room they’d been confined in. They were now in a larger space, one with
worktables and a fireplace with charred wood and who-knew-what-else in the hearth. He wasn’t
stupid. He knew he was going to die; it was just a matter of when. The moment he’d woken in the
chamber with Minho and Sewoon beside him, all the worktables pushed aside to make room for
them at the center, he knew he was approaching his end and there was nothing he could do about
it.

Minho, still slipping in and out of consciousness, was slumped across from him, his restraints
rattling as his chest rose and fell with each heavy breath leaving his lips. Jeongin knew that he’d
been suffering at Jisung’s hands. He didn’t know exactly what Jisung brought Minho out there to
do every day, but he could guess from the screaming and cries and pleas. And the scars Minho
came back with, those awful words scrawled across his torso, He’d suffered the most from the
three of them. They hadn’t touched Jeongin, had been feeding him, let him remain clothed. Small
mercies that made him wonder why he’d been granted a reprieve. And Sewoon. Oh, Sewoon…
Jeongin glanced at the man a few feet away from him.

He sat with dilated pupils, naked, his body trembling. As with Jeongin, they hadn’t touched
Sewoon, but they weren’t exactly looking after him either. From what Jeongin saw, Sewoon, who
had been down there longer than either of them, was given the bare minimum to eat, and not every
day. His cheeks were sunken, his skin looking yellow and jaundiced, the crevices and curved bones
of his ribcage pronounced as they jutted against his flesh. Every few seconds, his body would
spasm and his thin, bony fingers quivered as if he’d lost control of his limbs.

“Sewoon,” Jeongin whispered, trying to get his attention. “Hey, Sewoon?” But the man stared
straight ahead, either too trapped in his head to hear anything on the outside, or too tired to actually
answer. He glanced at Minho, startled to see that his eyes were wide open, taking in their
surroundings. “Hey,” he greeted, but was unable to look at Minho for more than a second. There
were fresh bruises on his jaw. His skin was still raw, boils forming where they’d branded him.
Minho murmured something unintelligible and Jeongin had to force himself to really look at him.
He wished he hadn’t. When Minho parted his lips, Jeongin could see that a large chunk of his
tongue was missing. He could feel the bile steadily rising from his stomach.

The familiar clinking of chains echoed throughout the chamber, but this time, it hadn’t been from
the three of them. Jeongin craned his neck, trying to see into the passageway ahead where there
were several other doors. There were murmured voices from the room Jisung and Changbin had
entered moments ago. Jeongin already figured that they were keeping someone else back there. A
sickening feeling in his gut told him it might be someone else he knew.

“Water,” the word was barely audible, but Minho inclined his head, indicating the plastic cup
beside Jeongin.

Jeongin chewed on his lip, and hoped that the rattling of his restraints wouldn’t attract too much
attention as he tried to use his foot to nudge the cup across the distance between him and Minho.
He winced when it tipped over, water spilling across the concrete floor. Minho let out a soft whine
and tried to cup the spilled water into his hand, but most of it slipped through his fingers. Still, he
pressed his wet fingers to his mouth, consuming whatever he could. “I’m sorry,” Jeongin
apologized, feeling awful. “If I get more later…” he trailed off, knowing very well that there was
unlikely to be a ‘later’.

At the sound of approaching footsteps, Jeongin pulled his knees to his chest, lips pressed together
as he anticipated the worst.

When Minho had parted with Chan, he’d felt disgusted – disgusted that he’d been living with a
murderer, sleeping with a murderer, in love with a murderer. How could Minho still love Chan? In
fact, he loved Chan so much that he’d begun to hate himself for it. There had to be something
wrong with him.

And seeing him now, like this, bare-bodied, bound and gagged, sent a wrenching pain through
Minho’s chest and he gasped as if the air had been knocked out of him. Chan whined around the
material stuffed into mouth, his eyes flickering between Minho and Jeongin, and then to Sewoon
where his gaze lingered. For the first time, Sewoon seemed truly aware and alert and he returned
Chan’s stare with equal shock and distress. It made sense now, why they’d treated Sewoon with
such neglect, why they’d left him to rot – it hurt Chan the most.

Chan squeezed his shut, shaking his head as if he couldn’t process this, and when he opened them
they were bloodshot, his cheeks glistening with tears.

This wasn’t his fault, Minho wanted to tell him. Of course this was all Minho’s fault. If he hadn’t
fucked up with Jisung… Where would they all be? Happy? Chan would be with Sewoon. And
Minho would be with Jisung. No, not happy then. But they definitely wouldn’t be trapped in some
basement about to die, or worse. There were a lot worse things than death; Jisung had proved that
these past few days.

“Alright,” Jisung clasped his hands together as if this was this most wonderful thing. “Now that
we’re all here, shall we play a game?” Chan gave him a scathing look which he pointedly ignored.
“Ah but first,” he produced a set of his keys from his pocket. “You three,” he looked around at
Minho, Sewoon and Jeongin, “need to have those chains taken off. Can’t kill each other with them
on, can you?”

Kill each other? Minho cocked his head to the side. What did that mean? He didn’t dare ask. He
held his breath as Jisung turned unlocked the padlocks binding his restraints, taking care to
possessively run his fingers through Minho’s knotted hair. If he had enough strength maybe he
could overpower – no, it was foolish to even think that way. He was weak, useless like this. But
maybe… He eyed Jeongin who was next in line. Would he be able to? Jeongin who always
obeyed, who took orders silently, submissively, would he fight for his life? Could Minho hope?

“Don’t even think of trying anything,” Changbin warned as if he’d read Minho’s mind, He
produced a revolver from his coat. “It would be my pleasure to put a bullet through any of you.”

Minho slumped back, defeated. There was no way now… He scowled at Jisung. How had Minho
attracted such… such filth? Jisung hadn’t murdered anyone (yet) but he was no saint. And even
though Jisung had kept him in chains and tortured him daily in that chamber, Minho couldn’t erase
the memories he’d made with Jisung, couldn’t help but wonder whether it was him who’d
somehow turned Jisung into this vicious shadow of the man Minho used to know.

There was a loud clang as Jisung threw something onto the floor – a hunting knife, the brown
handle polished, the edge jagged. “One of you can walk out of here with Chan,” Jisung shrugged.
“He’s my brother after all. There’s only so much I can make him suffer before my conscience starts
guilt-tripping me.”

Minho knew it was lie. It had to be. Jisung didn’t just suddenly care. He wasn’t going to let anyone
walk out of there. This was, as he said, a game. Just a game to him. And Minho wasn’t going to
play. He could only hope that Jeongin and Sewoon would see sense.

