Chapter Text
Jihoon pursed his lips as he quietly listened to the never ending argument of the people around him. Their unsolicited and unwelcome remarks passing through his ears like a bugging mosquito— irritation filled him. He heaved a deep sigh, purposely releasing air through his nose like a bull ready to run off and hit whoever stops his way.
“This meeting is adjourned and as much as I would love to hear your advice, I would appreciate that you do not talk about my future successor or my marriage like I wasn’t in this room” Jihoon uttered as he stood head high leaving his trustees ashamed on their feet.
He couldn’t understand the rush of things when Jihoon can clearly manage to run the entire company for the next twenty years. After his grandfather’s retirement, Jihoon— the perfect grandchild to fill the spot as the next founder, the board of trustees seemed to want him out of his position right away.
It’s not like he’s not doing his best at all, as a matter of fact he’s done more than what his grandfather did for the first three years he was in the position. However, marriage and successors are important not just in their family but for the entire male biogenetic composition.
In the earlier years, both male and female are given the gift of procreation but as generations passed through, evolution took place. Male biology no longer has the capacity to create a life inside their body but only aids in creation through union of both genders. In recent years, male pregnancy is considered rare as it can only be done by a minority of the entire world’s population— and so happened that the Lee lineage can do so.
His ancestors are known to marry and have a child at a young age to keep their family’s prestige, their pride as one of the lineage who is capable to reproduce despite one’s gender shall be kept through generations. Such biological rarity made their family important in the society.
That is why such notions from the trustees have been the constant matter in every meeting. Jihoon’s great grandfathers bear children in their 20s and as an only child and his father being the only male child of his grandfather— he carried such weight ever since he reached the perfect age of bearing children.
Truth to be told, he is not getting any younger, he needs an offspring and it is best to bear a child at an age where your body is at the healthiest peak.
He doesn’t mind to be honest, he’s not the kind to close his mind into having a husband or children of his own, the only thing that does mind him was he’s never been into a relationship. Being the favorite grandchild and an only child on top of that, with his parents a renowned professionals in the medical field, Jihoon has had a lot on his shoulder since he was young.
He was a child prodigy, mastering different instruments at such a young age that brought him to a lot of international competition, a child of both geniuses makes him that smart too— middle school and college was his place to prove that he was a child and a grandchild of the outstanding Lee lineage. He honestly doesn’t have the chance to play around and be romantic at that.
If he just listened to Minghao that one time and went out with him to party he might have met the love of his life but of course, he didn’t. His life was as boring as it could get.
“Just don’t listen to what the trustees said, it’s always been like that anyway” Wonwoo, his dear friend and secretary commented.
Jihoon just shrugged his shoulders and sat on his chair, massaging his temples and closed his eyes, “fair enough, what they said today was irritating because it’s true” he trailed, "I'm in my thirties Wonwoo, I’m not getting any younger” he added.
Wonwoo just smiled shortly, “do you want me to arrange a blind date for you?” He asked which only made Jihoon scoff in disbelief, “Wonwoo, we’re not high school students” he said matter of factly.
The secretary just grinned and chuckled, “might as well download a dating app on your phone” he suggests once more which only earned him a threatening glare from Jihoon.
“I do not wish to put myself out for public scrutiny, Wonwoo” he replied, a little displeased.
He’s not the kind to do one night stands either, even with his strong persona, Jihoon still believes that he’ll meet someone who he’d want to grow old with— however, it’s not happening anytime sooner.
To his dismay, he just sighed for the nth time. He still has a lot of things to accomplish and it’s not even half of the day.
“l bought the suit you need for the party tomorrow evening” Wonwoo announced ushering a clothes rack filled with different suits that Jihoon can choose from.
He frowned, social gatherings are not his cup of tea but with the industry that he’s in he might as well endure a few hours of interaction that will definitely drain his social battery that was supposed to sustain him for the rest of the week.
Wonwoo chuckled when he saw his boss’ frown, “this is why you haven’t met anyone of your interest, Jihoon” he remarked, rummaging into the set of suits hanging on the rack, “you have to socialize to meet someone new, in case you don’t know” he said in full on sarcasm.
Jihoon grunted in frustration as he grabbed the suit Wonwoo picked for him, “red?” he asked, incredulously.