“Aw, come on,” Jisung’s laugh bounced off the walls, echoing through the passageways. “Don’t
tell me you three suddenly love each other.” His expression grew serious and he crouched down a
few feet away from Sewoon, “I know you want it, Sewoon, Chan cheated on you with Minho.
Broke your fucking heart, didn’t he?” When Sewoon lowered his head to look at the knife lying on
the floor, Jisung’s smile grew triumphant. “Gut Minho and get it over with, Sewoon. You can walk
out of here. With Chan, if you want.” He glanced at Chan, “Doesn’t this make you happy,
Channie? Your three whores fighting over you? Does it bother you that all three were down here
with me? That I took whatever was yours?”

Chan shook his head, mumbling something incoherent around his gag. It must have killed him not
being able to do anything or say anything. Especially when Sewoon slumped forward, his feeble
fingers reaching for the knife.

Minho braced himself, coldness stealing through him, unable to decide whether to defend himself
or just… give in. It would be so easy, just surrendering to the edge of the blade, leaving all of this
behind, leaving the pain, the anguish, the betrayal, the lies – leaving all of it behind. He swallowed
hard, his choice made. But then—

His eyes widened, taking in the scene before him, the red line materializing across Sewoon's throat,
his convulsing body, the spray of blood, and the choked, “I love you,” leaving Sewoon’s lips
before… before he stopped moving. Sewoon was dead.

Chan began to sob, his howls barely muffled by his gag. Minho crawled towards him, his muscles
stiff and aching from being bound too long. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, frail hands wrapping
themselves around Chan. “I’m sorry, Chan.”

This was all his fault. If there was anyone who deserved to have their throat cut, it was Minho. The
affair was his idea. He did this. They were all going to die because of him.

“Living up to your reputation,” Jisung snickered at Minho, his face twisted with malice. “Whore.”
Minho bristled ashamedly at the comment, but didn’t refute Jisung’s claim, nor did he remove his
arms from around Chan. “Changbin, give me the gun.” Jisung held his hand out, furrowing his
brows when Changbin didn’t move.

Changbin’s attention was elsewhere, his eyes fixed on the passageway that led out. “Do you…
smell that?”

“What?” Jisung rolled his eyes and wrestled the revolver out of Changbin’s hand. “Shit, vomit and
blood? Yep.”

Changbin shook his head, his brows furrowed. “I’m just gonna check on things upstairs.”

“Yeah, whatever,” Jisung shrugged, mirth dancing in his eyes. “I’ll just finish up here by myself.”
He seemed thrilled by that idea.

Minho took a deep breath. If Jisung was going to kill him… Well, he was ready. More than ready.
Jisung began to advance towards him, and he waited with his eyes squeezed shut. There it was.
Minho’s end. Or it would have been if Jeongin hadn’t flown at Jisung.

Jisung shrieked in surprise, registering too late that Jeongin had the knife in his hand. Minho
caught the flash of steel as Jeongin brought the knife up, plunging it into the base of Jisung’s neck.
Jisung cried out in pain and Jeongin twisted the knife, wrenching it out, and plunging it in again,
this time into Jisung’s lower back.

“Changbin!” Jisung screamed for help, staggering towards the passageway, the knife still in his
back. He dropped to his knees just as Changbin reappeared, shock blooming across his face at the
sight of Jisung.

“Sung!” he gasped, his gaze wild as they took in the flecks of blood on Jeongin’s face. He knelt
 beside Jisung. “We – we have to get out of here.”

It was only then that Minho caught a whiff of it. And then he saw it, like a darkening, grey cloud.
Smoke.

The house was on fire.

Hyunjin hummed as he jumped into the car. The orange flames were hypnotic and he’d spent quite
a bit of time watching them engulf the living room. He’d locked the basement, pushing whatever
furniture he could over the trapdoor, just as a failsafe. He wanted to be sure neither of them made it
out.

It was time for Hyunjin and Felix to have their fresh start.

Chapter End Notes

Two more chapters left

 Chapter 22
Chapter Notes

Please forgive me

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The road stretched on, swallowed up in the distance by rolling green hills. And against the
picturesque backdrop of the cloudless sky it should have been enough to put him at ease, to cease
the tension-induced ache that drilled into his temples. But Seungmin only felt miserable. Miserable
was a good word to describe the spiraling route his life had taken.

He pulled over to the side, unable to endure the pain shooting from one side of his head to the
other. He couldn’t take any painkillers; if he was back at his two bedroom apartment, lying
comfortably in bed with the TV turned on to some sitcom, then sure, he could’ve taken two, maybe
three. But he didn’t even have an apartment anymore. He’d just been taken off the case after asking
too many questions – too many of the right questions. He’d received a new assignment, one that
would take him far from the city. Maybe he shouldn’t have confronted the Chief of Police. Maybe
he should’ve just waited until… Until what? More evidence wasn’t going to miraculously turn up.
He raked his fingers through his hair, frustrated at the turn his life had taken. Maybe it was time to
let it all go, but leaving just felt so wrong. He hated unfinished business.

He reached for the phone he’d carelessly thrown on the passenger seat. Just one swipe – Jeongin
still hadn’t replied to his texts – and the phone was discarded again. Another twenty minutes and
he’d be out of the city. He slumped over the steering wheel and sighed. He’d hoped that Jeongin
would meet him at least one more time before then but he’d stopped taking Seungmin’s calls and
stopped reading his texts. He’d gone by to Jeongin’s apartment but had no luck there. Jeongin was
either holed up in there or just living somewhere else. Yeah, he could’ve been more invasive,
maybe tracked his phone, or barged into the apartment without an invitation, but that was what
Seungmin would do to a criminal. Jeongin was… different.

Seungmin usually tried to draw a line between work and his personal life. But that line had become
somewhat blurred lately. In fact, the line had – without his knowledge – disappeared, and his life
had become a huge mess. Especially where Jeongin was concerned. It wasn’t just the sex,
Seungmin had to admit. If it was just about sex, having zero contact with Jeongin these last few
days wouldn’t have driven Seungmin crazy like it had.

Dating hadn’t been on Seungmin’s list of priorities. Well, maybe a few years ago. But not since
he’d been handed that case. That case, the one that turned his life upside down and turned him into
a shell of the man he used to be. He knew he’d become obsessive, especially when every piece of
evidence pointed to Changbin yet no one – not a soul in the police department – pointed a finger at
Changbin. Jeongin was supposed to be just another player in the game, a means to an end. But he’d
offered Seungmin a chance to reflect on what he’d become and gave him a glimpse of what life
could be like if he wasn’t so fucking plagued by Seo Changbin.

Changbin... He straightened, an idea making its way into the folds of his mind. It was a bad idea,
but what was the worst that could happen? For years he’d imagined what it would be like having
Changbin in an interrogation room, getting him to confess, seeing him going on trial, seeing him
being shoved behind bars. There wasn’t going to be any interrogation room or murder charges or a
trial, let alone a conviction, but Seungmin sure as hell wasn’t leaving the city without interrogating
him.

Hyunjin. He needed to find Hyunjin. That was Changbin’s priority. It had been his priority ever
since he’d seen the plumes of smoke snaking in from the floor above and felt the glare of the heat
through the door. The thought of Hyunjin heavily medicated and asleep in the bedroom upstairs
made Changbin fall into a frenzied panic. But no matter how hard he tried, the trapdoor wouldn’t
budge.

He’d wasted precious minutes trying to get through the trapdoor and only when he slid down the
ladder did he catch sight of the puddle of liquid and the stray droplets that led all the way back to
the chamber ahead. He didn’t need to investigate to know that it was gasoline. Just the taste of a
flame would be enough to ignite everything. The basement was rigged like a giant fuse itching to
be lit. He didn’t want to think about who was responsible for that. Not now. But when he got out of
there, there would be hell to pay for it.

He backed away, waving away the smoke and turning to head back into the chamber. He ignored
the panic that tightened his chest and forced himself to think clearly. There was a way out but he
needed to act fast. He took off at a sprint, brows furrowed at sound of his name echoing through to
him. Jisung .

The scene that awaited him sent a wave of agony hammering through him, bringing him to his
knees. He saw the blood dotting Jeongin’s face, the knife in his hand, and Jisung. Jisung
convulsing on the floor, blood flowing from wounds that Changbin couldn’t see. “Sung,” he
gasped. He inhaled a mouthful of smoke that clogged his airways and induced a fit of coughing.
His eyes stung and he had to blink back tears to see Jisung clearly. “We – we have to get out of
here,” he told Jisung, even though he knew Jisung wasn’t capable of going anywhere. Maybe if
Changbin carried him… Jisung let out a howl of pain that died on his lips as his eyes began to close
and his breathing grew labored. This wasn’t supposed to happen. It wasn’t supposed to end like
this. “Jisung,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. “Come on. You – you can’t…” It was no use, he
realized, thinking only of Hyunjin. Jisung would only be a dead-weight in his arms if he tried to
carry him, and Changbin’s priority was Hyunjin. He’d already wasted so much time.

The house was on fire. That could be the only reasonable explanation for all that smoke. A part of
Minho soared, delighted that it was all going to burn down. Let it all burn. Let it turn into ash. He
sneered at Changbin who was hunched over Jisung’s body. Let them all turn to ash. But another
part of him begged him to fight, to find a way out, to leave this all behind, to hope for his freedom,
for survival.

He looked at Jeongin who stood stoically, eyes wide and glazed over, in shock from what he’d
done, Minho realized. And then he looked at Chan. The man had only just looked up from
Sewoon's lifeless body and was now taking in the scene before them. As soon as he registered what
was happening, terror took over the grief in his eyes. A tangle of chains bound Chan’s limbs
together and padlocks kept them in place. Minho had removed the gag from his mouth but in his
grief for Sewoon, he’d yet to say a word. “Minho,” he said now, his voice a whisper. “Listen to
me. The keys for these locks are with one of them.” His head lolled to the side indicating Jisung
and Changbin. “I need to get out of these chains and then we’re getting out of here.”

Minho’s previous attempts to loosen the restraints were futile. He needed those keys desperately.
He glanced at Changbin who had drawn back from Jisung. For a brief moment, his life with Jisung
flashed before his eyes. There was a time he’d been happy with Jisung; it felt like an entirely
different lifetime. He couldn’t see past the monster Jisung had become.

“I’m sorry,” Changbin apologized, giving Jisung’s face one last caress before he rose to his feet
and fled. So much for brotherhood.

Minho didn’t think twice before diving towards Jisung’s body, disgusted by the stench of urine and
the blood that coated his hands. The taste of bile on his tongue made him retch, but he forced
himself to check Jisung’s pockets. Empty. So that meant Changbin… But he was already gone. He
looked at Chan helplessly. “What do we do?”

“It’s alright,” Chan rasped, his voice growing urgent, feeble resignation in his eyes. “Follow him.
There must be a way out. You need to leave.”

“What?” Minho shook his head and crawled over to Chan, “I’m not leaving you.” He turned to
Jeongin. “Help me, please,” he implored. For a few moments – aggravating moments for Minho –
Jeongin simply stared at Chan. And Minho knew what he was thinking. That Chan deserved to die.
That he’d done awful things too. Minho had dispelled similar thoughts only minutes ago. He loved
Chan, and if Chan was a murderer, so be it. But he wasn’t going to leave the man he loved down
there to burn. “Jeongin, please!” The smoke closed around them, so thick that it had formed a
barrier between them. He started in surprise when a handsaw cluttered to the ground and Jeongin
knelt beside him.

“We have to hurry,” Jeongin gulped. “The fire…” He didn’t need to explain. Minho could see and
taste the ash. The fire had spread.

He tried to saw through the chains, wincing as the edge of the blade ripped into Chan’s skin,
leaving a gash along his forearm. There was no time to be careful. And the chains weren’t even
fucking budging! He swore and glanced over his shoulder, eyes widening at the flame creeping
towards the furniture.

“Minho,” Jeongin rose to his feet, edging away. “We need to go.”

He dropped the saw and looked at Chan, seeing his own pain reflected in his eyes. “I can’t leave
you.”

But Chan only smiled, his eyes drinking in the sight of Minho. “Hey, I love you, okay?”

Minho sighed in acquiescence of their situation, and brought their lips together for one last kiss.
He’d remember this one. He’d let it haunt him day and night, he’d let the memory plague him,
taunt him for leaving his lover behind, for saving himself. “I love you too.”

“Can you do something for me?”

Minho nodded, “Anything.”

“Pick up that knife,” Chan nodded towards the knife Jeongin had discarded. Minho did as
requested. “Now,” his voice shook, “bring it up to my throat.”

Minho let out a whimper, the knife cluttering to the floor. “No,” his head began to spin, a dizzying
numbness taking hold of his body. “No, no, no.”

“Minho, please,” Chan begged, his cheeks wet with tears. “I’d rather die by your hand than be
burned alive. Please?”
“I’ll do it.” Minho blinked in surprise, watching as Jeongin reclaimed the knife. “You get going,”
Jeongin urged. “You don’t need to see this. I’ll catch up with you.”