Wonwoo nods, his face reflecting a no-room-for-argument expression, “you’re white as snow, this shade of red looks good on you”
Jihoon just rolled his eyes and sighed in defeat, “wearing this feels like I’m asking anyone to bang me in a stock room, this suit is too… flashy”
His secretary just glared at him and softly pushed him into his office’s comfort room, “then that’s perfect, the higher chance you’ll get pregnant in three weeks”
The party was full of social elites that Jihoon couldn’t even remember who, Wonwoo’s memory was all he could rely on, “that woman in corduroy suit was Mrs. Smith, she owns a large tech company” his secretary whispered which he only nodded in return.
“And that—” Jihoon waved his hand at Wonwoo, stopping him.
“I don’t think my brain will be able to remember all those names, Wonwoo,” he uttered.
Wonwoo just sighed in defeat and left Jihoon’s side, used to his boss’ lack of interest in social gatherings, he usually does the talking and greeting most of the time. He doesn’t mind, he gets paid well enough and the least he could do is lessen the burden for Jihoon.
Jihoon was left in the corner, a bit uncomfortable with the red velvet suit Wonwoo chose for him, for the lack of better word— he does look like he’s asking for a good fuck in one of the stockrooms in this hotel. The suit that he’s wearing is too flashy as it reveals a little skin on his chest, the suit’s neckline was a little too low for his liking.
Other than his uncomfortable ensembles, he’s quite surprised he hasn’t slipped the frown on his face just yet but if he won’t take a seat anytime now, his feet might have a mind of their own and rush his way out of this nonsensical party (if only his secretary will not scowl and give him tons of paper to sign because he went home too early, he’s probably inside the car right now).
Afraid of his secretary, he just roamed his eyes on the entire room silently scanning the guests. Jihoon is already used to this kind of exposure, ever since he was young his grandparents will bring him to events, introducing him as the next founder of their company.
So Jihoon already knew how this event works, to be fair he can’t quite grasp the entire idea of gatherings as big as this. Auctions and fundraising for the poor and unfortunate, when it’s clear as day that he’s not seen a single piece sold in the entire event— why not use the funds raised for this event to actually help the poor and unfortunate? he knew better, this is just another excuse of the elitist and privilege to show their wealth and brag that they are way better than anyone else.
An event to boost their ego and pride.
Jihoon giggled to himself, he’s part of it tho, he’s one of those people who gather just to save a face, to maintain their position in the society and it is funny, he’s lucky enough to be part of the minority, a rare biogenetic composition like what they say because he can enjoy this lavish and absurd lifestyle he have.
“careful you rascal, you almost damaged my clothes!” Jihoon’s eyes settled on the woman who frantically inspected her suit for any damage.
“i— i’m sorry” the server hurriedly placed his tray on the floor.
Jihoon frowned seeing the familiar face that Wonwoo once introduced to him, it was Mrs. Smith face contorted in irritation and disgust as she tried to wipe her corduroy suit that probably costs the server’s twelve-month wage.
“You don’t know how expensive this suit was, you imbecile!” Mrs. Smith shrieked, shooting daggers to the poor server.
Jihoon’s grunted inwardly, mentally noting to never serve anything liquid when they invite Mrs. Smith’s company. It wasn’t even the server’s fault, Mrs. Smith was too busy dilly dallying with the other guest she did not even bothered to look her way— she doesn’t own the entire place, even though she’s a guest in this pretend auction, it’s still important to consider that her eyes are meant to look wherever she’s going.
“I a-apologize Ma’am, let me get a napkin—” the poor server was too nervous to even raise his head, he settled his shaking hands politely clasped together and head hung low, all while the murmurs were starting to get too loud on Jihoon’s ears.
“Stupid! A table napkin won’t remove the dirt in my suit. I need to talk to your manager!” Mrs. Smith was insistent— too mad and proud to budge and be sympathetic.
Jihoon sighed and stood, unhappy with the commotion that was happening right in front of him. His bottom didn’t even had the chance to warm his chair but here he is dragging his two feet out of the hall.
“I’m really sorry Ma’am, I-I can’t afford to lose this job…” the server pleaded, voice already shaking in fear.