Minho almost resisted when Jeongin pulled him to his feet and pushed him towards the
passageway. Almost. But his survival instincts were too strong, too selfish to allow him to linger.
He ran as fast as his useless feet could take him.

Jeongin knew better than to do this. He was no longer in servitude to anyone. He had moved on
from that phase in his life. And Chan had lied to him, had killed Jaemin, the man Jeongin loved.
But then, Jaemin had lied to Jeongin too. It seemed as if there was no one in Jeongin’s life that
could be trusted. His life had been built upon lie upon lie upon lie…

The only reason he was granting Chan this small mercy was because despite himself, he was
grateful that Chan had helped him, helped his family, more than their contract required of him.
Chan had made sure Jeongin’s family was taken care of, that they wanted for nothing. It was more
than Jeongin would have ever been able to do for them.

So, he could grant him this small mercy.

“Thank you,” Chan whispered, his eyes glassy as he beheld the knife poised to cut his throat.
“Thank you for everything. I don’t know where or what I would have been without you.”

All Jeongin could manage was a small nod. Killing Jisung had been easy; he had been a monster
through and through, but Chan… He refused to believe that the same kind of ruthlessness dwelled
inside Chan. Whatever Chan did, no matter how wrong, was out of some misguided sense of love
for his family.

So when Jeongin raised the blade to Chan’s throat, he couldn’t look. One jerk of his hand, was all
it would take for Jeongin to become a murderer. This was murder, wasn’t it? No matter the reason,
it was murder. He squeezed his eyes shut and slid the blade across Chan’s throat.

He wished there was a way to block out the sound of Chan choking on his blood, but the sound
made his stomach turn. Still refusing to look, he dropped the knife, his hands shaking, his knees
weak as he attempted to stand. He managed on the second try, the sound of crackling wood
snapping him to attention.

He watched wide-eyed as the flames licked along the shelves, sending them crashing to the ground,
sparks flying and causing other objects to catch fire. It happened in an instant. The fire surged,
devouring everything it touched. Sweat soaked through his clothes, and he coughed up ash as he
began to weave his way through the maze that the fire had created. He used an iron rod to move
pieces of burning furniture out of the way, keeping the passageway in sight. Almost there.

The passageway was long and narrow, several darkened doorways lining the walls. Minho hid a
safe distance away from Changbin but kept his eyes on him as he hurtled down the passageway. He
glanced over his shoulder, hoping that Jeongin would catch up soon. He resisted the urge to go
back and check on him. Part of the entrance to the basement had collapsed, completely blanketed in
flames that were slowly making their way into the chamber, and once the furniture caught alight,
there would be no getting out of there.

He watched as Changbin veered into a room on the left and was tempted to follow. But he couldn’t
leave Jeongin. He chewed on his lip and crept towards the room anyway. He needed to at least see
the way out. He peered around the doorway and squinted into the darkness.

The darkness smothering the room was cut by a few narrow shafts of light from a grate built into
the ceiling. But how were they going to reach that? He watched as Changbin began to stack crates
one on top of the other, creating a set of stairs. But even with those crates, Minho could tell it was
going to be nearly impossible to reach the grate. Nearly impossible. Minho could strike a deal to
make it possible.

He jumped in fright when he felt a hand on his shoulder but breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of
Jeongin. Good. Now that they were both there… He ignored the alarm on Jeongin’s face and
pulled him into the room. Changbin had his gun pointed at them in an instant.

Minho kept his hands up in surrender, “If you help us up first, we’ll help you.”

Changbin swallowed hard, jerking his head in annoyance, his jaw clenched as he sorted through his
lack of options. “Alright, fine. But one of you stays down here until I’m up there.”

Minho couldn’t let that happen. He didn’t trust Changbin, especially not with that gun. “We do this
my way or we can all burn together. Do you really blame me for not trusting you?” he asked
Changbin with a shrug of his shoulders. “After all this,” he waved a hand, indicating their
surroundings, “do you blame me? We’re just wasting time here, Changbin.” He stared Changbin
down until the man lowered his gun and relented with a nod.

Changbin turned his attention to the grate, firing three quick shots to dislodge the cover. He gave
them a look of loathing and gestured to the crates. “Let’s go.”

“You first,” Minho urged Jeongin, knowing he was too weak to make the climb first. “You’re
stronger. I’ll need your help.”

Minho had hoped that Changbin would relinquish his grip on the gun while helping Jeongin up.
But the man wasn’t stupid.

With a few grunts and after several attempts, Jeongin managed to heave himself out of the room.
Minho could feel the tightness in his chest begin to uncoil, but only slightly. The air was becoming
dense, the grey-black smoke almost blinding him.

“My turn,” he said, watching Changbin flex his arms. He still wasn’t sure he could do it. He knew
that he was running on adrenalin and a dire need to save himself, but it was unlikely that either of
those things would reinforce his frail body.

He sucked in a breath as Changbin helped him up. He couldn’t help but watch the man closely, fear
drilled into him from his time in the basement. When Changbin had a firm grip on his lower half,
Minho forced his eyes upward. Jeongin leaned over, offering him his hands from above. With his
jaw set in determination, Minho stretched his arms, his muscles protesting at the strain, and his
fingertips only grazed Jeongin’s. Below, the blaze had torn through the passageway, and sparks
flew igniting the wiring that lined the walls. Minho swore and tried again, and this time he found
the ledge with his fingers. Jeongin secured a hand around Minho’s wrist and swiped for Minho’s
other hand. He grunted as he began to pull and Minho summoned an extra burst of strength,
pushing his body upward until he felt solid ground beneath his belly.

Spent, Minho panted, taking in the fresh air and squinting up at the sunlight that poured down on
them. It felt like he’d emerged into a different world, but the heat emanating from the ground
reminded him of the horrors down below. Jeongin had already turned his attention back to
Changbin, but Minho stopped him just as he had begun to extend a hand. “Are you crazy?” Minho
growled. “We don’t need to help him.”

“What?” Jeongin looked perplexed. “I can’t just walk away and leave him to burn alive. Yeah, I
know he deserves that. But still…” He gasped when Changbin began shouting, pleading for their
help. “Minho, come on.”

“We owe him nothing,” Minho hissed. “He’s a murderer. He tortured us!” It was ridiculous that
after everything, Jeongin still wanted to help Changbin. Minho didn’t have to look to know that the
room just below them was turning into a furnace. It’s what Changbin deserved. No, Changbin
actually deserved more than that, but it’s all they could do.

“There’s a criminal justice system,” Jeongin frowned, trying to squirm out of the grasp Minho had
locked him in. “Let that system take care of him.”

“The criminal justice system is fucked.”

Both Minho and Jeongin recoiled when they realized that they weren’t alone. And Minho was
surprised to see the man walking towards them. Jeongin stopped squirming, his eyes wide.
“Seungmin.”

Seungmin had wanted a simple confrontation. He’d wanted to look Changbin in the eye and tell
him that he knew – that he knew about every crime he’d committed, that he was never going to be
charged with murder, but that Seungmin knew what he was. But as soon as he’d seen that plume of
smoke spiraling into the sky, all thoughts of a confrontation left his mind. There was only one
secluded house built on this side of town.

When he reached the house, most of it was already engulfed in flame. He’d wandered around the
side of the house and had been about to turn back and call for help when he’d heard the voices –
one of them so familiar that it struck a chord of panic in his chest. Jeongin .

He hadn’t known what to make of the scene in the backyard. The two men – one bare bodied and
bearing wounds so vile that Seungmin’s stomach began to turn, and one with blood flecked over his
face, his clothes tattered and torn – were looking down into what seemed like a sewer. But
Seungmin caught on quick.

And when he realized it was Changbin down there…

“He has too many well-placed connections,” Seungmin explained, throwing his jacket to a
flabbergasted Minho. “And,” he did a quick assessment of Jeongin, relieved that there weren’t any
obvious wounds despite the blood on his face, “on the offhand chance that he goes to prison, he’ll
be treated well. Better than he’s treated the both of you, anyway.”

He leaned over the side of the grate, observing the flames that slowly crept toward the man who
stood on a stack of crates, his back pressed against the wall as he waited for his death. Seungmin
smirked. The crates would catch fire first and then the man standing on them. It was like Changbin
stood on his own funeral pyre. He looked up, his eyes widening a fraction when they met
Seungmin’s. He began to beg, “Please, help me. You can’t leave me here to die!”

Seungmin let out a humorless laugh. “But I can, Changbin. You know you deserve it. Think of all
those people you murdered.”

“Seungmin,” Jeongin placed a hand on his shoulder. “Seungmin, we can’t do this. It’s not right.”
 The look on his face was one of desperation and Seungmin was almost tempted to give in.

“Do you know how long I’ve waited for this?” he asked Jeongin. “Do you know how many lives
this man has ended without a second thought? He’s a monster, Jeongin.”

“And if we do this to him,” Jeongin placed a hand on Seungmin’s jaw, forcing him to look away
from Changbin and see the anguish in his eyes, “we aren’t any better than him.”

Seungmin sighed in frustration and muttered, “You can’t be serious.” But he held out his gun to
Jeongin, “Look, there’s no way I’m helping him out of there. But you can give him a quick death if
it’s what you want. If it’s what you need.” Minho began to protest at this, but Jeongin pointed the
gun at Changbin, albeit with very shaky hands.

Perhaps knowing that he’d sealed his fate, Changbin sunk to his knees. The flames would be upon
him in seconds and Seungmin would be delighted to see him twist and scream in agony, even
though it would be just a fraction of what he really deserved.

“No!” To his surprise, Minho, clearly enraged, wrangled the gun out of Jeongin’s hand, discarding
it with a throw. “I won’t let you do this! He deserves to suffer!”

Jeongin rose to his feet, intending to pick up the gun and Seungmin stood with him. “Jeongin, just
leave it alone.”

“No,” Jeongin snapped, pushing Seungmin away. “I’m done with all the murder and the lies and
the betrayal. I’m sick of it! I’m getting him out of there.”

It was one moment, but enough to distract all three of them from seeing the man below point his
gun at them. Later, Seungmin would wonder who Changbin had been aiming for. He’d wonder
whether he could have prevented it from happening. He’d wonder whether he was to blame, or was
it really Minho’s fault?

Seungmin could only wonder as Jeongin froze, his eyes wide, the spray of blood and greyish white
matter hanging like mist. And then with a shallow gasp, Jeongin fell.

Seungmin didn’t know whose screams rang in his ears. Was it his or Minho’s? A mixture of both,
perhaps. He didn’t know. But he’d watched helplessly as Jeongin fell back into the flames below.
Seungmin had dived for him but too late. His fingers met scorching flame and Jeongin was gone, a
crumpled heap in a pool of fire. And when the same fire devoured Changbin’s body, the man’s
face was set in a sneer, gloating at his final victory even as the fire stripped the flesh from his
skeleton.

Chapter End Notes

I'm really very sorry

 Chapter 23
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Felix’s eyes fluttered open to meet the glare of the sun streaming in through half-lidded blinds. He
immediately squeezed his eyes shut at the intensity of the sunlight and attempted to turn his head
away. His head must’ve slipped further down the pillow again, because he’d developed a painful
crick in his neck. He raised his hand to massage the back of his neck, realizing too late that he
couldn’t . He cringed at the sound of metal scraping against metal – his cuffed hand had brushed
the iron bedframe.

“You slept in later than usual. It’s nearly time for lunch.”

Felix pressed his lips together and nodded, meeting Hyunjin’s eyes briefly before returning his
gaze to the peeling paint on the ceiling. Hyunjin had promised that a paintjob was the next thing on
his list. He’d been fixing up the farmhouse – Changbin’s farmhouse, Felix had learned – for a
while. With no workers allowed on the property any longer, Hyunjin had learned to take care of the
farm by himself. And the farmhouse itself had been almost unliveable at first – Felix remembered
first waking curled up on a cold, dirty floor – but Hyunjin had made changes so that it was
almost… homely now. Not that it could ever be home for Felix.

Felix could feel the man’s breath on his neck, a cold finger of dread running down his spine.
Hyunjin reached out his hand as if to brush his fingers along Felix’s jaw, but withdrew before he
could. Hyunjin never touched Felix, never forced him to have a conversation, never mistreated
him, but all it took was Hyunjin’s presence to conjure the sick feeling swelling in Felix’s gut.

It was impossible for Felix to look at Hyunjin as anything but his jailor and Changbin’s murderer.
One would think that after four months, the cold thing planted in Felix’s chest would have melted
enough for him to feel the barest sliver of sympathy towards Hyunjin – after all, he’d supposedly
risked everything to keep Felix alive – but no, Felix felt nothing but hatred towards him. And for a
while, he’d been content to show Hyunjin that hatred. He’d thrown himself at Hyunjin at every
opportunity, kicking, punching, clawing at him. He’d said foul things, insulted him more than
anyone should be able to tolerate with a smile, and still, Hyunjin hadn’t laid a finger on him. These
days, Felix had stopped trying. He simply existed, because that was what he needed to do to earn
Hyunjin’s trust.