Jihoon waited (and hoping) for Mrs. Smith’s empathic response, purposely slowing down his strides but to no avail he only heard a deafening silence, even the whispers and murmurs of the other guests was louder. So Jihoon let his eyes settle on the commotion, stopping completely.
Nothing had change, the server’s head still hung low with his polite shaking hands clasped together, the only difference was Mrs. Smith pointing on his chest with force enough for the server’s shoulder to move.
Jihoon waited, hoping someone else would have the guts to stop Mrs. Smith— but no one did. As much as he hated attention and meddling with other people’s business, he also hated what he’s seeing.
This is what he’s talking about, the irony of this entire event makes Jihoon frown even more. This was suppose to be an event to help the unfortunate but maybe Mrs. Smith plans on making the server’s life more miserable than it already was.
The woman in expensive corduroy suit huffed in annoyance as the server tried to plead once more, “I’m truly sor—” Jihoon interjects, slowly walking behind the server, “I think that’s enough apology, right Mrs. Smith?” he smiled at the woman which caught her in surprise.
“Mr. Lee!” Mrs. Smith cleared her throat, “y-you’ve been watching” she added in between an awkward laugh and nervous tone.
Jihoon shrugged and pointedly looked at his surroundings, a few pair of eyes watching the scene unfold like they were some actors in a new drama series, “we all were” he said, stating the obvious.
“and I think you laid your point across now, the server was sorry… even if it wasn’t entirely his fault” Jihoon beamed, composed and sure.
Mrs. Smith could only purse her lips and tried to fix his suit as she turned around and walked away, dragging the sound of her expensive red heels that made Jihoon wince.
He’ll definitely get an earful from Wonwoo when he hears this, elite gossips spreads fast especially for something as dramatic as this.
He sighed, he should have just walked away but feigning ignorance for things that’s unfair is something Jihoon couldn’t just dismiss.
“Thank you, Sir…” Jihoon just nodded, didn’t even spared a glance at the guy as he fished out his phone, his mind focused on messaging Wonwoo that he’ll go home and he misses his bed.
Jihoon frowned as he typed in, ‘Wonwoo I talked to Mrs. Smith, I think she doesn’t like me’ and grinned because probably by the time he reads this message he already knew what happened.
When satisfied annoying his secretary, he returned his phone in his pocket and furrowed his eyebrows when a set of legs still standing in front of him.
Jihoon raised his head, anxious and somewhat annoyed, “you can go…” his voice trailed as his eyes sets on the server, “oh” he exclaimed, surprised.
Not to be that kind of person who judges people’s character by how they look physically but the server doesn’t look like it at all— in fact, he’s serving in other criteria.
He looks dashing (at least that is what Jihoon can think of the moment), the server was taller, so he has to crane his neck to see him better.
From his exposed forehead down to his thick eyebrows, long lashes, his nose, lips, and to his chiseled jaw— the man in front of him indeed served looks.
Jihoon cleared his throat, mentally scolding himself for staring too long. It was rude, especially with how he’s ogling at the guy who looks like an innocent puppy saved from rampaged animals. cute.
“yes?” Jihoon asked, more calmer and less annoyed now.
The server just smiled as he shyly caress his neck, oh his neck.
Jihoon looked away, guilty. Just what the hell was he thinking, shameful. He just saved the guy from losing his job as a good samaritan but here he is, staring like it’s his first time seeing a thick neck (for the record, it was).
“I just want to thank you for saving me, sir…” the server exclaimed, “i just can’t lose this job, this is the last one…” he added.
Jihoon just gave him a timid smile (which he wished didn’t scare the server away), “it’s nothing really, off you go…” his eyes landed on the servers chest where his nameplate was situated, “Seungcheol?” his name rolled on his tongue, unsure.
Even his name was attractive for Jihoon, what is wrong with him.
Seungcheol smiled brightly even nodding his head enthusiastically, “yes sir, at your service!” he stated.
Jihoon just chuckled, amused by the sudden burst of energy and waved his hand in dismissal, “off you go, Seungcheol. Be careful next time” he said and gave the guy a friendly tap on the shoulder, “have a good night” he added as he trailed his way out of the venue.
Surely, Jihoon might have to thank Wonwoo for forcing him to attend this event. He just hoped that Seungcheol won’t lose his job though.