“You’ve been so good, Lix.” Hyunjin’s voice was soft, like an unwanted caress. Felix listened
carefully, anticipating a reward. “Let’s have some fun today.”

Felix schooled his expression into a mask of nonchalance. “Fun?” He shouldn’t get too excited.
The last time Hyunjin had thought to reward him, Felix had screwed things up. He wouldn’t make
the same mistake this time.

“We’ll head outside for a bit,” Hyunjin’s lips curved into a secret smile. “Would you like that?”

“I guess,” Felix grimaced. Another walk around the farm then? Maybe another picnic near the
maples? Nothing that excited him.

“Let’s get ready then,” Hyunjin sat up, throwing the covers off himself. “It’s a long drive into the
city. A few hours at least.”
“The city?” Felix’s eyes widened and this time, he couldn’t contain the shiver of excitement in his
voice. “We’re going into the city?” He didn’t think that would be happening for a long time after
the stunt he’d pulled two months ago; they’d barely left the gate when Felix had tried scrambling
out of the car.

“The city,” Hyunjin nodded, his smile widening. “Why don’t you take a shower? You can manage,
can’t you?”

Felix blinked back his surprise. A shower, by himself? Hyunjin – unarmed, Felix observed – was
already retrieving the key and unlocking Felix’s shackles. It was a test, obviously, and Felix would
play along until the opportunity for escape arose.

He stepped into the bathroom, relishing the thought of complete privacy while he showered.
Hyunjin always lingered in the bathroom, keeping his eyes averted from Felix’s bare body, but
never moving, never giving him the privacy he needed.

He stood now with his shoulders slumped, facing his reflection in the mirror. Hyunjin had let
Felix’s hair grow out a bit, instead of trimming it every few weeks as he usually did; dark locks
now brushed Felix’s collar bone, stripped of the brightly coloured hair dye Felix had once loved.
He trailed his fingers along his torso, unsurprised at how much he’d filled out; Hyunjin made sure
Felix never skipped meals. He wondered what Changbin would have thought of this new body. But
Changbin hadn’t really cared about Felix’s body, not when Hyunjin was around. It was a pity that
Changbin had died without knowing about Hyunjin’s betrayal. The very same way that Felix
would die without knowing the truth about Changbin. Hyunjin had told him a story – one where
Changbin was to dispose of Felix so he could get his happy ever after with Hyunjin. But Felix
would never know whether it was true. Hyunjin had deprived him of that too.

Felix seethed as he recalled how Hyunjin had narrated the newspaper articles about the fire,
gloating as if he expected to be congratulated. He’d taken everything away from Felix. He’d taken
Changbin, had turned him into a pile of ash. He wanted to kill Hyunjin for it, even if he knew
chances of that were slim. The next best option was to kill himself but even that was…

With his stomach churning, Felix stepped into the shower, hands pressed against the tiled walls as
he let scalding water spray onto his back. It had taken a mere two seconds to do a sweep of the
bathroom and see that Hyunjin had removed anything that Felix could possibly use to hurt himself
with. He wondered how much of force he’d have to use to hit his head against the wall, how long it
would take for his skull to crack, how long it would take for him to die. As much as he wanted to
do it, did he even have the guts to do it? How mentally strong would he have to be to fight his
instinct for self-preservation?

Because there was a part of Felix that wanted to live. Today, he would put up one last fight for that
part of himself.

Minho wrapped his coat snuggly around his body, unable to shake the feeling that passersby could
see through the material covering his body, that they could see the words etched into his skin, the
permanent reminder that the things he saw in his nightmares were derived from a reality he’d
experienced.

He kept his head down, only murmuring a greeting whenever one was offered to him. It was late
afternoon now, and for a Saturday the city centre seemed rather desolated. That might’ve had
something to do with the grey clouds hanging threateningly above them. Minho tilted his head
upwards, eyes narrowed, almost daring the rain to show up and make this day even worse than it
already was.

He knew where he was heading. He knew exactly how many blocks he’d need to walk, the exact
moment he’d need to take a right, and then a left, and then enter through the second doorway.
Minho took note of things these days, storing every unnecessary piece of information in his brain.
And still, he made sure to look at the signboards, at the metallic lettering hanging above
storefronts, at the words painted across display windows, because he didn’t quite trust himself.

On more than one occasion, Minho had mistook a red traffic light for a green one, had gone
wandering into the grocer’s instead of the bank, had gotten onto the wrong bus, had muddled up
the days of the week. His brain just… didn’t work anymore. Over the past few months he’d
jumped from psychiatrist to psychiatrist, but none of them could help. It’ll get better, they always
said. Yeah, just shove a few pills down your throat and hope for the best. Fuck therapy. Minho
didn’t need to fix his life – he needed a new life.

He opened the dirty glass door to the bar that stood neatly tucked between several other
establishments that were just as shabby. The lighting was dim, casting the tables in shadow, which
Minho was sure the patrons appreciated. It was obvious that you had to be pretty down in the
dumps to visit a place like this. He wove between tables and strode up to the barman, ordered his
usual glass of red and took a generous sip once the drink had been placed on the counter. He did a
sweep of the place, noting the same peeling yellow wallpaper and broken tiles, the same artificial
plants that were placed haphazardly in corners, the same 80’s music being played loud enough to
drown out the murmurs of conversation but soft enough to reinforce the dull mood, the same
people too, if Minho was remembering correctly.

He made his way to a table and sat down, taking another sip of his wine. The plant beside the table
– a bunch of artificial ferns – cast extra shadows across the table, making it the perfect place for
this. He tapped his fingers onto the scratched surface of the table, suddenly more nervous than he
had been five minutes ago.

“You’re late today.”

Minho huffed out a jaded laugh, meeting Seungmin’s icy stare. “Didn’t realize you were waiting.”
Just the expression on Seungmin’s face was enough to call out Minho on his bullshit. For the past
four months, they’d been meeting weekly at that very same table at exactly the same time. “I was
busy,” he muttered, looking at his glass. “Had to meet someone.”

Seungmin cocked his head to the side, eyebrows slightly raised. “Someone…?”

Minho debated telling him, but decided that it was none of his business. “Someone.”

A frustrated sigh left Seungmin’s lips and he pushed his chair back. “I don’t know why I do this
with you, Minho. If this is how you’re gonna be…”

“What does it matter to you?” Minho snapped, his eyes flashing. “You hate my fucking guts
anyway.” Seungmin clenched his jaw and began to stand up, so Minho quickly added, “Fine. Sit
your ass down. I’ll tell you.” When Seungmin was seated again, Minho took a deep breath, slowly
blowing the air through his parted lips. “I was finalizing my traveling arrangements.”

“You going on a trip?”

“I…” Minho glanced around at the other patrons, hoping no one was close enough – or sober
enough – to witness the leash on Seungmin’s temper snapping. “I spoke to the Senator a few days
ago.”
Seungmin slumped back in his chair, his expression unreadable. The calm before the storm. “About
what? He already shut us up, covered up everything so his reputation wouldn’t be screwed.” Of
course Seungmin was still bitter, and Minho didn’t blame him, but…

“He offered me a new start, someplace far.”

Shock flickered over Seungmin’s features before they twisted into anger. “And this is why I hate
your fucking guts.”

“You don’t get to judge me for wanting a better life after everything that’s happened,” Minho
pointed a threatening finger at Seungmin, leaning forward to glare at him. “Not after you accepted
a promotion!”

“I earned it,” Seungmin said through gritted teeth. “You have no idea how hard I worked to catch
Changbin in the act.”

“And then you accepted a promotion and helped cover up everything he did.”

Seungmin looked down at his clenched fists, his shoulders rapidly rising and falling the way
Minho knew they did when he was struggling to rein in his temper. “It was either we agree to keep
our mouths shut or end up dead in a ditch somewhere,” he said. “You know that too. You know
what the Senator can do.” He gave Minho a hard stare that almost had Minho lowering his head,
“But you… You’re just running away. You’re running away from everything you did.”

Minho balked, “Don’t start that again. I did nothing—”

“You murdered Jeongin.” The amount of venom in Seungmin’s voice had Minho leaning back.
“You may not have pulled the trigger but we both know it was your fault.”

“It was a fucking mistake!” Minho threw his hands up in frustration. “I actually liked the guy,
Seungmin. Obviously not the way you did, but I’d never intentionally put him in harm’s way.”

“It was your fault,” Seungmin said, as adamant as always. He’d made his mind up about that and
nothing Minho could do or say would ever change that. Nothing could bring Jeongin back. “You
were so preoccupied with making Changbin suffer that you just…” Seungmin’s voice grew hoarse,
tears welling in his eyes. And that was worse than his anger. Minho had slept at his side countless
times, listening to him sob, listening to him mourn Jeongin. “I lost him because of you.”

“I’m sorry,” Minho shrugged, feeling helpless and pathetic. “I don’t – I don’t know what to do for
you. Maybe leaving… Maybe that’s the best thing I can do for you. We both know that this thing,”
he gestured between them, “isn’t healthy.”

Hyunjin smiled to himself, sneaking glances at Felix as he found a spot to park the car. For the
duration of the ride into the city Felix had been doing a poor job of trying to contain his excitement.
Hyunjin could see it bubbling beneath the surface, that spark in his eyes, the constant shifts in his
posture, the way he gripped his lower lip between his teeth to keep from smiling. Yes, Hyunjin
knew Felix better than Felix believed he did.

When he pulled into a parking space along the curb, Felix finally spoke. “This… Why here?”

Hyunjin poked his tongue in his cheek, narrowing his eyes at the poster stuck to a lamppost that
Felix hadn’t noticed yet. “Isn’t this where you’d rather be?” He nodded his head towards the
fenced building beside them. The police department.
Felix’s eyes widened and Hyunjin could see him contemplating a way out. There were people
streaming past the car but none of them able to see through the tinted windows. “Why’d you bring
me here?” Felix asked, a note of fear in his voice.

“You can go in there if you want,” Hyunjin shrugged playfully. “But take a look at that first.” He
pointed at the poster.

Felix drew a sharp gasp, his eyes flickering between Hyunjin and the poster. “Why… Why am I
wanted for…” he narrowed his eyes at the paragraph beneath his photograph. “Murder?” He stared
slack jawed at the charge before turning his gaze towards Hyunjin. “Murder? Me ?”

“Of course,” Hyunjin huffed out a laugh and gave Felix a fond smile. “Don’t you know? In a fit of
jealous rage you set Changbin’s house on fire, murdering him and the rest of your friends.” A
giggle slipped from his lips at the sight of Felix’s shocked expression. “You hated me so much,
that you went to my place next. Murdered my mother, actually. Her boyfriend too. And who knows
what you did with me?” He unlocked Felix’s door and nudged him with his elbow. Encouraged by
Felix’s silence and his glassy eyes, Hyunjin reached for the newspaper he kept tucked beneath the
seat. “Have a read. I may have… skipped over some of the details when I read this to you.”

Felix weakly reached for the newspaper, falling tears blotting some of the print. His expression
grew more distraught as he read. “I don’t understand,” he shook his head. “The Senator…”

“Ah yes,” Hyunjin clasped his hands together, “Chan’s uncle, right? He was happy with my story.
It saved him from a lot of the backlash if it got out that the men he called his family were
murderers and that he’d been covering their tracks. So I guess, he covered my tracks too. And as
you can see – ah…” he laughed at the incredulity of it all, “I didn’t expect it, but he convinced
Minho and Seungmin to corroborate the story too.” He hadn’t expected anyone to survive. Least of
all Minho. Seungmin hadn’t really been a concern for him, and Hyunjin hadn’t even known he was
a detective! It all worked out in the end though. Remarkably well. “Should we carry on with our
date now, or do you still want to leave me?”

“Is that why you’re leaving?” Seungmin asked, the anger draining from his veins at the realization
that he was going to be alone, completely alone if Minho left. “You’re leaving because of this? You
don’t have to leave. We can stop whatever this is. Just…” he could hear the desperation in his own
voice when he said, “stay.”

“You’re not listening,” Minho sighed, a pained expression on his face. “I’m leaving because it’s
something I need to do for me .”

Seungmin closed his eyes and massaged his temples, trying not to fall into the ocean of despair that
lingered at his heels. As much as he hated Minho for what he’d done, it had been nice to have
someone who knew the truth, who had been there, someone with whom Seungmin didn’t have to
keep up pretences. Being with Minho – even though it had seemed to be just for the physical
comfort – had helped Seungmin salvage a piece of his sanity.

“Alright,” Seungmin mumbled, feeling the weight of the world shift onto his shoulders. “Alright,
whatever’s best for you. And don’t fucking look at me like that.” He always hated that sympathetic
look. “Do you think I’m pathetic?” he wondered out loud. “Do you think I’m a coward for giving
in and accepting that promotion?”

“I think…” Minho trailed off with a sigh. “I think you did what you needed to do. The things you
had to cover up… I know it mustn’t have been easy.”
It hadn’t been easy. Walking into Hyunjin’s house, seeing the streaks of blood covering the walls,
his mother’s entrails discarded on the floor, knowing that Hyunjin had done it and that he was
going to get away with it – that he was helping Hyunjin get away with it – still sickened Seungmin.
And what was worse than that was that Hyunjin had Felix somewhere, had kidnapped him to do
who the fuck knows what. No matter what Felix had been part of, Seungmin didn’t want to
imagine what he’d have to go through at Hyunjin’s hands. But Seungmin couldn’t do a damned
thing about it.

“You do whatever’s best for you,” Seungmin repeated with a nod. “Maybe one of us should have a
happy ending, right?”

Minho gave him that sympathetic look again.

Felix pulled his hood up, obscuring his face just as Hyunjin had instructed. It was raining so no one
would question it. Still, Felix had to wonder what they were doing in a bar when Felix was wanted
for murder.

The lights were dim reflecting Felix’s mood as he followed behind Hyunjin, sullen and defeated.
With his highly orchestrated plan, Hyunjin had torn to shreds any hope of his escape. Felix had
underestimated him, had underestimated the lengths he was willing to go to keep Felix in his
possession.

“Here,” Hyunjin kept his voice low, steering Felix in the direction of an empty table.

Seated, Felix gazed around at the other patrons, some dozing off, some having murmured intimate
conversations, others just staring into space. He couldn’t help the fear that burrowed into his chest,
on high alert of anyone who might notice an accused murderer in their midst.

“I thought you might like to see a few familiar faces,” Hyunjin smiled, mirth dancing in his eyes.
He jerked his head to the right, “Look.”

Felix reluctantly obeyed, already dreading whatever it is Hyunjin wanted him to see. Oh. His jaw
dropped. Why would Hyunjin even think this was a good idea? “Why – why would you… We
should leave,” Felix said quickly, already half-risen from his seat. “If they see—”

“Sit down,” Hyunjin calmly commanded, the corner of his lips lifting, “They won’t see you. I’ve
been here with them every week and they haven’t noticed me yet. They have their own issues, I
guess.”

Felix pressed his lips into a thin line as he observed Minho and Seungmin a few tables away,
partially obscured behind a potted plant. They had helped sentence him to this life of imprisonment
at Hyunjin’s side. Felix wanted nothing more than to smash their heads in, to beat them into a pulp.
And Hyunjin too. Oh, the things he wanted to do to Hyunjin.

He drew a breath and snapped out of those dangerous thoughts. He couldn’t think that way, not
anymore.

“I needed to know what they’ve been up to,” Hyunjin said, leaning back, an arm thrown over the
back of his chair. “Been following them around.” So that was what he did when he left the farm.
“Minho was quite a surprise.”

“You never expected him to survive,” Felix could see the wistful expression on Hyunjin’s face.
“I just wanted to get rid of as many of them as I could in that fire,” Hyunjin lifted his shoulders in a
lazy shrug. “If anyone survived, I’d have hoped it would be Jeongin.” He let out a soft chuckle and
Felix looked at him in surprise. He hadn’t realized that Hyunjin had a soft spot for anyone, let
alone Jeongin.

“Why?” he questioned, curiosity piqued.

“Back then…” Hyunjin ran his tongue over his lower lip, brows furrowed. “He was the first one I
met when all of this started. He tried to warn me away, told me not get involved. It annoyed the
fuck out of me, but his intentions… His intentions were good. Chan’s too, I guess. But he fucked
up with Minho, and Jisung wouldn’t have listened to me even if I asked him to go easy on Chan.
But I’d like to think that I did what I could for Jeongin. I asked Changbin not to – not to hurt
Jeongin more than necessary, not to treat him the way he would treat the others. You see,” he fixed
his stare on Felix who shifted uncomfortably in his chair, “I respect people who have good
intentions. And those who don’t… Well,” he sighed a little too dramatically, “they don’t deserve
my respect, do they?”

Felix slowly shook his head, aware of the implications behind his words. “They don’t.”

“That’s right,” Hyunjin grinned, seemingly pleased with the response. “That’s why I’ve been so
respectful towards you, Felix. Because your intentions are good, aren’t they?”

Felix nodded, “They are.” Well, they had to be now.

“Great,” Hyunjin clasped his hands together. “They’re leaving,” he gestured to Minho and
Seungmin. “Let’s go.”

Felix didn’t understand why they had to watch Minho and Seungmin. He couldn’t understand what
Hyunjin got out of it. But there they were, sitting in the car and – well, Hyunjin was the one
watching intently. Minho and Seungmin had slipped into the alley beside the bar, their silhouettes
visible as Seungmin fucked Minho beside overflowing trashcans.

“Sometimes they fuck in the car too,” Hyunjin said with a smug smile, the outline of a bulge
visible beneath his t-shirt, his fingers lingering close. “Sometimes they go back to someone’s
apartment. Sometimes Minho leaves in tears, and sometimes Seungmin does. All very…
entertaining. But Minho’s leaving soon,” he sighed, obviously disappointed. “So I guess this is the
end of that. And…” he glanced at Felix, “And this is the beginning for us, isn’t it?”

Felix nodded, resigned, “Yes.”

Hyunjin was all he had now.

Minho pulled up his pants, giving Seungmin a half-hearted glare. “You know I hate this place.” It
smelled like urine and rotten meat and who the fuck knew what else was lying in that narrow alley.

Seungmin leaning against the opposite wall, just shrugged. “I was impatient. And besides, you
didn’t seem to mind it just a minute ago.”

Minho scowled at the cum on his coat sleeve and hastily swiped it against the wall. “I feel
disgusting. I need a shower. You want to…?” He raised his eyebrows in question. Seungmin knew
what he was asking.

“Nah,” Seungmin shook his head after a moment of deliberation. “This is… This is goodbye,
 Minho.”

Minho took a deep breath. He’d been expecting this, but now it was final. Now it was really
happening. “Goodbye…” he whispered, stunned that this was the last time he’d ever see Kim
Seungmin. “Yeah, this is goodbye, I guess.”

Seungmin pressed his body against Minho’s, pulling him into another kiss. “I hope you get your
fresh start,” he whispered.

“Do you still hate me?” Minho asked, because he needed to know. For his peace of mind, for fear
of regret.

Seungmin pierced him with an agonized stare. “Always. I’ll always hate you.”

Minho swallowed thickly and looked away. He’d needed to hear that, to confirm it, to make sure
that his decision wouldn’t cause him any regrets.

“Then this is goodbye.”

Chapter End Notes

I never expected this fic to go beyond 10 000 words, but here we are. Thank you to
everyone who has stuck around until the end. Honestly, this entire thing seems like
one big mess to me, but if you liked any part of it, it makes me really happy.
Lots of hearts for all of you
❤❤ ❤❤❤ ❤❤❤ ❤❤ ❤

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